tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37869142011203053102024-03-12T19:38:21.587-04:00Dan's BooksDan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-51316424762175254612012-04-14T08:34:00.000-04:002012-04-14T17:31:11.699-04:00Perfect Peace - God's Timing In this next installment of "Perfect Peace - Hope for the Weary Soul," we're going to look at something almost every believer in the US probably struggles with to some extent. Some to a great extent. Let's start looking at this passage in Isaiah that should get us right into it.<br />
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<i>“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”</i> --Isaiah 55:8-9 <br />
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People who worry often have one thing in common: they have lots of thoughts.<br />
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Consider your present situation, the one that concerns you the most (the thing you’re always thinking about). How many thoughts have you had about it? Dozens, hundreds? <br />
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For some time I’ve been seeking to become simpler in my outlook on life, and far more dependent on God than on myself. But a while ago I discovered a basic problem, an inner conflict between that desire and the man I had become.<br />
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I had become someone who thinks way too much. <br />
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I think too much and pray too little. Hours in thought, minutes in prayer. That was me.<br />
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The sheer volume of thoughts I’d pile up trying to figure out solutions to my problems revealed whose mind and whose thoughts I trusted in the most. Mine. But I also realized, many of my problems were too big to think my way out of. And looking back, many of the solutions I came up with just made matters worse. They left me weary and more fearful as I stood gazing into an uncertain future.<br />
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But this promise in Isaiah 55:8 brings good news. God also has thoughts, many thoughts, about the very situations that perplex us. His thoughts and His ways (what He does with His thoughts) are not just a little different than ours. God says, they are not the same at all. <br />
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We don’t think like He does or do things the way He does. <br />
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But there’s more. God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours. The gap between our ideas and His are as high as the heavens are above the earth. <br />
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That’s no small gap. <br />
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God feels no stress as He manages the wonders of a universe. I feel stress as I ponder an unpaid bill. As I pondered this gap between God’s wisdom and mine, I realized why I found it hard to trust in God’s thoughts and ways, and often prefer my own (foolish as that may be).<br />
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<i>God’s ways seem much slower than mine</i>. <br />
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Whatever my situation, I can usually think of a handful of things that, if done right away, would fix my problem. If I were God, I’d do those few things right now and solve this problem immediately.<br />
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But that’s not what happens. <br />
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I don’t have the power to pull off what I’m thinking and God refuses to cooperate. So my problem continues, far longer than I think it should. I do pray, at least some. But then I look for an instant breakthrough. When it doesn’t come, I’m tempted to stop praying and start thinking some more. More of my thoughts, not His.<br />
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Once as I prayed and pondered this passage, I believe the Holy Spirit began to speak to me about God’s apparent slowness. I realized that God’s ways are slower because He takes all the necessary details into account in His solutions. I may think of 3 things that need to happen. If God would just do these 3 things, my trial could be over. But God sees 30 things (or maybe 300 things) that need to happen. His thoughts are perfect and His ways are, as well.<br />
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Now might be a good time to mention the "Slow Children at Play" sign. When I used to see this sign, it seemed like it was an insult to children, rather than a warning to motorists. That's because it doesn't appear to have any pause after the word "Slow" (it intends to tell motorists to slow down, because children are at play around here). We might think the sign should read, "Slow God at Work."<br />
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But God’s plan only seems slower because God is infinitely wise…and we are not. When we look back at other situations God has rescued us from, we can plainly see this is true. We see His wisdom unveiled and vindicated. We see dozens of things God caused or allowed to happen―things we had never considered―that resulted in just the right solution to our dilemma.<br />
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We see things that, at the time, appeared to show God either not paying attention to our troubles or moving way too slow. Here's a prayer that might help get our thoughts a little more in sync with His:<br />
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<i>Lord, today I defer to your wisdom and thank You for the evidences of grace already visible in this situation. I thank you even more for the promises in Your Word and Your abounding patience toward me. And for all the testimonies of past situations where Your faithfulness has passed every test. Help me to trust you fully in this new situation and release it completely into Your capable hands. Help me to pray more about this throughout the day, and think less. In Jesus’ name, Amen.</i>Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-72311413236632701742012-04-07T08:31:00.000-04:002012-04-11T15:04:50.994-04:00Perfect Peace - The Holy Spirit's RoleThis is the 5th post on my blog on the topic of "Perfect Peace - Hope for the Weary Soul." Another foundational discussion, building on the last one where we talked about how true peace is actually a person, or...comes to us by having a close relationship with that person, Jesus Christ. I'm referring to more than the mere fact of whether one is a Christian.<br />
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Clearly, you can be a Christian and not enjoy Perfect Peace. But this is something God intends for us to experience. To help us, He provides the most wonderful gift. The gift of Himself. The gift of the Holy Spirit.<br />
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But how many of us really know the third Person of the Trinity? God, the Holy Spirit?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA1UnmtyJUs/T3dSz4biGiI/AAAAAAAAArY/_EGUMyFFyK8/s1600/Vine+and+branches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA1UnmtyJUs/T3dSz4biGiI/AAAAAAAAArY/_EGUMyFFyK8/s320/Vine+and+branches.jpg" width="320" /></a>Of all the Gospels, God tells us the most about what happened at the Last Supper in the Gospel of John. Four whole chapters in fact (John 13-16). Jesus said a great deal to His Disciples on that last evening and, apparently, God wanted us to hear it. One of the primary topics Jesus discussed was the Holy Spirit. But first, let’s look at something Jesus said about Himself.<br />
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“I am the Vine, you are the Branches.” (John 15:5)<br />
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This is a familiar passage and a powerful metaphor. Because it is familiar, we can sometimes forget what was happening when Jesus said it. It was the eve of His death. After three years of being with His disciples day and night, Jesus was about to leave them. And not just for a short journey. He was about to die a violent death at the hands of his enemies.<br />
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Yet Jesus shares this picture of a Vine and Branches, specifically drawing attention to the closeness of the disciples’ union with Him. Jesus was the Vine and they were the Branches, which meant they were to live in complete dependence upon Him. The disciples would have known all about vineyards, vines and branches. They would know the branches must remain connected to the vine to receive life, and to have any chance of bearing fruit. Jesus uses this metaphor to show His disciples how they should relate to Him. <br />
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They must remain this close. But how can they? He is leaving them this very night, for good.<br />
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To strengthen this idea of total dependence Jesus adds these words: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” And yet, this very night, He will be taken away from them. Still, He tells them here, in essence, don’t do anything from now on apart from me.<br />
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In light of what was about to happen that night, it might make more sense for Jesus to say, “Remember Me always.” He actually does say this earlier in the night when He led them through the first sacrament of Communion. Then He used the metaphor of His body like Bread being broken, and His blood was like the wine they would drink. And He did say, “Do this in memory of me.”<br />
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But here, a little while later that night, we have this new metaphor with the Vine and Branches. Jesus isn’t speaking of remembering Him. He’s talking about an ongoing relationship with Him that He wants them to have, well beyond the horrific events of this night. And clearly, He intends this relationship to be so real, so close and so strong that the best way to describe it is to call to mind the relationship between a Vine and its Branches.<br />
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The reason John wrote down all these extra words about the Last Supper is because he knew this is also the kind of relationship Jesus wants to have with everyone who would believe in Him. That includes you and me. Today, right now. And He wants this kind of relationship with us every day we live on this earth, until the time we see Him face to face in Heaven.<br />
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Looking back at that moment, it must have been perplexing to consider how such an intimate, ongoing relationship with Christ could be possible, since He was about to die and be taken from them that very night.<br />
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But Jesus doesn’t leave them in confusion, to ponder a nice but irrelevant metaphor that can’t possibly connect to real life. He tells them exactly how this new, intimate, dependent relationship with Him would be possible. In fact, experiencing it for themselves was part of the reason He was about to give His life for them (and for us) on the cross.<br />
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This is why He introduces them <b>to the Holy Spirit</b> that night, the third Person in the Trinity.<br />
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He is the One who had been with Jesus from the beginning, and whose sweet Presence and fellowship united Jesus to His Father while He was on earth. Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit six times that night (that makes introducing the Holy Spirit the primary topic of the night).<br />
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The first time, Jesus said this: “If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:15-17). Here, Jesus identifies the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth.” Then He says He is coming as “another Helper” (Jesus being the first Helper). And then, to offset the sad news that He would be leaving them physically that night, Jesus says, “He will abide (remain) with you forever.”<br />
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In the very next verse, Jesus adds this: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” <br />
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This can only mean that a primary role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers is to serve as a living link to Jesus. Jesus comes to us through the union we have with the Holy Spirit. And not only Jesus, but the Father as well. A few verses later in verse 23, Jesus says, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, <b>and We will come to him and make Our home with him</b>.”<br />
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The Father and the Son make their home in our hearts through the person of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who unites the Branches to the Vine.<br />
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After the Last Supper, it is abundantly clear that the early disciples got what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit. We see them constantly talking about the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts and the epistles. And it is very evident…<b>they related to Him in a personal and dependent way.</b><br />
In contrast, I’d say many modern Christians don’t get what Jesus said, and don’t relate to the Holy Spirit the same way. In my observation, as a Christian for over 35 years (25 years as a pastor), I’d say many modern Christians relate to a “different Trinity” than what the apostles and early Christians experienced.<br />
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Instead of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, for some of us, I think our “functional Trinity” looks more like:<br />
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• The Father, Son and The Church<br />
• The Father, Son and The Bible<br />
• The Father, Son and Theology<br />
• The Father, Son and The Pastor<br />
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Many of us depend on things like the church (people in the church), the Bible, theology books, or a pastor in a way God didn’t intend. Certainly, these are important things, good things, necessary things. But they are not the Vine and cannot give us life and peace. They are a means God uses to help us. But we must learn to relate and depend on the other, primary “Helper” Jesus talked about at the Last Supper.<br />
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The Holy Spirit. <br />
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We need the Holy Spirit every bit as much as Jesus said we would, every bit as much as the early disciples did. Especially if we have any hope of experiencing Perfect Peace. The Good News is…if you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit already lives within you, and is eager to help you draw closer to God. <br />
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It’s my hope that over the course of time, you will become much more familiar with this most precious gift―the Holy Spirit―and become far more comfortable relating to Him. Not just every day but, as Jesus did, throughout every moment of every day.<br />
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For it is the Holy Spirit who will help us to keep “our minds stayed on Him.” Let's close with this challenging question? Do you believe in the Trinity? If you are a Christian, likely you do. But is your "functional Trinity" the Father, Son AND the Holy Spirit?Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-84931742670839803122012-03-31T14:56:00.002-04:002012-04-11T15:02:06.046-04:00Perfect Peace - True Peace is a PersonTrue Peace is a Person?<br />
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This is the 4th post in the Perfect Peace series. You can find the others by scrolling down a bit or looking on the right sidebar for the label "Perfect Peace - Hope for the Weary Soul." Last time, we talked about the Foundation of True Peace (something that <i>has </i>to be in place for us to ever experience real peace inside). Feel free to read it if you're just starting now. Basically, we're talking about the need for our hearts to be at peace with God, and what keeps that from being real.<br />
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In earlier posts, I’ve talked about what Perfect Peace is. The secret is found in this Scripture (and in dozens more like it, which we’ll meditate on in future posts):<br />
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“<i>You will keep him <b>in perfect peace</b>, whose mind is stayed on You,because he trusts in You</i>.” (Isaiah 26:3)<br />
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Do you see the promise here? What is being offered to us? Perfect Peace. Do you also see what this perfect peace hinges on? What makes it possible?<br />
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“<i>You </i>will keep him…” “…whose mind is stayed on <i>You</i>…” “…because he trusts in <i>You</i>.”<br />
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You, you, you (not you or me, but <i>Him)</i>.<br />
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Perfect Peace is not an elusive state of mind or the mere absence of trouble in one’s life. It’s found in a close relationship with a Person. The Scriptures tell us this person is Jesus Christ. Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb 1:3). Jesus is the "You" Isaiah is talking about. Perfect Peace is held out to us as a promise by God to those who keep their minds “stayed” (focused, set or fixed) on Christ.<br />
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You might think, well, I already know Jesus; I am a Christian (I’m sure that’s true for many reading this blog). So then…you already know the secret to Perfect Peace.<br />
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Then why do you still fret and worry?<br />
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I’m not trying to confuse you or make this complicated. But clearly there is more to <i>experiencing </i>Perfect Peace than just being a Christian. If Perfect Peace came automatically with conversion, Christians would never worry or fear, never become anxious, never fret.<br />
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If you’re like me, you’ve known moments of real peace. Moments when you’ve trusted God fully for your life, for everything going on in your life. And in those moments, you knew real peace. The problem is…the word “moments.”<br />
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The moments didn’t last.<br />
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The promise of Isaiah 26:3 is not to have moments of peace in our lives. The promise is that God would “keep us in Perfect Peace.” This sounds a lot more stable and lasting than mere moments.<br />
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So why is it that most of us only know moments of peace?<br />
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I believe the problem stems from our embedded tendency to want to live independent from God. Simply put, we don’t want to need God as much as we do.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA1UnmtyJUs/T3dSz4biGiI/AAAAAAAAArY/_EGUMyFFyK8/s1600/Vine+and+branches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA1UnmtyJUs/T3dSz4biGiI/AAAAAAAAArY/_EGUMyFFyK8/s320/Vine+and+branches.jpg" width="320" /></a>Think about the first thing Adam and Eve did after The Fall. They hid from God and tried to fix the problem themselves. This is the inherited tendency of all mankind. We’d prefer it if God would make this perfect peace something we receive once, then it stays with us the rest of our lives, regardless of how close to God we live, day to day. <br />
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It is true we experience peace with God when we are saved (what we looked at last time). In that, His wrath is removed from us and we are no longer His enemies. But the peace that calms our fears and worries, the peace that assures us everything will be okay (even when it seems things are anything but)…this peace is not something that comes once in full measure, and stays with us the rest of our lives.<br />
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But I don’t need to tell you that. You already know this (it’s why you’re reading this blog). The perfect peace Isaiah is referring to is not a one-time gift given at conversion. It’s a gift given to those who draw near to God <i>each day</i> and stay near to God <i>throughout the day</i>. <br />
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Because this peace is a person. It is directly connected to the level of relationship we maintain with Jesus Christ. He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him. Jesus enjoyed this peace and experienced it every day on earth, because He kept His mind stayed on His Father. He wants us to enjoy this same level of peace as we keep our minds stayed on Him.<br />
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To help us experience this grace, Jesus gives us a wonderful gift. The gift of Himself. God is willing to relate to us in a day to day, abiding relationship.<br />
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Next time we'll talk what the Lord has done to make it possible for us to experience an ever-deepening relationship with Him, so that we can experience a fresh dose of God's peace every day.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-79403645209452223882012-03-28T09:35:00.002-04:002012-03-28T09:39:50.933-04:00Book Updates - The Discovery is Releasing!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kea1TVDwuOU/TwXpnzyUaFI/AAAAAAAAAkg/jjlDePcSKXI/s1600/The+Discovery+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kea1TVDwuOU/TwXpnzyUaFI/AAAAAAAAAkg/jjlDePcSKXI/s320/The+Discovery+cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IT'S HERE!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's Wednesday as I write this, mid-week in the last week of March. My 6th novel and newest release, <i>The Discovery</i>, is scheduled to release on April 1st. But it's already out in all the online stores like Amazon, B&N and Christianbook.com. The Kindle, Nook and other Ebook versions should release on time, April 1st (but that's not far away...just this Sunday).<br />
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<a href="http://www.danwalshbooks.com/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to go to my website if you'd like a shortcut to order it online. Beneath the book cover on my homepage are 3 buttons to order from whichever online store you prefer. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some Great Early Reviews</span><br />
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There are already 7 Customer reviews up on Amazon as of today, 6 of them give it 5 Stars. Here are a couple of clips:<br />
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"<i>This is a story within a story so masterfully developed by Dan Walsh
that it is almost impossible to describe...When done I realized the story was so satisfying it should
be read slowly and every word, line, allowed to melt in the mind. I'll
reread it that way, as soon as I can get it out of my wife's grip</i>."<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
--Harold Wolf "Doc" (Wells, IN)</div>
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"<i>A suspense novel...by Dan Walsh? I couldn't get my mind around it. So
unlike his writing, until ... I read more. Until I was captivated,
enthralled, with the story of an impossible love, a doomed life. A life
pre-determined by the circumstances of war; a life that held value, but
where no value could be found. Walsh has such a unique gift of writing that he draws the reader into not only the story, but the era...I don't remember ever reading a complete novel within a novel, but Walsh integrates the two masterfully. When
Michael discovers his famous novelist grandfather's hidden manuscript,
we aren't just told about the effect it has on him, nor are we given
only snippets of it. We read it with him, the complete novel. What a
treat to read two books, one inserted in the other, with two separate
heroes, Michael and Ben...The Discovery is two stories twined together, yet separate. It's a keep
you on the edge of your seat novel(s). Another keeper for your Walsh
collection.</i>"<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
--Bonnie Engstrom, (Scotsdale, AZ) </div>
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"<i>The Discovery is such a profound novel and so incredibly moving that I finished it in less than 24 hours. Michael
Warner's grandfather has died and left him his house in Charleston and
made him an instant millionaire, but no one knows anything about the
grandfather's early life. Absolutely nothing. He was an incredibly
famous writer but never had his picture taken for a book jacket, never
published a photo with an interview. Nothing. When Michael takes
possession of the house, he finds an old yellowed paged manuscript
written by his grandfather, which he presumes was a novel his
grandfather had written but never published. Michael begins to read and
then things get very interesting. I will not reveal more so as
not to spoil this book for those who haven't read it, but the book was
worth every cent I paid for it. It was incredibly moving and if someone
doesn't make a Hallmark movie of it, it's is a crying shame!</i>"<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
-- Susan Snodgrass (SC)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's Up Next for The Discovery?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s50awAGhlWs/T3MDDNaebOI/AAAAAAAAAq4/oKPq26NYez8/s1600/P1010749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s50awAGhlWs/T3MDDNaebOI/AAAAAAAAAq4/oKPq26NYez8/s320/P1010749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnolia Plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Discover <i>The Discovery's</i> Settings - Charleston Pics</b></u> - Two weeks ago, my wife Cindi and I took a getaway to 2 of the historic cities featured in the book, Charleston and Savannah. We toured all the places Michael and Ben visit in the story and took pictures. You can see them on my Author Page on Facebook, by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DanWalshBooks" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. If you haven't already "Liked" the page, just click on Like to get past the Welcome box. Then click on "Photos." You'll see the album with <i>The Discovery</i> pics right near the front.<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
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<u><b>Local Book signings in the Daytona Beach Area</b></u> - There are 2 Booksignings planned near my hometown. But neither one are in local Bookstores. In both, I will do an old fashioned Book Reading, as well as some Q&A with the audience. The first will be in Port Orange at the Java Jungle, a local coffeehouse with a nice meeting room on the side. It will be on April 10th at 7pm. The 2nd is at the end of the month, Saturday, April 28th, at the Halifax Historical Museum in the downtown area on Beach Street. This one should be especially fun. The staff down there helped me a lot with the research for the book, and much of the story actually takes place nearby, in the 1940's.<br />
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<u><b>Two Major Blogs Featuring <i>The Discovery</i></b></u> - In the first week of April, I will be visiting 2 highly traveled blogs on the internet. The first blog is called <a href="http://seekerville.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Seekerville</a> on Thursday, April 5th. It's got hundreds of members and thousands of people visit it each month, many of them Christian writers seeking to write fiction more effectively (I recommend this blog to every one who asks me for advice about writing). I've written an article for writers and will be meeting with them throughout the day to talk about this and my new book. The 2nd blog is with a friend and a real sweet lady from Texas, Lena Nelson Dooley. Lena's written dozens of books. She'll be interviewing me on her blog, <a href="http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Christian Writer's World</a>, and giving away a free book. I'll be visiting Lena's blog on April 8th.<br />
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<u><b>Major Blog Tour throughout the US and Canada</b></u> - In the 2nd week of April, from the 9th through the 15th, <i>The Discovery</i> will be on its "Blog Tour." Approximately 70 bloggers in the US and Canada are reading the book now, and during that week will each feature a review of the book on their blog. It's always a blast to visit these bloggers and see what they have to say (so far, most of them have been very kind). <br />
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<u><b>Interviews about <i>The Discovery</i> with National Publications</b></u> - Not sure of the exact dates yet, but RT Book Reviews magazine and USA Today plan to feature interviews with me about <i>The Discovery</i> in April. I'll post the details about these interviews when I have them on Facebook and Twitter. I'm also doing an interview for Christianbook.com.<br />
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<u><b>Dutch Publisher Picks Up Right to the Book</b></u> - We've been informed that <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Uitgeverij de Banier bv, a publisher in the Netherlands has signed a contract to publish a Dutch version of <i>The Discovery</i>. This version should be out in a year or so, after being translated from English.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Update on My New Series with Gary Smalley</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMScAiNN3qo/T3MTNsbGVkI/AAAAAAAAArA/nJoCDBZoJw4/s1600/Gary%27s+Headshot+2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMScAiNN3qo/T3MTNsbGVkI/AAAAAAAAArA/nJoCDBZoJw4/s320/Gary%27s+Headshot+2007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Gary Smalley</td></tr>
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At the end of this week, I will send in the manuscript for <i>The Dance</i>, the first novel in the 4-book series I'm co-authoring with Dr. Gary Smalley. We've been working on this since October. After my editor at Revell reviews it, we'll do the final rewrites. I'll also be turning into her this week the synopsis for Book Two (title not picked out yet). I've already begun the research, and plan to start writing this book by mid-April.<br />
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<i>The Dance</i> should be on the shelves about this time next year.We've also chosen a title and theme for the 4 books -- the <i>Restoration Series</i>. The first book<i> </i>opens as Jim and Marilyn Anderson's 27-year marriage appears on the verge of collapse. But we believe God is all about healing hearts and restoring broken lives.
The series will follow the Anderson family, as they face a number of
real-life obstacles and hurdles, the kind of challenges many of us deal
with every day.<br />
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In mid-June, Gary and I will fly up to Grand Rapids, MI to meet with the sales and marketing staff at Revell to discuss strategies for promoting <i>The Dance</i> and the new <i>Restoration </i>series (as well as get some pictures of the two of us together!). <br />
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More updates to come, as details get firmed up!<br />
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<br />Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-55802949214815071482012-03-24T08:12:00.001-04:002012-04-11T15:05:17.405-04:00The Foundation of True PeaceThis is the 3rd post to a new feature in my blog - "Perfect Peace - Hope for the Weary Soul." Planning to make this at least a weekly update. I've been quite busy this past week, finishing up the final edits on my first novel co-authored with Gary Smalley and developing the storyline for Book 2. I'll try to post a more fuller update sometime this week. If you're curious, feel free to "Like" my author page on Facebook (usually post to that once a day). You can get there by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DanWalshBooks" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. <br />
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But enough on that, I thought before we look further into the specific, practical things God's Word says about experiencing His peace, we should lay a proper foundation. So let's talk about the foundation of True Peace, or...what is necessary to experience real peace in our souls at a foundational level. And also why the overwhelming majority of people never seem to experience it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUyd2WBB7nk/T226HxM0uGI/AAAAAAAAAqY/Ogo_iyXnKc0/s1600/Last+Supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUyd2WBB7nk/T226HxM0uGI/AAAAAAAAAqY/Ogo_iyXnKc0/s320/Last+Supper.jpg" width="320" /></a>At the Last Supper, Jesus said many profound things to His disciples; some of them were troubling to hear. At one point to comfort their hearts, He told them this: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27, NKJV). Peace is a wonderful thing, especially in times of trouble.<br />
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Everyone wants peace in their personal life and the world to be at peace, right?<br />
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Well, not everybody. It can’t be everybody or we’d have it already, wouldn’t we? I grew up in the sixties, during the height of the Vietnam War. I vividly remember the “peace protests” on the news. Thousands of protestors fighting with hundreds of policemen in riot gear, holding up signs that cried out for peace. Think of the irony: thousands of people screaming, swearing, punching, throwing rocks, breaking windows, being injured and causing injuries to others in an effort to bring about world peace. Some “peace protestors” actually set off bombs and killed people.<br />
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True peace is an elusive thing.<br />
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I read an article by a military general who’d said in the seven-thousand years of recorded history, man has only known peace on earth 5% of the time. Isn’t that amazing…and sad? I think I believe that statistic. Just looking back at the last one hundred years, it certainly seems true. All the men who fought and survived World War I are dead now but, at the time, it was so horrible and so devastating and conducted on such a massive scale, when it was over it was dubbed “the war to end all wars.”<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgxwBGa5Wo0/T28cjhRo85I/AAAAAAAAAqg/KRSKSQeXCqs/s1600/WW2+Marines+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgxwBGa5Wo0/T28cjhRo85I/AAAAAAAAAqg/KRSKSQeXCqs/s320/WW2+Marines+poster.jpg" width="204" /></a>People at the time were certain man had finally learned his lesson, that whatever our differences may be, war was not the answer. And yet, just twenty-one years later World War II began, plunging the world into an even larger conflict on an even grander scale, killing over five times as many people. <br />
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Why? How could such a thing be possible?<br />
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Five years later, came the Korean War. Then in the sixties and early seventies, the Vietnam War. Besides these conflicts, there was the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation between the United States and the Soviet Union. Then, just as that threat seemed to dissipate when the Soviet Union fell apart, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and the Gulf War began. Less than a decade later, 9-11 occurred and a new war on terror began; our soldiers were off fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. <br />
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These are just the conflicts that have involved the United States. Dozens of other wars between other nations occurred during this time.<br />
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I mean…can’t we all just…get along? Apparently not.<br />
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Like I said, true peace is an elusive thing. In the world, and in our hearts. If you ask me, <b>only one thing</b> is required for wars to keep happening and relational conflicts between people to keep occurring, from now until the end of the age. Do you know what that one thing is? <br />
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People being born.<br />
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That’s it. Here’s the equation: Keep having babies = No peace on earth.<br />
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Everyone knows those cuddly, cute, almost angelic little beings we take home from the hospital will turn on their parents and start demanding their own way, even before their first birthday. It happens without exception. Doesn’t matter if they’re a boy or girl, born here or in any other country or culture around the world. Children will rebel against anyone who tries to tell them what to do, even when those leading them have the best interest of the child at heart. <br />
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Why is this? <br />
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Have you ever wondered why we never have to teach or train children how to be bad or misbehave? Every single one of them knows how to do this instinctively. There are no exceptions to this rule. It’s as certain as any universal law of science. Children will be selfish and seek to do as they please. They will argue and fight with each other, and with those who try to guide them.<br />
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Again…why is this so? Especially if it’s true that man is born basically good. Where is the evidence for this…basic goodness? I see no trace of it. All we see, and all we’ve ever seen since mankind appeared on the earth, is conflict between people. In marriages and families, at school and work, in neighborhoods and cities, and between nations. Why?<br />
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The Bible tells us plainly. We are all born in a condition it refers to as “sin.” What is the essence of sin? It is man going his own way, doing his own thing (or at least seeking to), while living with other men and women seeking the very same thing. And all this without any interest or desire in seeking to please the will of Him who made us. In Isaiah 53:6, it says: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” <br />
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This is why we have no peace, not in the world or within our hearts; nor can we ever have true peace on our own. Because the foundation of true peace is missing. True peace can only come to us, is only possible for us, when we enter into peace with God. The very next line in Isaiah 53 says: “And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity (sin) of us all.”<br />
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The prophet is referring to Jesus Christ, what He did on the cross. Jesus came to earth, sent by His Father, free from the contamination of sin. He lived His entire life obeying all of God’s commands and resisting every temptation, so that He might become a perfect sacrifice for our sin. Having lived this way, He then offered Himself on the cross in our place, so that the wrath we deserve for all our sins―all of our selfishness and disobedience, all the times we did our own thing instead of obeying God―could be poured out on Jesus instead of us.<br />
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This, my friends, is true love. The love of God at work in the most profound way possible. Jesus died for our sins and obtained for us a full and complete pardon from God. That is, if we put our faith in Him and what He’s done for us on the cross.<br />
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Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the foundation of true peace. We can never expect to have peace in our hearts, or with others, until we first experience peace with God.<br />
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We'll look at where True Peace is found next time.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-69152835058085636812012-03-17T09:46:00.001-04:002012-04-11T15:05:51.258-04:00Perfect Peace - Intro ThoughtsThis is now the second post to this new feature on my blog, which I'm calling <i>"Perfect Peace - Hope for the Weary Soul."</i> If this were a book, what follows might be called the Introduction. As I mentioned last time, I'll give each of these posts the same label, so that it will be easy for someone who wants to read all of them and only them (and not all the other things I include in my blog from time to time).<br />
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I suppose it’s fair to say this blog is not for everyone (at least this section about God's Peace). The Scripture that inspired the title for this is found in Isaiah 23:6: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hqBw8EtWBU/T2SUCDV5lMI/AAAAAAAAApU/WfU0qbVuYrg/s1600/Dominica+-+Beautiful+scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hqBw8EtWBU/T2SUCDV5lMI/AAAAAAAAApU/WfU0qbVuYrg/s320/Dominica+-+Beautiful+scene.jpg" width="320" /></a><i>"You will keep him <b>in perfect peace,</b> whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts you."</i><br />
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If I had come to a blog like this at certain points in my life―whole seasons of life, in fact―it wouldn’t have done me a bit of good.But at other times it would have been like a man stranded in the desert sun finding an oasis of palms and spring water. Like the time right after my best friend died suddenly, leaving behind a grieving widow and five children. Or the time when I lost my job unexpectedly and had no idea how we’d survive financially. Or like that difficult year when one of our children lost their way and was seriously thinking of jumping headlong into a destructive lifestyle. <br />
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This blog would have helped me then. Oh, it most certainly would have helped me then. For it was during these crucibles of life I learned its lessons. I suspect it might help you, because…well, you’re still reading it, even after I told you what it will be about and suggested it might not benefit you.<br />
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Perhaps you are aware of a lack of peace in your soul. In certain ways your mind is not at rest. There may be things that trouble you, unsettle you. Just thinking about them can rob you of joy. Unanswered questions. Unanswered prayers or prayers that were answered, but it seemed like the wrong answer. You don’t know why God did what He did or allowed it to happen.<br />
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You try not to think about these things, try all sorts of things to blot them out. But they keep popping back up. When you do something to alleviate the stress they cause, it doesn’t last very long. The fretting thoughts are right there to greet you when you’re done. Why is that? And why is what I just described the common experience for so many people?<br />
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I think it’s because, deep inside, we know these things that unsettle us are real. They aren’t figments of our imagination. Life really is hard and full of uncertainty. The longer we live, the more obvious this becomes. We don’t feel in control, because…we’re not.<br />
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Too many things have happened. Too many unwanted surprises. Things we worked hard for did not happen; other things we never wanted to happen happened instead. Not just once or on rare occasions. But a lot of times, more times than we can count. And each time life ambushes us this way, we become more aware of how little control we have.<br />
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And so we worry…and fret. Then worry and fret some more. About the things going on in our lives now. Or the things that may come after that. Even when things are going well, we worry about what might happen to bring these nice days to an end. I have been a Christian since my senior year in high school. I was a fulltime pastor for twenty-five years. I know―both from the Scriptures and from a thousand life experiences―that God is faithful. He doesn’t lie. His promises are true.<br />
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And yet, I am still prone to fret.<br />
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Catch me in an unguarded moment. Ask me what I’m thinking (like my wife does so often), there’s a 50/50 chance I am worrying―or at least on a path to worrying―about something. I don’t do it on purpose. And it’s not always about big, scary things like I mentioned at the beginning. I’m talking about a more subtle form of anxiety that runs beneath the surface, like a low-grade fever.<br />
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Robbing me of joy. And hope. And peace.<br />
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But through years of living with these trials and uncertainties, I’ve learned something; it’s almost like a secret. It’s been right there in the Bible all along, but for so long I missed it. I see so many other believers in this hectic, hurried age who seem to be missing it also. I’m talking about a way to experience Perfect Peace consistently and, in those times when our mind wanders, how to find our way back quickly. It’s a kind of peace the world cannot give and cannot take away. It costs nothing. It is always available to every Christian, at every moment of the day.<br />
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That’s what this section of my blog will be about. Learning this secret. Not just in our heads, but in our hearts. <br />
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I could simply tell you the secret I've learned to Perfect Peace and be done with it. Off you go. Perfect Peace is now yours. But it wouldn’t be yours. You would just know that it’s possible. That it’s something available to you, if you are in Christ. Having this information is not the same as living in the good of it, day after day, week after week. <br />
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So week after week, we’re going to look intently at this truth of God, this promise God holds out to us. A promise of Perfect Peace.The goal will be to apprehend it, to own it, to develop a new habit that helps us keep our minds “stayed on Him.” <br />
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Please understand, I’m no expert on this. As I’ve said, I’ve learned these things out of necessity. The Lord has brought me through a number of difficult and challenging experiences that forced me to depend on Him completely, often for months at a time, just to make it through each day with my sanity intact. In fact, I should prepare you…much of what you will read will not give you a fond impression of me. It will seem I am, for the most part, making frank admissions of serious weaknesses and failures. <br />
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That will be on purpose. <br />
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The apostle Paul learned about the value of knowing his limitations and wrote about it to the Corinthians. After going through a particularly difficult trial, one where he pleaded three times with God to deliver him, Paul wrote this:<br />
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<i>But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </i>(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)<br />
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Paul learned what it meant to be content with weakness. He learned how to keep his mind stayed on the Lord, no matter what the circumstances. <br />
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He learned the secret of Perfect Peace.<br />
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My hope is that, through our time together, you will learn it, too. Jesus died on the cross, not just so that you and I might have the peace with God that saves us from wrath and judgment, but that in this life we might enjoy―even in the midst of severe trials―a “peace that surpasses understanding” (Phil 4:6-7).<br />
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He promises us a Perfect Peace.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-85170653822096780652012-03-09T12:18:00.000-05:002012-04-11T15:04:31.743-04:00Perfect Peace - A New Blog FeatureI've decided to add something new to my blog posts, which have traditionally been more about updates and things going on in the book world or my writing life as an inspirational fiction author. From time to time (hopefully at least once a week), I'm going to start sharing another layer of who I am as a writer.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x98ozOJuFbE/T1o5MAd-yRI/AAAAAAAAAok/DcUAxVWgMEg/s1600/Barbados+-+Andromeda+Gardens+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x98ozOJuFbE/T1o5MAd-yRI/AAAAAAAAAok/DcUAxVWgMEg/s320/Barbados+-+Andromeda+Gardens+5.jpg" width="320" /></a>For years, I've been keeping a journal of things God has been speaking about in my quiet times. Some of you might be aware I was a fulltime pastor for 25 years before becoming a fiction author. I've shared some of these journal writings with people who've asked from time to time, and they said they've found them very helpful. I suppose that's because I'm just like everyone else, and my problems and challenges are the same faced by thousands of Christians every day. <br />
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I'll label these all the same in this blog, so they'll be easy to find as time goes by. Look for the label, "Perfect Peace - Hope for the Weary Soul." The title is a clue. There will be a theme, mainly because the things I'll write about are things God has used to help this Fretting Soul learn how to trust Him more and live free from the tendency to worry and fret about everything.<br />
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I don't think I'm a pessimist. That's not why I'm prone to worry. I worry because life is hard, and things I don't want to happen seem to happen a lot. Even when things are going my way, I'll worry they won't keep going my way. Why? Because that's what happens. They <i>don't</i> keep going my way. Something happens. Something always happens. <br />
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The Bible is full of promises. And this is one of them. <b>This life will be filled with trouble</b> (I'm paraphrasing here, but a dozen verses that say this just popped into my head). We can no more dodge problems and trials in this life than we can dodge raindrops running through a parking lot. Trouble-free living is not what the Christian life offers. As a matter of fact, at the Last Supper, one of the last things Jesus promised His disciples was, "In this world you will have tribulation." (John 16:23).<br />
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But that's not all He said. He followed that with, "But be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." While the Bible promises a life filled with trouble, we're also promised a life filled with joy and peace. How is that possible?<br />
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It's not.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-va_e2OBjvUM/T1o6ZmA64ZI/AAAAAAAAAo8/wiG0QjOjL0U/s1600/Barbados+-+Andromeda+Gardens+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-va_e2OBjvUM/T1o6ZmA64ZI/AAAAAAAAAo8/wiG0QjOjL0U/s320/Barbados+-+Andromeda+Gardens+6.jpg" width="239" /></a>Not on our own, that is. By ourselves, we'll just drift into worrying and fretting about everything. That will lead us into even more trouble. We'll do things that make our situation worse, and make us feel worse about our situation. The secret to experiencing that promised joy and peace doesn't come because we prayed a prayer and became Christians.<br />
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Here's one of my favorite verses that reveals the narrow path to experiencing true peace in this life. A Perfect Peace.<br />
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<i>"You will keep Him in <b>perfect peace</b>, whose mind is <b>stayed on you</b>. Because he trusts you." </i>(Isa. 26:3)<br />
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That's what we'll be talking about. How to do that. How to keep our minds "stayed on Him." That's what I've been learning how to do, and it's made an amazing difference in my life. So come on back if you're like me (or know of friends who are), prone to worry and fret, but yearning to finally live free of it.<br />
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Jesus wants to give us a peace the world cannot give, and cannot take away.<br />
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<br />Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-82943068601366727862012-03-05T22:57:00.002-05:002012-03-05T22:58:10.506-05:00A Getaway to Charleston & Savannah - Sites in The Discovery<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAraj2hsTOA/T1WJEm1flFI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Lik65KnU4oQ/s1600/Cindi+at+2+Meeting+St+Inn%252C+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAraj2hsTOA/T1WJEm1flFI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Lik65KnU4oQ/s320/Cindi+at+2+Meeting+St+Inn%252C+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindi by famous B&B - Two Meeting St Inn</td></tr>
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Just put the finishing touches on a little getaway Cindi and I will be taking soon to two locations featured in my upcoming novel, <i>The Discovery</i>. We're celebrating a little on this trip, since I've just finished my new book with Gary Smalley called, <i>The Dance</i> (due out this time next year). But the real purpose of the trip is to promote my next book and get some fun pics of locations I actually write about in the novel.<br />
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I plan to create a special page of photos in Facebook and on my website, taking readers to these places in Charleston and Savannah, as well as adding a number of photos of historic spots in Daytona Beach (a large part of the "book within a book" in The Discovery take place in Daytona during WW2). <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHOWwx2XipE/T1WK7WGAbwI/AAAAAAAAAoU/bHXvgER7gs8/s1600/18th+Century+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHOWwx2XipE/T1WK7WGAbwI/AAAAAAAAAoU/bHXvgER7gs8/s320/18th+Century+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy 18th Century backyard Charleston Garden</td></tr>
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I'm also hoping to connect with a number of bookstores and souvenir vendors in Charleston, making them aware of how <i>The Discovery</i> features this wonderfully historic town (which gets over 4 million tourists a year). Many of them feature books about Charleston in little displays inside the store.<br />
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If you've never visited Charleston, check into it. Cindi and I went there on our 10th anniversary (now 25 years ago), and fell in love with the place. We've probably visited it easily 20 times since. Never get tired of it.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-18319145807771802412012-02-25T12:15:00.000-05:002012-02-25T12:16:01.725-05:00Februrary Updates - The Discovery Weeks AwayI haven't updated my blog in over a month. So let's start with a quick health update (since my "stabbing" on Jan 10th). The surgery proved to be a great success. All the concerns the doctors hoped to address are dramatically improved. I've had one significant side effect. Insomnia. I guess after 4 days in the hospital where they wake you up every 2 hours, then 2 weeks sleeping at home on my back (which I never do), my sleep patterns got all out of whack.<br />
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I now believe sleeping well is one of God's great underrated gifts.<br />
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After over a month of being up most of the night, then finally falling asleep at 7am from sheer exhaustion, and trying one remedy after another, I've just now begun to sleep through the night (compliments of 2 Benadryl). Hopefully, after my clock gets reset, I'll wean off this and be back to normal. <br />
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So on to better things...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Discovery Only 4 Weeks Away!</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYyHdU8h2rI/TxRsHEC6NUI/AAAAAAAAAk4/-JoZCApI7Kc/s1600/The+Discovery%252C+coming+soon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYyHdU8h2rI/TxRsHEC6NUI/AAAAAAAAAk4/-JoZCApI7Kc/s320/The+Discovery%252C+coming+soon.jpg" width="192" /></a>Things are ramping up for the release of my next book, <i>The Discovery</i>. I really enjoyed writing this book, and it's been great to see how it's being received. My wife, Cindi, has loved all my books so far but she agrees with award-winning <a href="http://sarahsundin.com/" target="_blank">author Sarah Sundin</a> (who reviewed the book for an endorsement) that this novel is my best so far. Hard for me to say.<br />
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But it will hit the shelves (and be ready for Ebook downloads) on April 1st, less than 5 weeks from now.<br />
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I've received 2 more significant reviews for <i>The Discovery</i> the past few weeks. The first was from Christianbook.com, who featured it in their print catalog in a section called, "New and Recommended." This is a HUGE online and catalog book distributor. Here's their review:<br />
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<i>"You don't often find a novel that appeals to men and women alike--but Walsh delivers one here! Taking you on a scavenger hunt leading to mystery, romance and intrigue, this book-within-a-book will tug at your heart and keep you in suspense. You'll get so caught up in the WW2 thriller you'll forget it's also a contemporary story. A feel-good read that commemorates the courage, integrity and sacrifice of the 'greatest generation.'"</i><br />
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<b>-- Christianbook.com (Christine, Fiction Editor)</b><br />
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The 2nd big review came from RT Book Reviews magazine, which is the largest book review magazine in the country, covering every fiction genre (romance, historical, suspense, inspirational, etc.). They gave <i>The Discovery</i> a 4.5 Stars/Top Pick rating in the Inspirational category (their highest). Authors often await this magazine's review of their work, hoping for the best. To get this rating is extremely gratifying. This is now my 3rd novel (out of 5) to get it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94nzaIJq9XQ/SpcZq7PY62I/AAAAAAAAAE4/BgHvx4rrA2c/s1600/RT+Book+Reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94nzaIJq9XQ/SpcZq7PY62I/AAAAAAAAAE4/BgHvx4rrA2c/s320/RT+Book+Reviews.jpg" width="320" /></a>RT Books has also interviewed me about the book. It should show up on their website very soon.<br />
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Here's their review:<br />
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<i>"Yet again, Walsh has crafted a novel so engaging that you will lose all sense of time as he draws you in and makes the reader a part of the story. Based on historical facts, this is the perfect blend of history, suspense and romance. Walsh’s “book within a book” concept is intriguing.The reader will be reminded that God alone can give us the peace that surpasses all human understanding."</i><br />
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<b>-- RT Book Reviews Magazine</b><br />
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I've also learned from my publisher that USA Today plans to interview me for their fiction blog, an article about men who write romantic books. My novels are more like strong love stories (of the Nicholas Sparks variety) than traditional romances. I'm looking forward to this opportunity to hopefully reach a brand new block of readers.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My First Gary Smalley Novel Almost Done!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Gary Smalley</td></tr>
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This week I'm writing the final few chapters of my first novel co-authored with Dr. Gary Smalley. I have a love/hate thing going when I get to this stage of a book. I love it, because by this point everything is humming. I know the characters very well, all the things I've been building in the plot are fusing together, and things really flow. I hate it because it flows too fast. I can still only write so much in a day, but I wish I could sit down and write the whole thing in one long blast.<br />
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For those who haven't read about this before, if you scroll through recent archives, you'll get a glimpse of what this project is about. I'm actually writing the book, drawing from some of Gary's most recent bestselling books on Marriage, Family and Relationships.<br />
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I've been sending him 2 chapters at a time to get his input or anything he'd like to add. In about a week, I'll finish the book, clean it up some, then send him the completed novel. He'll have it for a week or two, then send it to me with any further notes. I'll fix it up some more and send it in to the best editor in Christian fiction. This is not just my opinion, last year my editor, Andrea Doering, won the ACFW's Editor-of-the-Year award.<br />
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In mid-March, I'll start putting together the storyline for Book 2 of our series. The plan is to start writing this book on April 1st. Oh...I almost forgot. We've confirmed the title for Book 1 of the series will be called, <i>The Dance</i>.<br />
<br />Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-18565223528079477532012-01-16T13:29:00.000-05:002012-01-16T13:29:40.727-05:00Starting the New Year with a StabbingI'm writing this, laying on the couch, the victim of 4 stab wounds.<br />
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I'm guessing that starting off this post with this sentence peaks your curiosity more than if I said, "I'm recovering from surgery." Because that's what really happened. But my doctor actually used the "stab wounds" description to adjust my expectations for the recovery. This past Tuesday, I had my left adrenal gland removed lathroscopically. It's an amazing procedure (though I'd probably faint if I saw it done for real).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WkeGJwnFh0/TxRrbQnbz6I/AAAAAAAAAko/yCWYHpismpM/s1600/Doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WkeGJwnFh0/TxRrbQnbz6I/AAAAAAAAAko/yCWYHpismpM/s200/Doctor.jpg" width="200" /></a>In the past, the surgeons would have had to make a major incision that would take months to heal. Now they stab you in 4 places to get what they're after, and you're left with very little scarring and a recovery that's more like 2 weeks. Although, he wasn't kidding about being a stab victim. I don't write murder mysteries but feel like I could really write a crime scene now from the victim's perspective pretty easily.<br />
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I'm hoping to get back on my writing schedule by the end of the week. Might be a little longer before I can start tackling any house chores.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Bona fide Bestseller Now</b></span><br />
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A few days before going in for the surgery, God gave me a wonderful gift. He allowed me to see my 4th novel, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>, make the ECPA's Bestseller List for Jan 2012. For those who don't know, ECPA stands for "Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association." It's kind of like the New York Times bestsellers list for Christian authors (although, if your book makes it to the NY Times list, it's doing even better).<br />
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Most fiction writers have a similar Bucket List, when it comes to their writing hopes and dreams. It would look something like this:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Write the best novel you can and get it ready for publication.</li>
<li>Land a great literary agent (one with lots of clout, experience and connections).</li>
<li>Get a book deal from a major publisher (one that pays advances & royalties and works hard to promote your book).</li>
<li>Hold your first novel in your hands, then actually see it on bookstore shelves.</li>
<li>Read great reviews about your book in major publications.</li>
<li>See one of your books win a Book-of-the-Year award.</li>
<li>Get a mufti-book deal with your publisher (big enough to write fulltime).</li>
<li><b>See one of your books make the bestseller list.</b></li>
</ol>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the pic to see it bigger</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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To my utter amazement, since the summer of 2007 when I checked Item #1 off my list (<i>The Unfinished Gift</i>), God has allowed me to check every other item off in fairly quick succession. Including--as of this month--Item #8. Unlike the movie, <i>Bucket List</i>, I could certainly die a happy man without experiencing all these things, but I'm humbled and extremely grateful to God for allowing me these wonderful opportunities.<br />
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And I'm also grateful to all of you who've purchased my books and told others about them. You're a big reason why all this has happened, too.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some Early Reviews for The Discovery</b></span><br />
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The publicity effort for my 5th novel with Revell, The Discovery, is already underway. It's release is now only 10 weeks away. My wife, Cindi, thinks this is my best book yet. It's hard for me to say (like picking out your favorite child). But I've received some very encouraging early reviews (hoping they're a sign of more to come).<br />
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<i>"Thrilling, romantic, and intriguing. In <b>The Discovery</b>, Dan Walsh takes a fascinating sidebar of World War II history and crafts a suspenseful, beautifully written, and deeply satisfying story. This is his best novel yet!"</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
-- <b>Sarah Sundin</b>, award-winning author of the <br />
Wings of Glory series</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"<b>The Discovery</b> is an immensely enjoyable read. Mr. Walsh fashions two stories that come together perfectly to form a satisfying conclusion. The story centers on Gerard Warner, a hugely successful novelist, who dies and leaves his Charleston estate to his grandchildren. One of them, Michael, longs to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. His grandfather was well aware of Michael’s talent and planted certain clues in the mansion he left to Michael and his wife, Jenn...<b>The Discovery</b> is a masterful bit of storytelling. It is, above all else, a love story for the ages, one of sacrifice and devotion that will leave readers with a renewed passion for their loved ones. As I neared the end of the book I let out a huge sigh and experienced a wonderful sense of wellbeing and happiness. Dan Walsh did it again: He touched my heart."</i></div>
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--<b>The New York Review of Books</b> </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The reviewer, John M. Wills, is himself an accomplished author of crime thrillers (and a retired FBI agent). I can't wait for the book to release, scheduled for April 1st.</div>Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-56250963886861822822011-12-17T11:00:00.003-05:002011-12-17T11:21:50.148-05:00Some More Christmas Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_-AgUkzr7E/TuypShRNDkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/syLzrgdxHEE/s1600/Remembering+Christmas+-+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_-AgUkzr7E/TuypShRNDkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/syLzrgdxHEE/s320/Remembering+Christmas+-+cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Christmas is just one week away now, but it almost feels like Christmas came early for me. Some wonderful things have been happening for my newest novel, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>.<br />
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It's been 2 weeks since my last blog update, mainly because I've been so busy. Besides, writing the book I'm working on now (the first one with Gary Smalley), I've been doing blog and radio interviews promoting <i>Remembering Christmas</i>, as well as a little traveling. I finished the final edits on <i>The Discovery</i> (the book coming out in April) and I'm almost done with the rewrites for <i>The Reunion </i>(the book that comes out next Sept).<br />
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After posting this update today, I'm taking the rest of the day off to take Cindi out, so we can finish our Christmas shopping. It will be our first Christmas buying gifts for our new grandson. We can't wait!<br />
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Here's what's been going on:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Great Review on Crosswalk.com</b></span><br />
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Many of you would know about this site. It's the largest Christian website on the Internet. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Crosswalk.com or one of the many sister-sites connected to it. Which is why we were so thrilled to read the excellent review written by Susan Ellingburg, a contributing writer in their "Culture" department.<br />
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The review is too long to reproduce here, but here are a few excerpts. First, she does a really good job summarizing the story, without giving too much away. Then she adds her comments:<br />
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<i>The author’s deceptively simple style allows events to unfold without
forcing the characters into far-fetched situations or over-the-top
emotions. The result is a story that’s completely believable, even
(maybe especially) the truly poignant sections. All the characters (even
the quirky ones) ring true and their actions are true to form. Reading
this book feels like listening to a friend give his testimony—assuming
that friend is a gifted storyteller, of course.
<b> </b></i>
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<i><b style="font-weight: normal;">Dan Walsh</b> also deserves high praise for perfectly
capturing the eighties vibe. Everything from early stars of contemporary
Christian music (Keith Green, the Pat Terry Group, and more) to TV
shows (“Who shot JR?”) to the price of gasoline (over—gasp—$1 a gallon!)
brings the Reagan era to life. So many authors skip over these things
but it’s the little touches that make all the difference. This attention
to detail spills over into every aspect of the story, making <i><b>Remembering Christmas</b> </i>a tale that readers will enjoy any season of the year. </i> <br />
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To read the full review, <a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/books/fiction/i-remembering-christmas-i-is-believable.html" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Amazing Giveaway Sponsored by Revell</b></span><br />
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Over the last 2 weeks, and running until Dec 21st (so there's still time to enter), my publisher, Revell, has been doing a wonderful giveaway to promote <i>Remembering Christmas</i>. <br />
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They are offering a $250 Visa gift card to the winner, PLUS an additional $250 gift card for the winner to give away to a caring friend (someone who reminds them of Art and Leanne Bell, the owners of The Book Nook in Remembering Christmas). The 2nd Prize winner gets a beautiful Nativity set (like the one that keeps selling out at The Book Nook).<br />
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If you're reading this before Dec 21st and would like to enter, it's easy. Just <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DanWalshBooks#%21/DanWalshBooks?sk=app_28134323652" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a>. You don't even need to buy a copy of the book.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Still a Bestseller on Amazon!</b></span><br />
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I mentioned 2 weeks ago that Remembering Christmas had spent over a week at #1 on Amazon in 3 different categories. Well...it continued between #1 and #3 for the last 2 weeks in those same categories and, although it's dropped a little, it's still in the top 10 right now. My other 3 novels did well, but I've never seen numbers like these before. It's been pretty exciting.<br />
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And on top of this, there are now 65 customer reviews, averaging 4.5 Stars. Amazon now lists this as one of the 3 Top-rated Christmas books (right next to Glenn Beck's mega bestseller, The Snow Angel). I have to admit, reading what everyone is saying doesn't hurt. I remember back to the lonely hours, over weeks and months, writing this book, wondering about its future. So satisfying now to see how it's affecting readers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Christmas-ebook/dp/B005LOPO42/ref=zg_bs_12331_12" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a> if you'd like to view it on Amazon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Local Success in My Hometown</b></span><br />
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I've also seen some encouraging things in Daytona Beach, where Cindi and I have lived since we were in grade school (both of us moved down here from up north when our fathers began working on the Apollo space program).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-MSeGGiB_s/Tuy8hrVdnfI/AAAAAAAAAjc/_9JZ-EBPBFw/s1600/Dan+with+Remembering+Christmas+at+Halifax+Hist+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-MSeGGiB_s/Tuy8hrVdnfI/AAAAAAAAAjc/_9JZ-EBPBFw/s320/Dan+with+Remembering+Christmas+at+Halifax+Hist+Museum.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
For two Sundays in a row, <i>Remembering Christmas</i> was featured in the Daytona Beach Sunday News Journal, and once in their "GO386" online entertainment guide. <br />
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Also, the Halifax Historical Museum, our local museum, bought 10 copies of <i>Remembering Christmas</i> to sell there. I got to know the staff a bit when I researched <i>The Discovery</i>, my next book. They gave me some excellent help turning up historical details for the book. Much of it is set in Daytona Beach during WW2.<br />
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If you're ever in town, watching a NASCAR race or enjoying the beach, make sure you take some time to tour the historic downtown area on Beach Street, right along the Halifax River. And stop in to visit the folks at the museum. It's housed in what used to be a very classy looking bank near the corner of Orange Ave. It's filled with wonderful exhibits about the history of the area. Here's a link to their website, <a href="http://www.halifaxhistorical.org/" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a>. <br />
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Above is a picture Cindi took. I'm standing next to the rack in the museum holding copies of <i>Remembering Christmas</i>. She took it last week when we attended there annual Christmas party.<br />
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Merry Christmas everyone!<br />
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<br />Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-60226963991503163572011-12-05T09:55:00.001-05:002011-12-05T11:03:31.920-05:00Fun December Updates - Remembering Christmas #1 on AmazonThis last week has been kind of a whirlwind of activity with my newest book Remembering Christmas. And all this coming on top of 3 writing assignments happening at the same time. First, my main task is writing the book I'm co-authoring with Gary Smalley (just finished chapter 13). Then my beloved editor, Andrea, sends me the edits for <i>The Reunion</i>, the book that comes out next Spring (the edits are due before Christmas). Then the copy editor, Kristin, sends me the final proofs for <i>The Discovery</i>, the book coming out in April (due in less than 2 weeks). Yikes.<br />
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But for a writer, these are good challenges. Great even. I remind myself of this when I'm tempted to complain. Here are some of the fun updates to share about my latest book, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 on Amazon!</b></span><br />
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For pretty much all of last week, my new novel, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>, has been ranking at #1 or #2 on Amazon's bestsellers list in 3 categories: Christian Fiction, Christian Romance and Christmas books. It had been ranking between #10 and #15 before (and I was thrilled with that).<br />
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But it jumped right up there and stayed there a while. It was actually ahead of mega bestselling author Karen Kingsbury's new book, <i>Longing</i>. I couldn't believe it. And in the Christmas category, it pulled ahead of Glen Beck's huge bestseller, <i>The Snow Angel. </i><br />
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Not sure how long the book will stay in this "zone," but it's a first for me to see these numbers. At one point, my third novel, The Deepest Waters, was ranking at #4 in Christian fiction. So for a few days, I had 2 books in the top 5.<br />
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At the moment, there are 55 customer reviews on Amazon for <i>Remembering Christmas</i>, 49 of them are either 4-5 Stars.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#10 on ECPA's Weekly Bestseller's List</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqYMfEHOQLk/TtzpuvuWVFI/AAAAAAAAAic/06nOVcVJl5s/s1600/Christian+Retailing+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqYMfEHOQLk/TtzpuvuWVFI/AAAAAAAAAic/06nOVcVJl5s/s1600/Christian+Retailing+logo.jpg" /></a>Early last week someone sent me a link about an article written in Christian Retailing magazine. It talked about the impact Christmas novels were having on sales in bookstores nationwide. In fact, four of the top 10 bestsellers that week (the week before Thanksgiving) were Christmas novels. And my book, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>, was #10. Two fellow Revell authors' Christmas books were also in the top 10. Suzanne Woods Fisher's <i>A Lancaster County Christmas</i>, and Melody Carlson's <i>Christmas Shoppe</i>. <br />
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It was so encouraging to read this, because this list is a broader reflection of sales nationwide, since it includes the retail bookstores. To read the full article, <b><a href="http://christianretailing.com/index.php/newsletter/latest-etailing/23530-christmas-fiction-makes-an-impact" target="_blank">Click Here</a></b>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On the Radio</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQPFcvcyfI8/Ttzq3B4la0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/UFqyh7aHlcY/s1600/Radio+Mike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQPFcvcyfI8/Ttzq3B4la0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/UFqyh7aHlcY/s200/Radio+Mike.jpg" width="155" /></a>I also had 3 radio interviews this past week. I've done radio interviews for my other books before but never 3 in one week.<br />
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The first was for ReachFM. We did some taped interviews with Anitra Parmele who has a daily radio show hosted from Calvary Chapel church in Fort Lauderdale (I'll actually be down there visiting Anitra and doing some special events this weekend in the area). The radio spots will be running all this week, and Revell has donated 10 of my books to give to listeners (5 each of <i>The Unfinished Gift</i> and <i>Remembering Christmas</i>).<br />
<br />
Then I was interviewed by Andy Farmer on Author's Corner with KNEO radio, station in Neosho, Missouri. And finally on blog radio on the G Zone with host Giovanni Gelati. Giovanni had read the book, loved it, and we chatted for almost 45 minutes, not just about the new book but a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes things. You can hear this interview by <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2011/11/30/dan-walsh-is-my-guest-this-morning" target="_blank"><b>clicking here</b></a>.<br />
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Well, I better get back to my writing assignments, so I can keep my head above water. Thanks to all of you for buying and downloading copies of the book. Don't worry about me. I can handle the excitement. <br />
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<br />Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-88908477773123616522011-11-26T09:55:00.001-05:002011-12-05T11:03:46.067-05:00Christmas Season Begins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYa5zIr3v0c/TtEDhj5RarI/AAAAAAAAAiE/2prw8KDL9Jg/s1600/Christmas+present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYa5zIr3v0c/TtEDhj5RarI/AAAAAAAAAiE/2prw8KDL9Jg/s200/Christmas+present.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
It's now officially okay to start listening to Christmas music! For me, I mean. Not that anyone else needs my permission. The Thanksgiving weekend is when something happens inside, and I now get "in the mood" for all things Christmas. I want to hear the music, see decorations everywhere, drink egg nog (in moderation), watch Christmas movies...the whole bit.<br />
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And a whole lot is happening this week with my newest novel, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>. Starting today. Cindi and I will be driving an hour south for a booksigning at the Calvary Chapel bookstore in Melbourne, FL. They're doing all kinds of special events at the store today. This will be my 3rd time there. The first two were to visit the Book Club that meets at the church.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other Book Club News</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLN5dV69ols/TtEDuumaGuI/AAAAAAAAAiM/zWG6ExdNOYg/s1600/Book+Club+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLN5dV69ols/TtEDuumaGuI/AAAAAAAAAiM/zWG6ExdNOYg/s1600/Book+Club+pic.jpg" /></a></div>
Speaking of Book Clubs, I'll be calling into one that meets in Niceville, FL this Thursday evening. This is a way for me to spend time with people when it's too far to drive. I've visited Book Clubs this way in many different states. A Book Club selects one of my books to read that month and someone sets up a speakerphone in the middle of the room. I call in while they're meeting so they can ask questions and we can chat a while. If you're Book Club would like to do this, just email me at dwalsh@danwalshbooks.com.<br />
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But I'm doing an even bigger Book Club thing that starts on Thursday, December 1st. I hope you'll join me online at The Book Club Network (TCBN) this week. I'll be featured on their main page, and we'll be giving away 5 copies of my new book, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>.<br />
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If you love fiction, this is a site <b>you have to join</b>. TCBN connects Book Clubs together from all over the country with the authors who write the books they love to read. Even if no book club meets in your area, there are many online clubs you can join at this site. Fred and Nora St. Laurent coordinate all this activity and they're such gracious and friendly hosts. Hope to see you there this week. <a href="http://www.bookfun.org/" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a> to check out TCBN.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Join Me at Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncu8IX74wlw/TtEKFsMNS5I/AAAAAAAAAiU/KnQ1Cl4YPwE/s1600/Suzanne+Woods+Fisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncu8IX74wlw/TtEKFsMNS5I/AAAAAAAAAiU/KnQ1Cl4YPwE/s200/Suzanne+Woods+Fisher.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzanne Woods Fisher</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This Friday, bestselling Amish author Suzanne Woods Fisher will be interviewing me on her blog. If you leave a comment or ask a question, you'll have a chance to win a signed copy of <i>Remembering Christmas</i>.<br />
<br />
Suzanne is a fellow author at Revell, and she has a great Christmas book out also now, called <i>A Lancaster County Christmas</i>. My wife Cindi loved it (I'm reading it now). She has a huge following of devoted fans and writes both fiction and non-fiction books about Amish life and culture. She also hosts a weekly radio show called Amish Wisdom.<br />
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We got to spend some time together this past September at the ACFW conference, and learned she and my wife Cindi have something in common, they are both dog lovers and love to work with dogs. Cindi is a dog trainer who works with shelter dogs and Suzanne raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.<br />
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To visit Suzanne's Blog, <a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Major Award...Details Coming!</b></span><br />
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Plans are underway with Revell, my publisher, for a HUGE CONTEST to help get the word out about <i>Remembering Christmas</i>. Details will be firmed up and announced THIS WEEK. The contest will have some serious prizes, much bigger than anything I've been involved in before. And much nicer than that old "Leg Lamp" won by the Dad on Christmas Story.<br />
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I'll put up a separate post about it this week once I get the full story. But the plan is to offer prizes that connect to the storyline in the book, centered on Art and Leanne Bell, the owners of The Book Nook.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-26993716811586465032011-11-18T08:51:00.001-05:002011-12-05T11:04:02.254-05:00Friday Updates - The Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inZcfQm5VPg/TsacVucDljI/AAAAAAAAAhw/5gC_Qdbcz_Q/s1600/Remembering+Christmas+-+cover%252C+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inZcfQm5VPg/TsacVucDljI/AAAAAAAAAhw/5gC_Qdbcz_Q/s320/Remembering+Christmas+-+cover%252C+smaller.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
My publisher, Revell, put together a blog tour that's been running all this week for my newest novel <i>Remembering Christmas</i>. For those who don't know what that is, it's one of the marvels of the internet. My book goes on tour without me. And it has, throughout the US and Canada, with 62 bloggers participating. They each get a copy of the book and agree to read and review it in the same week.<br />
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Before I go further, I want to thank all of you who participated this week (even the handful of you who didn't care for the book...which I'll get to later). It's a busy season of life and I appreciate the time you invested in my work.<br />
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I haven't read all the reviews yet, and more will be coming in over the weekend, but I've read quite a few. Most have blown me away, far exceeding what any author could hope for from a review. I'll paste a sampling below. Just excerpts, though; space won't allow reprinting the entire review (I'll create a link with each blog name, so you can click on it and read the whole review if you want).<br />
<br />
As I said, though most of the reviews have been extremely encouraging, there are a few that "go the other way." Admittedly, I'd like every one who reads the book to love it. That's not gonna happen, this I know. As of this post, for example, there are 37 reviews on Amazon. 27 are 5-Stars, another 4 have given the book 4-Stars. That's 31 out of 37 reviews that are very positive. But we've got a couple of 3's and even a couple of 2's in there. I imagine for the potential reader, it might be confusing to read some of the negative reviews compared to the rest. <br />
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At first, it confused me. It seemed almost like these folks were reading a different book. Some of the things that deeply and positively affected the majority, didn't move these people in the least. It goes to show that no one can write a book that makes everyone happy, and there are a variety of "taste buds" at play when someone picks up a book to read (or clicks a button on their E-reader).<br />
<br />
But I wanted to speak to one thing I picked up as I read a couple of the more negative reviews. Some didn't like the main character, Rick. They felt like he was a selfish, self-absorbed young man who didn't treat his parents or those around him very well (this is true, Rick does start off that way). It didn't seem to matter that by the book's end, that all changes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNNH6iOWo1s/TsagT-W7S3I/AAAAAAAAAh4/CSNBzgbeYnw/s1600/Scrooge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNNH6iOWo1s/TsagT-W7S3I/AAAAAAAAAh4/CSNBzgbeYnw/s1600/Scrooge.jpg" /></a></div>
As I read their comments, I realized some people don't like to read books with characters who have a "dark side" at Christmastime. They prefer their Christmas books to be light and cheery all the way through. That's okay. I'm not here to mock that. Thankfully, there are plenty of Christmas books out there like that to be read and enjoyed. But my novels are not like that. Certainly, not my Christmas books. I prefer to write tales more in the Dickens tradition. Take Scrooge for example. Not a nice guy, really for most of the book. But considering how the story goes, and where things end up....would we really want Ebeneezer to start off any other way?<br />
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Well, enough analysis. Here are excerpts from the 4-5 Star reviews that came in this week (and thank you every one for reading the book, getting what I was aiming for, and taking the time to write about it).<br />
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<b>Blog Tour Samples:</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
“Dan Walsh writes beautiful stories
full of tender moments, and just as each of his previous three books did, <i>Remembering
Christmas</i> touched my heart…Walsh does a masterful job of showing how hurts
and childhood perceptions can impact our lives as adults and the impact that
unconditional love makes in a life, even years after the seeds are sown. This
is a wonderful book to read for the holidays. It's definitely one for my keeper
shelf, and I suspect reading it may become an annual tradition.”</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
-- <a href="http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com/2011/11/remembering-christmas.html" target="_blank">Mocha With Linda</a> </div>
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“<i>Remembering Christmas</i> by Dan Walsh is the best Christmas book I’ve
read this year. In this book you really find out what Christmas is really
about…A very beautiful, tender story full of love, forgiveness and hope. I
highly recommend this for a fantastic book to add to your Christmas shelf. Five
stars for sure!”</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
-- <a href="http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/11/remembering-christmas-by-dan-walsha.html" target="_blank">Trinity's Rose Garden</a></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<i>“Remembering Christmas</i> by Dan Walsh is a
beautiful story about a man who remembers the Christmas that changed his life…I
very highly recommend this book! If you haven’t read a book by Dan Walsh
before, then you need to. He is a brilliant story teller, and his stories are
emotional and powerful. This story is deeply moving, and packs a powerful
message. It’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Be sure to check out
his other books: <i>The Unfinished Gift</i>,
<i>The Homecoming</i> (which is a follow-up
to <i>The Unfinished Gift</i>), and <i>The
Deepest Waters</i>. He has become one of my favorite Christian fiction authors
and I have come to look forward to his Christmas stories.”</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
-- <a href="http://lifeinreviewblog.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/life-in-review-remembering-christmas-by-dan-walsh/%20" target="_blank">Life in Review by Michelle Vasquez</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Dan Walsh is easily one of my new
favorite authors, and I told him that last time I read one of his books. I have
compared him to Nicholas Sparks for the Christian book enthusiast. I have been
reading a lot of Nicholas Sparks' novels lately, and have to admit I prefer
Dan's books to his. I know when I read one of Dan's books that it will be kept
‘clean’ while still holding the mystery and romance that I enjoy in novels.”</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
-- <a href="http://melindajoy.blogspot.com/2011/11/remembering-christmas-by-dan-walsh.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Melinda Joy</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
“Fans of Nicholas Sparks will find
a new author to love in Dan Walsh...for me, he writes circles around any New
York Times best-selling author. His books are filled with engaging characters,
rich story, and deep faith in our unchanging God…Once again, Dan creates
memorable characters that pull up a chair in your imagination and settle in for
a good, long while. From J.D., the homeless man who looks forward to his daily
McMuffin to the sassy co-worker that keeps putting Rick in his place, you'll
love each and every person you meet. Be prepared for a surprise or two along
the way.”</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
-- <a href="http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/remembering-christmas-by-dan-walsh.html%20" target="_blank">A Peek at My Bookshelf</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"Remembering Christmas</i></b>
by <b style="font-weight: normal;">Dan Walsh</b> is a good book to read this holiday season. Like
other novels written by Walsh, this book jumps right into the life of the main
characters… It’s the third book I’ve read by this author and Dan Walsh’s
writing style reminds me of Nicholas Sparks. My hope is someday his books will
be published into a movie for all to enjoy…If you need a good Christmas gift
idea for someone who enjoys reading, I’d recommend putting together these three
books - <i>Remembering Christmas,</i> <i>The Unfinished Gift</i>, <i>The
Homecoming.</i><i><span style="font-style: normal;">”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-style: normal;">-- <a href="http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/2011/11/remembering-christmas-book-review/" target="_blank">Women's Bible Cafe</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-style: normal;"> What more could I add to this but...God bless us, everyone.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-83532240533289022292011-11-12T09:15:00.001-05:002011-12-05T11:04:19.214-05:00Friday Updates...On SaturdayI can't even start a trend that lasts a week. If you take a look, you'll notice my blog posts are pretty sporadic. Last week, I thought I might at least post once a week...on Friday. Even called it "Friday Updates" as if this was going to be the new routine. Well, it's Saturday. Yesterday, just didn't work. But thankfully, good stuff is happening, even if I'm sharing it a day late.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFLHi4m2daQ/Tr6B7SfWIeI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/yJYh0QN49rc/s1600/Dr+Gary+Smalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFLHi4m2daQ/Tr6B7SfWIeI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/yJYh0QN49rc/s200/Dr+Gary+Smalley.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dr. Gary Smalley</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>My Book With Gary Smalley</b><br />
<br />
I finished Week 1 of my new book with Gary Smalley on schedule. Wrote the first 4 chapters. I'll be writing the actual book, drawing from materials from Gary's books on family and relationships, then sending him 2 or 3 chapters at a time for review. He'll make comments and suggestions, then send them back to me. By and by, a few months from now, and Book 1 will be finished.<br />
<br />
I've already written a synopsis of the storyline, which I'll follow as I write. But I love this stage of things, as the characters start to come alive on the page. Eventually, they will take over and I'll just be the scribe, recording the things they do and say (that's how it starts to feel anyway). <br />
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<b>My Guidepost Novel Arrived</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwFMbPfnG3g/Tr6GGejgykI/AAAAAAAAAhY/3pBLURMp8v8/s1600/Autumn+Light+-+Marble+Cove+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwFMbPfnG3g/Tr6GGejgykI/AAAAAAAAAhY/3pBLURMp8v8/s320/Autumn+Light+-+Marble+Cove+5.jpg" width="211" /></a>A few days ago, a box of books arrived on my doorstep. They contained my author copies for my 6th novel, called <i>Autumn Light</i>. I wrote it last spring for <b>Guideposts</b> for their new series "<i>Miracles of Marble Cove</i>." My novel is Book 5 in the series. Even though this is the 6th book I've written, it's only my 5th book in print (all my other novels have been written for Revell; they have a longer "pipeline" from the time a book is written than when it appears on the shelves).<br />
<br />
Well, saying "on the shelves" isn't quite accurate for <i>Autumn Light</i>. Initially, Guideposts doesn't make these books available in retail stores. But you can get them online at their website by <a href="http://www.shopguideposts.org/miracles-of-marble-cove-series.html" target="_blank">Clicking Here</a>. They are $13.95 each and will be sent to your home for a 30-day preview. If you like the first book, you send in the money and every 4-6 weeks, the next book in the series will come. I think it's an excellent value, especially when you consider the books are hardbacks.<br />
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Here's what it says about the series on the back of each book: "<i>Come to a place known for flip-flops, lobster pots and porch swings. It's a place to relax, a place to feel at home. Take a walk along the rocky coastline, and gaze out at the boats bringing in their daily catch. Meet four different yet unforgettable friends who are mysteriously drawn together by events too amazing to be coincidence. Follow their miraculous adventures as they face life's challenges, hold each other up in faith, and experience God's amazing grace</i>."<br />
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And you have to admit...these books come with such great covers. Don't you just want to walk right into that store on the corner (click on the pic to see a bigger version)?<br />
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<b>Book Clubs!</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ3DmQWcbxc/Tr6JfJuqscI/AAAAAAAAAhg/iEJIeTmyWTc/s1600/Dan+%2526+Cindi+at+Melbourne+Book+Club+2+-+Sept+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ3DmQWcbxc/Tr6JfJuqscI/AAAAAAAAAhg/iEJIeTmyWTc/s320/Dan+%2526+Cindi+at+Melbourne+Book+Club+2+-+Sept+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Me (on the right) at a Book Club last Sept</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I LOVE visiting book clubs. It's fair to say, way more than doing book signings in stores (unless the store managers are very enthusiastic about your visit...to me, they make all the difference). But when you visit a book club, the members have already bought and read your book and are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss it (at least, so far they have...hope it stays that way).<br />
<br />
If the Book Clubs aren't too far away, I'll drive there. But I also "visit" with clubs by speaker-phone. I'll be meeting this way with 2 Book Clubs the first week of December to discuss my newest book, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>. One in Perry, FL and one in Niceville, FL. I've also been invited to visit a book club in my town in January (the Daytona Beach area). They will be reading my first novel, <i>The Unfinished Gift</i>, in December (it's also a story set at Christmastime). <br />
<br />
And here's something exciting, I'll be visiting a wonderful online website totally devoted to Book Clubs all week long, the first week of December. If you haven't been there yet, you need to check it out. It's called <b>The Book Club Network</b> (TCBN). <a href="http://www.bookfun.org/" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to visit. We'll also be discussing my book, <i>Remembering Christmas</i>, and giving away free copies. <br />
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If you have a Book Club you'd like me to visit, you can email me at <a href="http://www.danwalshbooks.com/" target="_blank">www.danwalshbooks.com</a> by clicking on the Contact Me button.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqMV46IRMJs/Tr6SPEh5tdI/AAAAAAAAAho/QEoxLrGdGcg/s1600/The+Deepest+Waters+cover+-+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqMV46IRMJs/Tr6SPEh5tdI/AAAAAAAAAho/QEoxLrGdGcg/s320/The+Deepest+Waters+cover+-+smaller.jpg" width="207" /></a><b>The Deepest Waters - Only $2.99!</b><br />
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Finally, I want to mention, you can get my novel <i>The Deepest Waters</i>, released last Spring, for only $2.99 on Kindle for the whole month of November. It received some great magazine reviews and has an average of 4.5 Stars on Amazon after 44 customer reviews. <a href="http://www.danwalshbooks.com/MyBooks.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> if you'd like find out a little more about it. <br />
<br />
Even if you don't own a Kindle, you can download an app from Amazon to read the book electronically on your laptop, Ipad or phone. If you have read it and liked it, please tell your friends. I don't mind selling it a this low price (will give them a low-risk chance to see if they enjoy my books).<br />
<br />
Right now, it's ranking #462 in Amazon's Kindle Store overall (out of over 1,000,000 Kindle books), and #23 in Historical Romance. Check it out!<br />
<br />Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-54609038970903734792011-11-04T10:02:00.005-04:002011-11-04T11:13:16.181-04:00A Writer's Life - Friday updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9AydrPIDZA/TrP_oXuGlgI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ByM-LFc7F5Y/s1600/Doctor.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 179px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9AydrPIDZA/TrP_oXuGlgI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ByM-LFc7F5Y/s200/Doctor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671157424816821762" border="0" /></a>It's been a few weeks since I've blogged. Health issues have continued to dominate my life since then. Really, since about mid-Sept. Before you feel "stuck" listening to me go on and on about my aches and pains, I promise to keep this part of the update brief. Believe me...I have no desire to talk about all this again. You know how it is, people who've heard you haven't been well, either through genuine concern or obligation, ask, "So how do you feel?" And you repeat the story again and again.<br /><br />Apparently, something is wrong with my adrenal gland. This finely crafted little organ has been with me, lo these 54 years, but I've never give him the time of day. Now he's getting plenty of attention. My blood pressure began spiking back in mid-Sept, and my potassium began plummeting. The doctors have found a benign growth on my adrenal gland and say this is the cause. Unfortunately, they are not in agreement as to whether to fix this with surgery or medication. My vote is for surgery, believe it or not. I'm having to take a ridiculous amount of medication every day just to keep my system from exploding, and it makes me very tired.<br /><br />We should know something soon. Would appreciate your prayers. At least, they've found a combo of meds that allow me to get back to writing, which I've done only sporadically during this time. Hard to write when you're mind is too cloudy to think.<br /><br />Onto some more exciting stuff...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEk5aErF2-c/TrP_1YOXVtI/AAAAAAAAAg8/ttPO_28rpF4/s1600/The%2BDiscovery%2Bcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEk5aErF2-c/TrP_1YOXVtI/AAAAAAAAAg8/ttPO_28rpF4/s200/The%2BDiscovery%2Bcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671157648290436818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Local Historical Society</span><br />Cindi and I visited the Halifax Historical Society in downtown Daytona Beach this week (The Daytona area is known locally as the "Halifax area" due to a river by that name that runs throughout the city). The curator was very helpful a few months ago as I researched my 5th novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Discovery</span>, which comes out in April. I brought her 2 signed copies of <span style="font-style: italic;">Remembering Christmas</span> (one for her, one for the museum library). She was thrilled and instantly asked me to bring back 10 copies to sell in the museum store. Also, she asked if I'd do a booksigning for The Discovery there at the museum when it releases in April. I was thrilled (this is something I was working up the nerve to ask her about).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.halifaxhistorical.org/">Click here</a> to visit the museum's website.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Inspirational Novels of 2011</span><br /><br />James Rubart, a bestselling author and good friend, sent me an email this week letting me know that my newest novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Remembering Christmas</span>, was named as one of the finalists in RT Book Review magazines "Best Inspirational Novels of 2011." His novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Book of Days</span>, made the list, too (I loved this book and my endorsement appeared on Jim's cover).<br /><br />RT Reviews is the largest book review magazine in the country. They review hundreds of new books every month in every category and genre. Back in Sept, when my book came out, they gave it a 4.5 Stars/Top Pick rating (<a href="http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/remembering-christmas">Click here</a>, if you'd like to read their review). As you can imagine this was quite an honor and, after reading the other finalists on this list, I'm keeping some excellent company.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Celebration Florida</span><br /><br />Yesterday, I felt strong enough to get out of the house, so Cindi and I drove just<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v5NwkjyvIM/TrQA44yaBPI/AAAAAAAAAhI/S_VEXFw424c/s1600/100_0199.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v5NwkjyvIM/TrQA44yaBPI/AAAAAAAAAhI/S_VEXFw424c/s200/100_0199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671158808082777330" border="0" /></a> over an hour to visit the little storybook town of Celebration, Florida. It's located 15 minutes from Disneyworld and was actually created by the Disney corporation back in the early 90's. Since then they've turned it over to others, but Disney fingerprints are all over the place (imagine a small town built by Disney, and you get the idea).<br /><br />There are over 7500 permanent residents now, divided up into little villages filled with some of the most charming (and often expensive) homes. The little downtown is just amazing. If you get to Disney, it's worth taking at least a half-day to check this place out.<br /><br />The reason for our visit? I've decided to base my 4-book series with Gary Smalley in a fictionalized version of this town. I'm starting the book next week and wanted to get a number of videos and pics I could use to help me as I write.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-67735227494504475752011-10-21T10:09:00.004-04:002011-10-21T10:37:46.207-04:00What Other Authors are Saying about Remembering Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CD1EoU_PNk/TqGCc0uy5rI/AAAAAAAAAf8/ER8HbzMVOmw/s1600/Remembering%2BChristmas%2B-%2Bcover%252C%2Bsmaller.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CD1EoU_PNk/TqGCc0uy5rI/AAAAAAAAAf8/ER8HbzMVOmw/s200/Remembering%2BChristmas%2B-%2Bcover%252C%2Bsmaller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665953237911660210" border="0" /></a>I love reading encouraging reviews from readers, whether sent by email or posted to sites like Amazon or Christianbook.com. But it's a special treat when other published authors take the time to read your book and write about it online.<br /><br />Here are a few excerpts from recent author reviews about my newest novel, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Remembering Christmas</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Dan Walsh has crafted a wonderful, well-paced story of a family in crisis. Remembering Christmas has something for everybody: drama, humor, a painful backstory, love, romance, and redemption...Definitely a book on my list to buy for friends and family this Christmas."</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">--<a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/">Suzanne Woods Fisher</a>, bestselling Amish author<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"In Remembering Christmas, Dan Walsh writes with humor and a fun bit of attitude - and still writes a heartwarming tale. The story delighted me, and one twist completely surprised me. Realistic and lovable characters - even shallow Rick - and the refreshing Florida beach town setting make this a memorable Christmas story. I loved Dan's previous novels, The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters. Remembering Christmas is sure to please his fans and to enthrall new readers as well. I highly recommend this novel."</span><br /></div><br />--<a href="http://www.sarahsundin.com/">Sarah Sundin</a>, award-winning author<br />of WW2 romance novels<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"One of the best things about this novel is the fact that, despite much conflict--a life-threatening health emergency, strained relations between the hero and his stepfather, a tenacious homeless man planted outside the Book Nook, a single mom struggling to make ends meet--the book just makes you feel good...Walsh subtly draws the reader in, avoids predictability, and provides a satisfying, believable ending. I can see this book being enjoyed time and again during the Christmas season."</span><br /></div><br />--<a href="http://trishperry.blogspot.com/">Trish Perry</a>, award-winning author of<br />contemporary and historical fiction<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks Suzanne, Sarah and Trish!<br /></div></div>Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-21355995483542001492011-09-30T08:26:00.004-04:002011-09-30T10:04:52.099-04:00Lessons Learned when, "He makes me lie down..."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W28guasEbAo/ToXK_JnvXxI/AAAAAAAAAfg/OpvZ7EZLCmY/s1600/Sheep%2Blying%2Bdown.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W28guasEbAo/ToXK_JnvXxI/AAAAAAAAAfg/OpvZ7EZLCmY/s200/Sheep%2Blying%2Bdown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658151693124067090" border="0" /></a>I haven't posted to my blog this past month, largely due to being somewhat setback by health concerns. These began during an extremely busy time and have ended with me having to stop and rest completely (not by choice). This kind of thing has happened to me in the past, and it's made me recall a wonderful verse from an oft-quoted passage, Psalm 23.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He makes me lie down</span> in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.</span>"<br /><br />As in the past, the Lord uses such times to show me things in my life I need to see, or hear things I've been unable or unwilling to hear. The most recent trial began with a health crisis my wife experienced over the Labor Day weekend. It lingered for the next 10 days as they put her through a barrage of tests. I was worried sick about her the entire time, but kept an outward posture of calm and care. Thankfully, the tests all came back normal, and the crisis has passed. She does have a health issue we're more aware of now but thankfully, it is not life threatening.<br /><br />But after the storm passed, my blood pressure began to spike dangerously high. I've been taking meds for blood pressure for years, which normally keep it under control. But I was having the hardest time getting my system to calm down, and had to take another medication to help get it under control. It was even happening during my recent trip to the ACFW conference in St. Louis, causing me to miss out on several workshops I planned to attend. It continued to happen once I got home, and I've finally had to go on several days of bed rest to help it stabilize (I'm actually still resting for a few more days).<br /><br />During this trial, I've had lots of time to wait on the Lord, and He's been very kind to show me some things I now clearly see have contributed to my blood pressure problem. It's about the way I think. I've realized I'm not yet in the habit of daily "setting my mind on the Spirit" (Rom 8:6), or even blocking the unhealthy, destructive thoughts of the enemy (the "fiery darts" as Paul calls them in Eph 6:16).<br /><br />I'm already in the habit of having a pretty decent quiet time each morning. But in idle moments of the day, my mind often drifts into thinking about negative "what if" questions about the future and, occasionally, equally negative "if only" reflections of the past. The one breeds worry and fear, the other sadness and regret. These are destructive, unhealthy emotions. They don't lead to the abundant life Jesus died to give me. The Lord has made me realize I must do a better job of putting the "full armor of God" on each day, and then keeping my mind "stayed on Him" throughout the day (Isa 26:3).<br /><br />As I pondered these things in my quiet time this morning, I opened a devotional I often read (and heartily recommend), <span style="font-style: italic;">Jesus Calling</span> by Sarah Young. The entry for today was so timely, it felt almost as if the Lord was speaking it audibly to me. I won't repeat the entire thing here (not sure I can with copyright concerns), but I'll share one part that I found so helpful. Sarah writes as if the Lord were speaking first-person:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83QeQVIqJAA/ToXMXcGK9jI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Lyjji60FSBE/s1600/Jesus%2BCalling.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83QeQVIqJAA/ToXMXcGK9jI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Lyjji60FSBE/s200/Jesus%2BCalling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658153209912030770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don't be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me. Each day is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the </span><span style="font-style: italic;">time line into tomorrow's worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not living it to the full."</span><br /><br />And, I've discovered during this time when the Lord has "made me lie down," failing to grasp this kind offer to let the Lord be our Keeper and Good Shepherd can actually be hazardous to your health.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-31760073002265047792011-09-01T09:55:00.004-04:002011-09-01T10:48:58.496-04:00Some Great Early Reviews for Remembering Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABhqSNVedq8/Tl-QimIzKnI/AAAAAAAAAfU/CJXqw4dm-Og/s1600/Remembering%2BChristmas%2B-%2Bcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABhqSNVedq8/Tl-QimIzKnI/AAAAAAAAAfU/CJXqw4dm-Og/s200/Remembering%2BChristmas%2B-%2Bcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647391381773298290" border="0" /></a>My 4th novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Remembering Christmas</span>, is barely out of the gate, and I've already read four 5-star reviews on Amazon. Definitely off to a good start. Living in Florida, it's a little early for me to "get in a Christmas mood" in September (we're still hitting the mid-90's in the afternoon). But I'm so grateful to those willing to read this book this far out from Christmas. Especially touched by those who've said they think it's a book worth reading year-round.
<br />
<br />Here's a sampling of what they said:
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remembering Christmas would make a good movie -</span> "I would give this book more stars if I could. This is not just a Christmas book but a family love story.It is a beautiful told story of how a family can still come together after years of wrong assumptons, misunderstandings & secrets.It also shows the power of prayer & love...This is a book I will give as gifts & recommend to my family & friends."</span>
<br /><div style="text-align: right;">-- Wilma Metcalf, Tennessee
<br /></div>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">A Heart Stir of a Christmas Story</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">"Another Walsh Christmas book. More historical drama, but this time in 1980. The same compelling need to read through to the end, which is always a satisfying finale with this author...It's a modern prodigal parable with those signature Dan Walsh twists...What begins as a typical cozy Christmas historical fiction romance suddenly takes the typical Walsh author twist surprising the reader. It caught me blindside (I like that!). This Christian author offers a literature ministry--but not preachy. His stories (including all 3 previous books) are a blessing. They are life-like; so believable." </span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: right;">-- Harold Wolf "Doc" - Wells, Indiana
<br /></div>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rich, Satisfying and Full of Hope</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">"This is a great read and not just for the holidays. Though it's a serious look at family relations and growing up long after we become adults, there are many light moments in this book. It's a story of a young man who comes home to help his mother when his stepfather becomes ill, and the pages are full of details from a time not so long ago. A fast pace with well-drawn characters, I was charmed. Walsh helps you to see your family, and even strangers, in a different light. Remembering Christmas is rich, satisfying, and full of hope."</span>
<br /><div style="text-align: right;">-- <a href="http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/">Vannetta Chapman</a>, Amish Fiction author
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Stirring Story Year-Round</span> - "<span style="font-style: italic;">Don't be fooled by the slow development of Dan Walsh's latest novel. The realistic individuals peopling this powerful book work their way into readers' hearts, and they'll soon be caught up in the unfolding drama. Remembering Christmas is a stirring story of love's transforming power, a touching tale for any time of year...Readers will be able to identify with these issues, which mirror modern life in our frenetic world. Remembering Christmas can help us slow down and savor the important things. Enjoy the story and its unexpected twist, but never forget its message."
<br />
<br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;">--<a href="http://maryhake.com/">Mary Ann Hake</a> - Author, Editor,
<br />President of Oregon Christian Writers</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div>
<br />
<br />I gotta say...it doesn't hurt reading things like this. I know as the book gets out there, not all the reviews will read like this. But I'm grateful to God for encouragement like this coming so soon.
<br /></div></div>Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-88159591437402961912011-08-24T06:52:00.008-04:002011-09-09T11:44:52.304-04:00August Updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWNF_P29b1o/TlTZjnHncUI/AAAAAAAAAeU/6NLn8fitMoQ/s1600/Marble%2BCove%2BBooks.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWNF_P29b1o/TlTZjnHncUI/AAAAAAAAAeU/6NLn8fitMoQ/s200/Marble%2BCove%2BBooks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644375438821650754" border="0" /></a>It's been a very active month. I finished the final edits for the Guidepost novel I wrote this year for their new series, <span style="font-style: italic;">Miracles of Marble Cove</span>. Mine is Book 5 and will be called <span style="font-style: italic;">Autumn Light</span>. I'm told it should come out in November. But that's really for those who sign up now (Books 1 & 2 are already being sent out). The way Guideposts has structured the series, the books really do need to be read in order (reads something like a mini-series). So when someone signs up, they start them off with Book 1. Then every 4-6 weeks, mail them the next book in the series. <a href="http://www.shopguideposts.org/miracles-of-marble-cove-series.html">Click here</a> if you'd like to check it out.<br /><br />I'm almost finished with my 6th novel for Revell. The current working title is "If Only In My Dreams." I say, "working title" because titles often change between when I turn the manuscript in and when the book shows up on the shelves. This one is due out this time next year. It's not a Christmas book, per say, although it does take place in the Fall, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are background characters in the story. If you recognize the title, it's the last line in that romantic Christmas classic, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." The book is about a Vietnam vet who's given a chance to reunite with a family he'd thought he lost forever, and a totally unexpected romance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Series With Gary Smalley</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeigST-9Aqc/TlTdGLYefpI/AAAAAAAAAec/TYTaYOdOqeQ/s1600/Dr%2BGary%2BSmalley.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeigST-9Aqc/TlTdGLYefpI/AAAAAAAAAec/TYTaYOdOqeQ/s200/Dr%2BGary%2BSmalley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644379331206479506" border="0" /></a><br />Over the summer, I've been developing the storyline for Book 1 of my new 4-book series with Dr. Gary Smalley, as well as roughing out some ideas for Books 2-4. Cindi and I are getting excited about this. The plan is to send what I have to Gary by the end of this month. Then he'll review it and come up with any additional thoughts and ideas he might have. Then on Sept 20th, we'll fly in to St. Louis, Missouri, rent a car, and drive to Branson where Gary lives with his wife, Norma. We'll spend a few days finalizing our book plans, then Cindi and I will drive back to St. Louis to attend the ACFW conference. There, I'll meet with our editor and go over everything. Hopefully, she'll love it, and I'll return at the end of September to begin writing the first book.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some Great Early Reviews for Remembering Christmas</span><br /><br />My 4th novel, Remembering Christmas, is just about to release in a week or so. We've alr<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yMHW0p2mnQ/TlTgPgOzGOI/AAAAAAAAAek/ZoHG8jvojkc/s1600/Remembering%2BChristmas%2B-%2Bcover%252C%2Bsmaller.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 231px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yMHW0p2mnQ/TlTgPgOzGOI/AAAAAAAAAek/ZoHG8jvojkc/s200/Remembering%2BChristmas%2B-%2Bcover%252C%2Bsmaller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644382789956737250" border="0" /></a>eady received some great reviews. RT Book Reviews, the largest magazine in the country totally devoted to reviewing new novels, gave it a 4.5 Stars/Top Pick rating in the Inspirational Category. This is their highest ranking. The reviewer, Leslie L. McKee said:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;" class="textstyle5">"Walsh crafts the perfect holiday page-turner. Few people ever get the opportunity to know how a seemingly minor act can affect another’s life. With his gift for words, Walsh brings that experience to life, all the while making the reader feel like a dear old friend."</span><br /><br />I have to say, reading that didn't hurt.<br /><br />Then Library Journal magazine weighed in. This publication is read by librarians all across the country. After doing a nice job summarizing the story, they said:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;" class="textstyle5">"...This bittersweet tale of families abandoned and rediscovered </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="textstyle6">should appeal to fans of Richard Paul Evans</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="textstyle5">."</span><br /><br />This is a prized recommendation. Richard Paul Evans has written some of the finest and bestselling Christmas novels of all time, like <span style="font-style: italic;">The Christmas Box</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Christmas List</span>. It would be wonderful if a fraction of his fans discovered my books.<br /><br />It's been a fine summer so far (now...if we can just make it through Sept with no hurricanes).Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-86037527094900982912011-08-03T10:51:00.004-04:002011-08-03T11:25:52.580-04:00Reviewing a Great WW2 Love Story<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-marj9YMV-PU/Tjlm8lHUzPI/AAAAAAAAAeE/M47kQfoTdxM/s1600/Blue%2BSkies.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 261px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-marj9YMV-PU/Tjlm8lHUzPI/AAAAAAAAAeE/M47kQfoTdxM/s200/Blue%2BSkies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636649599571905778" border="0" /></a>My friend and fellow Revell author, Sarah Sundin's newest novel releases this week. It's called <span style="font-style: italic;">Blue Skies Tomorrow</span>, the third and final edition to her Wings of Glory series. If you like great love stories, especially ones set in the 1940's, you won't want to miss this book.<br /><br />Sarah captures the era perfectly. Whether we're talking life on the homefront or battles in the skies over Germany, she doesn't miss a thing. This is true with her other two novels in the series, but especially true with <span style="font-style: italic;">Blue Skies Tomorrow</span>. In one sense, I hesitate to refer to this book as a great love story, because it's much more. As the romance of Lt. Ray Novak and Helen Carlisle simmers and sputters through a series of almost impossible obstacles, Sarah pulls back the curtain on a number of weighty social issues. Taboo topics at the time, such as spousal abuse and racism in the military. But she handles them very well, weaving them seamlessly into the plot.<br /><br />I know guys are often unwilling to read love stories, especially books written by a woman (thankfully women are not the same about similar books written by a man). But guys, I'm telling you...Sarah has written a great action story here, too. I've read dozens of WW2 books over the years. I love this era and know it well. Sarah nails it on the action/suspense front. She had me right there with Ray Novak, at times holding my breath as he sneaks around a secret Nazi airbase at night. Many chapters in this book read like pages from a thriller novel.<br /><br />I don't want to give the ending away. Let's just say, very satisfying. I'm so glad Revell has signed her to write another series set in WW2. Well done, Sarah. Your best work yet! I can easily and eagerly recommend Blue Skies Tomorrow.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sarahsundin.com/">Click here</a> to check out her website and blog.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-37134404816732143872011-07-12T11:40:00.009-04:002011-07-31T16:15:00.868-04:00Revell Signs Gary Smalley and Me to Write 4 Book SeriesThis is probably the biggest book news I've posted on this blog to date.<br /><br />It's a major book deal that's been brewing for several months. So glad I can finally talk about it freely. This is a press release from "Rush To Press," a news publication for the Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association (ECPA). It explains the details.<br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong>Revell Signs Smalley, Walsh for New Fiction Series</strong><br /><span class="style37">Four Book Fiction Series Set to Debut in Spring 2013</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="display: none;"> </span></p><p><em>(Grand Rapids, MI, July 8, 2011)</em> Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has signed Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh for a series of four new fiction books, with the first set to debut in spring 2013. The new novels will follow a family through a series of defining life events, chall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRLc6G_p0MU/Thxt2-pce2I/AAAAAAAAAbk/aUugPNWcfO4/s1600/Dr%2BGary%2BSmalley.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRLc6G_p0MU/Thxt2-pce2I/AAAAAAAAAbk/aUugPNWcfO4/s200/Dr%2BGary%2BSmalley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628494425603472226" border="0" /></a>enges, and triumphs that readers will relate to in their own lives.</p><p>“When I first got involved in fiction, I thought it would be a fun way to try something new as an author,” Smalley said. “But I never dreamed that the Redemption series would be among those most often cited by my fans as having ‘changed their lives.’ That experience taught me how much power exists in story to transform lives and marriages.” Smalley’s Redemption series, co-authored with Karen Kingsbury, has sold over 1.5 million copies. </p><p>Over the Christmas holidays, Smalley and his wife Norma read Walsh’s first two novels and fell in love with his writing, drawn to his strong characters and relationally-driven storylines.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQeZ1lOqyFk/ThxuD453RaI/AAAAAAAAAbs/aNhFp8DJv2A/s1600/Dan%2B-%2BRevell%2527s%2Bpic%2Bfor%2B2010%252C%2Bsmaller.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 216px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQeZ1lOqyFk/ThxuD453RaI/AAAAAAAAAbs/aNhFp8DJv2A/s200/Dan%2B-%2BRevell%2527s%2Bpic%2Bfor%2B2010%252C%2Bsmaller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628494647400023458" border="0" /></a></p><p>“Gary’s sense of relationship and Dan’s ability to write in a way that brings characters and their joys and heartaches alive for the reader makes this a wonderful partnership,” said Jennifer Leep, Editorial Director for Revell. “This partnership really exemplifies the kind of synergy that makes a real impact on the hearts of readers.”</p><p><strong>Gary Smalley </strong>is one of the country's best known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the author and co-author of 16 best-selling, award-winning books along with several popular films and videos. He has<u> </u>spent over 30 years learning, teaching, and counseling. In the last 30 years, Smalley has spoken to over 2 million people in live conferences. Smalley has appeared on national television programs such as <em>Oprah, Larry King Live, Extra, </em>and <em>The Today Show</em>, as well as numerous national radio programs. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Branson, Missouri. They have three children and six grandchildren.</p><p><strong>Dan Walsh </strong>is the award-winning author of <em>The Unfinished Gift</em>, <em>The Homecoming</em>, and <em>The Deepest Waters</em>. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. Dan is a rising star<u> </u>who’s been hailed as a born storyteller with a style similar to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. The rich characterizations and stirring romance in his stories are quickly winning him a loyal fan base. Dan and his wife, Cindi, have been married for 34 years. They have two grown children and two grandchildren and live in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.</p><p><strong>Revell, </strong>a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They have published three recent New York Times bestsellers. </p><strong>Baker Publishing Group</strong> publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Founded in 1939, today Baker Publishing Group is composed of six divisions, each reflecting a unique segment of Christian publishing. These divisions are Bethany House Publishers, Revell, Baker Books, Baker Academic, Chosen Books, and Brazos Press. Baker Publishing Group is also the exclusive publisher of <em>God’s Word</em>® Translation (GW). Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Publishing Group is one of the world's largest publishers of Christian books. For more information, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/">www.bakerpublishinggroup.com</a>.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-73922431747683920512011-07-07T09:10:00.007-04:002011-07-07T13:38:00.472-04:00My First Television InterviewYesterday, we confirmed the dates, so now it's official.<br /><br />Since my first novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Unfinished Gift</span>, released in September 2009, I've done dozens of blog interviews, magazine interviews and even quite a few radio interviews. Now for the first time, I'm being interviewed for TV.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9WZHTBQuwk/ThXsPSORCOI/AAAAAAAAAbU/BY3gyubpfsQ/s1600/It%2527s%2BA%2BNew%2BDay%2Blogo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 97px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9WZHTBQuwk/ThXsPSORCOI/AAAAAAAAAbU/BY3gyubpfsQ/s200/It%2527s%2BA%2BNew%2BDay%2Blogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626663056803170530" border="0" /></a><br />The hosts of a <span style="font-style: italic;">It's A New Day</span>, a 1-hour daily television show in Canada, have asked to tape a series of interviews with me for the upcoming Christmas season. We'll be flying up to Canada to talk about my first novel, which is set during Christmastime in 1943, as well as my next release, <span style="font-style: italic;">Remembering Christmas</span>, which releases on September 1st (the interviews will be taped in mid-October, so this book will be out by then).<br /><br />Another exciting aspect to this is that my wife, Cindi, is coming with me. They may even include her in the interviews (I've mentioned how involved she is, behind-the-scenes, in my writing). Another very cool thing, we'll be taping these interviews just a few days after we celebrate our 35th anniversary.<br /><br />Unfortunately, we don't get <span style="font-style: italic;">It's A New Day in Florida</span> where we live, but their program is available and can be viewed online. Here's a little bit about the television show and its hosts:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Now in our 30th year of television, It's a New Day broadcasts on various stations throughout Canada, via </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZlxQvq33u8/ThXsdQBe-QI/AAAAAAAAAbc/L_og0zxJTMI/s1600/It%2527s%2BA%2BNew%2BDay%2BHosts.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 83px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZlxQvq33u8/ThXsdQBe-QI/AAAAAAAAAbc/L_og0zxJTMI/s200/It%2527s%2BA%2BNew%2BDay%2BHosts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626663296730855682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">satellite in the U.S. and Europe, and is streamed online throughout the world. Featuring leading authors, theologians, pastors, and teachers from Canada, the United States, and other international countries, this one-hour daily program provides solid content in a range of Christian teaching, testimony and music.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Hosts Willard and Betty Thiessen (far left and far right) and Bob and Audrey Meisner (in the center) are excited about communicating the Christian message in an understandable and relevant way. They desire to bring hope and healing to Canadians and connect people to the love of Jesus Christ. </span><br /><br />Needless to say, we are SO excited! To find out more about the program, <a href="http://www.mynewday.tv/">Click Here</a>.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-55277595306368408062011-07-03T17:29:00.003-04:002011-07-03T18:05:44.725-04:00Writing for an Audience of One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbkCIPg1NBY/ThDnnsNmY_I/AAAAAAAAAbM/MS_BEI7u4IU/s1600/Audience%2Bof%2BOne.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 173px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbkCIPg1NBY/ThDnnsNmY_I/AAAAAAAAAbM/MS_BEI7u4IU/s200/Audience%2Bof%2BOne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625250603654865906" border="0" /></a>I'm aware that a number of people who read my blog are writers, some published, some who are not. I share the following hopefully to encourage fellow writers, especially those struggling through a season of discouragement.<br /><br />I’d like to offer a reminder that there is One who sees all we do and all that we write, and this One has a different way of measuring its value. I remember a worship song a few years back titled, "Audience of One.” I loved it immediately because it reminded me of what Jesus said was the first and greatest commandment.<br /><br /><img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared:v20110630.02-0-g82d7c1f:typepad:en_us/js/tinymce/plugins/pagebreak/img/trans.gif" _mce_src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared:v20110630.02-0-g82d7c1f:typepad:en_us/js/tinymce/plugins/pagebreak/img/trans.gif" class="mcePageBreak mceItemNoResize" />“<em>And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?"Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength</em>.” (Mark 12:28-30)<br /><br />The idea here is to also love the Lord our God “with all we write.”<br /><br />I’ve been a published novelist for two years now (under contract for four). I’ve seen a snag in writing that can sometimes trip us up, cause us to lose sight about writing for that “Audience of One.” Once this shift occurs, we can become prone to discouragement. If it goes on long enough, we may be tempted to give up altogether.<br /><br />The snag is our <em>target </em>audience. Unless you’re writing a worship song or a devotional prayer, it’s likely your target audience is people, not God. You may even be writing <em>about </em>God, but not <em>to </em>God. So your mindset as you write is connecting well with people, hopefully having your work reach them in some published format.<br /><br />Over the past week, I attended two Word Weaver groups. The first was my local chapter. At the second I was a guest speaker. If you haven’t heard of Word Weavers, they’re a wonderful group of Christian writers who gather together in various chapters to support each other, primarily in critique groups. Here's a link if you'd like to find out more about them: <a href="http://wordweaversonline.com/" _mce_href="http://wordweaversonline.com/" title="" target="_self">Word Weavers Online</a>. At the beginning of each meeting, they go around the room and share any bit of encouraging news or progress they have made in their writing over the past month.<br /><br />For me, this is often a challenging moment (probably should explain why).<br /><br />Many of the writers I’ve talked with in these groups have two things in common: a) they hope to one day become a published author of a full-length book (fiction or non-fiction), and b) so far that hasn’t happened. Certainly, some attending these groups don’t share that goal, but it seems fair to say the majority do.<br /><p>The things typically shared during this part of the meeting are more often things like an article someone had published in a small magazine or local newspaper, something they had written on someone else’s blog, or perhaps a rejection letter from an agent that offered a ray of hope (vs a standard form letter).<br /><br />After hearing these things, I’m hesitant to share my updates.<br /><br />The reason? For some unexplained reason, God has poured out a great measure of success in my writing life in a fairly short time. In the last two years, I’ve had 3 novels published by a major publisher (Revell). All 3 books have received rave reviews. A 4th novel is coming out in September and a 5th in the spring. This past month, Revell signed me to write 7 more novels over the next three-and-a-half years. Oh, I almost forgot, they emailed me this week because a major Christian television show wants to fly me out to tape a series of interviews.<br /><br />But as I listened to what others shared at these meetings, I was struck by how meaningful and important these “smaller” success stories were, especially when you consider God's perspective. I’ve talked with some of these writers; they have important things to say, and I’m glad others are getting to read their work in these “lesser” formats (meaning less than a full-length book). My desire is to encourage them not to view these other writing opportunities as small or insignificant. It can be an easy snare to fall into, especially if our eyes are locked onto that over-arching goal of getting our dream book published.<br /><br />God doesn’t see or measure things that way.<br /><br />Jesus saw a lone woman at a well. He saw a much-hated tax collector named Zacchaeus sitting alone in a tree. He felt the touch of a single woman in a large crowd, afflicted for years by a terrible disease.<br /><br />He sees you there, writing alone. Every time you write.<br /><br />He sees the people on the other end, who need to read what you’ve written. He is glorified and pleased when others are encouraged and stirred by things you’ve written. Whether that audience is large or small, whether you’ve been paid much or little, or nothing at all.<br /><br />I’m reminded of these encouraging words from Paul: “<em>Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain</em>.” (1 Cor. 15:58)<br /><br />It is not in vain because the One who matters most is always watching and always ready to commend and encourage. Allow your hearts to be refreshed as you write by God’s assessment of things.<br /><br />Reset your gaze and write once again for that Audience of One.</p>Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3786914201120305310.post-58273850189681584902011-06-17T17:50:00.008-04:002011-06-17T18:51:50.027-04:00June UpdatesSorry I've had so few updates lately. Been a very busy month. I've just sent in my final rewrites for my Guidepost book, so I'll take a little breather before I jump back in to my new book for Revell. Here's what's been going on.<br /><br />The BIGGEST thing happened at the beginning of June, my son Isaac got marr<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1J2aW8sCfgc/TfvPJOf5JDI/AAAAAAAAAas/GhFbMShk8_0/s1600/Isaac%2Band%2BSteph%2Bwalking%2Bthru%2Bbubbles.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1J2aW8sCfgc/TfvPJOf5JDI/AAAAAAAAAas/GhFbMShk8_0/s200/Isaac%2Band%2BSteph%2Bwalking%2Bthru%2Bbubbles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619312717492462642" border="0" /></a>ied. We love our new daughter-in-law, Stephanie. She already feels like a part of the family, and she and my wife Cindi are good friends. Isaac and Steph are high school sweethearts and have been going together since they were 16 years old (he just turned 21 last month). He works fulltime as a medical coder for the county's ambulance service and Steph just received her bachelor's degree in May (she's hoping to become a school teacher this Fall).<br /><br />I love this pic someone sent us, looks kind of old-timey. They were just leaving the reception to go on their honeymoon. If you click on it, it gets a little bigger (those are bubbles floating around).<br /><br />Next, we did a little traveling. Had the best time visiting the <span style="font-style: italic;">Christian Ladies Book</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Club</span> in Perry, FL on Thursday, June 9th. Drove all the way across the state to a part of Florida neither my wife or I had ever seen. Pretty area, not far from the famous Suwanee River. Most of the ladies had read all 3 of my books, but we spent the most time discussing my latest <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-8DMTv6yAA/TfvYIo8DS2I/AAAAAAAAAa0/gYfRwD-ReQw/s1600/Dan%2B%2526%2BCindi%2Bin%2BSteinhatchee%252C%2BFL%2B-%2BJun%2B2011.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 128px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-8DMTv6yAA/TfvYIo8DS2I/AAAAAAAAAa0/gYfRwD-ReQw/s200/Dan%2B%2526%2BCindi%2Bin%2BSteinhatchee%252C%2BFL%2B-%2BJun%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619322603014671202" border="0" /></a>novel, <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Deepest Waters</span>. They even asked me to bring all the books I'd used in my research.<br /><br />Talk about Southern hospitality...they put us up for 2 nights on a beautiful house that sits right on the Steinhatchee River. We ate some great food, took some wonderful walks, got a lot of pictures (do not be surprised if this area doesn't show up as a setting in a future book). That's Beverly Parker on the left, who leads the group and her good friend Juliet Horner (Juliet's 13-year-old son came, too; a promising young writer). And the 2nd picture is a view off the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoJx_5yLiRs/TfvY3DfPapI/AAAAAAAAAa8/wvj_h9IAud8/s1600/Dan%2B%2526%2BCindi%2Bin%2BSteinhatchee%252C%2BFL%2B3%2B-%2BJun%2B2011.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 127px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoJx_5yLiRs/TfvY3DfPapI/AAAAAAAAAa8/wvj_h9IAud8/s200/Dan%2B%2526%2BCindi%2Bin%2BSteinhatchee%252C%2BFL%2B3%2B-%2BJun%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619323400415570578" border="0" /></a> deck during my quiet time the morning after (click on them to see a bigger view).<br /><br />There's one more significant thing I'd like to mention. I've already mentioned I just finished my rewrites for my Guidepost book. It's Book #5 in a series called Miracles of Marble Cove. My book should come out around November of this year (called "Morning Glory"). But Book #1 is hot off the press and set to rel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QNUCtwEPdQ/TfvZPN1IiKI/AAAAAAAAAbE/Mg3jAk8YHkU/s1600/Marble%2BCove%2BBooks.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 220px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QNUCtwEPdQ/TfvZPN1IiKI/AAAAAAAAAbE/Mg3jAk8YHkU/s200/Marble%2BCove%2BBooks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619323815508609186" border="0" /></a>ease sometime in early July (that's a few weeks away). You can only get these books through Guideposts website (they come in the mail, one about every 4-6 weeks). If you'd like to check it out, <a href="http://www.shopguideposts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=16903&storeId=15401&productId=1012423&langId=-1">click here</a>. On the website, you can get a preview of the first couple of books, and order book #1 if you'd like.<br /><br />It was a wonderful and somewhat challenging experience writing a novel as part of a team, with each book moving the story further, developing the friendships between the main characters, as well as the unfolding mysterious goings-on at the lighthouse.<br /><br />This coming week, I jump back into my 6th novel for Revell, which I'll be writing throughout the rest of the summer.Dan Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05583973693852379312noreply@blogger.com0