Wait Until They Actually Call Your Name: Lessons in Surviving Award Ceremonies

For one moment, I couldn't breathe.

Two, actually.

At the Oregon Christian Writer's Conference last week, after dinner Wednesday night, the Cascade Awards were given for published and unpublished works. What a tremendous boost to writers, to be acknowledged for the time, effort, and heart that goes into our work. 

My latest novel, The Memoir of Johnny Devine, was a finalist in the Historical Fiction Category, rubbing shoulders with Peter Leavell's West for the Black Hills and Sins of the Mother by Caryl McAdoo. The winner is announced with the first line of the book (or piece) followed by the title and the author. 

When the "Historical Fiction" category came up, I held my breath. For the life of me, I couldn't remember the first line of Johnny's story. 

Then I heard this...

"After all the women I've known and all the illusions of romance I've helped create on stage and film, you'd think I was Hollywood's leading expert on love. In fact, many people not only believed this, but banked on it." 

I think I stumbled to the stage before my name was actually read---awkward. (I never really know what to do in most important situations, so I'm really lucky if I actually do what I'm supposed to.) 

What an honor for Johnny to win this award, and what an honor to be included with such fine authors!

Back at my table, my husband and my publishing team (Ashberry Lane's Christina Tarabochia and Sherrie Ashcraft) were beaming and quietly congratulating me as the award program continued. I confess I was in a fog and didn't catch the winners in other categories I'd hoped to hear. 

Then the ceremony turned to the two special awards OCW gives each year. Prolific author and generous mentor Melanie Dobson was awarded the Trailblazer award and everyone cheered.

As the next award was presented, a hush settled across the room. Marilyn Rhoads began to describe the author receiving the 2016 Writer of Promise award. The bio sounded strangely familiar. As Marilyn went on, I heard muffled sobs beside me. Christina and Sherrie were crying--Sherrie audibly. Traci, my super cool conference roommate at the next table, was grinning at me with tears in her eyes. As more of Marilyn's description of this author and her work became clear, my lungs stopped working. (The best thing to do in a situation like that is to actually breathe in AND out so you don't pass out in front of 300 people, and to think of something to say--asap.)

When Marilyn said, "and her book, The Memoir of Johnny Devine is this year's Historical Fiction Cascade Award winner--" the room exploded in cheers and applause. 

Marilyn was looking my way, so I of course rose and climbed onto the stage, quaking from the thundering energy in the room. 

It wasn't until I reached Marilyn that we all realized she hadn't actually SAID MY NAME yet. Awkward, again, but funny this time--I hope.

As best as I can remember, I thanked the organization, the mentors, and the writing community that I've been blessed to know as a result of being part of OCW. I realized later that I neglected to thank the One whose promise is steadfast and true, and whose gifts and abilities are treasures to be used with confidence and for His glory. 

So to Christ, I give my deepest thanks and my renewed commitment to write as he leads and to surrender the work of my hands to his purposes. May he be glorified in each word I write.

And may I remember to breathe. 

Goodreads Christian Fiction Devourers July Book Club Pick!

If you're a member of Goodreads Christian Fiction Devourers, 
join the Book of the Month Discussion!

2.99 eBook Sale & Author Panel/Booksigning

2.99 e-Book Sale!

Like a Love Song and The Memoir of Johnny Devine are finalists in the OCW Cascade Writing contest! To celebrate, all 3 of my novels will be available for 2.99 for a limited time. Get yours now! And be sure to spread the word!

 Happy Reading!
~Camille

• AMAZON
• BARNES & NOBLE
• iTUNES
• SMASHWORDS
• KOBO

Book-signing & Author Panel - June 25

If you're in the Corvallis, OR area on June 25, we (Leslie Gould, Rebecca DeMarino, Karen Barnett and I) would love to see you! Drop by to chat, hear about the road to publishing from 4 inspirational authors, get a book signed, or browse the bookstore. Open house from 10:00am until 4:00pm, with author panel beginning at 1:00pm

Willamette Valley Christian Supply
916 NW Kings Blvd
Corvallis, OR 97330

Hope to see you there!
~Camille

Goodreads Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Laura Luzzi of NJ for winning a copy of Like There's No Tomorrow!

A big Thank You to the 640 who entered the giveaway. Watch for another one coming soon!

Goodreads Giveaway: Like There's No Tomorrow

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Like There's No Tomorrow

by Camille Eide

Giveaway ends May 22, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

WHAT IF LOVING MEANS LETTING GO?

Scottish widower Ian MacLean is plagued by a mischievous grannie, bitter regrets, and an ache 

for something he'll never have again. His only hope for freedom is to bring his grannie's sister 

home from America. But first, he'll have to convince her young companion, Emily Chapman, 

to let the woman go. Emily devotes herself to foster youth and her beloved Aunt Grace. Caring for others quiets a secret fear she keeps close to her heart. But when Ian appears, wanting to whisk Grace off to Scotland, everything Emily holds dear--including her heart--is at risk.

"Like There’s No Tomorrow is so much more than a love story. I would almost say that the romance is only a small part in the overall story, but that’s not exactly true either. The romance becomes the backdrop onto which Camille Eide paints a beautiful landscape of truth and hope and most especially courage. Bottom Line: Camille Eide has a way with characters. They get into your heart and set up camp, and you are all the better for having spent time with them. She also has a great talent for creating a scene that appears one way at face value but in fact can be immensely symbolic as well. Like There’s No Tomorrow will linger with me for many reasons – the characters, the setting, the romance. But especially the message of courage – of living life in spite of your fears – and of cherishing each day as though it’s all we’re to be given."  -Carrie Schmidt, Reading Is My Superpower

Enter to win a free copy of this tender, faith-inspiring love story today! 

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply put: Breathtaking.

The Wood's Edge is full of heart, passion, fresh faith, and fascinating history. I didn't realize when I finally reached for this book on my list of must-reads that the sequel (A Flight of Arrows) was about to release. Perfect timing, as the saga of Anna, William, Two Hawks, Lydia, Good Voice, Major Aubrey and all the others continues to its conclusion. You can definitely enjoy this story alone, but if you're at all impatient, you have better have the second book on hand when you finish The Wood’s Edge.

The first thing I noticed about this book (beside the fact that I was gripped HARD from page one) was that I didn't "notice" the writing. And that's good. I had read at least 60 pages before I realized that I hadn't stumbled over writing issues or flaws, which can be a distraction. It's full of delightful turns of phrase and evocative description. Reaching, meeting, or living at the "edge" of things seems to be a motif in this story. Lori Benton is not only a masterful storyteller, but a master word artist, which makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable read.

Yes, I just downloaded A Flight of Arrows, book 2 in the series, so you won't be seeing me for a while...

~Camille

Find them both at Amazon.

Top Ten Tuesday 5-Star Christian Fiction Favorites

Wow! I woke to find all THREE of my novels featured on blogs as Top Ten Tuesday recent 5-Star favorite reads. Beckie at By The Book lists The Memoir of Johnny Devine along with 9 spectacular titles to add to your reading list.

Carrie at Reading is My Superpower listed not one but TWO of my books on her 5-Star must read shelf today. Check out the other titles and be sure to add them to your "Want To Read" shelf at Goodreads (very helpful to authors!).

Here's what Superpower/Carrie said about these titles:

“Like a Love Song went straight for my heart. The characters, their histories, their futures, the setting, the plot.  All of it spoke to me on a level that went beyond the romance and aimed steadfastly toward Jesus.  Joe and Sue’s love story was, of course, a highlight of the book for me – it was cute, sweet, and even breath-stealing on occasion. But in all honesty, it paled in comparison to this truth that Camille Eide framed so gorgeously:  God’s love never fails.”

“Camille Eide has a way with characters.  They get into your heart and set up camp, and you are all the better for having spent time with them.  She also has a great talent for creating a scene that appears one way at face value but in fact can be immensely symbolic as well. Like There’s No Tomorrow will linger with me for many reasons – the characters, the setting, the romance.  But especially the message of courage – of living life in spite of your fears – and of cherishing each day as though it’s all we’re to be given. If you love to become emotionally invested in the books you read, I highly suggest you try one by Camille Eide!”

I love book bloggers. :) 

-Camille

The Memoir of Johnny Devine Wins 2015 BEST INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE!

Thank you, RT Book Reviews! What a tremendous honor! Congratulations to all the winners, including my fellow inspy authors.

~Camille

What 3 Book Tours in 40 Days Taught Me

When book bloggers review a book, they do NOT mess around.

I've met some wonderful, intuitive reader/reviewers in the past several weeks. Of course I'm honored and humbled by their glowing praise of Like There's No Tomorrow, Like a Love Song, and The Memoir of Johnny Devine, but I'm also highly impressed at the gifts of insight and articulation these women possess. I wish I could write book reviews half so well!

Carrie - a.k.a. Reading Is My Superpower - has a gift for not only thoroughly enjoying a good love story, but also mining the depths of it for things that, quite frankly, few people find. It is a particular delight to me and author friends when something we've so carefully woven into a story--by the inspiration and guidance of God's Spirit--is not only found, but leaves a lasting impression or impact. 

Yes, Carrie, God's Story is THE story, and our stories, whether we write fiction or live and breathe out our guts-and-glory story of real life, stem like tender shoots from the Vine, from the Master's own story. 

May the One who inspires true love continue to redeem, refresh, renew, repair, restore, and inspire us all to receive and re-gift the Love that never fails.

Since I absolutely can't help myself, here are a couple of snippets of Carrie's wonderful review of Like a Love Song:

"...I love books that point me to THE Story, to the Author of my days, to the ultimate Romance. This is why I adore reading books by Camille Eide. Because along with a great love story, readers are shown a reflection of THE great love story...

...Sue is guarded and perpetually stressed but her heart is in the right place. It just needs some TLC. The kids at the ranch, just like any group of kids that age, some were easier to like than others. But see, I’ve known kids like them – in the foster system, abandoned by everyone who should have been protecting them, rejected one too many times. My heart ached and swelled and broke – and healed again – in turns.

And Joe… It took me longer than I care to admit to realize that Joe and his convoluted ex-adoptive family were a sort-of picture, if you will, of another convoluted family – this one hailing all the way back to the Biblical book of Genesis. But once I discovered it (and after I squealed in allegory-loving delight), I was reminded of how much depth there is beneath Camille Eide’s books.  In fact, they really need to be read more than once because there is priceless gold to mine that surpasses what can first be seen on the surface... 

The beauty of this story – the tender victory of every story on earth – is that God specializes in binding up heart-wounds. He is the Father to the fatherless. He places the lonely in families – even unconventional ones. He sets people free who have been imprisoned by the trauma of their past and gives them joy. (Psalm 68:5-6)"

Please click HERE to read the rest of this lovely review AND to enter the final hours of the giveaway for a free copy of the book, but hurry! 

More Like a Love Song reviews:

• Wishful Endings
• The Power of Words
• Smiling Book Reviews

PS: I am deeply grateful to Singing Librarian Books and Sydney Anderson's mad skills in putting together these amazing Book Tours. I highly recommend her services to authors interested in launching a book tour.

Like A Love Song Giveaway & Tour

Do you enjoy inspirational fiction, love stories, and heart-tugging family drama? Have you read Like a Love Song? If not, here's your chance to enter for a chance to win a copy of the book, plus find some new titles to add to your reading list. 

Follow the links to 8 blogs highlighting the book this week (March 7 - 12). Check out reviews, Q&A with the author (moi), leave a comment if you like, and/or enter the drawing. 

March 7  - Katie's Clean Book Collection

March 8  - Wishful Endings

March 9  - The Power of Word

- Singing Librarian Books

March 10 - Smiling Book Reviews

March 11 - Deal Sharing Aunt

March 12 - Reading Is My SuperPower

About the book:

When she finally surrenders her heart, will it be too late?
Susan Quinn, a social worker turned surrogate mom to foster teens, fights to save the group home she’s worked hard to build. But now, she faces a dwindling staff, foreclosure, and old heartaches that won't stay buried. Her only hope lies with the last person she’d ever turn to—a brawny handyman with a guitar, a questionable past, and a God he keeps calling Father.

Like a Love Song (RT Book Reviews 4.5 star-Top Pick) is a romantic drama about desperate woman, a generous handyman, some cast-off kids, and the courage to hope in a Love that never fails.

Hope Lights the Way, a Short Love Story

Hope Lights the Way

by Camille Eide

When I clocked on to work, my newest regular was already waiting at his usual booth. Mark was hard to miss—tall, athletic build, neatly trimmed auburn hair. And strong hands. I’d noticed them the first time I served him---including the gold band on his left hand, which told me everything I needed to know.

Well, almost everything.

Because there was something about Mark. Something familiar I couldn’t quite place, even after serving him breakfast a half dozen times.

Approaching Mark’s booth, I heard his voice, then saw a young girl in a purple dress studying her menu beside him.

“So, is it breakfast for two?”

“Yep,” the girl said. “It’s my Daddy day.”

Mark looked up from his menu with a polite smile. “Hello, Lily.” His tailored suit and deep red tie struck a stunning contrast to his usual jeans and work jacket. “This is my daughter, Ava.”

“Nice to meet you, Ava. What a lucky girl, having your daddy all to yourself.”

“Yep. We can do anything I want today. Right?”

He nodded. “To the best of my abilities, princess.”

Ava beamed.

I filled his coffee mug, then turned to Ava. “And something to drink for your highness? Juice? Hot cocoa?”

“I’ll have coffee.” Her fingers covered a giggle.

With a nearly straight face, Mark said, “She’ll have cocoa.”

Ava’s lower lip sagged. “You said whatever I want.”

“I reserve the right to exercise a royal override,” Mark said. “Only when your best interests require it.” He turned to me. “Whipped cream and sprinkles?”

“Absolutely.”

After I posted their order, I made my rounds. When I returned to Mark’s booth, he was telling Ava all the things he loved about her. A mixed wave of appreciation and sadness washed over me. What a priceless gift!

I refilled Mark’s coffee. “So, Ava, you must be about six?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Wow—how’d you guess?” Mark asked.

“My daughter is six.” I smiled at Ava. “You’re a very lucky girl. My daughter would love to have a daddy to spend special time with.”

“What’s her name?” Ava asked.

“Katie.”

Ava slurped her whipped cream, then turned to Mark. “Daddy, can Katie come to the pumpkin patch with us tomorrow?”

Oops. Poor Mark. He’d have to pull out the “royal override” again. I decided to spare him. “Ava, that’s really sweet, but—”

“Katie is welcome to join us,” Mark said. “And you too, of course.”

Great. Using my child to finagle an invite to another family’s outing was a first. “That’s really nice of you, but—”

“Please?” Ava’s pleading look, complete with whipped cream-mustache, was hard to resist.

Katie would have a blast and could really use a new friend. “Well,” I searched Mark for signs of reluctance. “Only if you’re sure your wife won’t mind a couple tagalongs....”

Mark’s gaze fell to his mug.

Blowing on her cocoa, Ava shook her head. “Mommy’s in heaven. She won’t mind.”

I stared at Mark’s wedding band, pulse racing. As if sensing my scrutiny, he twisted his ring a few times. Slowly, he raised his dark eyes to mine, revealing an awkward discomfort I understood.

And then I knew why he seemed so familiar.

A quiet ache trailed him like a shadow. Like a lingering whisper reminding you someone is gone, but not gone.

I touched my left ring finger. The groove had almost vanished. Almost.

“It’s okay, Mark,” I said softly. “I wore my ring for two years after Evan died.”

Something sparked in his eyes, like a light in the distance after a long, dark journey. He studied me. “Does it ever go away? The ache?”

His words nudged the tender, healing wound I’d kept carefully guarded. “In time, it fades. But never completely. I think...you just learn to live with it.”

His eyes never left mine. “So you can go on. Find normal again.”

I smiled gently. “A new normal.”

“Do you feel...anchored again?”

So you feel that too. “I’m working on it.”

“My strawberry pancakes!” Ava pointed to the galley.

I served their food and then left them to enjoy their special day. In a silent prayer, I thanked God for the chance to offer what little encouragement I could.

As I neared their table again, Mark stood and stopped me. “Lily? Ava and I would be very honored if you and Katie would accompany us to the pumpkin patch tomorrow.”

How could I resist? “We’d love to. But it’s really muddy there. You’ll probably want to wear something less...formal.” I winked at Ava. “I guess your daddy will just have to escort an undercover princess.”

“You mean three princesses,” Mark said.

“Right, three.” I chuckled lightly to mask my singing heart. “Lucky you. Too bad nobody will know we’re royalty.”

“That’s okay.” He hoisted Ava in one arm and smiled. “I’ll know.”

Like There's No Tomorrow, a Review from Reading Is My Super Power

Art Credit: Carrie Schmidt

This recent review of Like There's No Tomorrow by Carrie Schmidt at Reading Is My Super Power is not only gratifying to me as an author, it helps me nail down and name what kind of books I write. Leave it to a book lover to do that. ;) Carrie is so good at "mining the gold" in a story. I sure appreciate her thoughts and analysis.

Here are a few snippets of her review:

My Rating: 5 / Fantastic!

"In short, I fell in love. With the book. With the characters. With the settings.  And especially with the message of letting go – of fear, bitterness, and burdens we were never meant to carry."

On the precocious Maggie and Grace:

"These two elderly Scottish sisters were a handful! ... Between Grace’s precious confusion and Maggie’s rebellious determination to steal the keys and drive off into the sunset, there was never a dull moment on the page!"

On our hero:

"And now for Ian. Oh girls! You will LOVE Ian! That is, as long as you go for the brooding, tender, passionate guys with a sense of humor. Who also happen to be SCOTTISH. ...The thing I appreciated most about Ian is the change that goes on within his heart. Camille Eide does an exquisite job of capturing his completely-reasonable anger as well as the gradual healing that takes place over the course of the story. And watching that man fall in love was truly a pleasure."

So was writing it. :) I'm so pleased to hear that his anger and heart transformation comes across realistically, like it might feel for you or I. That's my aim in writing fiction.

"Like There’s No Tomorrow is so much more than a love story. I would almost say that the romance is only a small part in the overall story, but that’s not exactly true either.  The romance becomes the backdrop onto which Camille Eide paints a beautiful landscape of truth and hope and most especially courage."

That's it! I believe Carrie has answered the question I have long been trying to answer: exactly what genre is this stuff I write? On what shelf does it belong? Is it Romance? Not entirely. Is it inspirational, issue-driven Women's Fiction? Not solely. 

Is a blend of gripping romance and equally gripping spiritual themes acceptable?

I hope so. 

"Camille Eide has a way with characters. They get into your heart and set up camp, and you are all the better for having spent time with them. She also has a great talent for creating a scene that appears one way at face value but in fact can be immensely symbolic as well. Like There’s No Tomorrow will linger with me for many reasons – the characters, the setting, the romance.  But especially the message of courage – of living life in spite of your fears – and of cherishing each day as though it’s all we’re to be given."

Thank you, Carrie, for your time and thoughtful review. 

Friends, do yourself a favor and read Carrie's book reviews and have pencil and paper ready to add to your reading list. Happy Reading!

~Camille

Straight to The Heart of Like There's No Tomorrow with Carole Jarvis

I'm so thrilled to hear such an amazing review! I've always loved Ian & Emily's story. What wonderful insights from Carole Jarvis:

"Like There’s No Tomorrow is an incredibly moving story about relationships, love, and living every day to the fullest with Christ. Camille has a gift for telling stories with rich characterization, stories about real people dealing with real situations – and her stories never fail to touch my heart. You won’t find action and spellbinding suspense, only engaging characters and expressive storytelling. And you won’t have to wonder whether this is Christian fiction or not, for the spiritual element is strong and gives much to reflect upon. This is the second book that I’ve read by Camille and she is fast becoming one of my very favorite writers.

To put it in the simplest of terms, I did not want Like There’s No Tomorrow to end. I was totally wrapped up in the realistically-flawed characters of Ian and Emily, and the elderly sisters, Grace and Maggie, tugged at my heartstrings. Both settings – Oregon and Scotland – were so vividly described that I could see myself there.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given is to judge a man by how he treats his mother – or in this case, his grandmother. While Ian was often frustrated and a little self-centered at first, he only showed kindness and caring toward Maggie. I’m not sure what it is about the Scottish, but there’s something very appealing about Ian. As we get to know him, we discover that he is consumed with a long buried, blinding hatred – but oh, what a beautiful spiritual and emotional journey he makes! And Emily…I could feel her fear and heartbreak over the genetic disease she carried and just wanted to reach out and hug her! The romance between Ian and Emily is so tender, sweet and emotional. I loved this expressive quote from Emily: “All she knew was Ian loved her, and the thought of that felt like a drink of pure, cool water after a long, dusty drought.”

For me, the strength of Like There’s No Tomorrow is the way invaluable Christian gems are woven throughout this beautiful story, such as the true gift that family is, a belief in the goodness of God no matter what happens, and a surrender to God’s guidance instead of what seems best to us. But most touching is a child of God coming home . . . Ian “whispered an apology for his years of wayward indifference, and as he did, something snapped – something cold and heavy and binding – and a warm peace engulfed him.” 

Like There’s No Tomorrow is an exceptional story. Highly recommended."

Thank you again, Carole, for another insightful review. I loved writing Ian and Emily's story, and have to admit that Maggie and Grace are still my favorite characters (not counting Jasmine, who you will meet in my 2nd book, Like a Love Song). LTNT was my first full length novel, my first foray into novel writing, so it will always have a special place in my heart. I appreciate the way you've pinpointed the spiritual truths. They're truths I think we will all want reminded of from time to time, myself included.

Friends: be sure to enter the giveaway!

Just Commonly: Like There's No Tomorrow

Just Commonly: Like There's No Tomorrow:



Check out this brief, insightful review and enter for a chance to win Like There's No Tomorrow.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine Book Blog Tour & Giveaway

The Memoir of Johnny Devine Book Tour

Hosted by Singing Librarian Books

February 8 – 13

Each day, one of these book blogs will feature a different review of the book,

plus Singing Librarian Books is offering a chance to enter a giveaway for a free copy.

February 8 – By The Book

February 9 — Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Anna Weaver Hurtt, Inspirational Author
February 10 — The Power of Words | Mel’s Shelves
February 11 — Katie’s Clean Book Collection
February 12 — Singing Librarian Books | Wishful Endings
February 13 — The Artist Librarian | Red Headed Book Lad

 February 8 Review: By The Book

"5-stars is what I give The Memoir of Johnny Devine! I suppose this book could be termed an historical romance, but it is definitely so much more. With glimpses into the life of old Hollywood, a 1950s setting full of the unease of the McCarthy investigations, a woman living with disappointment and betrayal and an unlikely messenger of hope, Camille Eide has written a thought-provoking and touching novel I can Highly Recommend.

Retired film star Johnny Devine is writing his memoir. Instead of a tell-all from the notorious playboy of Hollywood, John wants to impart a message of hope to his readers. Eliza Saunderson, disillusioned and alone is hired to help whip the manuscript into a coherent whole. The two form an unlikely partnership and perhaps a second chance at a new life…" (to read the rest [CLICK HERE])

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of THIS PAGE and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a free copy of The Memoir of Johnny Devine. Be sure to check out these fine book blogs while you're visiting the tour. Then watch for book tours for Like There's No Tomorrow and Like a Love Song to follow.

Also.....
Stay tuned for big news about Johnny Devine coming soon... so if you have not signed up for Camille's book newsletter, now's the time to SUBSCRIBE.

Quote a Line from JOHNNY DEVINE & Enter to Win a Book

If you’ve read (or are reading) The Memoir of Johnny Devine, 

you can enter a drawing for a FREE BOOK! Just share a favorite line (or short excerpt) 

from The Memoir of Johnny Devine via comment HERE for a chance to win 

a book by Camille Eide (any title) or an Amazon book ($15 gift card), your choice. 

Multiple entries allowed. Ends 1-27-16 at 11:59 ET.

Thanks for sharing & helping to spread the word!