The J.A. Marx giveaway!

Joyce Knab has won the J.A. Marx giveaway!  Thank you to everyone who entered.

Trapped on a mysterious island, eighteen-year-old Riki finds refuge with four strangers. Isaac, the rugged EMT, insists no one else is around, but Riki cannot ignore her fear that someone is stalking her. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to overthrow Darkness, Riki will choose death over returning to captivity.

Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim the chosen one, but he must do so before her introduction to the real world ruins her royal destiny. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island.

The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life…something she has never known.

Destiny Defied on Goodreads

 

Destiny Defied is available at:

 A serial novella written by 9 authors (including J.A. Marx)

Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.

The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt is available on Amazon

J.A. loves writing embattled spirit novels — adventure and suspense with supernatural undertones. On the side, she dabbles in non-fiction articles and e-zine editing. J.A. owes many thanks Jerry Jenkins and the Christian Writer’s Guild for their support and education.

 

We hear you asking, What is . . .

An embattled spirit:

Man is made up of three entwined parts — body, spirit, and soul. They affect each other to depths most of us don’t realize. J.A. want to see herself and others live free and abundant lives. Therefore the blog has two sections: Temple (body and soul) and The Den (scripture based) to encouraging those who believe God saves, heals, and empowers. (Isaiah 61:1)

Education:

• Bachelors of Arts in Arts and Humanities from Colorado State University with a double minor (French, music)
• Craftsman graduate, Christian Writer’s Guild

Ministry:

• Seventeen-plus years co-teaching/coaching pre-marital counseling and helping couples start off with a solid foundation
• A concurrent seventeen years in co-oversight and development of small group ministries in five different churches around the country
• Presently involved in the women’s mentoring ministry at Gateway Church
• Happily married to her college sweetheart
• Blessed with a son and daughter, both grown
• “Nothing brings more satisfaction or personal healing than serving others,” says J.A.

Hobbies:

• Fitness and nutrition
• Playing games
• Dancing the Argentine Tango.

Travel:

Write Integrity Press My publisher.

Christian Writer’s Guild (CWG) “The Christian Writers Guild exists to educate, train, and support writers who desire to promote a biblically based, Christian worldview.”  Beginning to advanced courses. Mentors. Conferences. Networking. Word Weavers groups. FICTION AND NON-FICTION.

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) “A professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction.” Every writer needs to network. Conferences. Critique groups. FICTION ONLY

Gateway Church My church family with a shared heart: to see people saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered and serving.

Love 146 The abolition of child sex slavery and exploitation. This association helps restore survivors with excellence. (I support their war against trafficking).

Nature’s Sunshine  (After much research, this is my source for quality health supplements) “Committed to promoting health and vitality around the world. Provides life-changing products that deliver essential nutrients; shares insights into how to live healthy. Tips on how to improve your health for an active, healthful future.”

USA Triathlon (I do a couple of biathlons per year) Their mission: to encourage, support and enhance the multisport experience in the United States.

NewLife One of the most trusted resources for Christian Counseling.

Personal growth for the Embattled Spirit:

The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind by Bill Johnson. Foundational reading. Don’t miss this one. Also available on Amazon.

Think Differently Live Differently, by Bob Hamp. If you want a kick-start to your healing ministry, ask this man to speak at your church. He has a heart of gold and amazing insight.

The God I Never Knew, by Robert Morris. How real friendship with the Holy Spirit can change your life. (This book will answer most if not all of your questions on the subject.)

Dr. Caroline Leaf. Brain science is just discovering what St. Paul taught about “transforming your mind.” Dr. Leaf researches the human brain extensively and studies thoughts, dreams…etc. And she explains complicated science on a mortal level.

Warfare:

The Invisible War, by Chip Ingram. Sound, balanced biblical teaching. I listen to Chip’s teachings on iPod during workouts www.LOTE.org

Waking the Dead, by John Eldredge. “Understand how to live from the heart and care for your heart like the treasures of the kingdom. Give from fullness instead of emptiness. Learn how living from the heart can energize you to love God and others in a way they’ve never experienced, revealing to them life’s purpose: fighting for the hearts of others.” This statement helps depict the Embattled Spirit

Strength Finders  is another good tool.

For Authors:

Stein on Writing, by Sol Stein. This is a must read. Have your highlighter handy.

Writing the Breakout Novel, by D. Maas. I also recommend the accompanying Workbook. I use this book to develop each of my main characters.

The Moral Premise, by Stanley D. Williams. Get to the heart of your novel.

The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White. Yes, Virginia, grammar rules are necessary.

The Art of War for Writers, by James Scott Bell. Another good place to find writing resources.

Two Sides of Love, by Smalley and Trent. Your characters need personalities and different personalities interact differently. Though not a writing resource per se, this book offers simplified information that’s easy to work with. And it’s a simple, fun read that will benefit your relationships as well. (There are other sources on personalities, but they are often complicated.)