Last Christmas, we had planned to give an exclusive world-premiere mystery story to subscribers at our free WELL READ NEWSLETTER. Well, due to a variety of circumstances, that free story will now be a Valentine's present in February. We are still fine-tuning it even now (as described at length here and here). When it's done, this world-premiere, unpublished tale introduces a new mystery series that my wife and I hope we'll be writing for years to come. (It's exciting to finally introduce this to our friends.)

What this means to you: It's not too late to sign up so you can get the story, too. Sign up today!

Related links:
Three drafts, four drafts, five ...
Ten drafts, eleven drafts, twelve ...

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This month sees the launch of Heartsong Mysteries! Book Club, a new series from Christian publisher Barbour. The line features lighthearted, cozy, "whodunit" mysteries with "daring amateur sleuths, charming characters, challenging twists and turns, suspenseful story lines, hearth-warming romances, and sustaining faith." Subscribers receive four FREE mysteries just for trying out the club.

The deal:

30-DAY PREVIEW—If you accept the trial membership, you will receive four FREE mysteries, plus your first four mystery club selections to read for 30 days.
COST—If you enjoy the books, pay your $13.99 invoice. You'll then receive four new mysteries every six weeks for the same low price of $13.99.
COMMITMENT—There is no commitment! If you decide the club is not for you, simply return the first four mystery selections within 30 days and KEEP the four FREE books as a thank-you from us for trying the club.
SHIPPING—Shipping and handling is always FREE!
GUARANTEE—There are no obligations or commitments. You can cancel anytime. Just return the first four book club selections and you'll owe nothing. No questions asked!

More info and a preview at HeartsongMysteries.com

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Vote NOW in the 2008 CMP FAN AWARDS!


Don't miss your turn to be heard in Christian Music Planet's CMP FAN AWARDS! Share your favorite Christian artists, favorite authors, and favorite movies of 2007!
Vote HERE! Deadline: January 31!

The all-new ChristianMusicPlanet.com meets the needs of the core Christian media consumer, with coverage of contemporary Christian music, adult contemporary, gospel, inspirational country, praise & worship, and related styles. The site also spotlights the latest Christian fiction, plus features on Christian lifestyle, finances, and more.

EDITOR'S NOTE: One vote per computer. If the survey takes you immediately to the CMP homepage and doesn't let you vote, someone probably already voted on your computer. (Try another computer to cast your vote.) Democracy works!!!

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An all-new extended cut of Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line hits shelves March 25. The 2-disc DVD includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes, and more.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Cash and wife June Carter, Walk The Line garnered multiple awards, including Witherspoon's Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress, and three Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, and Best Performance by an Actor and Actress. The soundtrack, featuring performances by the cast-themselves, won a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.

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In the race to replace DVDs, Warner Bros Entertainment is the latest studio to abandon Toshiba's HD-DVD format and go exclusive with Sony's Blu-Ray.

Links:
HD DVD knocked black and Blu (Stuff.co.nz)
What to Watch: Blu-Ray or HD-DVD? (NPR)

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Eugene, Ore. -- With millions of LOST fans anticipating Season Four's unveiling on ABC Jan. 31, authors John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs believe many Christians can benefit from a closer investigation of the show, as outlined in their new book What Can Be Found in LOST? (Harvest House).

"Lost is filled with spiritual themes, quotes, and symbolism," says Burroughs. "Devoted fans are intrigued by each episode’s meanings behind concepts like Eko's Jesus stick, Sayid's Muslim practices, or Desmond's background as a failed monk. Through an exploration of these and other life issues, we can discover some of the larger questions people are asking about God and human nature. Our book wrestles with these questions and attempts to provide helpful answers from the sacred truths communicated through God’s Word."

Ankerberg and Burroughs (both LOST enthusiasts) take a fascinating look at the issues of faith that regularly confront the castaways, including: The existence of God; miracles; the nature of good and evil; the afterlife; redemption; and destiny.

... (More)

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Gospel playwright Tyler Perry (Madea's Family Reunion) is appearing in this fall's Star Trek film. News site TrekMovie.com says Perry, who portrays the head of Starfleet Academy, has already shot his scenes. Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams ("Alias"), hits theaters Christmas Day 2008.

Related links:
TYLER PERRY box set coming Dec. 4
STARTREK.COM: Star Trek XI

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Hitting shelves in March is Christ The Lord: Road To Cana (Knopf), the second volume in Anne Rice's series about the life of Jesus. The novel begins during His last winter before His baptism in the Jordan and concludes with the miracle at the wedding in Cana.

From the publisher's description: "As with Out of Egypt, the opening novel, The Road to Cana is based on the Gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship. The book’s power derives from the profound feeling its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the presence of Jesus."

In August, Good News Holdings scrapped plans for a film based on the first novel, Christ The Lord: Out of Egypt.

Related links:
Out of Egypt Scrapped (Christianity Today Movies)
Conversation With Anne Rice (Learning Curve)

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