Friend and novelist Eric Wilson, signed with Thomas Nelson, launches a new supernatural thriller trilogy this fall -- JERUSALEM'S UNDEAD, the first vampire series from a major Christian publishing house. To see a video trailer -- and a special message from the author about his heart for ministry, click here and scroll down to "Trailer: JERUSALEM'S UNDEAD."

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The winner of the April drawing at our WELL READ NEWSLETTER is Inessa from Denver, Colorado. Inessa wins a four-pack of Nero Wolfe mysteries (congratulations, Inessa!).

Our drawings in MAY:

May 5: You could win a pair of brand-new cozy mystery titles from my publisher, Heartsong Presents: Mysteries ...
* Death on a Deadline, by Christine Lynxwiler, Jan Reynolds, and Sandy Gaskin
* Everybody Loved Roger Harden, by Cecil Murphey
Watch for our blog entry at ShoutLife.com/ChrisWell on Monday, Apr 28.

May 23: Over at our WELL READ NEWSLETTER, you have another chance to win a pair of books from Heartsong Presents: Mysteries ...
* Murder in the Milk Case: A Trish Cunningham Mystery, by Candice Miller Speare
* In The Dead of Winter: An Ivy Towers Mystery, by Nancy Mehl
Sign up for our free WELL READ NEWSLETTER by May 19 and watch for your chance to enter.

Two drawings every month!

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Who wants FREE BOOKS???

Our official WELL READ NEWSLETTER is starting a monthly drawing for free books by mystery authors -- ranging from the classics to brand-new mysteries.

Our APRIL prize:
A four-pack of Rex Stout classics, starring Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin
Black Orchids
Homicide Trinity
Three Witnesses
Trouble in Triplicate

Our MAY prize:
A pair of titles from the brand-new cozy mystery imprint Heartsong Presents: Mysteries
Death on a Deadline, by Christine Lynxwiler, Jan Reynolds, and Sandy Gaskin
Everybody Loved Roger Harden, by Cecil Murphey

Sign up for FREE today!

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As of today, here are the twenty most popular entries at Learning Curve:

01) MONK on NBC April 6
02) Who wants FREE BOOKS???
03) How to write a cozy mystery
04) TV on DVD updates
05) Q&A CRESTON MAPES (Nobody)

06) The new guy at Heartsong Mysteries ...
07) Q&A: CECIL MURPHEY (Everybody Loved Roger Harden)
08) Mystery Links (15 Mar 08)
09) Mystery TV Themes: THE EQUALIZER
10) ADRIAN MONK: The face of OCD

11) THE GREAT DEBATE: MARVEL OR DC?
12) ARE YOU MONKISH?
13) Mystery TV Themes: PETER GUNN
14) GEEK ALERT: ULTRAMAN '66
15) Mystery TV Themes: JUDD, FOR THE DEFENSE

16) Mystery TV Themes: ALIAS
17) Mystery TV Themes: THE ROCKFORD FILES
18) Mystery TV Themes: STARSKY & HUTCH
19) Mystery TV Themes: HARDY BOYS / NANCY DREW
20) Mystery TV Themes: DRAGNET

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It's official: I'm now signed with Barbour's brand-new cozy mystery imprint, Heartsong Presents -- Mysteries.
Check out the details here.

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My wife and I just launched our new husband-wife sleuth series, BOOKE CASES MUSIC CITY MYSTERIES. If you want a FREE copy of the world-premiere short story, "Don't Fall For That Trick," download the pdf here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Well_Read/. Enjoy! (Offer ends FRIDAY.)

Chris Well

StudioWell.com
chriswellnovelist.blogspot.com

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(This was sent out yesterday to subscribers to my newsletter. If
you want the short story, sign up for free and download it there.)

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well." -- Matthew 6:19

WELL READ: The Official Newsletter of Novelist Chris Well
#4 SPECIAL EDITION Feb 08
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Well_Read/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IN THIS ISSUE
1. WELCOME!
2. WHAT'S NEW!
3. MYSTERY TV THEMES!
4. YOUR FREE GIFT!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
1. WELCOME!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Normally, we try to only send these newsletters two or three
times a year. But we send this special edition because we have
a VALENTINE'S DAY present for YOU! (Details below.)

You should only be receiving this if you are a member of the
Yahoo! Group. If you can't remember why you signed up for this,
unsubscribe here: http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2. WHAT'S NEW!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
So much can happen in just a few weeks - right after we sent
out our newsletter in January, the company where I worked went
through a massive reorganization and I found myself among
several employees suddenly out on the street.

Erica and I appreciate your prayers. As much as I would love
to say this is me now becoming a full-time novelist (and if
that works out, I won't complain), the statistics make it
impractical for me to *expect* that. So I am looking for
work -- but also developing several new pitches for novels.

With all the changes, you can now find me online at these
new and/or updated locales:

OFFICIAL SITE
http://studiowell.com/

BLOG
http://chriswellnovelist.blogspot.com/

SHOUTLIFE
http://shoutlife.com/chriswell

MYSPACE
http://www.myspace.com/chriswellnovelist

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
3. MYSTERY TV THEMES!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We have also moved our weekly salute to the classic themes
of detective/mystery TV series back to its original home.

Recent adds:
THE MOD SQUAD
THE LONE RANGER
PERRY MASON

Find the whole list at:
http://chriswellnovelist.blogspot.com/search/label/themes
http://www.squidoo.com/chriswell

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
4. YOUR FREE GIFT!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As our special VALENTINE'S DAY present to YOU, we have a
brand-new, unpublished, world-premiere short story!
"Don't Fall For That Trick" is the very first mystery in
Erica's and my new husband-and-wife sleuth series
BOOKE CASES: MUSIC CITY MYSTERIES(tm).

Since you are our special friends, you get this sneak
peek before anybody else!

How this will work:

1) We'll upload the story to the message board for
a limited time.

2) After it is uploaded, you'll receive an announcement
from Yahoo! Groups.

3) You can download the pdf file and read it at your leisure.
Print it out, or read it on your computer.

4) Enjoy! (Actually, this last step is optional.
But we really do hope you like it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, I think that covers it for this time. Thanks for your
friendship. Have a wonderful day - God bless!

-Chris

Chris Well
http://studiowell.com/
http://chriswellnovelist.blogspot.com/
http://shoutlife.com/chriswell

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Author Cecilia Dowdy is holding a drawing on her blog for several books -- including my novel Tribulation House (Harvest House). CLICK HERE and sign up for your chance to win!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT TRIBULATION HOUSE

"Well has taken his craft even higher with his latest book." -- New Man Magazine (Editor's Pick)

"Will leave readers in stitches." -- Publishers Weekly

"Filled with humor, the plot provides a great deal of food for thought while keeping the reader captivated." -- RT Book Reviews (Four Stars)

"Chris Well displays the deft skill of a juggler setting in motion humor, compelling drama, while raising questions about the role of the Christian and church. Tribulation House not only entertains, it provokes reflection and pokes the reader right in the soul." -- Alton Gansky (author, Zero-G, Angel)

"Hilarious ... I highly recommend it!" -- Colleen Coble (author, Midnight Sea, Abomination)

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At Learning Curve, we've been featuring the authors of the new Christian cozy mystery imprint Heartsong Presents -- Mysteries! Click on the links below for our Q&As. (Plus details on how you can get FREE books.)


Q&A: SUSAN PAGE DAVIS (Homicide at Blue Heron Lake)
Q&A: LISA HARRIS (Recipe For Murder)

"What is a Cozy Mystery?"
Meet the authors of HPMysteries
Sign up for FREE books at Heartsong Mysteries! Book Club


SIGN UP FOR THE FREE WELL READ NEWSLETTER AND GET A FREE MYSTERY STORY FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

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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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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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The last week in January, blockbuster author John Grisham hits shelves with his first legal thriller in three years, The Appeal:

In a crowded courtroom in Mississippi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town’s water supply, causing the worst “cancer cluster” in history. The company appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, whose nine justices will one day either approve the verdict or reverse it. Who are the nine? How will they vote? Can one be replaced before the case is ultimately decided? The chemical company is owned by a Wall Street predator named Carl Trudeau, and Mr. Trudeau is convinced the Court is not friendly enough. With judicial elections looming, he decides to try to purchase himself a seat on the Court. The cost is a few million dollars, a drop in the bucket for a billionaire like Mr. Trudeau. Through an intricate web of conspiracy and deceit, his political operatives recruit a young, unsuspecting candidate. They finance him, manipulate him, market him, and mold him into a potential Supreme Court justice. Their Supreme Court justice ...

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Novelist Colleen Coble (Abomination) is interviewed at ChristianMusicPlanet.com. The award-winning romanctic suspense author shares how she got her big break, explains the prep that goes into her riveting stories, and offers advice to aspiring writers. Read it now!

Colleen Coble on myCCM

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A couple of links:

Robert Liparulo talks to International Thriller Writers "The Big Thrill" about his new novel, Deadfall (Thomas Nelson).
Matt Bronleewe talks to Novel Journey about his debut thriller, Illuminated (Thomas Nelson).

Robert Liparulo on myCCM
Matt Bronleewe on myCCM

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Industry newsletter CBA Retailers + Resources broke the news that Barbour Publishing has signed some big fiction exclusives, including a nine-book-deal with myCCM member Mary Connealy. Connealy has nine books scheduled to hit shelves over the next three years, beginning with Calico Canyon in August 2008. Her next book on her current contract, Of Mice…and Murder, releases early 2008.

Meanwhile, Barbour has also signed exclusive contracts with five more novelists, including bestselling author Wanda Brunstetter, M. L. Tyndall, Christine Lynxwiler, Kelly Eileen Hake, and new author Marcia Gruver. Altogether, the six authors will publish more than 30 books over the next few years.

Mary Connealy on myCCM

More authors on myCCM:
Susan Meissner
Robert Elmer
Karen Kingsbury
Brandt Dodson
Creston Mapes
Sta Akra Thriller Writers
Robert Liparulo
Eric Wilson
TL Hines
Ted Dekker
Rachel Hauck
Tricia Goyer
Christy Barritt
Ben Avery
Amy Wallace
Colleen Coble
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Marlo Schalesky
Christine Schaub
The Dreamland Chronicles
Christa Banister
In Memory of Jane Orcutt (1960-2007)

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An update on the previously mentioned graphic novel adaptations of Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy:

CIRCLE MEDIA, LLC TO RELEASE 3 TED DEKKER GRAPHIC NOVELS
November Release Will Be First of Its Kind in CBA & ABA Markets
 
Circle Media, LLC announced the upcoming release of three full-length graphic novels, based on the Circle Trilogy by New York Times best-selling author Ted Dekker. Black, Red and White will be published simultaneously by Circle Media, LLC and distributed nationwide in early November by Thomas Nelson. Each book will contain 136-pages of original art, and will carry a suggested retail price of $14.99.
 
A Story Like No Other
The Circle Trilogy tells the epic story of Thomas Hunter, a man that stands between the annihilation of two worlds separated only by his dreams. By day’s end, three million people will be carriers of the deadliest virus in history.  There is no vaccine. There is no anti-virus. Thomas is the world’s only hope, and he’s already been killed today.  Twice.
 
“From page one, the Trilogy is a wild ride,” said author Ted Dekker. “I’m very pleased with how the graphic novels breathe life into the story in a new way.  Fans of the original books will not be disappointed, and those who are seeing the story for the first time will become fans.”

The First of Its Kind
Adding to the anticipation is the fact that the Circle Trilogy graphic novels will break new ground in both the CBA and ABA markets. “Never before has a story of this scope been released like this.  Three full length graphic novels that tell one story, released at the same time,” adds Kevin Kaiser, Circle Media’s Editor in Chief.  “It’s a one of a kind event.”    
 
To learn more about the Circle Trilogy graphic novels, or to read a sample of the first book, Black, visit thecircletrilogy.com.

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Re-presenting a classic blog entry from 2005:

* * *

"I want to rock the world / I'm keepin' it real/ Keepin' it simple-simple-yeah." -- "Rock the World," Dum Dog Run

-

As CCM Magazine readers know, I write a monthly column, "Chris Well's [INSERT ADJECTIVE HERE] CCM List-O-Rama." (Yes, the adjective changes every issue.) Anyway, for January, we featured a list of five novelists who had some sort of Christian music connection. Well, given the space available to us here on the Web, here is a special extra-length version of that column ...

Chris Well's CCM List-O-Rama: ELEVEN-Sized Online Edition: LOOK AT ME! BUY MY BOOK! 11 Proofs of the Secret Connection Between Christian Music and Novelists

1/ Chris Well -- I write this column. I wrote a book. You do the math. Forgiving Solomon Long (Harvest House Publishers), which hit shelves this month, is a crime thriller populated with thugs who argue about Broadway musicals and '70s sitcoms, a mob boss who pulls a King Lear, a germophobic hit man and a detective more worried about getting the bad guys than in saving his own marriage. Oh, and one of the characters listens to the band P.O.D.

2/ Stephen Lawhead -- Fans of big, thougthful, heroic, Celtic, historical and fantastical literature know this man well. Although his early fantasy and SF novels were on smaller Christian imprints, his Pendragon books and Song of Albion trilogy made such an impression on readers that a big secular publisher snapped his contract up and had his books shelved where they belonged, in general market stores, between the likes of Robert Jordan and Michael Moorcock.

His presence on this list is for three reasons: a) Back in the old days, for a time he was manager of pioneering Christian rock band DeGarmo & Key; b) his Song of Albion trilogy was soundtracked by the brilliant musical team of Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning; c) and Mr. Lawhead and his son, Ross, participated in the recent musical/multi-media extravaganza !Hero. The Lawheads adapted the original story for the comic book series, and also wrote a couple of original !Hero novels set in that universe.

3/ Sigmund Brouwer -- Husband of artist/songwriter Cindy Morgan, Sigmund Brouwer is one of the real workhorses in Christian publishing, with science fiction, thrillers, mysteries, westerns, historical fiction, sports adventures, supernatural adventures and children's books to his credit. His latest smash success, The Last Disciple (Tyndale House), a collaboration with famed "Bible Answer Man" Hank Haneegraff, is a thriller set during the first-century Church. Find out more about the novel at Decipher the Code.

4/ Tim McGraw and Michael Morris -- This team-up of a country superstar and novelist resulted in the novella, Live Like You Were Dying, (WestBow Press), based on the CMA Song of the Year. Following the lyrics of the song, lead character Nathan Bishop's outlook on life drastically changes when a suspicious spot is discovered on his lungs.

5/Denise Hildreth -- Wife of recording artist Jonathan Pierce, Denise Hildreth was a successful songwriter before she wrote her first novel, Savannah from Savanna (Westbow Press), the story of one woman's attempts to make a place for herself in the charming town of Savannah, Georgia. The next book in the series will be released in 2005.

... (More)

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Marcher Lord Press is a new publisher with an eye on becoming "the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction." The imprint, launching its first titles October 2008,  will specialize in Christian fantasy, science fiction, time travel, supernatural thrillers, and "other genres that lie off the edge of the map."

More at the official website, marcherlordpress.com. TitleTrakk has an interview with the imprint's Jeff Gerke here.

TitleTrakk on myCCM

Click here for more fans of fiction on myCCM