Sitting down with Carol Jones, author of "Dare to Dream"

We are pleased to have Carol Jones here with us today. Ms. Jones is the author of Dare to Dream, published by Living Waters Publishing Company.

1. Ms. Jones, tell us a bit about yourself and why you became a writer.

Hi Kim, I'm a single mother of three sons-Jasmyn, Ryan and Langdon. Ryan was killed March 17, 2007. I have two grandchildren and am currently employed as a flight attendant. One day on my way home from work-when I was in one of my praise and worship modes-it came into my spirit to write a book. With encouragement from my sisters-I said yes God and sit down at the computer one day and begin to type. At a later time God spoke into my spirit-you should always be prepared to write because "you are a writer." The book project begin in June 2005 and was completed in November 2007.

2. What was your inspiration behind Dare to Dream?

Dare to Dream has definitely been a faith walk-being I knew absolutely nothing about writing a book. As a child I often dreamed because God gave the ability to each one of us to dream, but many are caught up and lost in how to make their dreams come true. Those people are the silent dreamers who don't dream out loud-only in secrecy. Through the word of God and in building a relationship with Him-not only is He bringing all my dreams into fruition-He goes a step further to tell me He will give me new dreams with new meanings,as He takes me into a new journey from glory to glory. God has made me fearsome and I am no longer afraid to dream and believe they will all come true through the knowledge of the word of God. He is no respecter of persons and what He has done for me, He will do for others as well.

3. When will your book hit bookstores?

July 29, 2008

4. Are there any other books on the horizon?

Yes, I am writing two books at this time. One is about the life and death of my son-Ryan. The other one is what God is inspiring me to write-another testimonial.

5. How does your family feel about you being a published author?

They feel it is great and they are very proud of me and what God is doing in my life. My two sons are very proud of me and my accomplishments. There was some doubt I would finish Dare to Dream after the death of my Ryan, but my sons encouraged me to write on a daily basis as well as others.

6. Has writing a book made a difference in your life?

Yes it has. In writing this book and through the word of God- I have also found purpose in Him-that I am a true writer fulfilloing one of the purposes He has for me in this lifetime.

7. Please share anything else you'd like the readers to know about you.

I am a child of God and I have come to truly realize this journey is not about me-it's all about Him-my Lord, God and Savior.

A Chance to Win More Than 27 Books

After the recent storms in Arkansas, and the loss suffered by Lacresha Hayes and her church family, Joyce Anthony decided to collect books from various authors and sell chances to win it at $1 each, with all the funds going to Lacresha Hayes and her church family. Please see the list of books below and the link to send your money to for the opportunity to win these books:


1. It Had to Be Us by Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

2. Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick by Betty Jo Tucker http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

3. Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

4. Death By Candlelight by Billie A. Williams http://www.billiewilliams.com/

5. Knapsack Secrets by Billie A. Williams http://www.billiewilliams.com/

6. Storm by Joyce A. Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com

7. Conduct Unbecoming by Nina M.Osier http://www.geocities.com/nina_osier/

8. Redemption by Judith Rochelle http://www.judithrochelle.com/

9. Shepherd’s Pie by J. D. Webb http://www.jdwebb.com/

10. Heal and Forgive: Forgiveness in the Face of Abuse by Nancy Richards www.healandforgive.net

11. Cherry Blossoms in Twilight: Memories of a Japanese Girl by Yaeko Sugama Weldon and Linda E. Austin http://www.moonbridgebooks.com/

12. I Romanced the Stone by Marvin D. Wilson http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/

13. Different Roads by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1

14. True Blue Forever by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1

15. Gentle Journey by Elaine Lyons Bach http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=39176

16. Angel’s Dance by Lynn C. Johnston http://www.lynncjohnston.com/

17. Bank Roll: A Max Stryker Mystery by Janet Elaine Smith http://www.janetelainesmith.com/

18. Dakota Printer by Janet Elaine Smith http://www.janetelainesmith.com/

19. The Rape of Innocence by Lacresha Hayes www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=22774&AuthorID=73926, http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com

20. Becoming by Lacresha Hayes www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=22774&AuthorID=73926, http://lacreshahayesfanclub.weebly.com

21. The Feeling Soul: A Roadmap to Healing and Living by Mark Linden O’Meara http://www.healingresources.org/

22. Crazy Thoughts of an Online Romance by Epstein LaRue http://www.epsteinlarue.com/

23. Arpetta Honor by Annette Snyder http://annettesnyder.atspace.com/

24. The Kahills of Willow Walk by S. K. Hamilton http://www.skhamilton.com/

25. Beyond Dancing by Anita Bloom Ornoff http://beyonddancing.tripod.com/

26. One Frog Sang by Shirley Parenteau http://www.shirleyparenteau.com/

27. Curley and Q and Me, Too Baby Album by Marcia Trimble illustrated by Kim Spanaugle http://www.clearblogs.com/kimsponaugle

One lucky winner will get a box that includes all the books on this list!!! In addition, there will be numerous additional drawings for a copy of one of the books, so the chances of winning a prize are numerous.

To enter the drawing, you can do one of two things:
a. Go to http://paypal.com and buy as many chances as you wish, using the email address : lacresha.hayes@gmail.com. Every one dollar donation gets you one entry in the drawing.

or

b. Contact Joyce Anthony at rainbow@velocity.net and I will send you information on where you can send a check or money order for your chances.

The drawing will be held on July 1, 2008 and winners will be notified by email by July 5, 2008.

Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyer

I just finished reading Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyer for the second time. This book is the epitome of empowerment for women and men. If you get the chance to read anything this month, make it Managing Your Emotions.

280 pages, 5th printing, Copyright 1997, ISBN 1577940261, Harrison House Publishers

Joyce Meyer reveals powerful truths from God's Word that will help you learn to manage all of your emotions in the right direction. She challenges readers not to allow their feelings to determine their destiny, but manage them for a joyful, victorious life.