Like you, I can’t wait until the next Gavin book comes out! Gavin is learning all sorts of new things about the armor that God has given him. I would be interested in hearing what you have to say about the armor of God.
As for when the book will be ready, I can only say that Gavin has a big adventure to sort through. After he does that, we’ll all know when the book will be published. Please keep us in your prayers as we uncover Burnt Swamp’s secrets.
I had the most wonderful visit with two sixth grade classes at Eagles Nest Christian School on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Both classes were awesome, with questions coming from all corners. And, although I gave each student a personalized “Gavin Fan Club” packet with certificate, map, membership card, and dog tag, they wanted me to sign everything from blank sheets of paper to the palms of their hands and arms to sneakers. The only request I refused was to write my name on their forehead. A warm and enthusiastic thanks to Jessica Hague for inviting me to visit with her students.
6th grade students at Eagles Nest Christian School
This year, I was only able to attend a half day at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference instead of the full three days, but what a power-packed time it was! Nancy Rue and thehe Writeen Crue (writing mentors who have been helping with Gavin since the beginning) had a big table together for lunch, and the workshop on marketing that Diane Cook and I presented together was energized and interactive. One of the conferees, Debi Davies, is a national educational consultant for Christian schools, so that was a real God-connection for Gavin.
Mari Helms, of Tea and Traditions, Atlanta, GA, is featuring a blog interview about Gavin this week. I hope you’ll find it informative . . . if you post a comment, you may even win a free book! Visit http://teaandtraditions.blogspot.com/.
“What a thrill to meet you,” I said in my opening remarks to the 6th and 7th grade students at Eagles Nest Christian Academy on Friday, June 5. “You’re the very ones I wrote this book for.” There are few things more satisfying to me as an author than having the opportunity to meet face-to-face and establish a relationship with young readers. The students’ questions were insightful, and they gave me an opportunity to share some tidbits and background that very few people know about Gavin Goodfellow. While I visited with students in four classes, we only captured photos with two of them because the bell rang before we had a chance to snap a shot with the other two classes. But their enthusiasm will stay with me a long time. A hearty thanks to Jessica Hague, the Language Arts teacher, for arranging the visit, and to Lucy Dutton for opening the doors to “Gavin” at Eagles Nest.
Did you know that the author and publisher of Gavin Goodfellow are the same person? It’s true. Candy Abbott and Fruitbearer Publishing are interchangeable. I recently wrote this article on self-publishing for a writer’s blog, and it occurred to me that you may find it interesting to learn how my writing/publishing career unfolded:
In 1983, recently filled with the Holy Spirit and learning to hear God’s voice, I settled into my morning devotions. It was like any other day until a piercing thought rocked my world. “You will write a book, and it will bless many.” I could hardly bring myself to record the sentence in my journal. When I did, the call brought with it numerous questions. “Who, me? Write a book? What would I write about? Who would want to read it? Where would I start?” One by one, the answers came. “Write about your spiritual journey; write it like a letter to your friends and family; write your experiences as they happen. I will bring helpers alongside as you progress.”
Only time would prove if this really came from God, but I believed, so I began writing. Soon, I had 300 pages which were rejected by kind publishers who wrote long letters with suggestions for improvement. Thus began my study of the craft of writing. Marlene Bagnull, founder of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers’ Conference, took me under her wing.
Ten years from the initial call, unable to make headway with royalty publishers, I obtained a copy of Dan Poynter’s book, The Self-Publishing Manual, which guided me step-by-step. Equipped with the skills to do it myself, I contacted a local printer and soon had a book in my hand. My non-fiction book, FRUITBEARER: What Can I Do For YOU, Lord? is now in its third printing.
In 1998, the Lord nudged me to help other beginning writers. My husband caught the vision, and we established Fruitbearer Publishing to offer self-publishing services to “budding authors.” We now have a whole team of editors.
In 2001, almost comfortable in my writing/publishing role, our grandson came with the first Harry Potter book. One-third of the way through, I had a fleeting thought. Somebody needs to write a Christian book that’s just this much fun to read. Immediately, three words: “You do it.” “But Lord,” I argued. “I don’t know how to write fiction. I don’t know how to write for kids. I don’t even like fantasy . . .” The Lord reminded me that I was already doing a lot of things I didn’t know how to do because I had been obedient. And so began another learning curve which resulted in Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp, book one of The Burnt Swamp Trilogy, which I independently published after two years of near-success with an agent.
Back in 1993, when I entered the self-publishing arena, royalty editors looked down their noses at the “poor child” who may someday get a “real publisher.” If you’re interested in how self-publishing is viewed today, visit Rachelle Gardner’s blog, http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/search/label/Self-publishing.
The bottom line is obedience, whether traditional publishing, self-publishing, or sharing your manuscript at arms’ reach. When God calls you to write, let it resonate within you until it becomes so loud that all other naysayers’ voices pale in comparison.
PRESS RELEASE
May 29, 2008
GOODFELLOW BOOSTS MORALE IN IRAQ
Photo Caption (left to right): Aaron Block, Heath Folmsbee, Dave Raines, and Daniel Suh show their support of Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp while stationed in Iraq.
GEORGETOWN, Del. – Ellendale native Sgt. Heath Folmsbee and his buddies at C Company 3-116th Infantry found Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp a good read during their tour in Iraq.
“(Gavin’s) story teaches important life lessons about common adolescent struggles of faith, trust, humility, identity, and integrity,” he says. “Its characters are vivid and lively and the setting description follows suit. This story is an excellent read and a ‘must-have’ for any children’s library.”Folmsbee, a former member of the Virginia National Guard, emailed Gavin’s author, Candy Abbott, that a number of the men in his unit read the book. “I thoroughly enjoyed your book, and so did many others,” he writes. “Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers! Abbott says the Christian fantasy’s popularity in the unit was gratifying. “When Heath’s mom told me that Gavin was being enthusiastically passed around the unit, I was elated. While the book targets young adults, we wanted its compelling story to appeal to older readers, as well. Heath and his friends’ response affirm that.”
Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp, which was released May 1, 2007, is a spiritual fantasy centered on a 12-year-old boy who is on the edge of discovering his spirituality. The Burnt Swamp episode is the first of three books which chronicles Gavin’s adolescent journey, a time when the choices he makes will not only affect his destiny but also the future of his hometown and beyond. The book is in its second printing. Visit www.GavinGoodfellow.com for more information.
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Although we’re still filling book orders and things are hopping with Gavin, I’ll be spending the next week or more concentrating on my husband who goes into the hospital tomorrow morning for a double bypass and valve replacement. Fortunately, we caught it before there was any heart damage, so we’re very optimistic. We’d appreciate your prayers.
Since Lent is such a “special” time of year for soul-searching and because Gavin offers so many opportunities for readers to dig deeper, Fruitbearer Publishing is offering a “Lenten/Easter Special.” When you order online (click on the “Buy Stuff” tab), enter Discount Code “Lent” to receive 20% off every item you place in your cart. Put Gavin Goodfellow in somebody’s Easter basket this year! This offer is good through Sunday, March 23. Spread the word!
There was a great article by David Hochman in last month’s Reader’s Digest about Denzel Washington’s devotion to family and faith. What does this have to do with Gavin? Well, Denzel asked RD to gather ideas from the readers on what he should give his wife for their 25th anniversary. My husband Drew thought Denzel’s connection with the Boys & Girls Club would be a great springboard to introduce him to Gavin, so we brainstormed and submitted the following. Of course, it’s a long shot, but we covet your prayers just the same; we can never tell what unorthodox paths the Lord has chosen for Gavin to walk:
If you’re looking for a novel idea for your anniversary that has lasting, faith-building value, consider this: You could sponsor a “Denzel and Paula Pearson Washington Special Edition” print run of a novel for distribution to Boys and Girls Clubs with a forward that you write together. The book we have in mind is a Christian fantasy, Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp, which was released in Oct. 2007 and is currently being used by the Merit Program as required reading at the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club in Seaford, DE. With biblical values woven throughout the book, Christian schools are also having success with it in the classroom. The story is about 12-year-old dyslexic Gavin who encounters Christ while battling witchcraft in Burnt Swamp where the fires have been burning for ten years. Not only is the protagonist “a little guy up against the big guys” but so is the book itself which is published by a small press owned by the author and her husband. Regardless of whether or not you pursue the idea of a “Denzel and Paula Pearson Washington Special Edition” of Gavin, Fruitbearer Publishing would be pleased to send you a complimentary, numbered, first edition hardback, autographed to Pauletta dated June 25, 2008, in honor of your 25th anniversary. For more information visit www.GavinGoodfellow.com; contact Candy Abbott at fruitbearer.publishing@verizon.net.
Check out the discussion we have going on “Ask Candy . . .” and “Ask Uncle Warney . . .” Better yet, chime in and post a question or comment!
In 2003, Nancy Rue offered a mentoring clinic for beginners who were serious about writing young adult fiction. I submitted an application and was among eight accepted into the weekend retreat. Since then, the group has grown to eleven members from seven states (DE, IL, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and TN) who have bonded into a critique group that prays for and nurtures one another throughout the year. Last weekend the “Writeen Crue” had their best-ever semi-annual retreat. Brenda and Ron Ulman hosted the Crue at their lovely home in Gambrills, MD, the Crue’s fifth time there, and one of the highlights was Pam Halter’s “Dwarf Feast” on Saturday night, featuring “red meat off the bone” (grilled ribs) and Cornish hens which she insisted we eat with our fingers to stay in character (she’s writing a series about fairies and dwarfs and other fantasy creatures). 
My husband Drew snapped this picture as the weekend came to a close. That’s me (Candy) on the left and Nancy Rue on the right. She’s planning to post this picture on her website to promote Gavin. Hey, there’s an idea for anybody who has a website . . . let’s take lots of pictures and put our smiling faces and Gavin Goodfellow all over the place!
Visit “Ask Candy” and check out the great discussion we have going with the 8th grade students at Epworth Christian School. Feel free to chime in and let us know which character you think is best developed and why.
Although I still have a good supply of Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp on hand at home, the warehouse is almost empty, so the first reprint of book one is underway! Bookstores may still have a small supply in stock, but if you know of anyone who is looking for Gavin and can’t find him, please refer them to “Fennemore’s Dollar Store” on this web site. I’ll be delighted to fill the order pronto!
Book two, Gavin Goodfellow: The Gathering at Burnt Swamp, is well underway! I thought you might enjoy periodic reports on how things are going. My current goal is to have two chapters done by Wednesday to send to my mentoring group, the Writeen Crue, in advance of our retreat in Maryland, Jan. 18-20. I’m up to page 16 on my goal of 20 pages . . . but I’m such a slow writer. One of these days I hope to be able to “free write” and let the creative process flow (I guess it’s the “secretary” in me that insists on editing as I write). But it seems I am tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s nudges.
A neat thing happened with my husband, Drew, this morning as I was trying to think up a hand signal Bea Daark could use to get her coven to repeat after her, “Be still my heart.” I was telling him that I didn’t know if it should be a fist, open palm, etc., or how I should describe it. He tried placing his hand in a few positions and we decided we might run into trouble if the method we chose means something in sign language. I no sooner got back to my computer to research hand signals on the Internet when he came into my office all excited. He had picked up the newspaper and his eyes fell on the words in an article that said, “hand over heart.” I think the Lord was confirming I’m on the right track but not to complicate it. So I’m going with a simpIe “hand over her heart.” It’s fun to see hubby and God chiming in together to lead me down the right path.
Hi! This is the author, Candy Abbott. If you have any trivia questions about the book or want to know more about me or my writing, fire away! It will be great to get some discussion going.
Greetings, young saints . . . or maybe you’re somebody who feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. This is your friend, Dexter. It would be my honor to help in any way I can, especially if you’re interested in finding Scriptures that are relevant to your questions or concerns. So, what do you say? Let’s get acquainted. I’m here for you.
