There must be stormsCan you imagine living in an area where it never rains? No storm clouds ever blot out the sun? Each dawn perfect. You could plan your picnic not concerned about the weather.  No, mud no fuss. Children could play outside with no worry about lighting. No windstorms. Nothing to trouble you or your family.Everything would be great…for a while. Soon flowers and other plants would begin dying. Sources of water would diminish and then dry up. Instead of life being ideal, it would become a struggle to survive.The landscape would become a desert where no human could live on a permanent basis.Some years ago an individual in the publishing industry stated she didn’t like the fact that someone was murdered in one of my books. Yet in each Christian’s life, there are storms. Times of conflict, strife and problems. It is how we deal with these tribulations that defines us as believers.So a novel must have conflicts. These struggles may be as minor as a person’s everyday life or as immense as the death of a loved one or a person’s own life in jeopardy.
We all have problems. Financial difficulties, conflict with our spouse, differences with our supervisor or coworkers. It is how we deal with these problems which will enrich or destroy our life.  A life without challenges would be boring. In the same manner, a novel with no tribulations would be uninteresting. It is we handle these conflicts is that makes the story.   Thus, the story becomes interesting to the author and the reader. Yes in each life and novel storms must come.       

                                                                      River of Fire 
                                                                       Grab a copy 

5.0 out of 5 stars it was absolutely wonderful. It is the story of a school teacher ... July 7, 2014

By Ann Ferri

Format:Kindle Edition

I just finished reading River of Fire, it was absolutely wonderful. It is the story of a school teacher and a preacher and it has everything people look for in a book. Mystery, lies, love, heartbreak and murder. I will be rereading this book and hoping for a sequel. If you are looking for a good christian fiction book River of Fire is it, you won't be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of Darrell Case's books. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review, as a matter of fact I just bought the kindle version. Yes it was that good!

Creating believable villains

We have all seen movies where the villain is unbelievable. Perhaps its poor acting ability. Or possibly the writer didn’t convey it correctly on the script. Sometimes it is the fault of the other actors. Maybe the director was inexperienced. Whatever the problem is the film is destroyed and the audience disappointed. Also the actors, director and the movie company receives a bad reputation.

As writers, we have a responsibility to our readers to make every character realistic. Therefore we must ask ourselves what makes him or her a bad person? How did they become this way. They didn’t come out of the womb as a villain. What kind of childhood did they have? Was there something in their upbringing that changed their life? Where they the bully or the bullied?

Do they have any redeeming qualities? Are they kind to children and animals? Are they married and have a loving family? Are their friends and neighbors shocked when their secret life is exposed?

If we as writers are able to create lifelike characters, we must ask ourselves these questions.

This kind of writing is not easy. It takes extra effort and time. It is, however, rewarding for us and our readers.

                       Miracle at Coffeeville receives 5 star review

Is it too late?

Is it too late?

We have a tenancy to believe when a person reaches a certain age they are useless. They are no longer productive. Consequently in their field of expertise they should retire and let a younger person take their place.

Yet in the field of creativity, many have not reached their peak until older age. A good example is Frank McCourt, who passed in 2009. Frank didn’t publish his first book until he was 66 years old. After Angela’s Ashes, he went on to win the Pulitzer, National Book Critics Circle Award, and L.A. Times Book Award. “You might be poor, your shoes might be broken, but your mind is a palace.” 
 

Can we imagine a world without Little House on the Prairie Yet Laura Ingalls Wilder was 64 when she put pen to paper. The result was Little House In The Big Woods. Her books are still in print and among some of best sellers in children’s books and been translated into forty languages. “The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” 
 

Bram Stoker was 50 years old when he wrote Dracula. He went on to write seven more novels before his death at age of 64.

Mary Wesley didn’t publish her first novel until she was in her seventies. By the time of her death at 90 her books sells were in the millions.

“Looking back, I understand that I was teaching myself to write”.

I began my writing career in 1994. In the early days, I wrote a few magazine articles and devotions for a daily devotional.  It was not until 2010 at age 65 I published my first book Live Life to the Fullest.

This year my seventh book is to be published and I will pass my seventieth birthday. Deadly Justice is a thriller in this novel an active serial killer is elected as president of the Untied States. Is this the end? Has my creativity come to an end? I think not. Later this year God willing I will start my eighth. I plan to write until The Lord takes me home.

 

   

5.0 out of 5 stars A Blessing of Christmas Size Portions!, November 29, 2014

By 

AudOneinAK (Noel's) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miracle at Coffeeville: And other legends of Christmas (Paperback)

A blessing of Christmas Size Portions!
When Darrell asked if I would read and review this, his newest book. I told him I would even though "Christmas Books" are usually not my cup of tea. "After all, as a Christian, when you have heard/read THE CHRISTMAS STORY... What's really left?

Yikes! My mouth! Of course, after he graciously mailed me his book anyway! And I sat down and...DEVOURED IT!

I immediately emailed him with a much humbled and humiliated attitude, a blessed heart, a rejoicing spirit, and a new excitement and anticipation I haven't had for Christmas in quite a while!

Thank you Bro. Darrell Case for obeying and following God's leading on when to write what next!

Miracle at Coffeeville: And other legends of Christmas

Sonya Deberte rated it 5 of 5 stars

Miracle at CoffeevilleMiracle at Coffeeviller and other legends of Christmas, a wonderful collection of Christmas short stories. I read the entire book in one afternoon - I couldn't put it down! I loved every story, but if I was forced to choose a favorite, it would probably be the story named Snow Angels about a little girl's faith. Every story is short, but packed full of wonderful characters that pull you in immediately. I am giving copies of this book to my family and friends for Christmas this year! (less)

A book full of easy and light Christmas stories to brighten up your holidays' sprigs and to find the true meaning of Christmas!

By Angela on October 3, 2014

Format: Paperback

I have decided to give this book five stars for such a wonderful selection of Christmas stories that I am sure should bring you into the perfect mood and learn the true meaning of Christmas! I found it hard to set down this ebook even when I had to do other life's trials and housework,etc. that us humans find we have to do daily,right? I recommend this light easy to read set of stories not too long and certainly not boring whatsoever and guaranteed to freshen up one's spiritual life as well as to make you feel and wish to offer gratitude for what we do have and hopefully make one sheets very good to help others out when in need and not just during the holiday season but everyday! I received this ebook
free in exchange I am doing this review! Great work Darrell! By Angela

Book Review

Larry Lilly’s Journal

 October-2014

Miracle at Coffeeville.

Miracle at Coffeeville and Other Legends of Christmas. Darrell Case, Published by Create Space. 7 Chapters  84 pages $6.95 Amazon and other outlets.

            Over the years Darrell has written seven gripping stories about Christmas and now he has put them into this new book especially for the Christmas season. Larry and I usually don’t get overly excited about syrupy stories. Miracle is NOT syrupy Christmas stories, but about real life events around that time of year. In all stories the intervention of the Lord is on display. From a crooked and mean spirited banker during the Great Depression in Coffeeville, a town more famous for bank robbers than robber bankers, God’s hand helps a struggling pastor and town to renewed faith.

            Story titles are Miracle at Coffeeville, Christmas Mirror, Angel’s Dust, A Gathering of Angels, Snow Angels, Music of The Night and Apples of Gold. Each story requires a hanky as Darrell weaves you into the story as though you sitting or being insulted by one of the villains. Snow Angel’s will grip your heart as you watch as a child comes to grips with the death of her little brother right at Christmas. Each story is a great life lesson on its own and worth the price of the entire book.

            Music in The Night is not about the phantom, but a beautiful account of the grace of Christ of a girl pianist with crippled fingers play music with a touch from God.

            You will love this book and probably want to give it as a gift that will endure in the heart of all who read it. Joyce D. Lilly Tg.B