Who doesn’t love to be entertained when reading a book? A quote from Emily Bainbridge, a thirteen-year-old character in my third novel (Providence) in my Apple Hill Series, says “Mom said once that reading is an escape, but I didn’t get what she meant until Dad died. It’s like I can leave everything behind and pretend I’m someone else, or …
I’m No Wanna-Be Juvenile Delinquent
A wanna-be juvenile delinquent. That’s how my dad described me in his interview last week. As you probably guessed, I’m Michael Schaffer. Michael Paul Schaffer. I think my middle name is the only thing I have in common with my dad, except maybe his eyes. I’m not a wanna-be anything, and especially not a juvenile delinquent. Does anyone (except my …
The Antagonist
The antagonist. That title doesn’t bode well for me. I understand it’s a literary term, but after reading the interviews from Corey and Taylor, you must think it fits. I suppose, in some ways, it does. I’m Paul Schaffer—Pastor Paul to my congregants—Corey’s husband and father to Taylor and Michael. There was a time I saw my position as a …
Meet Taylor Schaffer
Last week, my mom was asked by author Jennifer Sienes to share something about herself, and this week it’s my turn. It kind of bugged me that Mom told everyone I don’t respect her. That’s not true. I mean, it’s not like I want to be a housewife, (or really, what’s the point of going to college?) but I don’t …
Walking With Jesus on the Natchez Trace
About the Book Book: Walking with Jesus Author: Troy A. Waugh Genre: Non-Fiction Release Date: Feb, 2020 When God spoke to Troy Waugh saying, “I want you to walk the Natchez Trace,” he obeyed. Never mind that he wasn’t young anymore—he would be seventy at the completion of the 444 mile walk. Never mind that the thirty-five-day walk would be …
A People Chosen
About the Book Book: A People Chosen Author: Karen Engle Genre: Non – Fiction / Christian / Bible Study Release Date: March, 2017 Is God finished with the Jewish people? Understanding Israel according to the Bible and not the media, political views, or personal opinion sheds incredible light on why Israel and the Jewish people exist today. God is not …
Meet Corey Schaffer
My name is Corey Schaffer, and I was asked by author Jennifer Sienes to share a little about myself. You might say I’m a figment of her imagination, and I suppose you’d be right. The truth is we’ve been on this journey together for more than ten years, so she just might know me better than she does you. I …
Pick a Number Between One and Nine
Although I write contemporary women’s fiction (always with an element of romance) I didn’t want to throw my readers off by titling this article Science Fiction, but I was tempted. Why? Because I use science to create fiction. Okay, I can almost hear the audible huh? from across cyberspace but stick with me for a minute. Psychology is the scientific …
Are You Chicken Little or A Child of God?
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering, can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” –Helen Keller. If anyone knew a thing or two about adversity, it was Helen Keller. I’ve heard it said over and over again that these are tumultuous times, but when has adversity not been an …
The Other Half
From the time I was very small, I assumed Carmel, California (officially, Carmel-by-the-Sea) was a magical place, because that’s where my parents spent their honeymoon in 1958. Even at seven, I had a ridiculous romantic streak—my mom told me that I looked at the world through rose-colored glasses. I thought it was a compliment at the time, but later realized …
