Rain Song is a Christy Award Finalist

Yep, in the New Novel category. The finalists
were announced at the Book Expo Event this
past weekend in Dallas. The winners will be
announced in July.

I am just delighted that my novel was
nominated.

It feels great!

View a listing of all the 2009 Finalists.




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A Few Lines From a Few Reviews

I did a Google search and came up with some reviews of Rain Song
that make my heart grow warm and fuzzy. Thanks to all! I
am including a few lines from a few reviews.

~ Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/08)

If I had to condense Alice J. Wisler’s “Rain Song” into one word only, it would actually be an easy task to accomplish. The first word that comes to mind after having read it is “exquisite.” Everything about it is truly lovely, starting from the beautiful cover and continuing through the sharp, yet delicate writing contained within.

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~ By Heidi at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ReviewsbyHeidi/614496/?#c1264763

Alice J. Wisler definitely has a gift for writing. Her style is unique - interesting and fun to read in a voice all her own (which I think is unusual in today's Christian fiction market where so many books start to sound alike after awhile).

Her main character, Nicole, has an endearing personality. From the very first page, you find yourself cheering for her to overcome her fears and insecurities. I found myself reverting back to "cheerleader mode" - wanting to say "You can do it! 3 cheers for Nicole!" The supporting characters in the book are also very memorable - I love the choice of names and the extreme variety of personalities that are represented here. The end is satisfying. Though, I must admit, I find myself longing for book 2 - wonder if there's one in the works?!

Gratitude

I had fun during yesterday's interview on the radioblog. You can still hear the interview by going to the CWAHM website.

Thanks for all who wrote to be on the Influencer List
for How Sweet It Is. I'm grateful for the many who are rising to the challenge. There's still a little time left until March 15th, so if you'd like to get a copy of the upcoming novel (now at the printer's), you can let me know.

Meanwhile, be sure to check out my website.

Tune in: Interview with Alice

This coming Tuesday, March 10th, at 11 AM EST, I will be interviewed by Christian Work at Home Moms. To hear the interview, simply go to CWAHM and you will be set.

Hope you can tune in! Then let me hear from you.

How Sweet It Is that the pub date is around the corner

How Sweet It Is will be in bookstores and at Walmart soon. Release date is scheduled for May 1. Be sure to read the blog posting below if you would like to be on the Influencer List. You can email your snail address to info@alicewisler.com by March 15th to receive a free copy of How Sweet It Is. Of course, be sure to note what I need you to do.

Recycled Watermelon

Recycled Watermelon

(In memory of Daniel, age four)

He was given the watermelon
on the Fourth of July
It weighed more than he -
smooth skin
shining in his hospital room
like the skin on his head

He let the juice run down
his chin and onto the sheets,
laughed, and spat
tiny black seeds
with life from lungs
that would later stop

so we laughed with him
and the seeds sailed
as far as we could make them fly
believing that determination
and the right doctors
would conquer all

In the end we are here
reminded of yesterdays
and a little boy
tales of watermelon
retold, embellished, recycled
as long and as far as our lungs can cry.


~ Alice J. Wisler

Callling all influencers: Want to be on the list?

How Sweet It Is is at the printers! I heard this good news from my editor yesterday. I also heard that I need to come up with some folks who can be part of my Influencer List. What does it mean? Here's what you need to do if you want to be on this list.
1. Be willing to read How Sweet It Is.
2. Talk about it to your writers' group/your book club/your librarian/your mother-in-law and/or Oprah.
3. Write a short review about the novel and post it on Amazon or send it to me for posting here at my blog.

If you can do all these, then request a copy of the novel from me by commenting below or by sending an email to info@alicewisler.com before March 15th. Please include your snail mail address so that my publisher can mail a brand new copy of How Sweet It Is to you.

Thanks!

~ Alice, "Fiction with a Quirky Southern Tradition"