2009 February » Hot Apple Cider Books

Our second interview is with Keith Clemons, the author of the second selection in Hot Apple Cider. Keith, who is known for his issues-based fiction, wrote a true story about two miracles that happened in his parent’s lives. The miracles were the result of prayers by Keith’s grandmother and his mom. The title is “Faith of Our Mothers – Holy Faith.”

clemons Keith Clemons is the author of four award winning novels. His first three, If I Should Die, Above the Stars, and These Little Ones, each earned the “Best Contemporary Fiction” award at The Word Guild’s Canadian Christian Writing Awards celebration, with his latest release, Angel in the Alley, taking home an Honorable Mention. Of all the books handled by STL Distribution, Angel in the Alley was the top selling title at the 300 store chain of Family Christian Stores for three consecutive months in 2008.

Keith is an alumnus of California State University, Fullerton, where he earned his degree in English Literature. In addition to writing, he frequently appears on radio and television where he expounds on trends that affect both the Church and society at large. His passion for communication has resulted in the publication of more than a hundred articles. He resides with his wife at their home in Caledon, Ontario.

Read our interview with Keith

From the Crossroads website: "It’s always good to have something to stir our hearts and warm our souls, especially during these times of chilling news reports. That’s why Crossroads is pleased to offer this wonderful collection of short stories, prose and poetry called HOT APPLE CIDER.

In the tradition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, these writings, penned by Canadian Christian authors, are like a cozy cup of hot cider for the heart. You or a loved one will be deeply encouraged with moments of warmth, faith and touching reflection through this inspiring book!"

“A wonderful way to feature the rich giftings of some of Canada’s most talented writers.” Ron and Ann Mainse, Hosts, 100 Huntley Street

Markham, ON—Hot Apple Cider has been chosen as the featured book for February by Crossroads Christian Communications and will be highlighted on the 100 Huntley Street daily television program beginning February 9th, 2009.

Editor N. J. Lindquist will be a guest on the show on February 11. Contributors Keith Clemons, Angelina Fast-Vlaar, Denyse O’Leary, Diane Roblin-Lee and Ray Wiseman will appear in short video clips throughout the month of February.

Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul is a 296-page collection of personal experience articles, short stories and poems. While there are similarities to the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Hot Apple Cider conveys a uniquely Canadian character, with a variety of stories from the lighthearted and humorous to those dealing with serious real-life issues such as the death of a child or spouse, cancer, infertility, loneliness and family conflicts. Every author included in this 100-percent-Canadian book is a professional member of The Word Guild, an association of more than 340 Canadians who write from a Christian faith perspective. The authors come from six provinces and represent more than 20 Christian denominations. Continue reading »

Over the next weeks, we're going to be posting interviews with each of the authors and editors who contributed to the making of Hot Apple Cider.

Up first is Angelina Fast-Vlaar, who has two pieces in Hot Apple Cider. The book opens with her true story, “It Was Then That I Carried You,” in which she shares a little of what’s in her book, Seven Angels for Seven Days. Then on page 103 is the poem she wrote after she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

Angelina is a writer and inspirational speaker who has a passion to communicate encouragement to small or large audiences. Her writing career also includes articles and poetry published in Pioneer, Mennonite Brethren Herald and Christian Courier as well as two books. The Valley of Cancer was first published in 1999 and translated into Dutch in 2004 by her cousin, Hendrik Harssema. Seven Angels for Seven Days was published in 2005. "The Tenth Anniversary Expanded Edition" of The Valley of Cancer was published in 2008 by Word Alive Press. Click here to read our interview with Angelina .