Launch Out Into the Deep by Acacia Beumer & Aaron Slaton! $50 VISA GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY & 2 Book GIVEAWAY!

Acacia Beumer:

Acacia Slaton Beumer is a graduate of Oral Roberts University; she will earn her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in the summer of 2012. She works in the Social Service field and finds a sense of joy from helping others. Her husband John is in the United States Army. She has two daughters; Jana is 3 years old Jaci is 1. Acacia loves to interact with readers and welcomes questions and feedback. Her next project is to write an autobiography about her many life experiences. If you're interested in contacting Acacia email her at acacia@launchoutbook.com . May you be tremendously blessed and continue to persevere and daily grow in your walk with Christ.

Aaron L. Slaton:

Aaron Slaton is the author of the poetry and one chapter featured in this book. Writing since the age of twelve, Aaron has been gifted with the ability to bring the Scriptures to life through rhythm and rhyme. Aaron is an aspiring songwriter and producer. If you're interested in contacting Aaron email him at aaron@launchoutbook.com .

Website -www.launchoutbook.com 

Purchase Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Launch-Out-Into-Deep-ebook/dp/B005Y4F872/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333040780&sr=8-2

 Link to Tour on Main Site - http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/post/2012/03/launch-out-into-the-deep-by-acacia-beumer-aaron-slaton.html

Giveaway:

There will be a $50 Visa Gift Card to one commenter from tour, and $50 Visa Gift Card to host with most comments.

 

The topics are contemporary and compelling; these are subjects that affect our world today and those for which people are seeking genuine guidance. Her words reveal an understanding of the depth of emotions in our world, as she explains situations through her own personal experiences. Yet, throughout the book, there is a solid and strong emphasis on the Word of God. The author has effectively bridged the gap between the natural and the spiritual world. Her complete reliance on the power of God brings a taste of heaven to some of today's bitter situations. Sexual promiscuity, peer pressure, disease and even crime are discussed with a bold and frank style. Readers will know there is nothing outside of God's reach that He cannot restore and make right again. An added layer of spiritual enlightenment comes from the poems that accompany many of these essays. Intense and extremely insightful, the words of Aaron L. Slaton provide a strong commentary to his sister's counsel. Encouraging, yet filled with many hard-hitting exhortations, this book speaks with a contemporary language and a timeless commitment to love and truth.

Interview with Acacia Beumer

Hello Acacia and welcome to Faery Tales Are Real!  I am so happy to have you today.Thank you for being here!

Thanks so much for having me Megan.  I am honored to be your featured guest!

1. You seem very passionate about your writing and the topics you write about.How did you get started as a writer?

Acacia: Megan, I remember, when I was no more than four years old, having a fascination with words and a strong desire to read.I would take out my chalk and copy words from a kid’s book onto the blackboard.Then I’d try to pronounce the words and would ask my mom for help if I ran across a word I couldn’t pronounce.This fascination with words and reading turned into a desire to write.I would attempt to write fiction novels at the age of twelve.I’d write up to one hundred pages and would be anxious to share and receive feedback from family and friends.After a while, I stopped writing.Instead, I became an avid reader.I was really into V.C. Andrews and Judy Blume when I was a youth.If I find the time, I still occasionally enjoy reading some of V.C. Andrews’ books (smile). My college professor and friends encouraged me to get back into writing again.The same college professor encouraged me to keep a journal and to date and write about events in my life.One of my college friends said,“If you leave this earth and don’t share your story it would be a “crying shame.”The truth of the matter was that I didn’t have faith in my writing ability. I read too many books by famous writers and believed there was no way I could measure up.Recently, I told my mom that although I’d written a book, I still didn’t see myself as the best writer.Mom replied, “Acacia, writing is not always about technicality.It’s being capable of sharing experiences in a way that’s vivid, engaging and relatable.That’s your gift; you are a writer!”

2. I love that you combine your brother’s poetry with your writing.How long have you two been working as a team and what does that process look like?

Acacia:To be honest Megan, we never worked together prior to the release of “Launch Out Into The Deep.”It just happened by chance or, should I say, it wasn’t coincidental but was part of God’s plan.While working at a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents I was inspired to write a poem titled, Fear Not Only Believe, which is featured in our book.

I began the prose with these words:

“Fear not my child, for I am near.

I will wipe away every tear.

Be not ashamed, you are not alone.

I am your sunshine in the midst of the storm.

Step forth in faith—do not sway; the help you need is on the way.

Hold your head up high—look towards the sky,

for the Lord Jehovah is nearby.”

This is where my brother Aaron began after I had tried unsuccessfully to complete the poem:

“Just when your hope seems to fade away,

the Lord comes just in time to save the day.

He may not come when you want Him to,

but He’s the Lord Almighty, He knows what to do.

The Lord always comes in the right season;

He wants to make sure you’re ready that’s the reason.

Look towards the horizon and you will see,

your path through the storm to your destiny.”

My mom and I encouraged him to write more and from that point on he’s written over twenty pieces of prose that we believed should be published and shared with others.During our research into publishing, we discovered that poetry is not easily marketable so I decided to write on the various topics of Aaron’s poetry in a devotional style, which later became known as my first book “Launch Out Into The Deep!”

3. Please describe the part your faith plays in your writing.

Acacia:My life experiences are intertwined with my faith.I believe this is mainly because I know without a doubt that if it had not been for God’s grace and mercy I would not have been privileged to write “Launch Out Into The Deep.” “Launch Out Into The Deep” is my alabaster box.In this book, I’m transparent and I lie down my entire being, my innermost secrets, my fears, hopes, belief and my unbelief at the feet of Jesus.Writing is healing and it has brought so much spiritual cleansing in my life.I will forever honor God and can’t forget his faithfulness throughout my youth.At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and my prior psychiatrist told my mom I would never be normal or able to function in society.God said,“This sickness is not unto death but that the father through the son will be glorified” (John 11:4).Amen and Amen!

4. What tips could you give for those interested in becoming an author?

Acacia:Don’t let it be said that you left this earth with unfulfilled dreams.Begin the writing process and surround yourself with people who support you. Find your voice and don’t imitate others.Don’t equate success with receiving a traditional publishing contract because one may never come.There are many renown authors who self-published their first book.The sky is the limit!

5. If you could share one piece of advice with readers, what would it be?

Acacia:Always believe and hope for the best in each and every circumstance.When you’ve done all you can, trust God and let Him do the rest. You are too blessed to stress!

6. Where can readers find you and can up to date with the latest information on your books?

Acacia:Readers can visit my site at www.launchoutbook.com.  Sign up for our newsletter and receive two sample chapters from the book, two audio book mp3’s and a screen saver. Also, tune in to my most recent TV interview. Also, readers, one first place winner (the reader who leaves the most comments) will have an opportunity to have a choice of receiving “Launch Out Into The Deep!” Audio Book MP3 CD, or the Paperback book. And the second place winner will receive the E-book. Let the comments begin! JAnd don’t forget to follow my blog tour until the end, as one special winner (who leaves the most comments on my posts, throughout the tour) will receive a $50.00 Visa gift card. Ready, set, go… BANG, BANG!

Thank you so much for your time.It was wonderful having you!

Acacia: Thanks so much for having me Megan. Also, thanks all readers for your support!

When we were children, our interest and adoration was for fairy tales. I do not know any child who does not like hearing stories or watching movies of this nature. My favorite cartoons were and still are "Snow White", "Beauty and the Beast", and best of all, "Cinderella". Although, these stories are fairy tales, they have some truth because they depict certain realities. In each of these stories, the main character goes through tests and trials and unwanted hardships. In each case, her fate seems doomed, but through the storms of life, she comes out shining like a star. In the end, each heroine’s character and virtue were found to be true. As we become adults, we sometimes wish these fairy tales were reality. One thing is certain: life may bring hurt, shame, uncertainties, and fears, but in each of us is a small child who still dreams and is entitled to a happy ending.

Now that I have your attention, come on a journey with me to the Book of Ruth. Her story may make you cry, but in the end you will be in awe. If God was faithful in the life of Ruth, there is still hope for you. Some of you reading this may have recently lost your spouse or a child. More than likely, you’re not over the loss and are still grieving. Maybe you are in a financial bind and see no way out of your hardship, or perhaps, like myself, you are single and tired of meeting toads. It doesn’t matter your background or status in life—if you are here, there is a message for you from the story of Ruth.

--I Still Believe: The Cinderella Story, Chapter Excerpt from Launch Out Into The Deep 

Please leave a comment with your e-mail address below to be entered in the contest to win a copy of Launch Out Into the Deep.  Winners will be selected at Random.org.  First place winner will have a choice of a paper back copy of the book or an MP3.  Second place will get an E-book copy.  Whoever leaves the most comments on Acacia's posts throughtout the blog tour will receive a $50.00 VISA gift card.  This is the beginning of the tour, so start commenting!  You can find the link to the main site of the tour above, which will take you to all the tour stops, where you can leave comments.