tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post1883276184246255775..comments2024-01-09T16:18:59.649-05:00Comments on K. Dawn Byrd: Sexual content? Say what? Register to win a $10 Amazon gift cardK. Dawn Byrdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-1656510335542198132012-02-22T11:39:12.847-05:002012-02-22T11:39:12.847-05:00"A little more going weak in the knees than w..."A little more going weak in the knees than was necessary, but then again some readers will probably love that ..."<br /><br />DAWN!!! WHOO-HOO, I am SOOO there, girl, and good for you!! Give me "weak in the knees" any day over "weak in the romance department"!! You go, girl, and I hope you sell a million!!<br /><br />Thanks for the shout-out, Dawn, and a BIG hug to Karen and Jackie -- two of my favorite reader friends -- for their ongoing support!!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-10444154630695939102012-02-13T10:46:22.879-05:002012-02-13T10:46:22.879-05:00Very well said, Soccerkidsmom! Thanks for the comm...Very well said, Soccerkidsmom! Thanks for the comment.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-8357872299015110612012-02-12T23:38:02.407-05:002012-02-12T23:38:02.407-05:00I have an 18 yr old daughter and she reads a lot (...I have an 18 yr old daughter and she reads a lot (and reviews also) and if you said a book was written for her age with a 19 yr old that didn't even kiss her boyfriend, she would say yeah right, this book isn't even realistic. All teens struggle with their sexual awakening and what to do about it, and if you think they're going to want to read a book without being realistic, then you're insulting their intelligence and not recognizing their struggle with who they are and their feelings. You don't need to be graphic and shouldn't, but how are you going to help them to do the right thing with their feelings if you don't even acknowledge they have them? I'd love to be entered to win, maybe my daughter would like to buy a copy if I win the gift certificate. Sherri sherri5 at pa dot netSoccerkidsmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03751629168617411170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-50849551957749678092012-02-10T09:18:28.011-05:002012-02-10T09:18:28.011-05:00Dawn, I'm intrigued. I'm a sappy romantic,...Dawn, I'm intrigued. I'm a sappy romantic, too, and I want to read this book. I've been playing around with a teen romance story myself and my girl is a good girl, too. My hero is a good guy, too. Very rare, I know. But when you have three teen sons who are all gentlemen, it makes it more believable for me. Please enter me into your drawing.<br />findingbeth at live dot comLinnette Rochellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07656198587192557526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-40046228584041916322012-02-09T17:17:01.925-05:002012-02-09T17:17:01.925-05:00I would love to win this book, sounds like it is a...I would love to win this book, sounds like it is a true account of what teenages go through.heelfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12514817422040821504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-14998514389238736732012-02-08T11:46:14.727-05:002012-02-08T11:46:14.727-05:00Thank you. I showed a chapter to a friend and she...Thank you. I showed a chapter to a friend and she said her son, a psychiatrist, would find it very interesting - I figure, once I get the book written, if an agent takes me on, if he/she suggests toning it down I will. It won't do any good to just sit on my shelf. On the other side, in a class I recently took, my non-Christian class members said my salvation aspect of the story was eye-candy for Christians - geesh, I think I fall in the cracks. Oh well, I'll write the best I can and let God figure out the rest. Have a blessed day.Heather Marstenhttp://www.heathermarsten.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-69198123295121781332012-02-08T09:41:50.036-05:002012-02-08T09:41:50.036-05:00Thanks for the comment, Michelle. I think that it ...Thanks for the comment, Michelle. I think that it can be hard to write for the young adult market as authors grow older. I work really hard to get inside the head of a teenage girl when I write young adult. It's not the easiest thing to do when you've not been a teenager for a very long time.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-87428001217944901422012-02-07T23:55:19.982-05:002012-02-07T23:55:19.982-05:00I read this book and am not sure why they thought ...I read this book and am not sure why they thought there was sexual content unless you consider the fact that Zoe thought like a normal, healthy teenager girl would (age 19) and K. Dawn made her thoughts realistic instead of PC for Christians. I like it when books show what someone actually thinks and does versus what conservative parents want their kids to think and do.Edgy Inspirational Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15907754905383023615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-26650999024368175362012-02-07T22:51:44.526-05:002012-02-07T22:51:44.526-05:00Sounds interesting...would love to read it.I have ...Sounds interesting...would love to read it.I have a 15 year old daughter and I truly hope and prays she waits until her wedding night to have sex.I feel if someone truly loves you they will respect your decision to wait....but sometimes or rather most of the time they don't.I think in todays time people just think sex is just like eating and drinking...jackie_tessnair@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-25895992598479596342012-02-07T22:07:21.806-05:002012-02-07T22:07:21.806-05:00Haven't read the book, so can't really com...Haven't read the book, so can't really comment with any knowledge. But you have piqued my interest on the topic of graphic depictions of evil. <br /><br />One of my favorite YA novels is Chocolate War (Robert Cormier) and I was drawn to it as a youth because of its realism. While not a happy ending, it made me trust the author for his honesty.Mr. Frankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07854820675080451064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-53525491176997867542012-02-07T20:35:18.930-05:002012-02-07T20:35:18.930-05:00That's a wonderful post, Heather! Many people ...That's a wonderful post, Heather! Many people fine it very difficult to read about abuse, especially to children. For this reason, it's hard to sell fiction with graphic abuse unless you're writing for the horror market and those readers expect a certain amount of graphic situations. Of course, it doesn't bother some readers because they know it's fiction.<br /><br />I've read that you can kill almost anyone in a book, but don't kill the family dog. Readers get very angry about that. I guess the same goes for abuse to certain groups of people. That said, I do believe the book could be of great help to those in the counseling field.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-20804914632729546542012-02-07T17:43:26.086-05:002012-02-07T17:43:26.086-05:00I wonder if a rating system for books isn't in...I wonder if a rating system for books isn't in order - I think teens need realistic fiction to help them deal with issues they face every day - I would buy your book. I'm probably not going to be able to be published in a Christian publishing company because my memoir is more than edgy - it is an honest rendition of abuse I received as a child and my healing journey - it covers a wild life-style, details of the abuse, details of the occult, and then how awesome God was to enter in my life and help me know Him - I know that many conservative Christians would not want to read this - but my target audience are those who are hurting - who have been abused, and I want them to know that I know what they have gone through. I just have to write and pray. My pastor's wife is encouraging me to share the details because she feels that many don't know what it is like and the book would help her and others to minister to people with pasts like mine. <br /><br />Thanks for this thought-provoking post.<br />HeatherHeather Marstenhttp://www.heathermarsten.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-21357808513563133682012-02-07T17:24:42.296-05:002012-02-07T17:24:42.296-05:00Looks like a fun read. Sounds great and one my 18...Looks like a fun read. Sounds great and one my 18 year old daughter would also love.<br />debbie(at)taulman(dot)orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-89847519018771868682012-02-07T14:20:18.773-05:002012-02-07T14:20:18.773-05:00Thanks for the comments, Margaret and Jackie! I lo...Thanks for the comments, Margaret and Jackie! I love Julie's books too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she wrote a contemporary YA book? I'd love to see how she'd handle the romance.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-72155844236956470972012-02-07T14:12:41.295-05:002012-02-07T14:12:41.295-05:00I agree with Karen K......I like how you compare Z...I agree with Karen K......I like how you compare Zoe & Mack to Julie Lessman!! Love Julie's books. I think you have the right ideas in writing and will do great. Please count me in the drawing!<br />Thanks!<br />jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]netJackie S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16731953677857042880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-45567127304252187812012-02-07T14:00:52.351-05:002012-02-07T14:00:52.351-05:00Very interesting to say the least. This is why it ...Very interesting to say the least. This is why it is a wonderful thing in literature that there are so many tastes and books to satisfy. As the old saying goes you can't please everyone all of the time.... <br /><br />With YA books I guess there is a fine line however similar to the Harry Potter craze many felt it wasn't appropriate and yet it is translated in a zillion languages, has sold zillions of copies and has brought a zillion kids back to reading books. So is it so bad? Today's young adults are so much more mature in many aspects than in comparison to years ago and are exposed to much more controversial subjects between both film and literature. Heck look at most the music videos! I can't think of a worse influence! It's very funny that a lot of parents allow their kids to watch horror, violent action movies and play these types of video games but when it comes to sex/love they have issues.<br /><br />Now as you stated above your characters are college age and this to me makes all the difference in the world because you are now at an age of responsibility and really going solo. I think a younger reader does understand this. I can't imagine a little mystery and a little love story being so bad.<br /><br />Well after all that thank you for the giveaway!<br /><br />Margaret<br />singitm(at)hotmail(dot)comLiterary Chanteusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11618034360122552670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-80646853019348136752012-02-07T11:55:16.327-05:002012-02-07T11:55:16.327-05:00Just surfed in and glad I did. enjoyed reading th...Just surfed in and glad I did. enjoyed reading the comments. Please enter mr in the contest. I like reading new authors to me.<br />JWIsley@aol.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-47480427934290873252012-02-07T11:31:49.681-05:002012-02-07T11:31:49.681-05:00Wow your book sounds a lot like my book, Tempered ...Wow your book sounds a lot like my book, Tempered Fire - where the h/h are 17 & 20 - they face these same temptations and on top of that struggle is the conflict of daddy letting go of his little girl and not only loving but trusting her beau!<br /><br />Good luck and God's blessings with your series! I had fun writing all 4 in my Tempered series.<br /><br />pthib07 (that's zero 7) @ gmail.comPamela S Thibodeauxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12951038997223264816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-87727167471067787192012-02-07T11:00:57.431-05:002012-02-07T11:00:57.431-05:00Passion is part of love and romance. I think it...Passion is part of love and romance. I think it's great you have a realistic character who honors God and herself by waiting. I like sugar but too much can be a bad thing... sometimes we have to say "no" and do the right thing. I'm excited to read your book in the near future, it's going on my wish list. :)<br />worthy2bpraised at gmail dot comMerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17501893347195105854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-59884123363744997302012-02-07T10:58:02.255-05:002012-02-07T10:58:02.255-05:00I think the whole Christian fiction verses edgy Ch...I think the whole Christian fiction verses edgy Christian thing is interesting. I'd much rather read something that's true to life than something that runs from heavy topics. The truth is that we've all sinned and even though it's not pretty, God forgives.<br /><br /> If we don't portray real life in our books, how are teens going to make the right decisions when real life happens to them?K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-43382159871812703782012-02-07T08:51:54.723-05:002012-02-07T08:51:54.723-05:00hi k.dawn. i like how you compare zoe & mack&...hi k.dawn. i like how you compare zoe & mack' romance as 'passionate' like that of julie lessman's novels. <br /><br />karenk<br />kmkuka at yahoo dot comkarenkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01059861255253991778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-52934527839315331682012-02-07T08:08:27.911-05:002012-02-07T08:08:27.911-05:00It's very interesting how people perceive a bo...It's very interesting how people perceive a book & it's contents. I doubt if you could get two people out of group that would view it the same way. It's the differences that make us interesting, at times.<br /><br />marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)comMary Prestonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02201076939557413255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-85263834398296411912012-02-07T07:00:17.992-05:002012-02-07T07:00:17.992-05:00Hello, MissKallie! It's nice to meet you. I th...Hello, MissKallie! It's nice to meet you. I think the issue with the book was that Zoe Mack's romance is passionate. I like to think that it's kind of like a Julie Lessman book.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-66183909921262084562012-02-07T06:55:05.050-05:002012-02-07T06:55:05.050-05:00Thanks so much, Marianne! Zoe's romance portra...Thanks so much, Marianne! Zoe's romance portrays what I would consider to be true life. Teens are going to be tempted and they have to decide if they're going to take a stand and live out their convictions and give in to the heat of the moment. Zoe does spend a night on her aunt's couch with Nate, but nothing happens other than a few kisses and her aunt is at home. Zoe is careful to stop before things get to heated.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866583868913443313.post-91192938527368731892012-02-07T06:52:37.425-05:002012-02-07T06:52:37.425-05:00Hello, Cindi!
What you said is so true! Older char...Hello, Cindi!<br />What you said is so true! Older characters do act differently than younger ones. Zoe is 19 in this book and even though she doesn't have much experience at all with guys, I would expect her romance to be a little more heated and that's why I wrote the book the way I did.K. Dawn Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794345260605025953noreply@blogger.com