Aiken Brown

Book Tour 2012

2012-01-22T13:01:00.000-06:00

Son of a Soldier Book Tour Dates

I hope to see everyone @ a stop on my 2012 Book Tour, so mark your calendars now! We will be adding more dates/cities soon! Bring friends! Even if you prefer the KINDLE/NOOK versions, come on out and join the party!

Saturday, February 25th
Barnes & Noble

Eastern Shore Centre
30500 State Hwy. 181, Suite 414
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
(251) 621-3545
Time: TBA

Saturday, March 17th

Azalea Festival

Mary G. Montgomery High School
4275 Snow Rd. North
Semmes, AL 36575

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Son of a Soldier is IN STORES!

2012-01-09T08:12:00.010-06:00

Son of a Soldier is officially available for pre-order! Book tour dates for Son of a Soldier will be available on this website next week! For Such a Time as This is now available in Kindle format, so you Kindle lovers be sure to get it!

SON OF A SOLDIER ON KINDLE

SON OF A SOLDIER ON NOOK

SON OF A SOLDIER @ AMAZON

SON OF A SOLDIER @ BARNES & NOBLE - PAPERBACK

SON OF A SOLDIER @ BARNES & NOBLE - HARDBACK

SON OF A SOLDIER @ BOOKS-A-MILLION

Son of a Soldier 2012 Release Date

2011-10-20T07:45:00.003-05:00

I am proud to announce that my third novel has a release date:

Son of a Soldier by Aiken Brown

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

*Kindle & Nook versions will be available

Event Bookings

2011-07-28T11:18:00.002-05:00

Are you an individual interested in booking a Christian Author for your gathering, a bookseller organizing an in-store event, a media outlet looking to do a feature on Christian Fiction, or a charitable organization with a fundraiser in mind? Learn more about booking Aiken Brown (author of In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and For Such a Time as This) by visiting the following page of this website:

BOOK ME!

Faith and Fiction with Aiken Brown

2011-05-22T11:45:00.007-05:00

Aiken Brown talks faith, fiction and goals for the future...

Q: We have heard you refer to your novels as being Southern, Christian Fiction. Can you expound on that a bit for us?

Aiken: Sure! I was born and raised in the South...Southern traditions and experiences are what I know, and, though I love traveling, I enjoy writing about a section of this country that I absolutely adore! It's home...no matter where I am or where I go, this landscape, this way of life, it is a part of me. My writing is just an extension of me, so, when I write, the southern girl in me just comes out. I enjoy reading books written by authors from all over the world, but, for me when I write, my inspiration is the South, so that's what I stick to! The same thing goes for the Christian aspect present in my work. If a book doesn't have a moral or a lesson to be learned, I just don't see the point. And, from my perspective, the lessons I am convicted to share with others have been learned through my deep, personal relationship with my Lord and Savior. So, it's just a good way to classify my work...it is always about the South...it will always, even when not pointedly so, be driven by the responsibility I have to share my faith with others.

Q: Is it important to you that faith plays a prominent role in your novels? Why?

Aiken: Absolutely, I would go even further than that; it's not just important to me, it's a must! I consider it not only a desire but a responsibility. We are taught that God blessed each of us with various spiritual gifts. I discovered my passion and aptitude for writing very early on in my life, and I have no doubts that God gave me this gift with a responsibility to use it for His glory. He has given us all individual gifts; we are not identical; we don't have the same personalities, abilities or interests, but we all have a gift! I feel blessed to have found mine, so I am determined to use it! When I write, I don't even necessarily try to create a story about faith. You know? I don't sit down and try to map out a book that is particularly Christian...it just happens; it is just there....it is the driving force in my life, and I honestly couldn't imagine it not being a part of my novels. My books are about life and love, and I can't imagine either without Christ as the center.

Q: What are your goals for your novels / your career?

Aiken: My goals are simply to be used as God will have me to be. My goals in life and work and everything I do are just to be open and willing to be used however God sees fit. Trust me, I like to make my own plans as much as the next person, but, if we are not open to what God wants to do with our lives as opposed to what we think we want to do with our lives, we will miss blessings beyond anything we could have imagined for ourselves. So, I guess that sums it up! I want to be a gateway through which God blesses others. I want to plant that seed in the minds and hearts of readers and people I come in contact with through my work, and just let God do His thing!

Frequently Asked Questions

2011-01-21T10:27:00.049-06:00

I have compiled a list of questions taken from old interviews and reader e-mails and created a FAQ post! Don't see the answers you are looking for? To ask me any additional questions, shoot me an e-mail at aikenb45@yahoo.com or join my new Facebook Fan page HERE! I love hearing from my readers!

Q: When can we Expect the Release of your Third Novel?
A: By far, the most frequently asked question concerns the release date of my new book! I am very excited about the release of my third novel this year...2011 is going to be a special year for me! Unfortunately, there is not too much that I can reveal about a specific release date right now! I appreciate your patience; I thrive on your interest, and I look forward to announcing the release date information, along with dates for the book tour, very soon! I have always had faith that God is going to use this new book in mighty ways for His glory! I know that many of you have been anticipating the new release for quite a while, but I truly feel like this one is worth the wait! Your support means the world to me, and I can't wait to get this book in your hands SOON!

Q: What Genre do your Books Fall Under?
A: My books are classified as Southern, Christian Fiction. It was such a natural fit for me. I am a proud, Southern girl; I feel led to share my faith, and I have always been inspired by stories about characters who have overcome real-life issues. So, for me, Southern, Christian Fiction seemed like the perfect union!

Read my blog about Young Adult Fiction!

Read my blog about Reaching Teen Readers!

Read my blog about Christian Fiction!

Q: Are you Currently Accepting Speaking Engagements?
A: Yes! For any inquiries about speaking engagements, please e-mail me (aikenb45@yahoo.com) and be sure to include your name, the event, date, time, any topics of interest and any contact information you would like me to have. Each inquiry will be reviewed on an individual basis, but, if I feel that God is leading me to participate, I will most certainly be there! I love speaking to different groups and always get such a blessing out of it!

Q: Do you Like Doing Book Signings?
A: I love doing book signings because I enjoy the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the people who are reading my work. I find it incredibly interesting to hear what people have to say…which characters they related to most and why. Every book signing that I have done has been a very positive experience, thanks to all of the wonderful people who have come out to support me. I will never be able to thank all of you enough for your continued support.

Feedback from my fans is always appreciated! Click on the links below to see what fans had to say about In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and For Such a Time as This.

Q: Is Aiken Brown your Real Name or a Pen Name?
A: I love this question! It has tickled me that, over the years, I have been asked this question rather frequently. Aiken Brown is indeed my birth name; it's not a pseudonym as many people seem to believe. It's unique, and often mispronounced, yet I wear my Nana's maiden name proudly! As for those of you who have suggested that it just sounds like an author's name...thank you very much...I guess it was meant to be!

Q: When did you Know you Wanted to Become an Author?
A: I always had an active imagination. For as long as I can remember, I made up stories in my head for my own entertainment. When I was in the fourth grade, we had creative writing each week. My teacher chose the best stories to be read in front of the class. I remember that some of my classmates were shy about reading their work aloud. I, however, had discovered my greatest passion. When I was in the fifth grade, my class visited the school book fair, and I used the money that my mom had sent with me to purchase a book that would change my life. It sits on my bookshelf to this day. As a fifth grade student, I could not put the book down; it excited the writer in me. I knew, without a doubt, that all the stories written on notebook paper back home in my drawer were not just a favorite hobby…but, my future career. From short stories, written as a kid, I evolved to writing novels because short stories, in my estimation, never provide the detail that I am looking for as a reader. I want people to know the characters that I write about as well as I do, so character development is something that I always pay particular attention to.

Q:Who is Your Favorite Character from your First Two Novels?
A: Oh, that is like asking a mother to choose a favorite child! I love each of them for their individuality. Like a good parent, I’m not blinded to their faults, but I root them on in hopes that they will overcome whatever stands in their way and, in doing so, become all that they can be. People naturally assume that, as the author, I have total control over the fate of my characters, but I will attest to the fact that they very much take on a life of their own and guide me in the way that they must go.

Q:What is your Favorite Novel by Another Author?
A: Here is a list I compiled in 2009! Of course, I am always adding new favorites to the running list in my head! Pat Conroy, Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult are some of my all-time favorites, however!

Q: What is your Inspiration for Writing?
A: Writing is my great passion. My characters inspire me. They take on a life of their own and tell me their own stories. Every book is inspired by something different, of course, but, what keeps me writing is my belief that God has given each of His children spiritual gifts that we are required to use for His glory! God has given me the gift of the written word, and it is my duty, and also my pleasure, to use that gift that He has given me. God has given everyone different gifts that all work together for His glory. I believe that discovering your spiritual gifts and being prepared and willing to use them is expected of those who seek a closer relationship with God.

Q:Do you Only Write Fiction, or do you also Write Nonfiction?
A: While I love reading nonfiction, and do so quite often, my one venture into the world of nonfiction was enough to remind me why I am addicted to the creative process involved in writing a novel. There is far too much fact checking involved in nonfiction, and, in my opinion, the players too frequently screw up their lines! Hehe! I was intrigued, though not entirely surprised, to hear the incomparable John Grisham express the same exact sentiments after publishing his nonfiction Bestseller The Innocent Man (highly recommended). Yet, what I also recall is that Grisham claimed he had never been so proud of a book as he was of his nonfiction work, because, while writing novels comes to him naturally, completing and accurately portraying a true story of justice gone horribly awry was a whole new challenge. I can appreciate that sense of accomplishment that he felt upon the book's completion, and, for that reason, I would never completely rule out nonfiction in the future. If the right opportunity arose, I might be up for the challenge, but my love is creating a story from scratch, watching it develop and seeing what it turns into.

Q: Do all your Novels have to do with Sports?
A: I grew up playing sports. I come from a very sports-oriented family. We are dedicated Alabama Football fans! I love all different kinds of sports! My books are about the South, and sports are such a huge part of the landscape here. The actual sport itself is never the overriding theme of the book, however; the focus on athletics deals more with the role it played in shaping the life and character of the protagonist.

Q: Is there a sequel to In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story?
A: I have been asked this a lot. I wouldn’t call it a sequel, but there is definitely a future book that catches up with members of the McLachlan clan. It's already been completed, and I can't wait for y'all to read it!

Q: Where Can I Find the Blogs Submitted During your Guest Blogger Series?
A: The Guest Blogger submissions were all posted on the website! For those of you who may have missed them, they can be found here:

Facebook Fan Page

2010-12-26T15:03:00.003-06:00

The Facebook Fan Page is now live! Please "LIKE" the fan page to keep up with the latest updates on past, current and upcoming novels by Aiken Brown via Facebook!

CLICK HERE

Share the link with your friends and help spread the word about Southern Christian Fiction written by author Aiken Brown! By adding the Facebook fan page, not only can you find out the latest happenings with In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and For Such a Time as This, but you can also join other fans in discussing Aiken's novels, learn more about the next release date and post comments to the author!

2010 Favorite Character Poll

2010-12-26T14:58:00.004-06:00

Who did you vote as your favorite character of 2010? With over 2,100 votes submitted, the winner of the 2010 Favorite Character Poll is ... BRANT MCLACHLAN from In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story!

Thank you to everyone who voted! I look forward to introducing you to several new and interesting characters in 2011!

Run to Victory

2010-11-20T08:26:00.005-06:00

On December 12, 2010, one of my dreams is coming true! I will be traveling to North Carolina to participate in the RUN TO VICTORY. As all my readers know, the charity closest to my heart is VICTORY JUNCTION, a special camp for kids with special healthcare needs. I will be running to raise money for the camp and helping to KEEP ADAM'S DREAM ALIVE! Your support and prayers are appreciated! This is such an exciting way to end 2010 and begin a 2011 that promises to see a few more of my dreams coming true!

To learn more about Victory Junction and what it means to me, click here!

Young Adult Fiction

2010-09-11T12:40:00.057-05:00

Defining Young Adult Fiction seems fairly simple, although, the simplicity of the label is what some writers (and potential readers) find troubling! Novels that fall into the genre that has come to be known as Young Adult Fiction generally possess several common characteristics. So is Young Adult Fiction defined by the subject matter discussed, the age of the protagonist or, as many suggest, the need to have all loose ends tied up and presented in a nice, neat, complete package while conveying a positive, happy message?

Freelance columnist Francine Morrissette defines Young Adult Fiction this way: "Don't let its name fool you: Young Adult Fiction is not watered down adult fiction. It's also not children's fiction with older characters. It is literature that doesn't waste a breath. Young Adult Fiction moves at a clip that keeps pace with busy teens who are pressed for reading time, whose attention spans are brief, who are accustomed to and crave instant gratification. Young Adult literature is the movie version of a great story."

Others would suggest that the naming of a genre such as Young Adult Fiction is just a marketing strategy, a clever, consumeristic ploy that has succeeded by promoting books to a targeted fan base even as bookstores continually dwindle and readership shrinks. Bookstores have created categorized shelves designed to draw the attention of a specific target audience. Obvious? Necessary? Convenient? Sure! However, the Young Adult label has (perhaps even unwittingly) cast books with certain similarities in a negative light. Young Adult Fiction has become regarded in many circles as simplistic, not credible enough for use in our school systems, written by less serious authors and aimed at teenagers. There is no doubt that the Young Adult tag alone scares off potential readers.

Readers should always be cautious of labels, however! It is important to remember that several books that could easily fall under the current definition of Young Adult Fiction have clearly risen above their categorization and become more than just books for and about teens/children while securing places in history as literary classics: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. There are, of course, others, but despite books, such as the classics mentioned above, rising above their Young Adult labels to become part of the academically embraced literary canon, most serious literary critics continue to cast a negative light on and dismiss the significance of the Young Adult Fiction genre as a whole.

I don't think that many would argue that marketing has had a negative effect on the credibility of the Young Adult Fiction genre. But, I have to say that, while authors feel the negative effects of marketing campaigns that work to streamline and, therefore, limit a novel's appeal, I also see the positive impact of marketing book directly to teens and young adults. As an author I write with a wide range of readers in mind, and I love receiving feedback from my oldest and youngest readers; that said, I am certainly not offended or disappointed when my books are labeled as Young Adult Fiction. Reaching teen readers has always been an important goal of mine, though I certainly feel my novels are relevant to an older set as well and should not be limited by a stigmatic label!

Additionally, I desire to instill and promote Christian values by working to create characters who are relatable, realistic and likable. Just because a book is dubbed Young Adult, or Christian Fiction for that matter, does not mean that subject matter should be dumbed down or ignored altogether. While there are those whose definition of Young Adult Fiction concludes that a positive messages equates to a happy ending, I have always been a believer that, in order for a book to have a positive message, it doesn't need to turn out like you think it should! One reason I am drawn to the Christian Fiction genre is that it embraces the reality that what may seem hopeless on the surface can be filled with hope through God. Life does not always turn out as we would script it, so there is no need to make it so in fiction! One point I strive to make in each of my novels is what I believe to be a great truth: It is not what happens but how we handle it that defines us.

We face situations great and small on a daily basis throughout our lives, and how we react to each of them defines who we become. The critical importance that our actions and reactions have on our lives is not only reserved for our handling of tragedies and the like. I have experienced authors who become absolutely outraged over the classification of their novels or remarks made by a critic who seeks to limit their credibility and diminish the significance of their work by assigning it what is viewed as a negative label. While some have openly embraced the Young Adult label, some remain confused by it, and others have chosen to react to it by becoming discouraged and equally as cynical as the critics they are attempting to discredit. I have heard it said that in this business it is necessary to have a thick skin! I would add that it is also important to maintain a perspective that transcends earthly heartaches and frustrations. I was recently reading a work of nonfiction when I came across one of my favorite new quotes...one which I think perfectly sums up my point of view as it relates to life in general, as well as what I strive to accomplish and convey throughout my writing career:

"I'm the keeper of the door to my heart. To love and forgive others as I've been loved and forgiven by Jesus, I have to guard what I allow to take root in my heart. If I open my heart to self-pity, anger, grudges and unforgiveness, I give the enemy of my soul an invitation into a very expensive home - a home purchased by the blood of Jesus. But as I become fluent in the language of Heaven (the language of forgiveness), as I open the door of my heart to Jesus and in His strength forgive others, that's when I'm set free." (The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo w/ Bob DeMoss, pg 260)

In conclusion, I will remind you that, though there is, of course, necessity in grouping books into genres, it is imperative to remember that stereotyping books based on labels is like stereotyping people. When you lump everyone with similar characteristics and backgrounds into one group, it is very easy to miss out on the individual characteristics that make one unique and special. Never allow labels that others determine prevent you from forming your own opinion.

You never know when a book will contain the very message you need to hear!

What Value can a Christian Gain from Reading Christian Fiction?

2010-08-07T06:49:00.028-05:00

Fiction as a whole (not just Christian Fiction) faces opponents who steadfastly reject the idea that any value can be gained from reading fiction. As someone who advocates reading both fiction and non-fiction, I offer no argument whatsoever against the importance of and the value gained from reading devotionals, theological studies, autobiographies and and so on. Therefore, the scope of this blog is going to explore the very question raised by Christians who oppose fiction: what value can a christian gain from reading Christian Fiction?

I personally believe that there is a wealth of value to be gained from reading Christian Fiction. Fiction, for me, has always acted as an open window through which it is possible to see how other people think, feel and act. It can provide clarity and insight into why certain people make the decisions that they make. Fiction can broaden our horizons and allow us to connect with the human experience of others. Human elements such as laughter, hope, fear, pain, pressure, love, anger and dealing the grief can be viewed and better understood in the form of a story that opens our hearts to such emotions as sympathy, empathy and compassion.

Sometimes events or interactions that we take part in end up playing important roles in future events that we are completely unaware of. The use of an omniscient narrator often allows us to see how events tie together, even if, as in life, the characters involved remain unaware of the role they played in each other's lives. The ability to see the totality of a story come to fruition within a work of fiction can often serve as a reminder to us of the importance of the relationships we form and the impact or influence that we have on the lives of others, even beyond our scope of knowledge or understanding.

Fiction can be cathartic in a way, forcing us to become engaged with the issues others face and, perhaps, allowing us an outlet through which to deal with matters and questions we harbor in our own hearts. Fiction can also be educational. Understanding why people make certain decisions and what thought process or world view led them to that point can spark our interest and catapult us into searching out answers in works of non-fiction in order to fully educate ourselves on the realities that exist in the world today.

Of course, as Christians, it is always important when selecting fiction to be mindful of the type of books we are reading, which segues perfectly into my point about the value of the genre of Christian Fiction. I am a fan of both secular and faith based fiction; I read constantly, and I find value in every novel I read. However, I always find it particularly refreshing and inspiring to read the work of authors who write from a Christian point-of-view.

Reading about how christian characters deal with situations can, many times, prepare us or provide us a base of knowledge and experience in the event that we ever face similar situations or emotions in our real lives. Because we lived through certain experiences with the character we loved in our favorite book and got to contemplate, as an outsider, a problem or life experience from their perspective, all the while asking ourselves how we would handle the same situation, it is reasonable to conclude that if the time came when we were faced with a similar situation, we would feel more prepared to handle it, perhaps even benefiting from mistakes the character made during his or her journey through the same trials.

All Christians are charged with sharing our faith with others. Being open-minded does not mean falling into agreeance with beliefs or actions that go against the teachings of God. However, we can never hope to influence others in a positive way if we don't take the opportunity to see things from various perspectives. Making an effort to understand why people think, feel, act or believe the way that they do makes our interest in their lives more legitimate and provides a much more educated platform from which to present our message. Reading Christian Fiction can expand our horizons as it broaches difficult subjects that are a reality in the world today and allows us the benefit of seeing how the story is resolved, so that we may avoid downfalls a character faced, heed relevant advice that was given, demonstrate kindness that was shown in the midst of difficult circumstances or reflect on how God's timing was perfect even if the character may have doubted this was true during portions of his or her journey.

I would also remind opponents of Christian Fiction that Jesus himself taught using parables. Parables are fictional stories used to illustrate particular situations for the purpose of educating the reader/listener by teaching a moral lesson. In this way, Christian Fiction serves as a useful extension of devotionals, which commonly use stories to demonstrate applications of a particular portion of scripture.

Christian Fiction's value is priceless, as it entertains us, educates us, enlightens us, and reminds us that we are not alone in the trials we face as Christians. Christian authors seek to deal with a wide variety of current issues in a way that realistically describes the challenges faced by christian characters. When reading Christian Fiction, it is important that we recognize the applications to our daily lives, act on those realizations and learn to open our hearts to the plight of others. Fiction allows us a rare opportunity to become invested in the lives of fictional characters to an extent that we see both their goodness and their flaws; we are privy to their shortcomings, their failures, their moments of weakness and their struggles, but, ultimately, what stands out is the crucial role their faith in Christ plays in guiding them through each of these difficult moments.

Guest Blogger X: Let's Hear it for the Girls!

2010-06-21T07:54:00.016-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: I hope that you have all enjoyed reading each of our Guest Blogger submissions as much as I have! Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our 2010 Guest Blogger Series; your opinions, comments, compliments and critiques mean the world to me! I look forward to hearing everyone's feedback when our new Favorite Character Poll goes up on the site next month!

-----------------------------------------------

Let's Hear it for the Girls!

Jennifer Smith. Summer Greene. Mallorie Wright. Cute, smart, friendly, sports-loving young ladies who make me want to stand up and cheer, not because all three are sweet, beautiful and charming, but because all three of them are tremendous role models for the countless young women who will read their stories. They are girls unashamed of their faith and resolute in their faith. They are young women who face various trails of life with class, grace and maturity that comes from their firm foundation as children of Christ.

Whether facing tragedy, heartbreak or the unknown, these characters turn to God for answers in dealing with situations too difficult for them to handle on their own. These characters are not perfect, nor do they profess to be. They are simply sold out to a savior who uses them to touch the lives of others within the pages of their respective novels, and, I pray, to shape and encourage those of us who read their stories.

I encourage young women to read In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and For Such a Time as This and learn from characters such as Jennifer, Summer, Mallorie or more. I encourage young men to read In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and For Such a Time as This and to remember when searching for a mate that women like Jennifer, Summer and Mallorie are the sort of helpmate that God desires you to seek out. Together, the two of you can build a relationship centered on His love and grow stronger in your walk within Him.

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Theresa, a Christian prosecutor who frequently travels to Romania on mission trips and organizes fundraisers in her community to help the homeless.

Guest Blogger IX: Not Just Another Football Book

2010-06-21T07:53:00.009-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: I thoroughly enjoyed this tag-team approach to critiquing In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story. My novels have received positive reactions from both male and female readers, which is always an important goal of mine. If you doubt whether a football book is something you would enjoy, or if you're not sure that love stories are the genre for you, be sure to read the following blog!

-----------------------------------------------

Not Just Another Football Book

My husband, David, grew up in northern Alabama. To say he is a sports junkie is an understatement! He is obsessed with all sports, but his favorite has always been football. When his younger sister showed up at our house in New York reading a book with a football field on the cover, David was immediately curious. He borrowed her book that night and knocked it out in a couple of hours. The next morning over breakfast, he told me I should read it too. I laughed! As David enjoys spending hours reading about the history of his favorite teams, I doubted I was interested in any new book he had discovered.

Then my young sister-in-law began chiming in about what she enjoyed about the book. My interest was sparked! Was I hearing her right? Was it possible that my husband was gushing over a LOVE STORY? Surly this was just another football book talking about how the favorite team wins the big game, otherwise, my husband would not be interested. I picked up the book and read the back cover, ready to dismiss the notion of reading it. Instantly, I was hooked! In a Brothers' Eyes had enough football action for my husband and a love story that we could both get behind. It wasn't sappy or overdone; it was honest and real. The balance of football and other aspects of life and love made the book an easy read that I simply could not put down. I fell in love with Brant McLachlan, and so did my husband! Haha!

-Amy

My wife, Amy, has always been in to chick flicks. When we were dating, I had to sit through dozens of ridiculous movies at the theater, all of which ended with the leading man and his leading lady discovering their love for each other after an epic struggle that leads to the obvious. In the end, everything is wrapped up in a pretty package with a nice romantic bow that leaves all the ladies wiping tears away, swept up in the romance of it all as though they didn't know how it would end all along. They are the kind of movies Amy likes and the sort of books she likes to read. Me, I'm a sports guy, and I don't read much. I generally stick to books about the tradition of football at the University of Alabama and occasionally thumb through an autobiography of an athlete or political figure.

I was roped into reading In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story based on the cover, then I couldn't put it down! I read it straight through in one sitting, finding myself rooting for Brant on the football field and off. To any guy who reads the back cover and dismisses the book based on the mention of true love that makes it sound like typical chick lit, I caution you to give this book a chance. The love story is not overdone and easy to relate to, and, unlike most chick lit, the love story is not only one between a guy and his girl. This is the story of a boy who loves a game and a town who loves an athlete. It is a story about bothers bonded by a game and a lifetime of shared memories. It is a love story of a father and coach who loves his wife and his four sons. It's a book I am proud to say I enjoyed and a book I would recommend to the guys I went to college with and the women in my wife's bible study group with equal confidence that they would find themselves wrapped up in the story of Brant McLachlan and his hometown.

-David

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by David, a 2003 University of Alabama graduate who works as a marketing executive in New York City and his wife, Amy, a stay-at-home mom raising their two children.

Guest Blogger VIII: Friendship

2010-06-21T07:52:00.013-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: A true friend is, indeed, a priceless gift, and I think that is evident throughout my novel, In a Brother's Eyes, a book which, to me, epitomizes something I have always believed: your closest friends become your family. I have heard it said that, "a friend is someone who knows everything about you and loves you anyway," and this is, of course, true of the circle of friends within this novel. It touches my heart to know that the author of this Guest Blogger installment and her friends used my book to remind themselves of the importance of friendship.

-----------------------------------------------

Friendship

In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story is a book that I think most teenagers can relate to. If you have ever attended high school or grown up in a small town, you can certainly relate to the characters in this book. I was a cheerleader in high school, just like Jennifer. I had a close circle of friends like she did. I even had a little brother who worshiped my boyfriend, the starting free safety on our high school's football team. After I finished reading In a Brother's Eyes, I made my boyfriend and my best friend read it too because I thought they would enjoy the story and perhaps learn the same lesson that the book reminded me of.

We saw ourselves in the characters in the book, though our lives didn't exactly mirror the characters. In a way, I was envious of the lives the characters in the book led because, no matter what happened, they always fell back on their love for each other. Even when relationships became strained sometimes, they always found their way back to what mattered most! They were a family, and the friendship shared between this special group of people was the basis for the entire novel. The part of the book that my friends and I could agree on is that friendship is something you have to nurture, work on and be dedicated to because it doesn't always come as easy as it should.

My boyfriend and I broke up this year, and I am proud to say that we genuinely remain friends. Because we had always hung out in the same circle, an awkward breakup would have been difficult not only on both of us, but on all of our friends. So my boyfriend and I were not meant to spend forever as a couple. We have moved on. But the one part of our relationship that we hold on to is our friendship. We have talked about what we both learned from the characters in this book, and we know that, though our feeling for each other are not what they once were, our friendship will always remain strong. We still watch Georgia football games together and cheer on the Falcons together with all our friends. We go to the movies and hang out like old times. We have been so close for so long that he is like a member of my family, and I hope that no matter where life takes us, that will never change!

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Laurie, a former high school cheerleader and an avid football fan who will be a freshman at the University of Georgia in the fall.

Guest Blogger VII: Finally, a Book my Daughter and I BOTH Enjoyed

2010-05-31T15:10:00.007-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: It is such a joy for me to know that my book provided the mother/daughter experience documented below. I have an extraordinarily special relationship with my own mother, so knowing that I contributed, in some small way, to Janet finding literary bonding with her daughter, is special for me. And I must say, dear reader, while it may not have been the answer you were anticipating, if she's looking for a man like Jared Wilson...I think she's on the right track! Team Jared all the way! ;)

-----------------------------------------------

Finally, a Book my Daughter and I BOTH Enjoyed

I have always loved reading; I read stories to my daughter when she was growing up, hoping to instill in her my love of books. It didn't! She loved the Boxcar Children series just fine when I read it to her as a kid, but as she reached her teenage years, getting her to read a book was worse than pulling teeth! And I should know, I have worked in a dentist's office for years!

I could hardly get her to read the books she was required to read for school, much less expect her to read for pleasure. Then the Twilight series became all the rage with her friends, and it rekindled the interest that I had tried to encourage in her as a child. She started reading again, and, like her mother, she has not stopped.

While I was glad she had discovered a new love of reading, I secretly longed for us to be able to read books together and discuss them in our own personal mother/daughter book club. We did read a couple books together, but inevitably, one of us, usually the one who selected the novel in the first place, preferred the book over the other of us.

This held true until my daughter suggested we read For Such a Time as This by Aiken Brown. I was immediately drawn to the cover, as a I have been a baseball fan for years! Little did I know, I was in for so much more! My daughter loved the story; I admired the message, and we both fell in love with the characters!

I was so proud, when, as we read For Such a Time as This together, my daughter came to me and announced, "I want to be Summer Greene!" I was touched, wondering what it was specifically about this strong, faithful young woman had made such an impression on my daughter. "Why's that?" I asked her, looking forward to the thoughtful answer about Summer's role as a role model for young women that would follow. But, instead, my daughter brought her hands to her heart. "Because I'm in love with Jared Wilson!"

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Janet, loving mother of an eighteen-year-old daughter.

Guest Blogger VI: Shades of Kingsbury

2010-05-31T15:08:00.003-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: First of all, I consider any comparison to Karen Kingsbury a premier compliment. I am not only a fan of her work, but of her life. Secondly, I strongly believe that we have all been given unique and specific spiritual gifts which we are expected to use for the glory of our Savior. Therefore, for me, writing Christian Fiction is not an option, but a responsibility. I will continue to be open to the messages God places on my heart, and I pray for Him to guide my pen always. Lastly, I love the play on words used in this blog title! If you have not read Karen Kingsbury's "Shades of Blue"...I highly recommend it!

-----------------------------------------------

Shades of Kingsbury

I am an avid reader and a long-time fan of popular Christian Fiction author, Karen Kingsbury. Like most of us, I have read several Christian Fiction authors over the years, and I have learned that finding one who gets the balance right is a rare find. Kingsbury accomplishes it, and, with her own fresh approach, so does relative newcomer, Aiken Brown.

For Such a Time as This, while less subtle than her debut novel In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story, still maintains a good balance between a captivating storyline and a moral statement. Christian books such as those written by Kingsbury and Brown are able to operate as mouthpieces demonstrating the love God has for his people without turning off critical readers such as myself.

Karen Kingsbury has had a sucessful career in Christian Fiction because I truly believe that God gave her a gift, and He uses her novels to speak through. I believe He gave Aiken Brown this same gift, and, as a fan of both women's work, I hope they both continue to use their gifts for years to come!

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Sandra, an avid reader, book critic and frequent speaker at Christian conferences nationwide.

Guest Blogger V: Importance of Family in the South

2010-05-10T13:29:00.015-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) There is no greater compliment for me as an author than to have a parent express a desire for their children to read my work. It has brought me such joy to hear from teenagers and pre-teens who have read my books and been positively impacted by the messages they contain. Continue reading to see what a Guest Blogger with an extensive background in child development had to say about In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story.

-----------------------------------------------

Importance of Family in the South

Anyone from the South knows how important of a role family plays in all aspects. In Aiken Brown's novel, In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story, she expertly portrays this fact. It was so refreshing to read how close this family was and how much they leaned on each other during times of trouble. I loved how this book was entertaining, but kept the main characters out of the "usual" trouble of teens. Being a mom myself, I would want my children to someday read the message that Aiken sends to her readers on dealing with problems.

Besides family, Aiken also uses Christianity subtly in her books to help guide the younger set in the right direction. It is more of a suggestion than a hardcore push, which is perfect for the developmental age reading her material. Aiken offers her readers another way to look at solving problems, opening minds for thought and group discussion.

Aiken is a very talented writer, and it shows for her storylines, plots and messages. Her third books is anticipated with much excitement!

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted byTabitha, author of The Seropia Crystal. Tabitha is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the development of children and owns and operates The Watermelon Patch in Mobile, Alabama.

Guest Blogger IV: The Esther Connection

2010-04-25T09:06:00.016-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: I can't thank the author of the following Guest Blogger installment enough for her analysis of my novel. Reading an article like the following is not only incredibly humbling, but also serves as confirmation of the precise point I was making when I wrote For Such a Time as This. None of us are insignificant in God's plan...we all have a part to play! God has blessed us all with such different talents, and he expects us to USE the talents He has given us for HIS glory! He gave me a talent and passion for writing, and it is my ultimate goal in life to write for Him. As someone once put it, I want to be the sort of woman that when my feet hit the floor in the mornings, the Devil says, "Crap, she's up!" I LOVE that quote! ;)

-----------------------------------------------

The Esther Connection

There is something powerful about taking a timeless biblical story and showing its application to our modern world in a way that is both seamless yet not understated. That is precisely what Aiken Brown does in her second novel, For Such a Time as This.

For Such a Time as This' lovable protagonist, Summer Greene, is carefully crafted into a modern day version of the inspirational biblical figure, Esther.

Esther was a brave, young girl who saved her people as a direct result of her willingness to let God use her to fulfill His plan. She was not the most likely hero, but God had a plan for her life that would make her one of the most significant women in history. She is a role model to be admired and respected by every woman who came after her. For me, Esther is an incredibly relatable character that woman throughout history can see themselves in.

Aiken Brown's contemporary applications to the faithful character of Summer are spot-on and inspirational. If you have your doubts as to whether or not fictional characters can be role models, I would like to introduce to you a young woman with the power to do just that. Summer Greene has inspired countless young women and will continue to do so as new readers are introduced to For Such a Time as This. Summer's insightful words within the novel represent my wish, and I believe the author's wish, for the novel itself. She prays, "Please just put the words that he needs to hear into my mouth and let me be a mouthpiece for You. Give me the ability to look past all my selfish pride and anger, and let me show him Your love through my words and actions."

The moral of both women's stories is this: God is not limited by anything! He is not restricted to flashy miracles to change the course of history. He frequently uses one simple person to change the circumstances around them, and by changing even one life, that person unknowingly changes countless others. Esther was one such woman, and so was Summer Greene, who brilliantly represents any woman who has ever found herself in a position to demonstrate the faith she professes in action.

I will leave you with this: "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Anna, a journalism major at Baylor University with a special interest in women's studies.

Guest Blogger III: When Times Get Tough

2010-04-16T08:01:00.011-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: I am so proud to share this next Guest Blogger submission with you all. Written by a courageous teenager who learned through her own experiences that God will never forsake her, the theme of this post reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "Remember that when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in a perfect position to pray."

-----------------------------------------------

When Times Get Tough

My mama used to have a saying: "When times get tough, the tough get going." When I was fifteen, she said those exact words to me the day she told me she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. They were words I would rely on for the next two years as I watched her battle her disease with strength and grace. When I was seventeen, my Mom lost her battle with cancer. I felt lost and alone! Even though I was lucky to have my dad and my two sisters who were always there to support me, I missed being able to count on my mom. She was the one I always went to with my problems and the one I always asked for advice. My rock was gone!

A few months after my mother died, I was walking in the mall when I saw a framed copy of a poem that I had seen several times over the years but had never taken the time to read. I stopped, and I read a poem that could have easily been about me! It was about a man who questioned God for forsaking him during the most difficult periods of his life because during those times he only saw one set of footprints in the sand instead of the two sets of footprints he saw during happy times. God explained to him that during the hardest times of his life, he only saw one set of footprints because, during the difficult times, God was carrying him through.

That day, this poem stopped me in my tracks. I had been walking around moping and depressed, feeling sorry for myself and feeling lonely, but I came to realize that the opposite was true. I was not alone at all. Not ever. My true Rock would never leave me! God was right there with me, willing to hold my hand every step of the way if I would just ask him to.

I became more active in my church, and about two months later, a new friend gave me a copy of For Such a Time as This by Aiken Brown! I felt like I could totally relate to several of the characters in the book. I could relate to Summer because I have come to understand that God uses difficult times in our lives to make us stronger, but I could also relate to Scott because I felt like I had been where he was as far as questioning how terrible tragedies could happen to such good people. I learned though my own experience that despite losing my mother, I have so much to be thankful for! In many ways, losing my mother has helped me grow closer to God. It has made me focus on my faith and my relationship with Him. I think the same is true for the characters in For Such a Time as This. As Summer says, "sometimes God has to break you before he can remake you!" I have been remade, and I think my Mama would be proud!

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Katelynn, an eighteen-year-old young woman who helped care for her mother during her two year battle with breast cancer and now helps her father care for her two younger sisters.

Guest Blogger II: The Family That Prays Together Stays Together

2010-03-30T08:04:00.009-05:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: When I read the following blog, a particular scripture (Joshua 24:15) was immediately called to mind: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." My novels focus around families who serve the Lord and strive to live their lives in accordance to His will, and it pleased me to know that the author of the following essay was able to infer several understated themes that were present throughout In a Brother's Eyes: The Brant McLachlan Story.

-----------------------------------------------

The Family That Prays Together Stays Together

In a Brother's Eyes by Aiken A. Brown focuses around the McLachlan family and the community in which they live, which includes several close friends that they consider an extension of their own family. This book was a good read due to the subtlety with which the author made her point. The Christian narrative was not in-your-face, but it was apparent throughout the book. The theme of this book was not in-your-face, and I liked that approach. Instead, it was a well-told story that unfolded so nicely that there was no need to push the point home more than the author chose to. It spoke for itself.

Several references were made to prayer; in fact, half a dozen times or more, the characters in this book were described as being in prayer for various things. The McLachlan family, as well as their extended family, are obviously praying, God-fearing people who believe in giving their troubles over to God as we are instructed to do in the scripture. David McLachlan, the family patriarch, is seen turning to God in prayer very early on in the book. The close father/son relationships that David shares with his four sons is apparent throughout the novel, and the reader is able to see that his influence over them has been one of a positive, God-fearing father who has taught his sons to be Christian young men by his example. At one point, we learn that David and his wife presented their son Brant, the book's main character, with a Bible. This gift is just another example of how this family and these parents made it a point to share their faith and their beliefs with their children and instill in them the importance of living lives that were pleasing to God.

In 2 Timothy, the Bible states, "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." This scripture is an example of how Godly parents impact the lives of their children in a positive way. As a father, I strive to set an example for my children, so that they can see through me how the scripture instructs us to live. My wife and I make a point to pray with our children and teach them how the Bible instructs us to talk to God. Throughout the course of In a Brother's Eyes, the McLachlan boys make mistakes, as we all do, but their foundation is apparent, and I believe that their understanding of the world and of right from wrong comes from the example set by their praying parents.

Parents who pray for their children and teach their children how to pray are showing their children the path they should follow. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) There are moments while reading this book that I can imagine David McLachlan reading this verse and asking himself where he went wrong, but the fact is, we will all make mistakes. It is how we handle those mistakes that will define us, and a family that prays together will stand strong in the Lord through even the most unimaginable times.

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Michael, father of two young boys and a high school history teacher who is an active member of his church's outreach program which provides free tutoring services to underprivileged children in his Mississippi community.

Guest Blogger I: Always Have Faith

2010-03-13T08:32:00.010-06:00

AIKEN'S NOTES: This beautifully written essay ties in perfectly to one of my favorite chapters of scripture: Hebrews 11. The Bible tells us, "Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) I encourage you to read the following essay, as well as, Hebrews chapter 11 in its entirety, as it gives tremendous and thought-provoking examples of FAITH in action.

-----------------------------------------------

Always Have Faith

As a young woman getting ready to start college next fall, reading For Such a Time as This by Aiken A. Brown was an example of finding the right book at the right time. The book's main character, Summer Greene, a christian college student, is an inspiration to teenagers like myself who will be heading off into the unknown world of college. We will face new challenges and temptations and be given more freedom and opportunities to stray away from things that were previously so key to the lives we have led. I have been to church with my parents since I was a baby in the nursery, but when I go to college, getting up and going to church and making time for Bible study will be my responsibly and my choice. I am determined to remain strong and active in my faith, and reading a book like For Such a Time as This reminds me of why that is so important to me. I pray that I never face a tragedy like the one that Summer faced, but during my life I know that I will be met with sadness and hard times. I can always hope that I will handle it the way that Summer does.

Like me, Summer came from a Christian family. When tragedy strikes, Summer's father immediately turns to God. During his prayer, he says, "We have faith, and we find comfort in the promise that, while we are helpless in this moment, you are capable of immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine." Summer was raised to know of God's power and his love for us, and because she never strayed from her beliefs, she was able to encourage others in a way that was powerful to read.

One of my favorite lines of the book comes when Summer states, "We can't claim to have faith in God's plan when things are going good, only to abandon it in times of crisis. We have to trust that, though tonight seems like some awful, cosmic mistake that slipped past God's radar while He was looking the other way, it wasn't. We make mistakes; God doesn't. His plan involves every little thing that happens to us: the good, the bad, the confusing and even the tragic. But, the encouraging part is that God has a clever way of making good come out of things that Satan intends for evil." This statement is so true and so well-said that I read it a lot. It reminds me that I need to pray all the time, not only when I want or need something. I need to remember to thank God for the good and not only turn to him when things get tough. It reminds me that when things do get tough, God is still there for me.

As I get ready to leave the christian school where I have attended school since I started kindergarten, I know that when I go to college away from the support system of my family and my home church, I am going to need to find friends who will help me stay accountable for my actions and committed to my faith and my relationship with God. I want to find a friend like Summer. I want to commit myself to being a friend like Summer to others. She was a witness to everyone who encountered her, and her story was a witness to me. Reading For Such a Time as This was such a good reminder of how we should all strive to live our lives. I plan to take my copy with me to school and read my favorite sections when I need encouragement. Because although I know that Summer is a fictional character, she is so cute and inspirational that I consider her a girlfriend and an ally. I think that everyone who is going off to college in the fall should read this book. Share it with your friends back in high school and give it to your parents to read. No matter what is going on in your life, always have faith!

-----------------------------------------------

*Submitted by Rachael, an honor student and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at her high school in South Carolina. Rachael is also an active member of her youth group and hopes to attend the University of South Carolina in the fall.

2010 Guest Blogger Series

2010-02-20T10:07:00.006-06:00

I am proud to announce a new feature that will begin appearing on the website in the coming months! Beginning in March 2010, my website will feature a Guest Blogger Series, an installment that will allow us to hear thoughts from different readers in various walks of life, in different stages of their lives as they highlight reasons why In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and/or For Such a Time as This are meaningful to them.

The participants we have lined up will hit on various aspects of the novels from incredibly different points of view, and I hope you are as excited to hear what they have to say as I am. The scope of this project will focus not only on my novels, but on the importance of the entire genre of Christian fiction to teens, young adults and beyond!

If anyone reading about this new feature would like to contribute to the Guest Blogger Series and have your voice heard, just e-mail me a couple of paragraphs that include aspects of my novels to support your point, and I will be thrilled to share what you have to say with all my readers! As always, participation is encouraged, welcomed and greatly appreciated! You guys are the reason I do this! Thanks for reading!

Exciting Upcoming Updates:

2009-10-19T05:19:00.004-05:00

Hey Y'all! There are a lot of things going on in preparation for the new book, and there will be several updates to the website in the coming months! Look for my...

Cover Design Contest
New Favorite Character Poll
Guest Blogger Series
New Interview
Cafe Chat
Synopsis Release
Signing Announcements

Thanks for visiting my website! Stay tuned! :)

Aiken's Reading List

2009-09-12T15:05:00.005-05:00

Per request, I have assembled Aiken's Reading List. I have limited my selections to 20 of my favorites...which include both fiction and nonfiction. This list is neither comprehensive nor compiled in any particular order. The following are just a few of the books that I have immensely enjoyed over time. Even as I am typing this, the titles of other books that could have easily made the list are popping into my head. I hope you guys check these books out and enjoy them as much as I did. And, of course, be sure to add In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story and For Such a Time as This to your reading list! ;)

Aiken's Reading List...

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren; The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy; My Losing Season by Pat Conroy; Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult; The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks; Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult; Black Mountain Breakdown by Lee Smith; The Great Santini by Pat Conroy; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Heart of a Soldier by James B. Stewart; Evensong by Gail Godwin; The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; Idoleyes by Mandisa Hundley; My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult; Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson; The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans; Runaway Jury by John Grisham; Brett Favre: Huck Finn Grows Up by Steve Cameron; The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham; Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley

Reaching Teen Readers

2009-08-01T08:03:00.015-05:00

Hello, Readers!

Last week I received an e-mail from a precious seventeen-year-old girl, and (with her permission) I want to share excerpts of her letter throughout this blog entry. Not only did she share her personal story and struggles with me, she also made several points that got me thinking about the genre of Christian Fiction as a whole...especially as it relates to teenage readers.

She wrote, "For Such a Time as This made a lasting impact on me and my boyfriend. I appreciate the fact that I never felt like I was being preached to, just spoken to. The characters were not in-your-face. They were so likable and easy to relate to that I wanted to listen to what they had to say. You created characters that I cared about, let me get to really know them really well, and then used them to share the book's message in such a way that it was all just part of their story."

As a reader, the aspect of any book that has always been most appealing to me and, therefore makes a novel worth the read in my eyes, is attention to in-depth character development, and, because the characters themselves are what captivate me as a reader, I have always made a conscious effort to bring that style of writing to the table as an author. I am often told by readers that they felt like they knew the characters I created...and I take that to be the ultimate compliment! When you read one of my novels, I want you to know my characters so well that you feel like you could make an educated guess about how they would handle a situation outside the scope of the book. I feel like helping you get to know the characters in a very real way allows you to experience their story with them.

"When I read In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story, I was amazed by how close I felt to the characters in that book. I felt like I learned more thorough the things that were never directly stated than I did from other books that knock you over the head with their message," this reader stated.

I have always felt, both as a reader and then as an author, that novels inevitably work better when the characters and the plot guide the novel, not the lesson you are trying to get across. So to hear these words from someone who has read my work is perfect confirmation that I have been able to accomplish what I set out to do. She went on to say, "these characters I could easily relate to, and they faced problems that any of us could face at any time, issues that teenagers face everyday." This too is something that I think is critical in the realm of fiction and something that I try to be aware of in every aspect of my writing.

My ultimate goal is for my novels to remain approachable to all readers, not only Christian teens, but their peers who may pick up a book about sports or a good love story and be touched by the book's positive message. I deal with subjects relevant to all readers: emotions, struggles, temptations, worries, fears, love, friendship. When it comes to writing for teenagers or young adults, I feel that the most important thing to remember is that times, settings, events and experiences my differ, but there are certain emotions that are both timeless and universal. It is always my goal to find that common ground with my audience, and that is why letters from my readers, such as the one I shared with you today, are so meaningful. I loved that this reader shared stories and struggles from her own life that made my book so influential to her; it is inspiring to hear! Every life has a story...and I love hearing yours.

I can't wait for my readers (teens and adults alike) to meet the young, female protagonist of my upcoming third novel. I feel very strongly that God has great plans for her as a role model for teen readers and beyond. During the next several weeks, I will be making various decisions concerning the new book, and I hope that each of you will pray for me as I prepare for its release.

Also keep in mind that novel number four, the follow-up to In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story, is slated for 2010, so make sure you have had a chance to read the Brant McLachlan story and share it with all your friends!

Your continued support means the world to me, and I can never thank you enough for purchasing my novels, sharing them with your friends and family, sending e-mails of encouragement and, most of all, your prayers.

July 10, 1980 - May 12, 2000

2009-05-12T17:55:00.004-05:00

On this day nine years ago, God called Adam home. The tragic loss seemed unthinkable, but I will forever remember the words of his faithful grandfather, "Never put a question mark where God has put a period." God had a plan for Adam's life, just like He has a plan for you and me! Today, I do not want to mourn Adam's death, but, instead, celebrate the life he lived because, in the short time he spent here with us, he taught us all that life is to be measured by quality not quantity. Adam lived to tell of God's love, and God continues to use him in mighty ways. Adam's legacy lives on! He lived his life as an example of his Lord and Savior's love, and nine years after his death, he is still touching countless lives. To learn more about the camp for critically and chronically ill children founded in Adam's honor, please take the time to visit www.victoryjunction.org.

Please also take a moment to read the lyrics of the beautiful song by Geoff Moore that was played at Adam's memorial service, and let the words inspire you to live your life in such a way that When All is Said and Done, others have witnessed Christ through you:

"When the music fades into the past,
When the days of life are through,
What will be remembered of where I've come?
When all is said and done?

Will they say I loved my family?
That I was a faithful friend?
That I lived to tell of God's own Son?
When all is said and done.

Of how I long to see the hour,
When I would hear that trumpet sound.
I rise and see my Savior's face,
And see Him smile,
And say, 'Well done.'

You can forget my name
And the songs I've sung,
Every rhyme and every tune,
But remember the truth of Jesus' love,
When all is said and done. "

Q&A

2009-05-09T20:00:00.011-05:00

Q: What advice would you give a teenager who wants to make a difference and do something for the Lord but does not know where to start?
A: I would first point you to 1 Timothy 4:12-14. "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. " Secondly, I would urge you not to misunderstand the scripture; public speaking or preaching may not be your strong suit! Please remember that these are instructions to young Timothy based on his spiritual gifts! However, lastly, and most importantly, I assure you that we have ALL been given spiritual gifts, and we are all, like Timothy, expected to use them...whatever they may be! Discover them...use them! I could go on trying to eloquently explain the process and necessity of discovering your spiritual gifts. However, I will do you one better and point you to the most beautifully written explanation of this process that I have found to date. Pick up a copy of and study Day 32 of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. (I STRONGLY recommend reading the entire book, and when you are done, starting back at the beginning and reading it all again. YES, it is that awesome!)

Q: Have you ever read A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks? Did you love it?
A: Yes! I am yet to read a Nicholas Sparks novel that I didn't like. Of course, I have enjoyed some more than others, and I do definitely have my favorites! A Walk to Remember ranks fairly high on the list, but my all-time favorite Sparks novel (oddly enough, when I met him I found out this is his favorite too) is The Rescue. Make sure you check that one out!

Q:Do you only write fiction, or do you also write nonfiction?
A: While I love reading nonfiction, and do so quite often, my one venture into the world of nonfiction was enough to remind me why I am addicted to the creative process involved in writing a novel. There is far too much fact checking involved in nonfiction, and, in my opinion, the players too frequently screw up their lines! Hehe! I was intrigued, though not entirely surprised, to hear the incomparable John Grisham express the same exact sentiments after publishing his nonfiction Bestseller The Innocent Man (highly recommended). Yet, what I also recall is that Grisham claimed he had never been so proud of a book as he was of his nonfiction work, because, while writing novels comes to him naturally, completing and accurately portraying a true story of justice gone horribly awry was a whole new challenge. I can appreciate that sense of accomplishment that he felt upon the book's completion, and, for that reason, I would never completely rule out nonfiction in the future. If the right opportunity arose, I might be up for the challenge, but my love is creating a story from scratch, watching it develop and seeing what it turns into.

Q: Are you currently accepting speaking engagements?
A: For any inquiries about speaking engagements, please e-mail me and be sure to include your name, the event, date, time, any topics of interest and any contact information you would like me to have. Each inquiry will be reviewed on an individual basis, but if I feel that God is leading me to participate, I will most certainly be there.

Q: Can you post more pictures of Meatball?
A: It is no surprise that since I posted Meatball's Easter picture here on my blog, the most frequent questions I have gotten are all about Meatball and most include requests to post more pictures of him. Meatball needs an agent! But for now, I will just pose a question of my own(photographic evidence provided). Meatball has read both of my novels, have you?

Launching National E-mail Campaign Today

2009-04-11T12:08:00.008-05:00

Hello, Friends! It is the day before Easter, the day set aside to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can't think of a better weekend to launch my national e-mail campaign. Tomorrow, as we celebrate Easter, it is important to remember that God's gift of salvation to us and the miracle of his resurrection is something to be celebrated everyday, not once a year. And, in a nutshell, that is the purpose behind this new e-mail campaign.

Today, I will be sending out e-mails to everyone on my mailing list (if you wish to be added to that list, just shoot an e-mail to aikenb45@yahoo.com) requesting that you forward the link to this blog to your friends. As I prepare for the release of my third novel, I am more convinced than ever that I am doing exactly what God called me to do. I have been so blessed to be able to see the impact that Christian literature can have on our teenagers and our society as a whole. There is so much more work to be done and so many people who need to be reached. My challenge to you is to send an e-mail to your all friends, pointing them to this blog entry and encouraging them to, in turn, do the same.

I have received e-mails from people who have shared copies of my books with a friend, on whom the books have had a special impact, and that blesses my heart tremendously. Writing is what God has called me to do. He blesses me with stories to tell for His Glory, and it is my goal to spend the rest of my life using the spiritual gifts that I have been given to bless His name.

Happy Easter, Everyone!!!

Together, we can reach all 50 states and beyond with this e-mail campaign. Let's make it happen! Happy e-mailing, and God bless you!

"What you are is God's gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God."

In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story

For Such a Time as This

(The above links will direct you to my page on the Barnes and Noble website. If you prefer links to Amazon or other booksellers, those are available by visiting: In a Brother's Eyes or For Such a Time as This.)

Celebration of the Arts

2009-02-22T19:59:00.005-06:00

I am proud to announce that I will again be participating in Semmes Elementary School's annual Celebration of the Arts Event. Books will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the new Semmes Branch of the Mobile Public Library. The children and their parents who come out to support this special event are always such a joy, and I look forward to meeting many more of you this year. I hope to see you there! Support our children...they are our future!

EVENT INFORMATION:
Celebration of the Arts
Semmes Elementary School Media Center
Monday, March 2nd
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For Such a Time as This

2009-02-01T19:27:00.007-06:00

"It is my prayer that God blesses For Such a Time as This. I pray God uses this book, and I feel for certain that he will and already has. I know that it ministered to me. If you are reading this and you don't own a copy of this book, you should buy one. If you have a copy, I urge you to share your copy with a friend or even a stranger. Pass it around, give it as a gift. Summer Greene is an inspiration for the ages, a truly beautiful woman inside and out. Her story is one of grace and strength. She is a testimony not only to the women of America, but to all of us. You go girl!"

"For Such a Time as This is an incredibly well-written novel. The syntax and sentence structure makes for a very enjoyable and easy read. The storyline kept me reading and the characters inspired me. Scott Wilson has become my favorite fictional character from any genre. This book demonstrated tremendous growth from Aiken's first book and left me longing for the next novel from her."

"For Such a Time as This is a brilliantly ended novel, summing up the purpose and moral of the book in words spoken so eloquently by a character who has come full circle. I see myself in him; I think we all can if we're honest with ourselves. This book is far too real to be fictional. I fell in love; I laughed; I got angry; I cried; I wept, and I know it sounds crazy, but I encourage you to do the same."

"Aiken, my parents gave me your book for my birthday this year after I started reading your blog on the internet. I don't really know much about writing book reviews, but I want you to know that your novel really helped me through some tough times I was going through at school. Summer Greene and Mallorie Wright are my heroes and you are too."

"For Such a Time as This is an easy read, yet it will make you think about God's plan for your life. How many times do we miss an opportunity to minister or serve because our hearts are not open to it? This is a great story of faith that all of us can relate to in our own lives."

"This book is written very well. It is captivating and ultimately it is a book that every Christian needs to share with their teenagers and their teenagers' friends and their teenagers' friends' parents and their churches. We need more books like this one instead of the trash that can be found on bookshelves today. For Such a Time as This is not a holier-than-thou, in-your-face sort of book. It's a real story about very likable people and a lot can be learned from each of them. As a father of four daughters, I wish that there were more Jared Wilsons in the world today."

"Jared Wilson and Summer Greene can teach us all a little something. I found myself wanting to be her and fall in love with him. They are both fantastic role models and their story will keep you reading. I read the novel in one night because I did not want to put it down."

"I live in a small town in Georgia with my parents and my sister. A man at my church knows that I am a big bookworm, and he passed a copy of your book along. I wish that everyone could read this book. I hope one day it becomes a movie that everyone will watch. Summer and Jared are such great role models. I love that they are never ashamed of being Christians or sharing what they believe with others. I shared this book with my youth group, and it really got us talking."

"For Such a Time as This is a wonderfully inspiring book that I would recommend all high school and college kids read. It is a great book for both boys and girls. We need more books like this."

"For Such a Time as This is incredibly well-written. You will fall in love with every character in the novel as you travel their journey with them. Summer's story will make you take a second look at yourself. After reading this book, I found myself looking for opportunities where God was trying to use me."

"When reading For Such a Time as This and In a Brother's Eyes , the author writes with such emotion and realism that it makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. They are stories about friends' and families' strengths and frailties. You want to know the ending, but you hate for the book to end! Read them both!"

"For Such a Time as This is a book for all ages. It is impossible not to cry while reading a novel by this author because the emotions leap off the page and grip you. This book was inspiring and charming and fun, and I hope that everyone will pick it up and at least give it a chance to minister to them."

"Aiken, thanks so much for the opportunity to share my thoughts about your two novels on your blog. I enjoy your blog so much. First, let me say how proud I am of you and how blessed you are that God has given you such an amazing talent. From the time you were a baby, you always loved books. Reading to you before bedtime every night is one of my favorite memories of your childhood. I must also take this time to share with your fans about your first story titled 'Chicken.' Since that time you have really blossomed. Ha. I love that your novels are about sports and families. Sports have always been a big part of our family's life, and I believe that playing sports provides an opportunity to learn to win or lose with grace, character and class. When I read your novels, I feel as though I know the characters. That is the mark of a great storyteller. Both of your novels made me feel real emotion. Sometimes I laughed out loud and sometimes I silently cried. Another shout out that you did something right. It is my dream, Sweetheart, that you continue to share your stories with the world and that each person who reads them can feel that emotion. It is my prayer that you continue to show Christ's love in your writing and that in some small way God can use your words to bless others. I've always heard that 'to whom much is given, much is required.' God has given you much talent and we, your fans, expect many more novels. We look forward to all the stories you have to share with us. May all your dreams come true. To God be the glory!"

In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story

2009-02-01T17:32:00.005-06:00

"In a Brother's Eyes is not a typical teenage love story. While it is the story of two ordinary, American kids raised in the south, Brant McLachlan is anything but ordinary and ultimately young Jennifer's wisdom, loyalty, devotion and capacity for love and forgiveness proves extraordinary. I have such admiration and respect for this young woman, and I think we can all learn a little something from her example. I absolutely loved this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good story about the trials and the joys of everyday life."

"In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story made me feel like I was a part of the characters' lives. From Jordan's narration to the in depth development of the characters' personalities, I felt like I was there, like I went to school with these kids and lived in their small town. I felt like they were my friends and that I, because I had spent so much time with them, could attest to the fact that Brant and Jennifer were, and always had been, meant for one another. I cried my eyes out over this book and felt the tragedy of this story on a very personal level. That is the sign of a great novel."

"In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story epitomizes life in the south. From trucks, football, country music and a fist fight here and there to the love of God and family, this book is a southern gem. Brant McLachlan is a good ole country boy with a unique flare. He will charm you; he will challenge you, and, in the end, he will teach you more than you ever expected."

"Every teenager should read this book. Girls, you will fall in love with the McLachlan boys, especially Brant. Boys, these are guys that you could easily be friends with, and Jennifer will no doubt steal your heart. Every guy should have a girl like her. I encourage you to read this book. It is not only a very interesting story, but it teaches wonderful lessons as well. Besides, there are parts that will truly make you laugh out loud."

"This story stayed with me when I was finished reading. The characters are genuine and easy to relate to. Aiken wrote about their lives with sensitivity and attention to detail. I felt like I knew the characters personally, and now that I have finished the book, I miss them."

"In a Brother's Eyes lives up to the roller coaster ride of emotions promised. You will become a resident of the town where these characters live and a member of their extended family. Aiken makes you care about these people in a way that is difficult to describe. The novel leaves you with all you could possibly ask for, yet leaves you wanting more."

"Jennifer Smith is the quintessential small town girl. She is a girl who, on the surface, is cute but not beautiful, yet she proves that true beauty come from the inside. This book left me satisfied, yet wanting to know more. I adored Jennifer, and I want to know where life takes her."

"In a Brother's Eyes captures southern charm and tradition in a way that is honest and not overstated. Every once in awhile there is a character so memorable that he or she transcends fiction. Brant McLachlan is one of those characters. His fallibility makes him vulnerable and his vulnerability makes him lovable. He is confident not cocky though he jokes about being full of himself. Brant's outgoing personality, incredible sense of humor and love of life make for a fantastic read."

"I will admit, I am not a big reader. I am not the type to curl up with the latest bestseller, but I picked up this novel and I could not put it down. I fell in love with the characters. They are so real, so believable, so normal, and, having grown up in the south, I could really relate to them. They were the people I grew up with. They were me. Well, and then there was Brant. I had no idea that is was possible to love a fictional character, but this young, blonde athlete will steal your heart."

"What stood out for me when I read In a Brother's Eyes was the family dynamic present in this book, not only between parents and children or between sibling but amongst this tight knit group of friends. Brant and Jennifer's shared history makes this so much more than just another teenage romance. Their bond is apparent and their story is worth reading."

"First off, I am not a good writer, so I apologize. I am just a guy that likes to fish and hunt and watch some football on occasion. The only reason I read this book was because I had a very funny introduction to the amazing young woman who wrote it. I am not much of a reader, but I figured that even I could handle a book about football. The book was so funny and so touching and so sad all at once. It captured real life and made me feel real emotions. I'm not from the south, but this book made me want to move there. I give it two thumbs up for sure."

"Aiken Brown writes Christian Fiction; she tells of everyday trials of life in families with teens and how much easier it is to go through everyday life with the Lord. I've read both of her books that are out now, and once I started reading them I did not want to put them down. They are both great, and I can't wait for the next book to come out."

"In a Brother's Eyes is the story of a cocky quarterback who enjoys playing hero to a small, nothing town in southern Mississippi. Where this book differs from other football stories is that the characters become so much more than underdeveloped stereotypical pawns who triumph to win the big game. You get to know them on the field and off, and, most importantly, they make you care. The secret is that this is not a story about football at all. It is just as it says. This is the Brant McLachlan story, and his story is worth your time."

"This is not a typical, will they or won't they type love story plot line. There is no question that Brant McLachlan and Jennifer Smith are in love. Their lives are so beautifully woven together that even in their struggles you find yourself urging them to stick together because any other possibility just seems so unfortunate. Young love typically presents many problems as growing up gets in the way, and the same holds true for these two kids, yet the one thing I never found myself doing in this book was taking sides. Through it all, you'll love them both from cover to cover."

"This is the first book that ever made me cry. Not tear up, but actually have tears running down my face. I felt like I had lost something at the end of this book because these characters were so real, so loved. This book is my favorite book I have ever read. I enjoyed For Such a Time as This tremendously, but the McLachlan triplets won my heart. I also adored Jordan's narration, and I am secretly hoping that he will write that book about Christian that he so subtly suggested."

"Be careful where you read this book. I had no idea that a book could evoke such raw emotion from me. The characters and the story kept me glued to the page. I wanted to go to high school with these kids and hang out with them on the weekends. I wanted to strangle Brant for what he did and defend him all at the same time. He brought such joy to the world that it radiated from every page. What a one in a million sort of guy! I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves a great story of love and friendship."

"I realize that this book is called The Brant McLachlan Story, but Jennifer Smith's story is an awesome story of forgiveness. It is a story about the purest of love rooted in childhood that blossoms into such a beautiful example of young love. Jennifer is mature and nurturing, she is a product of a small town upbringing and demonstrates the grace and dignity of a southern woman. I am excited about the possibility of getting to know Jennifer as a grown-up. I hope that her book will come out soon. I recommend that everyone reads Brant and Jennifer's story. It will touch your heart, put a smile on your face and make you cry."

"In a Brother's Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story is not just another football story because Brant McLachlan is not just another athlete. I admit I was hesitant when I started this book, but now that I have read it, I would say it is a must read for guys and girls. My brother never reads, and he finished this book in one sitting. He even cried. I did too."

"Brant McLachlan is hot, funny and charming; he's a guy's guy and a ladies man, a true southern boy. Jennifer Smith is adorable and mature beyond her years, and whether she and Brant are kissing or fighting the two of them provide a perfect definition of true love. When I was reading this novel, sometimes I laughed until I cried and other times I bawled my eyes out. This book moved me because it was so true to life. If you are hooked on Nicholas Sparks like I am, you will love reading Aiken's books."

"I laughed so hard at this special group of friends. I felt their joy, shared their tears and experienced life with them in their lovable country town. Brant, Christian, Ethan, Jennifer and Tommy - thank you for all the laughs and letting the rest of us peer into your lives, and, in many cases, feel like part of the gang. In a Brother's Eyes is a wonderful novel told in a way that will pull you in, keep your interest and capture your heart. "

Keeping you Updated!

2009-01-22T20:14:00.017-06:00

Hey Y'all,
I hope that everyone's 2009 is off to a positive start. As I look forward to the opportunities that 2009 has in store for me, I know how blessed I am, and each and every one of you are an invaluable part of that. Earlier today, I was thumbing through a few pages of the upcoming novel, and I was absolutely filled with anxiety and excitement because I cannot wait for you guys to experience the journey I have been on lately. I would like to thank everyone for your kind e-mails and your always interesting questions and comments. They keep me going strong and never fail to bring a big smile to my face. On February 1st, I will be posting the very special You Blog book reviews that you guys have written, and I must add that I have been floored by the insight and analysis that each of you has provided. Your words mean so much, and I tremendously appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to let me and your fellow readers hear you thoughts. If you have not had a chance to have your voice heard, there is still time. E-mail your reviews of In a Brother's Eyes and/or For Such a Time as This to aikenb45@yahoo.com to have them posted right here.

Now for my first question and answer installment of the year:

QUESTION: What Charities do you support?

AIKEN: First off, I would like to say that I am grateful to have the opportunity to answer this question. Many of you may know that this is actually a subject that I am incredibly passionate about. My charity of choice is the Victory Junction Gang Camp founded in honor of Adam Petty. This awesome (in every true sense of the word) camp for critically and chronically ill children is a labor of love built to fulfill the dream of an amazing nineteen-year-old young man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is now in Heaven watching his dream of serving those in need become a reality for countless children and their families. This is a subject that I could easily go on about because it is so dear to my heart; I will end by saying that it is a dream of mine to one day be in the position to do a national book tour with the entirety of the proceeds going to Victory Junction.
___________________________________________
QUESTION: What are you reading now?

AIKEN: Usually, this answer would require a list because I am frequently reading multiple books at once. However, right now the list is pretty short due to my hectic schedule of late. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks and Slow Way Home by Michael Morris should be knocked out this week. I was recently reading the synopsis of Jodi Picoult's novel slated for 2010, and I absolutely cannot wait for that one. She is a rare talent, and I will never get enough of her brilliant work.
___________________________________________
QUESTION: How do you write?

AIKEN: I chuckled when I read this question because, though I assume the query is in regard to my process for doling out a new novel, I contemplated the distinct possibility that this question was asked by someone who had actually witnessed the ridiculous (apparently, though I don't get why) way I hold a pen, and they were, in fact, inquiring how I write. As for my process, however, I live with my characters for a while and get to know them. I fall in love with them, become best friends with them, learn about their likes, their dislikes, their passions, their fears, their lives. I write on napkins at restaurants and text notes to myself when I discover where my characters want to go. I use shorthand to make notes and eventually scribble out a story map, a sort of outline of the book. Then I sit at my computer for hours, living in the world that my characters inhabit. I do a great deal of my writing on the computer, but there is nothing like writing out a chapter in my trusty notebook. I like Patricia Gaffney's (Saving Graces, Flight Lessons) quote: "There's something about my own handwriting uncurling across the page. There's so much personality in it, so much of me."
___________________________________________
QUESTION: Is Aiken Brown your real name or your pen name?

AIKEN: I love this question! It has tickled me that, over the years, I have been asked this question rather frequently. Aiken Brown is indeed my birth name; it's not a pseudonym as many people seem to believe. It's unique, and often mispronounced, yet I wear my Nana's maiden name proudly. As for those of you who have suggested that it just sounds like an author's name...thank you very much!

And the Winner is...

2009-01-04T07:47:00.005-06:00

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Favorite Character Poll.

Congratulations to the poll winner:

JARED WILSON
For Such a Time as This

Grand Opening

2008-12-30T19:06:00.006-06:00

I am very excited to announce that Wednesday, January 7^th will be the Grand Opening of the Semmes Branch of the Mobile Public Library. So much hard work by so many very dedicated individuals was required in order to make this project come to life. I was very proud to take part in the Celebration of the Arts fundraiser at Semmes Elementary School this past year and help do a very small part to make this dream for our community a reality. I strongly encourage anyone who can to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday and support the opening of our new library, which promises to have a tremendous impact on the future of Semmes.

What: Grand Opening

Where: Semmes Branch of the Mobile Public Library (Moffett Rd. @ Wulff Rd. & McCrary Rd. across from the CVS)

When: Wednesday, January 7th at 10a.m.

Details: For up-to-date information CLICK HERE to visit the library’s home page.

Making a List and Checking it Twice

2008-12-22T22:21:00.009-06:00

Don't forget to cast your vote in the Favorite Character Pole before it closes on January 1st.

Send in your You Blog Book Reviews before the February 1st deadline to have them posted here.

I love you all. Thank you for your support in 2008, and I look forward to an exciting 2009.

Five Minutes with Aiken Brown

2008-11-23T14:59:00.004-06:00

Hey Y’all! For those of you who asked, I am still working on pulling the NBC transcripts together for you. Here is a more recent interview, the details of which I will be providing soon. As always, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. God Bless!

“Give your whole being to God to be used for righteous purposes.” Romans 6:13

Aiken, tell us a little bit about For Such a Time as This…

Aiken Brown - “For Such a Time as This is a book about having faith when things are not going your way. It is a story that everyone can relate to in some way. You might never have experienced the same tragedy that the protagonist, Summer Greene, experiences in the story, but there has undoubtedly been a time when you were pushed to your limits emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc. This book is about a young woman who demonstrates a tremendous amount of grace and courage at a time when it would have been very tempting to turn away from everything she was asked to do.”
_________________________________________

Who are the authors who inspire you?

Aiken Brown – “There are so many authors who inspire me in one way or another. I will say, however, that there are three authors who are yet to disappoint me: Pat Conroy, Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult. I can’t get enough of their work. All three are brilliant.”
_________________________________________

I recently heard you say that right now is a great time to read In a Brother’s Eyes…

Aiken Brown – “Absolutely, we are in the heart of football season. The University of Alabama is the number one team in the country. ROLL TIDE! All across the United States, boys of all ages are strapping their pads on and lining up for the big game. It’s the greatest time of the year! In a Brother’s Eyes is a story about a football player who is a star on the field and off. Whether you love football like I do or don’t consider yourself much of a sports fan, I think Brant McLachlan will steal your heart.”

_________________________________________

What sort of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Aiken Brown – “Spare time? I wish I had more of it. No, I enjoy reading and listening to great music and spending quality time with the people I love. I am definitely looking forward to the holidays and spending time with my family. There is a huge Iron Bowl party in the works! I am looking forward to 2009. I think it is going to be a great year for me.”

_________________________________________

When can we expect the release of your third novel?

Aiken Brown – “I do not have a release date as of yet, but I am very excited about my new novel. I know that many of you have been anticipating it for quite a while, but I feel like this one is worth the wait. It’s coming soon. I promise. Until then…tell all of your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to check out In a Brother’s Eyes and For Such a Time as This!”

Home For the Holidays Update

2008-11-12T04:08:00.003-06:00

What: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Where: West Regional Branch of the Mobile Public Library
When: Saturday, November 15th from 11-4
Details: Come visit me any time from 11-4. I will be reading from For Such a Time as This @ 2:40.

You Blog...

2008-11-09T19:37:00.014-06:00

I am very excited to announce this new project…inspired by YOU!

Send in your book reviews any day before February 1st to have your blog posted here! As always, your feedback is what it’s all about. I encourage you to review both books or just write up your favorite! There are no minimum or maximum length requirements. I want to hear any and every thing you have to say! Every review I receive will be posted here on the first of February in a very special blog.

*Submit your reviews via the e-mail address listed on the ABOUT AIKEN page located on the sidebar.

Thank you to those who have already written me to express your opinions of my work. You have all had such interesting and inspiring things to say! I look forward to putting this project together because I think you will all enjoy hearing what your fellow readers have had to say. I know I have!

Love you all and God Bless,
Aiken

Home for the Holidays

2008-10-25T10:02:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce that I will be taking part in Mobile’s HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS celebration this year. For Such a Time as This and In a Brother’s Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story will be available for purchase. I will be reading from For Such a Time as This at a time that I will specify once finalized by the event’s coordinator. I participated in this celebration of local and regional talent two years ago, and the event has grown tremendously since my involvement then. I look forward to returning this year, and I hope to see you guys there!

WHEN: Saturday, November 15th from 11am-4pm
WHERE: West Regional Branch of the Mobile Public Library

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7

Ten Questions With Aiken Brown...

2008-10-02T13:20:00.005-05:00

I recently sat down for a new interview based on e-mail inquiries from my wonderful fans; I thought that some interesting questions came up, so I want to share the transcript with everyone:

EQ- When did you know you wanted to become an author?

AB- I always had an active imagination. For as long as I can remember, I made up stories in my head for my own entertainment. When I was in the fourth grade, we had creative writing each week. My teacher chose the best stories to be read in front of the class. I remember that some of my classmates were shy about reading their work aloud. I, however, had discovered my greatest passion. While in the fifth grade, my class visited the school book fair, and I used the money that my mom had sent with me to purchase a book that would change my life. Dead Wrong by Alida E. Young sits on my bookshelf to this day. As a fifth grade student I could not put that book down; it excited the writer in me. From the second that I held that particular book in my hand, I knew, without a doubt, that all the stories written on notebook paper back home in my drawer were not just a favorite hobby…but my future career. From short stories, written as a kid, I evolved to novels because short stories, in my estimation, never provide the detail that I am looking for as a reader. I want people to know the characters that I write about as well as I do, so character development is something that I always pay particular attention to. When someone reads one of my novels, I want that person to feel like they know my characters so well that they could make an educated guess about how a particular character would react to a situation that is not even covered in the scope of the book.
-------------------------------------
EQ- What would you say makes Summer Greene (For Such a Time as This) so special?

AB- Summer Greene is an exceptional young woman…a wonderful role model for women (and men, for that matter) of any age. The title For Such a Time as This comes from Esther 4:14, and Summer’s story is one of a modern day Esther. God places her in a particular situation, and, because of her faithfulness to Him and His plan, He is able to use her for His glory in a mighty way.
-------------------------------------
EQ- Who is your favorite character from your first two novels?

AB- Oh, that is like asking a mother to choose a favorite child! I love each of them for their individuality. Like a good parent, I’m not blinded to their faults, but I root them on in hopes that they will overcome whatever stands in their way and, in doing so, become all that they can be. People naturally assume that, as the author, I have total control over the fate of my characters, but I will attest to the fact that they very much take on a life of their own and guide me in the way that they must go.
-------------------------------------
EQ- Do you like doing book signings?

AB- I love doing book signings because I enjoy the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the people who are reading my work. I find it incredibly interesting to hear what people have to say…which characters they related to most and why. Every book signing that I have done has been a very positive experience, thanks to all of the wonderful people who have come out to support me. I will never be able to thank all of you enough for your continued support.
------------------------------------
EQ- What is your inspiration for writing?

AB- Writing is my great passion. My characters inspire me. They take on a life of their own and tell me their own stories. But, what keeps me writing is my belief that God has given each of His children spiritual gifts that we are required to use for His glory. God has given me the gift of the written word, and it is my duty, and also my pleasure, to use that gift that He has given me. God has given everyone different gifts that all work together for His glory. I believe that discovering your spiritual gifts and being prepared and willing to use them is expected of those who seek a closer relationship with God.
------------------------------------
EQ- What genre do your novels fall under?

AB- Southern, Christian Fiction. It was such a natural fit for me. I am a proud, Southern girl; I feel led to share my faith, and I have always been inspired by stories about characters who have overcome real-life issues. So, for me, Southern, Christian Fiction seemed like the perfect union!
------------------------------------
EQ- Which of your characters is most like you?

AB- Wow! What a great question! Truthfully, I guess I see a little bit of myself in each of them in one way or another, but there is not one particular character that is based on me in any way. Maybe in a future book!
------------------------------------
EQ- Do all your novels have to do with sports?

AB- I grew up playing sports. I come from a very sports-oriented family. We are dedicated Alabama Football fans. My brother played college baseball at the Air Force Academy. My books are about the South, and sports are such a huge part of the landscape here. The actual sport itself is never the overriding theme of the book, however; the focus on athletics deals more with the role it played in shaping the life and character of the protagonist.
------------------------------------
EQ- Is there a sequel to In a Brother’s Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story?

AB- I have been asked that a lot. I wouldn’t call it a sequel, but there is definitely a future book that catches up with members of the McLachlan clan.
------------------------------------
EQ- When will your next book be available in bookstores?

AB- I am very excited about the release of my third novel. Unfortunately, there is not too much that I can say about it at this juncture, other than I cannot wait for people to read it. It’s coming; I promise!!!! Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to send me these great questions. If I didn’t answer your questions, please e-mail them to me at aikenb45@aikenbrown.com or leave a comment on my blog.

Vote For Your Favorite Character

2008-09-14T23:47:00.002-05:00

Hey Guys!

After receiving e-mails and comments about which characters you guys love most, I have posted a new poll. Each character in every novel that I write is very near and dear to my heart, and I love hearing what my readers have to say about each of them. Now is your chance to VOTE for your favorite! There is limited number of choices; if your personal favorite is not on the list, leave a comment and make a case for them!

HAPPY VOTING! :)

For Such a Time as This

2008-09-10T09:07:00.011-05:00

Summer Greene never doubted that her life had purpose, but a tragic turn of events put Summer's faith to the ultimate test and provided her with her life's greatest challenge. It's easy to have faith when everything is going your way, but Summer's story is an inspirational reminder that truly having faith means holding on to what you believe in when your faith is all you have left.

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

In a Brother's Eyes

2008-09-10T08:55:00.018-05:00

Set in the Deep South, In a Brother’s Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story takes place in a small Mississippi town where Friday night high school football is king, families stick together and true love is supposed to conquer all. In a Brother’s Eyes is a Southern novel that focuses on the traditions prevalent in the South: its obsession with football, its strong sense of religion, and its close-knit communities.

In a Brother’s Eyes tells a story of triumph on the football field, but it is primarily a love story. It tells the story of a small, country town and their love affair with a high school quarterback whose outgoing personality and natural charm causes a town to fall in love with him, a family to adore him, and people to root for him even after he makes a decision that will threaten to destroy his relationship with his life-long girlfriend.

In a Brother’s Eyes is an emotional roller coaster ride full of laughter and tears. Throughout the course of the novel, Brant McLachlan’s love for Jennifer Smith faces the ultimate test and leads to an emotional struggle that begs the question: does true love always prevail?

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Borders

Books A Million