Nashville, TN—Thomas Nelson Fiction is pleased to announce the signing of new author Shannon Dittemore to its growing roster of gifted storytellers.  Dittemore’s debut young adult series—a supernatural, romantic trilogy—will launch with first installment Angel Eyes in summer 2012.

“Thomas Nelson is passionate about expanding our footprint in Young Adult Fiction – with stories that offer teens a mix of suspense, romance, and hope while addressing the spiritual dimensions of life. Shannon is a fresh new voice who we’re honored to partner with in this potent supernatural series of beauty, betrayal and faith that teens will love – and be transformed by.” said Allen Arnold, Senior VP and Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction.

“I’m a firm believer that books open doors into the imagination and remind us that we should venture there often. I hope my stories remind readers that life is to be lived. And while you may fall into dark places along the way, light is as close as the prayer on your lips,” said Shannon. An experienced actress, youth minister, and mother, Shannon attended Portland Bible College. She and her family live in Northern California.

For more information about Shannon, visit www.shannondittemore.com.

A New Resource From International Best-Selling Author Exposes The Common Myths That Are Undermining Youth’s Faith

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Recent polls illustrate what Christian parents have feared: kids are dropping out of church early and for good. Age 16 is the average age at which teens are dropping out, says one poll, and 70% of Protestants ages 18 to 30 quit church by age 23, says another. Authors Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler have written Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (Thomas Nelson, August 2011, ISBN: 1400317202, $12.99) to stem a troubling tide among Christian youth.

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door answers many of the faith-related questions Christian youth face. It challenges young readers to test gospel truths found in the Bible so they can learn to give an answer for their faith as they mature into thinking adults.

“We receive all kinds of messages, myths, and misconceptions in the course of our lives,” says co-author Bob Hostetler. “One of those messages is the idea that following Jesus requires us to check our brains at the door—that reason and faith are incompatible. And that mistaken idea leads to others. That’s why this book exists: to help a young man or woman weigh the evidence and lay a firm foundation for a strong faith in Christ. READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that they have made several changes to their Children’s and Gift Product team, including adding two new industry veterans and promoting a standout talent. The company believes that these moves will position the department for success as it continues to grow and expand into digital frontiers.

Jennifer Deshler will be moving from her current role as Thomas Nelson’s Senior Director of Marketing of the Fiction group to serve as Vice President of Marketing and Publishing Process for the Children’s and Gift Product. In this new role, Deshler will be responsible for leading marketing efforts for Children’s and Gift products, streamlining processes from idea to market and making sure promotional efforts yield great results. READ MORE »

Redefining How Girls Look at Themselves and True Beauty, While Revealing a Girl’s Most Important Accessory

(Nashville, Tenn.) Some girls get their Daddy’s curly hair, his love for the golf course, or his cravings for peanut butter ice cream. Jenna Lucado inherited something a little different from her father—the ability to communicate well and simply in a way that moves people. Jenna’s dad, Max Lucado, instilled in Jenna very early a love for storytelling and inspiring others. Now she speaks to thousands of teenage girls every weekend on the Revolve Tour. Along the way she’s picked up on what really matters in the lives of these girls. In her new book, Redefining Beautiful (9781400314287, $12.99, September 2009), Jenna tackles an issue that is important to her, and, with the help of her Dad, unpacks it for the audience she loves.
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To Give Teens a Relationship Survival Guide

(Nashville, Tenn.) – It’s a classic scene: Boy meets Girl. Boy wonders what in the world Girl is talking about and how he will ever keep up. Girl wonders what is wrong with Boy and whether they are even of the same species. Both Boy and Girl struggle through their teenage years helplessly lost as to how the other operates. All seems lost. In a pivotal time of their development and social lives, teens are left to try and understand one another without much guidance.

Enter, Guys Are Waffles, Girls Are Spaghetti (ISBN: 9781400315161, $12.99, Sept. 2009)—every teen’s guide to figuring out the opposite sex while understanding and delighting in our unique differences. The purpose of this book is to help better understand themselves as well those from the “alien gender”. Author Chad Eastham is a popular speaker on the annual Revolve Tour which reaches 125,000 girls a year. Chad brings his on-stage humor and personality to life on the page with the help of popular authors Bill and Pam Farrel. Together they use principles from the Farrels’ best-selling book on marriage, Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti, and translate them to teen relationships from friendships to dating. READ MORE »