Although nothing has been obvious on the displayed pages of Tulipfiction, this website has recently fallen victim to hackers who have used the site URL as a redirection for their nefarious links. If you Google'd "tulipfiction" at the peak of the problem, the search returned tens of thousands of links to every kind of internet poker, online casinos and ... worse. While the site itself was not affected and these links are now dead, it may take a while for the Google listings to return to normal.

The Bulletin Board

One part of the site which has been exploited by hackers was the inner workings of the Bulletin Board, and I am hoping that removing it completely may help solve the issue.

It was great to be able to respond to feedback, and I have been truly blessed by the many encouraging messages that were posted on the message board, but at the same time I have to admit that I am probably too self-conscious to converse easily in a public forum like that.

I look forward to continuing to interact with readers via email, and hope to post (in this section of the site) news and updates that may be of interest to all.


Changes to Email Addresses

Another behind the scenes issue with this website is the fifty or more spam email messages which flood my inbox each day. (It is quite a challenge sifting through them for the genuine emails from readers!)

Apparently the way I have previously listed my email address on this site attracts the spam-bots, so I am gradually updating the pages with new mail addresses hidden in JavaScript, which should be visible to readers - but not to spam-bots.

After a phasing in period I plan to discontinue the old email addresses, so if you have any difficulty contacting me please check this website for current email addresses.

New Update List

It is wonderful to have so many readers keen to receive news of updates to Tulipfiction, but my present method of just adding readers one by one to my address book in Outlook Express is a little less than scientific.

I have set up a new 'Announcement Only' Group at Google Groups which promises to streamline the whole process. If you would like to receive updates from Tulipfiction when new stories or chapters are added to the site, you simply put your email address into the cool little Google box on this site.

The readers who already receive the Tulipfiction Updates will automatically receive the new [Tulipfiction News] group email.

Would you like to be updated when new chapters or stories are added? Subscribe to Tulipfiction Newsletters at:

Email:

Introducing Heart Notes

The possibilities offered by writing for the internet, rather than print media, have gone to my head. Why not add extra information, definitions and relevant links in the midst of the story - without interrupting the flow? Kind of like footnotes, but right in the heart of the story .... So, I have a new idea which I'll be trying in future stories and additions ...

Whenever you see the Heart Notes symbol run your cursor over it to read extra information or to reveal an instruction to click on it to link to another page or website. The text box only appears for a short time so if it disappears before you've read it all, just refresh the page or scroll the Heart Note out of sight, and then back again to "refresh" it.

I hope Heart Notes add a little extra to your reading at Tulipfiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Probably the most frequently asked questions are: "When will the next Chapter of Jacaranda Plains be posted?" or "Can you post to a more regular schedule?"

Like, you want more regular than once in a blue moon? My sincere apologies to those who find reading a story in spits and spurts like pulling teeth .... but at this stage I'm not in a position to post new chapters on a regular schedule (I have tried.)

While I can't wait to get Jemimah's story written and up on Tulipfiction, I have to admit sometimes several months do pass between updates when I am unable to write, or distracted by other stories.

Don't give up though - Lord willing, I have every intention of continuing to add to Jacaranda Plains as often as I can. The emails with "gentle nudges" from readers are great - they help win me over from playing with other writing projects, and encourage me to keep slogging on with the writing when it all just seems too hard!

Honestly, although I write at the speed of a tired slug, I'm in love with the people of "Jacaranda Plains" and really look forward to bringing them all to life to share their adventures with all of you.

(And then I'll be free to begin on the next novel with you ...)

I hope anyone with questions or comments will write to me by either clicking on the email button below (Java must be enabled) or emailing me at the following address:

ive_been_reading at tulipfiction dot com (spaces removed and "at" and "dot" replaced by the correct symbols ).
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Novels

"Pelican Point"

Claire William is a vivacious young woman who believes her new job at a renowned Spinal Rehabilitation Centre is the answer to her prayers. Juggling a career as well as her responsibilities for her severely disabled brother and invalid father is already complicated enough ... but try as she might she cannot stop herself falling in love with her boss, the intense and compelling Dr Cameron Alexander. He is also a Christian, but the different ways in which they approach their faith, their work and their lives leads to much heart-ache. Can Claire somehow strike a balance between her beliefs, her family and the man she desires?

"Jacaranda Plains"


Jacaranda Plains is a love story, but also the story of the personal and spiritual growth of Jemimah Parker, a shy young teacher who finds herself unexpectedly posted to a small rural town far away from her home. Her life is suddenly filled with new friends, difficult challenges and unexpected adventures - and with the painful awareness that the man of her dreams seems destined to remain out of reach.

This novel is being added chapter by chapter as a serial.

To read the most recently added chapters click here: Chapter 32

Would you like to be updated when new chapters or stories are added? Subscribe to Tulipfiction Newsletters at:

Email:

I love hearing from readers and warmly invite you to write to me with your questions and comments. Please click on the email button below (Java must be enabled) or email me at the following address:
ive_been_reading at tulipfiction dot com (spaces removed and "at" and "dot" replaced by the correct symbols ).

Short Stories

About TulipFiction.com ~ If you linked directly to this page from another website, why not take a few moments to read my introduction to the writing on this site and have a look at the index of other short stories and novels here at TulipFiction. Thanks, Rachel.


"Freely You Have Received"

My entry in the 2007 "More Than Novellas - Love Extravagant Competition"

After a lifetime of feeling in debt for everything her mother gave up to raise her, Terri Hoffman was glad to move in with her elderly grandparents and do what she could to help out. It isn't an exciting life, but Terri believes nothing's more important than paying her own way through life - until unexpected circumstances force her to look at her goals in a completely different way.

Click on the graphic above to visit the "More Than Novellas" website to read my short story "Freely You Have Received".

"A Priceless Exchange"

Amber’s life has been a series of fresh starts and inevitable disappointments, but when a stranger starts visiting the North Queensland pub where she works, Amber dares to dream her life could be different. This unusual young man seems to be interested in her … but how will she handle the news he brings?

"A Priceless Exchange" was my entry in the 2006 "Love Extravagant" competition, held to celebrate the 50th Short Story on the More Than Novellas website and I was thrilled to be awarded first place.

Click on the graphic to visit the "More Than Novellas" website to read "A Priceless Exchange" as well as the other inspiring entries to this contest.

"Kiama"

Staying in the picturesque town of Kiama on a girls' weekend with her colleagues, Mia is overwhelmed by the dramatic beauty of the coastland around her. An unexpected encounter with a stranger leads her to wonder whether there might be more behind the awesome majesty of the nature than she'd ever imagined.

"Something Worth Waiting For"

After the death of his young wife, Joshua Brooks coped by leaning on God and keeping to himself. But over time he has become so adept at cutting himself off emotionally from everyone around him that when he realises how lonely he is, he has no idea how to bridge the gap he has created. When the perfect opportunity arises to get involved again, will Joshua have the courage to step outside his comfort zone and take it?

"The Key"

Delightfully irrepressible, Feather is a new Christian who is head-over-heels in love with her sweet young boss, James and would do anything to make a good impression on him. When he leaves her in charge of the bookstore while he attends a publishing expo she has the perfect opportunity of proving herself – until everything begins to go very wrong.

"Family Matters"

When Amanda steps in to help after a friend is injured in an accident, she finds herself far more involved in that family then she ever intended.

"A Friend From Home"

Homesick and lonely after moving to the city for work, Meagan hardly expected that a simple Tupperware party could change her life . . .

"The Bully"

Mitch was the kind of kid everyone at school hated. The little kids feared him, the bigger ones despised him - and all of them longed to see him get his just desserts. Or maybe not quite all . . .

Marshmallow Stories

These stories are short and sweet and with no particular substance to them ~ but just like marshmallows, they might be exactly what you feel like along with a hot chocolate on a cold night.

"A Taste of Her Own Medicine"

She will do anything to obtain her heart's desire … but will the love potion really work?

"Cloudy Days"

A miserable, overcast afternoon had to be the worst possible time for Simone’s boss to choose to sack her from her job. Or was it?

Liquorice Allsorts - Assorted Short Stories

The pieces in this section are not necessarily romantic, nor specifically Christian, but were written as exercises for a writing group. Through the critiques and advice of other group members I'm learning more about the craft of writing, and I thought you might enjoy reading some of the results.

"Unpaid Damages"

Highschool was a wretched time for Richard, but since then he has worked hard to build a new life for himself. Will everything he’s gained be jeopardized by a chance encounter with someone from his past?

"The Mystery of the Missing Letter"

This one is just a giggle - try reading it aloud. There’s an explanation following if you don’t get the point of it.

"Sawn Rocks"

This was my entry in the 2006 ABC Radio National Short Story Contest.

Would you like to be updated when new chapters or stories are added? Subscribe to Tulipfiction Newsletters at:

Email:

I love hearing from readers and warmly invite you to write to me with your questions and comments. Please click on the email button below (Java must be enabled) or email me at the following address:
ive_been_reading at tulipfiction dot com (spaces removed and "at" and "dot" replaced by the correct symbols ).

Contact Me

I love hearing from readers and warmly invite you to write to me with your comments and questions.

Please click on the email button below (Java must be enabled) or email me at the following address:

ive_been_reading at tulipfiction dot com (spaces removed and "at" and "dot" replaced by the correct symbols ).

Downloads

If you would like a downloadable version of any of these stories, either to read off-line or to print out for reading away from the computer, please contact me via email and I will try to arrange it for you.

Please click on the email button below (Java must be enabled) or email me at the following address:

ive_been_reading at tulipfiction dot com (spaces removed and "at" and "dot" replaced by the correct symbols ).

Links

These are related websites which I have found helpful and enjoyable.

(Please note that I cannot necessarily endorse everything that may be contained on another site or their links.)

Online Christian Fiction Sites

I have been greatly encouraged by the work of:

Elizabeth Delayne at More Than Novellas (This site also contains many links to other Christian fiction websites as well as great advice for setting up a fiction website)

and Judith Bronte at Journey of the Heart and Other Love Stories (Make sure you check out Judith's other sites including beautiful downloadable Desktops with Scripture verses)


Some of My Favourite Christian Sites



The Wicket Gate - Online Christian Magazine which aims to reacquaint modern readers with some of the forgotten treasures of the faith. Articles which are small enough to read in a few minutes are drawn from the Scriptures, the lives of the saints and the history of the church.

One Year Bible - I highly recommend the ESV (English Standard Version) which is available free online, complete with an excellent audio narration. This link is to a daily Bible reading plan that will take you through the whole Bible in a year and allocates portions from the Old and New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs each day. From this page you can also select tabs to other daily reading plans, or browse the entire Bible.

'Grace To You' Radio Broadcast - These daily half-hour broadcasts from the ministry of John MacArthur have been a great blessing to me. You can listen to them online, or register for free to download them through i-tunes - which then gives you the option to listen to them offline, through an MP-3 player or to burn them to an audio CD. (Note: I am not necessarily recommending the other links and advertisements displayed by the site host.)

Desiring God - God-centred resources from the ministry of John Piper . If you want to benefit from some really upbuilding reading, dive into the online books and sermons generously provided for free on this site. There are daily and weekly sermon podcasts of John Piper's sermons available through i-tunes as well.

The Discerning Reader - Christian Book Reviews - There are some great Christian books being published, but there are some shockers, too! Over the past couple of years of reading Tim Challies' entertaining and edifying blog, I've come to trust his discernment on spiritual issues. The Discerning Reader is his other website dedicated to excellent reviews and information about Christian (and sometimes secular) books.

Other Sites

Eos Development - Graphics Used in Creating this Site