Coming This Week – Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt

Back when you were a kid, did you ever take part in a scavenger hunt? Or maybe you were the one figuring out the clues to make the hunt fun? I’ve done both. When I was a kid, my sisters and I would sometimes do a scavenger hunt or something like one by writing the clues on strips of paper and then when we found the answer to clue one, clue two would be hidden there and on until we got to the prize at the end. Actually I don’t remember prizes, just the fun of figuring out the clues. But maybe we found a nickel or candy bar at the last place. My mother sometimes did a clue hunt for our Easter treats too. Definitely  had a prize then.

I’ve also tried to come up with scavenger hunts for my Sunday school or Bible school kids. Those hunts the kids had to find some things and collect them. Maybe an acorn, a pebble, or the preacher’s favorite Bible verse. Of course, it was good when I could tie the clues into the Bible lesson. I suppose the pebble might have been the stones David used to slay Goliath. A lunch bag the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus to feed the thousands who were listening to him preach that day. The acorn, God’s creation story.

Once when I went on a cruise with my mother and sisters, we joined in the fun of doing a scavenger hunt on the ship. The only clue I remember now is that we were supposed to get a sock with a hole in it. People were frantically running back to their rooms to find a holey sock when one guy just took off his shoe and pulled off his sock. Some of us were waiting for him to show us a hole in the toe, but he pointed out the hole at the top of the sock. That worked for the clue.  Sometimes you have to think outside the box.

The Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt that I’ll be part of starting on Thursday will have clues that the participants will collect at each site. Thirty Christian fiction authors are taking part. At each site, the authors tell you about their new books and have short posts about that book or their research or writing. You’ll meet many interesting writers and add some books to your want to read list. Then along the way at each site, you collect a clue. When you have made it through the whole hunt, you’ll have a complete sentence or two and if you have it correct – which if you gathered all the clues through the stops you will – you can enter a giveaway at the last post to have a chance to win some fantastic prizes and three winners get copies of all the books. To find out more info you can go to www.lisabergren.com. As a bonus, most of the individual authors are offering extra prizes on their sites. I am too. You’ll have to check it out this Thursday through Sunday to see what it is.

The book I’ll be talking about on my post is An Appalachian Summer, but the picture up top shows a wide variety of books – historicals like mine, mysteries, suspense, Bible fiction, contemporary romance, and even a Christmas novel.  I think you’ll enjoy yourself if you decide to join in with the fun. You’ll have all weekend to check out all the posts. So no hurry. Meander through the sites, enjoy finding new authors and collect those clues.

Because we start the hunt on Thursday, I won’t do my Wednesday night post, but will have the post up on Thursday instead.

Before I go here are some scavenger hunt riddles or clues in case you decide to come up with a scavenger hunt for your kids or friends. Can you figure them out before you read the answers?

1. I’m always running, though I never walk. Sometimes, I can sing, but I never talk. I have hands, I have a face. You use me to decide your pace.
2. Rub away, if you must. Let me collect all that dust. Just stomp away, I never hide. I keep the outdoors away from the inside.
3. Hold me light, hold me gentle. When you handle, always careful. But when it’s time to use my insides, tap me hard and crack my outside.
4. Don’t frown at me, I made it clear. Won’t make a difference if you’re near. Just stand in front and I’ll show you exactly how the world will know you.
5. Fill me up and make me fat, you like me best when I’m like that. But lose track and you will see, you’ve nearly finished what you put in me.
6. No morning routine is complete without me. Pick me up and then you’ll see. If you leave without our session, you’ll spend the day worrying about your impression.
7. Dry and crunchy – that’s how I’m made! But people like to see me bathe. In a box or in a pouch, the perfect meal for any slouch.
8. There I go to let you know. Did you catch it? They might go. Take a peek. Make it quick. To give a treat or get a trick.

As always, thanks for reading.

Answers: 1. Clock; 2. Welcome mat; 3. Egg; 4. Mirror; 5. Wallet; 6. Toothbrush; 7. Cereal; 8. Doorbell