Happy Retro Day! This week I decided to re-introduce some awesome fiction based on a powerful true story (you can find the true story in Matthew 14:22-33). Enjoy! ~Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Peter lifted his eyes from his oar to see how the boat faired in the lashing wind. The disciples heaved at their oars as the sails overhead creaked and threatened to tear.

Peter couldn’t see John as water washed over him.

“John!” Peter abandoned his oar and leapt across the vessel.

The ship lurched and threw Peter to the deck. His head cracked against the bottom of the boat. His vision blurred, and the wind and groans of the men sounded far away.

“Peter!” John said over the gale, “Get control of your oar, for Jehovah’s sake! I thought you said you were a fisherman.” (more…)

by Guest Writer J.M Schiele

Hi, my name is Quin, and I’m in high school. From the outside I may look like a normal teen. At least, I thought I was… then I had this — what’s it called — revelation?

It happened yesterday while I was sitting in my bedroom. As I looked around my room, I realized my life had changed a lot in the last month. I used to be an organized person. My room was always neat — but as I glanced around, I could see it was full of clutter and junk.

Yeah… I’d let it get way out of hand. It looked like I hadn’t cleaned it in ten years! It might as well be that way, because it’s going to take me that long to clean it up, I thought. (more…)

“Live Like a Rock Star” sweepstakes is sponsored by Zondervan publishers to promote the new book, Always Watching.

Entry into the sweepstakes is easy. And each entrant can earn up to ten entries, resulting in a greater chance to win.

Grand Prize: $850 night out on the town, including dinner for six at a restaurant of winner’s choice, and limo service for the evening. The first 200 entrants will receive a free copy of Always Watching.

TO ENTER SWEEPSTAKES, go here.

Always Watching– Rayne Tour Series book #1

Seatbelt Suspense® for young adults.

This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.

During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens’ death connected to her?

Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at times like this?

As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom’s killer—before he strikes again…

Watch the trailer.

“Mother and daughter team Brandilyn and Amberly Collins have stormed onto the YA scene in exhilarating style with this great new series. Always Watching is a fast paced whodunit set against the intriguing backdrop of rock star celebrity …. Shaley’s struggle to balance her public status with her true identity is one of the most interesting aspects of this story. [Brandilyn Collins’] adult fans will find much to rave about here, while new teen readers will love the youthful voice and perspective that Amberly Collins brings to the table. Underlying the tension and dread is a strong spiritual message about trusting in the God who is always watching over us.”

– Jake Chism, The Christian Manifesto

Just Another Girl
by Melody Carlson
Read an Excerpt

Aster is the name of a flower. Almost a weed, really. And sometimes that exactly how Aster feels. Her older sister, Rose, has her own life to live and somehow Aster gets stuck with Lily, their special needs sister. It’s not that Aster doesn’t love Lily. She does. It’s that Lily demands 100% attention and she’ll do whatever it takes to get that attention. Their dad moved on and spends his time caring for the son he always wanted. Their mother is working, spending hours at her job that aren’t required, but that leave the chores and caretaking jobs to Aster. All of them.  All of the time.

Then the guy from school drops by and wants to hang out with her. Aster dreams up her freedom getaway plan and the pieces start to fall into place, and fall apart at the same time.

Melody Carlson writes about real life and real issues. Just Another Girl is one of her latests books and it’s good reading, especially if you’re trying to find your way to fit in life and even in your own family.

Check out all of Melody’s books at her website.

We are adding a new category to Real Teen Faith. Fiction! Are you a teen writer who loves to share your faith through stories? 500 words or less. Today Jamin Goecker, Real Teen Faith staff writer, shares what it means to keep your eyes on Christ.

Peter lifted his eyes from his oar to see how the boat faired in the lashing wind. The disciples heaved at their oars as the sails overhead creaked and threatened to tear.

Peter couldn’t see John as water washed over him.

“John!” Peter abandoned his oar and leapt across the vessel.

The ship lurched and threw Peter to the deck. His head cracked against the bottom of the boat. His vision blurred, and the wind and groans of the men sounded far away.

“Peter!” John said over the gale, “Get control of your oar, for Jehovah’s sake! I thought you said you were a fisherman.” (more…)