INSIDE THE WRITER'S MIND

Mindless Eating

2012-01-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

I must admit that I'm guilty of mindless eating. It's an addiction. If I have a bowl of grapes sitting beside me while I'm reading or brainstorming, I will eat them one by one and not even realize what I'm doing. Suddenly the bowl is empty and I have no recollection of the joy of eating them! Now If I could stick to eating grapes or something else healthy like that while I'm mindlessly eating I'd be okay with it.

However, my mindless eating includes a jar of chocolate covered peanuts, sugar coated pecans, or other equally high sugar and bad for me foods! I can inhale a ton of these without thinking and afterward feel like a huge slug.

What I need to do is keep all bad foods out of the house. They are like a magnet to me and once I eat one, I'm a goner.

Anyone else out there guilty of mindless eating? Have you come up with a miracle cure?

The Answer to What is More Annoying Than the Terrible Two's!!

2012-01-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

My crazy cat, Templeton, has been going out of his way to annoy me today.

He's found the addition of a rag rug in front of the refrigerator to be a fun way to run, hit the rug, and slide across the floor! Today he banked off one of my grocery bags, hopped off the rug, and then jumped into the bag. Sigh.

The floor is also littered with cat-bite size pieces of the newspaper.

He started the day by taking his paw and opening the cabinet door beneath the kitchen sink. He pulled it open, then let it bang shut. Over and over and over while I was trying to enjoy a quiet cup of tea. In the summer he liked to go on the outside deck and open the cabinet doors there. Yesterday I found the doors to the printer cabinet open. I went to close them and spied his face staring at me! The bugger had climbed in and was perched on top of my mailing envelopes.

Whenever I yell at him, he curses me in cat language. I can tell it isn't very nice by the look on his face.

Everyone Wants a Magic Pill

2012-01-07T10:02:00.000-05:00

To be successful as a writer, forget the lure of a magic pill. There is no magic, except the magic within you.

When the idea of writing first draws us to tell a story, we get lost in the creation process. It's such a freeing and fun activity. Words follow words, paragraphs follow paragraphs, and before we know we have completed our first novel. How exciting! We dream of seeing our book in our favorite store, bright and shining, sitting on a shelf where people are scrambling to grab the last copy. Ah, the dream...

Then come rejections. What? Pain rips a hole in our confidence. Despair, depression, and self-doubt replace the excitement. If we're lucky, we join a writer's group seeking guidance and a magic pill to turn us into an "author."

We bury ourselves in craft books, attend seminars, workshops, and take online classes. We become addicted to learning, following the "rules," being perfect, editing, re-writing...and by doing so we lose the spontaneity of telling a story. We try to follow the "market," write what's hot, all the time stumbling around and seeking what we want to be when we grow up.

Maybe that's not you. Maybe not. Maybe pieces of what I've said apply to you. It happened to me. I became addicted to learning and in the process I found out...gasp...there is no magic pill! No magic formula! The writing process is unique to each of us.

We are individuals, each with our own thought process, ideas, idiosyncrasies. That's how God created us. Knowing that, how can we expect to follow in someone else's footsteps and achieve the same success? We can't. All we can do is be true to ourselves. Write the stories we want to write, not what we think will sell.

The process? Whatever works for you! But the most important thing to remember is that you have a writing voice. Yours is different from mine and from any other writer. If you seek critiques, read them and take what makes sense for your writing. Don't change your story because of what someone else says. That's their opinion, their "voice" speaking.

The best advice I can give? Read, read, read in the genre yow want to write. You'll know what that is. Then just write your story. Don't look for a magic pill to help you succeed. Just write.

The Cat and The Jewelry Box

2012-01-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

Most of you who follow my blog know about my "almost human" cat Templeton. But not sure if you all know that Templeton has trouble deciding if he's human or a dog. He LOVES to chew on things. My hubby cannot read the daily newspaper without Templeton being right up front and in his face. And if he doesn't get the attention he desires, he grabs the newspaper and shakes it like a dog taking bite size pieces and tossing them.

A couple weeks ago, one of our daughters was visiting. She and I were visiting in the family room when I realized she'd left her "expensive" designer bag on the floor next to her feet. She didn't know about Templeton's chewing habit until she caught him gnawing away on the handle! Luckily, she rescued it in time. I wasn't so lucky when I first learned of his chewing tendency. I left a new bag on the sofa and when I picked it up to leave for work, the handle fell off!! He'd chewed completely through it. Mine wasn't an expensive one, thank goodness, so I replaced it. Now I know to keep all my purses hanging on a hook inside my closet.

So, now to the story of today's post. I have a velvet covered jewelry box on my dresser. I've had it for some time, but recently decided to put it on my dresser and fill it with small and "best" quality jewelry. When I went to open it this morning I noticed a hole had been gnawed through the velvet and "teeth" marks appeared all over the top!!

I kind of wish Templeton was a dog. Then he wouldn't be jumping to the top of things to get at items to chew on...well, unless he was a dog that thought he was a cat. But, that's another story.

TRAPPED by Carol Ann Erhardt, Book One - Havens Creek Series

2011-11-18T12:13:00.000-05:00

My brand new release, TRAPPED, book one in the Havens Creek series is now available on Amazon and Smashwords.

My Christmas present to you is a drastically slashed price on the e-book from $3.99 to $.99 from today through December 25. Why? Because during this time we all have to count our pennies. This is a time for family and being thankful. I'm thankful to all of my faithful fans who have been patient during the time I needed to regroup after losing my mother and dealing with the illnesses my husband has faced.

Trapped is a book about family, trust, and forgiveness...and yes, it does have suspense as well. I hope you are blessed by meeting Summer, Jake, Becca and Jenny...and the adorable animals they love.

The print version of the book will be available on Amazon the first week of December.

Book two of this series will be released summer of 2012.

E-book Purchase links:
Amazon
Smashwords

Blessings,
Carol Ann

Writers Beware--Sitting Decreases Life Expectancy

2011-05-04T11:33:00.000-04:00

I watched Dr. Oz today and he said that inactivity and sitting reduces life expectancy by 11%. Boy, am I glad I retired! I never realized my boss was trying to kill me! I wonder if the treadmill desk would ever catch on in the office environment? Think of how much room could be utilized by removing office walls and installing rows of treadmill desks.

As of yet, I haven't tried doing editing on my treadmill. Right now, I'm editing about 45 pages on paper, so today I'm going to give it a try. Beginning tomorrow, I'm going to track steps and word count. Exercise increases blood flow and also stimulates creative brain activity, so it's a win-win situation for me.

Since I haven't tried working on the internet while walking, it's time to get off this desk chair and back on the treadmill.

Are any of you doing exercise to stimulate your creativity? Feel free to share!

Facing Down Fear

2011-04-28T07:36:00.000-04:00

Those who know me, know I'm terrified of spiders. Especially huge spiders. This spring I've been seeing invaders in my house. How they get inside baffles me! The one I ran across last night in my lower bathroom was easily 2 inches with his legs not fully extended. *big shudder*

In the past, I would have screamed until my hubby could get downstairs and "save me." But, I've had to give up that luxury. The only way to get rid of the spiders now is to kill them myself. I CANNOT bear the thought of feeling something smoosh beneath my feet. I can tell you that bug killer sprays might slow down these huge arachnids, but they do keep on moving.

I knew if I walked away, he might disappear, but he would also still be in the house. I would be fearful of seeing him again...maybe crawling up my pants leg. This is the WORST fear I have about spiders.

I had to face down my fear. I did it wearing my clunky, heavy waterproof snow boots. I tromped that big guy, actually picked up the carcass with a wad of toilet paper and flushed him away.

Facing our fears helps reduce that fear exponentially each time we do it. However, my fear of heights is another matter. I don't imagine I'll be doing any bungee jumping in the future.

Motivation for Success

2011-04-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

Motivation is required for all successes in life. That includes writing. Today I'm working hard on getting in touch with my villain. I need to understand his motivation in order to write the best book I can.

I also need motivation to keep on my weight loss journey. How easy to fall off the good practices and forget about the good lifestyle changes required. I need motivation to get on the treadmill or do do other aerobic exercise.

So, not only do I need to focus on what makes my villain such a villain, but also on what can motivate me to reach my weight loss goals. It takes more than just a will. It takes perseverance and drive.

What about you? Are you motivated to achieve your goals? Have you reached deep inside to get in touch with that motivation?

Breaking Through Zombi-itis!

2011-04-23T08:43:00.000-04:00

More rain forecast through Thursday. Storms and flooding.

While I love rainy days for writing, I'm already getting a bit of cabin fever. These days zap my energy. Another thing that zaps my energy is not having my house in order. When things are dusty and cluttered, I begin to feel depressed and lethargic.

Does that ever happen to you?

So, today is my "cleaning" day. I'm sure once I have a clean and uncluttered house, I'll find lots of energy and also give myself permission to take an afternoon off to read. Easter will be a day of rest and then Monday I'll be back in the office writing.

Wishing each of you a blessed Easter weekend!

Contrasts - A Good Writing Tool

2011-04-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

Contrasts. What are they? How do they impact our writing?

I look out my window at the rain, the beautiful green grass, the leaves on the trees, plants rising from the red mulch in the garden outside my window...and listen to the sound of my furnace running. A contrast.

When writing, it is good to look for "contrasts" that can be used for foreshadowing. It's a subtle way of instilling a subconscious mood for the reader. Igniting a spark of what's to come. Building anticipation. Building tension.

While writing a scene, think of ways to use the setting as a way to add a contrast. Use your built-in senses to envision the scene. Embrace the sights, sounds, smells, touch, tastes that surround you. Focus on your goal...what you are trying to convey with the scene. Now, using that tap into something you can use to build a contrast.

This is not a tool that you would overuse, but one that can be very effective when used correctly in a manuscript.

Good Friday is here. Words cannot express my emotions. No other gift can compare to the one given on the cross. Yet, this was the darkest day in history, to be followed by the most glorious day of hope and promise--The Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. What a contrast! What a blessing!

New Look for Website Coming Soon...

2011-04-21T07:29:00.000-04:00

Working on launching a new look for my website and will install a blog directly on the site.Not sure how I will handle that blog yet. It may just be for writing information, while this one will take the more personal slant, much as it does today.

Decisions, decisions! Today,I'm looking forward to getting my front flower gardens mulched. And, to finishing the new first chapter. Progress, progress!

Just a Morning Brain Dump

2011-04-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

Woke up at 2:45am with thunder rolling, flashing lightning, wind, and tornado sirens. The storm was intense, but moving very rapidly. No damage in our area, but I hear many areas around us did not fare as well.

Today was weigh-in day for Weight Watchers. While I didn't lose anything this week, I did drop more inches. I'm so thrilled that since I began 3 months ago, I've lost 4.75" in my waist, 5.5" in my hips, 4" in my bust, 1.5" in my arms, and 4" in my thighs. Woo hoo!!

On the agenda for today is typing the new first chapter of my WIP. Yesterday I sketched out the scene. Now I'm really excited to begin typing and fleshing it out.

The Dreaded Perpetual Wheel of Editing

2011-04-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

So, I'm adding a new beginning chapter to my WIP. But, while in the "thinking" mode, I come up with a way to make the story even more suspenseful...I think.

Writers have so many choices. We are in control of the worlds and characters we create. In a few clicks of the keyboard, we can change fate. What a powerful tool!

The problem is to make sure the changes made are beneficial, not just useless rewriting and editing.

What I'm going to do is use the old pen and paper method to write down all the different scenarios before I begin making major revisions. I'll sleep on it a few days, and the "right" scenario will surface.

My suggestion to new writers, don't get caught up in revising with all the ideas that pop into your head. If you do, you'll spend all your time working on the same book for years and years and years. Yes, I do know writers who are caught in this "perpetual wheel of editing."

Writing as a Visual Process

2011-04-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

April showers bring May flowers. And weeds. I thought I had all of them dug up, but this morning when I opened my curtains...

But, I'm happy to see the overcast skies and rain today. I will be writing a dark scene today, so the weather will help to set the mood. Writing for me is a solitary, meditating, and visual process. If the scene I'm writing is different from the view from my window, then I close my eyes to visualize. I believe that's why I can't write with music or other noises distracting me. I need absolute quiet. Scenes for me play out like a movie in my head.

On Saturday, I attended a meeting with my writing group and the speaker presentation, by Sandy James, was entitled "Are You Insane?" She explained the various nuances of mental illnesses like schizophrenia, personality disorders, and anxiety illnesses. One thing she made very clear was not to trust what you see in the movies or on television. While sometimes they get it right, more often they don't. The villain I'm writing now, I wanted to make sure to "get right" and her talk gave me some great insight to forge ahead.

So, now it's time to close down the internet and get busy writing!

Gardening, Sunburn, and Weeds...Oh, My!

2011-04-14T21:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I mowed the lawn, put down Scott's turf builder plus weed killer, trimmed back the ornamental grass around the pond, and sprayed home guard to let the spiders know they are not wanted in the house!

Today, I spent the afternoon picking up the spiny balls the sweet gum tree continues to drop. Clearing these from the flower gardens among the bark mulch was a killer! I looked very strange with my hubby's knee pads over my jeans, my "Welcome to My World" Elvis t-shirt, tan and black leather gloves, my once white-now green tennis shoes, and a black baseball cap. I crawled around in flower beds like I was looking for a lost contact. I did fill one of the large lawn and leaf bags with those sticky, spiny balls. I must say the garden area looks good. When I finished, I sprinkled Preem to detract any weeds from growing.

I've never been a gardner. I do NOT like crawly things which always seem to be on the attack when I'm outdoors. But with my full armor and leather gardening gloves, I'm getting braver. Just hope this early start on the gardens will help me keep them in good shape this year.

So, I have gotten my exercise big time the past two days...and I also received a nice sunburn on my arms! Not bad for mid April.

Now, I need to get caught up on my writing! We're looking at three days (at least) of rainy weather, so I can get back to work on my manuscript.
We've had two beautiful days in my area of the world. Sunshine, 70 degree temps. I just couldn't resist spending as much time outdoors as possible. I needed to get exercise, too, so I decided to begin weeding and preparing our flower beds for spring. Some of the hostas are already growing nicely. Also, when cleaning the front beds, I could see shoots for the cone flowers coming up as well. We have a number of knock-out rose bushes, and they are already growing and looking fantastic!

Author Interview with Pamela S. Thibodeaux

2011-04-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

The Blog Studio is alive with music, and hand clapping as the band plays "He's Alive!" The curtain opens showing a screen with Dolly Parton singing this uplifting gospel song. The audience is on their feet singing along. Finally, the band notes fade away and the curtain closes. The audience quiets and sits. All is quiet for several seconds, and then the Blog Studio theme song begins and Carol Ann walks on stage.

"Good morning!"

The audience answers with a resounding, "Good morning!"

"I loved the Dolly Parton and band rendition of 'He's Alive', didn't you?"

Loud applause follows.

"Well, since you loved that, I just know you are going to love my guest author for today. Pamela S. Thibodeaux is multi-published in fiction and non-fiction. Her writing has been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge!” and reviewed as “Steamier and grittier than the typical Christian without decreasing the message.”

She is the Co-founder and a member of the Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. As a former member of American Christian Fiction Writers (formerly ACRW), Golden Triangle Writers Guild, Coeur de Louisiane and RWA, Pam won Coeur’s 1999 “Diamond In The Rough” as well as their 2000 “Ruby” Award and received her RWA Pro Pin in 2001.

A committed Christian, she firmly believes in God and His promises. God is very real to her and she feels that people today need and want to hear more of His truths wherever they can glean them. Although her writing is Inspirational, she does her best to encourage readers to develop a personal relationship with God.

The deepest desire of her heart is to glorify God and to get His message of faith, trust and forgiveness to a hurting world. Her hope is that all of her stories will touch the lives of everyone who reads them and – in some way – bring them a truer knowledge of God and urge them into a closer walk with Him.

Please join your hands together to welcome Pamela to the stage!

The audience applauds as Pamela walks onstage and joins Carol Ann in one of the two wicker cushioned chairs.

CAE: Pam, I'm so delighted that you have agreed to come to the Blog Studio for an interview.

PST: Thanks for having me.

CAE: Let's get started by my asking you to share a bit about what you’ve written in the past and what is available now.

PST: My past is checkered with fiction and non-fiction. To date I have 5 full-length novels (4 part Tempered series http://amzn.to/97hRxU and The Inheritance http://bit.ly/d6O6eA) published. My debut women's fiction novel, The Visionary is due out Nov 2011. I also have 6 short stories available through White Rose Publishing http://bit.ly/f2RNF2 as well as countless articles and essays to my list of publishing credits.

CAE: With all your releases, you've certainly got a bright future ahead. Have you ever experienced writer’s block? If so, what did you do to overcome?

PST: Is there a writer alive that doesn't? LOL! Usually when I experience that dreaded malady, it is because I'm either working too hard or I'm trying to write the story my way instead of the way God wants it written. To overcome I take a break and of course pray and often repent :-)

CAE: I really don't like the phrase "writer's block," becaue you are right. It isn't a block, but actually God whispering in your ear that you've gotten it wrong somehow. Let's suppose we are sitting in a restaurant enjoying a nice conversation and lunch and a reporter appears and shoves a microphone in your hand and says you have one minute to tell the world something important. What would you say?

PST: Life is meaningless without Jesus and He loves you more than anything or anyone else in the whole world - may I introduce you to Him?

CAE: I love that! As authors, we spend a lot of time alone with our craft. Sometimes we get to feeling lonely or a little down. When that happens, who can make you laugh?

PST: We've all heard the old adage "out of the mouths of babes" well that is so true when it comes to the young ones in my life...grandchildren and great nieces & nephews who have the corner on making me laugh.

CAE: I can relate to that! My grandchildren have given me so much joy and so many funny stories. I'm really good with family gatherings, but I shy away from other ventures where I might be in a crowd of people I don't know. I consider myself an introvert because of that. Are you an introvert or an extravert? How does that play into your writing life?

PST: Extravert - I love people! Being around & observing folks helps tremendously in writing as I never know what snippet of conversation I'll over hear or behavior I'll notice that will round out a character in any given moment or scene.

CAE: Oh, I wish I could be like that! I know I miss many opportunities to get tidbits to help my writing by observing others. If you are like me, you have a large collection of books. Besides books, do you have any collections?
PST: Not really. I love horses and have quite a few on my shelves. I also love angels but to pinpoint one thing I honestly would collect had I the time, money and space, I'd have to say anything that has to do with Jesus, especially depictions of the Nativity, the Last Supper and crosses--I could go BROKE collecting crosses!

CAE: We’ve all had one of those “embarrassing moments.” Would you share one of yours with us?

PST: No LOL! Honestly life is full of little moments we wish we could go back and redo but I can't think of one that would be interesting or funny enough to share.

CAE: Do you have any phobias? Afraid of heights, spiders?

PST: Snakes....I despise them - in fact every one is a Cobra LOL!

CAE: Have your phobias, collections, or embarrassing moments come to play in any of your books?

PST: Yes, in 2 of my Tempered books, the heroine is confronted by a rattle snake.

CAE: I know you suffered the tragic loss of your beloved husband. Have you been able to release some of your emotions in your writing?

PST: Yes. I wrote an essay titled "Pillow Talk" in which I described my need to have his picture on his pillow/case - something tangible I could hold on to during those long, dark nights of the soul. This has been submitted to a couple of places but not accepted as of yet. I've also started working on a story/novel titled "My Heart Weeps" which will depict one woman's journey from wife to widow to individual and through grief into new life and possibly new love. I also often write my thoughts, feelings, fears, hopes and emotions in my prayer journal.

CAE: Can you share with the readers what we can expect in your next book?

PST: I'd love to! A Visionary is someone who sees into the future; Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disgustingly prevalent in today’s society. Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives? Find out in The Visionary coming November 2011 from Five Star Expressions http://bit.ly/hvEDGS

CAE: Pamela, that you so much for allowing me to interview you. It has been my great pleasure. Audience, be sure to check out Pamela's website at http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com/ to learn more about her and her books. And don't forget to watch for the release of THE VISIONARY in November of this year.

Analyzing The Lincoln Lawyer for Plotting Tips

2011-03-29T08:20:00.000-04:00

Have you ever analyzed a book that kept you riveted to the pages to see how the author did it?

Last January I attended a workshop with Kara Lennox and one of the handouts was a Three-Act Structure. While this is nothing new to most authors, I've never been one who could actually "plot" a novel before I write. It's always seemed to "get in the way" of letting my creativity flow. It's something I have always struggled with, and also the reason I get bogged down when I hit the middle (or Act II).

After seeing previews of The Lincoln Lawyer, I decided to read the book. I never like to see a movie before reading the book behind it. The book always goes into much more detail so I know what really drives the characters (and let's face it, movies don't always follow the book). Having never read anything by Michael Connelly before, I didn't know what to expect. The book in a nutshell is about Mickey Haller, a defense lawyer with a well-deserved bad reputation. He cares more for money than he does about his clients, always looking for loopholes in the system to free his clients even though they are guilty. When approached to take a case for a very wealthy man, he chooses not to question too deeply why the man wants him. All he sees are dollar signs. As the plot twists and turns, Haller grows in grace and character as he begins to refocus on many things in his life. When he finally realizes that his jaded mind missed seeing "an innocent man" he helped railroad into jail, he knows he has to find a way to free him. But, at the moment, he's caught in a trap to defend a man who is pure evil, while Haller looks over his shoulder waiting to be arrested for a murder he didn't commit. And, oh yeah, he needs to stay alive while doing all this! It's a riveting character-driven book.

After reading the last page, I sat and pondered how in the world Connelly had pulled off writing such a great book. I've always been taught to chase your heroine up a tree and then throw rocks at her. Connelly not only chased Haller up a tree, he tossed huge stones, knocked him down in a briar patch with lethal thorns that ripped at his flesh as he tried to free himself.

I decided to pull out the Three-Act structure and compare that with The Lincoln Lawyer and much to my surprise, the book followed the structure to a "T." I've decided to spend time analyzing further into the book and see how each layer of the book falls into this type of plotting. And, yes, I'm definitely going to apply this to my newest book. I'm determined to learn how to do this right!

Hold Your Nose and Say...

2011-03-22T13:36:00.000-04:00

I have a cold! That's exactly how I sound right now. Seems I had it first, gave it to hubby and he decided to give it back again.

As a consequence, I totally forgot to post the author interview with my dear friend, Pamela Thibodeaux yesterday. We have rescheduled that for April 4th. She's a fabulous author, and a wonderful person. I know you will enjoy learning more about her.

So My Doctor Said, "Don't Do That..."

2011-03-17T08:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had my six month checkup with the doctor. My weight loss and exercise has paid off. Blood pressure optimal, heart rate significantly lowered, weight down 14 pounds. Hopefully the lab work will show my sugar level has dropped, too.

Then I asked him about the horrible pain I have when I try to kneel. Very sharp, excruciating pain at a level off the chart, radiates on the outside of my left knee. I can't bend it to get down without this intense pain that leaves residual pain for hours. I thought it was arthritis in the knee or something. He said, "Not arthritis. Sounds like nerve pain or bursa pain." Me: "So what do I do about it?" He: "Don't kneel!" So, then I said, "Okay, but will I be able to play a piano?" He: "Yes, you'll be able to play the piano." Me: "That's wonderful. I've always wanted to do that."

Doctors! Guess I'll just have to deal with kneeling on one knee only.

My Sheriff is in Crisis, but I Have Spiny Balls Everywhere!!

2011-03-14T11:29:00.000-04:00

So, here I sit contemplating the next scene in my novel while staring out the window and knowing I should be outside while the weather is decent to work on the yard. We have a sweet gum tree in our front yard. Hubby planted it because of it's fast-growing nature. The squirrels LOVE it. Right now, all the bare limbs are covered with these round prickly balls. I call them spiny balls. Lots of crafters love to use these to make wreaths. The squirrels love them for the hidden seeds inside the little indents.

Not only are the limbs covered with these balls, but so is the lawn! Picking them out of the grass is a real pain, literally. So, I rake them into piles and put them into yard waste bags. As quickly as I rake them up, more fall down. The only good thing I can find about having them is the exercise involved in raking.

Ah, but Sheriff Taylor is calling me to help him out of the dilemma he is facing. Okay, writing wins! I'll just wait until the limbs are bare to tackle the yard.

Survivor!!! Russell Got Voted Out-Gotta Love It.

2011-03-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

I've been a Survivor fan for years. I really thought I might not watch the episodes this year since they brought Russell back on for the THIRD time.

I was happy when the show did not focus so much on him the first time, nor the second. This episode really had me laughing. Poor Russell not only couldn't find the idol, but he also learned that he wasn't in control as he's been in the past.

I wonder how many other people cheered when his name was read? It's the FIRST time he's ever been voted out...although, it may be temporary. *sigh*

Astronauts Life Depends On...A Computer? Yikes!

2011-03-01T07:11:00.000-05:00

Just read where astronaut Stephen Bowen was stranded on a small platform at the end of the 58-foot robotic arm yesterday outside the International Space Station. Computer problem, they said. He spent more than a half-hour waiting while holding a luckily weightless 800 pound broken pump. Now, I don't care how many times man has been in space and doing space walks, it must be frightening to know your life depends upon "a computer."

Do you suppose those computers get viruses?

My Grandfather was a Soldier in WWI

2011-02-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

Last US Veteran of WWI Dies in W. VA at Age 110

When I saw this headline on my home page this morning, I knew I had to repost the link for my readers.

My grandfather was also a soldier in WWI. Roy George Gifford, born February 22, 1897 and died April 7, 1966.

My grandfather lost his eye in an accident while working at a factory in Illinois. The accident left him disabled to the point of not being able to work in that type of job any longer. He did various other things to bring in income. I remember riding in his big station wagon when he delivered bleach. After finishing the route, he'd take me to a little diner for a strawberry malted milk. His pet name for me was "kidlet."

My grandfather taught me to ride a bicycle, and he cooked the best potato soup in the world.

Sometimes I reminisce by going back through pictures and wish I had been as diligent of preserving history as my mother and grandmother were. This year I plan to surprise my children with a CD filled with pictures of their grandparents and great grandparents...a historical biography in pictures.

Time passes so quickly and sometimes we are either too busy or too young to capture the moments that mean little to us, yet will mean so much to future generations.

Looking Back to 1950 Something

2011-02-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my Aunt Peach (Rosetta) and my Uncle Nort (Norton). Aren't they cute? My gaze fell upon this picture while I was sitting at my desk this morning and it brought back some wonderful memories.

I'd moved from my grandparents home in northern Illinois to live with my mother and her new husband in southern Illinois. Suddenly, I had a huge family. Right up the street, about a country block, lived my Aunt Peach and Uncle Nort. They had a television, something I'd never seen before. On Saturday evenings, we'd walk to their house and sit in the living room to watch the Ed Sullivan show. My cousin would make home made potato chips. Wow, watching dancing cigarette boxes was really something!

On afternoons after school, I'd walk to my aunt's house and we'd sit and talk until Howdy Doody came on. Then, she'd watch the antics of Buffalo Bob, Clarabelle the clown, Princess Summerfall Winterspring, Howdy Doody and all the Peanut Gallery.

As I grew older, the adult women would include me in their quilting sessions set up in my Aunt's basement. I learned to sew even stitches through the layers of beautiful hand made quilts. I remember lots of laughter and a feeling of togetherness.

Sometimes on weekends, many would gather in my Aunt's kitchen and we'd play cards. Fun games like "I Doubt It" that even the kids could join in on.

I miss those days in many ways. Life was harder, but simple, and families and friends made it very rich.

Warning - Deep Thoughts Provoked This Blog

2011-02-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Years ago (not telling how many), I was a big fan of books portraying the lives of our American Indian tribes. The authors had the skills to project me into the scenes where buffalo were hunted for survival. Life was hard work. Yet they lived by a strong code of ethics and had a deep faith.

This morning I read an article by Shannon Dininny of the Associated Press with the headline Oregon Tribes Pursue First Bison Hunt in Century. My heart cheered along with Jim Marsh and his relatives when Francis, his son, brought down a huge bull. I wish I could have been there. I'm sure I would have had tears running down my face instead of just blinking them back as I am now.

I do appreciate all the wonderful advances of technology, but fear for our future generations who have become so dependent on them. What would happen to our civilization if we lost electricity, telephones, electronic devices, automobiles...all things dependent on the technology so carefully developed over the years?

I just finished the Restoration series by Teri Blackstock, which addresses this very issue. I highly recommend these books to anyone who is as interested as me in "what if."

We live in a very spoiled and rich environment where we "take care of number one" first. I often think that I am only one day away from having to live in a cardboard box and forage through garbage cans for food. It could happen to me, it could happen to my next door neighbor. I like to think I'm a sharing kind of person, but would I be willing to do so if I, too, lost everything? And, worst of all, would I have the skills to survive?

Before we took over this rich land, our ancestors respected the earth, gave thanks for the food provided, and took care of their community. Have we really progressed and made things better with our technology, or have we created a land of robots existing in a cocoon where we hide in our homes dependent on technology we have no control over while we think we have it made? Are we really rich?

Defeating Procrastination

2011-02-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

Motivation is a requirement to keep you focused on achieving anything you'd like to do. Sometimes motivation slacks and you find yourself procrastinating. You have a bad day so you tell yourself you'll get back on track tomorrow. Tomorrow keeps moving farther out and soon you lose all motivation. Then doubt and depression settle in. This is true for every aspect of life, but especially true for writing.

When I joined Weight Watchers I looked at where I was and where I wanted to be. The numbers were so far apart, that I nearly gave up before I started. However, WW suggests setting a 5% of your current weight as your first goal. So, now I'm looking at an achievable goal. I'm motivated as I draw closer and closer to the first success platform.

The same thing is true of writing. When you look at needing to write 300 to 400 words and you are on page one, the end seems so very far away. Many writers balk at setting goals. Life gets in the way and nothing gets written for a day, or more. Now, the writer feels "behind". Then it becomes easier to miss another day. Doubt and depression settles in. This, my friends, is a death knoll. I know. I've been there.

So, how does a writer establish attainable goals to keep them on track? The easiest way is to establish a goal to write "something" every single day. Even on a "bad" day, you should be able to write one sentence. Establishing a routine of writing every single day leads to producing more pages. Some days you'll do a lot more than others. Some days you may only write one sentence. But, as long as you've written something, then you are still on goal. Each word leads to a sentence. Each sentence to a paragraph. Each paragraph to a page.

Allowing yourself the flexibility of not being focused on producing a "set" number of words or pages will put you on the path to consistent writing. This is the key to success.

I Wish I Could Write That!!!

2011-02-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

Forget the critics on the police procedure stuff when it comes to Castle. Who cares? As a writer, I am only interested in the characters. And last night, when Castle and Beckett were in the isolation chamber due to supposed exposure to radiation, the expressions said it all. Castle wanted to confess his true feelings for Beckett. He was ready, his eyes, his expression showed that he planned to do it...and then they were rudely interrupted...well, to tell them they were not going to die. And the look on Castle's face then, the disappointment, the frustration, wow.
I sure wish I could write that. I'm going to study the DVR until I learn to capture that "look" in words.

What This Author is Doing Today

2011-02-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

Monday. It's raining. Need I say more?

Almost time for Dr. Oz. Love that show.

On the agenda for today: laundry, writing (chapter 5), 30 minutes on treadmill, grocery shopping.

And that's the true picture of a writer's life. No bon-bons, no pool parties, no maids.

Guilt-Free Promo for Published and Pre-Published Authors

2011-02-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love online writing courses. I've taken many of them, especially when I first began to write and wanted to learn more about craft. My dear friend, and fellow author, Marcia James, is a promotional guru. She has put together a fantastic online course which is made up of lectures by many published authors...including me. Check out the info below if you want to take a fabulous Self-Promotion course.

***PERMISSION TO FORWARD***

SELF-PROMOTION: Does the very term make you cringe? Do you suffer from "Not-Doing-Enough-Self-Promotion" guilt? Do you think self-promotion is something you'll have time to learn AFTER getting The Call? Here’s THE online workshop for you:

March 7th - 20th: "GUILT-FREE PROMOTION: Picking the Right PR Options for You"

PR consultant and author Marcia James will present this two-week online workshop, with guest lectures written by a slate of promotion-savvy authors and industry insiders. Participants will be given the tips and the tools to pick the best PR options for them and their books. The lectures include:

Promoting Yourself Before "The Call" by Beth Morrow (multi-published article writer)

Web Site Design by Karen McCullough (Karen's Web Works)

Online & Print Press Kits by Patricia Sargeant (Kensington/Berkley)

Book Videos by Michael Matthews (Michael Matthews Productions)

Co-Promotion by Duffy Brown (Berkley Prime Crime)

Group Blogs by Donna MacMeans (Berkley)

Author Promotion Sites by DeNita Tuttle (AuthorIsland.com)

Print Advertising by Janice Maynard (NAL, Kensington & Silhouette)

Public Speaking by Karen Harper (MIRA, Penguin USA & NAL)

Networking/Power-Schmoozing by Susan Gee Heino (Berkley)

Social Media Sites by Kathy Kulig (Ellora's Cave)

Author Newsletters by Kay Stockham (Harlequin Superromance/Berkley)

Readers' Loops by Carol Ann Erhardt (Wild Rose Press)

Podcasts by Melissa Alvarez w/a Ariana Dupre (Llewellyn Publications/Cerridwen Press)

Workshop participants will learn about author branding, create tag lines, and identify elements within their work that lend themselves to niche marketing. In addition to the guest-lectures, Marcia will discuss cross-promotion, print and trinket PR materials, author interviews, and more. And all participants will receive Marcia’s 330-page Promotion Options file.

"It's the best online class I've done (and I've done classes with really big names). Every lecture was jam-packed with relevant, useful information and presented clearly. Marcia made a point of responding to each and every participant's posts...and her responses usually had even MORE ideas and links for creative approaches to promotion. If you get a chance to take one of these classes, jump on it." -- Keri Stevens, author of STONE KISSED from Carina Press

The workshop is hosted by Savvy Authors. Cost is $25 for those who sign up for Savvy Authors' FREE Basic Membership; $15 for Savvy Authors' Premium members. See http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=326 for registration.

Learn to love (okay, LIKE) self-promotion. ;-) And banish the guilt of not doing enough PR. Join us online March 7th - 20th! See you there!

It's All About the Characters

2011-02-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

While my friends are enjoying the hard core CSI and police shows, I'm enjoying Harry's Law and Castle. Both offer great characters, and humor along with a little suspense. Mostly I'm drawn to the characters and their interactions with each other. These characters have flaws, and draw empathy and the "rooting" for the underdog.

I suppose the reason I enjoy these "lighter" drama shows is because I'm more of a character driven writer than a plot driven writer. While plot is extremely important, and I try to pick a suspenseful plot, I more enjoy the developing of the characters. It's the interaction of the characters, their growth and change that leave me with the satisfaction of having written a good story.

The last episode of Harry's Law was really good. It revealed more in depth what drives these characters, what makes them who they are. Even laughable Tommy Jefferson has an element that you just have to love. Are there any other fans of Harry's Law out there? Why do you like it?

"Mood" Writing

2011-02-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

Just looked at the clock and realized the morning is nearly gone! I've managed to take a shower and shampoo my hair. Since it's getting longer I usually let it partially air dry before attacking it with a hot air curling brush. Um, well, it's going to be a bad hair day. I look a bit like a clown with fuzzy hair. I doubt my curling brush will even go through this mop.

I still need to hop on the treadmill to get my morning exercise in before it's time to do the afternoon exercise. Yeah, it's not shaping up to be a good day. I'm thinking about putting it off and doing a full hour later this afternoon after I cram my hair under a ball cap.

Top that off with the dark, dreary skies and no sign of sunshine. Yuck! My mood is not the greatest. I think I'll pull up my book and write a dismal scene. It's the only good thing I can think to salvage out of this day. I call it "mood" writing.

Curtains opened, fingers on keyboard, go!

The Sweetest Valentine

2011-02-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

I have the sweetest husband. Since he isn't able to get out on his own to go to stores, nor has the weather been conducive to his coming with me when I go, I knew he didn't have a valentine for me. So, rather than make him feel bad, I didn't get one for him. I just gave him a hug and kiss and wished him a Happy Valentine's Day.
Then I left for my morning of volunteering at the church welcome desk.
When I came home at noon, I was so hungry. I began assembling the items needed for my sandwich. I rustled through the refrigerator several times, and then hubby asked me what I was doing. I told him I was making my sandwich. He said, I forgot to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. I grinned and said Happy Valentine's Day to you, too.
"Did you look on the front of the refrigerator?" he asked.
"No."
"Well, I left something there for you."

This is the sweetest valentine I've ever received and I'll cherish it forever! I am so blessed to have a husband who loves me so much and is a true romantic soul.

Building Layers to Enhance Characters

2011-02-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

I've been working on characterization to understand the motivations behind my characters. After doing so, I've developed a short paragraph around my heroine's journey.

The heroine in my upcoming release hasn't had a happy childhood. Raised in a series of foster homes, she begins to foster her own false beliefs that she will never be good enough to be loved. Her life becomes one of running away from problems, rather than facing adversity. Friends? Not really. Just acquaintances she keeps distanced from her heart. When she's involved in a terrible tragedy, guilt piles another level of protection around her. Once again she runs away and lands straight into the arms of a man who has an open and caring heart. Stranded in a small town where love is given unconditionally, she begins to hope for things she's never dared to dream. As the layers of her heart slowly peel away, she experiences the joy of being loved.Then her past roars into her new life and she regresses to flight mode. But, when a little girl becomes the target of her nemesis, she realizes she must stand and fight. For the first time in her life, someone else means more to her than running away.

I'd strongly suggest to every other pantser like me that you take time to develop your heroine's/hero's story. What makes her who she is? What has shaped her growing up years? When I first began writing I sketched out details like what color of eyes, hair, stature, mother and father, other family, favorite color, hobbies, etc. I'm not saying these aren't important, but those things weren't enough to really understand my characters. I bumbled along, learning as I wrote, and found the "dreaded middle" a horrible thing to encounter. Many times I remain stuck, trying to add "things" to move the story along. Eventually I'd get there, but along the way I lost a lot of sleep. Character templates that ask questions just don't do it for me.

I've tried, but what I come up with is superficial. If those work for you, hurray! You don't need to use my method. Well, not my method, but that of author Rachel Ballon in BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR CHARACTERS. This book is an invaluable tool to me. For the very first time, I'm getting to know my characters intimately. This makes my writing richer and I'm hoping makes my characters jump off the page.

What tools do you use in your writing endeavors?

Shhhhh! Silence, Please!

2011-02-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

Writing is a solitary profession.

My hubby, for instance, could not be a writer. He would wither and die. He is a people person, requiring someone to talk to at all times. He thrives on conversation. He surrounds himself with loud television voices or radio stations when he is left alone while I write. He carries on conversations with the cats. When I emerge from my writing cave, he begins reading me columns from the newspaper, telling me what he's just seen on television, or asking me questions about what I'm planning to prepare for dinner. He needs that stimulation.

As a writer, I, too, need the stimulation of other people...but not while I'm writing. I am easily distracted, and when distracted, my thought process is broken. That causes frustration, and when I get back to writing, my mood is not right.

Some writers like to listen to music while they write, choosing mood music for the scenes they are writing. I've tried it, but I wind up humming or singing along. Not a good thing to keep me focused. I do have CDs which are supposed to tap into the creative brain...not sure if they do that, but they create a "white noise" when I'm writing, which is not intrusive, but helps to cover the sound of creaking floor boards and slamming doors.

I create best in a quiet vacuum where I can become a part of the story I'm writing and be the characters. I view the scene in my mind as it unfolds, much like watching a movie. My fingers are typing, but my mind is showing my fingers what to do.

So, dear readers, I'm moving back into my cave. Have a wonderful day and I'll see you along the road of life at a later time. Shhhh! Silence, please.

Bigger and Better? NOT!!!

2011-02-08T08:42:00.000-05:00

Once again, I'm experiencing doubts that new technology is "better." The DVR box installed by our cable company about two months ago has a bad recording disk. What?? Already???

At least our cable company is customer friendly and responsive. A tech is coming today to install a new one. I hope it also fixes the problem that yesterday morning we discovered the HD channels had stopped working on most all of the channels, except for one or two. Now, what's with that? The box and television in our family room works fine.

Digital television isn't the greatest. Sure, when it works, the picture is wonderful. But what about all the times the pictures do an instant freeze and pixelate?

Sometimes bigger and better is simply more expensive, but not really "better." I suppose that's an age-old lament that my great-grandparents also chanted.

The Cat and the Q-Tip

2011-02-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

My cat, Wilbur, has a fetish for Q-tips. I'm very careful to hide used ones in the bottom of the trash can beneath other debris, but he's like a bloodhound and can sniff them out of all my hiding places.

I use the Q-tips to clear makeup "goofs", especially around my eyes. Wilbur sits and stares at me, watching every move with intensity, and patiently waiting to see what I'm going to do with the treasure next. Distracting a cat with a purpose is impossible.

Yesterday, while applying makeup, I heard a noise...a rustling noise. I stopped and listened intently. The house was quiet, very quiet. The sound reminded me of the time I stayed in a cabin in Tennessee and a field mouse had found my stash of muffins. How could I have a mouse? Outside I have thirteen feral cats and inside I have three cats. No mouse would survive an attempt to break in.

I went back to applying the makeup. The noise started once again. Was it coming from the linen closet beside me where I keep all my makeup, hair, and beauty supplies? The door was cracked open. I grabbed the handle and yanked the door open!

And, there on the third shelf, where the Q-tips are housed, I found Wilbur hunkered down trying to make himself invisible with a Q-tip in his mouth!

I'm doomed.

Happy Birthday, Groundhogs, and Weight Watchers

2011-02-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

Today is a special day. It's my baby's birthday! I won't tell you how old she is today, but I will say she's a beautiful woman, and a mother of four beautiful children.

How did it get to be February 3rd? Seems like last week I was preparing for Thanksgiving dinner and feeling depressed about the long winter months ahead. Now, it's one day after the groundhog didn't see his shadow, foretelling an early spring. Somehow, I don't quite believe in that fairy tale!

I confessed last week on Facebook that I'd joined Weight Watchers online program. After praying and asking God to help me lose the weight, He guided me to the program. I'm finding it easy to follow, and realize that tracking food and exercising are the keys to success. I'm eating better, having the will power to avoid all the fattening things I used to enjoy, and enjoying walking on my treadmill. I've lost six pounds in the first two weeks. What I especially enjoy is eating foods I like. I don't feel like I'm on a diet, and I don't get hungry.

Today is laundry day, and in my spare time I'm continuing to develop the back stories for the characters in my novel. The ice is gone, the wind is gone, all that's left is cold weather. I can handle that since it's only going to be a few weeks until spring...if I believe the groundhog.

Th-th-that's ICE!!!

2011-02-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

I stepped out the front door this morning, bundled in my long heavy coat and boots, to a solid skating rink. I slid my feet very slowly in order to make my way down the sidewalk, between the car and truck and along the carport to the back yard in order to feed the feral cats. I thought I had closed the gate yesterday, but God must have been watching out for me. The gate stood open. If it had been closed, no way could I have opened it. The latch was completely iced shut. One of the slipperiest places was on the gravel under the water faucet. But, I managed to give food and water to the poor animals, who are smart enough to stay in the sheltered area under the deck. The worst of the storm is coming tomorrow, bringing the snow, lots of snow, moving toward us from the Texas area. Texas? They never get snow! Well, rarely.

It appears the parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks and county/rural roads are the worst. I'm just grateful I don't have to go out today. I'd have to chisel my car out of about a 1/4 inch of ice! Truly, I'd much rather deal with snow than ice.

But, this is Ohio, where the weather changes constantly. Later today we are supposed to get extremely heavy rain. Lots and lots of rain. That should take care of the ice...well, I'm hoping! Then, tomorrow we are supposed to get hit with snow, lots and lots of snow.

I'm going to sit and enjoy the change of weather from the warmth and safety of my home!

Write What You Know..."But that would be boring!"...NOT!

2011-01-31T07:54:00.000-05:00

One of the first things I remember hearing upon taking the path to publication is "write what you know." The first thought I had was that I could only write about Ohio where I've lived for over 33 years. I wonder how many other new writers are plagued by that statement. I have a dear friend whose husband tells her the reason she isn't published is that she's not writing what she knows. Maybe he's right, but most likely he's incorrect.

Writing what one knows doesn't mean where you live, what you eat, what you wear, or all the ordinary things one does each and every day. What it means is giving your characters feelings and emotions which make them come to life with your words. In order to do that, a writer must tap into his or her past experiences and dig deep to remember the emotions, the sights, the sounds, the tastes...everything they felt at a given moment in time. It requires quiet introspection, visualization, and truly "getting to know oneself." Many will recall wonderful, happy moments...other will recall painful, deep hurt.

Rachel Ballon, the author of BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR CHARACTERS, leads the reader into a series of "free writing" exercises which tap into these memories. I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is seeking a way to create better, bigger than life, characters.

Anyone can come up with a good story idea. But in order to write that story in a way to grab an editor, agent, and reader's attention, the key ingredient is characterization. In order to do this, you need to write emotionally...in other words, write what you know!

I'd love to hear from readers on this one. In your favorite books, what made them stand out for you? Was it the actual plot, or how the characters handled the situation? Have you ever read a book where you didn't care about the characters or if they achieved their goal?

No Way Are You Putting Me In That!!!!

2011-01-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I helped a friend by taking her and her cat to their vet to get the cat's shots updated. I had taken care of Baby Kitty when my friend went out of town, but it had been a while since the cat saw me. I worried that she might be nervous and hide. If that happened, I knew we'd be in for a struggle to catch her and put her in the carrier. But, Baby Kitty came right up to me and begged for petting. She purred and kept tapping me to get more loving. Finally, I headed out to the garage to get the carrier while Baby Kitty was on my friend's lap.

The moment I opened the door and the cat saw the carrier she tried to escape. Luckily my friend kept Baby Kitty in her arms long enough for me to grab her. It's amazing how cats can use their back legs to keep from being put into a carrier. Baby Kitty used her legs to push against the sides of the cage so that I couldn't push her inside. Talk about strong! So, I decided to try putting her in feet first. Nope! There went those legs again.

Finally, I turned the carrier on end and managed to drop the cat inside and get the door locked. Baby Kitty refused to acknowledge me again until we returned home and I opened the cage to let her out. She allowed me a few apolegetic pettings before she flipped her tail in the air and walked away.

Today I'm typing with a bandaid on my finger, a remnant of my good deed for the day.

Snow, Snow, Snow!!!

2011-01-21T13:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the snow started early in the morning. Very fine snow, no big flakes. But, boy did it ever pile up quickly. I use our leaf blower to clear the walks and drive (and the car). Sure did get a workout yesterday. I went out twice, and in addition walked for 20 minutes on my treadmill. Let me tell you, last night I hurt all over!!!

This morning I woke up feeling great...until I went outside to feed the feral cats and realized I had another three inches of snow on my once clear walk and drive. So, this time I used the snow shovel to clear the snow. Ugh!

Today the sun is shining beautifully, so even though it's only 11 degrees, the snow is melting from the roads. I'm so glad, because tomorrow morning I am planning on attending a writing workshop.

And, more good news, I now have my black nubuck Sketchers on my feet! Hurray!

Hope you all have found something to smile about today!!

Fooling the Good Morning Cat!

2011-01-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

My cat, Wilbur, slept with us last night. He sleeps by our feet, but he is so alert to any movements when moring draws near. I woke early to go to the bathroom and slipped back under the covers to enjoy a few more warm moments before the light of day. But, Wilbur decided it was time to wake up. He began by pawing my back and "talking" to me. I remained very still and ignored him. So he walked across me. Believe me, he's HEAVY footed!!

Next, he walked up to my hands and began to rub against them to get me to pet his soft silky fur. Difficult to do, but I did remain very still. Then he put his paw on my nose and sniffed my face. I wanted to laugh...didn't give in.

So he walked to the foot of the bed and sat there staring at me. I cracked my eyelid to see if he might be laying down. No way. He was STARING at me, daring me to move. It was a classic standoff to see who could hold out the longest.

I waited...and waited. Then I opened one eye and he knew! He hurried forward mewing and began sniffing my nose and rubbing against my hand again. When I didn't respond he stood on me! Then he walked to the other side and RAN back across me again.

I gave up. I can never fool the good morning cat!

Sweet Romance Pitch Day

2011-01-19T08:28:00.000-05:00

If you have a book you are wanting to get in front of an editor, tomorrow, January 20, 2011, you can pitch online to four different publishers! This is for sweet to sensual romance ONLY, no hot or spicy pitches allowed.

The publishers:

Muse It Up Publishing

Summerhouse Publishing

Astraea Press

Turquoise Morning Press

The event lasts all day! So polish up your pitches and sign up to join Sweeter Romantic Notions Yahoo group and join in the discussions. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SweeterRomanticNotions/

Feel free to ask questions about the publishers and meet the members of Sweeter Romantic Notions. The best part is that you can do so in your fuzzy pink slippers from the comfort of your own home. It's the best opportunity to pitch without having your voice quiver and your hands shake as you stare into the eyes of an editor or agent.

Hope to see you there!

My New "Get Healthy" Regime

2011-01-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

The steps I'm taking this year to get healthy:

I've been working on removing all carbonated beverages from my diet. Water is replacing the cold cans of diet cola I've been drinking for years. I haven't reached the NO carbonated beverages yet, but I've managed to get down to one every day or so.
The next major step is to stop eating after dinner. I've gotten into a habit of eating a package of whole wheat and cheddar crackers just before I go to sleep. The reason I'd started the habit is to make sure that my sugar level wouldn't drop and wake me.
Dinners are becoming more healthy as well. We eat only frozen or fresh vegetables, no canned vegetables.
We eat grilled fish at least once a week, sometimes twice. And with that we eat brown and long-grain wild rice.
I'm adding exercise to my day, but not excessively. A half-hour on the treadmill or on the Gazelle while watching television. And adding the Sketchers Shape-Ups to aid with all the steps I normally take, I'm hoping this will also help with the toning.
When I reach for a snack between meals, I am stopping to ask the FLAB question as seen on Dr. Oz show: Am I...Frustrated, Lonely, Anxious, or Bored? If the answer is yes, nothing I eat will help!

So, are you on a diet or get healthy regime for 2011? If so, what are you doing?
I will give out another of my post it note holders to someone who comments on this blog post. (See picture on my 1/11/11 blog post.) I'll draw names next Tuesday and announce the winner here. I'm really excited to learn any new tips you might have which can help me on my goal!

Waiting on Sketchers in God's Time

2011-01-17T08:46:00.000-05:00

My best friend has been wearing Sketchers Shape-ups for several months. She's been suffering from foot pain, and these shoes alleviate the agony she's been suffering. My friend is the most frugal person I've ever met, and she never purchases anything at full price. I admitted I couldn't afford to pay so much for a pair of shoes, so she would tell me whenever she noticed a sale.
On Saturday we had lunch together. She excitedly told me the shoes were on sale at a local department store and she had a 30% off coupon which she'd let me use. The shoes, with all the discounts, would be at half-price. So, I ventured with her to give them a try. Once I put them on, I fell in love! And, they had a black nubuck style which I felt I could wear most anywhere. So, I purchased the shoes. I brought them home and quickly put them on and showed my hubby. Then I came downstairs and watched the video that came with them. But, after a short time, the shoes began to pinch at my bunion. Unfortunately, they didn't have "wide" width, which I usually purchase. So, I reluctantly put them back in the box to exchange for a larger size. The store didn't have a size to fit me, but they ordered them. Now, I'm waiting on my Sketchers to arrive.
I'm not very good at being patient, especially when I'm waiting for something I really want. God knows this as He knows all things about me. He gives me situations all the time which call for me to be patient. Just like any loving Father, he spends time teaching me life's lessons. When I forget to be still and listen, He reminds me, gently but firmly. I've learned to be still and ask the question "What does God want me to see in this?" The answer is always there. And, daily I'm reminded that everything is in God's time, not mine.

The Perils of Salt and the Wonders of Chili

2011-01-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

I know! I know better! I should NEVER eat salty food products. But, sometimes the cravings get intense and I just can't resist.

Last night we had pulled pork sandwiches and, of course, one must offer potato chips with those sandwiches. Believe me, it's true. You can't eat just one! My mouth savored each bite. I closed my eyes in ecstasy as they slowly made their way down my esophagus into the stomach. And I'd reach for another. I didn't overindulge..I mean, I didn't scarf down half the bag, but still I suffer the consequences.

I woke this morning with my fingers swollen and stiff. Water retention is not a pretty, nor a healthy thing. I suppose it's a reminder to me of why I don't eat potato chips. *sigh*

Tonight, back to healthy eating...and those chips are hitting the trash can. Do you realize how hard it is to type when your fingers have turned into small sausages? Trust me, it's not a pretty picture.

I hope you all have something fun planned for your weekend. I'm planning on having lunch with my best friend tomorrow, and I think my hubby is cooking tomorrow. He only makes one thing...chili. And, he makes killer chili, so I'm looking forward to a night of not having to cook! Hubby began making chili when I was working and kept bugging him about never having a meal waiting for me. He surprised me with a pot of chili one night and ever since, he's been the one who makes it. Unlike me, who tosses everything in and lets it cook for a while, he makes a big production. He dices everything just right, adds the ingredients in a particular order, including his "secret" ingredient (which I know is brown sugar, shh!) and taste tests all day long while it simmers. Mmmm. I can smell it now and almost taste it. I've tried to get him to try cooking other things, but he says he will stick to what he knows...chili. *sigh* In the winter months, I can count on not cooking at least one day a month.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Not Catching a Feral Cat...and The Winner from Tuesday's Blog

2011-01-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

First, the winner of the notepads and holder from my Tuesday blog commenters is....

NANCY NAIGLE

Now about that feral cat...

One of our neighbors was feeding a beautiful calico long-haired cat, allowing it to sleep in her garage. I'm assuming it was a feral at the time. Anyway, she moved away a year ago and the cat migrated to our yard to hang out with the ferals we feed. All of our ferals have been neutered or spayed and have been given rabies shots. I need to catch this newest female and have her spayed, but she's very smart. She stays just an arm's reach away from me. And, since she's not a true member of the "clan" I've been caring for over the past four years, she hangs back until they have finished eating before she eats. That's the background.

I had an appointment with the spay/neuter clinic for today, so I knew I needed to catch her early. Last night I took out two large cans of cat food, hoping that would lure her to join the other cats and I'd be able to grab her while she was distracted with food. Ha! Not that cat. She didn't even seem interested. The cats hang out under our deck, where we have a warm shelter house, water, and feeding trays. I have to duck to get under the deck. So, when I tried to get close to the new feral, she would move to the other side of the area. I'd walk all the way around with the plate of food and she'd move to the front side again. Back and forth we went for over a half-hour before I gave up. This morning, I was out in the dark, dressed in warm clothes to battle the zero temps and snow only to have the same results. She's pretty clever in avoiding my touch while still not frightened enough to run away.

I can't use a trap because I wouldn't be able to keep the already neutered/spayed cats out. So, I'm thinking the only thing I can do is buy a net and try to snare her that way. I'm sure it will freak her out, maybe traumatize her, but I see no alternative. If I don't get her caught, I'm sure she'll find a wandering male somewhere in the neighborhood and return with a litter of kittens in the spring. *sigh*

If anyone has any ideas, I'd sure love to hear them.

My Theory on Why Men Read Magazines in the Bathroom

2011-01-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

I finally figured it out. For years I've watched men in my workplace walk to the men's room with the morning newspaper or a magazine. I've seen my husband do the same. And my boys when they were growing up. This phenomenon is shown on television, in the movies, and in pictures...even Norman Rockwell.

So, why? Here's my theory.

Every time I go into my bathroom, my eyes go to the floor. I stare at the carpet and see things. I see fairies, butterflies, men's faces, women's faces, animals...and even sometimes scary creatures! If there's no carpet, I find things in wallpaper, or in the design of the tiles. I swear it's true!

Now, men wouldn't understand this at all. It would probably make them question their sanity, their macho personalities. So, they take something to distract themselves from falling into the creative trip of looking at "things" hidden in their surroundings. My hubby now has a handheld Solitaire game to keep himself occupied.

I think I prefer letting my creative imagination search for hidden treasures.

Snow, ARC Winners, The Bachelor, Castle, Prize Offer

2011-01-11T09:13:00.000-05:00

Now that title says a lot about what this blog is today!

A big thank you to those who visited the Blog Studio yesterday to chat with my dear friend and spectular author, Maggie Toussaint. The winners of the two free ARC's (Advanced Reader Copy) of her upcoming release, ON THE NICKEL, are:

PAT BROWING

SUSAN LEACH

Here in my midwestern town we are expecting 3-5 inches of the snow that is spreading eastward. These are the times when I wish I had purchased a gas snow blower with an electric start. I'm using an "old" (believe me this is really old) snowblower with an electric cord. It works fine if I can just get into a good pattern and not spend all my time trying to avoid catching the cord! It's always a battle, and usually the cord wins.

So how about those new year's resolutions? Did any of you make a commitment? Have you broken it yet? This year I didn't set any because I hate breaking promises to myself. *sigh* I do have this constant ongoing resolution to lose some weight and get healthier. I've started by eliminating the carbonated beverages. I'm drinking water, lots of water. I also have a reclining bicycle, a Gazelle, and a treadmill. The treadmill makes a great place to dry sweaters, the bicycle seat stores my Snuggie for when I watch television, and the Gazelle just sits and stares at the television waiting for someone to notice. Last night I peddled while watching The Bachelor.

Anyone else watch The Bachelor? I suppose being a hopeless romantic, I'm always looking for the guy to really find the love of his life. This time Brad seems changed, so I hope he goes for an honest and nonflambouyant woman. I also watch Castle faithfully. I love the "almost" relationship between Rick Castle and Kate Beckett.

All right, I've asked quite a few questions today. Let's see who is willing to share their thoughts and answers. I have a prize to give away to someone today. It's a nice sticky note holder with a calendar, regular sticky note pad and five colored sticky note markers. The holder closes and can be carried with you or sits nicely on a desk. I'll choose one winner from all the comments today.

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Author Interview with Maggie Toussaint

2011-01-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

The blog studio curtain opens and Carol Ann walks on stage. "Good morning!" The audience applauds and yells "Good morning!"

CAROL ANN: I'm so thrilled to have a wonderful author with me today. Author Maggie Toussaint is published in mystery and romance. Her recent release, MUDDY WATERS, is a romantic suspense where danger stalks friends turned lovers as they search for hidden treasure. Her debut release, HOUSE OF LIES, won Best Romantic Suspense in the 2007 National Readers Choice Awards. Her other titles include SEEING RED, NO SECOND CHANCE, and IN FOR A PENNY. Two mysteries are contracted: ON THE NICKEL (March 2011) and DEATH, ISLAND STYLE (2012). Maggie’s an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Sisters In Crime. Visit her at www.maggietoussaint.com, http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/, and www.facebook.com/maggietoussaint/

The band begins playing Jimmy Buffet's song, "Cheeseburger in Paradise".

CAROL ANN: (Yelling above the music) Please welcome Maggie Toussaint!!

The curtain opens and Maggie dances onstage singing.

CAROL ANN: (Laughing) Maggie, why is the band playing that particular song?

MAGGIE: I'm on a diet and on this diet, I don't get much red meat, and I could really use a burger right now.

CAROL ANN: It's still morning, but now you've made me crave a juicy cheeseburger, too! Have a seat. I'm so thrilled to have you here today.

MAGGIE: I'm happy to be hear, too. I hear it's going to snow later today.

CAROL ANN: Yes, AGAIN. I'm not relishing the next few months of winter here in mid-Ohio. I love to look at it, but I sure do hate shoveling. But, enough about me. I want the audience to know more about you. Besides books, do you have any collections?

MAGGIE: I collect angels, a practice I started years ago. I am drawn to cherub-styled angels, the ones that have a child-like form with the wisdom of ages stamped across their faces. Living far from home for twenty-some-odd years, I began my collection to honor relatives who passed away. I come from a large family, and through time, my angels spilled into every room of our house. They are a source of comfort and represent (to me at least) a timeless connection with family members.

CAROL ANN: Maggie, I have to confess I learned about this collection several years ago when we did an interview. The way you started this collection to honor relatives who passed away became a part of the book I'm now writing. Just goes to prove that writers never know when they are going to pick up a bit of information that will later appear in a book. Okay, now pretend that you are in a restaurant having lunch, when a reporter shoves a microphone at you and you have one minute to tell the world something very important. What would you say?

MAGGIE: Omigosh! After wasting ten seconds on being stunned and asking if it was a joke, I’d waste another ten sorting through the Ten Commandments and other truths I’ve lived by. Then I’d talk very fast.

“Life is a journey with new delights and challenges around every bend. Treat others as you would like to be treated and live each day to the fullest. Work hard but play too. And while you’re relaxing consider reading for the sheer fun of it. My books ensure a happily ever after while challenging you to solve the who-dun-it before the end of the story. Check out my books at maggietoussaint.com.”

CAROL ANN: (Laughing) Now that's some fast talking! I hope your writing comes as easily and flows as quickly. Have you ever experienced writer’s block?

MAGGIE: I sure hope I don’t jinx myself, but so far, I haven’t gotten blocked. I’ve had times where I wrote myself in a corner, and I had to backtrack to pick up a viable story thread. Those times were disappointing but have become less frequent as I better understand the finer points of story events and pacing. If I have a slow day where my word count doesn’t meet my daily goal, I push through it and keep writing even if it seems like drivel. I’m always amazed at how editing can lift something mediocre into prose that soars.

CAROL ANN: Who can make you laugh?

MAGGIE: Growing up and in early adulthood, my favorite commedian was Bill Cosby. I love the way he thinks. I’ve since enjoyed listening to other commedian, but my sense of humor is slightly offbeat. Sometimes a phrase or a person’s expression or an outfit strikes me as funny, and I can’t stop laughing. My husband much prefers watching movies at home where I can laugh at will. He understands me, most of the time, God bless him.

CAROL ANN: 6. Are you an introvert or an extravert? How does that play into your writing life?

MAGGIE: Definitely an introvert but I can fake the other for short periods of time. I’m assertive and confident when speaking in public, so that part is good. What folks don’t see is that for an hour’s workshop I give, I put in tons of time up front to prep (as everyone would do) but then I need several hours by myself to be human again. I’m a miserable puppy if I don’t get that solo recharge time.

Being an introvert helps with writing. I don’t mind the long hours alone – they energize me. Many people need the chaos of a coffeeshop to compose, but I need a quiet place where my imagination can take flight. The other stuff is a distraction to me, like static on a radio frequency.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’ve got the inside track to writing nirvana. I’m just fortunate enough to know myself and to optimize my writing experience.

CAROL ANN: That's a wonderful thing. Each writer must learn what works for them and then make that a daily practice. Thanks for sharing that with us. Now for a more serious question. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?

MAGGIE: I’d visit friends and family members and spend meaningful time with them. I’d search online for the perfect angel and gift individual angels to each loved one.

CAROL ANN: Wow, that's beautiful. Many people would think of all the things they hadn't done and want to cram them in, but family is so important and life sometimes keeps us from spending quality time with loved ones. Right audience?

APPLAUSE FOLLOWS

CAROL ANN:  Do you have any phobias? Afraid of heights, spiders?

MAGGIE: I share a certain phobia with Indiana Jones. Snakes bug the heck out of me. One of my favorite shows on TV is “Survivor,” and they are forever showing snakes slinking around. **shudder** I know snakes hold a valuable niche in our ecosystem, but I don’t need to see them.

Another odd thing about me is my vertigo. I wasn’t thinking about spatial disorientation when we crammed a kazillion people in the elevator of the Eiffel Tower (and I’m a tad claustrophobic too), but when we stepped outside, I could not go near the edge. I felt like the world was jumping and wavy and if I stepped near the edge I would be sucked into the void and plummet to my death. I caught the next elevator back down. Fortunately, there was a crepe stand nearby, and I immediately felt better.

CAROL ANN: Thank goodness for food! Which goes along with your choice of a theme song for the day. (BOTH LAUGH ALONG WITH THE AUDIENCE)

CAROL ANN:  We’ve all had one of those “embarrassing moments.” Would you share one of yours with us?

MAGGIE: Gosh, I tend to block that stuff from memory. But in the spirit of the interview, I will reveal one faux pas.

Long ago in a land far away, I joined my husband for an upscale Christmas party. It was a big deal because this was the first time I would be meeting his new boss. I shopped for weeks to find an outfit that fit into our tight budget that didn’t scream “unsophisticated idiot,” I made an effort with makeup and hair, and I believe I was even wearing jewelry and nail polish – any one of these things would ordinarily be a Big Deal for me. My kids were little, and I bathed them ahead of time, fixed their dinner, picked up the babysitter, rented a movie – well, you get the picture. By the time we arrived at the Christmas party, I was running on fumes.

It was cold that night and of course my sophisticated outfit wasn’t warm. I hurried over to the fireplace, where as luck would have it, stood my husband’s new boss. I think he had high blood pressure or something, because his face was bright red. He had very dark features and dark clothing and was about two inches shorter than me.

Before I even knew who he was, I said the first thing that popped into my head, “You look just like a little devil.”

Yikes! I avoided that man for the duration of my husband’s career with that company, and I also learned to filter my thoughts through my head instead of my tongue.

AUDIENCE LAUGHTER

CAROL ANN: Have your phobias, collections, or embarrassing moments come to play in any of your books?

MAGGIE: Absolutely. What good’s a strong emotion if you don’t extrapolate it? In Muddy Waters, my most recent release, Roxie’s aunt has an angel collection. Roxie also has a moment where she is alone at night and finds her house unlocked. I translated my irrational fear of snakes into that moment of terrorified flight.

CAROL ANN: One last question.  Do you have a tattoo?

MAGGIE: I flirted with the idea of a tattoo, but ultimately I decided against it. Needles are involved, and needles are not my friends. If they could make the tattooing process so that it was as painless as getting your hair colored at the beauty shop, I’d be a candidate. Maybe I’d select a cherub or a heart, something tiny and in a discrete place. Until then, I’m content to be a tattoo virgin.

CAROL ANN: Maggie, our time is up, but I want to leave our audience with the information on your books and also where they can learn more about you. Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to join me here in the Blog Studio. Audience you can learn more about Maggie by visiting her at http://www.maggietoussaint.com/, http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/, and www.facebook.com/maggietoussaint/

MAGGIE: My pleasure, Carol Ann! Also, I would like to give away two advance reader's copies of my upcoming book "On the Nickle" to commenters on this blog. Here's a bit about the book.

Blurb:

Mama’s strange behavior jolts accountant Cleopatra Jones from her whirl of late summer activities with her daughters, her pregnant Saint Bernard, and her new boyfriend. When Cleo overhears the heated argument between Mama and her church-lady rival, Erica Hodges, she realizes Mama is out of control. The police report Erica files about Mama’s threats add to Cleo’s growing unease.

Two days later, Erica is dead, the victim of a hit and run. Though Erica’s reputation of arrogance, bossiness, and rudeness is well-deserved, she is descended from the town’s founder and the mayor pressures the police to obtain justice for the town’s leading citizen.

To Cleo’s horror, there’s a person-sized dent in Mama’s gray Olds. Mama denies killing Erica but refuses to account for her whereabouts that night. Mama’s secrets are maddening, but are they deadly?

CAROL ANN: That is so nice of you! Okay, people, here is your chance to get a copy of that book before it can be purchased in the stores! All you need to do is leave a comment and Maggie will pick two lucky commenters! And, below is some info about her another of Maggie's wonderful books which you can purchase through her publisher or through Amazon.

A blurb for Muddy Waters:

Roxie Whitaker is struggling to make her grandmother’s real estate business a success. When her coastal home is burglarized, her rosy worldview dims. Altanta security expert Sloan Harding distracts her from her torubles, but is Mossy Bog’s former bad boy serious about her?

Never one to shy away from muddy waters, Sloan is determined to find his alleged missing inheritance. Sparks fly as he enters into a business arrangement with Roxie to oversee the restoration of his childhood home. With her help, Sloan resurrects old secrets while a dangerous predator stalks them.

When passion meets danger, will love win the day?

Buy Muddy Waters as print or ebook: Kindle and Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Good to the Last Drop! by guest blogger Delia Latham

2011-01-05T07:00:00.003-05:00

Let’s talk about anointing oil.

No, I’m not kidding. I was given permission to talk about whatever I choose on this post today, so…I want to discuss anointing oil.

In Destiny’s Dream, the first book in my Solomon’s Gate series, the heroine is a firm believer in the power of this amazing additive to heartfelt, genuine prayer. At the end of every day in the dating agency, she kneels at her desk to pray over that day’s applications—to ask God’s guidance in pairing two hearts. Before taking her petitions to the throne, however, she anoints each application with oil.

This is not a new thing. A crucial part of biblical history, anointing oil played important roles in the lives of the children of Israel. God gave specific instructions as to ingredients and use. He provided different “recipes” for different purposes. Certain rituals were connected with its use, and God expected strict adherence to His instructions in regard to those rituals. Once His conditions were met, however, anointing oil became a powerful connection between His children and Himself.

It still is.

In the Old Testament, this medium—referred to as “holy anointing oil,” was used for a variety of purposes. It played a part in preparing the dead for burial; priests were anointed at certain times, by pouring oil over their heads. An anointed priest was considered to be wearing “the crown of the anointing oil of his God”; kings were anointed prior to taking the throne; the tabernacle and the vessels within it were anointed to make them holy. In the New Testament, it didn’t see quite so many uses, but it was still a common practice under certain circumstances: in preparation for burial, when welcoming important guests, and when praying for healing of the sick.

It’s as if the very aroma of the oil wafts its way to Heaven, reaches God’s nostrils and draws His attention to the need being addressed. As if making the extra effort of applying oil earns some kind of heavenly “brownie point,” if I may be so inelegant. It gives God a heads-up. “Hey, Dad…it’s me. Your kid. I’ve got a situation here, and I sure could use Your help.”

He smells the oil, and his ears perk up. His senses go on all-alert. His heart swells with love. The natural instinct of a protective, caring, loving Dad rises up within Him. The Creator of the Universe charges in, in full battle array, to defend…protect…heal…whatever the need is. He’s on it.

Through Destiny’s story, God opened my eyes to the power of anointing with oil. He used a fictional heroine in a made-up story set in a non-existent California town to give me the key to very real, as-yet-untold riches.

I grew up in a Christian environment. From a very young age, I watched my pastor anoint the sick with oil before he prayed over them. But I never thought about why he did that. Some members of our congregation used to anoint the doors and windows of their homes when they moved into them, to invite in God’s presence and drive out anything unholy that might be lurking within. I had heard about this practice, but I didn’t inquire into the purpose behind the gesture. I failed to grasp the tremendous power being harnessed and put into action right before my eyes.

Have you considered the possibilities God has opened up for you? Are you adding this amazing “secret” ingredient to your prayers?

As for me, Destiny May taught me to pray more effectively. She showed me the unlimited heights that can be reached, the miracles that can be wrought through the power of prayer coupled with anointing oil.

Try it. It’s good to the last drop!

Blurb:

Is a little respect too much to ask at a parent’s funeral?

Apparently it is for Destiny May. Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting when he shows up late to her mother’s “going away party.” When it turns out he’s not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day’s dreary proceedings. Spending time with a handsome stranger who makes her laugh is more therapeutic than fighting with her overbearing family.

Clay finds Destiny beautiful, charming...and intelligent. So why is she stubbornly determined to open a Christian dating service? Clay has little respect for such a frivolous profession, and doesn’t think the small, conservative town of Castle Creek will welcome such a progressive business. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm’s way.

Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses, and Destiny may be the one thing Clay can’t escape...if he even wants to.

Wading into 2011

2011-01-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

Maybe I should have said trudging instead of wading. In any event, it's been a slow and heavy-footed entrance into this new year. I believe all the sadness from December 2009 transferred into a depression for me in December 2010. I'm slowly pulling myself back into the world, pushing aside the darkness. Yesterday, I began a 3-month stint volunteering at the welcome/reception desk at church. How can I not smile seeing the eager faces of the pre-schoolers walking through that door to their classes? I'd give most anything to have their energy!
I'm also back with keeping myself to a daily writing goal. The weather man is predicting a long and cold winter, so I need to get back on schedule to keep from being bored while I'm unable to get outside. Well, except for *shudder* shoveling snow. So, far 2011 has brought no snow. Is that a record? Three days and no snow?
I've been enjoying my Kindle so much. I've downloaded some great books and rewarded myself by reading AFTER I finish my writing goal. Rewards work so well with me. And, chocolate doesn't do it because I just obsess over savoring one chocolate only to gorge myself. Totally unproductive to weight loss!
Tomorrow, I've got Delia Latham as my guest blogger. She sent me a copy of the first book in her Solomon's Gate series, DESTINY'S DREAM, to read. The book is available in both print and in ebook. The story opens on a sad note introducing Destiny and how she's given up her job and any social activities to care for her dying mother. Though she has a brother and sister, they provide very little support as they are busy with their own families. But, now Destiny's mother has passed, and she's struggling with how to move on with her life. I didn't feel sad for long, because the next scene had me smiling when a stranger walks in and sits beside Destiny. After several negative remarks about the woman in the casket, it becomes obvious that he's come to the wrong funeral!
Delia Latham takes us on a journey of love laced with humor, suspense, and even an angel. I highly recommend this entertaining book to anyone who believes in dreams and love, both earthly and heavenly!
So, please stop by tomorrow and meet Delia!

Letting Go and Letting God...

2011-01-02T12:58:00.000-05:00

I've struggled very hard recently with turning a burden over to God. As my husband's health has deteriorated over the past year, I've seen him turn his focus inward. His life revolves around how he's feeling every moment of the day. He is constantly looking at his Oximeter to check his oxygen level and his pulse rate, even when he's not struggling. He gets out of breath easily...doing even the simplest things like walking across the floor. It hurts me to watch the decline.
Mostly, it hurts me to watch him focusing on the decline so closely. He doesn't look for things to raise his spirits, or for activities that can engage his mind, or make him smile. Instead, he sits in a chair, occasionally looking at television and every five to ten minutes checking his Oximeter.
He talks constantly about what he's feeling at the moment.
He reads his paper, while keeping his focus on that Oximeter.
He doesn't seem interested in getting cleaned up or changing clothes. And he never feels like going out of the house, though he has portable oxygen.
He's always been an active person and thrives in being in contact with other people, but now he's become a self-inflicted hermit.
I've tried talking to him, tried making suggestions, even went so far as to hide the Oximeter at one time. I've prayed with him and for him.
I don't know what else to do. I can't bear to sit and watch him, and I can't change his attitude. I've talked to God and asked for His guidance, for His intervention, and I've asked God to take over the burden. I know I have to let go and let God, but it is so difficult to know that I cannot change things, nor can I control the outcome. This is entirely in God's hands.
So, I cry, and I hide my tears, suffering in silence while my world is crashing.

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

I've been neglecting my blog due to some health issues and hospital stays for my husband, a nasty cold that I battled over the Christmas holiday, and just enjoying Christmas in general. I'm always blessed by the candlight service on Christmas Eve. The one thing I miss is having little children gathered around the tree on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. But we were blessed with visits from our children and grandchildren over the days preceding Christmas.
We spent a quiet evening alone on New Year's Eve. Both hubby and I are still on medication, so we decided not to host our annual New Year's Eve gathering with some of our kids. I had downloaded a new book into my Kindle and spent most of the last two days reading while hubby watched football.
Now that a new year has arrived, it's time to get back in the swing of writing every day. That includes finishing the Say Goodbye manuscript and also using my blog as a daily journal.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas and a safe and happy transition from 2010 into 2011.
On Tuesday, I'll be posting a review of "Destiny's Dream", by Delia Latham. And on Wednesday, Delia will be joining us as a guest blogger.
Hope to see you then!

Minute to Win It Christmas Party

2010-12-18T08:28:00.000-05:00

This is the day our children and their families gather at our house to celebrate Christmas. I always try to think of things that will be fun and involve the children as well as the adults. This year, I've decided to set up a table with items to play some games from the television show "Minute to Win It."

I have presents for our grandchildren and in order for them to receive their gift, they will have to pick one person to "win" it for them. They will be encouraging the person as they go through the movements required to finish in one minute. I'll start with the youngest children and move toward the oldest. I can't wait. I'm sure I'll get some great pictures and videos.

I always strive to make Christmas less stressful by not having a traditional gift exchange for the adults. This year those who want to participate will bring a white elephant gift. It is purely optional, so no one has to feel obligated. But, I have a fun way to handle the exchange for those who do participate. We'll have one for the kids and one for the adults.

I also have some fun singing games just for fun. A friend told me about the card game "Would You Rather..?" I purchased it and I think it will lead to some great laughs as well. Of course all ages can play.

Instead of cooking a big meal, I set up a deli buffet and each family brings a side dish. We always have plenty of food and everyone leaves with a full tummy.

I'll share some pictures on my blog Monday.

Do you have any family gatherings that you attend? Care to share?

While My Hair Dries...

2010-12-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

Why does it take so long for my hair to dry enough to style it? I've yet to find the perfect thing to occupy me while it air dries. I don't like to use the blow dryer on my hair too often because it tends to dry it out. So, I decided to hop on blogger this morning while my wet curls surround my scalp and the furnace pulls out the moisture.

So, you knew when you clicked on this blog title that you'd be reading about hair. Women are so fickle when it comes to our hair. We use all kinds of chemicals, curling irons, dryers, hot rollers, perms, straighteners, tints, and so much more just to make our hair look "better."

Why? Why are we not satisfied with what God gave us? I have a dear friend who has beautiful curly hair. It is thick and luxurious with a "just permed" curl. I love it. She hates it. She likes to get her hair straightened. I suppose if my hair were curly all the time, I might want to know what it would feel like to have my hair move around my shoulders. But, since my hair doesn't look like the models on television when it is straight, I try to compensate by occasionally getting a perm. Then I hate it. I can't do anything with it. The top doesn't blend with the rest because the top of my hair doesn't take a perm well.

So, here I sit writing a nonsense blog while I wait for my curls to dry enough to style.

What about you? Are you ever satisfied with your hair?

Christmas Free Read by Guest Blogger Wendy Davy

2010-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

It has been snowing, well, flurries anyway, for the past two days. My Christmas tree is up and the inside and outside of the house is decorated. Our annual family Christmas party is two weeks away. I'm getting excited. I'm looking forward to the Candlelight service at our church on Christmas Eve. My guest today has a special Christmas gift for each of you. Please help me to welcome Wendy Davy to my blog.

Wendy Davy is an award winning, inspirational romance author with several titles available. She uses her active imagination and love of adventure to create faith based stories of the heart. When not writing or chasing around her young children, she spends time reading, enjoying her real-life hero and watching movies.

Christmas Free Read and a Glimpse at Reluctant Bridesmaid, Coming March 4, 2011.
It’s that time of year again. Fun-filled shopping, holiday treats and STRESS!!! Why not take a break and read a quick free Christmas story? Stop by www.whiterosepublishing.com and download a copy of Mistletoe and Miracles.

Here’s what it’s about: Noelle Barkley wants a man, and she’s willing to go out on a limb to get him. But, when she lands into the arms of a stranger, she discovers God’s plan is better than hers could ever be.

And, here’s a look at my upcoming release, Reluctant Bridesmaid:

Jordan Harrison dreads walking down the aisle…

When her widowed mother is swept away by a handsome, wealthy architect, Jordan fears the hasty engagement will end up in disaster. After all, how well can her mother know the guy after only a few months? When Jordan races to Breckenridge Manor to delay the wedding, she runs into more than she’s bargained for — a handsome, understanding man intent on helping her heal past wounds and open her mind to new possibilities.

Known as the man with nerves of steel, Tanner Breckenridge lives up to his reputation, but it doesn’t take long for him to discover he has a soft spot for Jordan Harrison, the daughter of his father’s future bride. Loyal to his father, but captivated by Jordan, Tanner puts his heart on the line and risks everything for a chance at love.

Here’s a sample:

“I think a little bit of fun would do you some good.” He winked as he took one long stride toward her. He bent and scooped her from the chair.

“Tanner!” she shrieked, clutching his shoulders. His warm skin covered granite muscle underneath. She squirmed, but her movements pressed her harder against his chest as he lifted her into his arms.

He sauntered to the dock’s edge as if he had no care in the world. The water, crisp and clear loomed below.

Adrenaline spiking, she tucked her head against him. “You don’t want to do this.”

“I don’t?” A low, deep chuckle formed in his chest, vibrating against her cheek. “You can swim, right?”

“Yes, I can swim.”

“You just don’t like the idea of taking the plunge do you? Marriage or otherwise?”

“I have nothing against marriage…in general,” she defended. “And, this isn’t about my opinion regarding ‘the plunge’. This is about you,” she poked him in the chest, “tossing me into that cold water.”

“How do you know what it feels like until you try it?”

She lifted her head to offer a witty remark, but lost her breath as she found herself eye-level with Tanner’s sun-kissed neck. His scent, earthy and masculine surrounded her. She looked up. From this angle, his jaw-line appeared more defined, his features more chiseled, and his eyes a lighter shade of blue. She swallowed, but her dry mouth refused to moisten.

“Are you ready?” A small, faint scar melded into the creases beside his left eye as he smiled.

Flustered, she asked, “R-ready?” Her breathing came in quick, shallow gasps as her gaze travelled to his mouth. As good as it felt to be held in his strong arms, she wondered what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against hers.

Magical? Maybe. Out of the question? Definitely.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Wendy Davy

http://www.wendydavy.com/

If Only It Were As Easy As That!

2010-12-08T08:20:00.000-05:00

I received an email from a new writer asking for advice. The question: "Should I seek an agent or self-publish?"

Wow. I remember when I was there. I had written my first book and I felt like I'd finally achieved my dream. All I needed to do was send out my manuscript and I'd be published! I dreamed of seeing my book on the shelves of local bookstores, sitting at a table piled high with my books while I signed autographed copies for the long lines waiting to talk to me. If only the publishing world were as easy to break into as that!

Reality is nothing like the dream. But, the last thing a new writer needs to hear is something to destroy the dream. Many new writers get discouraged and quit before they've even begun. Publishing is a tough business. It's not something a person does with hopes of becoming rich. The truth is very few authors ever reach a status of being able to support themselves by publishing their books. Most of us write because we love writing. We love receiving feedback on our books that even one person has been touched in some way by the words we so painstakingly penned, one difficult word after another.

My advice to this new writer, and to anyone else who is curious, is to join a writing group. To succeed, writers need support from others who are doing the same thing and struggling with the same obstacles. Take online classes, attend workshops, learn the craft of writing, and most of all...keep writing new material. Learn how to market yourself...not your book. People will buy from names they recognize more so than from an unknown person who has an interesting book cover or book title. Make your presence known. It takes time and it takes perseverance.

Without my local writing group, the hundreds of online classes I've taken, and my growing support group, I would have stopped writing after that first book. I would have continued dreaming about my goal, but I wouldn't have worked at achieving it. Writing is a business, just like any other business. And, just like any other job, if you don't love what you do, you'll move on.

And, with that, I'll step down off my soapbox. I wish all writers, whether published or aspiring, a group of wonderful supporters and the joy of reaching your goals.

A Single Rosebud...

2010-12-07T15:11:00.000-05:00

...is worth a thousand words.

Amid all the dormant plants, and a layer of snow, a beautiful red rosebud stands bravely, refusing the give in to the blast of winter. Isn't that a beautiful sight?

Our outdoor semi-feral cats perch along the logs lining our back yard bushes, soaking up any warmth from brief glimpses of sun. As the day draws to an end, they move to the shelters we have provided to protect them from the harsh elements.

Within each of us, there is that strength to persevere despite obstacles and storms that invade our lives. We seek the warmth of the sun and stand bravely like the rosebud, despite the odds.

Amazing!

Monday Mix-up

2010-12-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

Boy, it sure is Monday!

First I wake up to a layer of snow, 20 degree temps, with wind! Brrr. I'm so not ready for this weather yet. I forgot to get the long extension cord from the shed which I need to run the leaf blower, which helps me with small amounts of snow on the sidewalks and driveway.

Second, I was supposed to interview Tanya Hanson on my blog today, and realized last night that I had forgotten to send her the questions! My public apologies to Tanya. I have contacted her about appearing at a later date this month.

I am not a fan of Monday!

In the Mood for a Christmas Story?

2010-12-04T07:02:00.003-05:00

Celebrate Christmas a little early by giving a present to yourself! LIGHTING THE TREE is available on Kindle for only $.99. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle application for your computer. Enjoy!

Go to Amazon to view.

A Day for Smiling

2010-12-03T09:14:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been in a funk about my writing. Things in my life have been sapping my energy and I've had nothing left to put into the words I write. I went to bed last night looking at a new window opening and path laid out before me through the grace of God. Today, I awoke with a joy in my heart for beginning a new phase in my life.

Today, I'll organize my office into a comforting writing place. I have found the excitement for writing again. It's a new day and a new beginning. With the joy of Christmas only three weeks away, my heart is singing a song that lights my face with a smile.

On Monday, I will be interviewing Tanya Hanson in "the Blog Studio." I hope you'll stop by and join the audience!

If you haven't checked my free fall newsletter on my website, you might be interested in grabbing the recipe I've posted there for a fabulous cheeseball. It makes a great dish to take to parties, or a great gift to give during the holidays.

I wish you a day full of joy and a heart full of love!

An Inspiring Author - by guest blogger Cindy Green

2010-12-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

I’ve been asked many times which authors have inspired me. Well, of course, there are several but one which really comes to mind is L.M. Montgomery. She is famed for writing the Anne of Green Gables series. But did you know she wrote A LOT more books and a plethora of short stories? In the late 1980’s and into the nineties, her short stories were republished into anthologies with similar themes. Today, on the top row of the book shelf in my office, I have all my Montgomerys – there are 33 book titles there. She had a certain way of turning a phrase. And, of course, I related to her stories – especially Anne since I’m a redhead too. I still pick up and read one of her books now and again. Last summer, I reread Anne of the Island & Anne’s House of Dreams. They sure read a lot faster than they used to. Many of her heroines loved to write especially her Anne character and Emily from New Moon. But I think it was the fanciful way she wrote that inspired me. I wanted to write like that, create like that, think like that. I recently found a couple more of the STARTED stories that I wrote as a kid, and they are filled with the presence of L.M. Montgomery. I still like to think there is a little bit of her in my writing along with all the other authors who have influenced me throughout my life.

It was due to reading my favorite authors that I got into writing. I wondered…could I write something like this for publication. I took up my pen (or should I say computer keyboard) and began to plot out a new story. I wrote at night when everyone was in bed and finished the first draft in a record six days. Of course, I spent time editing and polishing that manuscript and reading up on how to craft a romantic story. My original publisher released that book in 2006 under the title The Spirit of Christmas. Two years later the company folded and my story became an orphan. I reworked and rewrote the story and found it a new home with Champagne Books. All I Want for Christmas is that reimagined novel.

I learned so much from those first favorite authors: Montgomery, Alcott, Austen. While reading a book, you should be entertained to be sure, but it’s when you delve a bit deeper with your characters to make your readers care even more about those characters that you really begin to touch lives as an author. This is what I learned from my inspiring authors.

Here is an excerpt from All I Want for Christmas, a sweet best-friend romance:

Kathryn Graham hates Christmas. She hates the snow, the decorations, the whole nine yards. Nick Pringle on the other hand can’t get enough of the season. He may be her best friend and fellow writer at Redburn Weekly Magazine, but sometimes his exuberance gets on her very last nerve. Now they’ve been assigned to cover the orphan toy drive story. It’s just a puff piece, not the serious journalism Kathryn hopes for, but maybe there are no old stories, just new angles.

Nick Pringle has been in love with Kathryn practically since the day they met. When he realizes that she’s lost her Christmas spirit, he figures he’s just the guy to help her find it again. But will any of his plans make a difference in her? Will she ever see him as anything more than her smart-aleck partner? Then again maybe he’ll get what he wants for Christmas after all.

Outside the air remained chilly, forcing the use of a coat, but it was still fine December weather. Kathryn wrapped a scarf around her neck as she walked down the street with Nick. The last time they’d been together, she’d held his hand and it had felt so comforting. For some reason today, she felt at a loss with him walking several inches away from her. There was something building between them and if she didn’t do something about it—it would only get worse.

Emboldening herself, she grabbed Nick’s arm and wrapped her hands around it. His eyes dropped to hers and filled with puzzlement. She could imagine the thoughts going through his head—like ‘what was on her mind now?’ Or ‘what am I in for this time?’

She parted her lips and smiled at him. “Don’t you just love Christmas, Nick?” She waited to see how he’d react to her using his words from last week. The same words she’d rebuffed at that time and now understood so much better.

“Christmas? Isn’t that just about commercialization?” He smiled as he threw her own words back at her with a grin.

“And where did you ever hear such a horrible thought, Nick Pringle?” She filled her voice with feigned reproach.

They shared a smile as they continued down Main Street. A little thrill moved in Kathryn’s chest. This felt right; it felt good. The friendship she had with Nick could never be replaced. She glanced at the store windows decorated for the season. It reminded her of shopping with her mother and sister as they looked for Christmas gifts for her father. It was one of only a few fond memories she shared with her family. Soon after that Christmas, her parents divorced and her life fell apart.

Kathryn studied Nick’s face again, his raised cheeks and straight nose, rounded just perfectly at the end. He tilted his head at her and formed his lips into a closed smile. Never had she encountered such understanding and empathy in anyone until she met Nick Pringle. He oozed kindness and warmth and yet he had a teasing kind of personality when he wanted to use it. It’s why they got along together. He was easy-going and she was wound tighter than a toy top. But he could dish out the sarcasm when necessary. It kept the friendship interesting and fresh. More than that, he made her feel safe—as if she could tell him anything.

“Nick, did I ever tell you my father left my mother the day after Christmas when I was twelve?”

Concern etched Nick’s face and his eyes grew soft. “No, you never did.”

Kathryn curved her mouth to one side and sighed. Then she faced forward, letting go of Nick’s arm and shoving her ungloved hands into her coat pockets. “I can still remember what he said when he left. Lorraine and I were in the living room still figuring out all the gifts Daddy had thrust upon us the day before, when he came down the stairs with his suitcase. He said, ‘Marion, I promised to stay until Christmas, but Christmas is over. I’m leaving now.’”

“That’s unbelievable.” His arm slid around her shoulders and she didn’t shrug him off as she usually would. Instead she snuggled close to him and rested her face against the softness of his overcoat.

“My mother tried to get him to stay, but he left anyway. He didn’t even say goodbye to me or my sister. I started thinking about that the other day, and I realized that it is because of how my father left us that I hate Christmas.”

“You never hated Christmas.”

She raised her eyes up to his. “I did.” A sob caught in her throat. “I hated Christmas.

Available at Champagne Books (just reduced to 2.99), All Romance e-books and Amazon.

****

Cindy K. Green is a multi-published author with degrees in History and Education. Previously a middle school English & History teacher, she now homeschools her own children and writes in several genres: Inspirational, Contemporary, YA, Suspense and Historical romance. Find out more about Cindy and her books at http://www.cindykgreen.com/. You can also visit her on her Blog. In addition, she has a Homeschooling Blog and a Teen Fiction Blog. She can be reached by email at cindy@cindykgreen.com. She’s on Myspace Facebook Twitter and Twitter for her YA friends. And she has a Newsletter.

Happy Recovery Day!!

2010-11-26T09:33:00.000-05:00

If, you, like me, are recovering from a delicious Thanksgiving meal, I wish you a day of full recovery. Even though it was just hubby and me this year, I still fixed all the things I would for a huge family gathering...just in smaller quantities. I have leftover turkey for my well-loved cold sandwiches. Yummy!

Yesterday was also a day that filled my heart to overflowing. My grandson had called on Wednesday afternoon to let me know that he was coming home on Thanksgiving day! We'd been secretly planning his return from the service, but the actual date hadn't been clarified. We thought it would probably be today or Saturday. He worked hard with his commanding officers for an early release, and sure enough, they out-processed him and he was able to get a flight from California to arrive around 6:30pm. The idea was to surprise his mother. So, after eating, I hustled to the airport to await his arrival. When he walked through the gate, I was overjoyed!! What a wonderful end to a fantastic day!

I called my daughter and told her I had something special for the family and that hubby and I would be coming by to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and bring the dessert. It was raining, non-stop raining, but she stepped outside to greet us. I asked her to get the dessert from the back seat. When she opened the door, my grandson popped up from where he'd been laying on the seat and said "Hi, Mom!" What a Hallmark moment!

I hope you had a wonderful day, too! And I wish you a peaceful, restful day of recovery.

What Are Mirror Characters?

2010-11-24T09:16:00.001-05:00

Good morning! I'm so happy to turn my blog over to esteemed author and friend, Patricia Sargeant. Patricia is an award-winning author who writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance. Her romantic suspense feature ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her contemporary romances reveal characters struggling to overcome their inner demons. Patricia loves to hear from readers. Her e-mail address is BooksByPatricia@Yahoo.com You can learn more about Patricia and her books on her website at http://www.patriciasargeant.com/

Carol Ann, thanks a million for letting me stop by to spend some time with you and your friends. I really appreciate the company. If it’s all right with everyone, I’d like to chat about mirror characters, their role in our stories and the reason I really dig them.

As you probably know, mirror characters are the characters in our books whose personalities contrast with our heroine or hero. If our heroine is an introvert, her mirror character will be an extrovert. If our hero is reckless, his mirror character will be cautious.

Mirror characters can be the main character’s friend or nemesis, relative or neighbor. He or she could be a pivotal secondary character or someone who walks on for only one or two scenes.

I’ve always loved mirror characters because they help sculpt main characters. To put it crudely, mirror characters are valuable tools in an author’s storytelling kit. They help show – not tell – our main character’s personality. Think about the many ways you develop your character.

• Dialogue: Is she chatty or stingy with her words?

• Actions: Does she fidget or is she composed?

• Appearance: Is she fashionable or conservative?

Now look at your mirror character. The mirror character allows you to take the heroine you’ve just developed in her entirety and contrast her with another character to deepen her personality.

Let’s take a look at some mirror characters from the movies. Have you seen “Speed” with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock? No? Why not? No, never mind. We’ll discuss your serious oversight in movies later. I’ll set the scene. Keanu Reeves plays Jack, a Los Angeles police officer and man of action. He’s on the edge of being reckless. His partner, Harry, is his mirror character. Harry knows the importance of thinking before you act. We don’t have a narrator who steps onto the scene to explain that Jack is reckless and Harry is cautious. Instead we hear the contrast in the characters’ dialogue. This interaction deepens the characterization.

Sandra Bullock’s character, Annie, also is a mirror character for Keanu Reeves’s Jack. Annie is a nurturer. Jack … well, he doesn’t show as much emotion, which doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. But that’s another discussion. Anyway, one of the many scenes that contrasts Annie and Jack comes when one of the passengers on the runaway bus (It’s a long story; rent the DVD.) turns to Jack in fear of the action they’re about to take. Desperate for reassurance, the young man asks, “Is this really going to work?” Jack stares at him without responding, without showing emotion.

In contrast, Annie does show emotion. The script gives us bits of dialogue that gives away the fact that Annie cares a great deal for the other passengers. Now, Annie is driving the runaway bus. She miraculously (It’s Hollywood.) completes the dangerous action that the young man was worried about. The first words out of her mouth are, “Is everyone all right?” Nurturer. The audience contrasts Annie’s reaction with Jack’s previous reaction – or lack thereof.

I’ve used at least one mirror character for my heroine and hero in all of my stories to help deepen their characterization. For example, my heroine in Heated Rivalry is an insecure introvert. Her best friend is a confident extrovert. I had fun having them play off of each other. In Sweet Deception, my hero is a responsible oldest child whose parents take him for granted. In contrast, his younger brother is a spoiled child who has to be the center of attention. There’s a lot of tension in their scenes.

Could you share with us some of your favorite mirror characters, either from books or movies?

Carol Ann, thanks again for having me over. I’d also like to wish everyone a happy, peaceful and safe Thanksgiving.

The Future Belongs...

2010-11-22T08:07:00.000-05:00

...to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~~Eleanor Roosevelt

So many times in the years my children were growing up, I remember telling them that anything is possible. Dreams can become reality if one works toward reaching those dreams, and always believing dreams can come true.

The power of positive thinking can transform lives. Negative thoughts breed despair. Have you ever known someone who expects the worst so that when the worst happens, they are not disappointed? Trying to convince them that dreams come true is a difficult task! The power to change our thinking resides within ourselves...and in reaching out to God, we can find the truth and the strength.

I wish for each of you the joy of knowing that Eleanor Roosevelt's quote is powerful, and that you can realize your dreams...if you believe!

Check Your Pacing - by Guest Blogger JoAnn Carter

2010-11-17T07:00:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm happy to turn my blog over to a fabulous author, JoAnn Carter. When you comment, be sure to wish her a belated happy birthday. Her birthday was on Monday, November 15th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you.” ~ Proverbs 16:9 (New International Reader's Version)

Have you ever set out with a goal, a good and worthy goal, only to become frustrated to the point of giving up? I know I’ve been there—done that. Here’s a recent example… I had a plan. I was going to jog around the neighborhood (1.5 miles) before I hit my 40th birthday. So every morning, out the door I’d go. Bless my sweet husband, he’d come with me as a source of encouragement. However, no matter how hard I tried, it never took long for me to become winded to the point where I needed to walk. I was so disgusted after weeks and weeks of little to no improvement, I decided to quit. My husband, seeing my broken spirit said, “Do you trust me?”

I wondered where this was going but I replied, “Yes, I do.”

“Good. Then tomorrow, let me set the pace.”

The next day, practically dragging my heels, I followed him out the door. But you know what, a remarkable thing happened. I jogged around one loop without stopping! After the appropriate round of high-fives and smiles I stood amazed. I didn’t need to stop and I didn’t feel ready to pass out—granted it wasn’t the whole neighborhood yet, but I went as far as my husband asked simply by matching his steady stride.

You know what the trick was? Pacing.

Okay, so fast forward a month—I’m almost all the way through the neighborhood at this point (just a little side street left to tackle), the boys are back to school, and it’s time to dig back into my writing. I set my writing goals. I’m going to write 2,000 words a day and finish a novel every three months. I have BIG plans of going GREAT places. Guess what? It didn’t take me long to fizzle out. Instead of enjoying writing, embracing the gift of time the Lord had given me to set aside for writing this year, it felt like a burden, a chore! Then it hit me like a 2x4. My pacing was off! Granted some folks may write like a marathon runner, and have great success, but that won’t work for me. I want to love every moment of writing…explore the journey with eager anticipation…follow God and His stride for my day.

I’d like to throw out this challenge, if you’re feeling tired or burned out, check your pacing. Great things can happen if you slow down to enjoy life’s journey. I have proof—although my birthday isn’t until next week, I been jogging completely around the neighborhood for a month and a half now. If I can do that, I know you can face your own personal mountain! Remember the key is taking steps, even baby steps some days, with your focus on Christ.

--

*Quick writing update (after I wrote this post)—with these little baby steps, I’ve been offered a series contract for three Historical Inspirational Romance novels through Desert Breeze Publishing. The first book The Floating Palace will be released July 15, 2011. My year and a half dry spell is over. God is so good!

JoAnn

Author of Teacher’s Plans, By the Book, Sweet Rest, Smuggler of the Heart, Daniella, The Hamster Wheel, and Finders Keepers

http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

The Squirrel and the Cat

2010-11-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

This morning I'm laughing at the antics in my front yard. A squirrel is teasing one of our feral cats, Patches. Patches, a beautiful long-haired calico cat is lying in the yard watching the squirrel make its way down the tree trunk to look for seeds to gather for winter. She lies quietly until the squirrel gets close to the ground then she runs to the tree and begins to climb. The squirrel retreats to the first branch and turns around to stare at Patches. The cat stops and it becomes a stand-off for a few seconds. Then the cat inches a little higher. The squirrel moves up a bit and again turns around and stares at the cat. Finally, the cat jumps down from the tree. And the squirrel scurries downward, chattering at the cat.

I don't believe the cat wants to catch the squirrel, but she's fascinated by chase. The squirrel seems to be confident enough to continue teasing the cat because it knows there is safety in the highest branches of the tree where it has made a nest.

I suppose it's time to go feed the cat. The squirrel can fend for itself as long as Patches continues to have a full belly.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your day is filled with joyful things to see.

Don't Forget to Thank a Veteran Today

2010-11-11T08:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day!

Today, be sure to say thank you to our military for all they do and have done to protect our freedom. Because of them, I have the freedom to post on my blog whenever I feel like it. I have the freedom to say what I think. I have the freedom to worship and to shout for joy whenever I feel overwhelmed with blessings. There are so many things to say thank you for, that I can't begin to list them all.

My father died at the young age of 19 while serving as a naval gunman on The Liddle, a ship attacked by a kamikaze pilot. I never knew my father, but I love him for giving all for his country. My grandfather served in the Army in World War I. My stepfather served in the Army in World War II. My husband served in the Air Force after the Korean War. My stepson served in the Army during Desert Storm. My grandson serves in the Air Force and is coming home in December.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all Veterans, active and non-active, alive and living with Jesus. Thank you!

"Life in 1957" by Diane Craver

2010-11-10T06:10:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm very happy to welcome Diane Craver as my guest blogger. Be sure to read all the way through, because Diane is giving away one of her Christmas releases, and more!

Diane Craver met her husband while teaching at an orphanage, and they married in 1975. While raising their six children in southwestern Ohio, Diane started writing nonfiction. Later, she decided it would be a nice escape to write fiction.

Diane has published through a variety of houses, including Booklocker.com, Samhain, Desert Breeze, Whimsical Publications, and Victory Tales Press. She writes fun and inspiring stories filled with memorable characters. Diane gives thanks to God daily for all her wonderful blessings.

Learn more about Diane and her books at http://www.dianecraver.com/.

"Life in 1957"

I’m dating myself here but I was a small girl in 1957. My upcoming release, A Christmas Gift, contains my childhood experiences with fiction thrown into the story line. However, the prologue and epilogue are in present time. When I mentioned to a daughter that it was hard for me to believe that my new book was considered historical fiction, she laughed and said, "Mom, it wouldn’t be contemporary."

I want to share with you an event that was done to newlyweds back in 1957 in Ohio. It made quite an impression on me when I was a small girl. By the time, I got married it was no longer a tradition. But before I do that, I want to mention how even though we didn’t have cable, internet, cell phones, video games, DVDs, or even VHS, life was good in 1957. We took time to know our neighbors. I grew up in a rural area so all the families were farmers. My best memories are the creative play I shared with the neighborhood children. I didn’t have siblings to play with because I came along very late in my parents’ lives. My siblings were 21, 19, 15, and 9 when I was born. Another fun time was traveling to Lake Erie on Sundays in the summers. All the neighbors piled into cars to enjoy swimming and picnics by the lake.

Okay, here is what we did in Findlay, Ohio, to have fun with newlyweds, and it was called a "belling". If a belling would be held now on Main Street in Findlay, I’m sure there would be arrests. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 5 of A Christmas Gift about a belling in 1957:

On Saturday night Ellen and I were sitting on the front porch steps, watching all the neighbors arrive at my house, the gathering spot before a belling. It was appropriately termed a "belling" because neighbors went to a newlyweds’ home with dinner bells, shot guns, pans, or anything that made noises. Hopefully, the unsuspecting couple would be asleep when the belling occurred.

"Here’s your noisemakers, girls," Daddy said as he handed us pans and big spoons.

"Mr. Reeves, are we leaving now?" Ellen asked.

Daddy smiled. "We have to wait a little longer to make sure Linda and John are asleep."

I asked Daddy, "Do you think they’ll be surprised?"

He nodded. "Of course. They’ve been married for several weeks, so they know it’s coming, but I hope they won’t expect it tonight. I invited John to play cards with us tonight, so he’d think we all had something going on. John said he couldn’t leave his wife on their special night."

My eyes widened. "What’s special about tonight?"

"He mumbled something about it being the anniversary of their first kiss."

Ellen and I laughed. "Daddy, that’s silly. You’re making that up."

He winked. "Well, it might not be the first kiss but was something romantic."

Within an hour, we left in several cars to travel a road over from ours to the Williamson’s place. The drivers stayed in the cars to honk their horns, Ellen and I banged our pans, and many people rang dinner bells. I jumped when I heard some farmers shooting their guns into the air. With this entire racket going on right in their front yard, John and Linda took fifteen minutes to come outside.

I saw John’s shirt wasn’t buttoned right, and Linda’s blouse was tucked in on one side and hanging out on the other. John grinned and yelled, "You bunch of liars. I thought the men had a big card party tonight."

"Since you couldn’t make it," Daddy said, "we canceled it." He laughed. "You took so long to come out, we decided to take you both to Findlay on a hay wagon."

Ellen and I had permission to ride the hay wagon, so we hurried and climbed on before John and Linda did. When the wagon was full of people, we sang the song, "Love and Marriage Goes Together like a Horse and Carriage." Linda sat on John’s lap and sang along too.

Once in Findlay our singing ceased while Ellen’s father stopped the tractor and wagon in a grocery store’s parking lot.

Two men lifted a wheelbarrow off a pickup truck. One of them said, "We think John should push Linda down Main Street."

Everyone clapped and whistled while John put Linda into the wheelbarrow. Noises continued behind the couple while everyone proceeded down the street.

When we returned to the newlyweds’ house, Linda and John gave candy bars for treats. While the adults were laughing and talking, Ellen and I sat on white metal chairs, eating our candy.

I grabbed Gail’s arm as she walked in front of us. With a mouthful of Milky Way bar, I told her, "If you marry Phil, I can’t wait for your belling. I’ll make so much noise that Phil’s ears will hurt."

Gail gave me a disgusted look. "Don’t talk with your mouth full. I hate to disappoint you, Debby, but Phil and I aren’t going to live around here. He’s only here until Mr. Haynes is well enough to return to work."

~~~~

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. A Christmas Gift releases on November 15th in both paperback and electronic formats. It will be available from Whimsical Publications and Amazon. Thank you, Carol, for giving me this opportunity to share something from my book.

By the way, I have a Christmas contest on my blog. If you leave a comment on this post, your name is entered. The first drawing is November 14th. I’ll be giving away a signed copy of one of my Christmas releases to the winner, a $10 GC, and a beautiful angel ornament. More details are on my blog. http://www.dianecraver.com/blog

Voices, Personalities, Baggage, and Charisma!!

2010-11-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

I'm sure, like me, you have seen many different movies, television programs, and read many, many books. I don't remember all the things that happen. I might have scenes that stand out in my memory bank, but mostly it's the characters I remember.

For instance, I loved the series of "Who's the Boss?" I can't tell you much about the silly episodes, but I remember the chemistry between Tony and Angela. Their characters are still vivid in my mind. My current favorite series is "Castle." I don't watch for the murder they solve or how they do it, but for the characters of Rick Castle and Kate Beckett. I loved Gone With The Wind, but I don't remember many scenes...just a few major ones and what keeps them fresh in my mind are the characters, Scarlet and Rhett. Without great characters, it is easy to forget.

Authors must be cognizant of making their characters come to life on a page. They must have individual voices, personalities, baggage, and charisma. We learned as toddlers to remember things by "seeing" them. A chair, a table, a nose, a smile, a dog, a cat...and the list goes on. Likewise, we remember great books by seeing the characters and the action playing out in our brain. It takes a good writer to be able to paint those pictures for the reader.

Do you have characters you remember vividly?

You Mean It's Friday Already???

2010-11-05T08:36:00.000-04:00

Oh, my, how fast this week has passed. So many things going on. First, the winner of an autographed copy of Laurie Kingery's book was Becky. She has been notified and the book is on the way! Thanks to all who stopped by.

Last weekend began by attending some seminars at our church by Jerry Lucas. Jerry is better known as Doctor Memory. You may have seen him on television where he has shown his remarkable talents of memorizing people's names. He's really fantastic.

We began on Sunday with him showing us how to remember a unique set of numbers from 1 to 10 by using sound-alike words and creating pictures. These pictures were to remind us how to have better family relationships. The one number which is foremost in my mind is six. Six represents a bundle of sticks which I insert into my mouth before I say something hurtful. I have been walking around for days reciting sticks, sticks, sticks whenever I think something negative to stop the words from spilling out of my mouth. I pray for God to help me control my tongue every day!

Sunday night Jerry taught us how to remember lists. His method really works. And then Monday night he taught us how to remember names that are important to us. I'm working on that!

The first four days of this week were filled with "have to's" so that Friday has snuck right up on me! I'm sure Thanksgiving will be here before I can think twice about the menu. And then, Christmas, and "oh no!" a brand new year! I've just gotten used to writing 2010.

How about you? Has this year passed quickly for you, too? Or has it been dragging by? Regrets? Joys? Looking forward to a new year?

WHERE IN THE WORLD...? by guest blogger Karen Robbins

2010-11-03T08:00:00.004-04:00

I'm so happy to welcome Karen Robbins to be my guest blogger today.

Writer, speaker, author, travel addict, wife, mom, and grandma describes the multi-faceted life of Karen Robbins. In addition to her many published articles and essays, Karen is also coauthor of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (Leafwood).

The slosh of the washer and hum of the dryer provide my background music today as I write. We are home for three weeks. Long enough to empty suitcases, do laundry, catch up on mail, touch base with friends and family and pack suitcases again for the next trip. For the last twenty years, our travel addiction has grown and as we are easing into retirement we have been able to take more time to satisfy it. Over the years we have managed to visit all seven continents and have almost circumnavigated the globe. And God has shown Himself in every corner of the world we have visited.

Antarctica

I learned of His majesty in the Alaskan mountains, His grace in the middle of a river in China, His sacrificing love in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and His sheltering protection deep in the waters of Papua New Guinea. Ever wonder why the Bible says He washes us “white as snow?” The pure unblemished snows of Antarctica told the story.

The people and cultures of our world are amazing. We have been enriched by their history, enlightened by their traditions, and gained understanding by their struggles. And through it all we can see the common thread of our spiritual need.

Being on the road for almost six months out of the year, I often get the question, “When do you find the time to write?” The answer is not in finding the time but in making the time. With my handy little HP notebook, I can plug in almost anywhere in the world—as long as I remember to take along the adaptors for that country. When I can’t, I can do it the old fashioned way with pen and paper. The real challenge comes in being able to find internet access when I need it. But as long as there is a MacDonald’s nearby, there is usually free WiFi.

SOCW Tuscan Countryside

The internet played a big part in the writing of my coauthored book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (Leafwood, 2008). Since the six of us live in three different areas of the country and I am often out of the country, we wrote the whole book through emails. The challenge for me came in marketing when the book was first released. It was our fortieth wedding anniversary and my husband had planned a Mediterranean cruise. Undaunted, I took my copy of Scrapbook and had him take pictures of me reading the book in Rome at the Coliseum and in front of the Trevi fountain; then in Santorini, Greece, at a seaside café; in Cadiz, Spain, with a statue of a sailor looking over my shoulder; and in Tuscany, with rolling hills of grape vineyards in the background. They were all posted on my blog and subsequently Facebook and Twitter.

My blog, Writer’s Wanderings, keeps me writing on a daily basis. It is a journal of not only where our travels take me but where life leads as well. The blog has also been a door to writing some travel articles for online magazines and a way to connect with other world travelers. I have regular readers from as far away as Australia and England.

As a fiction writer, I probably look at things a little differently than many other travelers. When everyone is entranced with the beauty of a stained glass church window, I may be looking at the lady on the sidewalk wrapped in an old shawl, stringing beads to sell to the tourists. Or at a couple embracing in the shadow of an archway. Or perhaps at a weathered door and wondering what story lies beyond it.

Whether you travel around the world or just around the corner, enjoy the journey God has set before you.
~~~~~~
To learn more about Karen, please visit her blog at: http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com

And The Winners Are....

2010-11-02T08:00:00.005-04:00

BLOG WINNERS FOR OCTOBER!!!

First, the winner for the $10 Bath and Body Works Gift Certificate is:

DEBBIE CLARK

Debbie, you'll be getting an email from me with details. Congratulations!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Second, the winner of an autographed copy of my book, JOSHUA'S HOPE is:

TAMMY DOHERTY

Tammy, you'll be getting an email from me asking for information to send your book. Congratulations!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please stop by my blog tomorrow to meet Karen Robbins, who will be my guest blogger!

Author Interview - Laurie Kingery

2010-11-01T08:00:00.007-04:00

The camera zooms in on the Blog Studio Band as they play "Desperado." Then the camera pans the audience where many are singing along and swaying in their seats. As the song ends, the curtain rises and Carol Ann Erhardt walks on stage waving.

"Good morning! It's thrilling to be back in the studio with you again. Today, I'll be interviewing one of my dear friends, Laurie Kingery. Laurie is a central Ohio author and veteran E.R. RN who has written twenty-two historical romances, first as Laurie Grant and now writing Christian historicals under her own name for Love Inspired Historicals. She won the Reader's Choice for short historicals in 1994 and was a finalist in the 2010 Carol Awards in short historicals by the American Christian Fiction Writers for THE OUTLAW'S LADY. Please put your hands together and welcome to the stage, the one and only...Laurie...Kingery!"

The audience applauds as Laurie walks forward and joins Carol Ann in the burgundy leather chairs center stage.

"Laurie, you look lovely today! Thank you for joining me here in the Blog Studio this morning."

"You're welcome, and thanks for inviting me."

"Did you notice the band played the song you like to hear when you are writing your western heroes?"

"I did! Thank you." Laurie leans forward and applauds the band. The band leader smiles and bows.

"You've been writing historical romances for quite a while now. How did you decide to make a change to writing inspirational historical romances?"

"The Lord decided for me. I had written 16 historical romances with 3 publishers, and suddenly couldn't sell anything. I tried medical suspense and medical romance—no luck there either. I was ready to quit. Then my wonderful agent Elaine English suggested I try to write a book for Love Inspired Historicals, which was just about to launch. I did and it sold to them. I think it's a natural fit since I am a born-again Christian."

"I think it's a perfect fit, too. I love your voice and I'm very excited about your new series. I understand you are giving away a copy of your upcoming release "Mail Order Cowboy" to one lucky audience member. Thank you so much for doing that. Audience members, please leave your comment and Laurie will pick one person as the winner to be announced on my blog tomorrow. It will be up to you to provide Laurie with the information to get the book to you."

Carol Ann settles back into her chair as the audience applauds.

"Let's get to some questions I've been dying to ask you. First, you have a great success record. Have you ever experienced writer’s block?"

"Oh, yeah, almost every day, especially in the middle of the book as I am now. The only way to overcome it for me is just to slog through it until the log jam in my head breaks. Brainstorming with a writing friend helps."

"Speaking of friends, you’ve probably heard the term BFF, meaning best friend forever. What do you believe are the qualities that make someone a best friend?"

"Loyalty, forgiveness, sense of humor, common interests. I think one has different bff's in different fields, too. I have an overall bff and a writing bff, because only another writer truly understands a writer."

"I'm very lucky in having a bff who is also my writing bff. We can talk about anything and everything, and we also support each other in our writing. Sounds like you've been lucky with bff's, too. I know that I spend a lot of time laughing when my daughters come to visit. Who can make you laugh?"

"My husband, my dogs, my friends at work, and some of my favorite writers."

"Are you an introvert or an extrovert? How does that play into your writing life?

"I'm an introvert, as I think most writers are. We seek refuge with our characters and in the pages of the books we read. We chatter manically at conferences, but then we go home drained. I think the few writers who are extroverts have an easier time "schmoozing" at conferences. They're energized by contact with the outside world, rather than drained. I wish I could be like that."

"Oh, you captured exactly how I feel after a conference or a day-long workshop! I am mentally exhausted and emotionally drained. It's from putting on a happy face and trying hard to say the right things and not sound like a total idiot. I'm glad I'm not the only one like that. Okay, a serious question. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?"

"I would spend my time with my spouse, children, and grandchildren, and take one big last trip to Texas, my soul's home on earth."

"Ah, Texas. I have a brother and sister who live in Texas. The only thing I dislike about Texas is that everything is bigger, including the spiders. I am terrified of spiders. Do you have any phobias?"

"Spiders! I'm ridiculously terrified of them, which makes this time of the year tough because all the big ones are trying to get in. =:O I'm not that fond of heights, either."

"I guess we are more alike than I knew. What is the first thing you do each morning and the last thing you do each night?"

"Spend time with the Lord in prayer and reading my Bible."

"Awesome. That is the way I center myself for the day and go to bed in peace. I do sometimes dream though. Some people say we do not dream in color. When I remember my dreams, they seem to be in color, but that could be because we live in color. How about you? Do you dream in black and white or vivid color?"

"I have no idea."

"Hmm. Okay, that's an honest answer. I guess we can't really know. One question that readers often ask me is 'why do you write?' So, I'm asking you...why do you write?"
"I think the ability to write is the gift God has given me and I use it to tell others about Him. My characters are on a faith journey, and readers may be able to find encouragement on their own journeys in seeing how my characters and the characters of other writers writing Christian fiction have coped."

"The director is telling me that our time is up. I'm so happy that you visited us today. Before we leave, would you please give us a little info on your soon to be released MAIL ORDER COWBOY?"

"Sure! Let me read the back page blurb.

With beaux scarce in post-Civil War Texas, practical Milly Matthews and her "Spinster Society" friends have their hands full protecting their ranches. Their only hope: advertising for mail-order grooms. But aristocratic British cavalry officer Nicholas Brookfield isn't exactly Milly's idea of a cowboy--or a man she can trust. And the more Nick proves himself as a ranch hand, the more he must hide his past from the woman he longs to make his own. Now Milly and Nick will need all their courage to face hidden dangers...and believe in a love that can answer all their prayers."

Laurie, thank you again for visiting with us and allowing me to interview you. Folks you can learn more about Laurie by stopping by her website. at http://www.lauriekingery.com. Her next release from Steeple Hill is MAIL ORDER COWBOY will be available in bookstores in November 2010.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-10-31T07:07:00.001-04:00

Today is my birthday and that brings us one day closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas. While I'm not looking forward to the shorter days, I am looking forward to the prospect of our first snowfall. This year has passed so quickly.

It's time to think about preparing for Thanksgiving dinner (for those in the U.S.). The past two years, I've hosted a family dinner which included about 20 people. It was always a lot of fun, but this year I don't have access to borrowing big tables so that everyone can sit around one table together. So, instead I'm having a Christmas get together. What about you? What are your plans for the upcoming holiday season?

Win an Autographed Copy of MAIL ORDER COWBOY!!

2010-10-30T07:24:00.002-04:00

The Blog Studio is back on the "air" this coming Monday, November 1. Stop by and sit in the audience while I conduct an interview with my dear friend, author Laurie Kingery, who writes for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historicals (Harlequin).

A few weeks ago, I reviewed her book, MAIL ORDER COWBOY on my blog.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read American historicals, or Christian fiction. It's fantastic. You'll laugh, cheer, and perhaps shed a happy tear. I cannot wait for the next release in this series.

Laurie is going to give away an autographed copy of the book to one of the Blog Studio Audience who leaves a comment...so don't miss your chance to be a winner.

Why Do You Purchase a Book?

2010-10-29T08:31:00.000-04:00

Recently, one of my email loops discussed the value of social networking to sales. According to several surveys, readers are not moved to purchase a book due to advertising on social networks, websites, or publishers websites. Readers purchase books that someone else has recommended, or from an author they have already read and love.

So what is a beginning author to do? You must be famous to be famous?

Just look at our bookstores and libraries. Shelves chock full of books, many different genres, many, many authors. What distinguishes one book over another? A cover? A title? A name?

Speaking as a reader, not a writer, what motivates you to purchase a book?

All comments today will get your name entered into a drawing for an autographed copy of my book, JOSHUA'S HOPE, and also get your name entered into my monthly drawing for a Bath and Body Works Gift Certificate. Winners will be announced on my blog on November 2. It is up to the winner to contact me with their mailing information.

Long and Dark Days Ahead

2010-10-28T07:47:00.002-04:00

The days are getting shorter. I love the change of seasons, but I don't like the short amount of daylight we get. Sunshine makes me feel happy and full of energy. Darkness makes me feel isolated and melancholy. Next weekend we'll be turning the clocks back an hour. That makes for an even earlier sunset.

My routine changes a bit in the darker months. I won't be spending time outdoors tending the yard, which gives me free time. That time will be spent writing, so I'm hoping to get a few books written before the flowers peek their heads through the soil again. And, I'll be spending more time walking on the treadmill, since I won't be getting the outside exercise. Well, until the snow falls!

My question for you is: Do you change your daily routine in the winter?

MUDDY WATERS by Maggie Toussaint

2010-10-27T07:00:00.001-04:00

Today, I welcome author Maggie Toussaint to my blog. Maggie is published in mystery and romance. Her recent release, MUDDY WATERS, is a romantic suspense where danger stalks friends turned lovers as they search for hidden treasure. Her debut release, HOUSE OF LIES, won Best Romantic Suspense in the 2007 National Readers Choice Awards. Maggie's an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Visit her at http://www.maggietoussaint.com/ and at http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/

Muddy Waters is out now!

What happens when you mix together a crazy family or two, a hidden fortune, and a small town where everybody knows everybody else’s business? For me, the mix turned out to be MUDDY WATERS, my latest romantic suspense release from The Wild Rose Press.

My heroine, Roxie Whitaker, is a natural-born helper. She bakes pies for bake sales, helps out with fundraisers, buys her late grandmother’s friend breakfast at the diner, she even mows an absentee neighbor’s yard for free. Helping people gives Roxie a way to fit in after a childhood of traveling with her missionary parents. She’s seen the world, and she prefers Mossy Bog in coastal Georgia.

My hero, Sloan Harding, had a rough start. Things were fine while his granddad was alive, but once he died, Sloan had to live with his father, the town drunk. A kindly neighbor took an interest in him, fed him, and encouraged him to finish school and join the Army. Now, years later, he’s returned to thank her, only she’s passed on and her granddaughter has her same generous spirit.

Roxie is intrigued by the contrasts in Sloan. He’s the kind of boy she never knew, the tough kid who hung out on the street, but there’s a hunger in him, a vulnerability that touches her soul.

Sloan’s turned his life around. He works for himself and has a great dog. Women come and go, but he senses that Roxie is just what he’s been searching for. Except she lives in the town he hates, the one place on earth he swore he’d never return to.

Mossy Bog is full of backwater eddies, bright sunshine, and dark shady places, courtesy of all those two hundred year old live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Folks here know about the internet and satellite radio, but there’s a sense of time standing still. Grudges endure for generations. Minds seem smaller, less accepting of change. In short, these muddy waters are Sloan’s worst nightmare.

Can he live down his past? Can he face the people who think he’s still a lowlife?

Here’s an excerpt from the end of Chapter 1:

But her jailbird brother wouldn’t be in Mossy Bog tonight. Which left her without an escort this evening.

Truthfully, going with Timmy wasn’t much better than going stag. Everyone in town knew how many dates she’d had in the last year.

She glanced at Sloan Harding. He wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. Unless she’d gotten her wires crossed, he’d been looking at her with interest, at least until Timmy had called.

She blurted the question before she talked herself out of it. “You doing anything for dinner tonight?”

“Dinner?” he asked, clearly startled.

A trickle of perspiration dampened her spine. His grimace kicked her in the gut. What had she done? Asking a perfect stranger to dinner was forward by anyone’s standards.

She swallowed hard, wishing he’d turn her down and leave. It was bad enough she’d pressured him to check on her jailbird brother. The silence stretched out like a sea of ocean waves between them.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that. I apologize.”

He narrowed his gaze. “What’s going on?”

“Never mind.” Her stomach clenched. She dug her keys out of her purse. Time to get going. Time to put Sloan Harding in her rearview mirror. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

He stepped between her and the door. “I’m available for dinner tonight.”

She shook her head. “I apologize. I don’t know what came over me. I’m not in the habit of inviting strangers to dinner. It’s just…I’m just…well, the truth is, Timmy was supposed to be my date for a wedding.”

His brow furrowed. “You need me to stand in for your brother?”

“You don’t even know Megan or Dave. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Please, explain.”

Roxie gripped her keys in both hands. “Really. It’s no big deal. I feel awful for mentioning it.”

“No problem. Tell me where we’re going for dinner.”

She gnawed on her bottom lip. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, but I don’t like to go into any situation blind. What did I agree to?”

She squeezed her eyes shut, digging deep for courage. She drew in a deep breath for good measure. “My best friend, Megan Fowler, is getting married tonight. You’re welcome to attend the ceremony, but coming to the dinner afterwards will be enough.”

“Fine. I’ll pick you up. Where are we going?”

“St. John’s Episcopal Church, on Main Street. It’s half a mile south of your house. The wedding is at six, and the dinner buffet is at seven-thirty. No need to pick me up because I have to be there at five. Could you meet me in the parish hall between seven and seven-thirty?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Thanks. I owe you big time for this.”

“I owed you for the yard work anyway. Let’s call it even.”

Roxie’s gratitude fizzled. One dinner date versus thirteen years of yard work? No way was that even.

Surprising her, he shot her a “gotcha” look, then chuckled in a way that ruffled what was left of her composure. “Don’t worry. I promise to be a full-service date.”

MUDDY WATERS is available now! Buy links for Muddy Waters:

e-book: digital format at Wild Rose Press

trade paperback: Amazon or Wild Rose Press

Maggie Toussaint
Author of romance and mystery
http://www.maggietoussaint.com/
http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/

The Forgotten Halloween Decorations

2010-10-26T09:16:00.000-04:00

Halloween is coming very soon. It's also the day I was born. My mother always made a big deal out of sending me something decorative and funny to put in my house or on my desk at at work. My co-workers used to gather around when I'd receive a present sent to my work address to see what she'd found for me. There was a witch sitting in a rocker who moved and laughed, motion activated. The last gift she sent was a broom made of sticks. One side said "The Witch is In" the other "The Witch is Out". Yesterday I was thinking about how I'd failed to decorate the house the last few years. The presents I've been given by her and others sit on a shelf in the closet. Last year my mother was living with us, and she never mentioned the decorations in the closet. I had become so used to not decorating, that I forgot all about them. My mother passed away on December 30 last year. I regret that I let my busy life get in the way of remembering to put out the decorations, which would have brightened her day in many ways. Yet, bless her heart, she never once asked me. This year, I just can't bring myself to sit them out because she isn't here.

Have you ever forgotten something which would have been important to a loved one in your life?

Lighting the Tree

2010-10-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

I know. I know. You aren't ready to hear about Christmas yet. I used to be one who didn't want to hear one thing about Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

But...this year, since I'm not working a full-time day job, I kind of got in the Christmas spirit early. Today I ventured to Michael's to pick up a few items for my granddaughters to work on tomorrow. We're having a "girls night" at Grandma's. I decided to buy them wooden boxes with designs on the top that they could paint and line with felt. Fun! I bought a variety of acrylic paints and brushes. I know they'll have fun, because they like to craft just like I do.

While I meandered through the aisles at the craft store, I saw all kinds of Christmas items. And they didn't make me shudder. I almost wished I could hear Christmas music. Don't throw tomatoes at me. I'm making up for last year when we had a really sad Christmas.

This year I'm planning a family get together, and I'll have lots of time and fun thinking of decorating ideas and craft things I can make to give away. I'm even thinking how fun it will be when our cats invade our tree and the cute pics I can get.

And, yesterday, I decided to upload my Christmas short story "Lighting the Tree" to the Kindle platform. It should be availabe for purchase for only $1.00 sometime tomorrow.

So, how many of you are thinking about Christmas already?

A Simple Little Band of Gold

2010-10-21T16:23:00.000-04:00

Over the years, I've gained a little weight and my size 5 wedding ring no longer fits...well, except for when it's really, really cold. The intricate design on the ring may prevent it from being sized, but I plan to pursue that at a later date. In the meantime, I've been wearing the very tight ring, which frequently causes my finger to get some kind of dermatitis...itchy, burning, and then it peels. When that happens, I have to leave the ring off for a few weeks while the skin irritation heals. (You can see the wide pink skin below the ring in the picture which depicts the wide size of my old wedding band and the area that is affected.) I disliked going out in public without my ring. After nearly 31 years, let's face it, I felt "undressed."
While we were shopping at a local discount store earlier in the week, I decided to check out their jewelry section. I spied a gold band. We looked at sizes but everything they had in stock was much bigger than a size 6, the size I needed. Then the clerk pulled out a narrower simple little band of gold. One in stock. Size 6.
I'm so thrilled. Now, I have a wedding ring again! And, I realize that I don't need anything fancy. I don't need flashy diamonds. I love the look of the band on my finger. In fact, I can't stop admiring it.

Are You Feeling Like You're at the End of Your Rope?

2010-10-20T09:00:00.010-04:00

Sometimes it's better to just be quiet and let someone else do the talking. So that's what I'm going to do today. My friend, JoAnn Carter, posted a blog on White Roses in Bloom yesterday, which resonated with me.

Have you ever gotten really wrapped up in worrying about when or if you'll ever get that writing contract? Does your dream seem so far out of reach that you want to give up? Has it stopped you from the joy of writing? How about stopping you from congratulating another author's good news?

I've been there, and if you have, I suggest--no I strongly urge--you to check out the link to JoAnn's blog post. http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/2010/10/following-dream.html

Leave JoAnn a comment on the White Rose Blog, and leave me a comment telling me if you've suffered from a deluge of rejections and how you overcame. Remember every comment gets your name entered in my October drawing!

Haunted by Characters and Their Story

2010-10-19T08:05:00.000-04:00

I'm diligently working on editing my manuscript. The plot wasn't working and in order to fix it, I had to change the beginning and a major part of the backstory. That, friends, means a complete rewrite. I can salvage pieces of scenes, but most of the work is new pages.

The new plot is working well, and the story is 100% better. Some writers would have shoved this aside and gone on to write a new book. I tried, but the characters and the situation kept haunting me.

What about you? Have you ever had characters and story that just had to be told, even if it meant a rewrite? How did you handle it?

Writers can be Likened to Lab Rats

2010-10-18T07:00:00.019-04:00

If you want to succeed as a writer, you must treat it like any other job. I'd heard that from so many people, but I couldn't figure out how to make that work when I first began my writing career. I set up a separate room for my writing, with my desk facing a window so I could look outside and enjoy the scenery. I bought a new computer and a widescreen monitor, and big desk with a comfortable chair. I was ready to write!

Nothing made me feel better than sitting at my new desk. I looked at it and smiled. I arranged everything to be neat and pretty. Ah, I would be a professional writer. An author. How could I fail with a setup like this? I began my day by checking emails, answering emails, maybe playing a game of solitaire to warm up. Oh, and then I had to go online and do my banking. Then I needed to put something on Facebook. Oh, yes, time to do a blog. Two hours have passed. I need to check emails and see if there is anything urgent...on, and on it went. When I finally pulled up a blank page to write, I became distracted by things happening outside my window, the urge to check emails or see how many people had visited my website or my blog.

Eventually, I realized I just wasn't going to get any writing accomplished if I didn't change something. So, my solution was to buy a very cheap, no-frills, laptop and removed internet and email capabilities. I put the laptop on a small desk on the opposite side of the room where there is no window. I have a CD player there and I listen to specific music when I write. As long as I'm at the laptop, I write. Nothing else is done in that spot of the room except writing.

Suzanne Brockmann, in a workshop given on October 1, 2010 at the Central Ohio Fiction Writers conference, called this "anchoring." I had never heard of anchoring before. She said it is consciously attaching a response to a known stimulus. Just as we learned in Psychology 101, we are creatures of habit. Remember Pavlov and his dogs? He would ring a bell before feeding the dogs and eventually they began to salivate when they heard the bell. Mice and rats were trained to react to specific stimuli to receive food. Many times we don't realize that we have created the same situations for ourselves as writers.

Now, my brain is now conditioned to write when I fire up my laptop. Suzanne also said we should keep our writing space from being corrupted by outside stimuli. If possible, shut the door when you are going to write. If the phone rings, move away from your writing spot to take the call. If you play music when you are writing, turn it off when you answer the phone. If you are interrupted by your husband or kids, shut off the music, stand up and walk away from the computer. Do not sit back down and turn on the music until the outside stimulus is removed. Eventually, you will have a conditioned response to fire up your creative brain when sitting in your "writing" space.

Even if you don't have an office for writing, you can set up a spot for yourself in a corner of one of your rooms. Use the same rules as stated above. Only sit there when you are writing. Stop and move away when you are interrupted.

I still enjoy my window, my big desk and my super computer and monitor. That's where I write my blogs, do social networking, update my website, pay bills, send and receive emails, and occasionally play a game of solitaire. But, when it's time to write, I move away and go to my not so fancy little corner of the room.

If you haven't yet discovered "anchoring," why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and a manuscript to gain!

Ever Have One of Those Nights When Your Dreams are Weird?

2010-10-16T08:43:00.000-04:00

Ugh. Ever have one of those nights when your dreams are all twisted and weird? The worst part is those are the ones I wake up and remember so vividly.

I remember walking outside and seeing neighbors (a man and woman I've never seen before so why were they in my dream?) standing outside with paint brushes and swatches. They'd put blobs of paint which were an atrocious bright seafoam green blue on our siding. Apparently, my hubby had picked out new siding to have put on our house! Ugly!!!! And when I asked how much it would cost, they said $50,000. What??? I put my foot down and told hubby no way were we going to spend that kind of money on siding of any kind.

Then the dream kind of switched and I was in our family room with all kinds of odds and ends of furniture, bookcases, small tables, and our living room furniture as well. Everything was jumbled up and I was trying to rearrange and make it livable. An impossible task. Included among all this rubble was my ironing board! I struggled and kept trying to make it look decent and then my deceased mother (who in my dream was her mother) was down there with me and I was trying to make a corner for her to sit in a chair, have a light, and a table beside her.

I was very tired when I woke up to the sound of my furnace coming on. Last night our temps dropped to that ultimate freezing mark of 32 degrees Farenheit. The nice warm shower helped to warm my bones, but the dreams are still in the forefront of my mind.

Have you ever experienced really weird things in your dreams that made no sense at all? Care to share?

Book Review - Mail Order Cowboy by Laurie Kingery

2010-10-15T08:21:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually drawn to historicals, but Laurie Kingery is one of my favorite authors in the inspirational historical romance genre. I adored Hill Country Christmas and The Outlaw's Lady, so when I had the opportunity to pick up her latest book at a conference, I couldn't pass it up. Mail Order Cowboy is the first in a series called "Brides of Simpson Creek."

In Mail Order Cowboy, Laurie takes an old theme of mail order brides and gives it a twist. The small Texas town of Simpson Creek is left with no single young men after the Civil War. So, enterprising Milly Matthews comes up with an idea to run an ad in the Houston Telegraph, a larger city newspaper for which her uncle is the editor. She gathers the young unmarried ladies of the town together and they form The Simpson Creek Society for Promotion of Marriage.

When aristocratic British cavalry officer Nicholas Brookfield rides into town to check out the society, he is quite taken by Miss Milly Matthews. However, Nicholas isn't exactly Milly's idea of a cowboy. She's looking for a nice southern gentleman who knows his way around a ranch, since she and her sister Sarah have been struggling to keep their ranch going after their father's death. Only moments after meeting Nicholas at a meeting of the newly formed spinster's society, Milly is summoned back to the ranch. A band of raiding comanches has burned their barn and most likely killed her ranch manager.

Milly soon learns Nick is much more than he appears to be. Although he isn't privy to how a ranch is run, he offers to stay and help until her ranch hand recuperates from his near-fatal injuries inflicted by the comanches. The story of how Nick sets about to win Milly's heart amidst distrust of his foreign roots, small-town bigotry, comanche threats, and a secret he must hide, is a joy to read. Both must face dangers and search for a faith deep enough to overcome their doubts to find the answers to their prayers.

I loved this book and am anxiously awaiting the next release in the series.

Real Writer's Can't Quit - Guest Blogger Pamela S. Thibodeaux

2010-10-13T07:00:00.004-04:00

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Award-winning author, Pamela Thibodeaux to my blog. Pamela is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana and a member of White Roses in Bloom Authors. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

***************************************************************

Being a writer is one thing, an author another, and a published or multi-published author something else altogether. It seems the more I learn the more there is to learn and the more I write and get published, the more there is to do. Amidst edits and revisions there’s blogging, networking, promoting and somewhere inbetween all that and home/family/work obligations, write that next article, essay, poem, devotional and most-importantly - book!

I’ve written articles on time management…. budget your time just like you budget your money and getting rid of excuses ... you can’t find time to write, you have to make time to write.

I’ve tried goals – too intimidating. I make “to do lists” that never get completed because I scratch off one item and add 3 more. My claim to fame for being organized is a desk calendar on which I jot down those things I just can’t avoid – things that have to be done.

But the sheer truth of the matter is, life has a tendency to get in the way.

So how do I manage?

In snatches.

Experts say that frequent ten-minute walks are just as effective for long-term health as two or three longer walks. The same holds true for writing. A good friend said to me one day, “a sentence or paragraph a day is one sentence or paragraph closer to finishing” and we’ve all heard that one page a day equals a 365 page novel in a year (330 if you take Sunday off).

What sage advice.

I’ve been amazed at what I can produce in 15 – 30 minute snatches.

That’s how my story, In His Sight came about. The story began as an entry for White Rose Publishing’s ‘Hearts Crossing’ contest in which we were given a bare-bones synopsis and cover. I began writing the story in May 2009. My husband had been fighting the battle against Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and with a full time job, doctor visits, etc. my time was cut to thirty minute increments. That’s all I had but I managed to get the story 3/4ths finished before he passed away on August 18th. For months after his death I never thought I’d write again until Jan 2010.

Since the contest was long since over and the winner announced – I revised the title, made a few changes and finished this story, determined to do something, anything to wade through the grief that held me captive.

In His Sight was released on July 23rd and is available now from White Rose Publishing and is a testament to the human spirit as well as the old adage “real writers can’t quit.”

We might take a break or even a long hiatus, but we don’t quit-no matter what life throws at us.

In His Sight Blurb: Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.

Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com/
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/
WRIB Blog: http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/

I Freaked Out!!

2010-10-12T13:27:00.000-04:00

This morning, I set about updating my website to add my new book covers and purchase links. All seemed to be going well and then I pressed the "preview" button...
Yikes! Everything had been rearranged and my sidebar with the links to pages had disappeared.

Yes, I freaked out. I managed to exit the program and at least my page was still standing, but I'd deleted things that had been on there before. Now, what would I do?

That's why I have a website administrator. Thank goodness for the wonderful talents of my web designer, Karen McCullough, Karen's Web Works. She quickly went in and found that it wasn't my fault after all, but a "bug" in word press that she could work around.

I know many authors who design and maintain their own websites. I used to do that, but I soon realized that I'd never be able to keep up with all the internet changes. Karen designs several of my author friends sites as well.

If you're looking for a super web designer, please check out her site.

Appreciate Your Cover Artist

2010-10-11T05:00:00.006-04:00

If you haven't thought about all the time and effort that goes into creating your book cover, then you're among the majority of writers. Sometimes I've loved my book covers and sometimes I've been a wee bit disappointed, but still thought they were good.

I've been busy putting my returned rights books back into publication via e-book. Getting the text in appropriate format is not difficult at all, nor is uploading the information to the digital platform.

However, searching for photos to make my own covers has been very time intensive! Hours and hours of looking through photos trying to the perfect images is not fun. And, then I had to put on my graphics hat and try to remember everything I'd learned about using my program to its fullest. I do not have photoshop, nor do I want to spend funds to purchase any programs. I have PaintShop Pro v.6...and older program.

Finally, I completed my second book cover.

Hit and Run is now available for purchase in the Kindle Store at Amazon and Foxfire should be available for purchase on Tuesday.

I'm excited to have these books available for purchase again and I hope you like the bookcovers!

Have you ever designed a book cover or have you thought about how much time and effort goes into creating one? Have you ever been disappointed with a book cover?

Amazon Kindle - Hit and Run

2010-10-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I decided to work on putting my returned rights books on the Kindle platform at Amazon. A friend and fellow author, Becky Barker, gave a presentation on how to do this at one of my RWA chapter meetings. I'd been putting it off, worrying that it would be difficult to do.

BUT, much to my surprise, the whole experience took less than two hours. The book uploaded very fast, unlike my experience with Smashwords. What took the longest was finding the image I wanted to use for my bookcover. Searching through pages and pages of photos, especially when you have a very definite idea of what you want, is very time consuming. Finally, I opened my mind to other possibilities and found one that I really liked.

The advantage I have is that my books have already gone through a professional edit since they were published previously. Both books sold really well. I did some small edits to removing words I felt didn't match my current platform of being an inspirational author, but the plot and characters have not been changed in any way.

The book itself is not yet available on Amazon. The digital platform site requires 48 hours to complete the process. Next month, I plan to release FOXFIRE.

Perhaps I'd better start the photo search now! How about you? Do you have a Kindle e-reader or have you thought about putting any of your books on the Kindle Store at Amazon?

Holding Tightly

2010-10-07T09:02:00.000-04:00

I'm in the middle of a very enlightening Bible Study by Beth Moore, Believing in God. I've taken several of Beth's studies, but this one has been a personal journey of faith for me. I've been looking inside myself and identifying the reasons I lack the faith I want, need, crave to have. The self-discovery has moved me to tears on many occasions.

Last night, Beth shared something that will resonate within me forever. I know it, I knew it, but I'm not sure I truly believed it. God will never leave us. He will never let go.

Why does my faith falter? The answer is within me. It's what I fear I am or will be. The devil is looking always for the weakness in me, the one I harbor as a fear of who I truly am, and he actively goes about confirming that! But, God has me tightly in His grip. And He has you tightly in His grip!

Picture what Beth showed us last night. Your arm is extended and God is gripping tightly to your forearm. But, your hand is not gripping His. That's when the devil is working on you, eating away at your self-doubts, your fear of failure. Now take your hand and put it tightly around that of the Lord. Grip with all your might. As long as you are holding tightly to God, the devil will be defeated. You are who God says You are. You are His beloved child.

My shield of faith from Beth's study says:
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God's word is alive and active in me.

I'm believing God!!

I hope you are, too.

Welcome Guest Blogger - Tanya Hanson

2010-10-06T05:00:00.004-04:00

Today, I'm thrilled to have fellow White Rose Author, Tanya Hanson as guest blogger. (Remember, all comments on today's blog will get your name entered twice in my October drawing.) Tanya, please take over the blog and tell folks a little about yourself and what you are writing.

Although I am a native California beach girl, the Western life has always appealed to me. Last spring, I had the great pleasure of attending The Wild Rose Press writers retreat at a real ranch in Bandera, Texas, where I cowgirled up great for four days. And just last month, my hubby and I traveled around the Tetons in a wagon train! Yee-haw. The Wild Rose Press publishes my Paradise Brides historical Western series, set in 1880 Nebraska.

I can’t thank God enough for my hubby’s return to health or for this amazing adventure at White Rose Publishing. When I’m not writing, I love traveling with hubby, hanging out with our three-year old grandson, reading the many books on my new Kindle, and listening to country music. Thanks so much, Carol Ann for inviting me here.

Amidst all the hectic hoopla surrounding our daughter’s August 2008 wedding, I knew I didn’t have the brains to start a new wip all on my own. Although my backlist and future releases are Western sensual historicals, I had decided during my husband’s battle with cancer the spring of 2008 to maybe think about inspirational. There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to get one’s faith pounding. When I learned about the “Hearts Crossing Contest” at White Rose Publishing, I knew I had to calm my MOB nerves and keep my brain working. Using the contest template of required elements, I wrote a novella and submitted it.

It was also my first stab at a contemporary Western.

Contestants had to use “Hearts Crossing” as the title and match H and H to an already-designed cover. (A beautiful one by Nicola Martinez, both an artist and editor.) From the template, Hero had to be an English teacher with seven siblings, Heroine a landscape architect, an only child.

Well, it didn’t take me but a second to realize Hearts Crossing was a great name for a ranch. My English teacher hero lived on the family ranch and led city slicker wagon-train tours during the summer months. Our heroine, recovering from her father’s tragic death, arrives as a guest for one of the tours. Sparks fly…and both help each other during a crisis of faith.

Well, I might have been sad when the winner of the contest was announced—the wondrous Marianne Evans who has become a close friend-- except I received an e-mail from Nicola almost immediately about her interest in acquiring my story.

God rules! I could hardly believe it.

Hearts Crossing Ranch released In June, and three weeks ago, Pike Martin’s story, Redeeming Daisy, came out. And right after that, I received a contract for six more novellas, one for each of the remaining Martin siblings. Talk about never-ending joy.

I’ve just submitted the story of Hopper Martin, who has survived testicular cancer. Since this is the illness my own personal hero has successful beaten, I knew I had to create a story about another handsome survivor.

Pike, in Redeeming Daisy, is a large-animal vet who tries to guard his heart against the lost-soul Daisy Densmore—who once broke Kenn’s heart.

Here are a couple of blurbs:

Blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch:

A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.

Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.

On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.

Blurb for Redeeming Daisy.

Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.

Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.

Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.

With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Hearts-Crossing-Ranch

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Redeeming-Daisy

Author Interview with Dianne Castell

2010-10-04T05:00:00.001-04:00

The camera pans the audience where every face is smiling, everyone is clapping, and some people are singing along to the band's rendition of Jailhouse Rock! As the band concludes, the curtain rises and Carol Ann Erhardt walks center stage.

"Good morning!"

The audience echoes back "Good morning!"

"Isn't the band the best ever?"

The audience applauds loudly.

"I asked them to play that Elvis song because my guest this morning loves all of Elvis Presley's music. She's a big fan. The lady I'm talking about is a wonderful author and a super friend. Please put your hands together and welcome the one and only DIANNE CASTELL!!!"

Dianne walks onstage and she and Carol hug and then each takes a seat on the two facing armchairs.

The audience is applauding. Dianne smiles at the crowd and they settle back into their seats.

"Carol Ann, thank you so much for having me here and also for having the band play one of my favorite songs. I am such an Elvis fan! I have a cornhole set with Elvis’s profile stenciled on the board.'

"What, is a cornhole set?"

"Seriously? You've never heard of cornhole? It's a game where you toss beanbags through a board with a cut out circle. Very big in the Midwest ‘cause you can throw the bags with one hand and not have to put down your beer."

The audience laughs.

"Dianne, thank you for coming today. It's a bit cold here. It's supposed to be the beginning of fall, but these mornings are making me worried we'll have an early winter. I'm not ready for that yet."

"Me either!"

"It's always fun for me to interview my guests and ask questions that will let my audience get to know them better. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Dianne crosses her legs.

"Besides books, do you have any collections?"

"I do!! I collect flowers. I tell you it’s a sickness" Dianne turns to the audience. "When I see a flower at the nursery I want to take it home and plant it. This year I put in six rosebushes, five hydrangea bushes, mums, daisies, etc and Lord knows how many annuals. I never met a flower I didn’t love."

"I love flowers, too, but I'm not a gardner. I've been known to kill off beautiful plants by giving them too much water." Carol Ann shakes her head. "My husband refuses to let me near the garden hose now. All right. Question number two. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are in a restaurant having lunch, when a reporter shoves a microphone at you and you have one minute to tell the world something very important. What would you say?"

Dianne has her eyes closed.

Carol Ann leans toward her. "Dianne?"

"Can I open my eyes now?"

Audience laughter. "I told you to close them for a moment."

"How long is a moment?"

"Open your eyes, Dianne."

More laughter. "Well, I just wanted to be sure. Okay. Here's my answer. Get a job and don’t run up credit card debt. It’s the one-minute lecture I give my kids!"

"I believe I've given that one a time or two. Let's talk about you being an author for...whoops. I almost said a moment." Dianne smiles. "Any advice on how to stop writer's block?"

"You just keep writing and writing and writing. Writers write just like bankers bank and teachers teach. If something’s not perfect just write your way through it and go back and fix it later. If you want to make writing a career you have to treat it like a job and get the job done. Of course chocolate and peanut butter are great sources of inspiration."

"Speaking of chocolate..." Carol Ann hands a box to Dianne. "I wanted to give this to you to say thanks for driving all the way to Columbus to meet with me. I know you like chocolate."

Dianne opens the box and selects one of the candies. "Mmm. Delicious. Would you like one?"

"No thanks. I ate all of the candy in the first box I bought for you and had to buy another one."

Everyone laughs. "Dianne, we all have those moments when we let life get us down. But, there is usually one person we can count on to make us laugh. Who is that person in your life?"

"My daughter Ann who lives in New York City. What a fun gal. She has the best one-liners. I use a lot of them in my books. And reading Stephanie Plum books. Stephanie always makes me laugh. The old Two-and-a-half Men TV series is terrific."

"Your daughter sounds like mine. And when we are together, my cheeks hurt from all the laughing we do. So, tell me. Are you an introvert or an extravert and how does that play into your writing life?"

"I think I’m a bit of both. I have wonderful friends and love being with my kids but I like my space and doing my own thing. That’s a big part of being a writer. I think most writers have a huge introvert streak in them. You need it to get the books out. Alone is not lonely."

"Absolutely. I love that line. Now for something a little more serious. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?"

"Get this next book done! I just signed a contract for a three book mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime and it is a dream come true. I love mysteries and my dream has been to write them. Soooo I’d do it. I’d also spend time with my kids. There’s nothing like family! And I like being home with my jungle of plants so I’d hang out there."

"Do you have any phobias? Afraid of heights, spiders?

"Bugs!!!!! Oh dear God I hate bugs. Scared to death of them. And if they crunch when you step on them I am totally freaked out! And that I live alone means I have to kill all my own spiders and thousand-leggers and crunchy bugs and anything else that creeps its way into my house. Outside bugs don’t bother me all that much but inside… Hey, this is my house, go find your own."

"I'm with you, sister!" Carol Ann shudders. "Creepy crawly things, especially spiders, terrify me. I remember once when I was still working a day job, a spider suddenly appeared on my monitor. I jumped back and started yelling 'spider, spider!!!' Finally, one of the managers came into my office and killed it. I was glad he got rid of the spider, but really embarrassed that he caught me playing a game of solitaire. Have you ever had one of those "embarrassing moments?"

Dianne laughs. "I live in the land of embarrassing. Just last week I went to work with my shirt on inside out. This is an upscale clothing shop and the boss was there. The week before I showed up two hours late at a bridal shower ‘cause I thought the thing was the following date. I regifted a present with the original card to me still inside…that was really embarrassing. I plot books while driving and drive past my exits all the time. Wound up in some pretty crazy places! I do all kinds of dumb stuff. I think it’s part of life…at least part of my life. I think my brain is always half in a book. I need therapy!"

"Have your phobias, collections, or embarrassing moments come to play in any of your books?

"I use the bug thing all the time. I haven’t done the others but that’s a really good idea. Tell me some of your embarrassing moments and I’ll use them all."

"Well, there was the time I was summoned to the boss's office. He was the President, and he made me so nervous. I entered his office and sat on the very edge of the chair, and it tipped. I wound up on the floor, notebook beside me, pen flying through the air, and much more of my pantyhose showing than I was comfortable with."

Dianne and the audience laugh.

"But, I'm not going to share any more of my embarrassing moments. This interview is supposed to be about you. Tell me what is one thing the people in the audience might be surprised to learn about you?"

"I’m pretty open, not many secrets. I have NO sense of direction. So sad. I can’t shop in Target ‘cause I can’t find my way out. I’m serious about that. Something about the layout of that store. I can never find my car in the parking lot and when going somewhere I have to allow for “getting lost” time. I need a GPS system imbedded in my brain."

"I've heard about you heading off in different directions. Your new series is a totally different direction for your writing. Would you mind sharing something about that with the audience?"

"You bet. Like I said, writing mystery is a dream come true especially for Berkley Prime Crime. The new series is set in Savannah and seeped in the South with the good food, characters and lots of fun while solving a murder. My new pen name is Duffy Brown. I get to be someone else. So exciting!

The title of the series is Consignment: Murder.

Reagan Summerside signed a prenuptial agreement when she married Hollis Beaumont and now that he’s divorced her she has nothing except the old Victorian she’s rehabbing. Hollis promised her the house so as not to look like a total jerk and Reagan turns the first floor into a consignment shop to make ends meet. When Reagan borrows Hollis’ car she discovers the body of his fiancée in the trunk. Can Reagan prove Hollis innocent so he doesn’t sell the house she loves to pay his lawyer fees and can she find the real murderer on the cheap without winding up on a slab at the morgue?

The first book in the series is Iced Chiffon, the second book is Killer in Crinolines, the third is Pearls and Poison."

"I'm so excited for you, Dianne, or should I say Duffy? Seriously, your new series sounds great. I love cozy mysteries. Uh-oh, the director is giving me the sign that our time is up. Time always flied when I have a really fun guest on the show. You've been great. Thank you again for being with me in the Blog Studio and allowing me to pick your brain."

"Thanks for having me, Carol Ann!! It’s a blast being here."

Learn more about Dianne and her writing ventures by visiting her website.

Singing for God

2010-10-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday, a day I rarely blog. But today the Lord has blessed me with the words of an old hymn. My heart is singing this, and I pray that you might be blessed and sing praises to God.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

September Winner of $10 Bath & Body Works Gift Certificate

2010-10-01T06:00:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who left comments on my blog this month. As promised every person who commented on one of my guest bloggers' posts or an author interview had their name entered twice for every comment. Also, every person who commented on one of my September blogs had their name entered. If you left three comments, then your name went in the jar three times.

There were over 100 names in the jar and the winner of the $10 Bath & Body Works gift certificate is:

Crystal

Crystal commented on my blog just yesterday! Congratulations, Crystal. You'll be hearing from me via email.

I'll be running the same contest again in October, so be sure to stop by and comment, especially on Wednesdays, when I have guest bloggers and on October 4th when I'll be interviewing author, Dianne Castell. Any comments on those dates will get your name entered twice for each comment.

Also, I have a new free read, TWISTED SPELL, up on my website. Stop by and pick it up at http://www.carolannerhardt.com/

October...Already? What are You Doing October 20th?

2010-09-30T07:46:00.000-04:00

I'm having trouble grasping that tomorrow is October 1st. Already the temperature is dropping, leaves are falling, and the nights are longer. Just a month ago, I'd sit at my desk, as I am this morning, and stare at the sun kissing the flowers in my garden. Today, I'm looking at a very quiet landscape, no birds, a very gray sky and the sun hasn't yet peeked above the horizon.

But, October holds a lot of exciting things! Look at just the first week:

Friday, October 1st, is the opening of COFW's Write From the Heart Conference
Friday, October 1st I'll announce the winner of the $10 Gift Card from Bath & Body Works
Sunday, October 3rd is my hubby's birthday
Monday, October 4th, Dianne Castell will be interviewed in the Blog Studio
Wednesday, October 6th, Tanya Hanson will be guest blogging

ANNOUNCEMENT: I have October 20th open on this blog for someone to do a guest spot. If you are interested, please contact me to let me know. You can reach me by visiting my website at http://www.carolannerhardt.com/

How about you? Are you looking forward to October? Why or why not?

Hearts Surrender - Guest Blogger Marianne Evans

2010-09-29T07:09:00.001-04:00

COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

At the end of her blog tour, Marianne is giving away three special prizes:

1. A $10 gift certificate to White Rose Publishing

2. A $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com

3. An autographed, print edition of her new release, Hearts Surrender

Entering is simple: Leave a comment – or several comments as you track her progress on the tour (Marianne and her blog hosts will get the word out and let you know where she’ll be!). Each comment gives you a chance to win!

On September 30th, she’ll randomly select three comments from visitors at any of the blogs she’s visited, and award them the prizes!

Marianne Evans loves to tell a good story. In fact, she’s been enthusiastic about writing ever since she could string sentences together. Kensington Publishing purchased her first book, Friends & Lovers, a contemporary romance. Her second release, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third offering from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim from readers, and The Oakland Press.

Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – the contest winning novella Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the ‘Woodland Series.’ This series of books centers around Woodland Church and characters who are first introduced in Hearts Crossing. Book two is titled Hearts Surrender. Hearts Communion and Hearts Key will follow as books three and four. The series is offered in both print and electronic formats via White Rose Publishing (http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/) and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/).

A lifelong resident of Michigan, she calls suburban Detroit home. She’s happily married, with a son, a daughter, and cats who wrap her around their paws. An active part of Romance Writers of America, she’s a long-time member of the Greater Detroit chapter where she served the chapter most notably as Treasurer and two terms as President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Connect with her at: http://www.marianneevans.com/ or via her fan page at facebook.com.

The Story Behind the Story

Talk about a risk…

There I was…well, no. I take that back. There they were, my characters I mean, Ken and Kiara, all but leaving me sleepless as they fed me their story. I tried to silence them. Had to silence them. Really. After all, I couldn’t tell their story unless Collin Edwards and Daveny Montgomery had their shot first!

Let me fill in the blanks for you. I was writing furiously on a submission to White Rose Publishing for their Hearts Crossing contest. Collin and Daveny simply filled up the pages and I fell in love with them completely – but hey, this was a contest. Chances of winning were slim to none when you consider how many talented authors would be participating. Still, I had to try. So, I finished off this heart-warming novella and sent it in.

That’s when the weirdest thing happened. Two of the secondary characters from Hearts Crossing stepped to center stage and threw me into the midst of a story that stole my entire focus. It centered around the modernista versus the clergyman. The gorgeous, vivacious woman versus the quiet, yet completely charismatic missionary. When I wrote this story, the scenes, the dialogue, the characterization, poured out of me like water.

One small problem, though. What about the prequel? What about Daveny and Collin’s story? Ken and Kiara stand just great on their own, but how would I be able to convince White Rose to contract Hearts Surrender if Hearts Crossing didn’t win their interest? Ordinarily that would have stopped my writing angel like a freight train. Not this time, though. The story needed to be told.

I knew I was setting myself up for a letdown, but I had to try, and I figured if I didn’t win the contest, I might still be able to work out details and logistics at a later point. So on I went…or in this case, wrote.

How good is God’s providence and provision? I ended up winning the Hearts Crossing contest! Furthermore, when I told my editor I had a sequel about ready for review, she seemed eager to see it! The rest, as they say, is history. I ended up contracting Hearts Surrender to White Rose Publishing, and beyond that, I have been contracted to create an series of books based around Woodland Church, home of the characters you met in Hearts Crossing, and continue to meet in Hearts Surrender…in fact, Ken Lucerne, the hero of Hearts Surrender, is its pastor. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, and they’ll be coming soon from White Rose Publishing!

Thanks for letting me share my story, and excitement about the release of Hearts Surrender! I hope you enjoy it!

Blurb – Hearts Surrender

Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers, and she longs for deeper meaning in her life.

Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church ; he's adjusting to life on his own following the death of his wife and copes by keeping as busy with parish life and mission work as he can.

A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share, and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns, a love that takes them to a life-point neither would have expected.

After all, can a chic, vivacious woman find fulfillment within the quiet, mission-centered life of a clergyman? Can they trust God's hand strongly enough to surrender their hearts to one another…forever?

Excerpt – Hearts Surrender

“I’ve been the wallflower who bloomed. But I’ve never believed in myself enough to give up the fancy trappings. I've clung to vanity-centered ideals for too long, I suppose. I’ve worked hard to fit in, and finally I succeeded. Problem is, that kind of success is a double-edged sword. That pathway, once you start to follow it, is hard to leave.”

In an unexpected, graceful motion, Ken caught her swing by the chains. He held her in place, suspended backward, with nothing but a cushion of air between them. All at once Kiara went dizzy, tempted once more by that full, supple mouth, and the satiny-looking fall of his thick brown hair. He was close enough to touch. In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to do just that.

“Some time – at some point – I’d like to hear more about that, Kiara. I’d like know how you became the woman you are.”

“I’d bore you to tears. It’s nothing extraordinary.”

“All present evidence to the contrary.” He set her gliding once again and Kiara’s stomach performed a sparkling fall-away. She delighted in his words but forced herself to brush them aside before they could take root and sway her into believing he saw richness to her spirit. After all, it was part of Ken’s persona to be gracious and encouraging.

He continued, “You're moving forward in directions that are not only admirable, but eye-opening – not just for you, most likely, but to everyone who's part of your life. Don't hold to what other people see, or expect of you, Kiara. Be who you are. And while you're at it, create the best version of yourself you can imagine. After all, the only question, with the only relevance that matters, is this: Who are you now?"

When she sailed back his way, he caught the chains of her swing once again and whispered in her ear, "I believe in you."

With that, he released her on a push, sending Kiara on another dizzying spin of sensation. He walked away, retracing his steps up the path to the cabins and mess hall. She swung to a stop then sat in silence for long moments after he left, absorbing, shivering in a way that had nothing at all to do with the cool of the encroaching night.

Purchase Link for Hearts Surrender

Available in Print and Electronic Formats - $4.99 Digital / $11.99 Trade-Size Paperback

Writing Oneself Out of the Dreaded Writer's Corner

2010-09-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I happily tapped away at the keyboard, loving how the scene played out...and then...I found myself in the dreaded writer's corner. How could I move forward without knowing exactly how local jurisdiction would handle the issue?

That's why I love being in on-line writing groups who have other authors and professionals ready to offer advice. With just a few emails and feedback, I knew how to proceed. One person told me that since this is fiction, if I write it with conviction, I can convince the reader. Yes, that is true. You must be accurate in most things, but human nature varies, and situations vary. Thus, a good writer can set up a situation and make it believable. One can color outside the lines, as long as it isn't scribbling. : )

When you find yourself backed in a corner, perhaps, like me, you are thinking too hard. Unless you are writing a true crime type of novel, fiction has some leeways. You just have to know how to write yourself out of the corner.

Any of you had the same type of problem? How did you conquer?