Author Interview with Cheryl Wyatt

The audience smiles and waves as the camera pans while the Blog Studio band plays "Come Fly With Me". The song ends and the announcer introduces our Blog Studio hostess...Carol Ann Erhardt.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm soooo excited to introduce you to my guest today. Several months ago, I posted a blog about my husband picking up the book I'd been reading, "A Soldier's Promise." He started telling me what happened when the hero talked the heroine into jumping from an airplane. I had to stop him because he was telling me about a part of the book I hadn't yet read! The author of that book is Cheryl Wyatt. Cheryl happened to read the blog post and comment, and now we have the pleasure of meeting her!

Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Both of her debut novels (Books 1 and 2 in her Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill) have received Romantic Times Top Picks. In addition, both books received the honor of being on eHarlequin's Top Ten Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists which included several NYT Bestselling authors. "Promise" came in at #4 and "Family" came in at #1.

Please put your hands together for Cheryl Wyatt!!!



CAROL ANN: Cheryl, thanks for coming. I'm so happy to meet you! **Carol Ann hugs Cheryl and they walk to the seats at center stage.**

CAROL ANN: Tell me about your books. **Carol Ann holds up two books and the camera pans in**





CHERYL: I decided to write about Pararescue Jumpers because I LOVE action romance and these guys are special ops airmen. They really do exist and their creed intrigued me because it reminded me of the sacrifice of Jesus and His words when He said, "Greater love has no man than this...that he'd lay his life down for his friends." PJs creed is similar to the Coast Guards and ends with the words, "So others may live." They basically risk their own lives to save not even friends but strangers. I love writing heroes and heroines who are rescuers since I have a strong sense of being rescued by God. The PJ books featuring team mates Joel and Manny are the ones that sold first. So far there are five books in the Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill. You can still purchase A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family online. Then in 2009, so far three more Wings of Refuge PJ stories are scheduled to release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Ready-Made-Family in April 2009, A Soldier's Reunion-June 2009 and Nanny-Made-Family (tentative title and date) to release in October 2009.

CAROL ANN: I can't wait for the next books in this series. I've so enjoyed reading your first two. Tell me, what is the hardest thing about being a writer?

CHERYL: Finding uninterrupted time to write and balancing family life with writing. Also, a hard part for me is spreading the word about my books. I'd rather other people tell people about my books....so if you've read them and love them PLEASE HELP ME by spreading the word. LOL! I always feel like I'm pushing myself off on people. But on the other hand, my publisher took a big chance on me and I owe it to them out of respect and loyalty to help get the word out. So I do a lot of digital marketing using venues such as Shoutlife, My Space, blogtours, etc.

CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?

CHERYL: About seven years after I started writing I knew for sure. I'd just sent an e--mail and was reading my tagline that says, "Pouring my vial of words over Him" when I felt Him ask me if I'd promise to always write as worship. I whispered, "Yes, Lord. You know I will." THAT moment THE CALL came. Then a year and a half later when I started getting reader letters...I KNEW it was God because of how He used the books to move people emotionally and to make them laugh when they needed it.

CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?

CHERYL: Lately I had a huge stumbling block in that I was in a car accident that totalled the car of the woman who caused the wreck, my car and also my foot and ankle were badly fractured. As I type this I'm still on crutches in fact and facing another surgery in a matter of days. I also injured my hands in the wreck because they went through the steering wheel, but my fingers didn't. So the impact bent both my hands completely backwards. I have to wear braces every night and am in extreme pain. I was unable to type for almost two months after the wreck. AND I had TWO books due. So, I knew it was a situation where, if God wanted the books out, He was gonna have to give me the wherewithal to push through and type through the pain. I tried dictating the story and it would not flow. So I cut my daily writing time down from six hours to two. The books took longer to write and were more challenging because of it, but constantly going to Him in prayer was the only way I could manage. How I overcame it was because He sustained me.

And also, the surgeon who operated on my foot after the wreck is (THANK GOD!) a hand specialist. He and his staff at the orthopedic center are definitely Heaven-sent right now. God also used several people to encourage me during the writing of the first book I had to type out in such pain. More than one person called me at different times (people who don't know each other or have contact at all) and gave me nearly identical words...that I was to keep writing no matter what. To not let anything deter me. It was freaky because that kind of thing hasn't ever happened before so profoundly with my writing. It was like God was sensing my honest wondering about whether to pull back from it or hire someone to type a dictation of it. He sent people to encourage me who had no idea the difficulty I was having with typing.

Yes, I could have received an extension from my gracious and understanding editors but I did not feel that's what God wanted me to do. Plus they gave me very cushy deadlines to begin with. We didn't anticipate the hands were going to give me such trouble. LOL! When I'd consider asking for a later deadline, I felt Him nudging me to "push through, push through, I'll give you everything you need minute by minute, letter by letter, word by word, paragraph by paragraph, push through." And He did. I turned both of my books in recently and am praying the editor (and future readers) love them. The two books will release in 2009 (A Soldier's Reunion and Nanny-Made-Family is the tentative title for the second book, which wasn't nearly as hard as the first. One funny thing was, before my wreck, I'd given my heroine a broken ankle in a bridge collapse. Then after I broke my ankle after writing those scenes...I changed that aspect of the book! LOL! I knew there was no way she could walk on it as soon as she did. Talk about living the research. NO fun. LOL! I felt so sorry for my heroine I broke her wrist instead of her ankle because the ankle hurt worse. LOL!


CAROL ANN: Many people would have given up. It's clear that God is calling you to write. An off the writing subject topic: Do you collect anything?

CHERYL: I used to collect miniatures and even make them out of clay and anything I could find. I started collecting them when I was little and even my dad got me this little set of furniture. But when children came along several years ago I got rid of all my miniature houses and box after box of miniatures. Now I collect any momento that reminds me to pray for a person. Such as, in India following the tsunami when I went with a media and humanitarian team there, several children orphaned by the tsunami told me their stories. Then we danced around the beach in the waves and they taught me games in the sand and then collected a bottle full of seashells so I could bring them back and remember their parents that (in their words) "the sea took away" and remember to pray for them. I also have a real alabaster jar from Paris and real spike nard from Israel that my best friend at the time brought back for me because she knows the alabaster jar story is my favorite in the Bible. When I see that (heavy!) jar, I think of her and pray for her. She moved to another state. So it's things like that that remind me to pray for a person.


CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?

CHERYL: Um...I don't know. Actually, no. I've seen some mighty wicked swords. On the other hand the Bible does say that wounds of the spirit are much harder to heal than wounds in the flesh and bone. I'm sorry I forgot the verse and book and I'm not near a concordance at the moment or I'd provide it. It's a really obscure verse. So I guess writing could be like the spoken word if it has power to heal, hurt, build up or break down. I wouldn't recommend writing anything that puts someone down these liability-ridden days though....there's this thing called slander...LOL! Honestly that is one of the hardest questions I've ever had to ponder. What do you think? **Audience laughs**

CAROL ANN: You're the first guest who has turned the question back to me! You're so right about the liability issue. I believe the pen is definitely mightier than the sword. Look at the Bible. It has survived while many swords have fallen. And I believe our writing can reach out and touch the lives of someone who needs to glimpse good things happening to those who reach out for Him. Okay, my turn to ask another question. Which inspires you more? A brisk walk in the autumn with the leaves changing color, or in the spring when the flowers are and trees are budding?


CHERYL: Both equally for different reasons. I LOVE when the leaves start falling and changing, especially in the area I live. It's so beautiful and rustic. On the other hand, I love Spring because everything is being made new after a long, hard winter. We're like that. We go through seasons. Autumn means Winter is coming but Spring means you made it through. There are seasons in our lives like that. Cold, hard winters make Spring more special. God makes all of it beautiful in its own way though. I love winter more than summer these days...SO hot! **LAUGH** I coulda given you an easy answer on that one. **BOTH LAUGH AND AUDIENCE JOINS IN**


CAROL ANN: You are sitting in a restaurant with several friends when someone walks up to you and thrusts a microphone in your hand. You have one minute to tell the world something....what will it be?


CHERYL: Please believe. I want to see you all in Heaven. And Jesus doesn't want to have to live without you either. So please believe.


CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?


CHERYL: **CHERYL LAUGHS** Not so well sometimes. My kids get cyber rivalry when I'm on deadline. So I am constantly coming up with creative ways to balance time with them. I'm brutal with things that take up time but don't matter. I stopped watching TV and Instant Messaging for three solid years before I sold because I wasn't going to take time away from my family. Even my dog will run across the keyboard and stare at me, like "Pay attention to me!" I pray for sensitivity to my children and husband and to God if one of my friends need me. People are always more important than things. I ask God before I even get out of bed to please order my day. Each year I pray about what to commit to and try not to overcommit. I'm brutal with online time, etc. On the other hand I KNOW God has called me to write. But with that comes stewardship over proper balance. So the short answer is PRAYER and SENSITIVITY to God and others including my family, friends and church family. I write as worship so good time management is a matter of obedience. Not only that, my publisher is depending on me. That 18 page SIGNED Harlequin contract is great incentive to stay far away from the Spider Solitaire button. **LAUGH**


CAROL ANN: Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???

CHERYL: I would LOVE to hear from readers and have people sign up for my newsletter. The instructions are in my bio. Visit my Web site at www.cherylwyatt.com to sign up. There is a space provided that says, "Join Cheryl Wyatt's Author Mailing List" and you simply input your e-mail address. You will then receive an e-mail asking you to confirm that you want to join. I respect people's privacy and don't give out e-mail addresses to any third party. My blog is www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

My e-mail address is cheryl [@] cherylwyatt.com (remove brackets and close spaces before and after the "@" sign.)


CAROL ANN: Cheryl, thank you so much for appearing in the Blog Studio. I’ve so enjoyed meeting you face to face.

CHERYL: Thank you SO much for featuring me on your blog! This was fun. And, thank you to everyone who takes time to read this.

CAROL ANN: For news on upcoming releases, subscriber-only contests with GREAT prizes and other great stuff, sign up for her newsletter by visiting her Web site www.CherylWyatt.com and inputting your e-mail address in the space provided which says, "Join Cheryl Wyatt's Author Mailing List."

Please feel free to post comments for Cheryl!

Interview with Zack Stone...Joshua's Hope

Hello Zack. I'm so glad I finally tracked you down for the interview. You're a busy sheriff.

Not usually. We've had a more traffic through here lately. Lots of kids speeding through the mountains. Handing out tickets is what keeps me busiest. This is a normally peaceful part of the mountains, and I'm sure it'll be that way once the novelty wears off.

Were you born and raised here in Pine Cove?

Born, raised until I was twelve. Then my folks moved to Florida to help my grandma after grandpa died. I stayed there until a few years ago. Someone told me about the job for sheriff and I put in my bid. Won the election and here I am. I love it here.

I understand you were married before.

I was. My first wife died. I'd rather not talk about that.

Fair enough. How did you and Hope meet?

**a big grin crosses Zack's face.** We met during a rainstorm. She looked so lost, kind of like a kitten who'd fallen into a stream. I offered her a ride, and...**Zack laughs** Her feet were stuck in the mud. **More laughter** I lifted her up and she came right out of her shoes. She seemed so upset, that I went back and retrieved them for her. Imagine my surprise to learn who she was.

What do you mean?

You don't know?

No, but you've got my curiosty up.

I suppose I can tell you. It's published in the first chapter on Carol Ann's website anyway. I used to play in the creek behind her grandma's house. Hope visited during the summer. She had this head full of curls. I mean REALLY curly. We used to tease her and call her little poodle. That made her so mad. One day she hid behind a hedge and when I rode by on my bike she tossed tomatoes at me!

How funny! So you knew each other before you both moved to Pine Cove to stay.

Yep.

Hope had a rough way of it from what I hear. Bad first marriage.

The worst. I hated seeing the bruises when she came back from visiting Joshua. Then after her ex was murdered...and Hope became a suspect...well, yeah, she had a rough time.

But, you were there to help her.

I wish it had been that easy.

What happened?

Oh, no. Sorry. Hope would be mad at me if I revealed too much. But you can read our story soon. It'll be released by The Wild Rose Press in just a few weeks.

Joshua's Hope - An Interview with Hope Courtland

Good morning, Hope. Thank you forr agreeing to be interviewed on my blog.

I'm a little nervous, but I'm happy to share a little about my story.

You are still living in Pine Cove, Tennessee?

Yes, we are.

What brought you to Pine Cove?

**Hope smiles and her entire body seems to relax** I love Pine Cove. When I was a little girl, I spent the summers here with my grandmother. I love the mountains, the deep green of the trees, the birds singing, eagles floating high above...to me it means peace. As a little girl, I felt safe here. When Gram left me the house, I decided this was the perfect spot for me to come and heal and to find the answers I sought. I felt God had turned his back on me, and this was the closest place to HIm that I could find.

What happened that made you feel God had abandoned you?

I married the wrong man. I married for the wrong reasons. And when it all went bad, I divorced him. I'd always thought marriage should be forever. I really thought mine would last. But after our marriage, things changed. Peter wasn't the kind, caring man I thought he was. I tried to make it all work because I loved Joshua, Peter's little boy, so much. Joshua was just a baby when we got married, and to him I was his mother. When I divorced Peter, I had to walk away from Joshua. That broke my heart. I felt I had disappointed God, and that I wasn't good enough.

Peter granted you visitation rights?

Yes. He did it so he could keep his finger on my life. He knew I'd want to spend as much time as possible with Joshua. But each visit was torture. Not only did I have to fear Peter's abuse, but Joshua begged me to take him home with me. My heart broke every time I had to walk away from him...again.

Hope, what was your deepest fear?

That Joshua would suffer under Peter's hands as I had. When I saw signs of that abuse being directed at my little boy, I had to make a decision. The only way I could take Joshua away from Peter was to kidnap him. But doing so, we would have to live life on the run.

What did you do?

I can't disclose that! Your readers will have to buy my story to find out what happens. But I can tell you that my life story has a happy ending.

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

Read Hope's story...JOSHUA'S HOPE...available August 29, 2008 from The Wild Rose Press.

Countdown...only 31 Days Free Sony eReader

Have you entered to win a free Sony eReader yet? It's not too late. You have until August 31st. Hurry over to The Wild Rose Press and read all about how easy it is to enter.


And it's countdown time until the release of Joshua's Hope. On August 29, you can purchase my latest release...an inspirational romantic suspense. You can learn more about it on my website.


Next week's blog schedule is:

Monday: An interview with Hope Courtland from Joshua's Hope.
Tuesday: An interview with Zack Stone from Joshua's Hope.
Wednesday: An interview with Joshua Courtland from Joshua's Hope.
Thursday: An interview with Steeple Hill author Cheryl Wyatt.
Friday: Some fun "neon" pictures of a work picnic at the zoo!

Be sure to stop by for all the fun. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!

My Grandson is in the Air Force...

I'm so proud of my grandson. He's no longer the baby who learned to say stethoscope at two years of age.
He's no longer the little boy who used to go on vacations with me and entertain me with his special way of seeing the world.

He's no longer the teenager who introduced me to his girlfriends.

He's not even the seventeen year old whose graduation gown I ironed the wrinkles from.

He's taken an oath to defend this country, and he's one of a flight squadron who will do whatever it takes to protect one another. He is now a man.


God bless the USA and please protect our military for they are our loved ones.

Thank you for stopping by!

"How Do You Do It?"

I'm always humbled when my hubby tells someone that I am an author and I see the change that comes over whomever we are speaking to (usually a stranger). I used to be the same way. To me authors were celebrities. I'm not a celebrity. I'm not famous. I'm not someone to be looked up to. I'm only a woman.

I write because that's what I do. God has given me a gift and I share that with the world in my writing. How do I fit that in with my "real" life? The answer: sometimes I don't. I work full-time. That is a necessity, and my job is a gift from God. I have a family who needs me. That is a gift from God. I have a church family and I give of myself when I can. That is a gift from God. Putting them all into perspective as to which comes first...writing has to take a back seat.

Accepting that is the first step in "balancing" my life. There have always been commitments. With eight children, our challenges have always been mixed blessings. But we survived, we continue to survive and meet each day with a prayer for all He had given us.

I hope you find the balance in your life. Thanks for stopping by.

The Buddy System

I have to admit that I've probably tried every weight loss gimmick around over the years. Nothing works, at least not for long. I know the key is to eat better and exercise, but doing that takes will power I don't have. I suppose it's like any addiction, you have to be ready in order to succeed.

One of my writing friends and I have made a commitment together to lose weight. We are going for ten pounds to start. We're tracking everything we eat in a daily journal and reporting in to each other daily. There are two other friends at work who are trying to lose weight, too, so we have started to walk on our breaks. I feel so much better after walking. I go back to my desk energized.

Anyway I lost two pounds this first week. That's incentive for me to continue.

Thanks for stopping in!

Author Interview with Linda Hall

The camera pans over the audience while the band finishes their number. From a microphone off stage, a man's voice announces..."And now Blog Studio audience, please welcome your host...Carol Ann Erhardt!"

The audience applauds as the curtains part and Carol Ann walks to center stage.

"Good morning. I'm so happy to be here with you this morning. Today I am excited to introduce our guest author. Linda Hall is the award-winning author of fifteen mystery and romantic suspense novels and many short stories. Both Sadie’s Song and Steal Away were short listed for the Christy Award.

Her newest novel, Shadows at the Window (July ’08) is a Romantic Times Top Pick for the month, and the first in her shadows trilogy, Shadows in the Mirror is a winner in The Word Guild’s Canadian Christian Writing Awards. It is also a finalist in the Reader’s Choice Awards.

Her 2007 novel, Black Ice is a finalist in the 2008 Book of the Year Award sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers.

In addition, Steal Away was a Daphne finalist, was the Beacon Award winner for Best Inspirational Novel, the Winter Rose Award Winner for Best Inspirational Novel, and it was given the Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers.

Linda is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild and the Crime Writers of Canada.

Most of her novels have something to do with the sea. Linda grew up in New Jersey and it was there that her love of the ocean was born. In 1971 she married a Canadian and has lived in Canada since then. She has worked as a news reporter and feature writer for a number of years and also has written curriculum for adult literacy programs.

In 1990 she decided to do something she’d always dreamed of doing, she began working on a novel. Since that time she has written fifteen.
Linda and her husband enjoy sailing, are both very involved in CPS (The boating safety group in Canada) and both have achieved the highest level in that organization, namely Senior Navigator.

She and her husband have two grown children and three (soon to be four) wonderful grandchildren.

Please put your hands together and welcome Linda Hall!"

The audience applauds as Linda walks onstage.




CAROL ANN: Linda, I'm so happy you could join me in the Blog Studio today! Please have a seat. I'm anxious to hear more about your newest release. Love the cover!

**CAROL ANN HOLDS THE BOOK UP AND THE CAMERA PANS IN**



LINDA: Thank you. Shadows at the Window is the second in my 'shadows' trilogy. In the first book, Shadows in the Mirror, the main character knows nothing about her past. In Shadows at the Window, main character, Lilly Johnson knows her past all too well and it's one she'd rather forget. In fact, she has taken great pains to hide it from everyone, including her almost-fiance Youth Pastor. But the past has a way of catching up with a person, and when she begins to get threatening notes, she realizes she must do something.

Shadows at the Window is a romantic suspense, with the emphasis on 'suspense.' I love mysteries and romantic suspense, so this one was fun to write.

CAROL ANN: It sounds wonderful. I can't wait to read it. What is the hardest thing about being a writer?

LINDA: Starting a new book. It's incredibly difficult. I keep thinking it's going to get easier and it never does. I never know how to begin, and I hate first drafts. They are like pulling teeth. I'll sit down at my computer, stare at the blank screen and suddenly remember that I need a cup of tea. That requires me to go into the kitchen, plug in the kettle, pick out a tea bag and then brew it. Then it's back to the blank screen. Of course, by this time it's time to check my email. After that's done, I stare at the blank screen for a little while and then write two sentences.

Well, you get the idea. I'm trying to train myself to write first drafts very quickly, because the sooner I have a first draft, the sooner I can revise. And I love revising. That's when the real writing gets done, as far as I'm concerned.

CAROL ANN: You're right about the edits being when the real writing gets done. But I always dread doing the edits because I have so many ideas about changes. I have to hold myself back from rewriting. Linda, how did you realize the God was calling you to write?

LINDA: I was born, I think, with the desire for stories. I read incessantly when I was little, made up stories walking home from school and wrote them down in notebooks. It was only natural for me to go into the 'writing' field. My career goal when I was young was to be a journalist. I studied journalism and was a news reporter for a daily newspaper for a while. I loved it. I've always had jobs that had something to do with writing. Around 15 years ago I felt God calling me to the ministry of fiction. I've been there ever since.

CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?

LINDA: Rejection is a big one. When you're unpublished it's those nasty rejection letters, and believe me I have had a lot of those in my life. And then when you do get published, the rejection comes in another way - in the form of reviews, which are just as awful. How do I overcome them? I'm not sure I have. I just keep plugging along, writing the best I can and praying and trying to follow God's leading as best I can.

CAROL ANN: You must be doing something right! Your books have done great. On a more personal note, do you collect anything?

LINDA: Not really. I'm not a pack rat. I tend to throw out more things than I accumulate. I guess I'm a very odd bird because I can't stand garage sales. I think that comes with moving so often. I even give away books after I've read them. I would love nothing better than to have my entire worldy goods fit into two suitcases on either side of me. Weird, I know.

CAROL ANN: That would make housecleaning a breeze, huh? Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?

LINDA: Yes. I guess. Maybe. How's that for a non-commital answer? I used to be a journalist, which was a job I took very seriously. We journalists believe that our pens are mightier than any political power, and I suppose they are. However, down through the centuries, repressive governments have proved that swords are more powerful than words. So - ah - I really don't have a good answer for that one.

CAROL ANN: Linda, it has been fun interviewing you today. How can the audience learn more about you and your books?

LINDA: My website: http://writerhall.com
To sign up for my e-newssheet of happenings and latest releases, send a blank email to: writerhallnewssheet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Just Do It

I've been reading a craft book by Bill O'Hanlon published by Writer's Digest books titled "Write is a Verb" ISBN-13: 078-1-58297-459-0. I highly recommend it to all people who are writing for publication, whether you've been published to date or not.

The front cover says: Sit Down. Start Writing. No Excuses.

Despite all the rules out there, these three two-word sentences say it all. In order to be published, you have to write. This book will help you define what motivates you to write, what makes you unique among the multitude of writers in our world.

It's a motivational book that pulls no punches. It will literally give you a "kick in the pants."

I write something every single day. It might be a blog. It might be a page or more on my current manuscript. It might be a character development sheet. But I write. You MUST write something every single day if you are a writer. Like Mr. O'Hanlon says: write is a verb. It's action, not inaction.

So...what have you written today?

Carol Ann Erhardt
"A little boy who knows too much...a mother who will do anything to save him."
Coming August 29...JOSHUA'S HOPE.
The Wild Rose Press: www.thewildrosepress.com

Win a FREE Sony e-Reader....

Only 35 days until the e-book release of Joshua's Hope! Why wait until the print release, when you can get the electronic version six month early? With the ebook version, you can read it on your computer or if you are lucky enough to have a portable ebook reader, you can download it and take it with you anywhere you go. If you don't have an ebook reader, you should hop over to my publisher...The Wild Rose Press...and check out the info on how you can win one! Several fellow authors banded together to purchase one of thes e-readers and offer it FREE to one lucky reader. While you're there, be sure to pull up my name under "Authors" to check out all my released with The Wild Rose Press.

Tomorrow I'll be blogging on Sweeter Romantic Notions blog and Thursday I'll have another author interview, so be sure come back. This week's author is Linda Hall who writes for Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday - Second Day of the Week

I've always considered Monday to be the first day of the week and Sunday as the last. Sunday was the LAST day of my weekend, Monday was the FIRST day I had to return to work. Looking at Sunday in that light, by afternoon and evening, I became a litle depressed knowing it would be over soon. Yesterday our Pastor talked about this, about how we come to church with so many pressing things on our minds and forget to be still and listen to God. He said we should look at Sunday as the first day of our week. Sunday we should listen to God and be refreshed and renewed in our faith and in God's never-ending love.

How do you look at your week?

I'm hoping that I can go through today, the second day of the week, with a happy step knowing that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Happy birthday to my little brother in Texas! I wish I could be with you today, but I'm there in spirit. I love you.

Happy belated birthday to my grandson in Texas, Lackland Air Force base. God bless you for all you are and all you do.

Joshua's Hope - Excerpt - An Unexpected Turn

As promised, here is an excerpt from JOSHUA'S HOPE. The e-book release will be August 29, 2008, by The Wild Rose Press. Print version February 27, 2009.

Hope Courtland will do anything to save Joshua, but will the consequences separate them forever?

JOSHUA'S HOPE - Excerpt

“Run, get out of here now!” the nanny cried.

Anna’s voice gave Hope wings. She held onto
Joshua and fled the house. Her feet slapped against
the ground. Joshua’s body bounced against her, but
he clung tight, making no sound.

She opened the back door and buckled him into
the car seat, and then handed him the treasured
stuffed dog.

Joshua pulled the animal close to his chest, his
eyes wide and frightened.

“It’s all right, peanut. Don’t be afraid.”

The old car started immediately and she quickly
gave thanks for Zack’s mechanical genius. A pang of
regret hit her when she realized she’d never see him
again. But it was too late for regrets.

Without looking for oncoming cars, Hope pulled
away from the curb. A horn honked and she stomped
the brake pedal, jerking the wheel toward the curb.
The car passed and the driver made a lewd gesture.
Hope took a deep breath. Adrenaline pumped
through her veins.

“Mommy?”

Assured the street was clear, Hope pushed the
gas pedal and steered into the street. “Yes, honey.”

“The bad polices yelled at Daddy.”

The man’s security uniform would have looked
like a policeman’s to Joshua. “He can’t hurt us,
okay?”

“Mommy?”

“Hmm?”

“Do I have to go away with Daddy?”

“No, peanut. You’re staying with me.” She would
keep the promise.

“Is it all right to talk now?”

The truth of what she’d done began to sink in.
She’d kidnapped her son. Peter would have every
law enforcement officer in the state looking for them.
She gazed in the rearview mirror expecting to see
flashing lights, but none appeared. “It’s okay to talk
now, honey. Are you all right? I didn’t hurt you, did
I?”

“No, Mommy. Where is your house? How long
will it take us to get there?”

“It’ll be a long ride, but we’ll have fun.” She
quickly maneuvered out of the city, but avoided the
interstate. Her car would be easy to spot. She’d
head for Knoxville on the back roads and purchase
tickets on the first bus out of Tennessee—no matter
where it went. She had no destination in mind. She
only knew she had to get Joshua far, far away.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, Joshua?”

“Do I still haf’ta take a nap?”

“Not today. We’re going on an adventure.”

“Is Daddy going on a venshure, too?”

“Not this time.” She prayed her words would
prove true. She’d acted out of desperation, thinking
only of saving Joshua. Where would Peter expect her
to go?

In a short time, Joshua’s head bobbed and then
came to rest against the cushioned seat. Her heart
swelled with love. She had her son back and she’d
never let anyone take him away again.

Hope twisted the knob on the radio until music
drifted softly from the speakers. Troubled by
thoughts of Peter’s retribution, and the threat
against Joshua, she kept a careful eye on the
rearview mirror.

Doubt crept in. Had she acted too rashly?
Should she have contacted the authorities? Would
anyone have taken her side against Peter’s? In her
heart, she knew the answer. No one dared to cross
Peter Courtland.

The newscaster announced the two o’clock news.
Hope half-listened while she fretted about their
future. Then she heard Peter’s name mentioned and
turned up the volume. “—murdered in his home. Ms.
Anna Walters, a nanny to Mr. Courtland’s son, is
listed in critical condition. Mr. Courtland’s son is
believed to be with his estranged wife, Hope
Courtland. Police are urging anyone with
information on Mrs. Courtland’s whereabouts, to
contact them immediately.”

Her entire body began to shake. She pulled to
the side of the road. Peter was dead? Murdered? And
Anna was in critical condition? The man who’d been
arguing with Peter must have killed him. But the
police were looking for her. Did they think she was a
murderer? Shock nearly paralyzed her.

Author Interview with Michelle Cox and John Perrodin

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another episode of The Blog Studio! And now, heeeeeeere's our hostess, Carol Ann Erhardt!

THE CURTAIN PARTS, AND CAROL ANN WALKS ONSTAGE, SMILING AT THE AUDIENCE'S APPLAUSE.

CAROL ANN: Wow, thanks everyone! It's great to be back here in the studio again. And today, I'm especially honored to be interviewing two fabulous people who collaborated and released this book.

CAROL ANN HOLDS UP A BOOK AND THE CAMERA PANS IN:



CAROL ANN: Isnt' that a great cover?

AUDIENCE APPLAUDS

CAROL ANN: Let me tell you a little about the authors. Michelle Cox is the author of Honor Books' Mothers Who Made a Difference and is a frequent contributor to several Focus on the Family magazines. She is a popular speaker, and has been interviewed for Family News in Focus. A member of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Group, Michelle is also active in local politics. Married over thirty-three years, Michelle and her husband Paul live near Asheville, North Carolina, where they have spent almost thirty years working with teens and singles. They have three grown sons.

John Perrodin is a novelist, researcher, speaker, and attorney. Currently the Craftsman mentor and senior editor for the Christian Writers Guild (and the orientation speaker for the Guild's writers conference each year), Perrodin works full time for best-selling author, Jerry B. Jenkins; he was formerly Special Assistant to Dr. James C. Dobson. He is the co-author of three novels with Jenkins. Perrodin and his wife Sue live in Colorado with their family.

Please put your hands together and welcome to the studio, Michelle Cox and John Perrodin!

AUDIENCE APPLAUDS AS THE TWO AUTHORS WALK ONSTAGE.



















CAROL ANN SHAKES HANDS WITH MICHELLE AND JOHN.

CAROL ANN: Thank you for agreeing to appear with me in the studio today.

JOHN: It's our pleasure.

CAROL ANN SITS IN A CHAIR, WHILE JOHN AND MICHELLE SEAT ON THE SOFA FACING HER.

CAROL ANN: How did the two of you team up to write this book?

MICHELLE: I know God put our writing team together. During the days when I was a new writer, I attended a conference where John was one of the mentors. I finally worked up the nerve to ask him to look at my writing. He was so nice and we stayed in touch over the course of the next few months. When I was in Colorado the next summer I visited him and the staff at the Christian Writers Guild. John and I talked that day and by the time I left, we had decided we ought to try writing a book together. The rest is history.

CAROL ANN: How did you gather the stories together to compile into the book?

MICHELLE: The stories came to us in a variety of ways. A few were stories that we already knew about. We contacted friends asking for their experiences and many of them forwarded the requests for us. Some of the stories came from casual conversations or from something we heard in a church service or at a conference. Without a doubt, John and I know God sent us these amazing stories.

CAROL ANN: I always ask authors if they believe the pen is mightier than the sword. I'm pretty sure of your answer just from the title of this book. Who would like to elaborate on how words can change a life for both the better and the worst?

JOHN: I wish that more people realized how much their words impact others. Too often we think they’re “not listening” or “they don’t care what I think.” But that’s not true. Whether we mean a spouse, co-worker, neighbor, or child, they hear us. And if we blurt out unkind words they can stick like a shard in the soul for decades.

CAROL ANN: That's so true. Hopefully, your book will help bring that to light to more people. The two of you seem to make a great team. Will you coauthor another book?

JOHN: I certainly hope so. Michelle is the most encouraging co-author I could hope to work with. Beyond being an outstanding author, she gets the work done on time. She always strives to create the most trouble-free manuscript an editor could want.

MICHELLE: John is a dear friend and the world’s best writing partner. He is an amazing writer and we have tons of fun working together. I have been blessed to work with him and look forward to future projects.

CAROL ANN: What do you find the hardest thing about coauthoring versus writing solitary?

MICHELLE: I think the distance is probably our biggest challenge. I live in North Carolina and John is in Colorado so we can’t sit down and work together. Other than that, our writing partnership has been nothing but positive.

JOHN: I love the fact that Michelle is always there with a phone call or email of encouragement. And that makes it possible to get through the rough writing spots and looming deadlines.

CAROL ANN: Can you share something amusing that happened while writing or editing this book?

JOHN: My favorite Dreadful Incident was having to call Michelle and confess that I’d obliterated her personal website (www.michellecoxinspirations.com) while trying to update our joint Simple Little Words site (www.simplelittlewords.com). I accidentally pushed the wrong button and we ended up with two sites for our new book. Everything Michelle had created disappeared. She was a good sport and overlooked my mortification once we got her site back to its former pristine state!

MICHELLE: That was quite an interesting moment and I still laugh when I imagine what John’s face must have looked like when he realized he had deleted my site.

CAROL ANN: Since I do my own website, I can appreciate this. You both are such amazing authors. How did you realize that God was calling you to write?

JOHN: I don’t believe this calling is constant. I think there are certain projects that I must be a part of. And those are the ones that I want to get involved with. God sometimes touches my mind and heart with an idea. And the more bizarre it is the more I trust that it’s directly from Him. That’s not to say that Simple Little Words is bizarre, but the circumstances that led to Michelle and I co-authoring, getting our contract, and ultimately promoting our books, have God’s fingerprints all over them.

CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?

JOHN: New authors have high hopes. That means (and meant) that Michelle and I have worked to help promote this book with great passion and intensity. No matter what the publisher was doing, we tried to push even harder to do even more. Between us, we’ve set up multiple book signings, radio and TV interviews, speaking events, and paid for our own advertising. Being an author is not for people who want to be pampered. You’ve got to get out there and do the hard work – or watch your book’s ranking drop like an anchor!

CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" lives with your "writing" lives?

JOHN: I work for the few brief hours when I have the time to write. But my family always comes first. I’ve seen too many authors who care more about book sales than interpersonal relationships. All the success in the world won’t replace precious time lost with a spouse or child. That’s why I try to write when everyone else is busy – and do things together whenever we can.

MICHELLE: The “real” life comes first. I enjoy spending time with my family and consider them my top priority. I can look back and regret not writing another book or article but I don’t ever want to look back and regret missing important family times. I believe God honors that and somehow the rest seems to fall into place.

CAROL ANN: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy lives to share your insights with the studio audience. The director is telling me our time is up. Quick, before they drop the curtain, where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???

MICHELLE: Please visit us at www.simplelittlewords.com. Our site includes information about us, a sample chapter from Simple Little Words, a free discussion guide for each chapter in the book, simple little tips, and content from some of our media interviews. Your readers can reach us through our contact page on the website. We love hearing from everyone.

AUDIENCE GIVES A STANDING OVATION AS THE CURTAIN DROPS ON ANOTHER EPISODE OF THE BLOG STUDIO.

Early Morning Allergies

Ugh. Woke this morning feeling like my eyeballs are full of pellets. Allergies have been really bad this year. Usually I have problems in late August and September, but I've been plagued since May with allergy symptoms this year. So...I'm having a bit of trouble staying at the computer this morning.

Just wanted my loyal readers to know that I'll be posting an interview on Thursday with Michelle Cox and John Perrodin, the co-authors of SIMPLE LITTLE WORDS. The book shows how the words we say have an effect on other people--both positive and negative.

Tomorrow I will share an excerpt from JOSHUA'S HOPE. Only 44 more days until it is released in e-book.

Hope you all have a wonderful, allergy-free day. Thanks for stopping by!

The Good and Bad Middles

I always have trouble writing the middle of my stories. The reason is I want to wrap everything up too soon. I've been thinking about this and came to the conclusion this is true of many things. For instance:

My mid section. I have trouble slimming it down. I embark on many different paths to make progress, but I'm impatient and want instant results. Then there's the middle of a long drive. I'm always excited about heading out on an adventure, but about midway I look at how much farther I have to drive and the excitement wanes. Then there's the middle of a book I'm reading. I'm so into the book by then that I want to know how it's going to end, but I'm dreading having it be over. **sigh** Middles are always a problem for me.

Or...wait! There's the middle of an Oreo. Yum! That's not a problem. Or the middle of a Toosie Pop! The middle of a chocolate candy! Uh-oh. Um, these are all food related. So I guess that leads back to why I have a problem with my mid-section.

Hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by.

Confessions of a Pantster

I, Carol Ann Erhardt, do hereby swear that I am a pantster. I've tried to overcome this and become a plotter, but pantster roots are deeply imbedded in my creative genes. My latest foray into the plotting world was a storyboarding class. Why not? I thought. I liked the concept because it didn't take writing down a full synopsis prior to embarking on a new project. Instead I would have a nice neat foam board filled with pretty colored post-its and it would give me a picture of my novel in progress, keep me on track, and it would be easy to change as I went moved forward with the project. Great concept!

I actually created a beautiful storyboard. It sits in my office, looking impressive, but it intimidates me. Instead I started a totally different project with no outline, not storyboard, no synopsis. All I have is an idea of what the novel is to accomplish. I'm having a great time writing the project, and I'm not "curbed" by any outline or storyboard.

Maybe someday I'll write the novel I've outlined on my board, but for now, it sits...an idea...fully outlined...

I'm a pantster.

Carol Ann Erhardt
Coming August 29, JOSHUA'S HOPE
"A little boy who knows too much...a mother who will do anything to save him."
www.carolannerhardt.com

Exercise and Writing

What do the two have to do with each other? A lot. Before I started writing seriously, I remember reading articles about authors who went for walks in the morning and dictated into a microrecorder. Walking, they said, cleared their heads and opened them for bursts of creativity.

Too many times I sit at my computer and read emails, study course material and "think" about what I should be writing. However, if I take time to do a little exercise before I sit down to write, I find my brain energized and ready to work.

My day job requires me to spend eight hours a day on the computer. I try to remember to get up and walk around at least once an hour. However, I forget to do that when I'm in my home office at night. So, starting today, I'm going to make some changes about exercise. No longer will I think of it as an unwanted task, but as a part of my writing success.

Thanks for stopping by!

What Are You Reading?

My favorite way to relax and "get away from it all" is to read. I love losing myself in a great story. I'll read anything, but I'm especially fond of suspense. I love a happily ever after ending, too. For me, it doesn't get better than a good romantic suspense novel.

The latest book I finished is called ABOMINATION by Colleen Coble, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-59554-141-3 (hardcover) or ISBN: 978-1-59554-478-0 (trade paper).

The story unfolds with a woman, battered, bruised, and barefoot, driving a car with a little two-year-old girl in a car seat in the back. The woman is confused and frightened, and though she doesn't have a clue who she is or who she's running from, she knows someone wants to kill her.

She finds safe harbor in a small community in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Finding the name "Elena" engraved on the back of a golden ballerina shoe hanging on a necklace around her neck, she believes her name is Elena Cox. The little girl's name is Terri. As Elena struggles to regain her memory, events unfold that lead a serial killer, known as Gideon, close enough to strike again.

The characters in this book are well-developed, the plot tight and suspenseful. You won't know who the serial killer is until the very end. Ms. Coble does a fabulous job of pulling everthing together into a tight, suspense-filled climax.

I learned about "geocaching" something I'd never heard of until this book. I fell in love with a search and rescue dog named Samson, and a police Captain, Nikos Andreakos (Nick).

The romance? Oh, believe me this one will tug at your heartstrings. I don't want to give away too much. You'll just have to buy it for yourself. It's a page turner that you won't want to put down. Here's the back page blurb:

"A beautiful woman stands by the side of hte road, barefoot and bleeding, a child in her arms. Someone just tried to kill her, but she wouldn't recognize him if she saw his face. She doesn't even remember her own name.

A suburban cop surveys a kitchen in disarray--a woman and child missing, a chilling note. This crime scene is unlike any he has ever seen.

The man who calls himself Gideon waits and plans. He sees himself as a destroyer of evil, one who rids the world of abominations. He already killed five. He will kill again.

And somewhere inthe wilderness, in a secret geocache near where the wild swans gather, lies the unspeakable clue that links them all together.

Michigan's rugged and beautiful Upper Peninsula is the setting for this absorbing tale of love and loss, beauty and terror, grievous sins and second chances. A deftly woven thriller from the popular author of the Rock Harbor novels."

Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Now it's your turn. Tell me what you are reading.

Oh, Poor Jason!

I admit it. I watched the Bachelorette. I had picked out Jason for Diyanna from the very beginning. It warmed my heart to see him falling for her and I thought I saw the same thing from her. Last night after she took them to meet her family, I felt certain she'd pick Jason over Jessie. Jason has his life in order. He's a loving father, a romantic, and stable. Jessie, a free spirit, doesn't even know what he wants to be when he grows up. The suspense ratcheted up when the first limo pulled up. When Jason stepped out, I felt devastated. I knew he was going to be hurt...hurt bad.

After watching the "After the Rose" segment, I know Jessie and Diyanna are in love with each other...or in love with the idea of being in love. I wish them well.

But Jason is broken hearted. I could feel his pain as he talked to Diyanna and tried to get answers to his questions. I got a little sick of hearing her say "The last thing I wanted to do was make you feel like I felt with Brad." Okay, I think he got that. But she kept saying that over and over again. All as if she were trying to remove the guilt she felt. Hey, it's a show. They go on there knowing the chances they take. No need to feel guilty for falling in love. But at least have the decency to tell the other person what happened.

I keep thinking this would make a wonderful romance book. I just have to figure out how to structure it. Hmmm....the wheels are turning.

Thanks for stopping by!

All is Calm...

Looking out my window this morning as I write this blog, the view is uncannily eerie. The sun isn't shining yet, though it doesn't look like rain. Not a single thing is stirring. Not one single leaf on the huge tree dominating the picture. No birds. No animals. No vehicles. What a strange feeling. If not for the sound of the radio, I'd think I entered into another realm.

In the distance, I hear trucks on the freeway, and I know when I walk through my front door, the world will be waiting to suck me in. **sigh** It's back to work after a nice three-day weekend. While I'd envisioned it being a wonderful time of rest, fun, and productivity...the reality was nothing like this. Instead, I helped hubby carry tile he'd removed from the kitchen floor out to the trash. We moved a refrigerator and a stove. He fixed the leaking toilet...finally...on Saturday afternoon. I watched a lot of TV--mostly Animal Planet. Read three quarters of a book. Listened to the sound of screws being driven into the sub floor. Not quite what I'd anticipated. Now it's back to work. If only the calm I'm seeing now will prevail...

Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by.

What I'm reading now: Abomination, by Colleen Coble

Unexpected Gifts...

The toilet is still leaking. Now, how impossible is this? Nothing is impossible around our house. But, after all those wax rings hubby has determined the real reason for the leak. The gasket on the flush tank is bad. Yep, so he wrestled that toilet off three times for nothing. Today, he'll replace the gasket...in between laying the subfloor in our kitchen.

Me? I'm off to do some shopping to "get away from it all."

The unexpected gift? I opened my emails last night and found that Enchanted Reviews had given my book, FOXFIRE, a rating of 5 out of 5. How cool is that?

I'll be posting the link in my blog on Monday.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Thanks of stopping by.

"Honey, Don't Flush the Toilet"

I've been looking forward to the nice long weekend since I have July 4th off. Woo hoo! Monday dawned and all I could think of was only four days to work this week. I envisioned cleaning house and getting all my weekend work finished on Friday so I'd have two whole days to read, write and relax. I was fixing dinner when my hubby rushed into the kitchen and said, "Honey, don't flush the toilet. It's leaking!"

Our half-bath downstairs was being flooded. He removed the ceiling panels and found the leak at the floor under the upstairs toilet. Not too bad, since hubby is a handy man. I just felt bad that he would have to spend his Tuesday wrestling with the toilet by himself.

I came home Tuesday night and he was happy. He'd replaced the wax rings and we now had two flushable toilets again. We had planned to go to Home Depot and look at floor tile because I had finally agreed to replace the twelve year old tile which had seen better days. We found the perfect flooring. Looks like old wood like you'd see in an old school house. You can see the knot holes and grain. Hickory in color. It had a 25 year guarantee. The new tile doesn't stick to the subfloor, but instead sticks to each separate piece and makes a beautiful pattern. We ate and came home and I retired to the sofa to rest. Then I heard these dreaded words: "Honey, don't flush the toilet!"

I thought he was kidding, but nope. That porcelain throne was leaking again. Yesterday, hubby spent another day "fixing" the toilet. I came home to a living room full of kitchen. The microwave stand, the butcher block serving cart, the table and chairs, the wine rack...everything dominated my living room. Hubby had stripped about half the tile from the kitchen floor in preparation for adding another layer of subfloor before putting down the new flooring. **sigh** I hate this. My nice long weekend would be interrupted with nail hammering and sawing. No need to even think about cleaning and dusting until this whole fiasco is finished. At least a week. But at least the toilet was fixed.

We ate and I retired to my office to write.

"Honey! Don't flush the toilet!"

Nooooooo. So once again...hubby will spend today "fixing" the toilet. He says he knows the right combination of wax rings to use this time. We'll see.

Thanks for stopping by.

Serial Killers and Psychologically Disturbed Villains

What can I say? I love getting into the heads of fictional villains! Last Saturday I attended a local Sisters in Crime meeting. When they asked each of us to introduce ourselves and what we write and a fun thing about us, I meekly introduced myself, said that I write romantic suspense, and that I love reading and writing suspense novels. "I love getting into the heads of serial killers and vicious villains...and then kiling them off." The place erupted in laughter. (My friend said it was my expression that was so funny.) So, to tell them something fun about myself, I finished off with..."I'm the mother of eight children, and I'm just a sweet little old grandmother."

More laughter! Hmmm. Maybe I should work these together into a tag line.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by.

Carpal Tunnel or ... ?

At the booksigning on Sunday afternoon, a weird thing happened. It felt as if the tips of my fingers on the right hand were going to sleep. Kind of scary, but since I didn't feel bad I figured it would go away. It hasn't. In fact it's gotten worse. My index finger is the worst, but I can also feel it on the outside of my pinky finger to some extent. An aching pain started that runs across the back on my hand across the wrist and in the evening affects my whole arm and even my shoulder. I have a strange raised bump on the index finger joint farthest away from the nail.

I read symptoms last night on the internet to try and self-diagnose. The pain in the entire arm seems to mimic carpal tunnel, but supposedly it doesn't affect the pinky finger. And a ganglion cyst on the finger joint appears on the first joint closest to the nail bed.

So...what is wrong with me? As usual, I'm a unique case.

It's the first day of July and we are now on the downhill side of the year and closing in on Christmas! I can't believe how fast this year is passing. Here in Columbus it is supposed to be a near perfect day. Clear blue skies, lots of sunshine, low humidity and in the high 70's. But, I'll be in a totally windowless building all day, in my little office, wishing I could sit on my deck and write. Someday...

Thanks for stopping by and if you have any idea what might be plaguing me, please leave me a comment!

See you tomorrow.

Lukewarm?

Yesterday's sermon at church was about the Church in Laodicea (Reelation 3:14-22). These were God's words telling the church that they had grown lukewarm in their faith and were unpleasing to him. I began to think about the ways we become lukewarm in many aspects of our lives, not only in our Christian walk.

Do you remember how excited you (or your children or grandchildren) were on their first day of school? Eventually, the newness wore off and it became mundane. BUT, when graduation day came, another excitement arose. The anticipation of being your own person, choosing a new path for your future, and embarking on a journey full of promise. Eventually, that settled into being a lukewarm adventure, too. Life has a way of tossing obstacles at us and souring our outlook. We become either cold or lukewarm.

This is true of marriage, careers, and many other areas of our lives as well as our faith walk. And, most important, how do others see you? Does your passion shine through?

I know I have many areas that I need to work on. Sometimes my passion for writing grows lukewarm. That's the time I need to step back and look at my reasons for writing. It actually changed my direction. When I started my journey, I wanted to be the next New York Times author. I wanted to sell my book and have tons of money coming in. I quickly realized the fallacy of my thoughts. I became dissillusioned, but I still had that passion to write. My articles that had been published by Chicken Soup and Cup of Comfort were fulfilling to me, but not my books. Why? The answer? Because I had forced my writing to fit the "formula romance" books that were being published. It wasn't my true comfort zone. I prayed. I listened for God to give me an answer. Sometimes he knocks on the door of our hearts but we aren't really listening and we fail to open that door.

God has led me to write books that are about real life, real people and their journey of faith. My first is JOSHUA'S HOPE which is being released in ebook on August 29 and in print on February 28, 2009. I'm very excited about this release, but more excited about my continued passion for writing more books that will entertain others and also show them that with God all things are possible.

How many areas of your life have grown cold or lukewarm? What can you do to change that?

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

It Was A God Thing!!!

Have you ever experienced one of those "God Thing" moments? Lately they seem to be happening to me quite frequently. Take, last Saturday. I drove to Cardington, Ohio, to a meeting with Ohio American Christian Fiction Writers. This was our third meeting since forming our group and we are continuing to grow. Kathy Perry and her husband Frank were our hosts and they were so gracious and open that I felt as if I'd known them for years. I'm sure everyone felt the same way...totally comfortable and relaxed. Even Bailey, their little dog, joined in the welcoming hospitality by offering his tummy for rubs. The time flew and everyone bonded during the four plus hours. Kathy is one of those people who shine with God's love. A "God Thing" brought her and her hubby together, and a "God Thing" brought her to our group. We are blessed.

While there, I had a short mini brainstorming session with Laurie Kingery and Sharon Lavy which broke through my "stall" on a novel I'd been working on and abandoned. Now, I'm happily back into the story and hope to finish it soon. It was another of those "God Things" or "God Moments".

I hope you have been blessed similarly in your life.

WIP: Currently on page 162...and working on a redesign of my website.
Currently Reading: POP! Stand Out in Any Crowd...by Sam Horn (publisher PERIGEE, trademark of Penguin Group).

Don't forget to vote on my newsletter poll!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

Author Interview with Marlo Schalesky

Good morning, Blog Studio!!! It's a thrill to be back in the studio after a brief hiatus. Been really busy this month with meetings and church events. I've missed being here in the studio. Today, I'd like to introduce a wonderful author.

**Carol Ann holds up a book and the camera pans in**

This is her latest book, "Beyond the Night."



Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of six books, including her latest novel BEYOND THE NIGHT, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist to create a new type of story. She has also had over 600 articles published in various magazines, had her work included in compilations such as Dr. Dobson’s Night Light Devotional for Couples, and is a regular columnist for Power for Living. Marlo recently earned her Masters degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently working on more “Love Stories with a Twist!” for Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers, a division of Random House. She owns her own construction consulting firm and lives in Salinas, California with her husband and four young daughters.

Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and welcome to the stage...Marlo Schalesky!!!!!!

**audience applaudes as Marlo walks on stage and takes a seat in the cream leather chair opposite Carol Ann**




CAROL ANN: Good morning, Marlo. I'm thrilled that you could join me in the studio this morning.

MARLO: It's my pleasure to be here. I've been looking forward to coming to Ohio and being on your show.

CAROL ANN: I love the cover for your latest book, Marlo. Please tell us what this story is about.

MARLO: Great! First, here’s the “teaser blurb”:
They say love is blind. This time, they’re right.
A poignant love story . . .
A shocking twist . . .
Come, experience a love that will not die.

A Nicolas Sparks (The Notebook) type love story meets a M. Night Shymalan (The Sixth Sense) twist in this moving story of two people trying to find love in the dark. A woman going blind, a man who loves her but can’t tell her so, a car crash, a hospital room, and an ending that has to be experienced to be believed.

And this is from the back cover:

As a woman lies unconscious in a hospital bed, her husband waits beside her, urging her to wake up and come home. Between them lies an ocean of fear and the tenuous grip of memories long past. Memories of wonder. Of love. Memories of a girl named Madison and a boy named Paul…

Madison Foster knew she was going blind. But she didn’t want pity—not from her mother, not from her roommate, and especially not from her best friend Paul—the man she secretly loved.

Paul Tilden knew a good thing when he saw it. And a good thing was his friendship with Maddie Foster. That is, until he started to fall in love.

With the music of the seventies as their soundtrack and its groovy fashions as their scenery, Maddie and Paul were drawn together and driven apart. Then one night changed everything…forever.

And only now, when life tiptoes past the edge of yesterday, along the rim of today, can they glimpse the beauty that awaits them…beyond the night.

And, next, here’s a bit about the heart behind the story:

I discovered, as I wrote Beyond the Night, that it was really, at its heart, all about overcoming fear – fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of getting hurt, fear of letting go – the kinds of fear that regular, not-particularly-fearful people still have to face in their everyday lives.

And I began to see that overcoming fear isn’t really about “getting up the courage” or trying to be brave. Not at all! What truly defeats fear is a glimpse of the breathtaking wonder of a vivid God. It’s about the awe of knowing that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has risen to understand what God has prepared for those who love Him” (my translation from the Greek of 1 Corinthians 2:9). Just as light drives out darkness, so fear is driven out by hope, and hope is found in God’s amazing love.

So, that’s really what I’m hoping people will glimpse after reading Beyond the Night – that hint of God and His breathtaking love, that glimmer of beauty, that “wow” of seeing a bit more of the wondrous love of God – the love that drives out our fears.

CAROL ANN: Sounds great! You have an extensive writing career. Would you share what you believe is the hardest thing about being a writer?

MARLO: For me, the hardest part of the writing itself is the first few chapters, when all the doubts are raging and I’m not sure everything will come together, and I’m feeling just sure it won’t.

The hardest part about the writing life for me is the whole sales and marketing world. So much of sales is completely out of the writer’s control, and yet the next contract depends on those numbers. So, what I’ve been learning in the journey is to let go of the need to write and instead devote myself to the vision of what God is showing me, the unique message He gives me to share, and those things about Him that fire my soul with passion. I want to share those things, through writing stories, through interviews, through speaking – whatever doors God opens. I need to do that, and let God take care of sales, the future, and the way He has for me to share about Him.

CAROL ANN: Your passion shows. How did you realize the God was calling you to write?

MARLO: I knew from when I was 13 years old that I wanted to write. At that time, I told my mother, with all the angst of a newly-turned teen, “I’ll just die if I don’t write!” However, I didn’t know what that would mean until God got a hold of my heart and showed me that He wanted me to write the stories that He would give me to tell. Now, my writing is an act of faithfulness to the One who calls me. I don’t write because I’ll “just die” if I don’t. Hardly! I write because I love Jesus and I want to do the work He has for me, tell the stories he has for me to tell. Because I realize now that I’m not necessarily called to write. I’m called to be faithful. And for now, that means writing those stories that God gives me. So, as long as He’s whispering stories into my heart and telling me to write them, I’ll write, and I’ll pray that readers will get a glimpse of His glory, a peek at His love, through the eyes of the characters.

CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?

MARLO: Early in my writing career my biggest stumbling block was wanting it too badly. Our culture tells us to pursue our dreams, reach for the sky, dream big, nothing’s impossible if only you try hard enough. Sounds good. But for me, that philosophy was deadly. I needed to completely surrender my dreams in order to live God’s. It was like ripping out part of my soul. But it was worth it. Now, when I write, it can be an act of worship and obedience, instead of something that’s all about me and my dreams.

These days, I find that self-doubt is my biggest struggle. Every time I start a new book, I find myself muttering “What was I thinking?!!? I can’t write this book! Why did I ever think I could do this?” Right now I’m at the beginning of a new book, so of course all those doubts are raging. But this time I’m reminding myself that this always happens. I just need to push through, do my best, trust God, and the story will come. He who has whispered to me, “This is the way, walk ye in it,” will be faithful to see the vision of this story accomplished as well. I’m counting on it!

CAROL ANN: Do you mind if I ask you something a little more personal?

MARLO: Well, if it's not too personal!

CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?

MARLO: Well, we live in log home, so I have a number of BearFoots (that a brand) carved bears around the house. Some are carved from wood, others are resin. I’m saving up for a carved wooden bear toilet paper holder from BearFoots (they’re hand-carved out of Montana). Yeah, yeah, I know that sounds weird, but the tp holder is this big stand-up black bear holding out its arms with the tp between its paws. Hey, it’s cute, and fun!

Other than that, I’ve got some neat Native American things like a huge drum we use for a coffee table, a turtle-shell rattle, a bow-and-arrow set, some tomahawks, a throwing arrow, a horse-hair pot, a horn knife, some flutes, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some other things. I just love the rustic, hand-crafted stuff.

I also collect good books, and moments of peace and quiet (which are exceedingly rare around my house – the peace and quiet, not the books!)

CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?

MARLO: I do, if we’re talking about the ability to touch, move, and change people’s hearts and minds (if we’re talking about cutting a watermelon, well, then that’s an entirely different thing! ;-))

As a writer, I obviously believe in the power of words, but I believe in the power of story even more. There’s nothing better than a good movie, or a great book. I love characters who show what truth looks like through lives lived and struggles fought. I love to see through another’s eyes, feel what they feel, experience life in a new and different way. I think we all do. That’s why movies and TV dramas are so popular. Fiction is great entertainment.

But it’s also more. It has the power to change lives, make a difference. By seeing through the eyes of another, by living vicariously through the lives of characters, by encountering the true God even in a made-up plot, I am touched, challenged, changed. I see God in new ways. My vision is broadened, deepened. And I discover truth with new clarity. Fiction lays bare the imperfections of my soul, stirs my doubts and questions, and drives me into the throne room of God.

And so I hope that my readers, too, will be changed and challenged through the power of story. I hope they will be encouraged to persevere through difficulties, to press closer to God, to not settle for the easy answers but wrestle with the tough questions of life and faith, to dig deeper with God. And that’s why I think the pen is mighty indeed (unless you’ve got that watermelon.)

CAROL ANN: Which inspires you more? A brisk walk in the autumn with the leaves changing color, or in the spring when the flowers are and trees are budding? Why?

MARLO: Oh, I just love the beauty of trees changing colors, of all the shades of gold and red shimmering in the trees and laying like a blanket over the ground. There’s something so gorgeous and yet peaceful about it. Of course, where I live in California, we have very few trees changing colors (mostly just oaks and some pines around here!), so there is no golden blanket and there are hardly any swaying golden leaves. My husband and I lived in Ohio for just nine months after we were married, and that was my favorite thing, and what I most miss, about my time there – the beauty and glory of the changing leaves. All that color, and yet it was soft and quiet too. Just beautiful!

CAROL ANN: I didn't realize you had lived here. What a coincidence! Okay, now for a question a little differen. You are sitting in a restaurant with several friends when someone walks up to you and thrusts a microphone in your hand. You have one minute to tell the world something....what will it be?

MARLO: Beyond this darkness, beyond whatever night you’re facing, there is a glorious and breathtaking light to be found in Jesus. Just as He transformed the image of the cross from a symbol of death and execution to a symbol of hope and reconciliation for millions, so He can transform the dark times in your life to beauty and light. He loves you. He yearns for you. And He has a vision for your life that is more wondrous that anything you could have dreamed. Take a chance. Trust in the Light. And glimpse the beauty and wonder of God.

CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?

MARLO: Ah, good question! The answer: Not as well as I’d like! With a business to run, four little girls, and ministry responsibilities, it’s tough! But mostly, I try to do interruptible work (like my construction consulting job, book marketing, email, etc.) in the mornings and intersperse that with reading to the girls, doing workbooks with them, quick house clean-up jobs – stuff like that. I’ve done away with my desktop computer and use only a small laptop now, so I can take it with me around the house. That way I can be with the girls while they play and still get a bit done work-wise too. Then, for a couple hours in the afternoons, the twins have their nap (and Joelle used to have preschool at that time) while the oldest is (was … now it’s summer and my schedule is shot!) at school. That’s when I try to do my novel writing. On good days, my hubby used to put the monitor in the twins’ room, then work from our office on our property, while I went for almost 2 hours to Starbucks to write (heaven!!). Now, I’m trying to figure out a new schedule for the summer . . . still working on that! Then, evenings are for catch up stuff, some consulting job last minute work, maybe some email, laundry, and playing in the basement with hubby and the girls (or church activities, once-a-week-hopefully date night, or whatever). What this leaves is not enough time for anything, but at least some time for everything!  So, what I’m finding is that I can do the things that God has put on my plate, I just need a little more time to do them!

One thing that I’ve found is that because we struggled with infertility for so many years before having children (and that only with great difficulty and lots of medical help), there’s no way I want to miss any of the “good stuff” with my kids, especially while they’re young. So, I’m wanting to make sure that I’m there with them and doing the things together that we want to do. (I would, however, be happy to miss the tantrums and dirty diapers part, but alas those seem to come with the package. )

Anyway, bottom line is that what I’ve come to strongly believe is that God will give me the time and ability to do whatever those things are that He’s asking of me. My job is to be faithful and believe those things can be done . . . and to make sure I’m not taking on a bunch of things that He hasn’t asked me to do. (This, at least, is what I’m reminding myself of this week, as I look at the ol’ to-do list, which seems to be getting out of control! ;-))

CAROL ANN: I can't believe how fast the time has flown. Marlo, before they throw us off the stage, where can readers learn more about you and your books?

MARLO: I hope readers will visit my website at www.marloschalesky.com. And while you’re there, check out the cool video trailer for Beyond the Night, a fun video tour of Stanford, and an audio message from me. There’s lots of fun info on the website, too, so I hope people will browse around and see what’s available! There’s even a CONTEST I’m running right now for readers of Beyond the Night (check that out under the “contest” tab for more info!). And, on the front page, readers can also sign up for my e-newsletter, which I put out a few times a year (or whenever there’s exciting news like a book release!). There’s also a contact page for emailing me directly.

Readers can also visit (and subscribe!) to my blog at www.marloschalesky.blogspot.com. News shows up first there, and I also post helpful info about once a week on rekindling the wonder in our walks with God.

So, reader friends, come on by my website and blog for a visit! Check it out, sign up for my newsletter, drop me an email message. I’d love to hear from you!

CAROL ANN: Thank you so much, Marlo! Audience, please buy Marlo's book!!

MARLO: You're welcome and I've enjoyed being here in Ohio again!

**Audience gives a standing ovation as the curtain drops on another issue of The Blog Studio**

A New Poll...Hollyhocks...German Village Haus & Garten Tour

What I'm reading: "Pandora's Daughter" by Iris Johansen
What I watched tonight: Two episodes on DVD of The Carol Burnett Show
What I'm writing: A new inspirational romantic suspense...page 159

I'm contemplating starting a newsletter again. My dilemma is what do people want to read about? Authors want craft articles, but what do readers want? To answer that question, I've put up a poll. Hope you will take a few minutes to answer!

Don't forget Saturday I'll be on the German Village Haus & Garten Tour Route at The Book Loft. I can't wait! I'll be there around noon and will stay at least two hours. So...if you are in or around Columbus, Ohio, please stop by!

Our backyard is so pretty right now. Everything is in bloom and filling out due to the super weather we've had here in Central Ohio. Check out our Hollyhocks!




Don't forget to enter the drawing for the Sony eReader! Hop over to The Wild Rose Press and enter by purchasing an ebook by one of the participating authors...of course, I hope you'll buy one of mine. : )

Tomorrow, be sure to stop by for another episode of The Blog Studio where I'll be interviewing author Marlo Schalesky who will be sharing info about her newest book, Beyond the Night.

Thanks for stopping by!

"A little boy who knows too much...and a mother who will do anything to save him..."
JOSHUA'S HOPE...coming in ebook on August 29, 2008...and in print on February 27, 2009

Wisteria, Booksigning, and more

One of the most beautiful sights in our backyard is our wisteria "tree" in the summer. My hubby has placed a heavy post in the ground and trained our bush to grow up and around, pruning it into a "tree". It is full and lush. This year with all the rain we've had the blossoms are gorgeous. The first round came before the leaves had covered the vines. They were about 15 to 18 inches long. Now they are blooming again and Wow! They smell heavenly and look gorgeous against the lush green foliage. Hubby has a green thumb when it comes to keeping our back yard looking so nice.





This Sunday I'll be participating in a booksigning and I'd love to see you!

German Village Haus & Garten booksigning
Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Times: noon to 2pm.
Location: The Book Loft, 631 S. Third Street, Columbus

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Cruising...

Several years ago I bought my hubby a rubber inflatable boat for Christmas. He built his own floorboard complete with a "seat" for himself in the wide end (starboard? aft?) We bought a trolling motor and motor mount. He took it out one time by himself, but with his health/breathing problems it was too much for him to do alone again. For Father's Day, I told him I'd go with him and let him take me out on the lake. So, after church, we blew that sucker up, loaded everything in the back of the truck and took off. Um, this isn't as easy as it sounds. It took nearly two hours to do this and another hour to drive to the lake.

We unloaded that sucker on the grass bank rather than using the boat ramp. You should have seen us. We pushed it into the lake and held onto the rope to keep it from drifting out. Then he said..."Okay, get in the boat." Ummm hmmm. Yep. So to accomplish that I do what? Can you imagine stepping into any boat which is rocking in the water and keeping your balance? Okay now downsize to a rubber blow up boat with big round sides and try to step onto it...into a tiny spot left where the cooler, tackle box, and my bag of goodies didn't occupy. After I maneuvered like a beached whale into the boat, hubby had to wade into the water and get in. I got to hold the wet rope. We finally settled into compromised positions.

The trolling motor moved us right along. I was surprised at the speed it produced. The day was perfect. Beautiful sun, blue sky, and mid eighties. Perfect weather.

I hung my legs over the side, kind of laying sideways and read my latest Dean Koontz novel, Odd Hours. I love this character Dean created. I get quite a chuckle out of reading this series. I'm sure he wrote it with tongue in cheek. I'm always in awe of Koontz's command of language.

Anway, to my surprise, the boat ride was very relaxing! I'd do it again.








Thanks for stopping by!

Booksigning Alert!!!

Please bring your friends and come see me on Sunday June 29th at The Book Loft in German Village. I will be participating with other authors in a sidewalk booksigning in conjunction with The Book Loft and the German Village Society.

Authors will be assigned a two hour time slot. As soon as I receive the schedule, I'll post it here on my blog.

I'd appreciate you passing on the information and it sure would be great to see you there!

Tomorrow...pictures of me crammed into a rubber blow up boat while hubby trolls us around Rush Lake. You won't want to miss this!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sony eReader Giveaway!!!

Here is your chance to own the latest technology and step up to the world of ebooks! This contest is sponsored by The Wild Rose Press and participating authors. You can enter as many times this summer as you wish. Every time you purchase a title by one of the participating authors, you are eligible to enter the drawing.

Contest runs all summer (June 11 through August 31). Drawing held on Tuesday evening, September 2, 2008 at 9:00EST, during our live chat at The Wild Rose Press public chat room. You do not have to be present to win.

Yep, I'm one of the participating authors. I'd love for you to try one of my books in ebook format. I love reading ebooks and I'd sure love to have one of these Sony eReaders. I had the pleasure of experiencing one at the Readers and Authors Get Together last Saturday. What a wonderful tool! It's the size of a paperback book, but you can have many, many books downloaded into this eReader. I'm an avid reader. This past week I was camping and only took two books with me. Guess what? I ran out of reading material. If I'd had a Sony eReader, I could have taken so many books I'd never run out of stories!

Check out the Sony eReader by clicking here.

Learn more about the contest by clicking here.

And the Verdict is...

I'm a "pantster". I've taken classes on plotting, the latest being "storyboarding" just to try and reach a breakthrough on how to plot and outline a complete book BEFORE writing it.

Doesn't work for me. It stops my creativity. Truly. I feel boxed in and I just can't break out.

In order to write and just let my fingers pound out the story, I have to do it on the fly. Oh, I do have an idea of how the book will flow. I know the characters and what the inciting factor is. I know what I think will be a good ending. But the rest unfolds as I sit at the computer.

Sigh. I am what I am.

I've always been able to sit down write a first line and then develop a story from that without even thinking. I've written articles and fun short stories that way. Why not novels? There is no right way or wrong way to write. Each person is an individual. So I think I'm going to put together a workshop on how to cope when you're a pantster. Why not? I bet there are lots more people like me who would be very happy to feel vindicated on how they write.

Thanks for stopping by!

Authors and Readers and Skunks and Racoons...

No, not all in one spot!!

Actually, Saturday I drove to West Chester (Cincinnati) Ohio and joined another 275 people at Lori Foster and Diane Castell's Reader and Writers Get Together. Talk about a lot of people! Had so much fun connecting with friends I rarely see and making new friends. It was exciting to meet some fellow authors from an on-line writing group...Sweeter Romantic Notions. There are so many names that I don't want to take a chance on missing someone that I won't include names in this post. I had fun chatting with the co-owner of The Wild Rose Press and several editors and fellow authors. Long day. And when it ended, I headed to Columbus for a graduation/birthday/going-away party for my grandson who is now in Texas and in the air force.

Sunday hubby and I headed to a local state park for a three day camping trip. Yep, that's where we smelled a skunk two nights in a row. And some rascally racoons managed to lift the side of our dry food container just enough to ruin two packages of buns and a bag of Doritos. Bummer on the Doritos!!

All in all it was a great weekend and a few days. Now it's back to work.

Thanks for stopping by!

Comfortable Clutter

If I had a dollar for every time I've cleaned my writing office, I'd be well on my way to having a huge savings account!

I have a nice large desk with lots of space on either side of my keyboard and monitor. Lots of room for the "papers" I'd need when I'm writing...or so I thought. But, somehow it always ends up cluttered with "things". My purse, a new writing craft book, two RT Book Reviews magazines, some printouts for an online class in deep editing, my Thesaurus, Dictionary, Bible, book with sites and log in info, hand cream, two cups of pens and highlighters, the phone....

And guess what? The most writing I do here is my blogging, my RWA chapter newsletter, emails, and internet research. There's just too much distraction when I sit here to write and I find my mind wandering away from my characters. So, I do my best writing on my laptop on the deck, in the living room, the family room, my car at lunch.

But I know I'll soon spend another afternoon de-cluttering my office space and standing back to admire it. Then...it'll wind up full of clutter again in record time. There's just something comfortable about clutter!

Still Down for the Count

Diagnosed with bronchitis on Friday and put on antibiotics. Made it through the weekend, though things worsened on Sunday night. Went to work on Monday but not sure how I got through the day. Made an appt with doctor for Tuesday morning.

X-ray of lungs: good
Diagnosis: Severe bronchitis
Treatment: Breathing treatment in dr. office; sample given of albuterol inhaler for use at home; steroid prescription to remove inflammation in bronchial tubes to work in conjunction with antibiotic already in system; Mucinex DM to aid with cough and congestion.

Felt better as the day went on. Coughing has lessened. No longer have to go into coughing spasms to talk or breathe. Still running low grade fever in the evening.

Writing accomplishments: Nothing.

Ugh! Not a good day. Hopefully I'll have a better day today.

Thanks for stopping by.

If I could Still Climb Trees...

I'd be in the one outside my window this morning. I hear this distressed cry and I'm not sure whether is it is a bird or if squirrels can make that noise. There is a squirrel on a branch that I can see, and everyone once in a while it makes the clucking noise which I've heard them make, but this is more like a bird who is hurting. The squirrel isn't moving. I wonder if it has a nest in the tree, maybe some babies. I suppose my outdoor cats are waiting at the front door for me to come out and feed them and the squirrel is upset.

Okay, the squirrel just hopped farther up the tree and the noise stopped for a few seconds and now began again higher up.**sigh** I hope I don't go outside and find the cats have caught...something...

Wish me luck.

Thanks for stopping by.