Minute to Win It Christmas Party

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...

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

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!

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...

...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

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?

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

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

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!!

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?

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...

...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

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

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

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

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."

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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!!

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???

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

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.
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To learn more about Karen, please visit her blog at: http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com

And The Winners Are....

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!!!

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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!!

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