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!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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**
**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**
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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.
Friday, June 13, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, June 06, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, June 02, 2008
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.
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.
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