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

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

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

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

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

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

So how do I manage?

In snatches.

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

What sage advice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

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

Welcome Guest Blogger - Tanya Hanson

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

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


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

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

It was also my first stab at a contemporary Western.

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

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

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

God rules! I could hardly believe it.

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

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

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

Here are a couple of blurbs:

Blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch:

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

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

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

Blurb for Redeeming Daisy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hearts Surrender - Guest Blogger Marianne Evans

COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

At the end of her blog tour, Marianne is giving away three special prizes:

1. A $10 gift certificate to White Rose Publishing

2. A $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com

3. An autographed, print edition of her new release, Hearts Surrender

Entering is simple: Leave a comment – or several comments as you track her progress on the tour (Marianne and her blog hosts will get the word out and let you know where she’ll be!). Each comment gives you a chance to win!

On September 30th, she’ll randomly select three comments from visitors at any of the blogs she’s visited, and award them the prizes!

Marianne Evans loves to tell a good story. In fact, she’s been enthusiastic about writing ever since she could string sentences together. Kensington Publishing purchased her first book, Friends & Lovers, a contemporary romance. Her second release, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third offering from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim from readers, and The Oakland Press.

Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – the contest winning novella Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the ‘Woodland Series.’ This series of books centers around Woodland Church and characters who are first introduced in Hearts Crossing. Book two is titled Hearts Surrender. Hearts Communion and Hearts Key will follow as books three and four. The series is offered in both print and electronic formats via White Rose Publishing (http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/) and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/).

A lifelong resident of Michigan, she calls suburban Detroit home. She’s happily married, with a son, a daughter, and cats who wrap her around their paws. An active part of Romance Writers of America, she’s a long-time member of the Greater Detroit chapter where she served the chapter most notably as Treasurer and two terms as President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Connect with her at: http://www.marianneevans.com/ or via her fan page at facebook.com.

The Story Behind the Story

Talk about a risk…

There I was…well, no. I take that back. There they were, my characters I mean, Ken and Kiara, all but leaving me sleepless as they fed me their story. I tried to silence them. Had to silence them. Really. After all, I couldn’t tell their story unless Collin Edwards and Daveny Montgomery had their shot first!

Let me fill in the blanks for you. I was writing furiously on a submission to White Rose Publishing for their Hearts Crossing contest. Collin and Daveny simply filled up the pages and I fell in love with them completely – but hey, this was a contest. Chances of winning were slim to none when you consider how many talented authors would be participating. Still, I had to try. So, I finished off this heart-warming novella and sent it in.

That’s when the weirdest thing happened. Two of the secondary characters from Hearts Crossing stepped to center stage and threw me into the midst of a story that stole my entire focus. It centered around the modernista versus the clergyman. The gorgeous, vivacious woman versus the quiet, yet completely charismatic missionary. When I wrote this story, the scenes, the dialogue, the characterization, poured out of me like water.

One small problem, though. What about the prequel? What about Daveny and Collin’s story? Ken and Kiara stand just great on their own, but how would I be able to convince White Rose to contract Hearts Surrender if Hearts Crossing didn’t win their interest? Ordinarily that would have stopped my writing angel like a freight train. Not this time, though. The story needed to be told.

I knew I was setting myself up for a letdown, but I had to try, and I figured if I didn’t win the contest, I might still be able to work out details and logistics at a later point. So on I went…or in this case, wrote.

How good is God’s providence and provision? I ended up winning the Hearts Crossing contest! Furthermore, when I told my editor I had a sequel about ready for review, she seemed eager to see it! The rest, as they say, is history. I ended up contracting Hearts Surrender to White Rose Publishing, and beyond that, I have been contracted to create an series of books based around Woodland Church, home of the characters you met in Hearts Crossing, and continue to meet in Hearts Surrender…in fact, Ken Lucerne, the hero of Hearts Surrender, is its pastor. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, and they’ll be coming soon from White Rose Publishing!

Thanks for letting me share my story, and excitement about the release of Hearts Surrender! I hope you enjoy it!

Blurb – Hearts Surrender

Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers, and she longs for deeper meaning in her life.

Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church ; he's adjusting to life on his own following the death of his wife and copes by keeping as busy with parish life and mission work as he can.

A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share, and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns, a love that takes them to a life-point neither would have expected.

After all, can a chic, vivacious woman find fulfillment within the quiet, mission-centered life of a clergyman? Can they trust God's hand strongly enough to surrender their hearts to one another…forever?

Excerpt – Hearts Surrender

“I’ve been the wallflower who bloomed. But I’ve never believed in myself enough to give up the fancy trappings. I've clung to vanity-centered ideals for too long, I suppose. I’ve worked hard to fit in, and finally I succeeded. Problem is, that kind of success is a double-edged sword. That pathway, once you start to follow it, is hard to leave.”

In an unexpected, graceful motion, Ken caught her swing by the chains. He held her in place, suspended backward, with nothing but a cushion of air between them. All at once Kiara went dizzy, tempted once more by that full, supple mouth, and the satiny-looking fall of his thick brown hair. He was close enough to touch. In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to do just that.

“Some time – at some point – I’d like to hear more about that, Kiara. I’d like know how you became the woman you are.”

“I’d bore you to tears. It’s nothing extraordinary.”

“All present evidence to the contrary.” He set her gliding once again and Kiara’s stomach performed a sparkling fall-away. She delighted in his words but forced herself to brush them aside before they could take root and sway her into believing he saw richness to her spirit. After all, it was part of Ken’s persona to be gracious and encouraging.

He continued, “You're moving forward in directions that are not only admirable, but eye-opening – not just for you, most likely, but to everyone who's part of your life. Don't hold to what other people see, or expect of you, Kiara. Be who you are. And while you're at it, create the best version of yourself you can imagine. After all, the only question, with the only relevance that matters, is this: Who are you now?"

When she sailed back his way, he caught the chains of her swing once again and whispered in her ear, "I believe in you."

With that, he released her on a push, sending Kiara on another dizzying spin of sensation. He walked away, retracing his steps up the path to the cabins and mess hall. She swung to a stop then sat in silence for long moments after he left, absorbing, shivering in a way that had nothing at all to do with the cool of the encroaching night.

Purchase Link for Hearts Surrender

Available in Print and Electronic Formats - $4.99 Digital / $11.99 Trade-Size Paperback

The Blog Studio Presents Mary Manners

The Blog Studio band is playing "I Believe There are Angels Among Us" while the camera pans the studio audience. Everyone is singing along and all of them are smiling. As the band concludes, the audience stands and applauds. The band leader bows and raises his hands and the band begins to play the Blog Studio theme song. The curtain raises and Carol Ann Erhardt walks on stage.

"Welcome everyone! I'm so happy to be back with you again. The station has agreed to host The Blog Studio the first Monday of every month. We'll be having a lot of fun getting to know some newer authors, and some of your favorites as well. This morning I'm so happy to launch our new show with a fabulous author. She lives in the foothills of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains with her husband, Tim, her daughter Danni, and the cherished pets they've rescued from local animal shelters…dogs Molly and Abby, and cats Lucky and Gus.


She's active in her church, where she helps cook Wednesday night meals and work with the trustees on church construction and beautification projects. She's also active with the youth, and helps raise funds for mission projects through their breakfast table.

She also teaches 7th grade math and English at Seymour Middle School. She loves working with teenagers, and has been blessed to know many wonderful children and parents during her 25 years of teaching.

She enjoys the outdoors and is looking forward to cooler autumn weather. She enjoys cultivating flowers, taking long walks with her wonderful husband, and reading romance books while lying in a hammock beneath their century-old shade trees.

She's the author of Mended Heart, which she states is a testament to the power of grace and forgiveness. Ten percent of every book sold goes to charity. Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together and give a warm welcome, to a fabulous author, and wonderful human being, my friend...Mary Manners!"

The audience applauds loudly as Mary enters from the left hand side of the stage. The camera pans to a picture taken of Mary and a closeup of her book, Mended Heart.

Mary and Carol Ann embrace and then take seats in the two burgundy leather chairs center stage. There is a small coffee table in front with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and two glasses of lemon water.

CAROL ANN:  Mary, I'm delighted that you could travel to Ohio to be with us today.

MARY:  It's my pleasure! I was so excited about being interviewed today, that I didn't sleep much at all last night.

CAROL ANN:  You look very rested, in spite of that. I'm really impressed with your new book, Mended Heart which released the end of July, right?

MARY: Yes, that's right.

CAROL ANN: Can you tell us a bit about the book?

MARY:  Shane Calkin is a former bad-boy-wannabe fighting to raise his spunky niece and a rambunctious puppy.


Jade McAllister nurses a wounded heart as she struggles to escape her mother’s rejection…and Shane’s.

Nine years have passed since they last saw each other, and a terrible secret looms. Will the secret destroy them, or have the years taught them how to trust…and to love?


CAROL ANN: Oooh. Intriguing. The cover is gorgeous.

Carol Ann hands the book to Mary.

CAROL ANN:  Would you mind reading an excerpt for us?

MARY:  I wasn't expecting this, but sure.

Mary opens the book and turns to a page. Then she smiles at the audience, looks back at the page and begins to read.

MARY:  “What are you doing here?”


Shane slid two English muffins into the toaster and pressed the lever to warm them. “Claire let me in an hour ago. She had to get to the hospital.”

Jade brushed fingers through long strands of wavy hair and tossed her head to work out the tangles. Her eyes glittered beneath sunlight that streamed through the window over the sink, and she pulled the edges of her powder-blue terrycloth robe tighter before cinching the belt. “I’m not a charity case. I don’t need a babysitter.”

He let the comment slide. “Nice slippers.”

She glanced down to see two fuzzy bunny heads staring back at her.

“Claire bought them for me--a gag gift last Christmas.” The pink of a blush crept up her neck. No matter she wasn’t wearing a lick of makeup and that her hair was matted and tangled--she still looked beautiful.”

“I made you breakfast.” He reached for the muffins as they popped from the toaster, nicely browned. He gave each a healthy slap of butter as Jade looked on. The aroma of eggs and crispy bacon filled the air.

“I’m not hungry.” Like a traitor, her stomach chose just that time to let loose a rumble that could have rivaled an earthquake.

“Your belly begs to differ. Did you eat anything at all last night?”

She crossed her arms over her stomach and ignored the question.

Mary closes the book.

CAROL ANN: Wow, just enough to make us want to know more. And, I understand you are going to give away a copy of Mended Heart to one of the lucky Blog Studio audience today. Everyone who comments will get their name entered in a drawing and the winner will be announced on Friday. Also, a reminder that every comment will also get your name entered twice in my monthly drawing for a free $10 Bath and Body Works gift certificate.

MARY:  The person who wins the book can have either an autographed copy if they provide their snail mail address upon winning, or an e-book which can be emailed.

CAROL ANN: Thanks. Now, I'd like to ask a few questions so the audience can get to know you a bit better.

MARY: Gives a nervous laugh. Okay, I think.

CAROL ANN: Besides books, do you have any collections?

MARY:  I really don’t collect anything except favorite books and artwork and such that my daughter has done throughout her school years. She’s getting ready to graduate high school, so it’s a bit of an emotional time for me.

CAROL ANN: Oh, I understand. I have eight children, all of them now out of the home. It was a rough period of adjustment, especially when the last one moved. Okay, another question. You are in a restaurant having lunch, when a reporter shoves a microphone at you and you have one minute to tell the world something very important. What would you say?

MARY: I would tell him what I tell my kids at school…learn as much as you can, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t, and don’t let the past dictate your future. Life’s too short to miss out on opportunities, so believe in yourself and go for it!

CAROL ANN:  Wonderful advice. A dream cannot be realized unless one believes and goes after it.  Author to author, have you ever experienced writer’s block?

MARY: Yes, I've had writer's block.

CAROL ANN:  How did you overcome it?

MARY:  When it hits I…MOW. I mean, I mow my yard. I have two acres, and I push mow the whole thing. And I live on a hill, to boot. For me, mowing is like taking a sledgehammer to a dam—it gets things moving again.

CAROL ANN:  Physical activity is a good way to get the creative juices flowing again. Who can make you laugh?

MARY:  My husband makes me laugh. Oh, he is sooo funny! We have times that we laugh so hard that I cannot breathe. We like to walk together around our neighborhood, and sometimes he’ll say something that gets me laughing so hard I think the neighbors must think I’m off my rocker!

CAROL ANN:  That's wonderful, Mary. And it speaks volumes on what a perfect couple you are and what a great marriage you have. Laughter is so good for the soul. So, tell me, are you an introvert or an extravert and how does that play into your writing life?

MARY:  I am basically an introvert, which is weird because I teach middle school and am surrounded by people all day long. But I’m really OK with alone time, too. And always joke that I’m comfortable talking in front of people who are shorter than me, which limits me because I’m only 5’2’’. As for writing, I am happiest when I have long stretches of quiet time to write, which works best for introverts like me.

CAROL ANN:  I can relate. I'm an introvert, too. I'm much happier with my family and being at home than being at a party. Here's a question that I've thought a lot about. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?

MARY:  I’d write the most amazing story, and I’d walk with my husband and sing with my daughter. I’d do all the things I’ve put off…eat ice cream and éclairs until I popped, too.

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

MARY:  I am deathly afraid of heights. I get nervous climbing a ladder! I hiked Mount LeConte a few weeks ago, and I thought my husband would have to blindfold and lead me to get me through one section. We were 6,200 feet up and had to hug a rock face on a ledge about a foot wide, holding onto a cable for dear life. Once I got up, I wasn’t sure I’d get down. This fear just gets worse as I age. YIKES!!

CAROL ANN: I'm the same way. Maybe worse, because I wouldn't have attempted that hike you took. I get dizzy climbing bleachers!

MARY:  You, too? I guess a lot of people are afraid of heights.

CAROL ANN: Oh, no! The producer is giving me the sign that our time is up. I can't believe how fast this time together has gone. Thank you again, Mary, for sharing so much with us. I wish you the best of luck with your book.

Ladies and gentlemen, please visit MaryMannersRomance.com to learn more about Mary and her books. You can purchase Mended Heart from her publisher WhiteRosePublishing.com.

Free Ebooks for a Year!!!!

My publisher is offering a very sweet deal for our anniversary Bash! Check these out. All it will cost you is a few minutes of your time!

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/

Learn all about it: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/pages/Cross-My-Heart-Free-Read

Moselle's Insurance by LoRee Perry

It's release day Friday at White Rose Publishing. Here is today's new release with a special deal!

Release Day Special offer! Purchase any edition of Moselle's Insurance by LoRee Peery--The latest release from White Rose Publishing--and receive a $5 White Rose Publishing gift certificate FREE. Purchases must be made on 30 July 2010 to be eligible, so hurry before time runs out. http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Moselle39S-Insurance


Creative artist Moselle Carson gives new life to old items, but she can’t seem to renew her shattered ideal of love. When she returns to her hometown to help with a new family business, memories of a broken heart and small-town gossip chip away the tough exterior she’s erected over the years. Now she’s forced to decide whether she’ll rebuild the wall or trust that true love never dies when it is ordained by God.


Generous insurance agent and vulnerable firefighter, Eric Todd, remembers too well how he mistreated Moselle and then set her aside. Now he longs for true love and the second chance to become a husband and father. Can he learn to forgive himself and still keep the secret that may redeem him in her eyes?

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LoRee will be one of my upcoming guest bloggers. I'm excited to be hosting her here so we all can get to know a little more about her.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

Company, Cats, Birds, and Books

This week we had family visiting from Michigan. Hubby's sister and brother-in-law are such great people. Every time we are together we all say how much we wished we lived closer together. Hubby wants to visit Michigan again, so I'm going to see what we can do about getting portable oxygen concentrator and nebulizer so that he can have his wish.

One of our feral cats just walked by my office window and looked in at me. I think she is telling me they want breakfast. I'm still enjoying my view from this lower floor office. The flowers are in full bloom and each day brings new visitors in the form of bees and butterflies of multiple varieties. Most fun is to watch one of the feral cats try to catch a butterfly. Luckily they are too quick for her.

We put a new bird feeder in the back yard. It has two sides to hold two different kinds of seed. One side is for finches and the other for the birds with larger beaks. It's been too wet and rainy to know if the seed will draw them back or not. We used to enjoy sitting on the deck and watching all the different kinds of birds visiting our yard. Of course the cats became a deterrent, but with this feeder the cats can't get to the birds. Plus, we feed the ferals so well they don't seem to bother the birds at all...speaking of which, I better close off this post and feed the cats.

Have a great weekend, and thank you for stopping by to visit!

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Release Day Special offer! Purchase any edition of Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson--The latest release from White Rose Publishing--and receive a FREE .pdf of Teri's award-winning, "Cup of Joe." Purchases must be made on 16 July 2010 to be eligible, so hurry before time runs out. http://bit.ly/d4Tidv

A Time for Healing

Tamelia Tumlin's newest release is available for purchase today. White Rose Publishing is offering a special for today only.

As an active church member, Jaci Sinclair believes the Christian message that forgiveness is open to all…all except her, that is. Years ago, Jaci made a life-changing mistake, and now she’s sure she doesn’t deserve the one thing she wants the most—a family of her own. But when Hunter Grant walks into her life, her world is turned upside-down. Not only does he make her desire a family even more, he shines a lamp on the one thing she refuses to see.

Ex-FBI hostage negotiator, Hunter Grant, has lost the one thing he treasured the most—his family. Filled with bitterness and anger towards God, Hunter vows never to let anyone close to him again. He moves to Yellow Rose, Texas, trying to forget the tragic deaths of his wife and son—deaths he should have prevented. Wanting to lose himself in the sleepy little town, he is not prepared for the powerful feelings Jaci stirs within him.

As Jaci’s and Hunter’s worlds collide, neither is prepared to face the demons that haunt their pasts and hinder their future together, but for everything there is a season…even a time for healing.


Release Day Special offer! Purchase any edition of A Time for Healing, White Rose Publishing’s latest release, and receive a $5 WRP Gift Certificate FREE. Purchases must be made on 9 July 2010 to be eligible, so hurry before time runs out. http://bit.ly/9tE9DP

Hello D.C.!!

I drove to Washington D.C. yesterday for the RWA National Convention. What a beautiful drive! I love the trees and hills of West Virginia. The entire trip gave me fabulous scenery to enjoy. I'm grateful for purchasing the Garmin GPS, which brought me all the way without my having to watch for routes. Love it! The only weird thing is Garmin told me to turn left on Woodley NW, take the next first left and I had arrived at destination. Not true! I found my little Camry dwarfed by huge apartmen buildings on each side. That's when my heart started pounding. How in the world would I find my hotel? I must have put in the wrong address! I don't know how I wound up back on Woodley NW again, but headed in the opposite direction. I went across Connecticut Avenue to the opposite side and there was the hotel! The good Lord watched out for me.

First adventure was to wait for the concierge to help me load my luggage on a rack and turn my car over to Valet attendant. The concierge then stood holding my receipt until I handed him a tip. I knew it was coming, but he was so obvious! How much do you tip for a 50 foot walk into the hotel? I handed him a $5 and he gave me my red receipt.

I went to the registration desk where the clerk happily entered my name and took my ID and credit card. Then she told me the hotel had overbooked for that night and they would happily put me into another hotel and pay for the room. I could come back the next day and check in at the Marriott. She must have seen the total panic in my expression as I shook my head and said, "No, no." She smiled and said she did have a room with one queen bed that was ready. I accepted. "The room is available for your entire stay with us." Well, that was nice. I didn't want to change rooms or hotels! I couldn't believe it when I was assigned a first floor room. With 2,000 romance writers, getting an elevator would have been a nightmare!

The bellhop brought me to my room along with all the luggage, including a case of water which I'd purchased back in Columbus. Imagine my surprise to see a refrigerator in the room! Yay! Cold water for me.

After letting hubby know I'd arrived safely, I ventured out and checked out the huge hotel! Had a sandwich and came back to get my camera. The grounds surrounding the hotel are beautiful. I forgot to bring my camera usb cord so I can't post pictures until I return home. Anyway, I took some pictures of the landscaping and headed back to my room. I ran into a fellow author, Laurie Kingery, who writes for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historicals. We had a nice chat over some food and I retired to my room for the night.

Hooked up my laptop and logged on. I found a google alert and when I followed the link I found that Sarita Leone had posted an interview with me. I thought it was scheduled for the 21st, so I was surprised. Anyway, if you check it out and leave a comment, you might be the winner of a free ebook copy of my latest release, JOSHUA'S HOPE.

http://saritaleonepages.blogspot.com/2009/07/welcome-carol-ann-erhardt.html

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Washington D.C., Here I come!

I'm leaving in 45 minutes for RWA National in Washington, D.C. It is my first experience with the Nationals. Looking forward to seeing writing friends and making new ones! The hotel is huge and gorgeous. I'm looking forward to not having the responsibilities of my day job, but I'll miss my family.

The next few days this blog will contain my experiences, so I hopw you will take the journey with me.

Since I'll be driving, I'm going to soak up all the beautiful scenery. I love the trees and hills in West Virginia and Maryland. But not looking forward to battling any of the semis along the Turnpike.

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Win a FREE Sony e-Reader

Win a Sony eReader from White Rose Publishing!



Visit www.WhiteRosePublishing.com between April 1, 2009 and May 30, 2009 and purchase any title from any of the sponsoring authors. It's easy to enter: Once you purchase a book or short story from any of the participating authors (free read downloads, excluded), email your order number to sonyreader@thewildrosepress.com. That's it. In addition to the wonderful inspirational stories available at White Rose Publishing, SONY will include $25 worth of free downloads from their site with every reader we give away. So enter now!

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Here's your chance to purchase my latest book, JOSHUA'S HOPE, and qualify to win a free Sony eReader!

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