I am what most writers call a "seat of the pants" or "Panster." I prefer to call myself a "dream writer." I have never been able to outline a novel, or to write a synopsis prior to writing the entire story. That, however, poses the problem with writing my synopsis. What to include?
See, once the story is finished, everything is important! Every plot, every subplot, ever beloved character who makes an appearance. Editors don't care. They don't want to know every single thing that happens. It's boring reading a play-by-play condensation of "the great american novel."
So, what to do? How does one pick out the right thing to include in the synopsis? First and foremost, the genre dictates what should be included. But first you need to know your market. For which house are you writing your synopsis? Let's look at the inspirational romantic suspense. Tough. Three separate things that need to be included. I'm targeting the romance market, inspirational line, suspense category.
Romance should be number one. Bear in mind that number one doesn't mean romance should have the biggest percentage. But I need to focus on characters first, plot second. The characters are going to fall in love. They have a problem that prevents them from being together. That something might be a difference in faith. Aha! So I can grab two areas right away which are included in revealing the characters. Before the end of the book, these differences must be resolved. Danger to the heroine? The hero is devastated that he may lose the heroine before he confesses his true feelings. He realizes he cannot succeed alone. He needs God.
This simplifies the process in a broad way, but it is how a good synopsis should be written. Keep it simple. Don't include every single twist and turn; don't do a chapter by chapter revealing. Do include the characters, their problem, their internal conflict, the black moment when all seems lost, and the resolution wit the happily ever after.
Good luck. I'll work on breaking this down into simpler steps, wuth some examples. Each Tuesday through December will be focused on writing the synopsis. Looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday for lesson one.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Spa Confessions
Saturday my daughter took me to a spa for a facial, manicure, and pedicure. Since it was my first time at a spa, I didn't know what to expect. I was a bit nervous and self-conscious. That all faded away as soon as I entered the room for the facial. If you've ever had one, this will be a boring blog, but I'm thinking there are tons of people who have never had this experience...like me.
Yes, I did undress down to my underwear and I wore this cute little terry robe which fit snugly with elastic above my breasts and hung to my knees. The bed I lay on was curved with my feet elevated slightly and my head a tad lower. The music reminded me of that I hear when I play Mah-Jong on my computer, slow, mysterious and relaxing. The room illumination equaled that of a small candle or a nighlight. How could I not relax? My technician...not sure if that was her title or not...first rubbed a lotion on my lower legs and feet. Then she encased my legs and feet in plastic bags. Yes, truly! Next came a warm, wonderful treat. Microwave warm booties that reached above my ankles. She proceeded then to wrap my lower body in the sheet like a mummy. Oh, and the bed was heated, too! Next she did the same thing to my arms and hands. Nice and toast warm and ready to stay there forever. **sigh** She explained everything before she did it. She asked me questions about my facial concerns. Let's see. She washed my face first. At some point she did a treatment like a microderm abrasion which I use at home. Extraction of any impurities, luscious creams, a facial mask to hydrate, a massage. I didn't realize there were so many pressure points in the face. I had a headache when I went in but it disappeared after that massage. I also received a foot and leg massage, hand and arm massage, shoulder and neck massage. It was divine. When my treatment was over, I didn't want to leave. But, alas, I had to get dressed and head off to wait for my pedicure and manicure. My daughter joined me in the pedicure room. Luxury again. My own remote control to control a heated massage chair! A glass of lemon water. A sea salt soak and scrub, followed by a cool shade of nail polish. My legs and feet felt like silk. Mmmmm. The problem came when our assigned technicians (again not sure of their titles) told us we couldn't put our socks and shoes back on for at least three hours! Okay, then. If you've never had a pedicure you probably haven't seen the paper thin disposable flip flops. And it wasn't exactly a warm day. But we didn't want to ruin our pedicures. After our manicures were complete (with another hand and arm massage) we sat under dryers for aobut twenty minutes before heading off to eat lunch...wearing our paper thin disposable flip-flops.
I felt like a queen, regardless of our footwear. Besides, our feet looked too good not have them on display. :)
It was a wonderful way to spend a day with my daughter. Thanks, hon!
Yes, I did undress down to my underwear and I wore this cute little terry robe which fit snugly with elastic above my breasts and hung to my knees. The bed I lay on was curved with my feet elevated slightly and my head a tad lower. The music reminded me of that I hear when I play Mah-Jong on my computer, slow, mysterious and relaxing. The room illumination equaled that of a small candle or a nighlight. How could I not relax? My technician...not sure if that was her title or not...first rubbed a lotion on my lower legs and feet. Then she encased my legs and feet in plastic bags. Yes, truly! Next came a warm, wonderful treat. Microwave warm booties that reached above my ankles. She proceeded then to wrap my lower body in the sheet like a mummy. Oh, and the bed was heated, too! Next she did the same thing to my arms and hands. Nice and toast warm and ready to stay there forever. **sigh** She explained everything before she did it. She asked me questions about my facial concerns. Let's see. She washed my face first. At some point she did a treatment like a microderm abrasion which I use at home. Extraction of any impurities, luscious creams, a facial mask to hydrate, a massage. I didn't realize there were so many pressure points in the face. I had a headache when I went in but it disappeared after that massage. I also received a foot and leg massage, hand and arm massage, shoulder and neck massage. It was divine. When my treatment was over, I didn't want to leave. But, alas, I had to get dressed and head off to wait for my pedicure and manicure. My daughter joined me in the pedicure room. Luxury again. My own remote control to control a heated massage chair! A glass of lemon water. A sea salt soak and scrub, followed by a cool shade of nail polish. My legs and feet felt like silk. Mmmmm. The problem came when our assigned technicians (again not sure of their titles) told us we couldn't put our socks and shoes back on for at least three hours! Okay, then. If you've never had a pedicure you probably haven't seen the paper thin disposable flip flops. And it wasn't exactly a warm day. But we didn't want to ruin our pedicures. After our manicures were complete (with another hand and arm massage) we sat under dryers for aobut twenty minutes before heading off to eat lunch...wearing our paper thin disposable flip-flops.
I felt like a queen, regardless of our footwear. Besides, our feet looked too good not have them on display. :)
It was a wonderful way to spend a day with my daughter. Thanks, hon!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Author Interview with Laurie Kingery
Good morning, Blog Studio!!! Isn't this a beautiful cover? This is the newest release by my dear friend, Laurie Kingery. I'm honored to be able to interview her here in the studio this morning. This will be my final interview of the year. I always take the last two months of the year to wrap myself around family and holidays. That's why I'm thrilled with Laurie's book. I had the pleasure to purchase this book at the Central Ohio Fiction Writer's conference in September. This book captured me from the first page and kept me turning the pages until the last sigh on page 279. This story has something for everyone: mystery, suspense, romance, and breathtaking scenery. With Laurie's vivid descriptions, you'll easily feel you are walking the streets of Llano Crossing, Texas in 1867. But I'd much rather have Laurie tell you about the book. Before I bring her onstage let me tell you a bit about Laurie. 
Laurie Kingery makes her home in central Ohio where she is a "Texan-in-exile." Formerly writing as Laurie Grant for Harlequin Historicals and other publishers, she is the author of sixteen previous books and the 1994 winner of the "Readers' Choice Award" in the short historical category. She has been nominated for "Best first medieval" and "Career Achievement in Western Historical Romance" by "Romantic Times." When not writing her historicals, she loves to travel, read, read her email and write her blog on www.lauriekingery.com. Please put your hands together and welcome my special guest, Laurie Kingery!
**LAURIE WALKS ONSTAGE. SHE HUGS CAROL ANN AND TAKES THE CHAIR OPPOSITE HER IN THE STUDIO.**
CAROL ANN: Laurie, thanks for coming. It's a pleasure to have you in the blog studio today.
LAURIE: Thanks for having me. I've been excited about being interviewed.
CAROL ANN: I've been raving about your book, which I must tell you, I loved, loved, loved! The audience has been waiting to hear more from you. So, please tell us more about your book.
LAURIE: Hill Country Christmas is the story of Delia, a preacher's granddaughter in a small town in post-Civil War Texas, already poor, who faces destitution when her grandfather dies. Then a stranger appears in town bringing her news of her inherited fortune. She's attracted to him, but he claims not to be good enough for her. Very well, she thinks, at least now, as a rich woman, she is the equal of the mayor's son, for whom she has always had feelings. Now he returns those feelings, but is he really what he seems? Meanwhile, the mysterious stranger can't seem to make himself move on. Harboring a secret of his own, he's compelled to stay around to make sure Delia is all right. Will Delia and the stranger learn to trust one another, and God, to know what's best for them? I think I got the idea by wondering what would happen to a Christian who suddenly won the lottery--would sudden wealth destroy him or her? This is just a 19th-century version of that.
CAROL ANN: And, it truly is! I know that you also work full-time like me. Would you mind sharing with the audience what you feel is the hardest thing about being a writer?
LAURIE: Maintaining the discipline to put my derriere in the chair whether I'm feeling "inspired" or not. Actually, these days, inspiration follows a good session of writing rather than preceding it. Once I really get going, it's hard to stop. And that can take an hour or two, some days.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
LAURIE: I've been writing since I was old enough to string sentences together, and even before that, when I could only "draw" (I'm using that term VERY loosely) and tell the story of the sentences. Dad let me borrow an old typewriter, and I started out telling animal stories. In junior high, I wrote stories of the Beatles and my friends. This might have faded out as a childish hobby, but God allowed me success in selling my very first attempt. And then, after I had written 16 historical romances as Laurie Grant, I was ready to quit and the Lord essentially told me I wasn't to waste the talent He had given me. He had my agent urge me to submit to the newly-forming Love Inspired Historical line, and here I am.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
LAURIE: I sold my first book, but I've had other books I couldn't sell--such as a medical suspense I wrote. To date, I haven't sold this book, but I still have hope. I've gone three years without a book out, twice now. And I've seen the door close in my face in the ABA (secular) historical romance market. One overcomes these things just by keeping on keeping on. You only fail if you stop trying.
CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?
LAURIE: Books, of course! After going through a blizzard in 1978 without anything to read (oh horrors!) I shook my fist a la Scarlet O'Hara and vowed never to be bookless again. Now, if I stopped buying books today, I'd still have a TBR pile when I died. I confess many books have been in that pile for years.
CAROL ANN: Oh, I hear you! Me, too. I think this is true for most authors. I have a question I pose to all the authors I interview, and you, my friend, will have to answer as well. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
LAURIE: I think more minds have been affected by words in a positive way than ever by force (a sword).
CAROL ANN: Very well put! The weather has turned really cool here in central Ohio. I love autumn. I love the color changes and the brisk air when the sun is shining. It insires me greatly. 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?
LAURIE: I love both seasons! Do I have to choose?
CAROL ANN: **LAUGH** No, of course not. Actually I enjoy both as well. All right, here's another question. No time to think of a response in advance. 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?
LAURIE: "God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you."
CAROL ANN: You are great! Have you ever thought about hosting interviews? You'd be a great hostess.
LAURIE: Thanks, I think.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
LAURIE: Since I still must work outside of writing (as a full-time ER nurse) that's a challenge. Except when I'm on deadline, I pretty much write only in the afternoons, and there are whole days where I can't get to write at all. At deadline times, though, or when I have revisions to do, the balance shifts so that I am only writing, eating, and sleeping--and working my other job. Appointments and lunches will have to wait, and the dinners I cook are very, very basic.
CAROL ANN: Laurie, our time is finished already. I'm sorry to have to end here. But before we go please tell the audience where they can learn more about you and your books.
LAURIE: My website is www.LaurieKingery.com. You can write me via that. My blog is right there too. My books can be ordered through eHarlequin.com or through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc. If you want to check out my old books as Laurie Grant, go to www.sffnet/people/LaurieGrant
CAROL ANN: Wonderful. Thanks again, Laurie, for taking time out of your busy day to join me here in my studio.
LAURIE: It's been my pleasure, Carol Ann.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Even Funnier than Ralphie in The Christmas Story!!
Hey, don't be so surprised at the subject. Remember this blog is all about what is inside the writer's mind. Right now it's on something hilarious that I learned about one of my friends at work.
Who? Let's call her Kate just for kicks. She's a tiny woman who keeps me in stitches with her smart remarks and her ability to make fun of herself. I'm not even sure what triggered our talk that led to her sharing this bit of humor. This gal has to be one of the most naive people I've ever known.
The story: She was in grade school and standing at the bus stop on a cold icy winter day. Yep, you guessed it. Her little friends told her to "lick a truck bumper." "It's just like licking an ice cream cone. It's soooo good." Well, that's all it took...the mention of an ice cream cone. Kate loves to eat! And she wears a size 2!!! Okay, so she did it. She licked the truck bumper and, yep, just like Ralphie she's stuck to the back end of a truck. All her friends are laughing. When the bus arrives, they wave at her and start to climb on the bus. Not to be left behind, she yanks her tongue off and stands there in the snow, dripping blood. I know, I know. I shouldn't be laughing. Shame on me. But that there story is funny! Why? Because she couldn't eat for a week.
Um, so you aren't laughing like me? Well, maybe I should have told you this story first so you understand how Kate feels about food. She had a couple of rotten sisters. They knew Kate loved food. They were visiting grandma for a week during summer vacation. Grandma told them not to get into the refrigerator before dinner. Grandma was outside working in the garden and evil sisters tell Kate that grandma made meat patties for dinner and she "didn't count them!" They encouraged Kate to get into the refrigerator and check 'em out. Kate decided to eat one. Evil sisters said they weren't hungry and they weren't going to eat any of them at dinner either. So...Kate went ahead and ate two more. A total of three. A bit later Grandma came in and opened the refrigerator. She was furious! "Who fed the dog?" Yep, you got it. Kate ate three slices of dog food. Grandma had opened the top and bottom of the can, pushed out the dog food and sliced it. I mean, how dippy can you be!!!
Are you laughing yet? Hope so. Laughter is good for the soul. And I love Kate. No matter how much she likes to eat. Thanks for stopping by!
Who? Let's call her Kate just for kicks. She's a tiny woman who keeps me in stitches with her smart remarks and her ability to make fun of herself. I'm not even sure what triggered our talk that led to her sharing this bit of humor. This gal has to be one of the most naive people I've ever known.
The story: She was in grade school and standing at the bus stop on a cold icy winter day. Yep, you guessed it. Her little friends told her to "lick a truck bumper." "It's just like licking an ice cream cone. It's soooo good." Well, that's all it took...the mention of an ice cream cone. Kate loves to eat! And she wears a size 2!!! Okay, so she did it. She licked the truck bumper and, yep, just like Ralphie she's stuck to the back end of a truck. All her friends are laughing. When the bus arrives, they wave at her and start to climb on the bus. Not to be left behind, she yanks her tongue off and stands there in the snow, dripping blood. I know, I know. I shouldn't be laughing. Shame on me. But that there story is funny! Why? Because she couldn't eat for a week.
Um, so you aren't laughing like me? Well, maybe I should have told you this story first so you understand how Kate feels about food. She had a couple of rotten sisters. They knew Kate loved food. They were visiting grandma for a week during summer vacation. Grandma told them not to get into the refrigerator before dinner. Grandma was outside working in the garden and evil sisters tell Kate that grandma made meat patties for dinner and she "didn't count them!" They encouraged Kate to get into the refrigerator and check 'em out. Kate decided to eat one. Evil sisters said they weren't hungry and they weren't going to eat any of them at dinner either. So...Kate went ahead and ate two more. A total of three. A bit later Grandma came in and opened the refrigerator. She was furious! "Who fed the dog?" Yep, you got it. Kate ate three slices of dog food. Grandma had opened the top and bottom of the can, pushed out the dog food and sliced it. I mean, how dippy can you be!!!
Are you laughing yet? Hope so. Laughter is good for the soul. And I love Kate. No matter how much she likes to eat. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Coffee Time Break...And a Funny Thing Happened at Work Today...
No, I don't drink coffee, but I will be participating in a chat with my fellow Sweeter Romantic Notions authors at Coffee Time Romance yahoo loop on Wednesday at 6PM EST. My characters from Joshua's Hope will make an appearance as well...and, my sometimes elusive muse. Hope to see you all there.
Anyone who knows me realizes I despise Mondays. I always wish I had one more day to my weekend, especially when I have a busy weekend and no time to have R & R. So, I walked into my office and before I could sit down, my next door office mate walks in and sits in front of my desk. The conversation went something like this:
He: I have a favor to ask. You have two books published, right?
Me: I have three full length books, three short stories, and a fourth in an anthology.
He: Yeah, well. I wondered if you could help me.
Me: Sure, what is it?
He: My wife, who is an English teacher for middle school, is writing a book! How do you handle yours? Do you have an editor that helps you with your books?
Me: Um, well, in order to get an editor, you have to have a manuscript accepted by a publisher first.
He: Oh. Is that how it works?
Me: Yes. Your wife will need to research her market, find agents, editors, or publishing houses who accept that kind of manuscript. She'll need to query first.
He: Okay.
Me: She'll need to not get discouraged if she gets rejected. Most authors are rejected multiple times before being contracted.
He: Well, she's already checked the internet and the kind of book she's writing is really hot right now.
Me: Great! What kind of book is she writing?
He: Science Fiction. For twelve year olds.
Me: That's good.
He: Yeah, she's really good! I read what she's done and it blew my socks off!
Me: It's nice that you are supporting her.
He: Oh, I am. It's really a joint effort. She told me her idea and we brainstormed back and forth.
Me: How far along is she?
He: She's finished six pages already!
Me: Great. I wish you both luck. Um, I really have to get busy now. Let me know if I can be of further help.
He: I will! She's really good! I'm so proud of her.
**sigh** Maybe she'll get lucky and her book will be one of those overnight sensations. You think?
Thanks for stopping by!
Anyone who knows me realizes I despise Mondays. I always wish I had one more day to my weekend, especially when I have a busy weekend and no time to have R & R. So, I walked into my office and before I could sit down, my next door office mate walks in and sits in front of my desk. The conversation went something like this:
He: I have a favor to ask. You have two books published, right?
Me: I have three full length books, three short stories, and a fourth in an anthology.
He: Yeah, well. I wondered if you could help me.
Me: Sure, what is it?
He: My wife, who is an English teacher for middle school, is writing a book! How do you handle yours? Do you have an editor that helps you with your books?
Me: Um, well, in order to get an editor, you have to have a manuscript accepted by a publisher first.
He: Oh. Is that how it works?
Me: Yes. Your wife will need to research her market, find agents, editors, or publishing houses who accept that kind of manuscript. She'll need to query first.
He: Okay.
Me: She'll need to not get discouraged if she gets rejected. Most authors are rejected multiple times before being contracted.
He: Well, she's already checked the internet and the kind of book she's writing is really hot right now.
Me: Great! What kind of book is she writing?
He: Science Fiction. For twelve year olds.
Me: That's good.
He: Yeah, she's really good! I read what she's done and it blew my socks off!
Me: It's nice that you are supporting her.
He: Oh, I am. It's really a joint effort. She told me her idea and we brainstormed back and forth.
Me: How far along is she?
He: She's finished six pages already!
Me: Great. I wish you both luck. Um, I really have to get busy now. Let me know if I can be of further help.
He: I will! She's really good! I'm so proud of her.
**sigh** Maybe she'll get lucky and her book will be one of those overnight sensations. You think?
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Revised Website
I spent about three hours yesterday revamping my website. Moon and Back Graphics designed the actual web graphics and background. I haven't found any web designs that equal Bev's work. She is exceptional. It was great fun to put the pages together. Hope you enjoy them.
This coming week, I have to finish my fall newsletter. If you haven't signed up yet, you can visit my website and click on the link to sign up. You will only receive four newsletters each year. I do not post your email addresses to anyone and you will not receive spam emails from me.
Be sure to stop back in on Thursday. I'll be interviewing my dear friend, Laurie Kingery, about her newest release for Steeple Hill...HILL COUNTRY CHRISTMAS.
I'm also requesting prayers for my son-in-law, Bob, who is being treated for a serious medical condition. Please keep him and his family in your daily prayers.
Thank you for stopping by!
This coming week, I have to finish my fall newsletter. If you haven't signed up yet, you can visit my website and click on the link to sign up. You will only receive four newsletters each year. I do not post your email addresses to anyone and you will not receive spam emails from me.
Be sure to stop back in on Thursday. I'll be interviewing my dear friend, Laurie Kingery, about her newest release for Steeple Hill...HILL COUNTRY CHRISTMAS.
I'm also requesting prayers for my son-in-law, Bob, who is being treated for a serious medical condition. Please keep him and his family in your daily prayers.
Thank you for stopping by!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Shack by William P. Young
A friend in a bible study group asked if I'd read "The Shack" yet. Truthfully, I hadn't heard about the book. This past weekend, while browsing in Moments of Majesty Christian store, I spied the paperback on a shelf and snagged it. Last night I finished it.
As my friend suggests, it makes one think about a lot of things, especially the Trinity and your own relationship with God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit. Also, it researches deep grief, families, and forgiveness.
While a work of fiction, I found myself questioning at times whether it could be real. There are a number of issues and statements made by Young's fictional characterization of God that made me uncomfortable...especially about religion as we have been taught as Christians.
I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but I would recommend it to anyone who is a Christian and struggling with how to let God live within you. If you've read the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
As my friend suggests, it makes one think about a lot of things, especially the Trinity and your own relationship with God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit. Also, it researches deep grief, families, and forgiveness.
While a work of fiction, I found myself questioning at times whether it could be real. There are a number of issues and statements made by Young's fictional characterization of God that made me uncomfortable...especially about religion as we have been taught as Christians.
I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but I would recommend it to anyone who is a Christian and struggling with how to let God live within you. If you've read the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
March of Dimes...Marketing...Guilt
Yesterday I received an envelope from the March of Dimes. Clearly showing through a cellophane window was a dime. I could have thrown the envelope away, but I made a conscious decision to open it. I felt it would be sinful, especially in light of our economy, to throw the dime away.
Inside I found labels for Christmas presents and labels for mailing envelopes and packages. And a response card (on which is the dime) asking for a donation of $10, $12, $15, or Other $. Another dilemma. If I take the dime, and use the labels, does that make me a "bad" person? I think this must have been a carefully thought out "guilt" marketing plan.
Just below the response card is this message:
Mrs. Erhardt, I know I've taken a risk in sending you this dime....There's a chance you might not return it to me along with a few dollars of your own to help us reach out to the nearly 1,400 babies born prematurely and about 330 babies born with serious birth defects each day.
Okay, now take that guilt I already have and multiply it. **sigh**
I'll be like a lot of other people and I'll mail in a check to the March of Dimes. So, now I've spent $15.00 and a stamp and the cost of a check, for 72 mailing labels, 5 package labels, and a dime. But the March of Dimes will use my $15.00 wisely, right? Use it to help those babies born with birth defects?
What do you think? I'd sure like to hear from my readers on this one. If you don't have a Blogger accuont, you can still comment by using the anonymous choice below the comment. If you don't respond, nothing bad will happen to you or to me. How's that for relieving guilt?
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
Inside I found labels for Christmas presents and labels for mailing envelopes and packages. And a response card (on which is the dime) asking for a donation of $10, $12, $15, or Other $. Another dilemma. If I take the dime, and use the labels, does that make me a "bad" person? I think this must have been a carefully thought out "guilt" marketing plan.
Just below the response card is this message:
Mrs. Erhardt, I know I've taken a risk in sending you this dime....There's a chance you might not return it to me along with a few dollars of your own to help us reach out to the nearly 1,400 babies born prematurely and about 330 babies born with serious birth defects each day.
Okay, now take that guilt I already have and multiply it. **sigh**
I'll be like a lot of other people and I'll mail in a check to the March of Dimes. So, now I've spent $15.00 and a stamp and the cost of a check, for 72 mailing labels, 5 package labels, and a dime. But the March of Dimes will use my $15.00 wisely, right? Use it to help those babies born with birth defects?
What do you think? I'd sure like to hear from my readers on this one. If you don't have a Blogger accuont, you can still comment by using the anonymous choice below the comment. If you don't respond, nothing bad will happen to you or to me. How's that for relieving guilt?
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday - Book Clip from Joshua's Hope
Happy Tuesday Morning! Did I tell you all that I'm doing physical therapy twice a week to strengthen my neck and shoulder muscles? So far, so good. Guess this is supposed to help me with the neck and back pain from the arthritis. Hmmm. Time will tell.
I'm reading a book that I can't wait to tell you about. But I'll save that for another day. How about sharing a little clip from my latest release...Joshua's Hope. Enjoy!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Hope took a deep breath and eased open the
bedroom door inch by inch. Assured that no one was
in the hall, she stepped out and silently closed the
door behind her.
Loud voices drifted up the stairwell. She opened
Joshua’s door and slipped inside. His eyes were
open. He stared at her, silent tears carving paths
down his cheeks. She put a finger on her lips, urging
him not to say anything. She lifted him and he
wrapped himself around her like a small monkey.
“Mommy,” he whispered.
“It’s all right. Mommy is going to take you home
with her now. But you have to be very quiet. Can
you do that?”
He nodded against her neck. “I need white
doggie.”
Hope reached for the stuffed animal she’d given
him on his first birthday. The neck fur had been
rubbed off in two places from Joshua’s fingers.
“Mommy will carry white doggie for you. Don’t be
scared and don’t look up. Just hold on tight.”
He nodded again, his arms squeezing tighter.
She kept one arm firmly around him and eased
the door open. So far, so good. She only needed to get
downstairs without being seen.
She closed Joshua’s door and began a slow
descent.
The hairs prickled on the back of her neck,
alerting Hope someone was watching. Swiveling her
head, her gaze locked with Anna’s. For endless
moments, Hope’s heart stopped.
I'm reading a book that I can't wait to tell you about. But I'll save that for another day. How about sharing a little clip from my latest release...Joshua's Hope. Enjoy!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Hope took a deep breath and eased open the
bedroom door inch by inch. Assured that no one was
in the hall, she stepped out and silently closed the
door behind her.
Loud voices drifted up the stairwell. She opened
Joshua’s door and slipped inside. His eyes were
open. He stared at her, silent tears carving paths
down his cheeks. She put a finger on her lips, urging
him not to say anything. She lifted him and he
wrapped himself around her like a small monkey.
“Mommy,” he whispered.
“It’s all right. Mommy is going to take you home
with her now. But you have to be very quiet. Can
you do that?”
He nodded against her neck. “I need white
doggie.”
Hope reached for the stuffed animal she’d given
him on his first birthday. The neck fur had been
rubbed off in two places from Joshua’s fingers.
“Mommy will carry white doggie for you. Don’t be
scared and don’t look up. Just hold on tight.”
He nodded again, his arms squeezing tighter.
She kept one arm firmly around him and eased
the door open. So far, so good. She only needed to get
downstairs without being seen.
She closed Joshua’s door and began a slow
descent.
The hairs prickled on the back of her neck,
alerting Hope someone was watching. Swiveling her
head, her gaze locked with Anna’s. For endless
moments, Hope’s heart stopped.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Writing Tip - Tapping into the Senses
Children are funny, smart, and always thinking. They know how to tap into creativity. Have you ever watched a child open a present, set aside the contents, and play with the box? As an adult, what could you imagine the box could be used for?
What if we could tap into that creative side of our brain? What if we could tune out the world around us and zero in on a make-believe moment? That's what we need to do as a writer. Writing isn't about sitting down and just slapping words onto a computer screen or a piece of paper. Oh, sure, you can do that. But if you haven't committed yourself into your make-believe world first, you won't be successful.
So...how do we tap into that creativity? Here's a tip that works for me. Look at the scene you are trying to create. What is your setting? Let's look at a scene where your character is outside on a sunny day. If you look out your window and see sunshine...walk outside and close your eyes. Experience what you see, what you feel, hear, smell...
Example from my book HIT AND RUN:
She sat on the dock, worn smooth from weather and age, and circled her legs with her arms. The sun warmed her back. She was at peace, wrapped in memories of happier times as she gazed across the water.
A fish jumped, creating ever-widening circles that ebbed toward shore. She turned her face up to the sky where fluffy white clouds billowed, moving and changing shape. When they were small, she and Jilly had been able to find shapes within the clouds. She could hear Jilly's juvenile voice callilng, "Look, Beth, a dragon. See his tail and the fire coming from his mouth?"
So many pleasant memories surrounded her, filling her with a calming peace. She fished until the sun rose higher. Slipping off her shirt, she applied sun lotion as best she could in the areas her bathing suit didn't cover. She stretched out on a towel. The quiet lapping of the lake against the dock supports lulled her into closing her eyes. Her body relaxed and she drifted in hypnotic half-awareness.
Happy writing...and thanks for stopping by!
What if we could tap into that creative side of our brain? What if we could tune out the world around us and zero in on a make-believe moment? That's what we need to do as a writer. Writing isn't about sitting down and just slapping words onto a computer screen or a piece of paper. Oh, sure, you can do that. But if you haven't committed yourself into your make-believe world first, you won't be successful.
So...how do we tap into that creativity? Here's a tip that works for me. Look at the scene you are trying to create. What is your setting? Let's look at a scene where your character is outside on a sunny day. If you look out your window and see sunshine...walk outside and close your eyes. Experience what you see, what you feel, hear, smell...
Example from my book HIT AND RUN:
She sat on the dock, worn smooth from weather and age, and circled her legs with her arms. The sun warmed her back. She was at peace, wrapped in memories of happier times as she gazed across the water.
A fish jumped, creating ever-widening circles that ebbed toward shore. She turned her face up to the sky where fluffy white clouds billowed, moving and changing shape. When they were small, she and Jilly had been able to find shapes within the clouds. She could hear Jilly's juvenile voice callilng, "Look, Beth, a dragon. See his tail and the fire coming from his mouth?"
So many pleasant memories surrounded her, filling her with a calming peace. She fished until the sun rose higher. Slipping off her shirt, she applied sun lotion as best she could in the areas her bathing suit didn't cover. She stretched out on a towel. The quiet lapping of the lake against the dock supports lulled her into closing her eyes. Her body relaxed and she drifted in hypnotic half-awareness.
Happy writing...and thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Tuesday - Writing Tip..."Can't Put it Down Book"
When I first started writing, I formulated each chapter as a "day in the life of" scene. Guess what? I learned quickly how boring that can be. If you end your chapter at the "end" of the scene...day...whatever, how does that entice your reader to keep reading? It is too easy to stick in a bookmark and shut the book. Sometimes days will go by before they pick it up again.
So, how do you get reviews that say "I couldn't put the book down"? Easy. Stop the chapter in the middle of something or leave it with an unanswered question. Come on, you know you've read books like this.
For instance, I just finished reading Karen Harper's BELOW THE SURFACE. The last paragraph of Chapter One: "Bloodred colors exploded before her eyes, in her head. Something huge lunged at her. Then came only blackness."
Could you just close the book on that? I couldn't. Chapter Two ends: "But these sharks almost bumping the boat were no work of art--this race was life and death for real." You bet...I kept on reading...
I've had reviews for my books that said "real page turner", "couldn't put it down", "had to read it all the way through". Those are the kinds of reviews you want to receive. It's the kind of reviews that make your readers anxious to read your next book.
It's like a movie shown in serials. Each one leaves you hungry for the next. So, if you want to create a "can't put it down book", end each chapter with a cliff hanger!
Thanks for stopping by.
So, how do you get reviews that say "I couldn't put the book down"? Easy. Stop the chapter in the middle of something or leave it with an unanswered question. Come on, you know you've read books like this.
For instance, I just finished reading Karen Harper's BELOW THE SURFACE. The last paragraph of Chapter One: "Bloodred colors exploded before her eyes, in her head. Something huge lunged at her. Then came only blackness."
Could you just close the book on that? I couldn't. Chapter Two ends: "But these sharks almost bumping the boat were no work of art--this race was life and death for real." You bet...I kept on reading...
I've had reviews for my books that said "real page turner", "couldn't put it down", "had to read it all the way through". Those are the kinds of reviews you want to receive. It's the kind of reviews that make your readers anxious to read your next book.
It's like a movie shown in serials. Each one leaves you hungry for the next. So, if you want to create a "can't put it down book", end each chapter with a cliff hanger!
Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Monday - Daily Clip on Death and Dying
Last night my son-in-law's mother left her pain behind when God called her home. She put up a hard battle against the leukemia, lymphoma and congestive heart failure. Throughout her trial, she kept her wonderful sense of humor despite the pain.
Today we have one less angel on earth and one more angel singing in God's choir. I know she and her husband who went before her are both smiling down today and wishing their son a happy birthday. They would want him not to mourn but to celebrate. Wonderful warm memories will bring smiles, and they will live forever in the hearts of those who love them.
Thank you for stopping by. May God's blessings be with you today and always.
Today we have one less angel on earth and one more angel singing in God's choir. I know she and her husband who went before her are both smiling down today and wishing their son a happy birthday. They would want him not to mourn but to celebrate. Wonderful warm memories will bring smiles, and they will live forever in the hearts of those who love them.
Thank you for stopping by. May God's blessings be with you today and always.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Weird Insects...Part II
Back again with pics. This first one is the grasshopper...see he looks just like a leaf. If you weren't looking closely, you'd miss him. Cute little fellow.
The pics of this guy didn't turn out as good as I'd hoped. One was very blurry when I tried to get close. He's laying on his side after we knocked him off, but I think you can see the long silky hair and the wings clearly. At the front where the dark part of the head is...he has black "pinchers" like a spider. Very lethal looking.
So does anybody know the name of these two insects? Curious minds want to know.
Thanks for stopping by!
The pics of this guy didn't turn out as good as I'd hoped. One was very blurry when I tried to get close. He's laying on his side after we knocked him off, but I think you can see the long silky hair and the wings clearly. At the front where the dark part of the head is...he has black "pinchers" like a spider. Very lethal looking.
So does anybody know the name of these two insects? Curious minds want to know.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Weird Insects...Part I
While we were camping, we saw a multitude of different colored caterpillars. Our site settled us in a very wooded area with acorn trees and walnut trees. The sound of falling nuts could become loud when they'd strike our gazebo or camper, sometimes creepy...especially at night.
Before we left, I snapped a picture of a strange, but cute, grasshopper of some kind. But while we were taking down the gazebo, we saw a "white caterpillar" and hubby started to lift it off. I stopped him before he touched it. It wasn't an ordinary caterpillar.
Instead it was furry white...with attached white wings with muted black striations. Additionally, it had fangs...big black fangs like a venomous spider. We knocked it to the ground with a stick and I took pictures. I've been searching the internet but I haven't found anything like it yet. Do you know what it might be?
Tomorrow I'll post pictures.
Thanks for stopping by.
Before we left, I snapped a picture of a strange, but cute, grasshopper of some kind. But while we were taking down the gazebo, we saw a "white caterpillar" and hubby started to lift it off. I stopped him before he touched it. It wasn't an ordinary caterpillar.
Instead it was furry white...with attached white wings with muted black striations. Additionally, it had fangs...big black fangs like a venomous spider. We knocked it to the ground with a stick and I took pictures. I've been searching the internet but I haven't found anything like it yet. Do you know what it might be?
Tomorrow I'll post pictures.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
UPDATE!!! -Joshua's Hope Featured on The Romance Studio
Thanks to all my fans who voted on Joshua's Hope! I'm happy to announce that I won the featured spot of the week on their front page!!
http://www.theromancestudio.com/
Check it out!!
http://www.theromancestudio.com/
Check it out!!
Time for Change?
It's been two years since I started this blog and it has taken many different directions. Mostly it's been a rambling brain dump of whatever might be plaguing my mine at the moment.
I think it's time for change.
Look for new topics to begin in October...and a new posting schedule.
For those who are interested my new seasonal newsletter will be coming out this week. If you haven't signed up, please go to my website and sign up today. The only emails you'll receive are my newsletter, or special updates that might fall between newsletters. And you are free to unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for stopping by!
I think it's time for change.
Look for new topics to begin in October...and a new posting schedule.
For those who are interested my new seasonal newsletter will be coming out this week. If you haven't signed up, please go to my website and sign up today. The only emails you'll receive are my newsletter, or special updates that might fall between newsletters. And you are free to unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Ten Days of Paradise...Slammed into Reality
Ugh. After a fabulous ten day vacation, I now have to go back to work...and an hour early! Until 5am this morning, I was so happy and felt at peace with the world despite many weighing family issues. Had a perfect four days of camping in a beautiful state park we'd never been to. The weather was gorgeous, the campsite ideal with complete shade and tons of trees! Managed to get quite a bit of writing done, read a book and started another, but...now it's back to reality.
Work will be stressful for another two weeks due to finalizing our annual holiday trade shows. Ugh!
*************
Our daughter's mother-in-law is in hospice care and they have only given her a few days to live. We've been praying for the entire family as this is extremely difficult to deal with. Caring for a loved one at home, with hospice care, is stressful. Saying goodbye is painful for both the loved one and the family being left behind.
************
I revamped my website yesterday afternoon. And...Joshua's Hope received another top rated review, this one from Fallen Angel Reviews. I was thrilled to see they made it a recommended read! You can check it out on my website.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
Work will be stressful for another two weeks due to finalizing our annual holiday trade shows. Ugh!
*************
Our daughter's mother-in-law is in hospice care and they have only given her a few days to live. We've been praying for the entire family as this is extremely difficult to deal with. Caring for a loved one at home, with hospice care, is stressful. Saying goodbye is painful for both the loved one and the family being left behind.
************
I revamped my website yesterday afternoon. And...Joshua's Hope received another top rated review, this one from Fallen Angel Reviews. I was thrilled to see they made it a recommended read! You can check it out on my website.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Joshua's Hope Needs Your Vote!!
I came back from vacation and found that Joshua's Hope is up for a chance to have free advertising if it wins...
First place is on Jennette Green's Blog where she lists all four and five star reviews. I see that The Faded Photograph also received a four star review, but Joshua's Hope is the one I really want to win. Could you please vote for me before the end of September?
Click to Vote
Also there are only a couple of days left to vote (through Sunday September 28th) for Joshua's Hope as best five heart review on The Romance Studio! Here is the direct link to vote for me:
Click to Vote
Thanks for your support and thanks for dropping by!
First place is on Jennette Green's Blog where she lists all four and five star reviews. I see that The Faded Photograph also received a four star review, but Joshua's Hope is the one I really want to win. Could you please vote for me before the end of September?
Click to Vote
Also there are only a couple of days left to vote (through Sunday September 28th) for Joshua's Hope as best five heart review on The Romance Studio! Here is the direct link to vote for me:
Click to Vote
Thanks for your support and thanks for dropping by!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
ON VACATION....
Hubby and I are heading to a beautiful state park for a five day vacation. I will not have internet access while I'm gone, so I won't be posting on this blog again until Friday, September 26th.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with a little excerpt from JOSHUA'S HOPE. I hope you enjoy...
The old house felt empty tonight. But it wasn’t the house. Not really. The emptiness resided inside her—a kind of emptiness only those who lived alone could feel.
For the first time she questioned if moving to Pine Cove had been a good decision. People here were close—like family, yet she couldn’t be drawn into their circle. Not now, maybe not ever.
She changed into an oversized T-shirt and washed her face before turning down the comforter on the bed. Something peeped out from under the pillow. Trepidation tip-toed along her scalp. She reached out and pinched a corner of the pillowcase. She took a deep breath and lifted it, uncovering an oblong envelope. She opened it and saw a picture of her, Peter and Joshua, but her image had been slashed with a big red X. Terror caused her fingers to tremble. Peter had been inside her house. He knew where she lived. She glanced at the window, trying to penetrate the darkness beyond. Was he watching her now?
Talk to you soon. Stay safe and happy reading!
Carol Ann
Friday, September 19, 2008
Five Heart Review from The Romance Studio...
I can't begin to tell you how many times I doubt myself as a writer. I don't know it that will ever go away. I've come a long way from the loss of self-esteem due to an abusive marriage, but I still have moments when I'm sure every deragatory general remark to a group is targeted at me or at my writing. Each time I release a book, fear settles in. Yesterday I opened an email that brought me to tears. Not the email, though it did start a dreaded churning in my stomach. What kind of review would I get from The Romance Studio? I clicked the link and started to read the review by Dee Dailey, and by the time I got to the end, I was crying tears of relief and joy.
Here's the last paragraph: It’s not until she hits bottom and lets go to really let God into her life that real good happens in her life. This book with its superb storyline has all of the good things that a book can have to keep us reading. Characters, dialogue, suspense all are penned in a way that I think are excellent. The book just naturally flows to a fantastic conclusion. If you need a book to lift you up, this is the one to read. But make sure you have a lot of tissues handy for the tears of frustration and joy that are sure to flow as the story unfolds.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW ON JOSHUA'S HOPE
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Here's the last paragraph: It’s not until she hits bottom and lets go to really let God into her life that real good happens in her life. This book with its superb storyline has all of the good things that a book can have to keep us reading. Characters, dialogue, suspense all are penned in a way that I think are excellent. The book just naturally flows to a fantastic conclusion. If you need a book to lift you up, this is the one to read. But make sure you have a lot of tissues handy for the tears of frustration and joy that are sure to flow as the story unfolds.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW ON JOSHUA'S HOPE
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Joshua's Hope Excerpt
It's Thursday and only two more days to work and I'll be off for nine days! I can't wait. I haven't taken a long vacation in years. At first we thought our camping trip would be lost. The state park called and they have no electric. I might be able to make it without electric, but hubby just can't handle it. So...we checked another state park about eighty miles east and found they had a fully shaded spot available. We were able to transfer everything successfully! Woo hoo!
Our grandson graduated from Tech School and was supposed to come home last night, but he called and said he had missed the briefing and wouldn't be able to leave until today. Bummer. Last night the phone rang...and it was Andrew (grandson). He was sitting in his mom's living room! The stinker had told her that in order to surprise her. I'm so relieved that he's home for a few days before heading to Arizona.
Okay, I promised you an exerpt, didn't I? I am hoping you are intrigued enough to go to The Wild Rose Press and purchase a download of the ebook for only $6.00! Just click inspirational on the sidebar and you'll go to the books. You'll find the information for purchase there. You don't need an ereader either...you can read it right on your computer screen. It's fun! I'm excited...Joshua's Hope is the number one inspirational full length novel!
Excerpt - Joshua's Hope
If it hadn’t been for her fear that Peter would do her extreme physical harm, she would have stayed in the marriage. Peter had a volatile temper, and when it exploded, Hope was always the target. He wanted to control her in every single way, but Hope had grown up so independent that she resisted. She’d watched Peter’s mother succumb to his father’s domineering nature time and time again. Hope didn’t want to end up like her.
As she drove down the winding drive to the house she’d always found intimidating, her heart began to beat faster. “Please, God, let Peter be out of town.” Her words floated in the air-conditioned expanse of the car.
Her chest constricted as she crested the hill and saw Peter’s sportscar parked in the driveway. She took a deep breath to compose herself before leaving the safety of the car.
As she walked toward the house, the door swung open.
Peter raked her with an intimidating glance. “You look pathetic.”
She bit back a smart retort.
Peter’s dark brown eyes held no warmth. He pushed the door wider and stepped aside. “We need to talk.”
Here we go again. Peter was geared for another bashing session meant to break her down. Control. He was all about control. She wouldn’t let him break her spirit.
“I’m here to visit Joshua. There’s nothing to say that hasn’t already been said. It’s over between us, Peter.”
She pushed past him, but he grabbed her arm. His fingers dug into her flesh and she bit back a cry of pain.
“It’s not over until I say it’s over.”
Their eyes locked in a visual battle.
He gave her a hard shake.
She pulled free.
“Mommy!” Joshua bounded down the stairs with all the exuberance of a typical four-year-old. He launched himself into her arms and clung tightly to her neck. “You came. I missed you, Mommy.”
“I missed you, too, peanut.”
Joshua giggled. “I’m not a peanut.”
She poked a finger into his tummy. “You’re my peanut.”
He wiggled free and slipped down to the floor.
“Joshua.” Peter’s voice sliced the air.
Joshua looked at his dad. The smile slid from Joshua’s face, and his chin touched his chest.
“Look at me, young man.”
Joshua did.
“Behave yourself. When your mother leaves, you are to take a nap and remain there until I come get you. Understand?”
Joshua nodded.
“Speak up!”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Hope took Joshua’s hand and glared at Peter.
“If you want to see him again, don’t leave without talking to me.” Peter’s hand closed around her arm, fingers digging deep into her flesh. His eyes narrowed as he pressed harder.
She didn’t flinch, didn’t blink, didn’t let him see the pain he caused. When Hope married him, she’d already been in love with his son. Peter paid no attention to Joshua, leaving his care to a nanny. It broke Hope’s heart whenever she saw the baby who didn’t know how to smile. “If you insist.”
“Don’t be smart. I’m being generous by allowing you to see my son.”
Hope didn’t fool herself. The only reason Peter allowed her to see Joshua each Saturday was to keep her under his thumb. “I know. Now may I please take Joshua to his room for our visit?”
He released her. Their eyes battled for a second, and then she lifted the boy into her arms, turned her back, and walked up the stairs.
“Daddy’s mad,” Joshua said.
“He’s not mad at you. He’s upset with Mommy.”
When she reached the hallway at the top of the stairway, she hurried into Joshua’s room, closed the door, and leaned against it.
Joshua looked at her with tear-filled eyes. “He said I been bad and couldn’t see you.”
Tears ran down his cheeks and Hope hugged him close to reassure him. “I won’t let that happen, peanut. I promise.”
“Daddy said you don’t love me.” He broke into quiet sobs that hurt more than Peter’s hands had.
Hope kissed his cheeks while forcing back her own tears. “Mommy loves you more than anything else in the whole wide world. I’ll always love you...always. No matter what anyone else says, you remember that. Okay?”
He nodded.
She ruffled his hair.
“Mommy?”
“What, sweetie?”
He ducked his head, making it difficult for her to hear. “Daddy hitted me for being bad.”
Rage lit a fire in her veins. She clutched Joshua to her chest and fought the desire to snatch him and drive fast and far, someplace where Peter would never find them. The reality was, though, that Joshua was not hers. She’d be arrested for kidnapping which would only make things worse for both of them, especially Joshua. “I’m sorry, sweetie.” She kissed the top of his head and sat on the twin bed, holding Joshua on her lap.
“Mommy, can I live with you? I don’t want to live with Daddy.”
“Mommy is trying real hard to fix things so you can live with me.” There had to be one attorney who wasn’t afraid of Peter Courtland and his henchmen. She’d do whatever it took to protect Joshua.
His tear-filled eyes drove a spike through her heart. His lips quivered. “Tomorrow?”
Our grandson graduated from Tech School and was supposed to come home last night, but he called and said he had missed the briefing and wouldn't be able to leave until today. Bummer. Last night the phone rang...and it was Andrew (grandson). He was sitting in his mom's living room! The stinker had told her that in order to surprise her. I'm so relieved that he's home for a few days before heading to Arizona.
Okay, I promised you an exerpt, didn't I? I am hoping you are intrigued enough to go to The Wild Rose Press and purchase a download of the ebook for only $6.00! Just click inspirational on the sidebar and you'll go to the books. You'll find the information for purchase there. You don't need an ereader either...you can read it right on your computer screen. It's fun! I'm excited...Joshua's Hope is the number one inspirational full length novel!
Excerpt - Joshua's Hope
If it hadn’t been for her fear that Peter would do her extreme physical harm, she would have stayed in the marriage. Peter had a volatile temper, and when it exploded, Hope was always the target. He wanted to control her in every single way, but Hope had grown up so independent that she resisted. She’d watched Peter’s mother succumb to his father’s domineering nature time and time again. Hope didn’t want to end up like her.
As she drove down the winding drive to the house she’d always found intimidating, her heart began to beat faster. “Please, God, let Peter be out of town.” Her words floated in the air-conditioned expanse of the car.
Her chest constricted as she crested the hill and saw Peter’s sportscar parked in the driveway. She took a deep breath to compose herself before leaving the safety of the car.
As she walked toward the house, the door swung open.
Peter raked her with an intimidating glance. “You look pathetic.”
She bit back a smart retort.
Peter’s dark brown eyes held no warmth. He pushed the door wider and stepped aside. “We need to talk.”
Here we go again. Peter was geared for another bashing session meant to break her down. Control. He was all about control. She wouldn’t let him break her spirit.
“I’m here to visit Joshua. There’s nothing to say that hasn’t already been said. It’s over between us, Peter.”
She pushed past him, but he grabbed her arm. His fingers dug into her flesh and she bit back a cry of pain.
“It’s not over until I say it’s over.”
Their eyes locked in a visual battle.
He gave her a hard shake.
She pulled free.
“Mommy!” Joshua bounded down the stairs with all the exuberance of a typical four-year-old. He launched himself into her arms and clung tightly to her neck. “You came. I missed you, Mommy.”
“I missed you, too, peanut.”
Joshua giggled. “I’m not a peanut.”
She poked a finger into his tummy. “You’re my peanut.”
He wiggled free and slipped down to the floor.
“Joshua.” Peter’s voice sliced the air.
Joshua looked at his dad. The smile slid from Joshua’s face, and his chin touched his chest.
“Look at me, young man.”
Joshua did.
“Behave yourself. When your mother leaves, you are to take a nap and remain there until I come get you. Understand?”
Joshua nodded.
“Speak up!”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Hope took Joshua’s hand and glared at Peter.
“If you want to see him again, don’t leave without talking to me.” Peter’s hand closed around her arm, fingers digging deep into her flesh. His eyes narrowed as he pressed harder.
She didn’t flinch, didn’t blink, didn’t let him see the pain he caused. When Hope married him, she’d already been in love with his son. Peter paid no attention to Joshua, leaving his care to a nanny. It broke Hope’s heart whenever she saw the baby who didn’t know how to smile. “If you insist.”
“Don’t be smart. I’m being generous by allowing you to see my son.”
Hope didn’t fool herself. The only reason Peter allowed her to see Joshua each Saturday was to keep her under his thumb. “I know. Now may I please take Joshua to his room for our visit?”
He released her. Their eyes battled for a second, and then she lifted the boy into her arms, turned her back, and walked up the stairs.
“Daddy’s mad,” Joshua said.
“He’s not mad at you. He’s upset with Mommy.”
When she reached the hallway at the top of the stairway, she hurried into Joshua’s room, closed the door, and leaned against it.
Joshua looked at her with tear-filled eyes. “He said I been bad and couldn’t see you.”
Tears ran down his cheeks and Hope hugged him close to reassure him. “I won’t let that happen, peanut. I promise.”
“Daddy said you don’t love me.” He broke into quiet sobs that hurt more than Peter’s hands had.
Hope kissed his cheeks while forcing back her own tears. “Mommy loves you more than anything else in the whole wide world. I’ll always love you...always. No matter what anyone else says, you remember that. Okay?”
He nodded.
She ruffled his hair.
“Mommy?”
“What, sweetie?”
He ducked his head, making it difficult for her to hear. “Daddy hitted me for being bad.”
Rage lit a fire in her veins. She clutched Joshua to her chest and fought the desire to snatch him and drive fast and far, someplace where Peter would never find them. The reality was, though, that Joshua was not hers. She’d be arrested for kidnapping which would only make things worse for both of them, especially Joshua. “I’m sorry, sweetie.” She kissed the top of his head and sat on the twin bed, holding Joshua on her lap.
“Mommy, can I live with you? I don’t want to live with Daddy.”
“Mommy is trying real hard to fix things so you can live with me.” There had to be one attorney who wasn’t afraid of Peter Courtland and his henchmen. She’d do whatever it took to protect Joshua.
His tear-filled eyes drove a spike through her heart. His lips quivered. “Tomorrow?”
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Verdict Is....
...degenerative disc disease. My neck and upper vertebra have severe problems. And I have severe arthritis across my upper back. Doctor is recommending therapy and maybe a home traction machine.
My doctor helps train interns from OSU. Today Dr. Jones was in attendance with my doctor. While my doctor was waiting on some lab results, Dr. Jones used some manipulation on my upper rib by rotating my upper arms and shoulder. Amazing that the pain from the front collar bone was minimalized. But by the time I got home I was in exreme pain.
Back to the anti-inflammatories for the time being. Hopefully, therapy will be scheduled soon and I will get some relief.
Thanks for stopping by!
My doctor helps train interns from OSU. Today Dr. Jones was in attendance with my doctor. While my doctor was waiting on some lab results, Dr. Jones used some manipulation on my upper rib by rotating my upper arms and shoulder. Amazing that the pain from the front collar bone was minimalized. But by the time I got home I was in exreme pain.
Back to the anti-inflammatories for the time being. Hopefully, therapy will be scheduled soon and I will get some relief.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remnants of Ike
I've never been tempted to live in line of a hurricane. My brother and his family live in La Porte and suffered the brunt of Ike's strength. Thankfully, they are all right and only suffered exterior wind damage. I can't imagine living through winds of that force. Last night Ike blew through the midwest and hit Columbus with winds up to 75 miles an hour. We are not used to that kind of wind force. The power lines to the streetlights are lying in the street, a tree blocks one end of our street from passage, and we only suffered a few shingles being damaged, some tree limbs down and my hubby's pretty gazing ball that sits by the pond blew off and broke. However, driving to work today was a real challenge. None of the streetlights are working. Ugh! It took me 45 minutes to drive six and a half miles. We have no phones at work, and since we are a distribution company, this has posed a huge challenge! We have no internet or intranet either, which impacts our email and with no phones, our entire warehouse has been stalled. The system for pulling orders is driven through the phone lines...yeah, big problem.
On the drive home I saw uprooted trees, trees that had fallen through roofs, smashed cars...
Our youngest daughter and family have been without electric since yesterday when a tree took out power lines in their neighborhood.
So...to live where the hurricane would hit full force? Uh, no thanks!
Hope you all fared better! Stay safe and thanks for stopping by.
On the drive home I saw uprooted trees, trees that had fallen through roofs, smashed cars...
Our youngest daughter and family have been without electric since yesterday when a tree took out power lines in their neighborhood.
So...to live where the hurricane would hit full force? Uh, no thanks!
Hope you all fared better! Stay safe and thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Author Interview with Lena Nelson Dooley
Excitement runs high in The Blog Studio as the camera pans the audience. The curtain lifts and the audience applauds as Carol Ann walks onstage.
“Good morning! Can you believe this beautiful weather here in central Ohio? Great sleeping weather. In fact, I had a hard time getting up this morning.” Carol Ann looks over her clothing. “Yep, I remembered everything.” The audience laughs.
“I’m excited to introduce our author for today. Lena Nelson Dooley is a full-time writer, who loves to help new authors hone their skills. Multi-published and award-winning, Lena has had thirteen of the people she's mentored receive book contracts after working with her. This is a great joy to her. Several times a year, she speaks for writers groups or women’s groups both here in the US and internationally. Lena lives in Texas with her husband of over 40 years. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their family. James and Lena are active in Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, where she volunteers in the bookstore. She's also on the altar ministry team and helps with Global Ministry and PrimeTime. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest for the day…Lena Nelson Dooley!”
Audience applauds as Lena walks onstage.
CAROL ANN: Thanks for joining us today, Lena.
LENA: I’m happy to be here.
CAROL ANN: Tell me about this new anthology.
**Carol Ann holds up a book and the camera pans in closer**
LENA: I believe it was Tamela Hancock Murray who first contacted me about the book--Snowbound Colorado Christmas. There was a major blizzard in Colorado in 1913. It snowed for six days, leaving 48 inches behind. That became the setting for this novella collection. The collection contains these stories: Fires of Love by Tamela Hancock Murray, The Best Medicine by Lena Nelson Dooley, Dressed in Scarlet by Darlene Franklin, and Almost Home by Susan Page Davis.
The stories start at the first party of the Christmas season in the home of Tamela's heroine. In my story, my hero is the new doctor in town. He treats one of the guests at the party who gets sick after eating something he's allergic to. My heroine is the daughter of the owner of the ranch where the heros father had been the foreman.
One of the joys of writing this book, besides the story, was delving into the history of 1913. We worked really hard to make the setting and characters true to the times.
CAROL ANN: It sounds great. I’m anxious to get a copy. You have helped many writers with their careers. Tell me what you feel is the hardest thing about being a writer?
LENA: The whole process of selling novels to publishers is full of waiting times. I was not a patient person by nature, but God has refined patience in me through the selling process. Snowbound Colordo Christmas is my 18th book release, so I've had plenty of chances to practice patience.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
LENA: Several events happened in the first week of May in 1984. The whole story is in my writing testimony on the bottom of the main page of my web site. Your readers can check out the whole story there.
In addition, I believe that God created me to be a writer. He gives each one of us the abilities He wants to develop and use in our lives. Many people discover those abilities and let Him lead them. Others do not.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
LENA: My major stumbling block early on was that I wanted to write the stories I wanted to read, instead of letting God tell me which stories He wanted me to write. I also needed to hone my skills and learn good writing habits.
CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?
LENA: I first started collecting crosses. I have several of those, both jewelry kinds and others. I later started collecting angels. I have a rather large collection of them. Many of my angels stay out all year around, but I also have many that only come out at Christmas. I have an angel mantel scarf, and I arrange angels on the mantel during the holiday season. I really like angels that are more masculine looking, but they're hard to find. I also have a wall hanging with all the scriptures about what the Bible says angels do. This is a very interesting subject.
CAROL ANN: Your collections sound very interesting. I really like the masculine looking angels. Tell me, do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
LENA: Yes. If you can get people to stop the fighting and listen to reason, it gives the Lord time to work on their hearts. The written word often leads to this.
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?
LENA: Actually, you've mentioned my two favorite seasons. In Texas, summer gets way too hot for me, so I stay in air conditioning as much as possible, and when the weather is really cold, it bothers my asthma. Probably my favorite season is spring with everything budding and blooming. Spring symbolizes new life and a new chance to me. I also love the colors of autumn, the return of temperatures where I can feel comfortable being out in the sunshine.
CAROL ANN: Now, put on your creative hat. 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?
LENA: I had that happen when I was interviewed by Steve Bonenberger for his syndicated radio show. He gave me one minute at the end to tell America whatever I wanted to. I used it to say that we need to go back to our foundations. Our country was founded on godly principles and we need to return to that.
If it's a word for the whole world, I would say: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have eternal life." So often we as Christians think this scripture is only for those who eventually believe in Jesus. That is so far off. I recently found out about the protein laminin. This protein glues each of the cells in our body to the others. Laminin is shaped like a cross. God put his sign of redemption on every cell in every human who has ever lived. He did this in creation. Our God is the God of eternity, and He wants everyone to come to His Son so they can live eternally with Him. He loves the alcoholic on skid row, the prostitute and drug addict on the streets as much as He loves each Christian in church. Understanding that will change the way we look at those around us and give us an urgency to find a way to reach them with the truth.
Okay, maybe that took more than a minute, but it is important.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
LENA: It took me a lot of time to learn how to do that. I work at home, so I turned one of the bedrooms (after my daughters left home) into an office. I get up in the morning, do my exercises, eat breakfast, spend time with the Lord, then go to the office. When I'm on a deadline, I don't even answer the phone while I'm writing. However, if I'm not on a drop-dead deadline, James can come into my office any time he wants to and ask me to do something with him, and I'll stop what I'm doing and go. On his days off, he often takes me on long or short breaks out to eat, shopping, or to the movies.
I also plan days off to spend with friends. It took me quite a while for some people to understand that being a writer is a "real" job.
CAROL ANN: It looks like our time is up. Before they shut us off the air, where can readers learn more about you and your books?
LENA: You can see all my books on my web site www.lenanelsondooley.com . On my blog, I interview other authors about their recent releases, and they give away free copies of books. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com . There are links to email me on both the web site and blog. I also have an Internet presence on Shoutlife: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley If you're there, too, ask me to be your friend.
CAROL ANN: **Hugs Lena** Thank you so much for your time and for coming all the way from Texas to Ohio for our interview.
“Good morning! Can you believe this beautiful weather here in central Ohio? Great sleeping weather. In fact, I had a hard time getting up this morning.” Carol Ann looks over her clothing. “Yep, I remembered everything.” The audience laughs.
“I’m excited to introduce our author for today. Lena Nelson Dooley is a full-time writer, who loves to help new authors hone their skills. Multi-published and award-winning, Lena has had thirteen of the people she's mentored receive book contracts after working with her. This is a great joy to her. Several times a year, she speaks for writers groups or women’s groups both here in the US and internationally. Lena lives in Texas with her husband of over 40 years. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their family. James and Lena are active in Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, where she volunteers in the bookstore. She's also on the altar ministry team and helps with Global Ministry and PrimeTime. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest for the day…Lena Nelson Dooley!”
Audience applauds as Lena walks onstage.
CAROL ANN: Thanks for joining us today, Lena.
LENA: I’m happy to be here.
CAROL ANN: Tell me about this new anthology.
**Carol Ann holds up a book and the camera pans in closer**
LENA: I believe it was Tamela Hancock Murray who first contacted me about the book--Snowbound Colorado Christmas. There was a major blizzard in Colorado in 1913. It snowed for six days, leaving 48 inches behind. That became the setting for this novella collection. The collection contains these stories: Fires of Love by Tamela Hancock Murray, The Best Medicine by Lena Nelson Dooley, Dressed in Scarlet by Darlene Franklin, and Almost Home by Susan Page Davis.
The stories start at the first party of the Christmas season in the home of Tamela's heroine. In my story, my hero is the new doctor in town. He treats one of the guests at the party who gets sick after eating something he's allergic to. My heroine is the daughter of the owner of the ranch where the heros father had been the foreman.
One of the joys of writing this book, besides the story, was delving into the history of 1913. We worked really hard to make the setting and characters true to the times.
CAROL ANN: It sounds great. I’m anxious to get a copy. You have helped many writers with their careers. Tell me what you feel is the hardest thing about being a writer?
LENA: The whole process of selling novels to publishers is full of waiting times. I was not a patient person by nature, but God has refined patience in me through the selling process. Snowbound Colordo Christmas is my 18th book release, so I've had plenty of chances to practice patience.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
LENA: Several events happened in the first week of May in 1984. The whole story is in my writing testimony on the bottom of the main page of my web site. Your readers can check out the whole story there.
In addition, I believe that God created me to be a writer. He gives each one of us the abilities He wants to develop and use in our lives. Many people discover those abilities and let Him lead them. Others do not.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
LENA: My major stumbling block early on was that I wanted to write the stories I wanted to read, instead of letting God tell me which stories He wanted me to write. I also needed to hone my skills and learn good writing habits.
CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?
LENA: I first started collecting crosses. I have several of those, both jewelry kinds and others. I later started collecting angels. I have a rather large collection of them. Many of my angels stay out all year around, but I also have many that only come out at Christmas. I have an angel mantel scarf, and I arrange angels on the mantel during the holiday season. I really like angels that are more masculine looking, but they're hard to find. I also have a wall hanging with all the scriptures about what the Bible says angels do. This is a very interesting subject.
CAROL ANN: Your collections sound very interesting. I really like the masculine looking angels. Tell me, do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
LENA: Yes. If you can get people to stop the fighting and listen to reason, it gives the Lord time to work on their hearts. The written word often leads to this.
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?
LENA: Actually, you've mentioned my two favorite seasons. In Texas, summer gets way too hot for me, so I stay in air conditioning as much as possible, and when the weather is really cold, it bothers my asthma. Probably my favorite season is spring with everything budding and blooming. Spring symbolizes new life and a new chance to me. I also love the colors of autumn, the return of temperatures where I can feel comfortable being out in the sunshine.
CAROL ANN: Now, put on your creative hat. 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?
LENA: I had that happen when I was interviewed by Steve Bonenberger for his syndicated radio show. He gave me one minute at the end to tell America whatever I wanted to. I used it to say that we need to go back to our foundations. Our country was founded on godly principles and we need to return to that.
If it's a word for the whole world, I would say: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have eternal life." So often we as Christians think this scripture is only for those who eventually believe in Jesus. That is so far off. I recently found out about the protein laminin. This protein glues each of the cells in our body to the others. Laminin is shaped like a cross. God put his sign of redemption on every cell in every human who has ever lived. He did this in creation. Our God is the God of eternity, and He wants everyone to come to His Son so they can live eternally with Him. He loves the alcoholic on skid row, the prostitute and drug addict on the streets as much as He loves each Christian in church. Understanding that will change the way we look at those around us and give us an urgency to find a way to reach them with the truth.
Okay, maybe that took more than a minute, but it is important.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
LENA: It took me a lot of time to learn how to do that. I work at home, so I turned one of the bedrooms (after my daughters left home) into an office. I get up in the morning, do my exercises, eat breakfast, spend time with the Lord, then go to the office. When I'm on a deadline, I don't even answer the phone while I'm writing. However, if I'm not on a drop-dead deadline, James can come into my office any time he wants to and ask me to do something with him, and I'll stop what I'm doing and go. On his days off, he often takes me on long or short breaks out to eat, shopping, or to the movies.
I also plan days off to spend with friends. It took me quite a while for some people to understand that being a writer is a "real" job.
CAROL ANN: It looks like our time is up. Before they shut us off the air, where can readers learn more about you and your books?
LENA: You can see all my books on my web site www.lenanelsondooley.com . On my blog, I interview other authors about their recent releases, and they give away free copies of books. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com . There are links to email me on both the web site and blog. I also have an Internet presence on Shoutlife: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley If you're there, too, ask me to be your friend.
CAROL ANN: **Hugs Lena** Thank you so much for your time and for coming all the way from Texas to Ohio for our interview.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wow...Another Five Star Review
Okay, so I was googling my name last night and ran across a link to a review by Fallen Angel Reviews for Foxfire. I didn't know this review existed! They gave it five stars (um, I mean angels). I've included some snippets below. You can check out the entire review by clicking here.
****
...From the sizzling chemistry between Grace and Tyler to the nail biting suspense of getting away from a madman Ms. Erhardt took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The addition of some very quirky characters only adds to an already engaging read...I found myself racing through to the end because if anyone deserves a happy ending it’s these two. I just couldn’t quite see how Ms. Erhardt was going to pull it off; there were so many things in the way. I needn’t have worried. Foxfire is an engaging tale, and Ms. Erhardt should be congratulated on a tale well told.
****
It doesn't get any better than that!
Thanks for stopping by!
****
...From the sizzling chemistry between Grace and Tyler to the nail biting suspense of getting away from a madman Ms. Erhardt took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The addition of some very quirky characters only adds to an already engaging read...I found myself racing through to the end because if anyone deserves a happy ending it’s these two. I just couldn’t quite see how Ms. Erhardt was going to pull it off; there were so many things in the way. I needn’t have worried. Foxfire is an engaging tale, and Ms. Erhardt should be congratulated on a tale well told.
****
It doesn't get any better than that!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
First Review for Joshua's Hope
Sometimes reviews come out of the blue. It's amazing how they work. My publisher sends them out about a month before the books release to a huge list of review sites. I've had recent reviews come in for Foxfire which released in January of 2007. One never knows when to expect a review. The worst part about waiting is the self-doubt. I worry that my "baby" is horrible, that no one will like it, that I shouldn't even be writing. It never fails that I think of something I should have written differently in the book. **sigh** But then a review comes in and **gasp** the reader liked it! What a wonderful feeling. It's worth so much more than any amount of money (which is good because authors don't write to get rich...well, unless you are one of the favored few who constantly hit the New York Times list).
Here is the review.
Title: Joshua's Hope
Author: Carol Ann Erhardt
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Inspirational White Rose
212 pages Sweet
8/29/2008
1-60154-321-2
Blurb:
Hope Courtland escaped her marriage to save her life. Her only regret is leaving her four-year-old stepson, Joshua, behind. Though she wants custody, no attorney is willing to tackle her ex-husband in a custody battle. Hope's faith begins to falter. She learns that Joshua is paying the consequences for her freedom, and in an act of desperation, she kidnaps him. Suddenly, she becomes a suspect in her ex-husband's murder.
Zack Stone is content to be sheriff of Pine Cove, Tennessee, where the worst conflict he deals with is handing out speeding tickets. Though his faith is strong, he struggles with issues of forgiveness surrounding his wife's death. When he rescues Hope in a rainstorm, the last thing he expects is to find a woman who stirs his heart. Being a small town sheriff shouldn't involve kidnapping and murder, but Zack can't turn his back on Hope and the little boy she loves.
Review:
Having never read anything by this writer before, I wondered what to expect – would I be happy or disappointed?
Well, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed Joshua's Hope. It has all the ingredients necessary for a good story: mystery, suspense and romance.
The book is very cleverly plotted, and bowls along at a fast pace. The characters are so clearly drawn you immediately have a rapport with them and feel you could be friends, should you meet, although there are a couple of characters I wouldn't want to meet on a dark night – or even in daylight, come to that.
I didn't intend to read the book in one sitting but I did – it was hard to put down – a real page turner.
I look forward to reading more of Carol Ann Erhardt's work.
Reviewed by Mawgana
The review was from Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction. Click here for the main site link. My review is posted on their blog "Between the Lines" blog under the WDRF Reviews. Be sure to check out the other great books that have been reviewed.
On Thursday, I'll be interviewing inspirational author Lena Dooley on my blog. And if you missed it, be sure to check out Patti Lacy's interview from last Thursday.
Thanks for stopping by!
Here is the review.
Title: Joshua's Hope
Author: Carol Ann Erhardt
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Inspirational White Rose
212 pages Sweet
8/29/2008
1-60154-321-2
Blurb:
Hope Courtland escaped her marriage to save her life. Her only regret is leaving her four-year-old stepson, Joshua, behind. Though she wants custody, no attorney is willing to tackle her ex-husband in a custody battle. Hope's faith begins to falter. She learns that Joshua is paying the consequences for her freedom, and in an act of desperation, she kidnaps him. Suddenly, she becomes a suspect in her ex-husband's murder.
Zack Stone is content to be sheriff of Pine Cove, Tennessee, where the worst conflict he deals with is handing out speeding tickets. Though his faith is strong, he struggles with issues of forgiveness surrounding his wife's death. When he rescues Hope in a rainstorm, the last thing he expects is to find a woman who stirs his heart. Being a small town sheriff shouldn't involve kidnapping and murder, but Zack can't turn his back on Hope and the little boy she loves.
Review:
Having never read anything by this writer before, I wondered what to expect – would I be happy or disappointed?
Well, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed Joshua's Hope. It has all the ingredients necessary for a good story: mystery, suspense and romance.
The book is very cleverly plotted, and bowls along at a fast pace. The characters are so clearly drawn you immediately have a rapport with them and feel you could be friends, should you meet, although there are a couple of characters I wouldn't want to meet on a dark night – or even in daylight, come to that.
I didn't intend to read the book in one sitting but I did – it was hard to put down – a real page turner.
I look forward to reading more of Carol Ann Erhardt's work.
Reviewed by Mawgana
The review was from Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction. Click here for the main site link. My review is posted on their blog "Between the Lines" blog under the WDRF Reviews. Be sure to check out the other great books that have been reviewed.
On Thursday, I'll be interviewing inspirational author Lena Dooley on my blog. And if you missed it, be sure to check out Patti Lacy's interview from last Thursday.
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Health Scare....
Wow, what a weird past few days. No blogging. Why? I've been in the hospital. I'll tell the story, but first to alleviate any questions, I'm home and I do not have any problems with my heart.
It all started with some chest discomfort on Tuesday night, followed by back pain on Wednesday, then pressure/pain in the chest on Thursday along with pain in my right shoulder, arm and hand. Went to Urgent Care on Thursday and they rushed me by squad to the hospital. Ugh. Spent the next few days visiting with a heart specialist and undergoing a barrage of tests. The worst was the medicated heart stress test. I thought I'd just get to walk on the treadmill like before, but no. This was horrible! I have never experienced anything so bad. I would even prefer childbirth again over this. I thought every vein in my neck and head were going to explode. I felt like I had a balloon in my throat that kept expanding larger and larger. I couldn't talk for about five minutes afterward. But, in a way, I'm glad I opted to have that first without going for the catharization.
My heart is fine. No malfunction. No blockage. So...what is the problem. My regular doctor ordered a gall bladder ultrasound and found no stones. But, that doesn't mean the gall bladder is functioning fully, so he's going to keep an eye on that. Also ordered x-rays of the neck area to determine if something there is causing the pain in shoulder and arm. In the meantime, he said I could come home and they could schedule other tests as outpatient. Yesterday I had worse chest pains, but my arm and shoulder pain lessened. Hmmm. Yesterday morning I took the medication the doctor had prescribed last Friday (before hospital) which was to see if it would help the arm pain. But my chest pain was back. Now I'm wondering if that medication is what has been causing all my problems. Going to stay off it for now and see what happens. I go see doctor next week.
So, my friends, I'll be back to blogging again...a lot poorer...not much wiser.
Thanks for stopping by.
It all started with some chest discomfort on Tuesday night, followed by back pain on Wednesday, then pressure/pain in the chest on Thursday along with pain in my right shoulder, arm and hand. Went to Urgent Care on Thursday and they rushed me by squad to the hospital. Ugh. Spent the next few days visiting with a heart specialist and undergoing a barrage of tests. The worst was the medicated heart stress test. I thought I'd just get to walk on the treadmill like before, but no. This was horrible! I have never experienced anything so bad. I would even prefer childbirth again over this. I thought every vein in my neck and head were going to explode. I felt like I had a balloon in my throat that kept expanding larger and larger. I couldn't talk for about five minutes afterward. But, in a way, I'm glad I opted to have that first without going for the catharization.
My heart is fine. No malfunction. No blockage. So...what is the problem. My regular doctor ordered a gall bladder ultrasound and found no stones. But, that doesn't mean the gall bladder is functioning fully, so he's going to keep an eye on that. Also ordered x-rays of the neck area to determine if something there is causing the pain in shoulder and arm. In the meantime, he said I could come home and they could schedule other tests as outpatient. Yesterday I had worse chest pains, but my arm and shoulder pain lessened. Hmmm. Yesterday morning I took the medication the doctor had prescribed last Friday (before hospital) which was to see if it would help the arm pain. But my chest pain was back. Now I'm wondering if that medication is what has been causing all my problems. Going to stay off it for now and see what happens. I go see doctor next week.
So, my friends, I'll be back to blogging again...a lot poorer...not much wiser.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Author Interview with Patti Lacy
The Blog Studio camera pans the audience as the band finishes playing. Slowly the curtain rises and Carol Ann walks onstage.
"Good morning! I'm so happy to be here today!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
"It's been a long time. A lot has been happening that has kept me away from the stage. I know, I know...some of you wish I'd stayed on it!"
LAUGHTER
"Sorry, that was a cheap joke. Seriously, I am happy to be back and I have a special guest that I know you are going to enjoy. I met Patti in ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and when her book released, I knew I had to have her in the studio. I had the pleasure of reading her book, which by the way, won a four star review in Romantic Times magazine October 2008 issue."
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
"Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Patti Lacy!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
Patti walks onstage and takes a seat on the chair opposite Carol Ann.
PCAROL ANN: Patti, thank you so much for stopping by the studio this morning.
PATTI: It's my pleasure, Carol Ann. Thank you for inviting me.
CAROL ANN: This is Patti's book, An Irishwoman's Tale. Isn't the cover beautiful?
CAMERA PANS IN
CAROL ANN: I really enjoyed your book, Patti, but I'll let you tell the audience all about it.
PATTI: In 1995, “Mary,” a red-haired woman in a book discussion group I formed stayed late after one of the meetings. I thought she just wanted to help me clean up and pick through the juicy Hors D’oeuvres I’d spent hours making, but she had something else in mind. As I chatted about my kids, she paced in the family room, finally plopping into a rocker.
“What is your first memory?” Mary asked me.
“I don’t know. I’ve never had to think about it,” I answered.
Her eyes took on a glint of steel. “How pretty. Not to have to think of it.”
Hours later, I’d been gifted a tragic yet majestic story of God’s forgiveness and sovereignty over even the most dysfunctional situations.
Four years later, my family moved away from Mary’s town, yet by now, Mary and I’d become close friends, and stayed in touch. During quiet times, Mary’s story often slipped into my thoughts, and I’d shake my head. Someone sure should write that story, I’d tell myself. One January morning, God told me to do it. I opened a computer file, titled it An Irishwoman’s Tale, and the journey started and didn’t end until Mary and I went back to Ireland two years later, and I’d signed a book contract.
Here’s a summary of Mary’s story: Her entire life, Mary’s struggled to understand why, as a precocious five-year-old, she was torn from her beloved Ireland. She remembers…“An oaken table, moon-shaped faces guzzling tea. Cup after cup of the steaming stuff. Asking what’s to be done with the little eejit.” And a few other dark and nasty things.
No matter how hard she tries, the memory stains Mary’s relationship with everyone—including God. It takes the crisis of her daughter’s substance abuse and the urging of a new chatty new Southern friend to propel her back to the rugged cliffs of County Clare. There, in spite of the secrets she uncovers, Mary experiences God’s healing and glimpses His sovereign plan.
CAROL ANN: Your visit to Ireland had to help tremendously with your ability to paint a perfect picture of the areas involved. As an author, what is the hardest thing you find about being a writer?
PATTI: Fighting through the self-doubt and lonely times when not even your family likes your work. Committing to writing for that Audience of One. A poster listing God’s names hangs near my computer, reminding me who I need to listen to when the path gets rocky.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
PATTI: Just that still, small Voice telling me to write this story, then the next and the next.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
PATTI: When we take family vacations related to air travel, my husband reminds everyone to “hurry up and wait.” The snail’s pace of the publishing industry brings out my impatient side. It’s also been a challenge to balance writing with editing with marketing.
CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?
PATTI: My first major in college was geology, and I graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Education, English and Earth Science teaching fields. We’ve carted unbelievably heavy boxes of rocks from our attic in Texas to our attic in Indiana to their present resting place in our cramped Illinois basement. Sometimes I dig through the dusty plastic specimen boxes and haul them around for elementary school show-and-tell time. Mainly they gobble up space. I’ve given quite a few away but hold onto the gross coprolites, the shapely fluorite, the sparkling pyrite, to remind me of God’s intricate designs in every aspect of creation.
CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?
PATTI: Ephesians 6:17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” In eternity-speak, God-inspired words will win more victories than even the most sophisticated nuclear weapons.
CAROL ANN: Very well said! Patti, which inspires you more? A brisk walk in the autumn with the leaves changing color, or in the spring when the flowers and trees are budding? Why?
PATTI: Even though I live in the Midwest, I’m a Southern girl at heart. The winter winds chill my bones and the lack of sunlight darkens my spirit. Brisk walks with The Stooges, a riotous trio of exercise pals, keep me going during the snow and below-freezing temperatures, but by March, I’m ready to see green shoots and pastel flowers.
CAROL ANN: You are sitting in a restaurant with several friends when someone walks up to you and thrusts a microphone in your hand. You have one minute to tell the world something....what will it be?
PATTI: I would do my best to paraphrase Romans 13, the love chapter.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
PATTI: It’s not too hard to do that, living in Normal, Illinois. I’m just a normal mom, trying to run a household and do my job. When my son gets up for work around five a.m., I stumble to the kitchen and make his lunch. Dawn is a great time for prayer and praise! Around 6:30, I write down the day’s tasks in a cool leather journal, then start pecking at the keyboard until I complete my daily allotment of WIP pages. By noon, it’s time to exercise, be a friend, a mom, a wife, and that includes shopping, cooking, cleaning and the million other things we women do. Sometimes I squeeze in a few more writing responsibilities; sometimes not.
CAROL ANN: Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???
PATTI: Come on over to www.pattilacy.com! There’s contests (prize, $15 Barnes & Noble gift card), writing updates, book reviews, and more. At the current time, I don’t have a blog, but I update my website at least once a month. My e-mail is patti@pattilacy.com.
CAROL ANN: Patti, thank you again for coming by and thanks for the gift of An Irishwoman's Tale. I couldn't put it down! I got so caught up in Mary's story and her life that sometimes I went to bed sad, sometimes prayerful. Thanks for a wonderful read. I recommmend this book to anyone who loves a good story.
"Good morning! I'm so happy to be here today!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
"It's been a long time. A lot has been happening that has kept me away from the stage. I know, I know...some of you wish I'd stayed on it!"
LAUGHTER
"Sorry, that was a cheap joke. Seriously, I am happy to be back and I have a special guest that I know you are going to enjoy. I met Patti in ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and when her book released, I knew I had to have her in the studio. I had the pleasure of reading her book, which by the way, won a four star review in Romantic Times magazine October 2008 issue."
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
"Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Patti Lacy!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
Patti walks onstage and takes a seat on the chair opposite Carol Ann.
PCAROL ANN: Patti, thank you so much for stopping by the studio this morning.
PATTI: It's my pleasure, Carol Ann. Thank you for inviting me.
CAROL ANN: This is Patti's book, An Irishwoman's Tale. Isn't the cover beautiful?
CAMERA PANS IN
CAROL ANN: I really enjoyed your book, Patti, but I'll let you tell the audience all about it.
PATTI: In 1995, “Mary,” a red-haired woman in a book discussion group I formed stayed late after one of the meetings. I thought she just wanted to help me clean up and pick through the juicy Hors D’oeuvres I’d spent hours making, but she had something else in mind. As I chatted about my kids, she paced in the family room, finally plopping into a rocker.
“What is your first memory?” Mary asked me.
“I don’t know. I’ve never had to think about it,” I answered.
Her eyes took on a glint of steel. “How pretty. Not to have to think of it.”
Hours later, I’d been gifted a tragic yet majestic story of God’s forgiveness and sovereignty over even the most dysfunctional situations.
Four years later, my family moved away from Mary’s town, yet by now, Mary and I’d become close friends, and stayed in touch. During quiet times, Mary’s story often slipped into my thoughts, and I’d shake my head. Someone sure should write that story, I’d tell myself. One January morning, God told me to do it. I opened a computer file, titled it An Irishwoman’s Tale, and the journey started and didn’t end until Mary and I went back to Ireland two years later, and I’d signed a book contract.
Here’s a summary of Mary’s story: Her entire life, Mary’s struggled to understand why, as a precocious five-year-old, she was torn from her beloved Ireland. She remembers…“An oaken table, moon-shaped faces guzzling tea. Cup after cup of the steaming stuff. Asking what’s to be done with the little eejit.” And a few other dark and nasty things.
No matter how hard she tries, the memory stains Mary’s relationship with everyone—including God. It takes the crisis of her daughter’s substance abuse and the urging of a new chatty new Southern friend to propel her back to the rugged cliffs of County Clare. There, in spite of the secrets she uncovers, Mary experiences God’s healing and glimpses His sovereign plan.
CAROL ANN: Your visit to Ireland had to help tremendously with your ability to paint a perfect picture of the areas involved. As an author, what is the hardest thing you find about being a writer?
PATTI: Fighting through the self-doubt and lonely times when not even your family likes your work. Committing to writing for that Audience of One. A poster listing God’s names hangs near my computer, reminding me who I need to listen to when the path gets rocky.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
PATTI: Just that still, small Voice telling me to write this story, then the next and the next.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
PATTI: When we take family vacations related to air travel, my husband reminds everyone to “hurry up and wait.” The snail’s pace of the publishing industry brings out my impatient side. It’s also been a challenge to balance writing with editing with marketing.
CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?
PATTI: My first major in college was geology, and I graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Education, English and Earth Science teaching fields. We’ve carted unbelievably heavy boxes of rocks from our attic in Texas to our attic in Indiana to their present resting place in our cramped Illinois basement. Sometimes I dig through the dusty plastic specimen boxes and haul them around for elementary school show-and-tell time. Mainly they gobble up space. I’ve given quite a few away but hold onto the gross coprolites, the shapely fluorite, the sparkling pyrite, to remind me of God’s intricate designs in every aspect of creation.
CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword? Why?
PATTI: Ephesians 6:17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” In eternity-speak, God-inspired words will win more victories than even the most sophisticated nuclear weapons.
CAROL ANN: Very well said! Patti, which inspires you more? A brisk walk in the autumn with the leaves changing color, or in the spring when the flowers and trees are budding? Why?
PATTI: Even though I live in the Midwest, I’m a Southern girl at heart. The winter winds chill my bones and the lack of sunlight darkens my spirit. Brisk walks with The Stooges, a riotous trio of exercise pals, keep me going during the snow and below-freezing temperatures, but by March, I’m ready to see green shoots and pastel flowers.
CAROL ANN: You are sitting in a restaurant with several friends when someone walks up to you and thrusts a microphone in your hand. You have one minute to tell the world something....what will it be?
PATTI: I would do my best to paraphrase Romans 13, the love chapter.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
PATTI: It’s not too hard to do that, living in Normal, Illinois. I’m just a normal mom, trying to run a household and do my job. When my son gets up for work around five a.m., I stumble to the kitchen and make his lunch. Dawn is a great time for prayer and praise! Around 6:30, I write down the day’s tasks in a cool leather journal, then start pecking at the keyboard until I complete my daily allotment of WIP pages. By noon, it’s time to exercise, be a friend, a mom, a wife, and that includes shopping, cooking, cleaning and the million other things we women do. Sometimes I squeeze in a few more writing responsibilities; sometimes not.
CAROL ANN: Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???
PATTI: Come on over to www.pattilacy.com! There’s contests (prize, $15 Barnes & Noble gift card), writing updates, book reviews, and more. At the current time, I don’t have a blog, but I update my website at least once a month. My e-mail is patti@pattilacy.com.
CAROL ANN: Patti, thank you again for coming by and thanks for the gift of An Irishwoman's Tale. I couldn't put it down! I got so caught up in Mary's story and her life that sometimes I went to bed sad, sometimes prayerful. Thanks for a wonderful read. I recommmend this book to anyone who loves a good story.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Joshua's Hope - Bestseller
Joshua's Hope released on August 28th at The Wild Rose Press. I'm so excited to announce that it is number one on the Inspirational full length list and number two on the overall (includes short stories) Inspirational list! Woo hoo!!
Last night the winner for the Sony eReader was announced in the TWRP chat room. The chat was moving so rapidly that I missed capturing the last name of the winner, but congratulations to Dianne! For those who didn't win and for those who missed entering the summer giveaway, there is another one scheduled to begin on September 22nd. Stay tuned for details.
Tomorrow I'm interviewing Patti Lacy, author of An Irishwoman's Tale. I had the privilege of reading this wonderful novel. Be sure to stop in and read the interview and feel free to leave comments or ask questions. You don't have to have a blogger account to do that. All you need to do is post as "annonymous".
Sorry I've been so neglectful of the blog, but real life has a way of intruding on the best laid plans of a writer. Hope to do better this month.
Thanks for stopping by!
Last night the winner for the Sony eReader was announced in the TWRP chat room. The chat was moving so rapidly that I missed capturing the last name of the winner, but congratulations to Dianne! For those who didn't win and for those who missed entering the summer giveaway, there is another one scheduled to begin on September 22nd. Stay tuned for details.
Tomorrow I'm interviewing Patti Lacy, author of An Irishwoman's Tale. I had the privilege of reading this wonderful novel. Be sure to stop in and read the interview and feel free to leave comments or ask questions. You don't have to have a blogger account to do that. All you need to do is post as "annonymous".
Sorry I've been so neglectful of the blog, but real life has a way of intruding on the best laid plans of a writer. Hope to do better this month.
Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
NEWS BLAST!!!
The print releaase for JOSHUA'S HOPE has moved up to December 5th!!! Now you can purchase it as a Christmas gift for yourself or for a friend, family member, or colleague. This is a book you can give your grandmother and it won't cause her to lose her eyeglasses or have a heart attack.
Of course, you can get it sooner! How? The ebook version is available on August 29...that's this Friday! Why wait? If you are reading this, you can read my book the same way...on your computer screen. Then you can purchase the paperback in December to add to your bookshelf if you are a collector like I am.
If you'd like more information on JOSHUA'S HOPE, you can read the first chapter on my website, and also view the book trailer. Many authors pay huge bucks to create book trailers to promote their books, but I just don't have that kind of money. Instead, I created my own. The models for the pictures are members of my family, and the voice narrating is mine.
Click here to go to my website.
Click here to watch the video trailer.
Have a great day!
Of course, you can get it sooner! How? The ebook version is available on August 29...that's this Friday! Why wait? If you are reading this, you can read my book the same way...on your computer screen. Then you can purchase the paperback in December to add to your bookshelf if you are a collector like I am.
If you'd like more information on JOSHUA'S HOPE, you can read the first chapter on my website, and also view the book trailer. Many authors pay huge bucks to create book trailers to promote their books, but I just don't have that kind of money. Instead, I created my own. The models for the pictures are members of my family, and the voice narrating is mine.
Click here to go to my website.
Click here to watch the video trailer.
Have a great day!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
New Review for Foxfire
FOXFIRE
CAROL ANN ERHARDT
Romance/Suspense
The Wild Rose Press
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
ISBN# 1-60154-029-9
199 pages
$6.00 eBook/ Print Price $10.99
eBook/Print - Available Now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Tyler Sandford is Foxfire’s new veterinarian. He’s cute as a button, hot for Grace, but he’s got darkness in his aura, at least that’s what Harri says. Harri is Foxfire’s resident psychic.
Grace Wilkins is a darling little redhead with a past. Can she run from it? Or will her past haunt her forever?
This is an intriguing murder mystery complete with an ultimate bad guy, a hero, heroine and a wonderful happy ever after.
I was surprised, don’t know why really, but this story was awesome, I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense until the very end. Not only was Ms. Erhardt able to draw the picture effectively with her words for me; she kept the suspense riveting until the very end. I loved the romance between Tyler and Grace; I thought that developed nicely, as well as the romance between Harri and Brad, and between Adam and Lainey. The scenery, the lifestyle, and the relationships are so very well described and drawn out for the reader, it is delightful. If you are a romantic at heart, and if you love suspense, this is a fabulous read! I loved it! Great job Ms. Erhardt!!
Desiree de Cleves
Enchanting Reviews
CAROL ANN ERHARDT
Romance/Suspense
The Wild Rose Press
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
ISBN# 1-60154-029-9
199 pages
$6.00 eBook/ Print Price $10.99
eBook/Print - Available Now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Tyler Sandford is Foxfire’s new veterinarian. He’s cute as a button, hot for Grace, but he’s got darkness in his aura, at least that’s what Harri says. Harri is Foxfire’s resident psychic.
Grace Wilkins is a darling little redhead with a past. Can she run from it? Or will her past haunt her forever?
This is an intriguing murder mystery complete with an ultimate bad guy, a hero, heroine and a wonderful happy ever after.
I was surprised, don’t know why really, but this story was awesome, I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense until the very end. Not only was Ms. Erhardt able to draw the picture effectively with her words for me; she kept the suspense riveting until the very end. I loved the romance between Tyler and Grace; I thought that developed nicely, as well as the romance between Harri and Brad, and between Adam and Lainey. The scenery, the lifestyle, and the relationships are so very well described and drawn out for the reader, it is delightful. If you are a romantic at heart, and if you love suspense, this is a fabulous read! I loved it! Great job Ms. Erhardt!!
Desiree de Cleves
Enchanting Reviews
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tick-Tock...Tick-Tock...Time is Running Out
for your chance to win a free Sony e-reader! Don't be left out. This is a fabulous prize worth $300. Click here to find out more about the e-reader.
My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, and some of my fellow authors chipped in to offer this fabulous prize for one lucky reader. I'd like you to be the winner!
More information here.
It's very easy to enter!
Don't let this chance go by. The final day to enter is August 31.
If you win, you can read my newest release JOSHUA'S HOPE in ebook format without having to wait until February to get the print release!
Thanks for stopping by!
My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, and some of my fellow authors chipped in to offer this fabulous prize for one lucky reader. I'd like you to be the winner!
More information here.
It's very easy to enter!
Don't let this chance go by. The final day to enter is August 31.
If you win, you can read my newest release JOSHUA'S HOPE in ebook format without having to wait until February to get the print release!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Editing Craziness
I'm deeply embedded in edits on a book that has been driving me crazy. I've decided the problem was starting it in the wrong place...so that meant writing new beginning chapters. I also added some additional layers, so that means extensive editing of all the completed chapters. Once I'm through all that, then I'll be able to write the climax and resolution.
No one told me writing would be easy. I guess I thought it would be...ha!! A rude awakening.
Actually, I love writing. I just don't like editing. Unfortunately editing is what an author does most of the time.
You'll have to forgive me if I miss a few days of posting for the next few weeks.
I do have an author interview scheduled for the 21st of this month. And, don't forget...Joshua's Hope will be released on the 29th!!
Thanks for stopping by!
No one told me writing would be easy. I guess I thought it would be...ha!! A rude awakening.
Actually, I love writing. I just don't like editing. Unfortunately editing is what an author does most of the time.
You'll have to forgive me if I miss a few days of posting for the next few weeks.
I do have an author interview scheduled for the 21st of this month. And, don't forget...Joshua's Hope will be released on the 29th!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Study in Neon
Sometimes you run across the funniest items when rummaging in "rarely" used dresser drawers. This time my hubby was the treasure hunter. The pictures were snapped about seventeen years ago. I worked for a company known for planning fun company get-togethers. This particular outing...a picnic at the zoo...the theme was "neon". Prizes would be awarded to the best decked out neon family. My youngest daughter and I were pretty creative and luckily hubby liked the attention he received from being a bit "our of the ordinary." Enjoy!
Oh, yeah! We won.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, yeah! We won.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Author Interview with Cheryl Wyatt
The audience smiles and waves as the camera pans while the Blog Studio band plays "Come Fly With Me". The song ends and the announcer introduces our Blog Studio hostess...Carol Ann Erhardt.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm soooo excited to introduce you to my guest today. Several months ago, I posted a blog about my husband picking up the book I'd been reading, "A Soldier's Promise." He started telling me what happened when the hero talked the heroine into jumping from an airplane. I had to stop him because he was telling me about a part of the book I hadn't yet read! The author of that book is Cheryl Wyatt. Cheryl happened to read the blog post and comment, and now we have the pleasure of meeting her!
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Both of her debut novels (Books 1 and 2 in her Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill) have received Romantic Times Top Picks. In addition, both books received the honor of being on eHarlequin's Top Ten Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists which included several NYT Bestselling authors. "Promise" came in at #4 and "Family" came in at #1.
Please put your hands together for Cheryl Wyatt!!!
CAROL ANN: Cheryl, thanks for coming. I'm so happy to meet you! **Carol Ann hugs Cheryl and they walk to the seats at center stage.**
CAROL ANN: Tell me about your books. **Carol Ann holds up two books and the camera pans in**
CHERYL: I decided to write about Pararescue Jumpers because I LOVE action romance and these guys are special ops airmen. They really do exist and their creed intrigued me because it reminded me of the sacrifice of Jesus and His words when He said, "Greater love has no man than this...that he'd lay his life down for his friends." PJs creed is similar to the Coast Guards and ends with the words, "So others may live." They basically risk their own lives to save not even friends but strangers. I love writing heroes and heroines who are rescuers since I have a strong sense of being rescued by God. The PJ books featuring team mates Joel and Manny are the ones that sold first. So far there are five books in the Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill. You can still purchase A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family online. Then in 2009, so far three more Wings of Refuge PJ stories are scheduled to release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Ready-Made-Family in April 2009, A Soldier's Reunion-June 2009 and Nanny-Made-Family (tentative title and date) to release in October 2009.
CAROL ANN: I can't wait for the next books in this series. I've so enjoyed reading your first two. Tell me, what is the hardest thing about being a writer?
CHERYL: Finding uninterrupted time to write and balancing family life with writing. Also, a hard part for me is spreading the word about my books. I'd rather other people tell people about my books....so if you've read them and love them PLEASE HELP ME by spreading the word. LOL! I always feel like I'm pushing myself off on people. But on the other hand, my publisher took a big chance on me and I owe it to them out of respect and loyalty to help get the word out. So I do a lot of digital marketing using venues such as Shoutlife, My Space, blogtours, etc.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
CHERYL: About seven years after I started writing I knew for sure. I'd just sent an e--mail and was reading my tagline that says, "Pouring my vial of words over Him" when I felt Him ask me if I'd promise to always write as worship. I whispered, "Yes, Lord. You know I will." THAT moment THE CALL came. Then a year and a half later when I started getting reader letters...I KNEW it was God because of how He used the books to move people emotionally and to make them laugh when they needed it.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
CHERYL: Lately I had a huge stumbling block in that I was in a car accident that totalled the car of the woman who caused the wreck, my car and also my foot and ankle were badly fractured. As I type this I'm still on crutches in fact and facing another surgery in a matter of days. I also injured my hands in the wreck because they went through the steering wheel, but my fingers didn't. So the impact bent both my hands completely backwards. I have to wear braces every night and am in extreme pain. I was unable to type for almost two months after the wreck. AND I had TWO books due. So, I knew it was a situation where, if God wanted the books out, He was gonna have to give me the wherewithal to push through and type through the pain. I tried dictating the story and it would not flow. So I cut my daily writing time down from six hours to two. The books took longer to write and were more challenging because of it, but constantly going to Him in prayer was the only way I could manage. How I overcame it was because He sustained me.
And also, the surgeon who operated on my foot after the wreck is (THANK GOD!) a hand specialist. He and his staff at the orthopedic center are definitely Heaven-sent right now. God also used several people to encourage me during the writing of the first book I had to type out in such pain. More than one person called me at different times (people who don't know each other or have contact at all) and gave me nearly identical words...that I was to keep writing no matter what. To not let anything deter me. It was freaky because that kind of thing hasn't ever happened before so profoundly with my writing. It was like God was sensing my honest wondering about whether to pull back from it or hire someone to type a dictation of it. He sent people to encourage me who had no idea the difficulty I was having with typing.
Yes, I could have received an extension from my gracious and understanding editors but I did not feel that's what God wanted me to do. Plus they gave me very cushy deadlines to begin with. We didn't anticipate the hands were going to give me such trouble. LOL! When I'd consider asking for a later deadline, I felt Him nudging me to "push through, push through, I'll give you everything you need minute by minute, letter by letter, word by word, paragraph by paragraph, push through." And He did. I turned both of my books in recently and am praying the editor (and future readers) love them. The two books will release in 2009 (A Soldier's Reunion and Nanny-Made-Family is the tentative title for the second book, which wasn't nearly as hard as the first. One funny thing was, before my wreck, I'd given my heroine a broken ankle in a bridge collapse. Then after I broke my ankle after writing those scenes...I changed that aspect of the book! LOL! I knew there was no way she could walk on it as soon as she did. Talk about living the research. NO fun. LOL! I felt so sorry for my heroine I broke her wrist instead of her ankle because the ankle hurt worse. LOL!
CAROL ANN: Many people would have given up. It's clear that God is calling you to write. An off the writing subject topic: Do you collect anything?
CHERYL: I used to collect miniatures and even make them out of clay and anything I could find. I started collecting them when I was little and even my dad got me this little set of furniture. But when children came along several years ago I got rid of all my miniature houses and box after box of miniatures. Now I collect any momento that reminds me to pray for a person. Such as, in India following the tsunami when I went with a media and humanitarian team there, several children orphaned by the tsunami told me their stories. Then we danced around the beach in the waves and they taught me games in the sand and then collected a bottle full of seashells so I could bring them back and remember their parents that (in their words) "the sea took away" and remember to pray for them. I also have a real alabaster jar from Paris and real spike nard from Israel that my best friend at the time brought back for me because she knows the alabaster jar story is my favorite in the Bible. When I see that (heavy!) jar, I think of her and pray for her. She moved to another state. So it's things like that that remind me to pray for a person.
CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
CHERYL: Um...I don't know. Actually, no. I've seen some mighty wicked swords. On the other hand the Bible does say that wounds of the spirit are much harder to heal than wounds in the flesh and bone. I'm sorry I forgot the verse and book and I'm not near a concordance at the moment or I'd provide it. It's a really obscure verse. So I guess writing could be like the spoken word if it has power to heal, hurt, build up or break down. I wouldn't recommend writing anything that puts someone down these liability-ridden days though....there's this thing called slander...LOL! Honestly that is one of the hardest questions I've ever had to ponder. What do you think? **Audience laughs**
CAROL ANN: You're the first guest who has turned the question back to me! You're so right about the liability issue. I believe the pen is definitely mightier than the sword. Look at the Bible. It has survived while many swords have fallen. And I believe our writing can reach out and touch the lives of someone who needs to glimpse good things happening to those who reach out for Him. Okay, my turn to ask another question. Which inspires you more? A brisk walk in the autumn with the leaves changing color, or in the spring when the flowers are and trees are budding?
CHERYL: Both equally for different reasons. I LOVE when the leaves start falling and changing, especially in the area I live. It's so beautiful and rustic. On the other hand, I love Spring because everything is being made new after a long, hard winter. We're like that. We go through seasons. Autumn means Winter is coming but Spring means you made it through. There are seasons in our lives like that. Cold, hard winters make Spring more special. God makes all of it beautiful in its own way though. I love winter more than summer these days...SO hot! **LAUGH** I coulda given you an easy answer on that one. **BOTH LAUGH AND AUDIENCE JOINS IN**
CAROL ANN: You are sitting in a restaurant with several friends when someone walks up to you and thrusts a microphone in your hand. You have one minute to tell the world something....what will it be?
CHERYL: Please believe. I want to see you all in Heaven. And Jesus doesn't want to have to live without you either. So please believe.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
CHERYL: **CHERYL LAUGHS** Not so well sometimes. My kids get cyber rivalry when I'm on deadline. So I am constantly coming up with creative ways to balance time with them. I'm brutal with things that take up time but don't matter. I stopped watching TV and Instant Messaging for three solid years before I sold because I wasn't going to take time away from my family. Even my dog will run across the keyboard and stare at me, like "Pay attention to me!" I pray for sensitivity to my children and husband and to God if one of my friends need me. People are always more important than things. I ask God before I even get out of bed to please order my day. Each year I pray about what to commit to and try not to overcommit. I'm brutal with online time, etc. On the other hand I KNOW God has called me to write. But with that comes stewardship over proper balance. So the short answer is PRAYER and SENSITIVITY to God and others including my family, friends and church family. I write as worship so good time management is a matter of obedience. Not only that, my publisher is depending on me. That 18 page SIGNED Harlequin contract is great incentive to stay far away from the Spider Solitaire button. **LAUGH**
CAROL ANN: Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???
CHERYL: I would LOVE to hear from readers and have people sign up for my newsletter. The instructions are in my bio. Visit my Web site at www.cherylwyatt.com to sign up. There is a space provided that says, "Join Cheryl Wyatt's Author Mailing List" and you simply input your e-mail address. You will then receive an e-mail asking you to confirm that you want to join. I respect people's privacy and don't give out e-mail addresses to any third party. My blog is www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
My e-mail address is cheryl [@] cherylwyatt.com (remove brackets and close spaces before and after the "@" sign.)
CAROL ANN: Cheryl, thank you so much for appearing in the Blog Studio. I’ve so enjoyed meeting you face to face.
CHERYL: Thank you SO much for featuring me on your blog! This was fun. And, thank you to everyone who takes time to read this.
CAROL ANN: For news on upcoming releases, subscriber-only contests with GREAT prizes and other great stuff, sign up for her newsletter by visiting her Web site www.CherylWyatt.com and inputting your e-mail address in the space provided which says, "Join Cheryl Wyatt's Author Mailing List."
Please feel free to post comments for Cheryl!
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm soooo excited to introduce you to my guest today. Several months ago, I posted a blog about my husband picking up the book I'd been reading, "A Soldier's Promise." He started telling me what happened when the hero talked the heroine into jumping from an airplane. I had to stop him because he was telling me about a part of the book I hadn't yet read! The author of that book is Cheryl Wyatt. Cheryl happened to read the blog post and comment, and now we have the pleasure of meeting her!
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Both of her debut novels (Books 1 and 2 in her Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill) have received Romantic Times Top Picks. In addition, both books received the honor of being on eHarlequin's Top Ten Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists which included several NYT Bestselling authors. "Promise" came in at #4 and "Family" came in at #1.
Please put your hands together for Cheryl Wyatt!!!
CAROL ANN: Cheryl, thanks for coming. I'm so happy to meet you! **Carol Ann hugs Cheryl and they walk to the seats at center stage.**
CAROL ANN: Tell me about your books. **Carol Ann holds up two books and the camera pans in**
CHERYL: I decided to write about Pararescue Jumpers because I LOVE action romance and these guys are special ops airmen. They really do exist and their creed intrigued me because it reminded me of the sacrifice of Jesus and His words when He said, "Greater love has no man than this...that he'd lay his life down for his friends." PJs creed is similar to the Coast Guards and ends with the words, "So others may live." They basically risk their own lives to save not even friends but strangers. I love writing heroes and heroines who are rescuers since I have a strong sense of being rescued by God. The PJ books featuring team mates Joel and Manny are the ones that sold first. So far there are five books in the Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill. You can still purchase A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family online. Then in 2009, so far three more Wings of Refuge PJ stories are scheduled to release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Ready-Made-Family in April 2009, A Soldier's Reunion-June 2009 and Nanny-Made-Family (tentative title and date) to release in October 2009.
CAROL ANN: I can't wait for the next books in this series. I've so enjoyed reading your first two. Tell me, what is the hardest thing about being a writer?
CHERYL: Finding uninterrupted time to write and balancing family life with writing. Also, a hard part for me is spreading the word about my books. I'd rather other people tell people about my books....so if you've read them and love them PLEASE HELP ME by spreading the word. LOL! I always feel like I'm pushing myself off on people. But on the other hand, my publisher took a big chance on me and I owe it to them out of respect and loyalty to help get the word out. So I do a lot of digital marketing using venues such as Shoutlife, My Space, blogtours, etc.
CAROL ANN: How did you realize the God was calling you to write?
CHERYL: About seven years after I started writing I knew for sure. I'd just sent an e--mail and was reading my tagline that says, "Pouring my vial of words over Him" when I felt Him ask me if I'd promise to always write as worship. I whispered, "Yes, Lord. You know I will." THAT moment THE CALL came. Then a year and a half later when I started getting reader letters...I KNEW it was God because of how He used the books to move people emotionally and to make them laugh when they needed it.
CAROL ANN: What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
CHERYL: Lately I had a huge stumbling block in that I was in a car accident that totalled the car of the woman who caused the wreck, my car and also my foot and ankle were badly fractured. As I type this I'm still on crutches in fact and facing another surgery in a matter of days. I also injured my hands in the wreck because they went through the steering wheel, but my fingers didn't. So the impact bent both my hands completely backwards. I have to wear braces every night and am in extreme pain. I was unable to type for almost two months after the wreck. AND I had TWO books due. So, I knew it was a situation where, if God wanted the books out, He was gonna have to give me the wherewithal to push through and type through the pain. I tried dictating the story and it would not flow. So I cut my daily writing time down from six hours to two. The books took longer to write and were more challenging because of it, but constantly going to Him in prayer was the only way I could manage. How I overcame it was because He sustained me.
And also, the surgeon who operated on my foot after the wreck is (THANK GOD!) a hand specialist. He and his staff at the orthopedic center are definitely Heaven-sent right now. God also used several people to encourage me during the writing of the first book I had to type out in such pain. More than one person called me at different times (people who don't know each other or have contact at all) and gave me nearly identical words...that I was to keep writing no matter what. To not let anything deter me. It was freaky because that kind of thing hasn't ever happened before so profoundly with my writing. It was like God was sensing my honest wondering about whether to pull back from it or hire someone to type a dictation of it. He sent people to encourage me who had no idea the difficulty I was having with typing.
Yes, I could have received an extension from my gracious and understanding editors but I did not feel that's what God wanted me to do. Plus they gave me very cushy deadlines to begin with. We didn't anticipate the hands were going to give me such trouble. LOL! When I'd consider asking for a later deadline, I felt Him nudging me to "push through, push through, I'll give you everything you need minute by minute, letter by letter, word by word, paragraph by paragraph, push through." And He did. I turned both of my books in recently and am praying the editor (and future readers) love them. The two books will release in 2009 (A Soldier's Reunion and Nanny-Made-Family is the tentative title for the second book, which wasn't nearly as hard as the first. One funny thing was, before my wreck, I'd given my heroine a broken ankle in a bridge collapse. Then after I broke my ankle after writing those scenes...I changed that aspect of the book! LOL! I knew there was no way she could walk on it as soon as she did. Talk about living the research. NO fun. LOL! I felt so sorry for my heroine I broke her wrist instead of her ankle because the ankle hurt worse. LOL!
CAROL ANN: Many people would have given up. It's clear that God is calling you to write. An off the writing subject topic: Do you collect anything?
CHERYL: I used to collect miniatures and even make them out of clay and anything I could find. I started collecting them when I was little and even my dad got me this little set of furniture. But when children came along several years ago I got rid of all my miniature houses and box after box of miniatures. Now I collect any momento that reminds me to pray for a person. Such as, in India following the tsunami when I went with a media and humanitarian team there, several children orphaned by the tsunami told me their stories. Then we danced around the beach in the waves and they taught me games in the sand and then collected a bottle full of seashells so I could bring them back and remember their parents that (in their words) "the sea took away" and remember to pray for them. I also have a real alabaster jar from Paris and real spike nard from Israel that my best friend at the time brought back for me because she knows the alabaster jar story is my favorite in the Bible. When I see that (heavy!) jar, I think of her and pray for her. She moved to another state. So it's things like that that remind me to pray for a person.
CAROL ANN: Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
CHERYL: Um...I don't know. Actually, no. I've seen some mighty wicked swords. On the other hand the Bible does say that wounds of the spirit are much harder to heal than wounds in the flesh and bone. I'm sorry I forgot the verse and book and I'm not near a concordance at the moment or I'd provide it. It's a really obscure verse. So I guess writing could be like the spoken word if it has power to heal, hurt, build up or break down. I wouldn't recommend writing anything that puts someone down these liability-ridden days though....there's this thing called slander...LOL! Honestly that is one of the hardest questions I've ever had to ponder. What do you think? **Audience laughs**
CAROL ANN: You're the first guest who has turned the question back to me! You're so right about the liability issue. I believe the pen is definitely mightier than the sword. Look at the Bible. It has survived while many swords have fallen. And I believe our writing can reach out and touch the lives of someone who needs to glimpse good things happening to those who reach out for Him. Okay, my turn to ask another question. Which inspires you more? A brisk walk in the autumn with the leaves changing color, or in the spring when the flowers are and trees are budding?
CHERYL: Both equally for different reasons. I LOVE when the leaves start falling and changing, especially in the area I live. It's so beautiful and rustic. On the other hand, I love Spring because everything is being made new after a long, hard winter. We're like that. We go through seasons. Autumn means Winter is coming but Spring means you made it through. There are seasons in our lives like that. Cold, hard winters make Spring more special. God makes all of it beautiful in its own way though. I love winter more than summer these days...SO hot! **LAUGH** I coulda given you an easy answer on that one. **BOTH LAUGH AND AUDIENCE JOINS IN**
CAROL ANN: You are sitting in a restaurant with several friends when someone walks up to you and thrusts a microphone in your hand. You have one minute to tell the world something....what will it be?
CHERYL: Please believe. I want to see you all in Heaven. And Jesus doesn't want to have to live without you either. So please believe.
CAROL ANN: How do you balance your "real" life with your "writing" life?
CHERYL: **CHERYL LAUGHS** Not so well sometimes. My kids get cyber rivalry when I'm on deadline. So I am constantly coming up with creative ways to balance time with them. I'm brutal with things that take up time but don't matter. I stopped watching TV and Instant Messaging for three solid years before I sold because I wasn't going to take time away from my family. Even my dog will run across the keyboard and stare at me, like "Pay attention to me!" I pray for sensitivity to my children and husband and to God if one of my friends need me. People are always more important than things. I ask God before I even get out of bed to please order my day. Each year I pray about what to commit to and try not to overcommit. I'm brutal with online time, etc. On the other hand I KNOW God has called me to write. But with that comes stewardship over proper balance. So the short answer is PRAYER and SENSITIVITY to God and others including my family, friends and church family. I write as worship so good time management is a matter of obedience. Not only that, my publisher is depending on me. That 18 page SIGNED Harlequin contract is great incentive to stay far away from the Spider Solitaire button. **LAUGH**
CAROL ANN: Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???
CHERYL: I would LOVE to hear from readers and have people sign up for my newsletter. The instructions are in my bio. Visit my Web site at www.cherylwyatt.com to sign up. There is a space provided that says, "Join Cheryl Wyatt's Author Mailing List" and you simply input your e-mail address. You will then receive an e-mail asking you to confirm that you want to join. I respect people's privacy and don't give out e-mail addresses to any third party. My blog is www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
My e-mail address is cheryl [@] cherylwyatt.com (remove brackets and close spaces before and after the "@" sign.)
CAROL ANN: Cheryl, thank you so much for appearing in the Blog Studio. I’ve so enjoyed meeting you face to face.
CHERYL: Thank you SO much for featuring me on your blog! This was fun. And, thank you to everyone who takes time to read this.
CAROL ANN: For news on upcoming releases, subscriber-only contests with GREAT prizes and other great stuff, sign up for her newsletter by visiting her Web site www.CherylWyatt.com and inputting your e-mail address in the space provided which says, "Join Cheryl Wyatt's Author Mailing List."
Please feel free to post comments for Cheryl!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Interview with Zack Stone...Joshua's Hope
Hello Zack. I'm so glad I finally tracked you down for the interview. You're a busy sheriff.
Not usually. We've had a more traffic through here lately. Lots of kids speeding through the mountains. Handing out tickets is what keeps me busiest. This is a normally peaceful part of the mountains, and I'm sure it'll be that way once the novelty wears off.
Were you born and raised here in Pine Cove?
Born, raised until I was twelve. Then my folks moved to Florida to help my grandma after grandpa died. I stayed there until a few years ago. Someone told me about the job for sheriff and I put in my bid. Won the election and here I am. I love it here.
I understand you were married before.
I was. My first wife died. I'd rather not talk about that.
Fair enough. How did you and Hope meet?
**a big grin crosses Zack's face.** We met during a rainstorm. She looked so lost, kind of like a kitten who'd fallen into a stream. I offered her a ride, and...**Zack laughs** Her feet were stuck in the mud. **More laughter** I lifted her up and she came right out of her shoes. She seemed so upset, that I went back and retrieved them for her. Imagine my surprise to learn who she was.
What do you mean?
You don't know?
No, but you've got my curiosty up.
I suppose I can tell you. It's published in the first chapter on Carol Ann's website anyway. I used to play in the creek behind her grandma's house. Hope visited during the summer. She had this head full of curls. I mean REALLY curly. We used to tease her and call her little poodle. That made her so mad. One day she hid behind a hedge and when I rode by on my bike she tossed tomatoes at me!
How funny! So you knew each other before you both moved to Pine Cove to stay.
Yep.
Hope had a rough way of it from what I hear. Bad first marriage.
The worst. I hated seeing the bruises when she came back from visiting Joshua. Then after her ex was murdered...and Hope became a suspect...well, yeah, she had a rough time.
But, you were there to help her.
I wish it had been that easy.
What happened?
Oh, no. Sorry. Hope would be mad at me if I revealed too much. But you can read our story soon. It'll be released by The Wild Rose Press in just a few weeks.
Not usually. We've had a more traffic through here lately. Lots of kids speeding through the mountains. Handing out tickets is what keeps me busiest. This is a normally peaceful part of the mountains, and I'm sure it'll be that way once the novelty wears off.
Were you born and raised here in Pine Cove?
Born, raised until I was twelve. Then my folks moved to Florida to help my grandma after grandpa died. I stayed there until a few years ago. Someone told me about the job for sheriff and I put in my bid. Won the election and here I am. I love it here.
I understand you were married before.
I was. My first wife died. I'd rather not talk about that.
Fair enough. How did you and Hope meet?
**a big grin crosses Zack's face.** We met during a rainstorm. She looked so lost, kind of like a kitten who'd fallen into a stream. I offered her a ride, and...**Zack laughs** Her feet were stuck in the mud. **More laughter** I lifted her up and she came right out of her shoes. She seemed so upset, that I went back and retrieved them for her. Imagine my surprise to learn who she was.
What do you mean?
You don't know?
No, but you've got my curiosty up.
I suppose I can tell you. It's published in the first chapter on Carol Ann's website anyway. I used to play in the creek behind her grandma's house. Hope visited during the summer. She had this head full of curls. I mean REALLY curly. We used to tease her and call her little poodle. That made her so mad. One day she hid behind a hedge and when I rode by on my bike she tossed tomatoes at me!
How funny! So you knew each other before you both moved to Pine Cove to stay.
Yep.
Hope had a rough way of it from what I hear. Bad first marriage.
The worst. I hated seeing the bruises when she came back from visiting Joshua. Then after her ex was murdered...and Hope became a suspect...well, yeah, she had a rough time.
But, you were there to help her.
I wish it had been that easy.
What happened?
Oh, no. Sorry. Hope would be mad at me if I revealed too much. But you can read our story soon. It'll be released by The Wild Rose Press in just a few weeks.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Joshua's Hope - An Interview with Hope Courtland
Good morning, Hope. Thank you forr agreeing to be interviewed on my blog.
I'm a little nervous, but I'm happy to share a little about my story.
You are still living in Pine Cove, Tennessee?
Yes, we are.
What brought you to Pine Cove?
**Hope smiles and her entire body seems to relax** I love Pine Cove. When I was a little girl, I spent the summers here with my grandmother. I love the mountains, the deep green of the trees, the birds singing, eagles floating high above...to me it means peace. As a little girl, I felt safe here. When Gram left me the house, I decided this was the perfect spot for me to come and heal and to find the answers I sought. I felt God had turned his back on me, and this was the closest place to HIm that I could find.
What happened that made you feel God had abandoned you?
I married the wrong man. I married for the wrong reasons. And when it all went bad, I divorced him. I'd always thought marriage should be forever. I really thought mine would last. But after our marriage, things changed. Peter wasn't the kind, caring man I thought he was. I tried to make it all work because I loved Joshua, Peter's little boy, so much. Joshua was just a baby when we got married, and to him I was his mother. When I divorced Peter, I had to walk away from Joshua. That broke my heart. I felt I had disappointed God, and that I wasn't good enough.
Peter granted you visitation rights?
Yes. He did it so he could keep his finger on my life. He knew I'd want to spend as much time as possible with Joshua. But each visit was torture. Not only did I have to fear Peter's abuse, but Joshua begged me to take him home with me. My heart broke every time I had to walk away from him...again.
Hope, what was your deepest fear?
That Joshua would suffer under Peter's hands as I had. When I saw signs of that abuse being directed at my little boy, I had to make a decision. The only way I could take Joshua away from Peter was to kidnap him. But doing so, we would have to live life on the run.
What did you do?
I can't disclose that! Your readers will have to buy my story to find out what happens. But I can tell you that my life story has a happy ending.
****************
Read Hope's story...JOSHUA'S HOPE...available August 29, 2008 from The Wild Rose Press.
I'm a little nervous, but I'm happy to share a little about my story.
You are still living in Pine Cove, Tennessee?
Yes, we are.
What brought you to Pine Cove?
**Hope smiles and her entire body seems to relax** I love Pine Cove. When I was a little girl, I spent the summers here with my grandmother. I love the mountains, the deep green of the trees, the birds singing, eagles floating high above...to me it means peace. As a little girl, I felt safe here. When Gram left me the house, I decided this was the perfect spot for me to come and heal and to find the answers I sought. I felt God had turned his back on me, and this was the closest place to HIm that I could find.
What happened that made you feel God had abandoned you?
I married the wrong man. I married for the wrong reasons. And when it all went bad, I divorced him. I'd always thought marriage should be forever. I really thought mine would last. But after our marriage, things changed. Peter wasn't the kind, caring man I thought he was. I tried to make it all work because I loved Joshua, Peter's little boy, so much. Joshua was just a baby when we got married, and to him I was his mother. When I divorced Peter, I had to walk away from Joshua. That broke my heart. I felt I had disappointed God, and that I wasn't good enough.
Peter granted you visitation rights?
Yes. He did it so he could keep his finger on my life. He knew I'd want to spend as much time as possible with Joshua. But each visit was torture. Not only did I have to fear Peter's abuse, but Joshua begged me to take him home with me. My heart broke every time I had to walk away from him...again.
Hope, what was your deepest fear?
That Joshua would suffer under Peter's hands as I had. When I saw signs of that abuse being directed at my little boy, I had to make a decision. The only way I could take Joshua away from Peter was to kidnap him. But doing so, we would have to live life on the run.
What did you do?
I can't disclose that! Your readers will have to buy my story to find out what happens. But I can tell you that my life story has a happy ending.
****************
Read Hope's story...JOSHUA'S HOPE...available August 29, 2008 from The Wild Rose Press.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Countdown...only 31 Days Free Sony eReader
Have you entered to win a free Sony eReader yet? It's not too late. You have until August 31st. Hurry over to The Wild Rose Press and read all about how easy it is to enter.
And it's countdown time until the release of Joshua's Hope. On August 29, you can purchase my latest release...an inspirational romantic suspense. You can learn more about it on my website.
Next week's blog schedule is:
Monday: An interview with Hope Courtland from Joshua's Hope.
Tuesday: An interview with Zack Stone from Joshua's Hope.
Wednesday: An interview with Joshua Courtland from Joshua's Hope.
Thursday: An interview with Steeple Hill author Cheryl Wyatt.
Friday: Some fun "neon" pictures of a work picnic at the zoo!
Be sure to stop by for all the fun. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for stopping by!
And it's countdown time until the release of Joshua's Hope. On August 29, you can purchase my latest release...an inspirational romantic suspense. You can learn more about it on my website.
Next week's blog schedule is:
Monday: An interview with Hope Courtland from Joshua's Hope.
Tuesday: An interview with Zack Stone from Joshua's Hope.
Wednesday: An interview with Joshua Courtland from Joshua's Hope.
Thursday: An interview with Steeple Hill author Cheryl Wyatt.
Friday: Some fun "neon" pictures of a work picnic at the zoo!
Be sure to stop by for all the fun. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for stopping by!
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