On my refrigerator is a magnet that says "husband and cat missing...$100 reward for cat."
I love my hubby dearly, but it is very annoying in the morning when he decides to get up at the crack of dawn with me when I'm trying to get ready for work. I have a lot of things to cram into that hour and a half: shower, wash, dry & style hair, fix breakfast, fix dinner and put crockpot instructions on frig for hubby, write blog, get dressed, feed feral cats, and leave on time for work!
It's bad enough when I stumble over the three cats who have to know everything I'm doing, but now I have to avoid hubby, too. He is looking over my shoulder to watch me prepare dinner, but never will lift a finger to cook. He uses the upstairs bathroom where I keep my makeup and hair products, so I have to wait for him to finish. He is talking to me and asking questions...from the other room where I can barely hear him. I especially love it when he stands outside the bathroom and talks while I'm brushing my teeth with an electric toothbrush that sounds like a helicopter circling.
So, what's your beef today? Care to share?
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
What a glorious morning! May you all be blessed today.
A KING'S BURDEN
©Carol Ann Erhardt, 2000
Whenever life may get you down,
And you want to smile, but wear a frown,
And burdens heavy on you lay,
Your headache just won’t go away,
Just fall upon your knees and pray.
Beaten with a lead-tipped whip,
Skin laid bare in criss-crossed strips,
Fists of iron struck His face,
They mocked to put Him in His place,
A crown of thorns to add disgrace.
A wooden cross He bore alone,
Stumbling through the streets of stone,
They nailed Him to the cross that day,
He, who was born in a bed of hay,
“Forgive them Father,” he was heard to say.
They laid Him in a tomb so dark,
And rolled a stone upon its mark,
To seal His tomb would be in vain,
On Easter morn He rose again,
Leaving behind the earthly pain.
So when your life you start to dread,
Remember the whip with tips of lead,
The crown of thorns upon His head.
And when your heart is full of pain,
And you feel your life has been in vain,
Remember how He rose again.
And when your burdens heavy lay,
Remember the cross He bore that day,
Then fall down on your knees and pray.
God bless, and thanks for stopping by.
A KING'S BURDEN
©Carol Ann Erhardt, 2000
Whenever life may get you down,
And you want to smile, but wear a frown,
And burdens heavy on you lay,
Your headache just won’t go away,
Just fall upon your knees and pray.
Beaten with a lead-tipped whip,
Skin laid bare in criss-crossed strips,
Fists of iron struck His face,
They mocked to put Him in His place,
A crown of thorns to add disgrace.
A wooden cross He bore alone,
Stumbling through the streets of stone,
They nailed Him to the cross that day,
He, who was born in a bed of hay,
“Forgive them Father,” he was heard to say.
They laid Him in a tomb so dark,
And rolled a stone upon its mark,
To seal His tomb would be in vain,
On Easter morn He rose again,
Leaving behind the earthly pain.
So when your life you start to dread,
Remember the whip with tips of lead,
The crown of thorns upon His head.
And when your heart is full of pain,
And you feel your life has been in vain,
Remember how He rose again.
And when your burdens heavy lay,
Remember the cross He bore that day,
Then fall down on your knees and pray.
God bless, and thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
In the Dark...Waiting...
Today I look out my window at the gray dreary view. A fitting scene for this is the day Jesus remained sealed in the tomb in preparation for the glorious Easter morning when he rose.
The scene from my window depicts a universe in waiting. Symbolism? Certainly.
I, too, am in the dark...waiting...as if I'm holding my breath until the stone rolls away. Perhaps it's the season, the weather, or my spirit tuning into the sadness the disciples must have felt at His death.
Whatever is keeping me in my cave, I remain. Silent, staring at a blank screen, words elusive.
I wait for tomorrow, for the celebration of Jesus conquering death, for the celebration that I "am" because of Him. Because he died for me, I live. I believe.
And I wait...
Thanks for stopping by.
The scene from my window depicts a universe in waiting. Symbolism? Certainly.
I, too, am in the dark...waiting...as if I'm holding my breath until the stone rolls away. Perhaps it's the season, the weather, or my spirit tuning into the sadness the disciples must have felt at His death.
Whatever is keeping me in my cave, I remain. Silent, staring at a blank screen, words elusive.
I wait for tomorrow, for the celebration of Jesus conquering death, for the celebration that I "am" because of Him. Because he died for me, I live. I believe.
And I wait...
Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Author Interview with Sharon Dunn
The Blog Studio band is playing when the camera pans across the audience. Everyone is smiling in anticipation of today's show. With a clash of cymbals, the song ends, and the burgundy curtains part. The audience applauds as Carol Ann walks center stage.
"Good morning, Blog Studio! It's great to see so many smiling faces today, and thank you for braving the roads this morning. It's typical Ohio spring weather. Two days of rain without ceasing, followed by snow! My hubby is pretty handy, but I never know whether to have him build a small ark or a sled."
Audience laughs.
"Today we have a wonderful author coming to talk about her books and share a bit about herself. Sharon Dunn is the author of five books, all of them humorous who-dun-its for the Christian market. Her second book in the Ruby Taylor mystery series, "Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante," was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers.
When she isn’t writing or being the mom taxi for her kids, Sharon works part time at a university. She lives with her hubby of twenty years, three kids and three cats. She loves the first sip of coffee in the morning, the timelessness of C.S. Lewis’ writing and feeling sunshine on her face.
Please put your hands together and make her welcome. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sharon Dunn!"
Carol Ann claps as Sharon walks onstage and takes a seat on the set.
CAROL ANN: Sharon, thank you for joining me today in the Blog Studio.
SHARON: Thank you for inviting me. I'm so happy to be here today.
CAROL ANN: I've been looking at your book cover.
Carol Ann holds the book up and the camera pans in.
CAROL ANN: Will you please tell us a little about your book?
SHARON: Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear is book two in the Bargain Hunters mysteries. Book one is called Death of a Garage Sale Newbie. My books have been called humorous who-dun-its. They are fun, follow-the-clues mysteries with a focus on relationships. You won’t find excessive blood or violence in my books.
The Bargain Hunters series features four women from different walks of life and different ages who are bonded together by the need to clip coupons and be first in line at doorbuster sales. The main character is Ginger; she and her husband Earl are recent empty nesters. Ginger’s heart beats a little faster when she gets close to a clearance rack. She is the senior Bargain Hunter in the group.
In Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear, Ginger and her fellow bargain hunters head down to the fictional town of Calamity, Nevada to do some outlet shopping and attend the world’s largest garage sale. A man dressed in a bear suit (it was a publicity stunt) gets killed at the hotel where they are staying. Ginger and Earl are among the suspects (of course they are innocent) but they have to figure out who did it to clear their names.
CAROL ANN: Sounds wonderful! Something readers might not know is that it is really difficult to write humor. I admire any author who tackles that, and I love to read humorous mysteries. Tell me, what do you find isthe hardest thing about being a writer?
SHARON: The hardest thing is the isolation. I love working alone and setting up my own schedule, but a while ago, my life got a little out of balance. I was on deadline and so anytime I wasn’t working at my part time job at the college or taking care of family things, I was writing. I had to take deliberate steps to get back in the world and re-connect with the rest of humanity. It feels like I have better balance now. I moved my hours around at work so I could attend a Bible study and I get together with friends for coffee once in a while, which involve shutting off that voice that says “you should be writing.”
CAROL ANN: I know that voice. Sometimes it's hard to find the balance needed when you are a writer with other commitments. What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
SHARON: The biggest stumbling block for me is learning that my writer’s journey is going to look different from other writers’s journeys. Some writers work really fast and can write a book every four or five months; eight months is comfortable for me to finish a novel. Other people are able to put more time and money into promotion or are able to attend more conferences or can write in several genres or do both fiction and non-fiction. Some writers have a breakout novel that puts them on the map and others build an audience one book at a time. Some writers work for eight and ten hours at a stretch. My mental energy and schedule allow for three or four hours at the most.
I have to take deliberate effort to remind myself not to compare or to feel like I am not doing my writing career “the right way.”
CAROL ANN: That is an important thing to put into perspective. Good for you. How about a personal question?
SHARON: **grin** This might be scary, but go ahead.
CAROL ANN: **laughs** Okay, do you collect anything?
SHARON: I collect dust bunnies. With my writing schedule, I found it was easier to make pets out of them then to hope to ever find time to clean underneath the furniture.
**Audience Laughter**
I also collect fabric and patterns and some day I will have time to sew.
Before I had children, I collected dolls, Barbie mostly. I have a straight leg Skipper in her original outfit and a bubble head Madge. I have lots of other dolls, but those are the ones I am proudest of.
CAROL ANN: I've never thought of making pets out of dust bunnies, but that sounds like the perfect way to come to peace with them.
Okay, I have a serious question I like to pose to some authors. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
SHARON: I believe in the power of words to change things. On a big political scale, but also the power of words to change an individual heart. I think that is one of the reasons I write fiction. Fiction gets at the truth of the human heart by giving readers characters they identify with. Also there is something approachable about fiction. A lot of people who maybe don’t see themselves as Christian or who love God but have a hard time with church will pick up Christian fiction simply because they are looking for a good story.
When I am struggling with my own writing or I just don’t want to work on a hard section of my book, I picture that reader curling up in her chair with one of my books and for a few hours she gets to escape to a different world and may be see her own life in a new way. That makes me want to write even on my bad days.
CAROL ANN: What a wonderful way to push past those hard writing days. I may borrow that tecnique. 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?
SHARON: I don’t care what season it is, walking inspires me period. We have a walking trail just down the road from our house. I have worked out and discovered plots and prayed through hard situations by walking it out. The hardest time of the year for me is when the trail gets too icy to walk. So winter is the only season that is not inspiring. Now, it’s March and the snow is starting to melt, so pretty soon, I’ll be able to walk again.
CAROL ANN: Many famous authors walk while they are plotting their books. I believe walking clears the mind. I've had many conversations with God while walking. I have one last question and you'll have to use your imagination to answer. 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?
SHARON: Please, let me finish my dinner first because eating a good meal and being with friends is really one of the most important things in life. What matters most in life is the person sitting next to you at any given moment.
CAROL ANN: Sharon, it's been an inspiration having you join us in the Blog Studio today.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???
SHARON: You can find me on the web at www.sharondunnbooks.com and you can email me through the web site by clicking on “guestbook” on the home page.
CAROL ANN: Blog Studio, I encourage you to check out Sharon's website.
**The women hug and wave, then walk offstage amid a standing ovation from the audience.**
"Good morning, Blog Studio! It's great to see so many smiling faces today, and thank you for braving the roads this morning. It's typical Ohio spring weather. Two days of rain without ceasing, followed by snow! My hubby is pretty handy, but I never know whether to have him build a small ark or a sled."
Audience laughs.
"Today we have a wonderful author coming to talk about her books and share a bit about herself. Sharon Dunn is the author of five books, all of them humorous who-dun-its for the Christian market. Her second book in the Ruby Taylor mystery series, "Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante," was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers.
When she isn’t writing or being the mom taxi for her kids, Sharon works part time at a university. She lives with her hubby of twenty years, three kids and three cats. She loves the first sip of coffee in the morning, the timelessness of C.S. Lewis’ writing and feeling sunshine on her face.
Please put your hands together and make her welcome. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sharon Dunn!"
Carol Ann claps as Sharon walks onstage and takes a seat on the set.
CAROL ANN: Sharon, thank you for joining me today in the Blog Studio.
SHARON: Thank you for inviting me. I'm so happy to be here today.
CAROL ANN: I've been looking at your book cover.
Carol Ann holds the book up and the camera pans in.
CAROL ANN: Will you please tell us a little about your book?
SHARON: Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear is book two in the Bargain Hunters mysteries. Book one is called Death of a Garage Sale Newbie. My books have been called humorous who-dun-its. They are fun, follow-the-clues mysteries with a focus on relationships. You won’t find excessive blood or violence in my books.
The Bargain Hunters series features four women from different walks of life and different ages who are bonded together by the need to clip coupons and be first in line at doorbuster sales. The main character is Ginger; she and her husband Earl are recent empty nesters. Ginger’s heart beats a little faster when she gets close to a clearance rack. She is the senior Bargain Hunter in the group.
In Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear, Ginger and her fellow bargain hunters head down to the fictional town of Calamity, Nevada to do some outlet shopping and attend the world’s largest garage sale. A man dressed in a bear suit (it was a publicity stunt) gets killed at the hotel where they are staying. Ginger and Earl are among the suspects (of course they are innocent) but they have to figure out who did it to clear their names.
CAROL ANN: Sounds wonderful! Something readers might not know is that it is really difficult to write humor. I admire any author who tackles that, and I love to read humorous mysteries. Tell me, what do you find isthe hardest thing about being a writer?
SHARON: The hardest thing is the isolation. I love working alone and setting up my own schedule, but a while ago, my life got a little out of balance. I was on deadline and so anytime I wasn’t working at my part time job at the college or taking care of family things, I was writing. I had to take deliberate steps to get back in the world and re-connect with the rest of humanity. It feels like I have better balance now. I moved my hours around at work so I could attend a Bible study and I get together with friends for coffee once in a while, which involve shutting off that voice that says “you should be writing.”
CAROL ANN: I know that voice. Sometimes it's hard to find the balance needed when you are a writer with other commitments. What stumbling blocks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?
SHARON: The biggest stumbling block for me is learning that my writer’s journey is going to look different from other writers’s journeys. Some writers work really fast and can write a book every four or five months; eight months is comfortable for me to finish a novel. Other people are able to put more time and money into promotion or are able to attend more conferences or can write in several genres or do both fiction and non-fiction. Some writers have a breakout novel that puts them on the map and others build an audience one book at a time. Some writers work for eight and ten hours at a stretch. My mental energy and schedule allow for three or four hours at the most.
I have to take deliberate effort to remind myself not to compare or to feel like I am not doing my writing career “the right way.”
CAROL ANN: That is an important thing to put into perspective. Good for you. How about a personal question?
SHARON: **grin** This might be scary, but go ahead.
CAROL ANN: **laughs** Okay, do you collect anything?
SHARON: I collect dust bunnies. With my writing schedule, I found it was easier to make pets out of them then to hope to ever find time to clean underneath the furniture.
**Audience Laughter**
I also collect fabric and patterns and some day I will have time to sew.
Before I had children, I collected dolls, Barbie mostly. I have a straight leg Skipper in her original outfit and a bubble head Madge. I have lots of other dolls, but those are the ones I am proudest of.
CAROL ANN: I've never thought of making pets out of dust bunnies, but that sounds like the perfect way to come to peace with them.
Okay, I have a serious question I like to pose to some authors. Do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?
SHARON: I believe in the power of words to change things. On a big political scale, but also the power of words to change an individual heart. I think that is one of the reasons I write fiction. Fiction gets at the truth of the human heart by giving readers characters they identify with. Also there is something approachable about fiction. A lot of people who maybe don’t see themselves as Christian or who love God but have a hard time with church will pick up Christian fiction simply because they are looking for a good story.
When I am struggling with my own writing or I just don’t want to work on a hard section of my book, I picture that reader curling up in her chair with one of my books and for a few hours she gets to escape to a different world and may be see her own life in a new way. That makes me want to write even on my bad days.
CAROL ANN: What a wonderful way to push past those hard writing days. I may borrow that tecnique. 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?
SHARON: I don’t care what season it is, walking inspires me period. We have a walking trail just down the road from our house. I have worked out and discovered plots and prayed through hard situations by walking it out. The hardest time of the year for me is when the trail gets too icy to walk. So winter is the only season that is not inspiring. Now, it’s March and the snow is starting to melt, so pretty soon, I’ll be able to walk again.
CAROL ANN: Many famous authors walk while they are plotting their books. I believe walking clears the mind. I've had many conversations with God while walking. I have one last question and you'll have to use your imagination to answer. 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?
SHARON: Please, let me finish my dinner first because eating a good meal and being with friends is really one of the most important things in life. What matters most in life is the person sitting next to you at any given moment.
CAROL ANN: Sharon, it's been an inspiration having you join us in the Blog Studio today.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Website address, blog, email???
SHARON: You can find me on the web at www.sharondunnbooks.com and you can email me through the web site by clicking on “guestbook” on the home page.
CAROL ANN: Blog Studio, I encourage you to check out Sharon's website.
**The women hug and wave, then walk offstage amid a standing ovation from the audience.**
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Please Don't Give Away the Ending...
My hubby, who never reads books, surprised me last night. He told me he'd read part of the book I was reading. (I have three that I'm reading at the moment.) I asked him which one, and he responded the one on the coffee table.
"Oh, you mean A SOLDIER'S PROMISE." (by Cheryl Wyatt, Steeple Hill Love Inspired)
He said, "Yeah. The one where the soldier gets the girl, Amber, to skydive with him. I started to read a page and wound up reading about six or seven."
"Stop!" I held up my hand. "I didn't read that part! Where did you start reading?"
"I opened it to where your bookmark was and started reading from there."
My hubby is notorious for telling me the good parts and the ending of a movie before I get a chance to see it. So I guess I now have to worry about my books, too!
Thanks for stopping by!
"Oh, you mean A SOLDIER'S PROMISE." (by Cheryl Wyatt, Steeple Hill Love Inspired)
He said, "Yeah. The one where the soldier gets the girl, Amber, to skydive with him. I started to read a page and wound up reading about six or seven."
"Stop!" I held up my hand. "I didn't read that part! Where did you start reading?"
"I opened it to where your bookmark was and started reading from there."
My hubby is notorious for telling me the good parts and the ending of a movie before I get a chance to see it. So I guess I now have to worry about my books, too!
Thanks for stopping by!
Paul McKenna, I Think I Love You
Day two of using the four golden rules that Paul McKenna introduced on I Can Make You Thin on The Learning Channel Sunday night, and I'm feeling great! I really have made no changes except to follow the four golden rules. I am eating much less and feeling satisfied! It's a fantastic feeling to know that I can eat whatever I want. Wow, what a concept. I'm not denying myself anything, but I'm not feeling the need to snack either.
Woo hoo! Can't wait to see what he adds next week. I do believe I finally found the solution I've been seeking for years.
Tune in on Sunday night at 9pm EST if you want to get in on this great program.
As for writing, I've pulled out an old synopsis which is calling me. We'll see where it goes!
Thanks for stopping by!
Woo hoo! Can't wait to see what he adds next week. I do believe I finally found the solution I've been seeking for years.
Tune in on Sunday night at 9pm EST if you want to get in on this great program.
As for writing, I've pulled out an old synopsis which is calling me. We'll see where it goes!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
An Ark?
Just as a wall of snow traveled from the west to the east, dumping twenty plus inches of snow on Ohio, we now have a wall of rain taking the same path. The weather man is saying flash flooding will occur...not might occur, but WILL occur. I hope the waterway beside my subdivision doesn't cover the road, preventing me from reaching home.
My hubby is very handy with a hammer and wood, so I'm thinking of having him build small ark. It should come in handy, especially with the rising cost of gasoline! And it would keep the poor feral kitties feet dry.
Thanks for stopping by.
My hubby is very handy with a hammer and wood, so I'm thinking of having him build small ark. It should come in handy, especially with the rising cost of gasoline! And it would keep the poor feral kitties feet dry.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Four Golden Rules
Tonight I watched a new show on The Learning Channel which is guaranteed to help anyone lose weight. Hey, I'm game to give it a try. No cost. Nothing to buy.
How?
This first night focused on the four golden rules:
1. When you are hungry, eat.
2. Eat what you want.
3. Eat consciously.
4. When you are full, stop!
This isn't a diet. It's a mindset. It's getting tuned into your body. So, first step is to not deprive yourself. When you're hungry, then you should eat, and you should eat what you want, not low fat, diet foods that you may hate. Eat anything that you like. The key is to eat without distractions--no television, no radio, no reading. Take a bite. Put your fork and knife down. Chew your food twenty times. When your stomach tells you that you are full, then stop eating. At first you may not know when you are full. To get in touch with this feeling, try closing your eyes while you eat and "listen" to your body. Your stomach will signal when it is full. Stop! If you are hungry ten minutes later, eat.
Depriving your body of food slows your metabolism and leads to binge eating.
Next week, we will learn how to stop those cravings permanently. I can't wait. For this week, I will do what he has instructed. I'm not depriving myself of pizza any longer.
If you are interested in watching this show, it is on The Learning Channel at 9pm on Sunday night.
Thanks for stopping by!
How?
This first night focused on the four golden rules:
1. When you are hungry, eat.
2. Eat what you want.
3. Eat consciously.
4. When you are full, stop!
This isn't a diet. It's a mindset. It's getting tuned into your body. So, first step is to not deprive yourself. When you're hungry, then you should eat, and you should eat what you want, not low fat, diet foods that you may hate. Eat anything that you like. The key is to eat without distractions--no television, no radio, no reading. Take a bite. Put your fork and knife down. Chew your food twenty times. When your stomach tells you that you are full, then stop eating. At first you may not know when you are full. To get in touch with this feeling, try closing your eyes while you eat and "listen" to your body. Your stomach will signal when it is full. Stop! If you are hungry ten minutes later, eat.
Depriving your body of food slows your metabolism and leads to binge eating.
Next week, we will learn how to stop those cravings permanently. I can't wait. For this week, I will do what he has instructed. I'm not depriving myself of pizza any longer.
If you are interested in watching this show, it is on The Learning Channel at 9pm on Sunday night.
Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A Smile Brightens The Day
The change to daylight savings time always throws my body into a refusal to cooperate. I've gotten used to rising when the sun lights the morning sky, and now I have to get up before the sun. Some days it's a struggle. Especially on Saturday. Today I had to get up because I had so many things planned for the day, including a writing chapter meeting.
Heavy footed and heavy lidded, I made my way down the stairs and grabbed my coat to go out and feed our feral cat colony. I stepped outside and there waiting for me were several of our dependent semi-ferals. Once they were skinny and bedraggled. Now they have full soft fur coats and fat tummies. They've become dependent on us for food, shelter, and water. But they give back in return.
There is nothing like the "smile" on a cat's face when you give them pets of love and a nice breakfast.
That smile from one of my favorites is still warming my heart.
Thanks for stopping by!
Heavy footed and heavy lidded, I made my way down the stairs and grabbed my coat to go out and feed our feral cat colony. I stepped outside and there waiting for me were several of our dependent semi-ferals. Once they were skinny and bedraggled. Now they have full soft fur coats and fat tummies. They've become dependent on us for food, shelter, and water. But they give back in return.
There is nothing like the "smile" on a cat's face when you give them pets of love and a nice breakfast.
That smile from one of my favorites is still warming my heart.
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Author Interview with Leanna Ellis
The band plays a lively rendition of an Elvis classic, "All Shook Up." The audience is clapping and singing along. As the music fades, the curtain rises, and Carol Ann walks center stage and stands in front of the two chairs arranged for an interview.
"Audience, I'm so happy to be here today. It's been a rough few days and I owe everyone a big apology. Due to illness and a rare snowstorm that dumped 20.4 inches of snow in my yard, I haven't been able to interview my guest today until now. I'm sure your anticipation level has been high, because she is an awesome Christian author. Instead of wasting any further time, please put your hands together and welcome LEANNA ELLIS!"
The audience hoots, stomps and applauds as Leanna joins Carol Ann and takes a seat center stage.
CAROL ANN: Leanna, thank you so much for being patient and adjusting your time schedule to join me in the Blog Studio today.
LEANNA: It's my pleasure to be here with everyone today.
CAROL ANN: Leanna has one of the most unique titles and book covers I've seen in a long time.
Camera pans in on the book Carol Ann is holding in her hand.
CAROL ANN: Leanna, please tell us about your book.
LEANNA: In Elvis Takes a Back Seat, a young widow, determined to fulfill her husband’s last request, hauls a three foot bust of Elvis strapped in the back seat of a vintage Cadillac from Texas to Memphis to return it to its rightful owner. The road trip with her eccentric aunt, who knew the King of Rock n’ Roll, and a temperamental teen, hits roadblocks and detours as the three women uncover pieces of their own past along with the bust’s mysterious history. The discoveries change the course of their lives forever.
CAROL ANN: This sounds like a fun book. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
LEANNA: I was a teacher, looking for something else to do, and my sister suggested I write a book. “You’re always writing in that journal of yours,” she said. I’ve always loved the creative process whether it was choreographing dances, writing stories for classes or creating interesting ways to teach reading. So without knowing anything about the book business, I quit teaching and started writing. (I don’t recommend that!) I discovered it was definitely my passion. It took me about three and a half years to sell that first book.
CAROL ANN: Three and a half years is a pretty good track record. I admire your courage in changing your career path. Something I always find fun is asking the authors I interview what we would see if we could peek into your writing space. Would you feel comfortable sharing?
LEANNA: A mess! Seriously. I’m finishing up a book, and by the time I get to this stage of a writing project my office is a mess. Books everywhere. Notes scribbled on post it notes. It’s definitely a creative, scattered, crazy mind at work. There’s also usually a kid working on homework on the floor beside me and sometimes a cat or one of my dogs under my desk.
CAROL ANN: **laugh** Sounds a lot like my writing office! What is one thing about you that might surprise the audience?
LEANNA: That I was on TV yesterday! I know this is lame, but I’m tired from my trip to Indiana and I can’t think of anything surprising except I have leftover mascara under my eyes and a packed suitcase lying in my bedroom floor. **big grin**
CAROL ANN: Traveling is always exhausting and there is no place like home. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
LEANNA: I love to travel, see new places, experience different cultures. I love to see beautiful scenery like the ocean and mountains. There are so many places I’d like to go where I’ve never gone: Australia, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Africa. But there are a ton of places I’d love to go back and visit: Hawaii, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Scotland, England, New York. Honestly, anywhere with my family is always fun.
CAROL ANN: Many members of the audience are aspiring writers. What advice would you give?
LEANNA: Put your bottom in the chair and write. Just write.
CAROL ANN: Great advice! How long does it take you to write your first draft? How many edits before you are "satisfied?"
LEANNA: I usually write a fast first draft to get the story down on paper. That can take two to four months. But then the real work begins. I revise and edit for a longer period of time, adding, revising, rewriting, deepening.
CAROL ANN: Do you believe in writer's block?
LEANNA: To some people it’s a very real stumbling block. I personally haven’t experienced it. I usually have a story idea kicking around in my brain. But I will say I hit publishing exhaustion at one point, just plain ol’ burnout. I still had story ideas but needed to take a break from publishing. I do think one way to avoid writer’s block and burnout is to continuously refill the writer’s well. Sometimes that’s going to see movies or reading great books. Sometimes that’s going on vacation or getting a massage. Take a week off of writing. Enjoy life.
CAROL ANN: If you could speak on national television, what would you tell everyone?
LEANNA: Yesterday I did speak on a television show nationally and internationally. It was such fun! What did I say? Go buy Elvis Takes a Back Seat! **grin** Honestly, I’d answer the interviewers questions as best as I could. One thing we discussed in my interview yesterday is that writing is hard. It takes perseverence. There are down times for every writer. To me, the key is to take those hurts and complaints, grumblings and heartache to the Lord. Pray about it. Writing is a journey. There will be bumps along the way, hills to climb, but you have to persevere. I remember about six months before I sold Elvis Takes a Back Seat, I was down in the dumps. So once again, I asked God, “Do you want me to write?” A couple of days after that, I was flipping through a book I picked up off a friend’s table. There was a chapter called, “If you feel called to write.” I did. So I read closer. It was talking about ‘many are called, few are chosen.’ That made me very uncomfortable. I thought, did I do something to cause me not to be chosen? But actually what it said is many are called, and right after the calling there is a period (often long) of testing and trying, learning and growth. This is a time of preparation. But many give up during this time. Many fall by the wayside. God was telling me to hang on. So, I suppose, that’s what I would say to an audience. No matter what your dream is, hang onto it, keep pursuing it, don’t give up.
CAROL ANN: Leanna, that is wonderful advice that all of us should take to heart. I know many times I've found myself questioning the journey. But God always provides an answer. Thank you so much for joining us, and I wish you well with the sale of your book.
LEANNA: Thanks so much for having me here, Carol Ann.
CAROL ANN: To learn more about Leanna and her books, please visit her website.
Carol Ann and Leanna hug and walk offstage while the audience gives Leanna a standing ovation.
"Audience, I'm so happy to be here today. It's been a rough few days and I owe everyone a big apology. Due to illness and a rare snowstorm that dumped 20.4 inches of snow in my yard, I haven't been able to interview my guest today until now. I'm sure your anticipation level has been high, because she is an awesome Christian author. Instead of wasting any further time, please put your hands together and welcome LEANNA ELLIS!"
The audience hoots, stomps and applauds as Leanna joins Carol Ann and takes a seat center stage.
CAROL ANN: Leanna, thank you so much for being patient and adjusting your time schedule to join me in the Blog Studio today.
LEANNA: It's my pleasure to be here with everyone today.
CAROL ANN: Leanna has one of the most unique titles and book covers I've seen in a long time.
Camera pans in on the book Carol Ann is holding in her hand.
CAROL ANN: Leanna, please tell us about your book.
LEANNA: In Elvis Takes a Back Seat, a young widow, determined to fulfill her husband’s last request, hauls a three foot bust of Elvis strapped in the back seat of a vintage Cadillac from Texas to Memphis to return it to its rightful owner. The road trip with her eccentric aunt, who knew the King of Rock n’ Roll, and a temperamental teen, hits roadblocks and detours as the three women uncover pieces of their own past along with the bust’s mysterious history. The discoveries change the course of their lives forever.
CAROL ANN: This sounds like a fun book. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
LEANNA: I was a teacher, looking for something else to do, and my sister suggested I write a book. “You’re always writing in that journal of yours,” she said. I’ve always loved the creative process whether it was choreographing dances, writing stories for classes or creating interesting ways to teach reading. So without knowing anything about the book business, I quit teaching and started writing. (I don’t recommend that!) I discovered it was definitely my passion. It took me about three and a half years to sell that first book.
CAROL ANN: Three and a half years is a pretty good track record. I admire your courage in changing your career path. Something I always find fun is asking the authors I interview what we would see if we could peek into your writing space. Would you feel comfortable sharing?
LEANNA: A mess! Seriously. I’m finishing up a book, and by the time I get to this stage of a writing project my office is a mess. Books everywhere. Notes scribbled on post it notes. It’s definitely a creative, scattered, crazy mind at work. There’s also usually a kid working on homework on the floor beside me and sometimes a cat or one of my dogs under my desk.
CAROL ANN: **laugh** Sounds a lot like my writing office! What is one thing about you that might surprise the audience?
LEANNA: That I was on TV yesterday! I know this is lame, but I’m tired from my trip to Indiana and I can’t think of anything surprising except I have leftover mascara under my eyes and a packed suitcase lying in my bedroom floor. **big grin**
CAROL ANN: Traveling is always exhausting and there is no place like home. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
LEANNA: I love to travel, see new places, experience different cultures. I love to see beautiful scenery like the ocean and mountains. There are so many places I’d like to go where I’ve never gone: Australia, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Africa. But there are a ton of places I’d love to go back and visit: Hawaii, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Scotland, England, New York. Honestly, anywhere with my family is always fun.
CAROL ANN: Many members of the audience are aspiring writers. What advice would you give?
LEANNA: Put your bottom in the chair and write. Just write.
CAROL ANN: Great advice! How long does it take you to write your first draft? How many edits before you are "satisfied?"
LEANNA: I usually write a fast first draft to get the story down on paper. That can take two to four months. But then the real work begins. I revise and edit for a longer period of time, adding, revising, rewriting, deepening.
CAROL ANN: Do you believe in writer's block?
LEANNA: To some people it’s a very real stumbling block. I personally haven’t experienced it. I usually have a story idea kicking around in my brain. But I will say I hit publishing exhaustion at one point, just plain ol’ burnout. I still had story ideas but needed to take a break from publishing. I do think one way to avoid writer’s block and burnout is to continuously refill the writer’s well. Sometimes that’s going to see movies or reading great books. Sometimes that’s going on vacation or getting a massage. Take a week off of writing. Enjoy life.
CAROL ANN: If you could speak on national television, what would you tell everyone?
LEANNA: Yesterday I did speak on a television show nationally and internationally. It was such fun! What did I say? Go buy Elvis Takes a Back Seat! **grin** Honestly, I’d answer the interviewers questions as best as I could. One thing we discussed in my interview yesterday is that writing is hard. It takes perseverence. There are down times for every writer. To me, the key is to take those hurts and complaints, grumblings and heartache to the Lord. Pray about it. Writing is a journey. There will be bumps along the way, hills to climb, but you have to persevere. I remember about six months before I sold Elvis Takes a Back Seat, I was down in the dumps. So once again, I asked God, “Do you want me to write?” A couple of days after that, I was flipping through a book I picked up off a friend’s table. There was a chapter called, “If you feel called to write.” I did. So I read closer. It was talking about ‘many are called, few are chosen.’ That made me very uncomfortable. I thought, did I do something to cause me not to be chosen? But actually what it said is many are called, and right after the calling there is a period (often long) of testing and trying, learning and growth. This is a time of preparation. But many give up during this time. Many fall by the wayside. God was telling me to hang on. So, I suppose, that’s what I would say to an audience. No matter what your dream is, hang onto it, keep pursuing it, don’t give up.
CAROL ANN: Leanna, that is wonderful advice that all of us should take to heart. I know many times I've found myself questioning the journey. But God always provides an answer. Thank you so much for joining us, and I wish you well with the sale of your book.
LEANNA: Thanks so much for having me here, Carol Ann.
CAROL ANN: To learn more about Leanna and her books, please visit her website.
Carol Ann and Leanna hug and walk offstage while the audience gives Leanna a standing ovation.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Animal Planet Addiction
I'm hooked on all the shows on Animal Planet. Well, not all, but I love the Animal Cops, Animal Police, Chimp Eden... Some of the stories I see are heartbreaking and some heartwarming. Being an animal lover, these programs draw me like a magnet (pun intended).
Guess that explains why I drive a car with lots of muddy cat prints on the hood. Caring for fourteen feral cats is a heartwarming, heartbreaking, and wallet breaking undertaking. These animals go through twenty pounds of cat food a week. But they are dependent on us. All our neighbors complained about the cats but no one would do anything. If we hadn't taken action, there would be a lot more than fourteen. I'm happy to say that all our ferals are becoming friendly to us. They are very fat and have thick and healthy coats. One of ours has baby blue eyes and looks much like a ragdoll.
Tomorrow is our primary election day. I'll have to get my umbrella out since we are supposed to get a huge dump of rain. They moved our election spot back to the high school and I hate that. There is no place to park without walking a loooooooong way. And we have to contend with buses and all the kids who drive. **sigh** Still, I'll get up an hour early in order to hit the voting booth before work.
Hope you all have a good day! Thanks for stopping by.
Guess that explains why I drive a car with lots of muddy cat prints on the hood. Caring for fourteen feral cats is a heartwarming, heartbreaking, and wallet breaking undertaking. These animals go through twenty pounds of cat food a week. But they are dependent on us. All our neighbors complained about the cats but no one would do anything. If we hadn't taken action, there would be a lot more than fourteen. I'm happy to say that all our ferals are becoming friendly to us. They are very fat and have thick and healthy coats. One of ours has baby blue eyes and looks much like a ragdoll.
Tomorrow is our primary election day. I'll have to get my umbrella out since we are supposed to get a huge dump of rain. They moved our election spot back to the high school and I hate that. There is no place to park without walking a loooooooong way. And we have to contend with buses and all the kids who drive. **sigh** Still, I'll get up an hour early in order to hit the voting booth before work.
Hope you all have a good day! Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Interview with Eppie Finalists
I've been interviewed!
My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, has interviewed their authors who finaled in the Eppies.
Check it out here.
Thanks for stopping by!
My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, has interviewed their authors who finaled in the Eppies.
Check it out here.
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, February 25, 2008
5 AM??? Ack!!!!
Yep, ack!! I set a goal for myself to rise at 5am this year. Then I got sick. Nasty cold and couldn't quite get up when that alarm went off. But I didn't give up. I decided that I could do it if I put my mind to it. Sooooo, I began going to bed earlier and actually have been able to get up at that "dark" time of the morning. Originally, the early rise was to write during that extra hour. Now, I've been spending it exercising. I've been running out of work at my "day job" which gives me time to write. Best of both worlds right now!
But, I'm dreading the time change to daylight savings time. Yuck. I'll have to readjust all over again.
**sigh**
How are you doing with your goals for this year?
Thanks for stopping by!
But, I'm dreading the time change to daylight savings time. Yuck. I'll have to readjust all over again.
**sigh**
How are you doing with your goals for this year?
Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I Want to Be #1
Current Bestsellers
1. No Second Chance
2. Foxfire
3. Ring Shy
4. Brownies, Bodies, and Breaking The...
5. Coiled Revenge
6. Danger In Her Arms
7. Escaping The Past
8. Farragut Square
9. Free Falling
10. House Of Lies
This is the current ranking on my publisher's website for full length suspense novels. As you can see, Foxfire is at the #2 spot. I'm dying to reach #1.
Sooo, I'm asking you to spread the word to your friends who may not have yet read FOXFIRE. It's a really good book based on what the reviewers have said, and the feedback from readers who have given me their input. The first chapter can be read on my website as well as the reviews.
The book can be purchased in either ebook or print direct from my publisher. Only those purchased from my publisher are counted in the "bestseller" list.
It's a beautiful day today. The sky is blue with white puffy clouds and the sun is shining!!! What a wonderful break from the rain, snow and sleet we've been pounded with over the past week. I can see the water dripping from the gutters...yay! The ice is melting.
Hope you are having a wonderful day where ever you are! Thanks for stopping by!!
1. No Second Chance
2. Foxfire
3. Ring Shy
4. Brownies, Bodies, and Breaking The...
5. Coiled Revenge
6. Danger In Her Arms
7. Escaping The Past
8. Farragut Square
9. Free Falling
10. House Of Lies
This is the current ranking on my publisher's website for full length suspense novels. As you can see, Foxfire is at the #2 spot. I'm dying to reach #1.
Sooo, I'm asking you to spread the word to your friends who may not have yet read FOXFIRE. It's a really good book based on what the reviewers have said, and the feedback from readers who have given me their input. The first chapter can be read on my website as well as the reviews.
The book can be purchased in either ebook or print direct from my publisher. Only those purchased from my publisher are counted in the "bestseller" list.
It's a beautiful day today. The sky is blue with white puffy clouds and the sun is shining!!! What a wonderful break from the rain, snow and sleet we've been pounded with over the past week. I can see the water dripping from the gutters...yay! The ice is melting.
Hope you are having a wonderful day where ever you are! Thanks for stopping by!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Author Interview with Carol Ann Erhardt
A camera pans over the Blog Studio audience as fans clap in tune to the lively music of the Blog Studio Band. Smiling faces appear on the monitor. The band concludes and the curtain rises. The audience applauds as...someone unknown walks onstage. The audience quiets, curious and uncertain what to expect. The woman taking center stage has long, dark curly hair, and eyes that appear aqua. She is petite. She smiles warmly at the audience.
"Hello. My name is Hope Courtland. I'm the heroine in JOSHUA'S HOPE, a novel by Carol Ann Erhardt. I'm so happy to be here today and to have the opportunity to interview a very special author. I'm sure you'll forgive me for taking over the show today when you meet our guest. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and welcome...Carol Ann Erhardt!"
The audience stands and applauds as Carol Ann walks onstage and joins Hope in the two chairs arranged to face the audience.
Hope holds up a book cover.
HOPE: This is Carol Ann's novel, FOXFIRE, which is a finalist for a 2008 Eppie Award. Carol Ann, please tell us a little about the Eppie.
CAROL ANN: EPIC stands for Electronically Published Internet Connection. It’s a group of authors and publishers who publish “e-books.” My novel, FOXFIRE, is published in both e-book and in print, as are many of the publications today. In March, EPIC hosts a conference, with several days of workshops preceding the Gala Awards Banquet, which this year is on March 8. Winners of the Eppie 2008 awards will be announced at this event. You can learn more at www.epicauthors.com
HOPE: That sounds so exciting. How many authors entered the event?
CAROL ANN: I have no idea! There were twenty-three different categories of books. Mine was entered as a romantic suspense, and there are seven finalists, including me. I’m up against some stiff competition, and I’m just honored and thrilled that my book made it this far.
HOPE: FOXFIRE was set in Tennessee, and I know the book I’m in was also set in Tennessee. Is there a reason for this?
CAROL ANN: Absolutely! I’ve always enjoyed vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountain area. The mountains, to me, are fascinating. I love hiking trails to beautiful waterfalls, driving through the National Park…it is relaxing and exciting at the same time. While I’m there, my creativity comes alive. Setting my books in this area brings back some of the wonderful moments I’ve spent there. I set my books in fictional towns close to the larger cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
HOPE: What are you working on currently?
CAROL ANN: I would rather not talk about it. I’m learning it’s in my best interests. But I can tell you that it is another romantic suspense set in a fictional town in Tennessee. **grin**
HOPE: How long does it take you to write a book.
CAROL ANN: Great question! All total, with many edits, about six months. I’m working this year on shortening that time frame. However, I only plan to finish two novels this year, allowing for edits and galley-proofing, and keeping up with marketing.
HOPE: Tell us one thing about you that we might not know.
CAROL ANN: While I’m very organized in most aspects of my life, I tend to let my writing space get very cluttered. I can’t tell you why it happens, but it does. When things pile up, then I have to take a day and “de-clutter” before I can become productive again. I’m taking a course now by Margie Lawson called “Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors.” One of the things in the very first lecture was to clean off the writing area, even if you had to pile things on the floor. I didn’t have to put them on the floor, but I did follow the instructions. It’s a good feeling to have a big open desk again on which to work.
HOPE: If you won the lottery, what would you do?
CAROL ANN: Ah, the ultimate dream. I’d take it in a lump sum. Then, after taxes, I’d give one-tenth to my church, and an equal amount to each of our children. I’d sell our house and build a new ranch house on several acres of land, surrounded with lots of trees. I’d put another ranch house behind us and move my mother into it, so she wouldn’t be alone. I’d quit my job, put the rest in the bank, and spend more time with my family and traveling with my husband and writing.
HOPE: One question you ask a lot of your guests is if they collect anything. Do you have any collections…besides books.
CAROL ANN: Yes. I have a large collection of music boxes given to me over the years by friends and family. It started when my grandmother gave me a music box before she passed. My hubby then purchased me several on different occasions, as did my mother-in-law. It wasn’t long before my collection grew so large I haven’t enough space to display them. I also tend to collect dust webs on my ceilings. **grin**
HOPE: It’s been fun sitting here and being the one in control.
CAROL ANN: You’re joking, right? I remember well that you were in control during the entire writing process of JOSHUA’S HOPE.
HOPE: **grin** I wanted to make sure you told my story the way it should be written. You do tend to get off track sometimes.
CAROL ANN: **clears throat** Touche!
HOPE: Is that man motioning that our time is up?
CAROL ANN: Yes. It seems he does that every time an interview is just becoming interesting.
HOPE: Carol Ann, thank you for being a guest in the Blog Studio today! And thanks for allowing me to be the host.
CAROL ANN: Thank you. It’s been a blast!
HOPE: Where can our readers learn more about you and your books?
CAROL ANN: The best place is my website. You can reach it at www.carolannerhardt.com There are links to book reviews, some sample chapters, my newsletter, and even a link to this blog. I'd love to chat with any readers. Please leave a comment on this blog and I'll be checking in and interfacing with you. You can also email me from the link on my website.
**HOPE AND CAROL ANN STAND, BOW, AND WALK OFF STAGE, WHILE THE BAND PLAYS AND THE AUDIENCE STANDS AND APPLAUDS.**
"Hello. My name is Hope Courtland. I'm the heroine in JOSHUA'S HOPE, a novel by Carol Ann Erhardt. I'm so happy to be here today and to have the opportunity to interview a very special author. I'm sure you'll forgive me for taking over the show today when you meet our guest. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and welcome...Carol Ann Erhardt!"
The audience stands and applauds as Carol Ann walks onstage and joins Hope in the two chairs arranged to face the audience.
Hope holds up a book cover.
HOPE: This is Carol Ann's novel, FOXFIRE, which is a finalist for a 2008 Eppie Award. Carol Ann, please tell us a little about the Eppie.
CAROL ANN: EPIC stands for Electronically Published Internet Connection. It’s a group of authors and publishers who publish “e-books.” My novel, FOXFIRE, is published in both e-book and in print, as are many of the publications today. In March, EPIC hosts a conference, with several days of workshops preceding the Gala Awards Banquet, which this year is on March 8. Winners of the Eppie 2008 awards will be announced at this event. You can learn more at www.epicauthors.com
HOPE: That sounds so exciting. How many authors entered the event?
CAROL ANN: I have no idea! There were twenty-three different categories of books. Mine was entered as a romantic suspense, and there are seven finalists, including me. I’m up against some stiff competition, and I’m just honored and thrilled that my book made it this far.
HOPE: FOXFIRE was set in Tennessee, and I know the book I’m in was also set in Tennessee. Is there a reason for this?
CAROL ANN: Absolutely! I’ve always enjoyed vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountain area. The mountains, to me, are fascinating. I love hiking trails to beautiful waterfalls, driving through the National Park…it is relaxing and exciting at the same time. While I’m there, my creativity comes alive. Setting my books in this area brings back some of the wonderful moments I’ve spent there. I set my books in fictional towns close to the larger cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
HOPE: What are you working on currently?
CAROL ANN: I would rather not talk about it. I’m learning it’s in my best interests. But I can tell you that it is another romantic suspense set in a fictional town in Tennessee. **grin**
HOPE: How long does it take you to write a book.
CAROL ANN: Great question! All total, with many edits, about six months. I’m working this year on shortening that time frame. However, I only plan to finish two novels this year, allowing for edits and galley-proofing, and keeping up with marketing.
HOPE: Tell us one thing about you that we might not know.
CAROL ANN: While I’m very organized in most aspects of my life, I tend to let my writing space get very cluttered. I can’t tell you why it happens, but it does. When things pile up, then I have to take a day and “de-clutter” before I can become productive again. I’m taking a course now by Margie Lawson called “Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors.” One of the things in the very first lecture was to clean off the writing area, even if you had to pile things on the floor. I didn’t have to put them on the floor, but I did follow the instructions. It’s a good feeling to have a big open desk again on which to work.
HOPE: If you won the lottery, what would you do?
CAROL ANN: Ah, the ultimate dream. I’d take it in a lump sum. Then, after taxes, I’d give one-tenth to my church, and an equal amount to each of our children. I’d sell our house and build a new ranch house on several acres of land, surrounded with lots of trees. I’d put another ranch house behind us and move my mother into it, so she wouldn’t be alone. I’d quit my job, put the rest in the bank, and spend more time with my family and traveling with my husband and writing.
HOPE: One question you ask a lot of your guests is if they collect anything. Do you have any collections…besides books.
CAROL ANN: Yes. I have a large collection of music boxes given to me over the years by friends and family. It started when my grandmother gave me a music box before she passed. My hubby then purchased me several on different occasions, as did my mother-in-law. It wasn’t long before my collection grew so large I haven’t enough space to display them. I also tend to collect dust webs on my ceilings. **grin**
HOPE: It’s been fun sitting here and being the one in control.
CAROL ANN: You’re joking, right? I remember well that you were in control during the entire writing process of JOSHUA’S HOPE.
HOPE: **grin** I wanted to make sure you told my story the way it should be written. You do tend to get off track sometimes.
CAROL ANN: **clears throat** Touche!
HOPE: Is that man motioning that our time is up?
CAROL ANN: Yes. It seems he does that every time an interview is just becoming interesting.
HOPE: Carol Ann, thank you for being a guest in the Blog Studio today! And thanks for allowing me to be the host.
CAROL ANN: Thank you. It’s been a blast!
HOPE: Where can our readers learn more about you and your books?
CAROL ANN: The best place is my website. You can reach it at www.carolannerhardt.com There are links to book reviews, some sample chapters, my newsletter, and even a link to this blog. I'd love to chat with any readers. Please leave a comment on this blog and I'll be checking in and interfacing with you. You can also email me from the link on my website.
**HOPE AND CAROL ANN STAND, BOW, AND WALK OFF STAGE, WHILE THE BAND PLAYS AND THE AUDIENCE STANDS AND APPLAUDS.**
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Stand By for a Little Fun
I haven't heard from the author I planned to interview on Thursday, though I've sent several emails. So...if I don't hear from her, I have something else fun in mind. Be sure to stop by!
Guess what!! I actually cleaned off my desk. I stripped it down to the very minimum. Nothing on top besides monitor, keyboard and mouse AND phone, Thesauras, modem, tissues. It seems sooooooo big. Actually, it is one of the first things I put into action from Lecture one of Margie Lawson's "Defeat Self-Defeating Behavior" workshop for writers.
I'm going to be making a lot of changes, I'm sure, as I go through the next few weeks of the course.
Now, back to my manuscript.
Thanks for stopping by!
Guess what!! I actually cleaned off my desk. I stripped it down to the very minimum. Nothing on top besides monitor, keyboard and mouse AND phone, Thesauras, modem, tissues. It seems sooooooo big. Actually, it is one of the first things I put into action from Lecture one of Margie Lawson's "Defeat Self-Defeating Behavior" workshop for writers.
I'm going to be making a lot of changes, I'm sure, as I go through the next few weeks of the course.
Now, back to my manuscript.
Thanks for stopping by!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Saddened Heart, The Check, and Gazelle Edge
I have a dear friend, a wonderful writing coach and editor, who is one of the strongest women I know. She's a great writer, but in the past years, she's spent the majority of the time caring for her husband, who was wheelchair bound after suffering a severe stroke. Two weeks ago he was in the hospital suffering from bleeding ulcers. She brought him home again and just a couple days later her sister was hospitalized and died on Monday. A very sad time, and while she was making arrangements for the funeral, her husband became sick again. I just learned that he died this morning. What a terrible tragedy. I'm just heartsick. I ask for any who feel called to pray for Lee.
I contacted the company who sent me check erroneously. They asked if I would mail it back to them. I did some research on the internet and I think I found the name of the person who should have been paid. The articles appeared in a June issue of Memory Makers Magazine, which is a scrapbooking magazine. I feel so much better now that I can send it back!
And for the Gazelle Edge we bought a few weeks ago. Wow! I love it. I can already tell the difference in my body. It's toning my legs, back, arms and abs. I'm up to doing 30 minutes now, which equates to a little over 2 miles. By moving my hands at different levels on the handles I can increase the workout on my upper body. This is the best piece of exercise equipment we've ever purchased!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by.
I contacted the company who sent me check erroneously. They asked if I would mail it back to them. I did some research on the internet and I think I found the name of the person who should have been paid. The articles appeared in a June issue of Memory Makers Magazine, which is a scrapbooking magazine. I feel so much better now that I can send it back!
And for the Gazelle Edge we bought a few weeks ago. Wow! I love it. I can already tell the difference in my body. It's toning my legs, back, arms and abs. I'm up to doing 30 minutes now, which equates to a little over 2 miles. By moving my hands at different levels on the handles I can increase the workout on my upper body. This is the best piece of exercise equipment we've ever purchased!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
DVD Mania
So I had to purchase a new CD burner because mine wouldn't even recognize a blank CD let alone read any of mine. The new one is a DVD/CD burner and it came with a version of Nero. I played around with it trying to put something together with music for my Mom for Christmas, but it wouldn't work. Finally, I purchased Nero Photo Show. It was really easy to put together a DVD with a bunch of pictures and music. She loved it!
Now I'm hooked. It's the best thing I can send her. I put together another one for her birthday which is Friday. The problem? I have run out of pictures!! My digital camera is really a piece of junk. Half the time I can't even get it to turn on. **sigh**
I guess when I get my tax refund I'll have to buy a new digital camera. And, I really want to buy some of those cool light scribe DVDs where you can burn your pictures and words on the front of the DVD!
Yes, I have created a new outlet for when I just can't think of the next sentence for my newest novel. I can't help it. I love this stuff.
Now I'm hooked. It's the best thing I can send her. I put together another one for her birthday which is Friday. The problem? I have run out of pictures!! My digital camera is really a piece of junk. Half the time I can't even get it to turn on. **sigh**
I guess when I get my tax refund I'll have to buy a new digital camera. And, I really want to buy some of those cool light scribe DVDs where you can burn your pictures and words on the front of the DVD!
Yes, I have created a new outlet for when I just can't think of the next sentence for my newest novel. I can't help it. I love this stuff.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Surprise Check in the Mail
...but I cannot keep it.
Today in the mail I received a check for $150 from a publisher for what appears to be three articles published in a June 2007 release. While I have written for one of their publications and received payment in 2007, I doubt they published it three more times without a notice.
I'm sure there are some people in this world who would cash the check and figure it was the publisher's problem...being a good Christian, and having integrity, I cannot do that! This money belongs to another author who worked hard and deserves to be paid for their work.
So, I contacted the publisher and left a voice mail. I'm waiting to hear back.
What about you? What would you do?
Today in the mail I received a check for $150 from a publisher for what appears to be three articles published in a June 2007 release. While I have written for one of their publications and received payment in 2007, I doubt they published it three more times without a notice.
I'm sure there are some people in this world who would cash the check and figure it was the publisher's problem...being a good Christian, and having integrity, I cannot do that! This money belongs to another author who worked hard and deserves to be paid for their work.
So, I contacted the publisher and left a voice mail. I'm waiting to hear back.
What about you? What would you do?
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Author Interview with Annette Irby
The Blog Studio band finishes warming up the audience and the curtain rises. The audience applauds as the camera pans over their smiling faces.
Carol Ann walks onstage.
"Good morning, Blog Studio audience!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
"I'm so happy to be here again to introduce you to another wonderful author. Our guest today is fellow author, Annette Irby, who also is published with The Wild Rose Press. Annette enjoys writing novels, articles and songs. Her work has appeared in several journals and newsletters, as well as devotional books. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Northwest Christian Writer’s Association and ACFW Northwest. Married 16 years, she lives with her husband and three children near Seattle, Washington. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and give a warm welcome to Annette Irby!!!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
CAROL ANN: Annette, thank you for coming into the studio today. I'm so pleased to meet you face to face.
ANNETTE: I'm thrilled to be here, Carol Ann.
CAROL ANN: I'm holding your new book, "Love Letters", and the cover is beautiful.
CAMERA PANS TO THE BOOK CAROL ANN HOLDS UP
CAROL ANN: Please share a bit about the book.
ANNETTE: “Love Letters” began as a Christmas-themed story which then became a Valentine’s Day story. I had been reading Christmas-themed anthologies and a plot began to form in my mind. But, I didn’t see the usual unwed couple romance, instead I envisioned an awakened romance in the lives of a couple who’d been married a long time. I drew a bit from my own 16+ year marriage and then threw in all manner of fictional elements:
Randy and Jordan Ambrose have been married almost ten years. There is very little romance in their lives. Randy is hard at work building his career and his wife is busy working, raising their twins and volunteering to teach the three-year-olds in Sunday school. Randy has had a habit during their entire marriage of writing love letters to his wife. But he’s never shown them to Jordan. He would have to risk his heart and her reaction by doing so. Distance is safer, he’s learned, in life. Meanwhile, Jordan is struggling to believe he even loves her. One day, she finds a box of love letters in Randy’s home office closet. She reads them. They’re addressed to J from R, so she assumes they were written by Randy. The “R” of these letters is very passionate and open. How could Randy be keeping these a secret? She’s going to bring them to him, demand an explanation, push him to respond rather than cover all emotions so fiercely. Randy knows God is asking him to share his heart. What will happen when these two finally crack open the letters together on their tenth anniversary?
I wanted to portray romance in marriage, which I love writing about as I feel there isn’t much out there like it and it’s non-formulaic in the romance genre. If you’re looking for something different, fiery even (though wholesome), check it out. http://annetteirby.com/Fiction.html
CAROL ANN: Sounds great. Right, audience?
APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE
CAROL ANN: When you write, do you listen to music, or have any other special thing that inspires you to write?
ANNETTE: I enjoy listening to worship music when I’m writing. Oftentimes, the words are flowing so quickly, I can sing along and write the story simultaneously. Candles, if I know I’m going to have a block of uninterrupted time, are fun. If I’m editing, I listen to piano music, because of the concentration required. Sometimes, though, silence is best.
CAROL ANN: What does your writing space look like?
ANNETTE: I feel so blessed to have my own writing office at home. Granted, I get to share the space with my toddler’s toys as she plays in here when she’s not napping or playing with her older siblings or daddy. There are windows on two walls and my L-shaped desk rests against the walls with those windows. I have full-grown cedar trees for a few. At this exact second, there’s clutter on the desk as I’ve been working toward a deadline.
CAROL ANN: It sounds like a perfect place to write. I have a lot of people in the audience who are pursuing a writing career. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
ANNETTE: This is a humbling question, honestly, because I’m not yet well-published. On my website: http://www.annetteirby.com/Writer’s page.html there is a page specifically geared toward aspiring authors. Overall, I believe a Christian writer’s work will flow from his/her relationship with Jesus, so He has to be first. Then, any hindrances have to be dealt with. (What a motivation for getting free, huh? So often writers are desperate enough to get published, they’ll jump the hurdles necessary to get there. We can’t carry baggage and effectively minister to others. It’s a win-win for us getting free.) Then, remain humble. Like when God gave David a promise that a King would reign from his line forever (see 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17), He reminded him “I took you from the sheepfold.” Indeed. Remember where God has brought you from and be willing to support other writers. Our God is generous. If He has called you, He will bless you as you move forward. There’s always room for more authors in His kingdom work.
CAROL ANN: Very well said. So, what is next for you?
ANNETTE: I have so many projects in the works.I’m waiting for word back on a trilogy, a standalone and a novella which may be part of a Christmas compilation. After I finish editing a current project, I may just get to working on a separate trilogy I’ve carried in my heart for ten years. Or I might just take up late-winter gardening
CAROL ANN: A woman of many talents! When did you realize you wanted to be an author?
ANNETTE: In ninth grade, a student teacher visited our English class and gave us some great tips for characterization. She sent us all home with the same character names, but told us to describe them from our own imaginations and write a story around them. We all came up with something different. Such a fun and educational project. I was hooked. I began writing during my free time, clicking away on an old-fashioned typewriter for hours at a time. Those stories are long-lost. But as an adult, after my second daughter was born, I took up writing again, in my spare time. Only for the last few years have I been specifically pursuing publication. “Love Letters” is my first book, following the publication of several articles and devotionals.
CAROL ANN: Why have you chosen to write inspirational novels?
ANNETTE: What a great question. I believe my stories flow from the Lord. I love portraying hope in difficult situations. Sometimes hope’s the hardest thing to see. I also love writing inspirational romance because believers are living and will live the biggest romance of all---that with Jesus Christ.
CAROL ANN: Let's pretend that you are on national television. What would you like to share about yourself?
ANNETTE: My testimony—what Jesus Christ has meant in my life. How I was hopeless and fearful, and He interrupted the program of my life to bring a glimpse of hope by His Holy Spirit. How He has continued to bring me through my life, filling me up with His Spirit, guiding my steps, even when I was willful and rebellious. He never let me go. He never let me down. He’s why I’m here, and I owe Him everything.
CAROL ANN: You are an inspiration to all. I'm sorry that our time is drawing to an end. Quickly, tell how readers learn more about you and your books?
ANNETTE: Please visit my website for more info about Love Letters: http://www.annetteirby.com/Fiction.html
There are pictures of the devotional books (as well as others) I’ve contributed to on my blog: http://www.annetteirby.blogspot.com
I’ll be updating my blog on further news, so check back often. I also have interviews with other authors of Christian fiction featured there.
You can email me via the contact page on my website: www.annetteirby.com (annette [@] annetteirby [dot] com)
CAROL ANN: Annette, it has been my pleasure to have you here in the Blog Studio today. I wish you well with your book and with your future endeavors.
ANNETTE: Thanks for having me, Carol Ann. Best wishes on your Eppie status! God bless.
Carol Ann walks onstage.
"Good morning, Blog Studio audience!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
"I'm so happy to be here again to introduce you to another wonderful author. Our guest today is fellow author, Annette Irby, who also is published with The Wild Rose Press. Annette enjoys writing novels, articles and songs. Her work has appeared in several journals and newsletters, as well as devotional books. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Northwest Christian Writer’s Association and ACFW Northwest. Married 16 years, she lives with her husband and three children near Seattle, Washington. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and give a warm welcome to Annette Irby!!!"
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
CAROL ANN: Annette, thank you for coming into the studio today. I'm so pleased to meet you face to face.
ANNETTE: I'm thrilled to be here, Carol Ann.
CAROL ANN: I'm holding your new book, "Love Letters", and the cover is beautiful.
CAMERA PANS TO THE BOOK CAROL ANN HOLDS UP
CAROL ANN: Please share a bit about the book.
ANNETTE: “Love Letters” began as a Christmas-themed story which then became a Valentine’s Day story. I had been reading Christmas-themed anthologies and a plot began to form in my mind. But, I didn’t see the usual unwed couple romance, instead I envisioned an awakened romance in the lives of a couple who’d been married a long time. I drew a bit from my own 16+ year marriage and then threw in all manner of fictional elements:
Randy and Jordan Ambrose have been married almost ten years. There is very little romance in their lives. Randy is hard at work building his career and his wife is busy working, raising their twins and volunteering to teach the three-year-olds in Sunday school. Randy has had a habit during their entire marriage of writing love letters to his wife. But he’s never shown them to Jordan. He would have to risk his heart and her reaction by doing so. Distance is safer, he’s learned, in life. Meanwhile, Jordan is struggling to believe he even loves her. One day, she finds a box of love letters in Randy’s home office closet. She reads them. They’re addressed to J from R, so she assumes they were written by Randy. The “R” of these letters is very passionate and open. How could Randy be keeping these a secret? She’s going to bring them to him, demand an explanation, push him to respond rather than cover all emotions so fiercely. Randy knows God is asking him to share his heart. What will happen when these two finally crack open the letters together on their tenth anniversary?
I wanted to portray romance in marriage, which I love writing about as I feel there isn’t much out there like it and it’s non-formulaic in the romance genre. If you’re looking for something different, fiery even (though wholesome), check it out. http://annetteirby.com/Fiction.html
CAROL ANN: Sounds great. Right, audience?
APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE
CAROL ANN: When you write, do you listen to music, or have any other special thing that inspires you to write?
ANNETTE: I enjoy listening to worship music when I’m writing. Oftentimes, the words are flowing so quickly, I can sing along and write the story simultaneously. Candles, if I know I’m going to have a block of uninterrupted time, are fun. If I’m editing, I listen to piano music, because of the concentration required. Sometimes, though, silence is best.
CAROL ANN: What does your writing space look like?
ANNETTE: I feel so blessed to have my own writing office at home. Granted, I get to share the space with my toddler’s toys as she plays in here when she’s not napping or playing with her older siblings or daddy. There are windows on two walls and my L-shaped desk rests against the walls with those windows. I have full-grown cedar trees for a few. At this exact second, there’s clutter on the desk as I’ve been working toward a deadline.
CAROL ANN: It sounds like a perfect place to write. I have a lot of people in the audience who are pursuing a writing career. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
ANNETTE: This is a humbling question, honestly, because I’m not yet well-published. On my website: http://www.annetteirby.com/Writer’s page.html there is a page specifically geared toward aspiring authors. Overall, I believe a Christian writer’s work will flow from his/her relationship with Jesus, so He has to be first. Then, any hindrances have to be dealt with. (What a motivation for getting free, huh? So often writers are desperate enough to get published, they’ll jump the hurdles necessary to get there. We can’t carry baggage and effectively minister to others. It’s a win-win for us getting free.) Then, remain humble. Like when God gave David a promise that a King would reign from his line forever (see 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17), He reminded him “I took you from the sheepfold.” Indeed. Remember where God has brought you from and be willing to support other writers. Our God is generous. If He has called you, He will bless you as you move forward. There’s always room for more authors in His kingdom work.
CAROL ANN: Very well said. So, what is next for you?
ANNETTE: I have so many projects in the works.
CAROL ANN: A woman of many talents! When did you realize you wanted to be an author?
ANNETTE: In ninth grade, a student teacher visited our English class and gave us some great tips for characterization. She sent us all home with the same character names, but told us to describe them from our own imaginations and write a story around them. We all came up with something different. Such a fun and educational project. I was hooked. I began writing during my free time, clicking away on an old-fashioned typewriter for hours at a time. Those stories are long-lost. But as an adult, after my second daughter was born, I took up writing again, in my spare time. Only for the last few years have I been specifically pursuing publication. “Love Letters” is my first book, following the publication of several articles and devotionals.
CAROL ANN: Why have you chosen to write inspirational novels?
ANNETTE: What a great question. I believe my stories flow from the Lord. I love portraying hope in difficult situations. Sometimes hope’s the hardest thing to see. I also love writing inspirational romance because believers are living and will live the biggest romance of all---that with Jesus Christ.
CAROL ANN: Let's pretend that you are on national television. What would you like to share about yourself?
ANNETTE: My testimony—what Jesus Christ has meant in my life. How I was hopeless and fearful, and He interrupted the program of my life to bring a glimpse of hope by His Holy Spirit. How He has continued to bring me through my life, filling me up with His Spirit, guiding my steps, even when I was willful and rebellious. He never let me go. He never let me down. He’s why I’m here, and I owe Him everything.
CAROL ANN: You are an inspiration to all. I'm sorry that our time is drawing to an end. Quickly, tell how readers learn more about you and your books?
ANNETTE: Please visit my website for more info about Love Letters: http://www.annetteirby.com/Fiction.html
There are pictures of the devotional books (as well as others) I’ve contributed to on my blog: http://www.annetteirby.blogspot.com
I’ll be updating my blog on further news, so check back often. I also have interviews with other authors of Christian fiction featured there.
You can email me via the contact page on my website: www.annetteirby.com (annette [@] annetteirby [dot] com)
CAROL ANN: Annette, it has been my pleasure to have you here in the Blog Studio today. I wish you well with your book and with your future endeavors.
ANNETTE: Thanks for having me, Carol Ann. Best wishes on your Eppie status! God bless.
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