Patti's Porch

Have a God Day!

2012-01-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

When I got my first Tracfone, I thought the T9 word feature was the coolest thing. I wasn't an avid texter, but when I did send out a text, the T9 word would seem to anticipate what I wanted to say as if by magic. I could craft a message with only a few taps of my fingers on the keys.

However, T9 word was not smart enough to differentiate which combination of letters I wanted, so sometimes the wrong word would sneak into my message. My daughter's nickname is and has been "Seeds" since she was very young. (Maybe that's a subject for another post someday!). Once in a while, I would text "Seeds, are you there?" However, that combination of letters in T9 word also translates to "refer." I would get a "LOL! REFER???" as a reply.

Today, I've graduated beyond T9 word technology. I carry a Smartphone, which came with an entirely new technological feature called "Swipe." All I have to do is swipe my fingertip across the keyboard and it creates my message. However, like T9 word, the combination sometimes comes out all wrong.

Several times, I've texted "have a good day" only to find later that what I really sent to the person on the other end is "have a god day." I wonder if maybe that is not the message that was intended in the first place. After all, how can anyone have a bad day if they are having a "god day?"

God is creative, compassionate, omnipresent, forgiving, not to mention a host of other attributes.. If we are having a "god day," it is probably filled with joy, peace, patience, kindness, and love. Who could ask for more than that?

The only thing that bothers me about the message is that I like to use a capital "G" when referring to God The capital letter doesn't make it into the message, but I think there is enough packed in to those four words to reflect the significance the message carries anyway.

Here's wishing all of you a God day!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Is God An Imaginary Friend?

2012-01-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

A new billboard will soon be visible on the Interstate in Colorado Springs. It's message is this: "God is an imaginary friend. Choose reality: It will be better for all of us." The message with spark ire in some, fear in others, and indifference in many. Most folks probably won't even notice it as they zoom past it during the four weeks that it will be in place.

One of the members of the Boulder Atheists group that has paid for the sign hopes it will serve as a conversation starter, rather than being seen as controversial. I'm not surprised that such a message would appear on the highways of America. We do have the right to exercise free speech, but that's not the reason I am not shocked by this news. I heard a year ago that there is a message on buses in London that says “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

Our pastor has been preaching on truth these past couple of weeks and talking about Andy Anrews book entitled How Do You Kill 11 Million People?: The answer to that question is that you tell them lies, and you tell them with such skill that people mistake them for the truth.

The great deceiver tells lies and he constantly recruits people who will listen to those lies and spread them to others. I don't believe the people who are erecting these billboards, one in Colorado Springs and two in Denver, are deceitful people. I believe they are people who have been deceived into believing a lie. I don't resent them, I don't hate them, and I don't fear them.

I simply hope that their goal will be accomplished in that their message will generate conversation. I pray that through that conversation, people's curiosity will be piqued enough to motivate them to seek the truth.

It is up to those of us who are members of the Christian community to meet the challenge and be sure they find it.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Forgotten Places

2012-01-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Three bites into my carefully crafted turkey, ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, my husband pulls the four-step ladder my daughter had just returned over to the picture window, climbs up, and peers over the top of the vertical blinds. “We need to get the vacuum up here,” he says.

“Anything growing up there?” I respond around a bite of freshly sliced cucumber.

“Nothing would survive. It’s way too dusty.”

“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll get after it just as soon as I finish eating.”

“No, I’ll do it,” he replies.

Sure, like he really needs to be balancing on a ladder with a vacuum in one hand a little over a month after open heart surgery.

Hubby descends the ladder and disappears into the spare bedroom, where I have stored all the boxes of Christmas decorations. He returns with the artificial Christmas tree box in tow.

“Why didn’t you tape these boxes up?” he asks.

“I thought I would do it tomorrow and get them out to the garage then.” That’s me, always the procrastinator. Heaven forbid I should get something done today that can wait until tomorrow!

Wordlessly, he retrieves a dispenser of packing tape.

“Here, I’ll help you” I gaze longingly at the page of my book I’ve started to read.

“No, you go ahead and finish your sandwich.”

Yeah, right, like the guilt trip I’m on over the dusty sill and the untaped boxes have done anything for my appetite. I place the sandwich in the icebox on its paper plate and daydream about later.

We get the boxes taped and hubby proceeds to the garage with the first one. I know that when he goes to the garage he always finds something to do out there, so I don’t expect him back for at least a few minutes. OK, now that I’m up off the couch and my lunch is in cold storage anyway, I might as well do something, right?

I spend the next half hour vacuuming a quarter inch of dust and cob webs from the top of the blind, then for good measure, dust down the walls as well. Actually, accomplishing this seldom performed feat feels kind of good.

I’ve decided to attack some forgotten corner of my humble abode at least three times a week. I’d set a goal for every day, but I know how the every day thing works. Miss a day or two and I throw up my hands in frustration and declare myself a failure. Whether it’s cleaning finger prints off light switch plates or vacuuming under the bed, the little bit of satisfaction in completing small tasks will hopefully motivate me to greater accomplishments.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Friday the Thirteenth - Just Another Day?

2012-01-13T23:56:00.001-07:00

The air is charged with excitement here on Patti's Porch as we anticipate our granddaughter's first basketball game of the season tomorrow.
"Are you coming to my game?" she messaged me.
"Of course we are!" I enthusiastically replied.
"We are so lucky because we get to play on the 14th instead of Friday the 13th," she observed.
I responded with a chuckle, but then reassured her that I doubted the date would have anything to do with the outcome of the game. It is the skill of the team that will make the difference.
The brief interchange prompted me to speculate about the origin of the superstition surrounding Friday the Thirteenth. The conclusion I came to in my brief online search is that nobody seems to be able to attribute it to any one incident in history. I did learn that the fear of Friday the Thirteenth has its own special name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Let's hope no one ever draws that one in a Spelling Bee!
Whether you can pronounce the word, spell it, or read it without stumbling over it, the North Carolina Stress Management and Phobia Institute claims the date generates fear in the hearts of some estimated 21 million Americans.
Yesterday, some people stayed home, refused to go to work, or even spent the day in bed because of the date on their calendars.
I wonder how often we let our lives be ruled by a "Friday the Thirteenth" mentality.
It is easy to become victims of superstition, but I don't necessarily mean the "black cat walking in your path" or "breaking a mirror" kind.
I'm talking about the beliefs that dominate our behavior. We refuse to travel the roads in life we would like to because we might end up going the wrong way or getting lost. We don't engage in the work we could be doing because we probably won't do it well enough. We stay in bed to avoid all the tasks we should be accomplishing because we don't get them all completed anyway.
There are two more Friday the Thirteenths this year, but don't let a date on a calendar stifle your motivation, your participation, or your determination. Embrace each day and enjoy it to the fullest.
Oh, and if you do happen to be one of the 21 million who fear the date, take heart. In 2014, there's only one!
Thanks for reading my blog!

Interview with Author Kathi Macias

2012-01-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It is my pleasure to welcome Kathi Macias, an author who has tackled this grim subject with a compelling novel that grips her audience on page one and doesn't let go until the last word is read.

Kathi, welcome to Patti's Porch. Your first book in the New Freedom series, Deliver Me From Evil, deals with theintensely emotional issue of human trafficking. Why did you feel called towrite on this subject?

Human trafficking is indeed a dark subject. It is also muchmore widespread than most people realize. With an estimated 27 million peoplein captivity around the world, the latest figures out of Washingtonclaim approximately 100,000 to 300,000 minors are being held in sexual slaveryright here in the United States. Some say that’s a conservativeestimate, but even one is too many! My publisher and I discussed this some timeago and agreed that we wanted to do an entire series on the subject, followingthe life of a young girl sold into this horrific lifestyle. I feel stronglythat the Church must be at the forefront of these issues in any way we can.

How did you conduct the research that enabled you to portraythe slave trade of innocent children in a realistic manner?

I did a lot of online research, spoke to many in lawenforcement, as well as those involved in ministries and outreaches to thesevictims around the world. I also spoke with survivors, which was heartbreakingbut necessary. While maintaining tasteful boundaries, I wanted readers to stepinto the dark underworld where this hideous atrocity takes place. So many havewritten to me after reading Deliver MeFrom Evil to say they are getting involved, to one degree or another, inhelping to set these victims free. That makes it all worthwhile!

Will the next two books in the New Freedom series speak tothe same issue?

Yes, Special Delivery,releasing in March 2012, picks up a couple of years after Deliver Me From Evil, dealing with many of the same characters. Thefinal book in the series, The Deliverer,begins about six months after book two ends, tying together all the loose endsof the three-book saga.

You have a long list of publishing credits. Which do youprefer to write, fiction or non-fiction, short or long work?

That’s a tough question, as I love writing just aboutanything. I do a lot of blogging (for free, of course), and also write shortpieces regularly for several publications (mostly online). But I preferbook-length projects, particularly fiction, though I’ve also enjoyed thenonfiction books I’ve done, particularly my flagship book, BEYOND ME: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World.

What was your most memorable speaking engagement and why?

I’ve had so many of them, but though I’m always honored todo radio/TV shows/interviews and/or speak at large conferences or churches, mypreferred place of ministry/speaking is homeless shelters and jails/prisons.I’ve led Bible studies of three or four women inmates in county jails andspoken in chapels at some of the most notorious prisons in the country. That’swhere my heart is, I suppose, though I enjoy speaking to anyone who wants tohear what God has done in my life and can do in theirs, as it never ceases toamaze me.

What do you like best about the writing life? Least?

I’m a storyteller at heart—always have been. I’ve wanted tobe a writer as long as I can remember, so I feel so blessed to be able to dowhat I love. I suppose I like the feeling of accomplishment at the end of theday when I realize I’ve reached my goal of 5,000 words (or whatever). It’sexciting to see stories take shape as characters develop lives of their own. Asfor what I like least—the absolute necessity of disciplined writing, even ondays when I want to go outside and play in the sunshine. Every now and then Itake short breaks and do that, but for the most part, turning out several booksa year is long, hard work, even when you love it. I’m up really early (four orfive in the morning), and rarely stop till evening. But when I finally type“The End,” I’m overjoyed at what God has allowed me to accomplish.

Thank you for visiting with us today, Kathi. I pray your series will make enough people aware of human trafficking so that someday, no child will have to suffer this atrocity.

My Review of Deliver MeFrom Evil:

In Deliver Me From Evil, Kathi Macias plunges her readers into the dark world of human trafficking and exploitation of young children. This story follows the broken and tortured lives of sexual slaves, including Mara, who is betrayed into prostitution by her own family at seven years old. Their innocence brutally torn from them, these young victims learn how to hide all emotion as they struggle for survival.

The novel not only portrays the lives of these helpless hostages, but gives us a glimpse into the ruthless mindset and motives of their captors.

Through the darkness and despair shines the light of hope sparked by the compassion of a teen who can't turn his back on the obvious abuse. He risks his safety, confides in his sister, and relies on God's direction to engineer Mara's rescue.

Realistic characterization and a compelling plot mesh to produce this heartrending story. Macias grips her readers with the impact of this degrading social issue and leaves a mark on the human conscience that is difficult to ignore.

Thanks for reading my blog!

I'm Praying For You - But Am I Really?

2012-01-04T22:38:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Patti's Porch was surrounded by beautiful white snow drifts. Today, after a few days of above freezing temperatures and sunshine, we are now engulfed in a sea of mud! Yuck!

Okay, on to today's subject.

How many times do those of us of the Christian faith say these words: "I'm praying for you" or "I"ll keep you in my prayers." Many times, I respond to a friend's email with a one word "Praying!"

Yet, when I go to God in prayer, I often find myself drawing a blank as to who I promised to pray for. Sound familiar? I kind of hope so. I'd hate to think I'm the only one who does this!

Anyway, I have found a solution to the problem, if I can just follow through with it! When I receive an email from someone with a prayer need, I immediately access a spreadsheet file I have started. I log in that person's name and the need. I have the OCD tendency to make elaborate spreadsheets, but I'm trying to keep this simple. Sometimes a first name and a word or two about the problem, such as "Bob" "job interview" or "Janet" "back surgery" will suffice.

If I'm not near my computer, I always have my smart phone with me, where I have added a "prayer" memo. This allows me to have access to either prayer reminder several times a day. (Heaven knows I have the computer screen or the cell phone in front of me a dozen times a day at least!).

Not only do these tools remind me who I've promised to pray for. They also allow a means to keep track of answered prayers. I bet after a year, I'll be amazed at how many of them are, sometimes in totally unexpected ways!

This is one of many new habits I hope to develop in 2012.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

I hadn't been out of bed even an hour when an expletive I was not proud of escaped my lips, I had dropped something on the floor. No one was around to hear the offending word, for which I am grateful.

My husband and I went to church this morning. I started yelling at him when the place he chose to park had me hemmed in between a snow bank and an ice-covered street. Thank goodness, he is slow to anger and brushed off my tongue-lashing with a chuckle.

So much for my good intentions to start off the New Year as an even-tempered, considerate person.

I've spent six decades looking forward to a new year with hopes for a new beginning, forming of new habits, and leaving negative behaviors behind. Somehow, though, it just doesn't work that way.

Even our pastor, during this morning's service, commented that "New Year's resolutions are made on January 1st and broken on January 2nd."

Resolution embraces and encompasses change. Change requires a certain amount of planning, purpose, and perseverance.

Change also comes about as a result of necessity.

If the doctor tells me to lose weight to lengthen my life, I'll start paying serious attention to my diet. If my willy-nilly filing system prevents me from finding important papers I need repeatedly, I'll probably make a conscious effort to clean and organize my desk.

Last year, I tackled my OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) tendencies and abandoned one of my daily routines. I used to, methodically and obsessively, keep track of literally every penny I spent. If the balance on my Excel spread sheet didn't agree with the amount of cash I had on hand, I would sometimes spend hours looking for the discrepancy.

It was difficult for me to turn loose of that habitual task. I experienced a significant level of anxiety for about a week after I stopped keeping track of daily expenses.

That was over six months ago, and I see no major difference in my expenditures. I do see an increace in the amount of free time I have to pursue things I enjoy. I've learned that I need to weigh the balance of what is won and what is lost in giving up some long-standing habit or routine. We need to evaluate whether the change will improve or hinder our life-style, relationships, or attitude.

What would you like to change this year?

Thanks for reading my blog!

The Day After Christmas

2011-12-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

Christmas cards have been opened. Flickering flames from the candlelight Christmas Eve service have been extinguished, Gifts have all been pulled from under the tree and unwrapped. Food has been prepared and consumed. Christmas music gives way to regular radio programming. Friends and family have been greeted with hugs, kisses, and Merry Christmas wishes.

Today, the stack of Christmas cards sits on my desk. Christmas letters will be saved for a while, new addresses added to the data base on my computer, and cards sent to St Jude's card recycling program. The trash bag filled with Christmas wrapping will go to the dumpster today. All the left over wrapping paper, tags, ribbon, and tape will be packed away in the Christmas storage box. The tree will stay up for a few more days. The gifts that we opened yesterday will be stored or put into use today.

The day after Christmas can be a sad day for some, filled with regrets. We lament the gift we didn't buy, the Christmas card we forgot to send, the gift we didn't get, the money we spent unwisely, the overeating, the family members we missed. The list goes on and on.

Christmas builds like a giant wave in early November and reaches its crescendo on December 25th, when we are tossed about in a maelstrom of laughter, joy, happiness, excitement, and love. We ride the crest until, over the next few days, it ebbs and returns us to the "back to normal" of everyday life.

Despite the shopping, the wrapping, the card writing, the eating, and the decorating, the spirit of Christmas is always present because of the reason we observe the holiday in the first place.

It is the day we celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. No, he probably wasn't born on December 25th and there probably wasn't any snow on the ground. Still, the fact remains that this is the day we have chosen to remember that most holiest of events and the One who impacted history forever.

The young person who turns thirteen is still a teen the day after the birthday party. The couple who reaches their golden anniversary is still married half a century the day after the big celebration. Such a monumental event as our God giving us the most wondrous gift of all, His Son, cannot be forgotten simply because Christmas Day is over.

Like the ever pounding surge of the ocean waves, the impact of Christmas stays with us all year round.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Are You An Indian Giver?

2011-12-21T16:47:00.001-07:00

Oh my, it has been such a long time since I posted anything on this blog! I'm surprised anyone has stopped by, but my weekly report indicates I still have folks checking in. Thank you for your patience!

These past couple of months have been stressful. Let me tell you about them by starting with a quick story. A friend and I went out to dinner a couple of months ago. During the course of conversation, she asked "are you an Indian giver?" What had precipitated that question? Had I given my friend something, then perhaps borrowed it back and never returned it?

That's not what she was talking about at all. As she listened to my anxiety about my husband's upcoming open heart surgery, she asked if I had given my concerns to God. Well, yes, of course, I had prayed for a successful surgery and a rapid recovery for my husband. Yet, here I was, going on about all that could go wrong.

How often do we take the advice in Philippians 4:6, turning our anxieties over to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Yet, a mere few hours later, we snatch them back from his "questionable" embrace and clutch them close in our "capable" arms. After all, don't we feel a bit guilty if we don't worry about our loved ones' trials? Do we appear callous or even naive if we sit back and say, "Oh, God will take care of it?"

As my husband anticipated his quadruple bypass, he drove me crazy with his lack of manifestation of anxiety. When I finally asked him about it, his reply was so simple, yet so true. "I could have a stroke and never get out of bed again. I could die, but worrying about it won't change the outcome. It's all in The Lord's hands."

Truer words were never spoken. My husband did have his surgery, and the day before the procedure, the surgeon told me, "You need to know that his risk for stroke or even death during this procedure is extremely high." Yet, my husband's own words, "it's in the Lord's hands," carried me though those tension-filled hours.

My husband is home now and doing well with his recovery. He is still at risk for the complications that come with heart disease, but like he says, "why worry about it?"

Slowly but surely, I'm learning not to be an Indian giver!

Thanks for reading my blog!

An Interview with Author K. Dawn Byrd

2011-09-13T22:10:00.000-06:00

My apologies to Dawn, who sent me this interview several weeks ago. A trip out of town was unexpectedly extended this summer prevented me from posting it before now.

Hello, Dawn. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Patti’s Porch.

When did you begin your writing journey?

I started writing about three years ago and have found that I couldn't stop if I wanted to. It's more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Has it taken you where you thought it would?

I really had no high expectations when I started writing. I know the statistics...less than 1 % of writers making a living at it. I'm fortunate enough to have a day job that pays the bills, which leaves me free to write for the sheer joy of putting words on the page. Some people play golf...my hobby just happens to be writing and I'll guarantee I spend a lot less money on it than my husband does on the golf course.

Tell us about your latest book, Mistaken Identity.

Here's the blurb from my cover.

Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn't have a chance.

Channing Johnson is everything Eden's ever dreamed of and she can't believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she's overjoyed...until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they're in love.

Eden doesn't know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.

What kind of takeaway does this story have for teen girls?

The takeaway is that God is always faithful. I wrote this book for the young woman who is struggling to live for God and wondering if all worth it when the worldly girls seem to have all the fun and get all the guys.

What is the main conflict in Mistaken Identity?

The main conflict happens when my heroine and her best friend fall in love with the same guy. My heroine is the Christian and the other girl is a drop dead gorgeous party girl. Hmmm...who will he choose?

You are also the author of two suspense novels, Queen of Hearts and Killing Time. Tell us about them.

Queen of Hearts cover blurb: Daphne Dean is proud to be serving her country stateside during WWII as a reporter and an Office of Strategic Services operative. When the photograph she takes of the crowd at a murder scene places her on the mob's hit list, she's forced into hiding in a vacant mental asylum in the middle of nowhere with terrifying secrets of its own.

Daphne believed herself to still be in love with her ex-fiancée, Kenneth, until she spends several days locked away in the asylum with Vito, the mob boss' son. Can she put the terrifying events that occurred there behind her and allow herself to pursue a relationship with Vito? Or, will she return to Kenneth who has turned his back on his country by becoming a draft dodger and a black market racketeer? One thing's for sure, it won't matter if she can't escape the mental institution alive.

Killing time: Mindy McLaurin, thinks it's the end of the world when she's incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement charges. While in jail, she investigates the death of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose. Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate dies and she learns that both women had ingested the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t stop thinking about. She faces many challenges, including constant interrogation by the Major and emotional abuse from the other inmates. Upon release, someone is stalking her and framing her for the murder. Can she prove to Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all charges before she loses him forever?

Mistaken Identity seems to be quite a genre switch from your first two novels. Did this create a problem as far as contracting and now promoting Mistaken Identity?

Not at all! As I said before, I write for the joy of writing. My publishing company has been kind enough to buy whatever I've pitched to them because they like my stories.

You just started a blog for young adults. What kind of topics do you hope to cover?

The blog was designed to give teens a voice. I want to hear from them about life today in their world. If you're a young adult, age 12-20+, please contact me if you'd like a spot at kdawnbyrd@yahoo.com . You can check out the blog at www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part is the first draft. I love the freedom of putting words on the page. It doesn't matter that they're not perfect. A favorite saying is, "First drafts don't have to be perfect, they just have to be written."

Least favorite?

I don't like editing. Once I've finished a book and edited it a couple of times, I'm ready to move on to something else. The final edit just before copy is something I want no part of, so I hired it done on my last book and I have to say he did a wonderful job!

What has benefitted you most as a writer?

I've made some wonderful friends in the publishing world. It was really nice to meet so many of them at the ACFW Conference last year.

What advice would you give to new writers seeking publication?

Write the best story you can and then rewrite and rewrite some more.

Where can readers learn more about you?

www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com

www.kdawnbyrd.com

Where can your books be purchased?

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.cbd.com and other ebook outlets. CBD is great for those readers who are interested in reading ebooks, but don’t have an ereader. There's no software to download and you can read right on your computer screen. Also, if you don't mind downloading software, you can download the Kindle app on Amazon's home page and read Kindle books on your computer.

Thank you for visiting with us today, Dawn!

Memories of 9/11

2011-09-10T22:08:00.000-06:00

Ten years ago today, having worked the night shift, I had just drifted into sleep when my two kids came running into my bedroom shouting for me to get up. A feeling of foreboding enveloped me as I forced myself back to a state of wakefulness. The last time they had done that was the morning they woke me to tell me my son's best friend had died in a car accident the night before.

It was a little before 7:00 here in Colorado on that fateful morning. The kids, my husband and I watched the television in shock as the horror unfolded. Despite being at work all night the night before, I, like most Americans, followed the news for the better part of the day.

I remember that night at work, as my staff and I watched the news coverage, they showed several scenes of people from other countries celebrating the victory of the savage attack. Remember the woman who shouted with glee and laughed, her face filled with joy? One of my co-workers pointed to her and said, "I'd love to get my hands on her!" We explained to him that she had probably been taught from the time she was a small child to hate Americans and all we stand for.

I think what frightened me the most about that day was the amount of hate that it must take to engineer such a vicious act of violence against another person, group, or country

I visited New York City last year. Our son and daughter-in-law lived there then and took us on quite a tour. Even though I grew up only 50 miles from NYC, my visits were few. I had never spent a few days walking the streets, felt the pulse of the traffic, mixed with the throng of people on the subways, and admired the many sights like I did during that visit.

We went to the ground zero site, and observed the commemorative wall there. As I read the words "May We Never Forget" inscribed there, my heart went out to the thousands of families who were directly affected by such tragic loss on that fateful day.

I have never suffered the loss of a loved one through such a devastating occurrence. It must rip the heart right out of a person to have a loved one's life end through such a senseless act.

All this week, I have watched the news and heard the stories of those who were directly affected by September 11th. The stories are gut wrenching and heart breaking, yet in each there shines the light of hope and healing.

We as a nation will always bear the scars left by the attack on the twin towers, the pentagon, and the loss of flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Our view of our own country, our relationships to each other, and our place int he world, was forever changed that day.

Yet, I feel secure in the future, because no matter what happened on September 11, 2001, God still reigned supreme. His presence was felt by some who had never felt Him before and others who had forgotten about Him drew closer to Him.

Malice dominates this world, but I rest secure in the knowledge that no matter what kind of threat our enemies pose in the coming days or years ahead, our God stands beside us through every trial. His love will eventually conquer every shred of hatred that exists in the hearts of man and only His pure love will remain.

May God bless America!

Interview with author Janice Hanna

2011-07-16T23:18:00.008-06:00

Janice Hanna (also published as Janice Thompson) has published more than seventy novels and non-fiction books. She has also published more than fifty magazine articles and several musical comedies for the stage. Janice makes her home in the Houston area near her children and grandchildren.

Hi Janice. It's great to welcome you back to Patti's Porch!

Hi Patti. It's good to be here.

Please tell us a bit about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas.

Always the groomsman, never the groom… It’s 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals: He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the woman to capture his heart. And now with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.

Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Texas, but a train derailment forces them to seek shelter in Groom, near Amarillo. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that Anne will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is repaired and ready to pull out. Anne has no idea of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!

Why did you decide to write this story?

My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story

idea was better suited to the turn of the century.

Tell us something interesting about the town of Groom:

Groom boasts a nineteen-story high cross. More than 100 welders worked together to erect it in 1995. Now you can see why I toyed with the idea of writing a contemporary novel! I wanted to include the cross. Because I went with historical, I decided to give the heroine a small cross necklace to wear, one that symbolizes her faith (and alludes to the “bigger” cross to come).

Groom is a wedding-themed book. Why do you write so many stories with a strong wedding theme?

I have four grown daughters—Randi, Megan, Courtney Rae and Courtney Elizabeth. Yes, I really have two daughters named Courtney. (Long story!) All four of my girls got married within four years of each other. We’re told to write what we know. I know weddings, trust me! I helped coordinate all four weddings and even worked as a wedding coordinator at my church for a season. I was also tickled to be the “Wedding Planner Examiner” for the city of Houston for a spell. What fun! You’ll see me writing about weddings for years to come, so hang on for the ride!

What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about her?

Readers will care about Anne because she’s been through so much and still chooses to move forward. They will also love her relationship with her younger sisters. She’s the only remaining parental figure and takes that position very seriously.

Why will readers enjoy your novel?

In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.

Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?

Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel.

Tell us a little about your hero? Is he true hero material?

Jake is a hunka-hunka Texas man! He’s a railroad man who loves his job, loves his family and loves the heroine. He’s got a great sense of humor, which is perfect for this story, because the heroine’s little sisters are loaded with antics! Jake has a lot to deal with: he’s the town’s last single man, which has made him the brunt of many a joke. His older brothers (all married with children) taunt and tease. Jake can never catch a break. Unless he’s with Anne, of course. Then he catches far more than a break. . .he catches the woman of his dreams!

What sorts of transformations take place in this book?

How much time do you have? (Ha!) Seriously, there are so many! The heroine, Anne, has been through tremendous losses and struggles with her faith from the get-go. By the end of the story, she is a woman transformed. Likewise, the hero has been through far too much taunting and teasing. He, too, has faced losses. With Anne’s hand in his, transformation comes. Even precocious Emily, Anne’s younger sister, goes through a bit of a metamorphosis as the story progresses. The biggest change of all, however, is in Uncle Bertrand. I don’t want to give away too much. You’ll have to read the story to see for yourself!

You’ve written other Love Finds You books in the past. Do you enjoy writing for this series? Why or why not?

I can’t say enough about this line of books. From the moment the first book released, I fell in love—with the authors, the covers, the stories, the settings. Most of all, I love the concept. Through these stories, the reader can travel all over the country, bouncing from town to town, city to city. Want a serious historical? You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a humorous contemporary? You’ll find that, too. Want a book set in a quirky, fun town? Yep. You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a story set in a remote, faraway place, filled with intrigue? You’ll find that, too.

What are you working on now?

I just turned in Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma, a fun historical about a single woman in her late 30’s who moves from the Gulf Coast to the landlocked state of Oklahoma to become the director at an orphanage. It’s a love story, of course! She falls in love with the town sheriff, who has adopted two of the unruliest boys from the orphanage. I’m currently writing Wedding Belles, the first book in the Belles and Whistles series for Summerside/Guideposts.

I notice you write under two names (Janice Hanna and Janice Thompson). Why?

Those who’ve been reading my romances over the past several years know me as Janice A. Thompson. My joy is mixed with a smidgeon of sorrow as I explain the change in my last name for some of my current releases. In 2006 I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. His last name (Hanna) is my maiden name—and it’s a name that means even more to me now that he is gone. In memory of my father, I use the Hanna name in my historicals. My Revell books will still release under Janice Thompson. I hope you my readers will stick with me, no matter which name I use!

Any suggestions for writers who are trying to get published?

Learn the craft. Take courses. Go to conferences. Do the work. But don’t ever let what you’ve learned rob you of your natural, God-given voice. There’s only one you, after all.

Where else can readers find you online?

I love to connect with my readers at the following places:

Janice's web site

Janice's writing courses

Janice's facebook page

Where can I get the book?

Love Finds You in Groom, Texas can be purchased at any number of online stores, as well as my website: www.janicehannathompson.com (front page). Readers can always join my VIP bookclub and get the locked in price of $11 (no shipping) by contacting me directly at booksbyjanice@aol.com.

Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!

Leave a comment to win an opportunity to choose any available item from Janice's web site!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Carnival Comes to Town

2011-06-17T07:44:00.010-06:00

Bright lights glittered in the hot, dusty air. Blaring music blended with the shouts of scared and excited children as the rides dipped, hurled, swirled, bounced, jounced, and tilted them in all directions. Parents snapped pictures and guarded half-eaten snacks when the kiddos abandoned the food for yet another run down the big slide. The carnival had arrived!

As I surveyed the scene and accompanied my granddaughter on some of the gentler rides (thank goodness a friend came along and offered to take her on the scarier ones), an analogy came to my mind about how we live our lives. Okay, I guess that's the writer in me!

Those who simply exist on a daily basis are Ferris wheel folk. They sit safe and secure in a chair that gently escorts them to the top of the ride where they can gaze down on all that is going on around them. They watch everyone else having a good time on the midway, but there is no risk and no danger.

Then there are those people who like to fly a little. Enter the flying swings. Their surroundings pass by in a blur of color, sound, and motion as they embrace the wind on their cheeks and give in to the giddy uncertainty of dizziness.. The sensation of flying, almost a sense of weightlessness, takes over. They believe they can do almost anything and attack life like it is true!

Move on to one of the more daring rides, which I'm sure is identified by different names. Lovers of this one find themselves locked inside a cage, then rocketed away, not only in a giant circle, but as centrifugal force takes over, spun upside down. This one is for the people who let things happen to them, pleasant or unpleasant (sometimes the effect of this ride on the stomach is most unpleasant), and allow themselves to be swept into circumstances beyond their control with no way out.

The super slide is not for the faint of heart. Usually towering at a formidable height, it nevertheless affords some level of control. Those who ride can choose when to push off from the top. Once they launch themselves down the slippery groove, though, they are

challenged by bumps that threaten to unseat them as they sail through the air on their magic burlap carpet and coast to a gradual stop.

Sea Dragon riders start out with a continuous sway back and forth that rapidly increases in speed and lifts them to ever loftier heights. This one is for people who are look for ways to move up the ladder and enjoy the challenges when they get there. Yet, their feet stay rooted to the firmly on the floor.

How about the house of mirrors. This non-threatening attraction is comparable to those who travel the mazes of life never quite sure where they are going. In their attempt to seek a way out, they encounter the one thing that inhibits their progress - themselves!

Whether you spend your time on the rides or sitting on a bench stuffing your face with nachos and funnel cake,

there is something for everyone at the carnival.

Which ride represents the way you lead your life?

Thanks for reading my blog!

RIP James Arness

2011-06-03T19:13:00.003-06:00

It was a little over two years ago that I entered a post on this blog expressing my excitement over the news that I had won a prize in James Arness' birthday poetry contest. He sent me a beautiful autographed photo from his web site which I still treasure along with the others I have accumulated over the years.

Today, I heard the sad news that, a few short days after his 88th birthday, Jim passed away in his sleep at his home in California.

I won't bore my readers with a history of Jim's life because you can go online and find it. Rather, I will share with you my thoughts about Jim Arness and Gunsmoke as told in a speech I delivered at Toastmasters about seven years ago:

WILL THE REAL SURVIVOR PLEASE TAKE A BOW

Survivor – a weekly 60 min TV show, classified as a reality show, in which contestants use every ounce of energy to demoralize, undermine, and thwart other competitors in order to win a million dollar prize.

The show attracts hundreds of thousands of fans who eagerly anticipate the events that occur from week to week as the competition becomes more brutal, the tension overwhelming, and the process of elimination winds down to that final winner.

In all the years of TV viewing I have enjoyed: the dramas, the sitcoms, the mystery movies, the mini-series, the nighttime soap operas like “Dallas”, one show stands out as a survivor, in my mind, above and beyond all others.

This show is the legendary “Gunsmoke”. An adult TV western that made its debut on Sept 10, 1955 with an impressive introduction by western super star John Wayne, it was the first of its kind. The success of “Gunsmoke” sparked the airing of 30 westerns simultaneously on prime time and outlasted all these others with its epic 20 yr. run. It holds the record as the longest running drama in the history of television with continuing characters.

Unlike today’s popular reality show, the story lines on Gunsmoke promoted respect for our fellow man, downplayed the value of material wealth, esteemed human life, and portrayed a world where justice prevails and evil loses its destructive power.

The main character, played by 6’7” James Arness, portrayed US Marshal Matt Dillon, a lawman who maintained justice at all costs in the frontier cowtown of 1873 Dodge City, Kansas. Amanda Blake played the alluring Kitty Russell, a saloon owner by trade, yet respected as a shrewd but honest businesswoman. Milburn Stone appeared as Doc Adams, a feisty, often grumpy, yet compassionate sawbones who spent long hours caring for the sick, the wounded, and the ailing throughout an area that encompassed not only the town of Dodge, but all of Ford County and beyond.

Matt Dillon, of course, as in any good western, had his sidekicks. First to fill that role was Dennis Weaver, who played the lovable Chester Goode, a docile yet loyal man who sported a limp during the nine years he remained with the show. Next came hillbilly Festus Haggan, who, despite his lack of education, was much smarter than he appeared. This part was played by Bent County’s own Ken Curtis. Those in Las Animas who were close to Ken claim that if you had met Ken Curtis, you had met Festus Haggan. Buck Taylor joined the cast in 1967 as the versatile Newly O’Brien, a gunsmith by trade who also had a smattering of law and medical education in his background. He fit in nicely as an extra deputy when the need arose in Dodge City.

These characters blended to form a series of scenarios that gave the TV viewer his fill of drama, humor, suspense, adventure, violence, romance, and always, a warm feeling that all is right with the world.

Gunsmoke episodes were dramatized, of course, yet, the writers worked hard to make the scripts, the scenes, the events as authentic as possible. They dealt with situations pertinent to the time period: land and water rights, cattle barons versus squatters, pestilence, Indian hostility, compulsory education, vigilante law. Yet, among the 635 aired episodes of Gunsmoke were issues that still concern us today: prejudice, violence, robbery, rape, murder, child abuse, government corruption.

Although not all Gunsmoke episodes closed with a happy ending, they conveyed the message that in the end, the law prevails - man’s law and God’s law.

Almost thirty years after the last show was filmed and aired, reruns of Gunsmoke are available on TV stations in every part of the United States and in other countries as well. The Internet boasts at least one message board containing over five thousand messages that address virtually every aspect of the show, from a complete discussion of every single episode, every character, every actor who ever made a guest appearance, to the writers, the directors, and the producers. Known as the “The Delphi Gunsmoke Gang”, several of us fans have been to LA, most of us twice, to meet and spend time with Jim Arness in person. Many of us have had the opportunity to visit with Buck Taylor at western events across the country on numerous occasions.

Gunsmoke fans will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the show’s inception in Sept of next year. From the Festival of the West in Scotsdale, Arizona to the Western Legends Roundup in Kanab, Utah, and at several other events throughout the country, Gunsmoke will be the focus of attention.

A survivor? I’d say so. I can’t help but wonder, as I listen to people discuss the television show “Survivor”, just how many people, fifty years from now, will recall even one of the characters who starred in it.

I first saw Jim on our black and white TV at the age of four when he appeared for the first time in the role of Marshal Matt Dillon. I saw him for the first time in person as he filmed "How The West Was Won" at Bent's Old Fort in the 1970's. In 2001, I went to LA and attended his the booksigning of his autobiography. 2003 found me in LA again as I celebrated his 80th birthday. I got pictures with him and even got to give him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek! Just yesterday, my husband and I watched one of the post-Gunsmoke movies on TV. All my life, this man has been a hero to be admired, respected, and loved.

A dear friend of mine was one of the most avid Gunsmoke fans I ever knew. She had a whole room filled with memorabilia dedicated to the show. We called her "Brooklyn" because she was from Brooklyn, and the moment she opened her mouth, everyone knew it. She developed cancer a few years back.

I will always remember the story she related to me about Jim Arness. She was downstairs giving piano lessons when her daughter told her she had a phone call. When she asked who it was, her daughter told her it was James Arness on the phone. She said negotiating the stairs had become quite a chore for her due to her illness, but when she heard who was on the end of the line, she bounded up those stairs in about two leaps. Jim had called to tell her he was sorry to hear about her cancer and he hoped the treatments would prove effective. She said she was so excited that all she could of to say was, "I love you, Jim!" over and over. He told her he loved her too.

When I heard the sad news of Jim's death today, I pictured "Brooklyn" giving Jim a huge welcome hug as he entered Heaven's gates. Jim was the last member of the original cast, so I pray he is now celebrating with his close friends and those fans who have left this world. RIP James Arness!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Are you ready?

2011-05-26T18:33:00.004-06:00

I went to my local Dairy Queen a couple of evenings ago to enjoy time with friends and eat a shrimp basket dinner. I'd worked hard all day and felt I deserved something that was easy (no food prep), and tasted good (love shrimp!).

Anyway, while there, the subject of the recent end of the world prediction came up in conversation. It led me to repeat the question in my head that has plagued me since the prediction came to light.

Am I ready for the end of the world?

First of all, let me clarify that I hold no belief in these predictions that totally contradict the word of God. The Bible tells us that even Jesus does not know when God plans for the Son to return. I have no doubt the end of the world will occur someday, maybe even in my lifetime, but I am quite the skeptic about any human being who claims to know the date and time.

Anyway, back to my original question. Suppose the end of the world did happen next week, next month, or next year. Would I be ready?

Yes and no.

Yes because I feel I am right with God and saved by the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

Yes because suffering, pain, and poverty would end for so many.

Yes because evil is devouring the entire earth and the darkness is becoming more and more dense.

No because I have so much yet to do.

No because I don't feel I have fulfilled many of the plans God has for me.

No because there are so many who would perish because they have been consumed by the darkness and they can't find their way out.

The theme of this web site is "bringing light to the world....one word at a time." I feel I am just beginning to take steps toward accomplishing that goal.

Now that I work with a publishing company whose entire staff are dedicated to spreading the word of God, sometimes in unusual ways, I feel I am on the way to fulfilling that mission.

Recently, I attended the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. I have been attending almost every year since 2003, but this is the first year I had the honor to attend as a faculty member. It was rewarding to meet young people who are dedicated to learning the craft of writing. Not only are they learning, they are writing poems, stories, even full-length novels! They are enthusiastic, excited, and open to constructive criticism.

There was a time when I wanted more time to finish my own book and get my message out

there through the novel I am writing. I have not given up that dream, Still, though, I wonder how many people will be impacted by the writing of the young authors who I publish in Starsongs magazine. One of them may grow up to be the next Max Lucado or Francine Rivers. Many of them may see devotionals or articles published in the near future that will touch the lives of one key person who may turn the tide of history.

So, I guess when all is said and done, I'm asking the Lord to give me, and so many others, a little more time to reach others for His kingdom. Predictions may dominate the media, but I think God is listening to those of us who need just a little more time.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Was I a Good Mom?

2011-05-08T13:02:00.002-06:00

That question crosses my mind every Mother's Day. Did I do all for my kids that I could have as they were growing up? Did I teach them all the lessons they need to sustain themselves in adulthood? Was I always there for them?

The answer to all three of those questions, I'm afraid, is NO! The reason for that answer is because it is impossible to fulfill the "all" and "always" requirement.

This morning during our adult Sunday school class, we touched on the subject of guilt as moms. The discussion started with the fact that we judge ourselves. Do I judge my abilities as a parent? All the time.

I wish my daughter and granddaughter had been in church with me this morning, but they weren't. I feel that is my fault because I didn't impress upon my daughter the importance of honoring the sabbath when she was a child. Church is important when it's convenient, but not a priority.

It would have been nice to have had a Mother's Day card or even a Facebook greeting from my son, kind of a reminder that he is thinking of me on this day that honors mothers, even though he now lives in a different country and thousands of miles separate us.

Okay, so I'm having a pity party. It's not really all that bad. This evening, my daughter and granddaughter and I will attend our church youth group fundraiser together, which entails a delicious dinner and a play that I'm sure will be wonderful entertainment.

We don't hear from our son as often as I'd like, but I'm also proud that he possesses the independence and the initiative to make his own life. Accepting the fact that we are no longer an integral part of it is difficult, but also cause for pride. He's making a substantial living, supporting a wife, and pursuing career goals.

Our daughter is a wonderful mom. She's a great cook, and she sure didn't get that from me! I like to think that I have been s a positive influence in her life. She shows initiative and works hard, She is well respected in the community, at her job, and by her friends. She's raising our granddaughter to love God and believe in herself and always be kind to others.

I'm fortunate in that she is close by, for the time being, anyway. Still, she has her own life and that is a good thing. I'm proud that she, like our son, is independent and self-reliant. I'm excited for what the future holds for her and glad that she has the courage to face whatever challenges lie in store.

When I connect with our son, usually on line, I know he is genuinely glad to be in touch. I have very little idea of what his life is like overseas. No, he's not in the service, but I'm sure things are different in the UK than they are here in the states. He, too, has faced new opportunities and hard times with a strong spirit and a desire for adventure.

I wish I could say I have always been there for my kids in the ways that they have needed me to be. Sometimes I have and sometimes I haven't. There were times when I let my own opinions, my own dreams for them, and my own pride get in the way.

As a parent, I have regrets about my shortcomings as a mom. At the same time, I am grateful for every joyful moment, every term of endearment, every hug, every "I love you" my kids have ever shared with me. They are many, and I treasure each one in my heart.

Of all the gifts God has given me, motherhood is the best! I just hope I have proved worthy of the honor.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Buy A Boy A Book!

2011-04-25T13:43:00.005-06:00

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce author Eddie Jones and his YA book, The Curse of Captain LaFoote.

Eddie, welcome to Patti's Porch. tell us what prompted you to write a story about a sea adventure.

When my boys were young, I'd tell pirate stores on the bow of our sailboat. The lead character was Captain Stinky Foot. Captain Stinky Foot was named after my youngest son. If you've ever spent any time on a boat in August with a crew of unwashed young males then this needs no further explanation. I've always been fascinated by the stories of boys snatched away from London and Bristol and forced to serve before the mast. Seems to me life at sea was more fun than peeling potatoes. And more dangerous.

So The Curse of Captain LaFoote is a pirate tale awash in buried treasure, romance and dead men's bones. The truth is, this book and the ones that follow in the Caribbean Chronicle series are love stories. For Ricky Bradshaw, the hero of the book, the story is a quest to find his father, soul mate, and purpose in life. For guys, finding their father and gaining his approval is huge. Of course finding love is pretty high up there, too. It’s aimed at teen/tweens and middle-grade readers. The publisher gave it PG 13 rating due to a few killings. The age of

the lead is 15. It's aimed at boys but I think girls will enjoy it, too. The female is a strong character.

Did you have a specific message in mind when you created the story?

That courage costs. Near the end of the book Ricky has the chance to go back to his old life. We get to do the same thing, go back to our old way of doing things. But Christ says there is a cost for doing the right thing. Ricky faces that choice.

Why did you choose epilepsy as Ricky Bradshaw’s affliction?

Early in the story I needed a reason for Ricky to fall into the water. I did the same thing years ago. Jumped into the Neuse River in February while holding an outboard motor. So I knew how Ricky would react to the shock of cold water. I also knew Ricky would surface and be okay if I didn’t give him another wound.

A friend suggested that I let my lead have epilepsy. She said when she has episode she sort of zones out: like daydreaming except she can’t stop it. She also said she knows when it’s about to happen, that she smells something like burning wires. So I gave Ricky epilepsy and finished the story.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized the book had a larger purpose. I met another woman at a writer’s conference whose son has epilepsy. During the conference, her son suffered a seizure — the first one he’d ever had without his mother present. The look on her face that morning convinced me that Ricky Bradshaw could be a champion for those sufferi

ng from epilepsy.

It’s not cancer or heart disease but over three million Americans live with epilepsy. If the sale of this book can raise awareness, then the book has done its job. For each book sold, the publisher and I will donate “a few pieces of eight” — half a sandy dollar — to the foundation’s Heroes Among Us program. Our goal is to raise ten thousand dollars in honor of Ricky Bradshaw.

It sounds like there are other books to come in the Caribbean Chronicles series. Can you give us a sneak peak of what readers can expect?

Right now I’m working on Dead Calm, Bone Dry. This is Ricky’s journey to find his father. Through he died when Ricky was a toddler, because Ricky is living during the age of pirates, Ricky has the chance to visit the place where souls are knit together. “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:15. This passage fascinates me: the idea that God has a special place where he stitches us together. So Ricky journeys into the depths of darkness and to the gates of Hell in search of his father. For boys, this is our ultimate quest: to find ourselves within our father... and kill him. So there is both a physical need and spiritual theme woven into the story. Through the execution of His Son, we attempted to kill God the Father on the cross. And every day we continue to stab him with our sins. That’s part of the message of the second book. But like the first, it’s a fun, fast story that opens with a hanging and takes off from there.

How long did it take you to write The Curse of Captian LaFoote?

About a year. I write slowly. Actually I rewrite. I’ve heard all the advice about getting the rough draft down first but I’m OCD. Can’t leave a thing undone. So until a chapte

r is perfect I can’t move forward. Terrible way to write. I’ll never get rich writing at this pace but I enjoy the process too much to hurry it.

Did you create an outline or are you a seat of the pants writer?

No outline but I do follow the thirteen plot points. I know what 4 plot points need to be in Act One. When the curtain comes down on that section I move on. I know what 5 plot points I’ll need to hit in Act Two, but I let the characters motivation and secrets drive the story. I’ve tried plotting out from an outline but my personality is one of an explorer. That’s why I write a boating column called Hard Aground. I don’t read charts or study boating guidebooks. I just set the sails and go. Often this leaves me hard aground but I also find some pretty interesting places: coves others would never venture into because they were warned against them. I want my stories to be that way: Off-the-beaten path, interesting and dangerous. If I know how it ends then I’m bored and a bored writer is a bad writer.

What kind of advice would you give to young writers who are interested in

crafting a novel?

Buy my Plotting, Not Plodding book. It’s only a dollar as a Kindle or Nook book and $5 for print. This isn’t a pitch to sell books, since at $.99 I’m not going to get rich. But plotting is key. I find a lot of authors, even best-selling authors, struggle with plotting. Character development sells books but plot keeps the story moving forward. Without key plot points, the reader gets bored and hops off. It’s like crawling in a car with a crazy cast of characters. It’s fun for the first few hours but if, after a while, you sense everyone is lost, you want out. So learn plot. Then work on scene development. This is structure and can also be learned. Character development is harder. Dialogue is tough but that can be fun if you work at it. I teach all four of these as basic writing classes at conferences. And I used all four in the writing of Captain LaFoote so if they worked for me, they’ll work for anyone.

Be sure to participate in our "Buy A Boy A Book!" campaign and spur their imagination. Create within them a desire to read and set sail for a life of adventure, wherever that journey may take them. Learn how you can participate at this link.

Where can your book be purchased?

Print Edition can be purchased for $9.95 at this link:

Kindle eBook can be purchased for $2.99 at this link:

NOOK eBook can be purchasesd for $2.99 at this link:

Below is my review of The Curse of Captain LaFoote:

The Curse of Captain LaFoote is written for YA boys. However, I am female, have left my YA years in the dust miles ago, and I enjoyed every moment of this delightful story. Having grown up in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, I was thrilled to be whisked into the throes of ocean waves with Ricky Bradshaw as he encounters one heart-pounding adventure after another.

Author Eddie Jones brings young Ricky to life as a common everyday adventure-seeking boy who, after a fire breaks out in his apartment, is whisked into a world of adventure, danger, and romance. His affliction in the form of epilepsy reminds the reader that we all have weaknesses to overcome. The formidable Captain LaFoote represents the evil we all must battle on that rocky road called life. Other characters, including Barnacle the dog, add spice and variety to an already elegantly crafted story. The lovely and engaging Rebecca adds charm and sweetness to an otherwise bitter experience for young Ricky.

The messages Jones conveys to young people in this tale are that certain things are worth fighting for, we all possess courage, and loyalty can help us overcome even the most frightful adversity. Join Eddie’s “Buy a Boy a Book” campaign and purchase a copy of this enchanting adventure story for a boy you know or donate a copy to your local library today.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Review of Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell

2011-04-03T16:17:00.004-06:00

Miralee Ferrell's books are a delight to this reader. From her historic Love Finds You books to her contemporary The Other Daughter and Finding Jeena, Miralee delivers a compelling story that entertains and satisfies.

Her latest accomplishment, Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona, unfolds a romantic tale set against the backdrop of one of the old west's most notorious historic towns. If you are drawn to the intriguing personality of the rugged denizens of frontier days with a questionable history and the ladies whose pasts are less than stellar, you must read this book.

Miralee delves into the life of character Christy Grey beyond her appearance in Love Finds You in Last Chance, California. When Christy is called home, she not only finds her brother unreliable to help with her ailing mother, but encounters outlaws during a stagecoach holdup on her journey. Her dilemma worsens when she promises one of the outlaws involved to keep his identity a secret when it is revealed to her. Christy's problems and her past serve as a stumbling block to the dreams she hopes to someday fulfill.

Nevada King has dreams of his own. Yet, circumstances beyond his control put him in a bad light to Christy, the woman for whom he feels a growing attraction. He also lives in constant danger of pursuit by outlaws who are out for revenge. As Nevada proves himself to be a friend not only to Christy, but also to her family and a saloon girl looking for a way out of the sordid life that has trapped her, Christy's heart softens toward him.

Miralee has interwoven real life documented historical occurrences with her fictitious but believable characters. She has crafted a story that deposits the reader smack dab in the midst of the old west in the late nineteenth century.

Idahope Writers

2011-03-20T20:45:00.008-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to writers in another state. I attended the Third Annual Idahope Writers Conference in Boise, Idaho as a representative of Written World Communications. Our CEO, Kristine, was supposed to attend, but circumstances prevented her ability to fulfill the commitment, so she asked me to go in her place.

I flew out of Colorado Springs airport early in the morning, which meant I had to leave my home at about 3:00 AM. I praised God that I did not have to thread my way through construction in the dark! Last August, upon my return from Philadelphia, I got hopelessly lost as I tried to find my way out of the airport. (That's another story).

The president of Idahope writers, Adam, and his wife, Andrea, were to meet me at Boise airport. We had never met before, but they managed to find and identify me. They took me to their home, then to lunch at a pizza place called Flying Pie. It boasts a ball of aluminum foil that weighs 400 pounds (see left)!

They then took me to the home of the host family I would be staying with for the week-end. They were delightful people and own a beautiful home. My accommodations were so comfortable with a beautiful view and my host and hostess delightful. They made me feel right at home and fed me some delicious meals. They even spent quite a bit of time on the phone, going through the step by step process with their ISP provider of getting my computer hooked up to the internet. Thanks Becky and Steve for everything!

The conference was Saturday. I missed many of the classes because, when I wasn't teaching, I had appointments with writers. That was fine because I love to talk to writers about their projects and give them advice that will help them get published! I did get to listen to the keynote speaker, Sandra Bishop. Sandra is an agent who worked with the MacGregor Literary Agency. She talked about the future of publishing.

My talk was scheduled for 11:00 AM. My subject was "What An Editor Wants - Does This Mean I Don't Send Chocolate?" I enjoyed giving the talk and received some positive feedback about it. I owe a big thanks to those editors who are much more experienced than I and shared their thoughts on the subject. One thing I forgot to do was turn on the tape recorder until about halfway through my presentation! Gee, I was mad at myself for that! I also fell a little short of the hour I was supposed to fill. Nobody complained, though, since the next session was lunch!

I was able to listen to another speaker, Ray, who is a member of Idahope Writers. He is a police officer and a minister who gave an engaging talk on cultural differences and impressions.

Julie Hoy of Salem, Oregon, provided inspirational worship and praise music.

All of the people at the conference were so gracious and treated me like I was someone special! I loved visiting with both faculty and conferees about writing, listening to them talk about their experience and their projects. They gave all of us speakers some wonderful gifts, a box of candy and a Barnes & Noble gift card.

I was supposed to fly home Sunday night, but received a phone call Sunday morning telling me my flight from Denver to Colorado Springs had been canceled. After consultation with my host family and their generous offer to have me stay another night, I booked my entire flight for Monday.

Due to the delay, I got to go snowshoeing! I had never done that before. When I was a kid, my relatives in the Adirondacks had snowshoes. I remember they were huge, like tennis rackets! These were small, and once I got them adjusted, quite comfortable. It was a great experience to spend some time in the Idaho mountains, surrounded by snow and God's wondrous handiwork. I did feel like a wimp though! An hour on the snowshoes left me exhausted! I'd love to get in shape to be able to enjoy winter sports again!

It was off to the airport very early Sunday morning. My flight was due to depart at 6:00 AM. Thank goodness the airport was only ten minutes away.

I contacted my Written World Communications boss, Kristine, while in Denver and told her I would be in Colorado Springs around 11:30 and asked if she could meet me for a quick lunch. The arrangements were made and I actually arrived at our meeting place without getting lost. (Big deal for me!) It was a nice way to finish the trip.

All in all, I loved my week-end in Idaho! The scenery is splendid, the people are wonderful, and the experience was one I will remember and learn from for a long time to come.

Thank you for welcoming me, Idahope writers!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Confessions of a Fly-by-Night Blogger

2011-03-15T07:44:00.004-06:00

Do you know how long it has been since I entered a blog post? Well, so long that.....

Blogger didn't even show up in my Internet history.

If my username and password had not been automatically filled in, I would have had to create new ones.

The temperature has increased by about forty degrees.

You get the point. It's been quite a while!

I have mixed feelings about this whole blogging thing. I have my favorite blogs that I check every so often. For some of them, I get an email alert in my inbox every time the blogger enters a post. Some of them are like clockwork - every single day. I admire those people more than I can say. Unlike me, they are obviously planners who have posts prepared long before they ever enter cyberspace.

Others have not posted since long before my last posting date. I wonder if those people are like me, so buried in priorities that they just don't have anything to say. Or, perhaps, they have nothing to write and will post again when they find something in their lives worth sharing.

Once again, I will try to resume posting to my long-neglected blog. My readers are patient with me! On the other hand, maybe that's why I have so few?

Back in a day or so...or a few days...or next week...or - well, let's just say I'll be back just as soon as I can get here!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Introducing A Brand New Author

2011-01-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting when a new author comes on the scene. It gives the reader a sense of exploring new and uncharted territory, entering the world of never-before-created characters and wandering through the unexpected twists and turns of a different writing style.

This new author is unique in that she is only thirteen years old! Kayla Woodhouse, in collaboration with her mom, Kimberley Woodhouse, will see their first novel, No Safe Haven, released in March of 2011.

Kayla is an outstanding young lady in that she suffers from a rare nerve disorder called Sensory Autonomic Hereditary Neuropathy. This condition impedes her sensitivity to pain and her body's natural ability to regulate temperature. Due to Kayla's condition and the special requirements needed for her survival, the Woodhouse family was chosen to receive a lovely environmentally controlled Colorado home from ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Since then, Kayla has appeared on Montel and Discovery's Mystery ER.

Despite her medical limitations, Kayla is an avid swimmer who aspires to swim in the Olympics someday. Now, she is the youngest published full-length novelist from a royalty paying publisher. Kayla wrote all the scenes from the point of view of twelve year-old Andrea Tikaani-Gray, a main character in the book, when she, herself, was twelve.

It was my pleasure to interview Kayla for our first issue of Starsongs magazine (Fall 2010), where she provided a blurb of No Safe Haven:

Jenna Tikaani-Gray and her twelve-year-old daughter, Andrea, are on their way home, hoping for a fresh start after a lifetime of medical trials and great sorrow. But when sabotage brings their small plane down, they find themselves fighting for their lives. And they don’t know what’s more dangerous: the weather and terrain of Sultana—one of the most hazardous mountains in Alaska—or the armed men chasing them.

Hardened by the loss in his life, Cole Maddox knows the best path is one he walks alone. No one to care for—or about. That way he can focus on what matters: getting a secret technology safely into the hands of the US Military. But when the plane he’s on with Jenna and Andie crashes, it will take all his skill and strength to get them out alive—and all his determination to stay in his self-imposed solitary confinement.

Go here to see a book trailer.

Although the book will not be in bookstores until March, a pre-buy option is available at the following links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

ChristianBook.com

This writing team is no "one book wonder". Already contracted and close to completion, Kayla and Kimberley's second book, Race Against Time will make its appearance in November 2011.

To learn more about the Woodhouse family, visit their web site or become a Facebook fan.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Resolutions for Any Day

2011-01-02T14:14:00.004-07:00

The snow we received a couple of days ago is melting here on the porch. The sun is shining bright, but side streets in town are still snow-packed.

Is anyone surprised that I am two days late with my New Year's message? Probably not anyone who knows me! Yes, always the procrastinator here. Still, I figure I get a bit of a reprieve since New Year's Eve fell on Friday this year and people won't get back to the "normal" routine of their lives until Monday.

How many of you made New Year's resolutions? I didn't, but I have some thought of some resolutions that can apply to any day of the year. Below is my list of things I plan to keep in mind for all months, all seasons, all year long!

When someone hurts my feelings, I will remember there are those whose feelings I have hurt - sometimes without even knowing it.

When someone disappoints me, I will remember my own behavior that has disappointed others.

When I don't feel like cleaning house, I will remember those who don't have a home to clean.

When I want junk food, I will remember those who are dying for lack of anything nutritious.

When I feel impatient as I wait in line, I will remember that people in front of me may have much more pressing tasks to complete than I do.

When I want to curse at some silly circumstance, I will remember that cursing at inanimate objects is totally futile. Cursing at other people is downright hateful.

When I worry about money, I will remember those who have a whole lot less than I do.

When I don't hear from my family or friends as often as I'd like, I will remember the times when I craved a little privacy.

When I don't give my best in all that I do, I will remember how many lives will be affected.

When I don't show kindness to others, I will remember all the kindness that has been extended to me.

When I don't take time to say a prayer, I will remember all those who are taking time to pray for me.

When I don't take time to learn more about the Lord, I will remember all that the Lord knows about me.

When I don't uphold my Christian faith, I will remember how many people may never find the Truth because of my cowardice.

Happy New Year! May 2011 be a happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed year for all of you!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Merry Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T13:16:00.004-07:00

It's Christmas Eve and I actually have all my wrapping done! Usually I am scrambling at the last minute to get gifts wrapped and ready to go under the tree, but this year I had my huge helper, our granddaughter, Elf Madison. She is a great gift wrapper and loves doing it as well.

Elf Madison will spend today at her other grandma's house, where her aunt and greatgrandma live as well. They always have a lot of family gather at their house, so I am sure they will appreciate Elf Madison's energy and willingness to help.

Last evening, our daughter, Joelene called with a dilemma. She had come to town to pick up Elf Madison after work and when they got home, they realized they had no cookies baked for Santa! They decided they would make the dough last night and then bake and decorate the cookies this morning. Only problem was they didn't have enough eggs for the recipe, so Grandpa Pat and Pappy came to the rescue and took some eggs to them. Thank goodness they live less than ten miles away.

Another trip was warranted this morning because the cookie cutters are at my house! We got there only to discover we had failed to bring the sack with the "good" Christmas shapes, like the star and the bell and the Santa and the snowman and the holly! So, it was back home again to retrieve them.

I got to help with the baking and the decorating, but now my appetite is whetted for some good Christmas sugar cookies, so that is my project for today. I have plenty of colored icing left from the last cookie baking project, so it seems like a perfect way to spend the day!

There is no snow here, and that makes me a bit sad. However, I know they say there was no snow at the actual birth of the Christ child either, so despite the fairly "warm" weather, (45 degrees), the spirit of that Holy Night abounds in my heart.

As I write this, I am chatting with our son, who lives in the UK. We sent them two packages for Christmas and they received one on time, just today. At least they have a few gifts from home to open with more to anticipate over the next few days. Considering the havoc the weather has caused in London, I'm pleased that they at least got something! We will miss Jason and his wife Jaque terribly this year. In the past, we were able to anticipate that phone call where he would say, "so, mom, would it be a big problem to pick us up at Denver airport on Christmas Eve?" It never was a problem, even the trip we made one year on Christmas Day, but we knew there would be no such call this year.

Got interrupted with chores that were necessary, like getting to the stores for last minute items before they closed for the holiday.

We just returned from the Christmas Eve candlelight service at our church. Tuesday evening, our pastor did a "longest night" service, which celebrated the winter solstice and spoke to the hearts of those who often experieince a "blue Christmas". Tonight's service, as is so appropriate, centered around the birth of the Christ child and what that monumental event means to all of us. With scripture, song, and narration, our pastor put is right there at the heart of the event, an awesome place to be! We celebrated the wondrous miracle of Christ's birth with communion and the lighting of each parishoner's candle as we sang the verses to Silent Night. The service ended with Joy to the World. Despite all the disharmony in the world today, it truly is a joyous time that we experience in the knowledge of Christ's love for each and every one of us.

I have a full evening ahead of me, despite all of my best laid plans. I finished baking the cookies just before we walked out the door to go to church, so now I have all of them to ice and decorate. I'm sure they won't come out near as nice as Elf Madison's! (see picture).

Tomorrow morning, Joelene and Elf Madison will come into town and spend Christmas morning with us, since Elf Madison's dad is working during the day. We will have a big breakfast of pancakes and bacon, watch the parade, and open gifts. Then we'll go to my sis-in-law's house for a delicious meal. I am so blessed to have a sis-in-law who loves to cook, so I don't have to do much of that over the holidays! I bought the turkey this year and all I have to provide other than that is a macaroni salad. (Don't even ask how something so unorthodox became a holiday tradition in our family. I really don't have an answer!)

All in all, I hope that amid all the feasting and gift giving and merry making, that the members of my family will keep in their hearts the real meaning of Christmas, the spirit of love and caring and giving, and the greatest gift we have all received in the birth of Jesus, the son of God.

May all of you reading this find Christmas joy in your hearts and experience the love and peace of our Lord Jesus!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Important versus Imperative

2010-12-16T10:31:00.005-07:00

Decorating the tree in progress! (12/9/10)

It takes me by surprise this morning as I log into my blogspot account and realize I have not entered a post since the day after Thanksgiving. Seems like ages ago.

One of my favorite movies is the 1970 classic, Airport, starring Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, George Kennedy, and several other famous movie personalities. A scene that sticks in my mind is when Mel Bakersfeld's wife Cindy comes to the airport and confronts him about their marriage and the time he spends at his job as airport manager. She accuses him of placing more importance on the situation at the airport than on the commitment he had made to attend a social event with her that evening. He responds with the answer "not more important, more imperative".

This Christmas season, I find myself evaluating what is imperative versus what is important.

My imperative list

Reflect with a joyful heart on the true meaning of the season each day - if I don't do this, the rest of it makes no sense!

Get Christmas issue of Starsongs to layout and design editor - This took a lot of time, but absolutely had to be done. Although the magazine has other than Christmas stories and poems, who wants to read them after Christmas?

Get packages mailed to family out of state (and country) - always anticipate the mail is slow this time of year!

Get Christmas shopping done - wish I was one of those people who starts Christmas shopping in July, but I'm just not.

Get gifts wrapped - unwrapped gifts under the tree are not very exciting to a 9 year old on Christmas morning!

Keep the bills paid - Yes, money is tight this time of year, but I really don't want to be getting ready for Christmas in the dark!

My Important List

Attend Christmas activities - I try to participate in as many as I can, but if I miss out on one or two, I know there will be opportunities at other times of the year for socialization.

Christmas letter and Christmas cards - I spent the most time on this one this year, even though it was not on my "imperative" list. It is the one time of year when I can get the same information out to family and friends, but if I don't, I figure those closest to me already know about the most important things in my life anyway.

Christmas baking - Who doesn't love to see their table adorned with those brightly decorated star, bell, and Christmas tree sugar cookies? Still, I don't need the calories!

Housecleaning - Falls way low on the list at this time of year, but I do try to keep the dust off the Christmas decorations. No matter how much vacuuming gets done, pieces of tinsel manage to magically appear everywhere but on the tree.

Hubby doesn't know it yet, but that old, old TV will be replaced with a new one on Christmas morning! (SHHHHH!)

Blogging - Obviously didn't make it to the imperative list, but still very important. Even though you haven't heard from me in a while, please know I wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas Season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

What's imperative and important to you this season? I'd love to hear your comments!

Thanks for reading my blog!

The Day After Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T18:03:00.005-07:00

Yes, I know, most self-respecting bloggers put up a post the night before or the morning of Thanksgiving and label it something obvious like "Thanksgiving Day".

Remember, though, I am the procrastinator, so I'm usually a day late! Hence, you will find this post a little different from the typical Thanksgiving Day greeting, although I hope it conveys an important message for writers and non-writers alike.

Yesterday at this time, I was so full I could hardly move. Today at the same time, I'm searching the house and wondering what to eat!

Thanksgiving is that time of year when we become overloaded with food, family, and fun. It's all wonderful at the time we are enjoying it, but the next day, we kind of breathe a sigh of relief that it's all over.

Kind of reminds me of a writers conference, where I get information thrown at me for hours, stay up half the night preparing for the next day, and totally immerse yourself in the magic of socialization with others who understand what I am talking about and how I think!

In the case of both, there is a valuable and lasting takeaway.

Thanksgiving should remind us of how much we have to be thankful for all year long, not just on November 25th, or whatever date the holiday happens to fall. We come together to celebrate our bounty once a year, but we easily fall into the routine of taking our blessings for granted as Thanksgiving recedes into the background of our busy lives.

We as writers can be like that. A thousand ideas for that best-selling novel and good intentions for prospective magazine submissions crowd our brains while we surround ourselves with the knowledge, expertise, and advice of mentors at a conference. We get home and we tuck that wisdom away and forget about it until time to attend the next "feast of information".

We need to strike a balance in our personal and our writing life. Enjoy the feast, but be thankful for the bounty and make use of the blessings all year round!

Thanks for reading my blog!

What Do You Read?

2010-11-17T22:39:00.003-07:00

I ran across this post on Facebook tonight. It is a list of 100 books of which the BBC believes most people have read only six. Bold titles are those I have read, italics are those I’ve either started and never finished or read an excerpt.

When I add up my tally of read books, I come up with a tally of 21. I have to admit, though, that at my age, I don’t remember all of the titles.
Have I heard so much about such and such book that I assume I must have read it? Okay, so worst case scenario, I’ve read fifteen. So, if I have my figures right, that means I’ve read 2.5 times, or 250% more books on the list than it was predicted I had read. (Okay, I admit, I’m a numbers person!).

Anyway, it was just this evening that I found myself questioning what kind of books I really like to read. I think the answer is that I am an eclectic reader. I enjoy western and romance, thriller and mystery, books about the rich, books about the poor, books that take me behind the scenes (think Airport – those of you who remember it), books about the average family, books that inspire, books that challenge my intelligence (sometimes that’s not very hard to do!), and books that teach me something. (Yeah, I know. Run on sentence for sure!).

Ask me who my favorite author is and I really couldn’t tell you. I don’t watch for any particular author’s new book to hit the shelves. Half the time I don’t even remember the names of the authors who wrote the books I read, unless they are personal friends, of which I have many writers who are. Heck, at my age, I sometimes can’t even remember the name of the book! That’s why I keep a list of what I’ve read, but if I forget to add the title to my Excel file, it’s probably forever lost to my memory. Ever start a book, get half way through it, and suddenly you know the ending because you realize you’ve read it before. Been there, done that.

I love to read! I never miss the opportunity to devour a few words. I’ve been known to devour a few words while waiting in line at Wal-mart, sitting in “park” while traffic streams by from the opposite direction in a construction zone, sitting in line at parent pickup before my granddaughter gets out of school, and of course, there are those two to three minute commercials during a TV show (DVRs have kind of knocked out those reading moments, though).

What do you read? Where do you read? Why do you read?

Copy the list into a blank page on your own computer. Take the test. Let me know how you came out. Oh yeah, for the non-numbers folks, all you need is a number between one and one hundred. No need to report the percentage. I'll understand!

Thanks for reading my blog!

1 Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series – JK Rowling (all)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four – George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
11 Little Women – Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 – Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch – George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House – Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited – Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield – Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia – CS Lewis
34 Emma – Jane Austen
35 Persuasion – Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Berniere
39 Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh – AA Milne
41 Animal Farm – George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney – John Irving
45 The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables – LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies – William Golding
50 Atonement – Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi – Yann Martel
52 Dune – Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm – Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
62 Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History – Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road – Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick – Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
72 Dracula – Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island – Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses – James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal – Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair – William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession – AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple – Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web – EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection – Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince – Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory – Iain Banks
94 Watership Down – Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet – William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables – Victor Hugo

Interview with author Karen Witemeyer

2010-11-05T19:00:00.009-06:00

Karen, welcome to Patti’s Porch. Hope you brought
a light sweater. You might find the air a little cooler
here in Colorado than you are used to in Texas.

Being near the glorious mountains is worth a few goose bumps. Thanks for having me over.

Tell us about your book, Head in the Clouds.

Since I enjoy Regency romances as well as those set in the American West, I thought it would be fun to blend the two by bringing an English nobleman to Texas.

Here's the official blurb:

When a recovering romantic goes to work for a handsome ranch owner, her heart’s not the only thing in danger.

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--
and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford
distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee,
and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide
be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her
heart on the line?

On your web site, you describe your journey to publication as “bumpy”. Share your ups and downs to publishing success.

It doesn't take new writers long to learn that rejection is an inevitable part of this journey. But deep inside, we all hope we'll prove to be the exception to the rule. I had been attending the ACFW conference for several years and meeting with agents and editors on other projects with no success. However, in 2007, I was sure that God was opening doors for me. I met Karen Schurrer, a Bethany House editor, while volunteering in the preconference set-up room. There was no doubt in my mind that this was a "divine appointment." Then I sat at her table for lunch later in the week, and after we all gave her our pitches, one brave lady (not me) asked if we could send our proposals. Another divine intervention. After conference, I sent in my proposal, and miracle of miracles, they asked for the full manuscript! God was definitely at work. I was certain an offer was right around the corner. Instead, I found a rejection. This couldn't be right? God had opened all the doors. What had gone wrong?

As it turns out, there is such a thing as a good rejection. My first novel was turned down because the plot was too similar to something they had recently published. However, they liked the writing enough, they asked to see more. They also mentioned that they liked the dress shop I had introduced. Could I make another story centered around a dress shop. Now, you have to understand, the dress shop in the original manuscript burned to the ground in the prologue. It wasn't exactly a pivotal ingredient. But I wasn't about to tell them no. So I worked up another proposal focused on a dress shop.

In the meantime, I was more than halfway through writing my second novel, so I took a chance and sent them a synopsis for it and asked if they would like to see it when it was finished. They agreed to take a look at it. So by conference time in 2008, I had a completed manuscript in addition to the single chapter I had put together for the new dress shop book.

By January 2009, I had a three-book contract set to release with the dress shop book first. That book became A Tailor-Made Bride, my debut release in June 2010. The second completed manuscript became my latest book, Head in the Clouds.

You love to write about the American west, which brings to mind a cattle rancher hero. Yet, you chose a British sheepherder. What precipitated your choice?

I read a lot of historical romances, and while I love a rugged, hard-working, no-nonsense cowboy hero, my heart also pitter-patters over those dashing charmers that grace the pages of Regency novels. So I thought it would be fun to find a way to combine the two. They raise a lot of sheep in England, so sheep ranching made more sense than cattle ranching, and the area of Texas where I chose to set my story historically ran more sheep than cattle. Believe it or not, the wool industry was big business in Texas in the 1880s.

Why did you choose to inflict little Bella with the handicap that you did? Have you had experience in dealing with a mute child?

No, I have not had direct experience with a mute child, although sometimes I wish my three children came with a remote that had that option wired in.

In graduate school, I studied school psychology and learned about the various ways trauma can manifest itself in children. Isabella had suffered dramatic grief and loss and was haunted by the possibility of future danger. She reacted by withdrawing into herself. She withdrew to such an extent that she stopped talking. Elective mutism is rare, but I thought it fit well with her situation

Head in the Clouds is your second book. Tell us about your first novel, A Tailor-Made Bride.

Tailor-Made is a fun story that pairs
a seamstress that values beauty with a
livery owner that condemns vanity.
He thinks she's shallow. She think he's
arrogant. But both couldn't be more wrong –
or more right for each other.

Tell us what part Crown Fiction Marketing has played in the promotion of your books.

CROWN is a marketing group geared toward Christian historical fiction authors who write stories set in 19th century America. We support one another and help promote each other's books by writing reviews, handing out bookmarks, spreading the word about new releases, anything we can think of to help. We are also great at simply cheering one another on – something I always need. I would highly recommend the group to anyone who writes for this specific genre.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I'm a combination. I need to have a general idea of where I'm going before I start. I need to know my characters and their background, I need to know the major plot points and have a clear idea of the beginning and the end. After that, I just sit down and see where each chapter takes me. I usually stick pretty close to the synopsis, but I'm always surprised at the character nuances that emerge or how an unplanned scene fits so perfectly into the spiritual thread. God definitely gets all the credit for the creativity.

What does your writing schedule look like?

I work full-time outside the home and have three school-aged kids who keep me busy with soccer games, band practices, and Math meets so my schedule is crazy to say the least. What seems to work best for me is to set weekly writing goals instead of daily word count goals. That way, I have the flexibility to make up for lost time if a family or work event takes me away from the computer. I'm also one of those odd ducks who loves to edit as I write. This makes my pace much slower, but once I finish the manuscript, I'm actually finished. My goal is to write one polished chapter a week. My books tend to be about 40 chapters long, so this pace works well for me in getting out a new book every year. I still have to find time to do rewrites, marketing, and all that other fun stuff, but somehow it all manages to get done.

What do you like most about the writing process? Least?

Editing is my strength. I have a strong perfectionist streak, so I love to tinker with things to make them better. Plotting is what makes me pull my hair out. I don't consider myself to be a naturally creative person, so coming up with new story ideas is a struggle. I pray a lot, read a lot, and daydream just enough to keep the inspiration percolating until an idea develops that is publication-worthy. Brainstorming with editors and other writers is also a great way to get my creative juices flowing.

Do you have a new project in mind?

I'm currently working on the rewrites for my next novel called To Win Her Heart which is supposed to release in May, 2011. It is set in Texas in the late 1880s and asks the question – what happens after the prodigal son returns? So many times, we focus on the wonderful homecoming the lost son received from his father, but have you ever asked what life was like for him after the celebration was over? How did he relate to his bitter older brother or the servants and townspeople who were only too aware of his past arrogance and wild living?

In my story, I play on those very questions. My hero is a man recently released from prison who has returned to his faith roots and rededicated his life to the Lord. The heroine is a woman who has been disappointed by men in the past and has little tolerance of those who don't meet her high standards. In an effort to make a clean start, Levi hides his past and Eden believes she has finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back her affections?

If you could give only one piece of advice to new writers, what would it be?
Be committed to mastering the craft, tenacious in submitting your work, flexible enough to move when the industry moves, and grounded enough in who you are as a person and as a child of God not to lose heart when rejection comes. Accept the lessons of humility you learn now, for you will need them later when you find success.

Thank you for visiting Patti’s Porch today, Karen. It’s been a pleasure to spend some time with you. I wish you much success with your writing career.

Thank you. It's been a joy to be here.

To learn more about Karen and her work, be sure to visit her web site.

Thanks for reading my blog!

The 20/20/20 rule

2010-10-28T12:18:00.002-06:00

Do you find yourself staring at a computer screen for hours at a time? By the time I fulfill my responsibilities as editor of Starsongs, read a few blogs, check email, etc., the time slips by and before I know it, three or more hours have slipped by. It can be mighty hard on the eyes. Is there a way to prevent eye strain in our technological world?

I heard this tip on the news the other day and thought I would pass it on. Look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes. Focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help relieve some of the stress to your eyes.

As a person who has struggled with limited vision all my life, I know the importance of preserving the vision I do have. Protect your vision by treating your eyes right! Keep them healthy!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Who Are You?

2010-10-21T13:30:00.006-06:00

Every week, I receive a report on the number of people who have visited my blog. Used to be just a few, hardly worth mentioning. Lately, the numbers have increased significantly. I seldom see any comments, though, which does not surprise me. I read several blogs throughout the course of the week where I don't necessarily leave a comment. I may email the person directly in some cases.

My question to my readers is this: Who are you? I'd love to know who is reading my posts and if they are helpful or entertaining not. Are they too far apart (probably!). Is there any particular topic you would like to see covered on this blog? Even if you are one of those people who assume I know you read my blog, send me a line or two anyway.

Either speak up in the comments section or drop me an email at pattishene(at)pattishene(dot)com. Doesn't have to be elaborate and if you don't want to answer the above questions I posed, that's fine as well. I'm just curious to know who all is out there in cyberspace that stops by!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Interview with author Erin Rainwater

2010-10-13T22:47:00.011-06:00

In addition to our passion for writing, Erin and I share a professional career. We are both Registered Nurses, but the parallel does not end there. Erin served as an Army nurse who worked with soldiers and veterans. I worked as a psychiatric nurse at a VA hospital for a number of years.

Erin, welcome to Patti’s Porch. Despite the fall season, we are still having some warm days, so thanks so much for the cyber lemonade!

Tell us about your book, Refining Fires.

Refining Fires is genuinely distinctive in that it’s divided into three parts, each with it’s own protagonist but whose paths cross by God’s weaving hands. In the first story, “Refining Fire,” a former Army nurse is forced by circumstances to work for a disfigured and bitter veteran. The refining of this man, Peter Cochran, is no easy task, but God is no quitter, and neither is the heroine in this romantic tale, Clare Canterbury. Her determined efforts elicit renewed life from his body while evoking a raw yearning in his soul. But this is only the beginning of their love story. Next you’ll meet a young girl who must delve into the deepest reaches of her soul to find the “Blind Courage” needed to face overwhelming odds if she is to save her mother’s life. The love Peter and Clare share has an immense impact on this remarkable child. Lastly, a “Kept Woman” must decide between following through on her plan for self-destruction or heeding the words of a lost love regarding just “who” has been keeping her all along. Refining Fires goes beyond simple, formula romance. It’s comprised of three stories about people seeking redemption all rolled into one larger story. Each character undergoes a refining process in his or her own personal furnace of affliction. As their paths cross and their lives intertwine throughout these stories, God’s loving hand is evident, providing the courage and tools each needs to persevere, achieve victory, and come out refined.

And by the way, the publisher of Refining Fires, Torn Veil Books, has made it available in both print and eBook formats, satisfying both the tech-minded folks who love their electronic reading devices and those who simply must hold the book in their hands (like me).

It is obvious that your nursing experiences impacted this story. Have you cared for patients with wounds, physical, emotional, or both, similar to Peter’s?

I have had some incredible and unusual experiences throughout my nursing career and while I served in the Army, and yes, some of them made their way onto the pages of my books. When the Vietnam War ended, I was privileged to care for returning POWs and MIAs. Nightmares were common to them, and I had to be careful in approaching them in the middle of the night, just as Clare does with Peter in one scene in Refining Fires. One patient I had in Korea had fallen on a white phosphorus grenade and had burns similar to Peter’s.

Tell us about your other two books.

I’d love to! I published two historical love stories, both of which I’m thrilled to say readers are praising. The first is True Colors, a Civil War-set romance/adventure about a government nurse, Cassie Golden, who feels called to leave her safe but lonely Pennsylvania farm to tend the Union wounded in Alexandria, Virginia. Her father was a physician, so she believes she is well-equipped for caring for patients with acute illnesses and wounds. But nothing has prepared her for all she comes to deal with. Love and conspiratorial intrigue enter her life there, both arriving in the form of an intelligence officer, Major Michael Byron. When duty sends him away, Cassie becomes unwittingly enmeshed in a mosaic of espionage, kidnapping, imprisonment and murder. Their unanticipated reunion only creates a chasm between them as sweeping as the one dividing the nation. Only the truth can bridge such a chasm. And truth is in short supply.

The other story, also a romantic adventure, is The Arrow That Flieth By Day. The title is taken from Psalm 91, and has a recurring role throughout the book. The story begins just after the ending of True Colors, and takes place in 1860s Colorado. Mandy Berringer is Cassie’s first cousin, and is on the last leg of a homebound journey to Denver when a mistaken accusation by Indian warriors diverts the course of her life. Believed dead by her family, Mandy will do anything to get home. But a disabling accident, an epidemic, an unexpected love and a tragic loss prolong her separation from her family until she is finally reunited with them—only to be devastated by what she finds. Dakota, the man she loves, undergoes crushing trials of his own, and their search for each other leads them on separate journeys into new tests of faith and enduring love.

What advantages and disadvantages do you see in self-publishing?

Not very long ago there was a huge difference between traditional and self-publishing, but the gap is narrowing, I believe. The up side is that the author controls all of the content, retains all the rights, and has final say on the title and cover. As POD (print on demand), the book never goes out of print. The publisher I chose pays royalties monthly, which is practically unheard of. There are obvious down sides, including the fact the author pays to have the work published, although it doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive as some publishers make it. The author has to do all of his/her own marketing and promoting. However, traditional houses are requiring more of that from their authors these days. But with self-published books, it really is harder to get your foot in the door of bookstores, libraries, and other venues. Not impossible, just harder. I can honestly say I am happy with the way things have turned out with my books. I receive my validation from the Lord, from readers’ and reviewers’ comments, and from the awards I’ve won. The stigma of self-publishing is slowly disappearing as more accomplished authors who have studied the craft choose that route for publication. I actually am acquainted with two self-published authors who are up for Pulitzer Prizes next year!

Tell us about your first place awards!

Last year True Colors won the Gold Medal in Historical Fiction from the Military Writers Society of America. That was followed just two weeks later by another First Place award in Historical Fiction from the Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards. Talk about an exciting time!

Marketing has become a major responsibility of all writers. Would you share ways that you have marketed your books?

Marketing, aka shameless self-promoting, is outside my comfy zone, as it is for most writers. But it is part of the package deal nowadays. It goes without saying that I have a web site, www.erinrainwater.com (catchy, I know). I went in person to local libraries and numerous bookstores (both indies and chains) with books in hand, requesting they carry them. I sent out I don’t know how many emails to book clubs. I had very little response on those, but the ones who did respond invited me to attend their discussions, and those are FUN! I’ve sent out media releases. I’ve emailed radio stations, and have been interviewed on a few. I contacted my county’s school library board, who ended up recommending both my earlier novels for placement in their high school libraries. I’ve been interviewed on numerous blogs this year (thank you, Pat!), and have been interviewed on a few internet radio shows. I don’t run my own blog except for the one on my Amazon page that I only occasionally update, so I am most appreciative of your giving me space to share my characters and their stories. One form of salesmanship some marketers advise is something I absolutely do NOT do, and that is to perceive everyone I meet as a target, homing in on every clerk or new acquaintance or passenger next to me on an airplane. If the conversation goes in the direction of who I am and that I’m a writer, fine. If not, I just cannot bring myself to treat everyone as a potential sale.

Do you have another writing project in progress?

Not at this time. I only write when I feel the passion inside me for a story that simply must come out. None of my books were written for the sake of a contract or under deadline. If and when the passion of a story seizes me again, I’ll write it because I won’t be able to rest until I do.

What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not writing?

Reading remains a favorite pastime. And I love my volunteer work at the USO at the Denver airport. I enjoy hiking and picnicking in the Rockies, and anything that involves my grandkids.

Thank you, Erin, for stopping by today!

Visit Erin's web site to purchase her books.

Below is my review of Refining Fires:

Are Some Wounds too Deep to Heal?

Sometimes, a person has been wounded so badly that they build a wall to keep everyone out. That’s when God often sends someone with the strength to scale that wall. In her book, Refining Fires, Erin Rainwater pairs two such characters. Resistance reigns and sparks fly until it seems there is no hope for a resolution.

The author draws on her own experiences as a nurse who served during the Viet Nam War and cared for wounded soldiers to create this tale. She has crafted a story that speaks to the physical and emotional scars of one such injured veteran and the woman who dares to reach out to him with compassion, mercy, and love.

The second phase of this three part story tells of a young girl with a physical handicap who confronts her uncertainty and fear to save the life of her mother.

The satisfying conclusion of the book tells the sad story of a young woman who has a bruised and battered heart. She finds a healing balm to soothe her broken spirit.

Erin Rainwater cleverly weaves three stories into one with characters that face real life weaknesses and overcome them with strength that comes from the most unexpected place.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Looking for Bliss??

2010-10-08T17:33:00.014-06:00

What is bliss? My online dictionary describes it as "supreme happiness, utter joy or contentment, paradise". Not quite what I'm talking about here.

This post is not meant to expound on the merits of bliss, but to introduce Written World Communications' very first novel entitled Bliss. We here at WWC are super excited! Within a couple of months, we have published three magazines and a novel, with lots more to come.

So, let me tell you a little bit about Bliss - the book, that is! First, a note about the authors.

Tracy Bowen lives in South Florida with her husband and four sons. When she is not breaking up wrestling matches and keeping up with the demands of feeding five males, she fights her way out from underneath sweaty piles of gym clothes to fulfill her dream and calling to write.

Jenness Walker lives in South Florida with her beloved website designer husband and almost-as-beloved laptop. When she's not writing suspense on her own or brainstorming fun stuff with Tracy, she loves to read, decorate, and dream about her next road trip. Double Take, her first novel, was a Carol Award finalist. Learn more about Jenness at her web site.

Here's a blurb about the book:Indie Moore sets off to find ultimate happiness in South Florida. But in her quest for comfort and fortune, she encounters mishap and mayhem. Not quite the glamorous world she envisioned for herself, she finds a home in a trailer park, a job scrubbing toilets, and a roommate with volatile emotions. Laugh and cry with Indie, the Miss Adventure of misadventure, as she blunders on land, by sea, and in church, seeking love and a sense of belonging....seeking Bliss....

Bliss can be purchased here for Kindle at the low price of $5.95! The print version is available here for $14.95. Shipping and handling is free until October 15th!

But wait, there's more! You're invited to a Bliss Beach Party and Booksigning:

Date: Wednesday, October 13th

Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Place: Hobe Sound Christian Bookstore
11295 SE Gomez Ave.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455.

Can't make the party in person? Don't despair. You can join in right here! Yep, that's the wonder of modern technology, and you don't have to wear your Sunday best. You will see all the action, but no one will be able to see you! Come dressed in your most comfy jammies and slippies if you like. However, if you really want to get into the spirit of the event, put on that swim suit and sit on a beach towel on the floor with your computer in front of you.

Come share the excitement as Written World Communications celebrates the launching of its very first book - with many, many more to come!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Caleb Breakey Interview

2010-10-01T13:14:00.004-06:00

Looking for my interview with Caleb Breakey? Click on my "Kids/Youth Getting Published" tab.

Look to the Next Challenge

2010-09-29T12:45:00.004-06:00

Last night, the Colorado Rockies suffered the last in a long line of losses that eliminates any chance for them to make it to the playoffs this year. As I watched the post game report, it hurt my heart to watch those players interviewed express their discouragement, knowing their dream of world series competition had faded away. However, in the background, fans continued to cheer. Despite the disappointment of last night, I glimpsed a spirit of hope for the 2011 season rather than remorse over the games played in 2010.

I lay awake until late last night thinking about what I had posted in yesterday's blog as opposed to the attitude I saw at Coors Field last evening. We all have disappointments. We all fail. We all fall short of the goals we hope to achieve in one way or another. That doesn't mean we should dwell on the past. It doesn't mean we should fear failure in the future. It certainly doesn't mean we should quit reaching for those seemingly unattainable goals.

One of my favorite lines of all time comes from a Gunsmoke episode entitled The Guns of Cibola Blanca - Part I. The line is spoken by actor Milburn Stone, playing the part of the ever wise Doc Adams. "Any failure is unimportant if you don't surrender to it." Isn't that a great philosophy!

I just did a word search for "failure" in the Bible. Know how many times I found it? Once. And even then, it is referred to in a positive connotation. It is found in I Thessalonians 2:1 and Paul is speaking. "You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure." On the other hand, I found three pages of references to the word "success".

God doesn't want us to fail, but when we do, He doesn't want us to dwell on that failure. He wants us to take the time to figure out what went wrong, do something to fix it, then try again. He stands by us during our failures and rejoices in our success.

As the Colorado Rockies chalk up the 2010 season and look to 2011, I put behind me Sunday's failure and look toward devoting my energy to the success of tomorrow's ventures.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Missing the mark

2010-09-28T22:28:00.002-06:00

I was so excited to have the opportunity to teach one of the lessons in our Spiritual Gifts class. I prayed about it all week, I asked for prayers from others, and I thought I was ready.

Guess I wasn't. Maybe I was too self-confident. I thought I knew my material and that I had some stories to emphasize the points I was trying to make. Although they meant something to me, I doubt that anyone listening connected with what I had to say.

My plan was to have a few quiet moments with the Lord in order to open myself up to him as a vessel to pour out His message prior to class. That didn't happen. A series of other events took me by surprise and broke my concentration in a big way.

It is easy to blame our failures on circumstances and situations. I blame this one primarily on no one but me.

I doubt anyone learned a thing they were supposed to in that class. I learned a thing or two, though. I learned that I don't know near as much about spiritual gifts as I thought I did, and that mine definitely is not teaching.

It has taken me two whole days to write about what happened Sunday afternoon because I find it hard to put into words the way I felt when I left the church. Humiliated. Defeated. Sad. Most of all, really, really disappointed.

However, Romans 8:28 tells us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Good has come out of this experience. I realize that just because I want to do something doesn't always mean it is in line with God's plan. I need to do a lot more listening and not so much talking about what I can and can't do to further His kingdom.

I spent some time after Bible study this morning with a dear lady, a long time member of our congregation, who has a lot of insight and saw that I was hurting. She invited me to her home and I was able to express to her the frustration and self-condemnation I've been feeling. She helped put me back on track so I can turn my attention to the path I'm supposed to follow and pursue the ways I'm supposed to serve.

I had a great time teaching a group of young people about magazine publishing and I enjoy giving Toastmasters speeches. Standing up in front of a group of people to talk never really bothered me. This time, though, everything just went very wrong.

Somehow I just missed the mark.

Thanks for reading my blog!

"Love Me Tender" Blog Tour

2010-09-22T13:32:00.008-06:00

Today, it is my pleasure to welcome Janice Hanna Thompson, one of many friends and fellow writers I met at a writer's conference. Janice has developed a unique and fun way to introduce her new book to her readers. I'll let her take it from here. Welcome, Janice!

Note from Janice Hanna Thompson, author of LOVE ME TENDER:

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column

Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owne

rs of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s

a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna

Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

Find a book trailer for Love Me Tender here.

Books can be purchased on Janice's site or at Amazon.

GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice Hanna Thompson is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page. To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket ( filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER

To visit Janice’s webpage, go here.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Blessing or Curse?

2010-09-20T21:15:00.003-06:00

I just read a great article that someone posted on Facebook by literary agent Steve Laube. Go here and take a peek. It talks about the doubts of a writer. Ever been there? If you've written anything in you life, from a thank you note to a novel, I'll bet you have.

Tonight, I am feeling melancholy. Why? Because I've been so unproductive with my writing these past few days. I've started projects I had every intention of completing, but there is a hesitancy that holds me back. I've promised a couple of people that I would do blog interviews with them, and I can't even think of decent questions to ask.

Steve entitled his piece "The Curse of the Writer", and he is so right. A blessing to be able to put words on paper when they flow right, a curse when they stay bottled up inside. Tonight, words remind me of a crowd of people leaving a large area all at once and trying to squeeze out a narrow exit door. Everybody expends their energy to get free, but nobody gets anywhere. Progress stops as people trickle out of the door one or two at a time.

Phrases filled with power vie for attention in my brain, but something has them all jumbled up in a mess. They try to force their way out in random order, so nothing that appears on paper makes any sense.

Writing is a lonely business. Steve talks about that too. Reminds me of a piece I wrote a long time ago. I'll share it here.

Loneliness touches each of us at one time or another. There is the emptiness of love lost and love betrayed, the sorrow of death or absence of a friend, the abandonment of an elderly person by family members, the frustration of being misunderstood by others. Most desolate of all, perhaps, is the loneliness of hopes and dreams not yet realized. My loneliness stems from the desire for creative self-expression.

This desire, like a hunger deep in my heart, demands satisfaction. It burns in me constantly, so intense that it simulates physical pain. It is a thirst that parches my soul and craves gratification. It leaves me with a sense of discontent, restlessness, and dissatisfaction with the other aspects of my life.

The dissatisfaction is of my own making. I’ve been granted free will. I make my own choices. I stare at a blank piece of paper and I have the ability to cover it with words what will communicate meaning. I hold the key that will unlock my deepest emotions and allow them to flow in some constructive form. Yet, I question what I want to write, to whom, and why.

The question of why is the most complex. Why I have a drive to express my perceptions, my beliefs, my feelings on paper is not easily explained. Maybe it is a God-given gift to be employed toward positive change in some other human being. Possibly it is a part of the genetic structure that is me. Perhaps it is a means of escape from all that is painful and all that is real.

The necessity to escape leads me to a fantasy of hopes and dreams that only I can understand. It is a region as yet unexplored, uncharted, undefined, without form or boundary. It is a world that even those I love cannot share, for it is a product of my imagination.

Imagination removes me from reality and I lose touch with those around me. I withdraw into a world of my own and become more and more isolated. I conceal myself in a cocoon that yearns for transformation. Desperately, I struggle to find words to place on the page that will someday free me from the prison of my loneliness.

Maybe tomorrow I will feel better.

Maybe tomorrow I will be able to create something worthwhile.

Maybe tomorrow I won't feel so sad.

Maybe tomorrow I will be able to think of something positive I have done.

Maybe tomorrow I won't dwell on all the things I need to do that I haven't done.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Introducing Starsongs magazine

2010-09-15T16:19:00.004-06:00

We writers often refer to our work as our "baby". We nurture our efforts like a newborn, beam with pride as we watch our story grow, defend it against attack when it is criticized, and constantly seek advice about the health of our manuscript.

Today, my baby entered the world for the first time. No, it's not a novel, a poem published on a web site, or even an article that made it into the local newspaper. Few of the words written on its pages are mine. It is the first issue of Starsongs magazine and I am its editor.

These past few months have been filled with a great excitement, a little frustration, and a whole lot of challenge. The opportunity to meet, motivate, and mentor young people has proved truly a valuable experience for me. The work my contributors created, the patience they demonstrated with rewrites and critiques, and the gratitude for the simplest words of encouragement provide more than enough reward. I am grateful to the parents who supported their children with their writing efforts, who wrote words of encouragement to me, and who have been most patient during the process of putting the magazine together.

There are so many others who deserve my thanks. Kristine, the CEO of Written World Communications (WWC), gave me her vote of confidence when she offered me a position in her company. Dale and Chris patiently answered my questions, sometimes more than once.

My room-mate and coworker within WWC, Ro, who I met for the first time at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference (GPCWC) embraced me as a friend the moment I met her. So many others at GPCWC, whether conferees or faculty members, offered words of encouragement.

Marlene, GPCWC and Colorado Christian Writers Conference Director, has always been a source of motivation and guidance to me. There is Corinne, our talented and creative layout editor, who used phtoographs and design expertise to add character and depth to the words on the pages. Her talent amazes me.

I am blessed to have all these wonderful people in my life, and that miracle, of course, I attribute to God, who knew all along what path he was leading me down. Even when I resisted, He patiently waited and quietly nudged.

Now that Starsongs is out there on the Internet and available for purchase, I know this is only the beginning of the journey. Next comes the job of marketing it, promoting it, and looking toward putting together the next issue.

I don't expect many adults to be interested, but if you have kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews, or know kids in the 9-19 age range, I urge you to point them to this first issue of Starsongs. I hope all the young people who explore it will find something interesting, entertaining, or educational. Most of all, I hope it encourages young writers to test their own creative ability.

Go to MagCloud and check out my new "baby". Follow its progress and watch it grow. If you would, tell as many young people about Starsongs as you can.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Interview with Author Darlene Franklin

2010-09-11T22:32:00.007-06:00

Darlene and I began our friendship when we met at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference some years ago. Since then, I have followed Darlene’s writing career with admiration. I was part of a critique group with her and had the pleasure of critiquing The Prodigal Patriot before it was put into print.

Darlene, a mere eleven months has passed since you were a guest on my porch. To refresh your memory, we chatted on October 5th. Tell us what has been happening for you during that period of time.

Pat, I treasure your friendship. It’s a pleasure to meet with you again. A lot has happened since last we visited on your porch. I have settled in Oklahoma City as my new home. For several months I felt very adrift and without friends. Now I have a group of friends, both at church and within the writing community. Praise the Lord! My mother died. I bought a house. My daughter-in-law is expecting another grandchild—this time a boy, after three precious girls. And my writing career has taken off. Praise the Lord!

Tell us about your Heartsong release, The Prodigal Patriot. What prompted you to write about the Revolutionary War era?

I was looking for good Vermont stories to suggest to Heartsong and ran across a website that had a lot of great folk tales. One of them gave an account of Ann Storey, who hid in a cave and farmed her land in spite of Torey opposition. That gave me the inspiration for my heroine, Sally Reid.

You made a move from Colorado to Oklahoma some months ago. A move like that can totally disrupt a person’s routine. How have you managed to continue to be so productive in the midst of probable chaos?

To be honest, I live with the chaos. I’m a terrible housekeeper. I have been in my house for 3 months now. And after I unpacked enough to live with, I stopped unpacking. The only room that is “finished” is the living room. The kitchen and my bedroom are almost there. My mind and work are organized; my surroundings aren’t.

If you were asked to teach an online course or conference workshop about any subject related to writing, what would that subject be and why?

I have taught several workshops, but one that I am passionate about is Empowering your Writing through your Spiritual Gifts. One of the most interesting workshops I led was a time we considered one subject—homelessness—and how many angles on that subject we could find by examining spiritual gifts. I know my gifts of encouragement, teaching, and missions come through in a lot of my books.

Ah, Darlene, you touched on a subject that fascinates me, spiritual gifts. I have known you to be a great encourager through our critique group, but you commented to me recently that you don’t always feel like an encourager. Can you explain?

I feel like I’m (often) a complainer. Yet people tell me I’m a good listener, a good friend—an encourager. People I hardly remember greet me as a long last friend, indicating I had some positive impact on their lives in the past. Shame on me for not remembering and you definitely don’t fall in that category, Pat!

I think that’s the way spiritual gifts often work. That’s the supernatural aspect of it! God uses me to encourage others when of myself I might not. My experience with spiritual gifts falls into two categories: (1) I don’t see it as a gift because “well, everybody does it.” (but they don’t, at least not naturally, any more than I’m the one to set a room to rights after a meal). And (2) I know I have a gift because I have seen God take my humble offerings and multiply them with heaven-sent power. I first experienced that when I played piano for a church revival. When people tell me I’ve encouraged them, the same thing has happened.

My spiritual gifts also impact my fiction (which is my primary writing ministry. I've been told I weave scripture into stories in a very natural way--that it doesn't sound preachy--and I think that's an outgrowth of the gift of encouragement. Or a lot of my characters have some aspect of missions and evangelism, my secondary gift cluster.

If you write fiction, your spiritual gifts still make a difference!

Your web site indicates you have worked in the field of children’s ministry and missions. Can you give us an overview of those experiences?

I’ve taught children, from preschool through sixth grade, off and on since I was fifteen. At present, I’m not teaching kids, but I expect that time will come again. Lately I’m having a little more interaction with middle schoolers and wonder if that’s where God will put me next. I have written children’s curriculum for David C. Cook and Lifeway.

I’ve spent two summers involved in missions, have been involved with several start-up churches, and was involved with a mission to the Salt Lake City Olympics with my daughter. That was truly special.

Do you believe your spiritual gifts have changed since you started writing?

No. But I have seen them grow in unexpected ways. That gift of encouragement has me writing
devotionals, for instance, or the gift of teaching translated into writing curriculum.

Just for fun: What is your favorite food and when was the last time you had an opportunity to enjoy it?

I love a good steak, and went to Outback Steakhouse for my birthday last month.

Thank you so much, Darlene, for coming back to the porch for a visit. May God continue to bless you with the realization of your writing goals.

Below, find my review of The Prodigal Patriot.

The Prodigal Patriot depicts a time of turmoil, uncertainty, and war. Sometimes, even family members held opposing views about whether the colonies should stay loyal to the king or fight for their independence.

Darlene Franklin tells a gripping tale of one family who showed the courage to work for what they believed in against all odds. The Reids face danger and risk discovery as they strive to hold on to their land. Hiding in a cave nearby, they tend to their fields under cover of darkness.

Josiah Tuttle, despite his brother’s death at the hands of the enemy, offers his help to the Reid family. Not only does he believe in the Patriot cause, he also loves Sally Reid. Yet, to help the Reid family deems him disrespectful to his father.

Sally meets Josiah’s offer of assistance with suspicion and fear. Is he acting as a spy for the cause his father so staunchly believes in? Trust and love build as she is faced with situations that require Josiah’s assistance and support.

This story brings characters from the Revolutionary War period to life, portrays their struggles and their courage, and culminates in a conclusion that portrays the power of faith and forgiveness.

Again, Darlene Franklin takes her readers to another place and time with a story that entertains, teaches, and satisfies.

Leave a comment to receive a copy of Darlene's book, The Prodigal Patriot. Contest ends Sunday Sept 19th, winner will be announced via email Monday Sept 20th.

Thanks for reading my blog!

How Did You Spend Your Labor Day?

2010-09-06T18:09:00.004-06:00

When I asked my husband if he knew the year the first Labor Day was celebrated, he sort of grunted a disinterested response. I proceeded to inform him that it was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. He chuckled and responded, "oh, of course, I remember that! I was standing in Times Square watching the parade!" My husband does have a sense of humor.

Seriously, Labor Day is meant to be a tribute to the social and economic achievements of the working man. It's interesting, in view of that, to see how many people are working on this holiday. Federal institutions, like banks, credit unions, etc. are all closed. Grocery stores and convenience stores are dong business as usual, and I even ran across the Pepsi delivery man as I went on the hunt for my caffeine free diet pepsi, which is becoming harder to find in this town. Unfortunately, he is not authorized to sell it to me off the truck!

Today was part holiday, part work day for me. I slept late, then after a run to the grocery store, and a nice visit with mom on the phone, settled down to do some writing. I labored over a post I had been wanting to prepare for my other blog on this website (kids getting published) and finally got that completed to my satisfaction. I still have work ahead as I plan to respond to some emails that have needed attention for a while now. I guess you could call that part work, part enjoyment.

I set aside three hours (this has become a daily ritual!) to relax and enjoy the Rockies game with my husband. This one had me on the edge of my seat for several innings. Rocks were on the losing end when Cincinnati scored 4 runs in the first two innings. We pulled ahead at 5-4 in the next inning, but that wasn't enough insurance to feel assured of a Rockies win. Things got shaky when pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez seemed off his game after a great first and second inning and struggled through the next few. However, his efforts and the support of some great hits brought the Rockies to a 10-5 win. Sure hope they make the play-offs!

Now it's time to start fixing dinner and the evening will creep into night time before I know it. No matter how you spent your Labor Day, I urge you to take a few minutes (even if its the day after) and contemplate on the common working man and all they contribute to our daily way of life. Fireman or janitor, nurse or bus driver, every person's job is important. If you are one of those working men (or women), remember to always give your best to your job. Take a moment to give thanks to all those who worked so hard to ensure fair labor practices for all.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Am I A Writer or Not?

2010-09-02T10:30:00.003-06:00

Greetings and welcome to the porch. There is a lovely breeze flowing through the screens today, which ignites the hope in my heart that the summer heart is waning and we are on the cusp of autumn weather.

Every month, I try to remember to change the thought for the month on my sidebar. Sometimes I forget all about it and two or three months go by with the same quote. I wonder if anyone notices!

Today's quote is from a French poet, essayist and editor by the name of Charles Peguy. He lived a short life, born in 1873 and passing from this life in 1914, which means he was a lot younger when he died than I am now. I probably never read a word the man wrote until today, when I was scouring the Internet for a suitable quote. This one caught my eye because it suits the mood I am in right now. "A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket."

Sometimes I feel like every word I try to put on paper requires hours of thought, consternation, and discontent. The ideas are there, but when they come out on the paper, they remind me of those water color paints i used to play with as a kid. The paints looked so vibrant and bright in the paint box, but once on paper, they are watered down and only a dull shadow of the original hue.

I marvel at people who can whip out a blog post in a few minutes, a magazine article in a couple of hours, and a novel in four months. Sentence structure, spelling, and grammar come easy to me, but when I try to put it all in some order that makes sense to the reader, I find myself agonizing over every thought.

When I attended the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, I made contact with several magazine editors and so many ideas ran through my head as to what I could write for their publications. Now that I am home, the ideas that seemed so clear then are now hazy and faded. It brings to mind the way a dream is so vivid when you first wake up from it, but as the day wears on, the details get dimmer and dimmer.

Maybe, as I've heard said at conferences, I'm not really a writer. Maybe I'm a person who is in love with the idea of being a writer. If I were a real writer, wouldn't the words come a lot more freely than they do?

That takes us right back to the quote I mentioned above. How many of the great writers of past generations and the current day spend hours expending blood, sweat, and tears over their words? I suppose there are others who feel as I do, then there are the lucky ones who sit down and pull the words out of an overcoat pocket.

Let's see, how long has it been since I wore an overcoat???

Thanks for reading my blog!

It's About Time!

2010-08-27T18:44:00.003-06:00

Good grief, more than a week has passed since I last posted. I guess I need to start writing posts ahead of time so I can just copy them into my blog page.

There is news from Written World Communications! Our very first publication, Scattered Thoughts, is in print and available! Scattered Thoughts is a sample magazine that we put together to learn all the little things we needed to know about magazine publication. Each of us with Written World contributed a piece to the magazine.

I ordered some print copies to send to folks I thought would enjoy it. I am impressed with the talent within our company. Everyone brings their own unique abilities to WWC. I feel that, considering our physical distance from each other, we have done a great job of pulling a project together with many, many more to come.

This next month will see the launching of three magazines and one, possibly two, books. It is an exciting time and I would like to invite you to celebrate with us!

Starsongs is in the final stages of publication and I will let you know the day it goes into print.

In the meantime, come visit our website to take a look at Scattered Thoughts. Are you on Facebook? Join our Written World Communications page! I'll see you there!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Open doors

2010-08-19T23:09:00.004-06:00

I have the highest respect for bloggers who can keep their readers up to date on all that goes on at conference. I've been home for four days and still trying to catch up on my sleep!

Even though I'm a few days late, I am bursting with news of the doors God has opened to me. First of all, I am now on faculty for both Marlene's Colorado Christian and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conferences. It is surely the hand of God that has brought about this honor! He sure has led me down a different path than I envisioned. I pictured myself writing historical novels set in the 19th century. Now, here I am editing a children's magazine!

This venture has led me to contact with two other special people, Cindy Sproles and Eddie Jones, who host Christiandevotions.US, a Christian devotional site. They have launched a kids devotional site, and most recently, a teen site as well. DevoFest is in the planning stages for next June, an event that will instruct young people from all over the country about writing. I have been invited to pitch ideas to teach at this event.

I had numerous opportunities to network with editors of other magazines and pitch ideas for articles. Again, God takes us down new paths of exploration all the time. I was "never" going to write short work. I was "never" going to write non-fiction I was too committed to my novel to even think of it! Funny how God can change our minds when we open our hearts to His will.

I'm not sure what it is about me and conferences, but my rewarding experiences always seem to culminate in some form of disaster on the trip home. This time, another conferee on faculty and I had to prey on Marlene's good graces for a ride to the airport after our arranged ride forgot us. My flight was placed in a holding pattern over Dallas due to thunder storms. Actually, that wasn't such a bad thing for me. I'm one of those weird people who loves to fly in "turbulence".

The disaster hit when I got to my final destination airport with a two hour drive ahead of me. It was late, I was tired, and construction barred every route I was familiar with. Frustrated and frightened on a lonely road where my headlights reflected an infinite line of orange barrels, I pulled off and prayed for help. God provided it in the form of two young men who took pity on this disoriented old lady and led me to the Interstate.

I was so relieved to finally find myself navigating a road I knew! It broke my heart to discover, however, that I managed to record over the discussion a faculty member and I had about the manuscript a collaborator and I have been working on! After I dried my tears, I realized that I had witnessed the work of the enemy. He does his best to discourage us, make us stumble, and eventually give up.

More exciting news with Written World Communications. Stop by within the next couple of days and you'll hear all about it!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Moving On

2010-08-12T09:50:00.006-06:00

My trip to the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference came right on the heels of our final good-bye to our son before he and his wife move to the UK for three years. Talk about a lot of emotion within a few hours!

Our visit with Jason was a wonderful family time for us and him. He and his sister reminisced about childhood antics (some mom had never heard about before!), played Monkey in the Middle with a balloon (brought lots of laughter from granddaughter Madi), went out to dinner, worshiped together in church and later attended a church picnic. shared lots of hugs and "I love yous".

I drove Jason to the airport since his flight was due to leave at 3:00 PM on Tuesday and I was scheduled to fly out of the same airport to Phili at 6:00 AM Wednesday. It gave us a couple of hours of special mother and son time together. These were my deepest hopes as I saw him disappear past the security area: we love him and Jaque always, we are proud of them, we wish them the best, we are excited for the adventures ahead of them, and most of all, God loves them!

My trip to the writer's conference transported me from thoughts of family to the world of writing and companionship with writers. I knew ahead of time that another conferee would be on my flight from Dallas to Phili. We were able to sit together, but were both so tired that we cat napped for most of the flight.

The lady who met us at the airport is a sweetheart. I had no idea what it would be like to drive in this city. Suffice it to say I'm so grateful I didn't have to be behind the wheel! The 95 degree heat had us all drooping like wilted daffodils by the time we arrived and settled in to our rooms.
I was fortunate in that my room-mate had arrived ahead of me and kicked on the air conditioner. Ah, it was like a slice of heaven to step into this cool room!

I'm at this conference on faculty, representing Written World Communications. I edit one of their magazines, Starsongs, which is targeted to young people ages 9-19 and contributed to by youth of the same age.My room-mate also works for Written World and we formed the beginning of what I expect will be a close friendship right away.

The conference is held at a Bible college and the rooms are typical dorm rooms. Remember that air conditioning I mentioned? Well, we had turned it down before going to bed, but I woke up during the night freezing! My roomie was sleeping so well that I didn't want to disturb her and I couldn't figure out how to adjust the AC in the dark. I froze until morning.

My first full day at conference was rewarding. I've talked to so many people, both in scheduled appointments and casual conversations with old acquaintances from previous conferences and new ones I just met. It is fun to be on the "other side" of the table, where writers pitched their manuscripts and ideas to me for Written World.

I had an opportunity to talk to an editor about a manuscript that I and an (as yet) undisclosed collaborator are working on. The input was encouraging, although we will need to have some discussion and refocus our direction a bit when I return home. Still, I'm excited about this project. I said I would never write non-fiction, but since this manuscript is non-fiction, I've learned to never say never.

As always, Marlene has stellar speakers to inspire us and make us think about what we are writing and Who we are writing for. This morning, we had Dr. John Perkins, who spoke about social injustice. Talk about a spellbinding speaker! Oh my, I could have listened to him all day.

This evening, a panel of other speakers joined Dr. Perkins and talked about different social injustice issues. Each addressed their passion, from human trafficking to assisting the poor in NYC. I was tired, but didn't want to leave the session because it was fascinating to listen to these folks explain how they and their organizations are making a difference in the world.

I had every intention of coming back to the dorm and going right to bed, but that never happens at conference! A small group of folks were gathered around in the common area, and of course, my roomie and I joined the discussion. It is such fun to share writing successes, opportunities, hopes, and dreams with other writers.

As I wind down before heading off to bed, my thoughts turn to the opportunities that await. Jason and Jaque will face theirs as they begin adventures in a foreign country. I again have the choice to accept the opportunities that come my way with this conference. I have a strong sense that this will be an exciting year in many ways.

Thanks for reading my blog.

The Right Direction

2010-08-05T13:28:00.002-06:00

I was returning home on a two-lane road yesterday, observing the speed limit, when a car came up fast behind me. I watched him in the rear view mirror as he approached. So intent was I on him that I failed to see the oncoming car hurtling toward me in my line. Yeah, one of those drivers who think they can pass but don't allow enough room. I swerved out of his path just as he swung back into his correct lane.

How often do we rush through life, not paying attention to what's in front of us because we're too busy checking out what's behind us? I have done it many times, spent needless hours worrying about something I did a long time ago and wondering what the long range effects were to the people involved. Would I not be much more productive if I spent that time contemplating a strategy to embrace the future?

The driver who rushed to get ahead of me didn't get him any closer to his destination. He caught up to me on a double yellow line, and when we reached a dotted line, there were so many oncoming cars that he couldn't pass anyway.

The driver who took a chance and passed another driver put himself and others in danger. I, in the meantime, should have focused on the road ahead instead of someone else's actions behind me.

That's why windshields are located in front of the driver while rear view mirrors are in a place where a casual glance gives all the information we need. In the future, I'll remember to focus on what's ahead, enjoy the smooth road and watch for obstacles in my way!

Thanks for reading my blog!

A Tangled Mess

2010-07-28T11:26:00.003-06:00

When I was young, I tried my hand at some of the crafts, a little knitting, some sewing every now and again. I never got proficient at any of it, but one thing I remember well is the tangled messes I managed to make. A ball of yarn would become hopelessly twisted or I would end up with knots in my thread when I attempted something so simple as sewing on a button.

It's been a long time since I've tried to accomplish anything with needle, thread, or yarn. However, when I look at the files I have accumulated for my work in progress, I am engulfed in that same hopeless feeling. I have everything from the original ideas to critiques of the original ideas, to rewrites and critiques of the rewrites. Then there are files marked "final", which is supposed to mean done, complete, and finished with no need for further editing, but I know that's not true.

Add to that the fact that I have a desktop and a laptop networked together, so I have duplicates of just about everything. Yet, sometimes I create a new file on my laptop and then can't remember if I duplicated it to the desktop. When I actually get brave enough to delete a file because I'm sure I have it somewhere else, it costs me an expedition through a dozen different directories to find the file that I'm sure contains some phrase that is absolutely essential to the entire story.

I've renamed the novel three times and also written parts of it during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). There is a term in medicine that keeps coming to mind. It is called anastomosis and it basically means the joining of blood vessels or parts of the intestine. That's what this story needs, a joining together of all these little parts to the main manuscript.

I know the best way to solve this problem is to go through every single file, chapter by chapter, scene by scene, word by word and put everything in some kind of order. The "split screen" feature is nice on my computer, but I still find myself getting confused, trying to recall which directory I pulled the file from, which one was the "good" copy and which needed edits.

Was it any easier back in the day before we had computers? I can remember the stacks and stacks of paper that came out of a typewriter. I think the problem with modern technology, for me, anyway, is that I start working on a file and have to quit in the middle, so I give it some name I am sure I will remember. When I get back to it a few days later, I have no earthly idea what I named it or where I saved it. The "search" feature is nice, but unless I remember some unique word within the file, I get ten dozen files that have nothing to do with the one I am looking for.

So, my conclusion in all of this? Maybe I should give up on the novel and take up sewing again. Uh, don't think so!

Just did a search for chapter one - came up with fifteen of them. Hmmm. Better get to work!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference

2010-07-20T11:14:00.003-06:00

This post will probably not affect most of my readers, but if even one person sees this and signs up or passes the info to someone who does, it will be well worth it! So, if you know of anyone who might even be remotely interested, please feel free to pass the information on.

** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference Will Addresse 'Critical Issues'

By Becca Anderson
Special to ASSIST News Service

LANSDALE/LANGHORNE, PA (ANS) -- From August 11-14, 2010, hundreds of writers will gather at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference at Philadelphia Biblical University, Langhorne, PA, where many of the most important sessions of the conference will be open to the public free of charge.

Marlene Bagnull

"We live in a time when we need to be both encouraged and challenged," says author and conference director, Marlene Bagnull. "The sessions, which are open to the public, will address issues of social justice, reaching out to impact the world for the better, and encouraging reports of things going on from urban America to the Middle East and beyond."

Each day of the conference there will be general sessions.

Here is a rundown:

* Thursday, August 12, Dr. John M. Perkins will deliver the keynote address at 8:30 a.m. entitled "Love is the Final Fight." Perkins is a lifelong civil rights activist, with over fifty years of hands-on experience in working toward reconciliation and community development based on the message of the Gospel. His extensive foundation has impacted lives from the Deep South to California. His message is one of hope designed to stimulate listeners to take personal action.

Dr. John M. Perkins

* At 7:30 p.m. that evening, Dr. Perkins will also take part in a panel on Justice, Compassion and Advocacy with Steven Lawson, Senior Editor at Regal Publishing Group, Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz of World Vision and others. The panel will discuss how we balance passion and objectivity and yet effectively communicate our concerns and suggested solutions. Perkins, Lawson and Ryerson-Cruz are also teaching a 6 1/2-hour continuing session about Justice, Compassion and Advocacy writing that is one of eight continuing sessions open to conferees.

The GPCWC has been known for 27 years for the multicultural and diverse emphasis it brings to encouraging writers throughout the nation. Those who register for the conference have an intensive education packed into a few days. In addition to general sessions and the eight continuing sessions, attendees will select from among 56 workshops on topics ranging from marketing to technique, getting published, issues inherent in the writer's life, and writing fiction and nonfiction books and articles for adults and children.

Face-to-face meetings between writers and those who are in the market for what they produce are invaluable in opening publication doors. GPCWC emphasizes such meetings, with each full-conference attendee having four 15-minute appointments to pitch their work to editors, agents and publisher representatives. Many published writers trace their first big sale back to a meeting at a conference. A roster of 70 faculty members will share their hard-won wisdom.

Other free sessions include:

* Wednesday, August 11, 7:30 p.m. - A concert with Becky Spencer, winner of the KCCM 7th Annual Inspirational Artist of the Year award.

* Friday, August 13, 8:30 a.m. - Rusty Wright of The Amy Foundation, speaking on sensitively communicating Biblical truth. The Amy Foundation is best known for its Amy Writing Awards, one of the most popular journalism contests in the nation that awards $34,000 in prizes annually to authors who present biblical truth reinforced with Scripture in secular, non-religious publications.

* Friday, August 13, 7:30 p.m. - Jeanette Windle, best-selling author of novels that take place in some of the planet's blackest corners, speaking on Writing to Touch the World. Windle grew up in the rural villages, jungles and mountains of Columbia as the child of missionary parents. She has lived in six countries and traveled in nearly thirty.

* Saturday, August 14, 8:30 a.m. - David LeCompte shares a stirring and sometimes controversial message entitled "God at Work in the Land of Islam." From Chechnya, Russia, to Tehran, Iran, David's passion is to go where few others go. He and his family have served with Gospel for Asia, Eastern European Outreach and for nine years they were the directors of In His Fields. He now serves with Mission International assisting believers in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

* Saturday, August 15, 4:15 p.m. - Prolific, award-winning author Jim Watkins shares the states most authors and speakers pass through on their way to becoming effective communicators in "Confessions of an Author and Speaker."

Full details regarding the conference are available on the website, including information on costs, housing, biographies of all faculty members and their current editorial needs, and descriptions of all sessions. A brochure can be printed from the website, or call 484-991-8581.

Becca Anderson is a freelance writer living in East Texas and has been published nationally and internationally on a variety of topics. She can be reached via her website.

ACFW announces 2010 ACFW Carol Awards

2010-07-19T00:14:00.005-06:00

ACFW has just announced the finalists for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year). These awards recognize excellence in Christian fiction in a variety of categories, and represent fiction titles released in 2009.

Here are this year’s finalists:

Debut Author

Bonnie Grove - Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)
Liz Johnson - The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (Steeple Hill)
Kirk Outerbridge - Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)
Jill Eileen Smith - Michal (Revell)
Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Contemporary Novella

6 Finalists due to a tie

Barbara Cameron – One Child (Thomas Nelson)
Barbara Cameron – When Winter Comes (Thomas Nelson)
Debra Clopton – A Mule Hollow Match (Steeple Hill)
Susan May Warren – The Great Christmas Bowl (Tyndale House)
Beth Wiseman – A Change of Heart (Thomas Nelson)
Beth Wiseman – A Choice to Forgive (Thomas Nelson)

Historical Novella

Victoria Bylin – Home Again (Steeple Hill)
Vickie McDonough – A Breed Apart (Barbour Publishing)
Vickie McDonough – Beloved Enemy (Barbour Publishing)
Janet Tronstad - Christmas Bells for Dry Creek (Steeple Hill)
Carrie Turansky - A Shelter in the Storm (Barbour Publishing)

Long Contemporary

6 Finalists due to a tie

Christina Berry - The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers)
Mary Ellis - A Widow's Hope (Harvest House Publishers)
Joyce Magnin - The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Abingdon Press)
Susan Meissner - White Picket Fences (Waterbrook Press)
Marlo Schalesky- If Tomorrow Never Comes (Multnomah)
Susan May Warren - Nothing But Trouble (Tyndale House)

Long Contemporary Romance

Candace Calvert - Critical Care (Tyndale House)
Denise Hunter - Seaside Letters (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones - Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson)
Beth Wiseman - Plain Promise (Thomas Nelson)
Cindy Woodmsall - The Hope of Refuge (Waterbrook Press)

Mystery

A.K. Arenz - The Case of the Mystified M.D. (Sheaf House)
Mindy Starns Clark - Under the Cajun Moon (Harvest House Publishers)
Darlene Franklin - A String of Murders (Heartsong Mysteries)
S. Dionne Moore - Polly Dent Loses Grip (Heartsong Mysteries)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Pushing up Daisies (Heartsong Mysteries)

Long Historical

Deeanne Gist - A Bride in the Bargain (Bethany House)
Robin Lee Hatcher - Fit To Be Tied (Zondervan)
Maureen Lang - Look to the East (Tyndale House)
Siri Mitchell - Love's Pursuit (Bethany House)
Allison Pittman - Stealing Home (Multnomah)

Long Historical Romance

8 Finalists due to a tie

Amanda Cabot - Paper Roses (Revell)
Mary Connealy - Cowboy Christmas (Barbour Publishing)
Mary Connealy - Montana Rose (Barbour Publishing)
Laura Frantz - The Frontiersman's Daughter (Revell)
Ann Gabhart - The Believer (Revell)
Julie Lessman - A Passion Denied (Revell)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas (Summerside Press)
Kathleen Y’Barbo - The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper (Waterbrook Press)

Short Contemporary

Debra Clopton - His Cowgirl Bride (Steeple Hill)
Myra Johnson - Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents)
Vickie McDonough - A Wagonload of Trouble (Heartsong Presents)
Mae Nunn - A Texas Ranger's Family (Steeple Hill)
Glynna Sirpless writing as Glynna Kaye - Dreaming of Home (Steeple Hill)

Short Contemporary Suspense

6 Finalists due to a tie

Jill Elizabeth Nelson - Evidence of Murder (Steeple Hill)
Sandra Robbins - Final Warning (Steeple Hill)
Virginia Smith - Murder at Eagle Summit (Steeple Hill)
Virginia Smith - Scent of Murder (Steeple Hill)
Jenness Walker - Double Take (Steeple Hill)
Lenora Worth - Code of Honor (Steeple Hill)

Short Historical

Lyn Cote - Her Patchwork Family (Steeple Hill)
Laurie Alice Eakes - The Glassblower (Heartsong Presents)
Laurie Kingery - The Outlaw's Lady (Steeple Hill)
Lynette Sowell - All That Glitters (Heartsong Presents)
Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Speculative (includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Allegory)

6 Finalists due to a tie

Kirk Outerbridge - Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)
Donita K. Paul - The Vanishing Sculptor (Waterbrook Press)
Steve Rzasa - The Word Reclaimed (Marcher Lord Press)
Stuart Vaughn Stockton – Starfire (Marcher Lord Press)
Fred Warren - The Muse (Splashdown Books)
Jill Williamson - By Darkness Hid (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller

Terri Blackstock – Intervention (Zondervan)
Colleen Coble - Lonestar Secrets (Thomas Nelson)
Brandilyn Collins – Exposure (Zondervan)
Harry Kraus - Salty Like Blood (Howard/Simon & Schuster)
DiAnn Mills - Breach of Trust (Tyndale House)

Women’s Fiction

7 Finalists due to a tie

Julie Carobini - Sweet Waters (B&H Publishing)
Kathryn Cushman – Leaving Yesterday (Bethany House)
Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck - Sweet By and By (Thomas Nelson)
Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay - Never the Bride (Waterbrook Press)
Deborah Raney - Yesterday's Embers (Howard/Simon & Schuster)
Deborah Raney - Above All Things (Steeple Hill)
Lisa Wingate - The Summer Kitchen (New American Library/Penguin)

Young Adult

Shelley Adina - Who Made You a Princess? (Hachette FaithWords)
Brandilyn & Amberly Collins - Always Watching (Zondervan)
Jenny B. Jones - I'm So Sure (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones - So Not Happening (Thomas Nelson)
Booker T. Mattison - Unsigned Hype (Revell)

The Carol Awards will be presented at ACFW's Conference in Indianapolis, September 17-20. There's still time to register at www.acfw.com/conference.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS!!!!

Error in Your Favor

2010-07-15T13:46:00.006-06:00

S

* See comment below

Remember the Community Chest card from Monopoly that says "Bank error in your favor - collect $200"? Would that such a thing could happen to us in real life, huh? The only time I've ever seen a "bank error" is when it turned out to be my own error in bookkeeping. Once, though, I had failed to log a deposit I had made, so the bank statement actually did say I had more money than I thought I did, and they were right!

I am subscribed to a service that I receive on a monthly basis and the charges are always the same. This month, my bill reflected that I owed only a fraction of my monthly charge, less than $5. I knew it was an error, so when I went to pay the bill, I jokingly said, "I only owe you X this month, huh?"

The receptionist looked up my account on the computer and said, "yep, that's right."

"But what about my monthly charge of X?" I asked, a bit surprised.

"Well, let me see here." She proceeded to scroll through the past records of my balances. "Yes, right here, three months ago, you show a credit of X dollars."

"Are you sure that's correct?" I insisted.

She informed me that it was, so I paid the amount my statement said I owed and left.

I am one of these OCD driven people who writes down every penny I spend. I came home and checked my records and nowhere can I find an entry where I paid any extra money to this company.

I am left feeling a bit guilty, especially since I had the check with the full amount due in my purse. Now it is tucked away safely and will be used to pay my bill next month. I do believe I did everything I could to convince the receptionist that something was wrong somewhere.

So, do I chalk this experience up to one of those "bank error in your favor" moments? I certainly didn't want to start an argument and try to convince the employee she doesn't know how to do her job. That would have demonstrated poor behavior on my part and embarrassment for her.

Remember the Bible story told in the gospels of the man who was given five talents and went out and earned five more as opposed to the man who received one talent and buried it for fear of losing it? This billing mistake is definitely a windfall for me during a month where I have found myself a bit short of funds. So, let's hope I have the wisdom to use this unexpected addition to my checking accout to my advantage.

Any of my readers had a similar experience? Let me know your thoughts.

* These illustrations were used by Parker Brothers before they settled on the Rich Uncle theme. Cards shown here are from the collection of Dana Fred Ryman, texasgrape@aol.com.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Learning to be the Clay

2010-07-08T15:21:00.004-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to help with writing a grant for our county nursing service. I have never done grant writing before. Filling out forms is not my favorite type of writing, but I thought the experience would be good for me.

Somewhere in between the time I had agreed to help with the project and the time I needed to turn in the form, though, my mind became muddled with self-doubt. Self-doubt often transcribes itself into resentment. Resentment dredged up a bunch of questions.

Why had I been asked to do this? Didn't the organization have people who were trained in this sort of thing? Wasn't I doing someone else's job? What if all the answers I gave on the form were all wrong and completely off the mark from what the grant-seeking and grant-awarding organization wanted?

When I posed the questions to the lady who had asked for my help, she made me realize one essential thing. I am a writer. Sounds silly, but sometimes I forget that. She reassured me that, yes, I do know how to arrange words on paper in such a way that they make sense to someone else, they communicate an idea, and not everyone can do it. I guess that's the part I find hard to understand.

Nobody likes to fill out forms, but what I forget is that not everybody can fill out forms! So, by putting aside my other writing projects and dedicating a couple of hours to this project, I donated In Kind hours. Isn't that something we all strive to do, give our time and talent to our neighbors and our community whenever possible?

I learned a lesson that day. I came to realize that I do have a gift that I can give and that I should share it freely whenever I can. I may never write that great American novel and my name may never appear at the top of an article that appears in a national magazine. My ability may be limited to filling out forms and penning words of comfort to friends in time of need on a greeting card, but God engineers who will see those words and who they will touch.

That thought brings to mind a Bible verse from Romans 9:21. "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?"

It's time I accept the fact that I am clay in God's hands. It's called obedience. He knows the projects that will benefit from my writing skill and the projects that won't. He has my path all laid out, and even though I can't see all the bends in the road, He can. Whether that trail leads me to a mansion or a shack, it doesn't matter. What matters is that, if I obey, He will be there, waiting with the words we all long to hear. "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. " Who knows what "many things" lie in store. He does!

I don't know if the AMA will look favorably on our Annual Wellness Walk, a small community project in a rural, economically deprived corner of the western United States. If it does, I'll be glad for any monies they award.

Glad and humbly grateful for the opportunity to have taken part in the process.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-03T12:42:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow is a special day in the history of America. It is the day that represents the independence of our country from British rule. A question was posed as part of a contest on a web site a few days ago, asking which political side we would have been on, had we lived during the period of the Revolutionary War. Would our loyalty have been to the king or to those who felt we deserved freedom from British law?

I struggled with that question because I am not a particularly political person. I don't follow all of the issues the way I probably should and don't follow the voting records of our political leaders. I know my political views are considered conservative. Yet, to become involved in a political discussion serves to frustrate me and doesn't hold my interest for long. I doubt I would ever change anyone's mind with what I have to say anyway.

The Fourth of July reminds me of all our forefathers and their families endured to bring about our independence. The choices they made, the values they stood for, the courage they demonstrated, affects the lives of all of us who live in this country today.

The Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
The second president of our country, John Adams, wrote the following to his wife: "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... it ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

Over 230 years later, we continue to celebrate this holiday in the manner predicted by John Adams. Today parades, picnics, fireworks and fun mark the day. As we celebrate throughout the week-end, whether with hamburgers and hot dogs or fried chicken and ribs, volleyball games or baseball games, sparklers or fireworks, let's remember why we celebrate.

Take a moment to remember our past and pray for the future of this great nation.

Happy Fourth of July!

Summer Spirit

2010-06-25T22:26:00.003-06:00

I am not a summer person. My favorite season has always been winter, and even though I'm getting older and the cold bothers me to a degree, I still prefer the discomfort of being too cold over the irritation of being too hot. Summer 2010 is less than a week old, and already our temperatures have soared over the 100 degree mark here on Patti's Porch.

Still, I do not like to be a person who complains. So, I've been spending the past few days getting myself psyched up for the season and thinking of innovative ways to grin and bear the heat without making my life and that of everyone around me miserable.

It took me a long time before I would wear shorts and tank tops in public. I did not have a problem wearing them at home where no one was bound to see me, but I really don't need them at home since the house is centrally air conditioned. It's when I go to town to run errands and am in and out of my air conditioned vehicle that I need to be comfortably dressed. I have learned that if I attire myself in the same summer wear as everyone else, no one seems to notice. If I wear jeans and a T-shirt, I draw some funny looks. No one cares that I am overweight. I'm not competing in a fashion contest here.

One of the advantages of summer is the opportunity to swim. Not only is this activity a great way to stay cool, it provides great exercise as well. I don't live near the ocean or real close to a lake, but our town pool offers lap swimming from 11-1 PM most weekdays. It's a great time for someone like me since very few people, usually less than half a dozen, use the pool during this time period. I'm not exactly a lap swimmer. One or two lengths of the pool is about all I can manage before I get tired. Still, it's a great time to do some water aerobics or water-resistance exercise.

This summer, our granddaughter is a member of the local swim team. We haven't been involved with the swim team since our kids were members almost ten years ago. Our first "B" meet was held here in town last Tuesday. She did great for a new swimmer, swam three of the four strokes unassisted. This week-end, our town is hosting the big "A" meet and she is swimming in it as well. I had forgotten how exciting it is to have a competitor in a swim meet. The kids are so full of energy and it doesn't take them long to become infected with the competitive spirit. It gives us the opportunity to see old friends who are also cheering on their grandkids and meet some new folks as well.

Did you ever notice how good a bottle of cold water tastes in the summer? Iced tea and lemonade are great thirst-quenching drinks in the heat as well. Fresh fruit seems to taste a lot better in summer. It's the time of year for watermelon and juicy peaches and red seedless grapes. I tend to eat less in the summer. A basic salad will satisfy my appetite very well during this time of year. Cooking is much simpler because neither my husband nor I have any desire to heat up the house any more than necessary.

People seem to be more accessible in the summer somehow. Vehicle windows are more likely to be open than in the winter, so if you see someone you know, you can even maybe holler a hello as you pass by. You seldom meet someone on the post office steps or the grocery store parking lot in summer that would say, "I need to go. I'm sweating to death!" In winter, folks are rushing back to their vehicles because they are "freezing to death".

Summer brings with it some fascinating cloud formations. Granted, the danger of violent and destructive storms is high, but the skies those impending storms produce are truly a work of an awesome Creator. Even lightning, with all its power and ability to harm, holds a beauty that can't be described.

These are just a few of the positives about summer. So, for the next three months, I will dwell on those facets of the season. If you want me to be honest about it, though, I'll be secretly counting the days until December 21st, the first day of winter. Just in case anyone out there is counting with me, there are 179 days to go! Now aren't you glad you read this post. You learned something you may not have known!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Alison Strobel Blog Tour

2010-06-15T23:28:00.004-06:00

Hi Allison and welcome. I am so pleased to host you on Patti's Porch today. I finished reading your wonderful book, the Weight of Shadows, in three days. What a riveting story! You really evoked deep emotion in me as you related the story of the women in your story and their struggles with secrets that led them to live with such feelings of guilt. My heart raced as I turned the pages, waiting for your heroine to get out of the desperate situation she was in. You crafted a very strong story that held my attention from page one to the very end. With that little introduction to your story, let me ask you a few questions.

Tell us about your writing journey.

I never in a million years thought I'd get to write as a career. I always loved doing it, but knew how hard it is to actually get published, and I didn't think I was good enough to garner anyone's attention. So I just wrote stories for fun and prepared for a career in education. (My degree is in elementary education.) In 2000 I moved from the suburbs of Chicago, where I'd been raised, to Orange County, California. The first time I drove through Hollywood, with Plumb's "Worlds Collide" playing in the background, I caught myself staring at the other cars on the freeway looking for celebrities. When it dawned on me that I could have gotten into a wreck from not paying attention to the road, my imagination took off. What if I ran into a celebrity? Would *I* become famous? Would *their* life change at all from encountering mine?

I couldn't get the ideas out of my head. I hadn't written creatively in a long time--this was just a year after I'd graduated college, and all the papers I'd written during those 5 years had sucked away any desire to write if I didn't have to. But as I started outlining the story--a practice I'd never attempted before--I found myself excited about writing again. I plotted out the story and started writing, and 18 months later I typed "The End." But I still had no plans to publish. I printed it out, stuck it in a binder, let my mom read it, then stuffed it into my closet, never thinking I'd touch it again.

About two months later my dad happened to be talking to an editor from Waterbrook Press. He mentioned to the editor that I'd just finished a book, and the editor asked if he could see it. I sent it in, we talked on the phone a couple times, and a few months later I was offered a two-book contract. I was a little wary at first, to be honest--I was concerned that it was more of an attempt to get my dad on board with publishing there than a real vote of confidence in my abilities, or their attempt to cash in on the Strobel name. But when I raised my concerns with folks there, they assured me they'd publish the book even if I used a pen name. Knowing that made me feel a lot better.

I was still teaching at the time. But a year and a half later God orchestrated things so that it was possible for me to quit teaching and start writing full time. It was such an amazing blessing. I still can't wrap my head around it sometimes, the fact that I get to write and that people actually want to read what I have to say. I love my life!

What is the most enjoyable aspect of writing for you?

From start to finish, my most favorite point in the creation of a book is the day I open a fresh new Word doc and start chapter 1. I get giddy, no joke. I use Randy Ingermanson's Snowflake Method to outline, and it's a very long and involved process--though also an invaluable tool that I will never again write a book without using--so by the time I'm done with it I am *dying* to start writing. I've been mulling over and working on various aspects of the story for a good 4-8 weeks at that point, and I'm mentally done with the whole planning stage. I want to start crafting sentences.

What do you dislike, if anything, about writing?

Research. I HATE research. I hate the time it takes, I hate worrying that there's something I've missed that readers will pick up on and that I'll look like I didn't do my homework at all. I hate chasing down details, or hitting walls because I can't find an actual person to talk to who is knowledgeable in a particular area when I'm not confident in the stuff I'm finding online. Going to the library to research just isn't possible for me, so the Internet is my main tool for research. Facebook has actually come through for me a few times--I've been able to connect with experts through my friends. For example, when I was working on The Weight of Shadows, I wanted to find someone who worked with abused women to make sure I was accurately portraying abusive relationships and also what women's shelters are like. A friend back in Chicago saw my note on Facebook about needing that type of information, and he told me he knew a woman who worked as a director for a women's shelter in the city. He got me in touch with her and she helped me with the details and even read the rough draft to make sure I'd written the abuse dynamic and the shelter scenes realistically. And, funny story: for my April 2011 release, Memory of the Heart, I needed to find a medical expert. I asked a childhood friend if her older sister, who had once been my babysitter, was still an ER doctor and if she might be willing to chat with me. In the end she helped me with a scene in Reinventing Rachel, as well as some other bits of Trouble Child. It was really weird to write back and forth about street drugs and ER procedure and mental illness with the woman who had once played "Taste Test" with my brother and I when my parents went to the mid-week service at church.

Are you a plotter or seat of the pantser?

Every story I ever wrote before Worlds Collide was as a panter. And that explains why all the novels I started before Worlds Collide never got past the first chapter. That book was the first one I'd ever outlined, and it was like unlocking my creativity to have a plan to follow. Even though the final story ended up straying from the outline, just having that list of "big points" gave me the direction I needed to keep working. And now, as I previously mentioned, I use the ultimate outlining tool--The Snowflake. I honestly think that anyone who is interested in writing novels needs to get Randy's lecture (only ten bucks, how could you not?!) and at least give it a good shot. I've heard people say it doesn't work for them, and even though I can't imagine that, I'm willing to concede that it's not for everybody. But I still think everyone needs to at least try it. :)

How much research have you had to do for your novels?

My need to research has increased lately--with Worlds Collide I barely did any and pretty much just relied on my imagination and what I'd picked up through Us Weekly Magazine and movies. :) I did a little more with Violette Between--researching comas--and then quite a lot more with The Weight of Shadows. Reinventing Rachel didn't need much, but Memory of the Heart needed a ton. I have dozens of emails from my ER doc babysitter, as well as a few books that I read. That was definitely the most research I've done for a book, and I really hope I don't have to do that much more for a long time. :) And of course, for all the books I do a lot of random fact-finding--Google Maps is one of my always-open browser tabs, so I can look up the towns in which I set the stories (or the real-life towns that the fictional ones I make up are modeled after) and figure out things like hospital names or distance between two landmarks or whatever.

Do you have any research tips?

Um, do it? Honestly, I don't think I'm good enough at it yet to be giving out advice! Though I will say this: check your sources, especially if you're researching on the internet. Make sure the sites are reputable. I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes sites *look* reputable but are really more about advertising than accuracy.

I understand you moved to Colorado within recent years. Is there a particular attraction in our beautiful state that you would like to see?

We haven't been to Garden of the Gods yet. I really want to go there. The sand dunes, too! It's hard right now because the girls still nap and also aren't fans of long car rides. But we're planning some little overnight trips that will allow us to set up a "base camp" and take day trips from there. I think we'll be hitting Garden of the Gods on our first one. I can't wait!

Alison, thank you for a wonderful interview. I would like to wish you continued success with your writing career. Hope you get to take some time off from writing to enjoy those camping trips and see the Sand Dunes and Garden of the Gods!

go here for information about other blog tour participants.

For info on a free ebook, go here.

To order Alison's book from Amazon, go here.

To order from Christianbooks.com, go here.