Jill Kemerer

What the Publishing Debate Means to Me

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Traditional publishing. Self-publishing. E-publishing, Print publishing. A lot of sides have been taken, and I cringe at the continuing warfare. Don't get me wrong, I understand it, but I don't like it.

Photo by mezone

I've been writing full time for years. Four years, to be exact. I've had the dream of someday becoming a published author for many years before that. Basically, publishing has been on my mind a long, long time. I remember my first brush with the business side of books. Way back in 1996, a thick paperback, How to Write a Romance and Get It Published by Kathryn Falk caught my eye at the local bookstore. Article after article about the writing craft, how to submit, and the writer's life jammed the pages. I devoured it, and still have the poor, ripped, broken thing in my office.

Since then, computers and the Internet have changed aspiring writers' lives. We no longer have to find a copy of Writer's Market and search for agents or publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts. We can e-mail a query, sample pages or a requested manuscript.

The competition seems to increase by the minute. More authors are trying to get published than ever before. It can feel impossible to land an agent or find a home with a traditional or e-publisher. So when self-publishing became a viable option, I understood why so many flocked to it and why they continue to publish their books themselves.

I've read many blogs and listened to writers debate the pros and cons of the publishing options. I'm a huge believer in self-awareness. Whatever decisions we make, we need to be honest with ourselves about exactly what motivates us, and we need to be willing to accept whatever consequences our actions bring.

Jamie Raab, publisher of Grand Central Publishing (a Hatchette division), shared an insightful look at what authors can expect from editors at GCP.

Here's an excerpt from "So What Do You Do Jamie Raab, Publisher of Grand Central Publishing?" courtesy of MediaBistro (full article is linked, emphasis is mine).

"And I really do believe that we nurture talent by working hard, and we pay advances that offer writers the time and luxury they need to write the book they want to write. The truth is writing and putting a book out into the world is only a small part of it."

The article really is fantastic, and I hope you'll pop over and read the whole thing. One item Ms. Raab touched on is often overlooked in the big debate.
Traditional publishers--print or e-pub--offer advances. This means an author gets money before the book is published.

One item usually not overlooked in the big debate?

Do traditional publishers offer today's writer anything special? I believe they do. I've always had tremendous respect for the talented teams put together to make a book the best it can be.

Of course, many authors will argue that advances have dwindled. Self-published authors might say that they don't have to wait months or over a year to start making money on their books. Both would be accurate--for some writers. For other writers, these statements will prove completely untrue.

Maybe that's what all the fighting is about? We writers want a guarantee. We want to know if we do X, Y, and Z we will, with certainty, get A, B, and C.

If that's what we expect, then...we're in the wrong business.

If there's anything I've learned over the years, it's this. Every author's experience will be different. One might find blazing success with a traditionally published print book. Another might find scorching sales with a self-published e-book. One might be thrilled with a nurturing small-press publisher, while another might be happy with modest sales of their e-published book. And many, many authors will be disillusioned no matter what publishing path they take.

There are no guarantees in publishing. That's the bottom line.

I am willing to risk the lack of guarantee by staying true to my original dream. I want the traditional publisher still. I realize the climate and particulars are changing by the hour, but right now, I still believe in my dream and I'm not giving it up.

Another thing I will not give up? Supporting my fellow writers in the choices they make, whether they come to the same decision as I did or not. We have to find our own answers, and I hope we can nurture each other while we do.

How do make decisions about your career?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Stale Decorations?

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sunshine streams into the patio door and kitchen window. It's such a gorgeous, sunny day, and my entire soul smiles at the hint of spring. Of course, high winds drill the outdoor comfort level down, but here on my couch, I'm snug and happy.

Photo by crinklecrankle

Except the sunlight is like a spotlight on the dirty windows. Dust populates our coffee table (I just dusted yesterday--where does it come from??). Now that I look around, I realize our elderly couches, while standing, need TLC. And half of the art on our walls? Over ten years old. Even the throw pillows, which I remember purchasing vividly, will be turning double digits soon.

No, I will not be throwing them a party.

But...

I like most of our furniture and decorations--old or not. It still fits our life. Still comes together to provide a unified, comfortable place to sit and relax.

So, I brainstorm how I can rearrange everything to make it feel fresh. The picture in the living room corner moves to the half-bath. Another picture heads upstairs to our bedroom. The one in the hall moves to the empty spot in the living room. I shuffle pottery and hand towels, even soap dispensers, and when I'm finished, I grin.

The same old stuff now feels new. I'll just push the throw pillow an inch or two over to cover the most worn section of the couch cushion. There, now it feels new.

Do you ever move your decorations around to make them feel fresh?

And I have wonderful news to share: P.W. Creighton's debut novel, Nightfall, released yesterday!! I'm guest posting about choreography and characters at his blog today, and I'd love it if you stopped by and congratulated him!!

Oh, and 5 Easy Questions will return next Wednesday. :)

Have a magnificent day!

My Can't Look Away TV Show

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've found a television show so mesmerizing, so terrifying, and so addictive, I can't turn the channel when it's on.

It disturbs me so much, after the show I have to mentally picture pretty things, like this gorgeous mountain scene.

Photo by vzaliva

The show? Animal Planet's Infested. (APL Fridays, 9pm)

Each episode chronicles three families who have experienced rodent or insect infestation in monstrous proportions. We're talking scorpions (scorpions!!), brown recluse spiders, some kind of mutant ant, bats, racoons, opossums, cockroaches, bird mites, bedbugs and--my personal favorite in that it freaks me out--the snake house.

The producers are geniuses. They start out with teasers on two of the families, and they work hard to build the suspense before revealing what particular infestation the family is dealing with. Then they cut away to a different family, flipping back and forth between stories and always leaving a cliffhanger at commercials. With interviews of the actual victims and re-enactments, the viewer gets an entertaining hour.

I often watch with a blanket ready to throw over my head. A series of gasps, "ew," "oh my goodness, oh my goodness," and "move out!" "burn it!" and "I couldn't stay a single night in that house" ensues.

My adrenaline kicks in, literally pushing me into fight or flight mode. Positive non-existent bugs are crawling over the surface of my skin, I get itchy. I also become paranoid. Is the kicked up area of mulch around the deck an extended family of possums ready to dig their way in? Could the gray spiders outside be making a move to invade our home?

You would think I'd be lunging for the remote to turn the television to something happy, something pleasant, but no. I become an angry wildebeest if anyone dares touch the remote during my show.

Last year's season of Infested was short, and I hope this year's season features more episodes. If not, I guess I'll have to enjoy the terror for now and wait patiently for the next installment.

Have you ever seen Infested? Are you insanely mesmerized by something that creeps you out?

If you have the January blues, head on over to MVRWA's blog today for my post, Vitamin D Anyone?

Enjoy the final gasps of January!

News I'm Interested In This Week

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Once or twice a week I scour the online editions of a selection of major newspapers. Out of the hundreds of headlines, I tend to only read 2-3 articles. These are the three I read this week.

Photo by NS Newsflash

1. According to the Wall Street Journal, the #1 deal-breaker in marriages is...wait for it...

Nagging!

If you'd like more information, you can catch the video HERE. A few of the insights made perfect sense to me.

- Women tend to nag more than men, and we do it because we feel ignored.
- Men tend to shut down when being nagged, and they're less likely to follow orders when we nag.
- When hit with the urge to nag, we should ask ourselves if it's a reasonable request and if we can trust that our husband will handle it.

2. I had a pithy response to the outcry over Mitt Romney's 2010 tax receipts, but the issue at hand is far more complex than I wish to delve into. I will say this, I'm surprised none of the candidates has taken the opportunity to push a flat-tax-rate agenda. Maybe time will tell...

Insert butterflies and rainbows: In my fantasy world, taxes would be fair to everyone, simple to file, and wouldn't discourage anyone from pursuing the American dream.

3. And onto even more pressing news, last week's issue of UsWeekly says Russell Brand might be sharing a tell-all book about his brief marriage to Katy Perry. All I can say is the guy has crazy eyes and I'm not sure why she married him in the first place. Do we really need to know all of their dirty secrets? (I'm not answering that, because the fact I subscribe to UsWeekly effectively condemns me. I probably DO need to know all of their dirty secrets.)

So that's it.

What news interested you this week?

Have a fabulous Friday!!

5 Easy Questions with Julie Jarnagin!

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

EveryWednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to supportand promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres,from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may beaspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thankyou for joining me in welcoming…Julie Jarnagin!!

I connected with Julie through blogging,and I was so excited to see her publishing success when Canyon Walls, her debut novel, released last fall! Julieinspires me with her dedication to writing and to her family. She writes contemporaryinspirational romance novels—my favorite books to read.

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Coffee in the morning and a Dr. Pepper or Coke Zero in theafternoon. I need my caffeine!

2. Any pets?

A chocolate lab named Zoe, a yellow lab named Remi, and an evilcat named Baidy. The cat is nice to my three-year-old (because she knowsbetter), she tolerates me and my husband, but she's just plain mean tooutsiders. She's basically our guard cat.

3. Dream vacation?

We just took our dream vacation to Hawaii for our ten yearanniversary last year. It was amazing. Our next goal is to take a familyvacation. We're thinking about camping in Colorado this summer. The cat willprotect the house from burglars while we're away. The dogs will be busy diggingnew holes in our lawn.

4. What are you listening to right now?

I wish I could listen toChristmas music all year long, but I think my coworkers would get annoyed.Lately, I've been listening to Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble. I'm currentlywriting a book set in Las Vegas and this music sets the tone for me.

5. What's for dinner?

I have an elk roast inthe crock pot. It sounds weird, but it's pretty normal for my house. My husbandis an avid hunter. There's always venison, elk, quail, or some kind of game inour freezer.

***

Julie, it’s a toughcall, choosing between Dr. Pepper and Coke Zero. I love both! How funny thatyour cat—not your two labs—guards the house! Ooo, Hawaii sounds like awonderful dream vacation. Was it everything you hoped for? Stick me on a beachwith a fruity drink in my hand and I’m a happy woman. Camping in Colorado wouldbe awesome too. We tent camp every year, and we choose gorgeous places—usually onLake Michigan. It makes all of the packing, cooking, and dirt worth it.

My husband bought meMichael Buble’s Christmas CD this year, and I’m always a fan of the Rat Pack. I’malready feeling the mood of your book! Enjoy your elk—that’s a phrase I’venever said before—and thank you so much for being my guest today!

***

Julie Jarnagin grew up in southwest Oklahoma where her family farmed and raisedcattle, inspiring her to set much of her fiction in small towns. She earned aB.A. in Journalism/Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma and isa member of America Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of threeHeartsong Presents novels: Canyon Walls, Canyon Crossing, and Canyon Cafe. Herarticles have appeared in local and national publications. Through her writing,she hopes to share stories that reflect God’s love. She lives in Oklahoma withher husband and young son.

To learn more about Julie, head to her blog, befriends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

January is almost over! Are you glad to see it end or wish itcould last longer?

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

What Keeps Me Writing When Life Gets Rough

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have a secret. Occasionally I'm hit with a terrible mood that won't lift. It not only affects my daily life, but it kills my writing. Any number of things might cause it--you know--bad news sometimes gets us down, but I work very hard to not let the mood stop me from working toward my dreams.

Photo by Riley and Amos

My secret?

Well, I have more than one. Since I like to go big or not at all, I have five.

1. Prayer.

Only through daily conversations with God am I able to find the strength to turn on my laptop and open my manuscript.

2. Sugar.

Many of you know I am a chocoholic. When life is going great, I eat healthier and rarely snack during my writing sessions. But...when life runs me over, I turn to my stash of candy bars. I kid you not, Nestle Crunch and M&Ms have salvaged more writing sessions than I care to admit. I also stock hard candy, such as Lifesavers, during the crazies.

3. Permission to do whatever it takes.

If I'm struggling and sitting in front of my laptop with a glazed look on my face and pigeons fluttering through my brain, I give myself permission to watch a silly YouTube video. Maybe I wrote 125 words and feel a massive urge to crack a can of Pepsi open? I go ahead and do that. And while I'm in the fridge I tell myself that if it takes four sodas, I will get my daily word count in. Whatever. It. Takes.

4. I whine.

My local writer friends listen to me whine a lot. They're wonderful. I could not make it without them.

5. I remind myself that the mood will pass.

Everything really WILL get better soon. I just have to ride it out. Moods come and go. Seasons come and go. Good times come. Then they go. It's the way of life. :)

So if you find yourself in a mood darker than a starless, moonless night, and the very thought of opening your manuscript makes you tremble inside--take a deep breath. Pray. Eat a candy bar. Give yourself temporary permission to be unhealthy, whine, and remind yourself that this mood will end.

How do you keep writing when life gets rough?

Have a wonderful Monday!

Characters: The Jackie O Factor

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm fascinated by other people's lives. I read a lot of biographies and autobiographies. Of course these books cannot give a full, accurate picture of someone's life. We're only getting a filtered view. Still, with that said, I can't help but form opinions on the people I read about.

Photo by raxiii

This January I read several books about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and I just read Slim Keith's autobiography. You're probably familiar with Jackie O, but many of you may never have heard of Slim Keith. Both women intrigued me, but after reading about them, I drew my own conclusions.

Jackie O was known for several things--her style, her grace as first lady while John F. Kennedy was in office, her loyalty to her children, her dedication to her privacy, and her love of good literature--she was an editor for many years. She also used her celebrity to champion historical preservation.

Slim Keith, born Nancy Gross, was also held up as a style icon in the forties, fifties, and beyond. Born into a wealthy family, she married Hollywood showbiz producer Howard Hawks, after he divorced his first wife, of course. She later cheated on him with Leland Hayward, top Hollywood agent, and remarried, enjoying a happy union for roughly ten years before he left her for another woman. She briefly remarried a third time, and lived the remainder of her life on her own. She was good friends with many influential stars and authors, including Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis married John F. Kennedy, soon to be President of the United States. Five years after his untimely death by assassination, Jackie married Aristotle Onassis, Greek shipping billionaire. They enjoyed an easy companionship at first, but later their relationship strained to the point of non-existence until his death. She spent the later years of her life with a live-in companion, still-married Maurice Templesman, a diamond merchant.

Slim and Jackie took the same route to fame. Both married high-powered men who were in the spotlight. These two women shared a keen intelligence, an eye for style, and an unwavering sense of self. The world focused on them because they were glamorous, interesting--worth focusing on.

So many similarities. While still single, these gals hung out with elite, wealthy men. They had their choice in suitors, and they chose--for first husbands--men who lacked the means to share emotional depth. Both of their first husbands cheated on them extensively. It must have been a shock for these young women to realize their picture-perfect marriages were plagued with infidelity. Jackie and Slim suffered miscarriages and still births. Slim had one daughter; Jackie had a daughter and a son (another son lived only a few days). I feel terrible for their difficult pregnancies. As a mother, I deeply sympathize with the heartache they experienced.

But, also as a mother, I found this fact enlightening: both women took multiple, extensive trips while their young babies stayed home, and they continued to travel sans kids their entire lives. Both employed nannies and governesses and later sent their kids to boarding schools. Jackie even went on record as saying (I'm paraphrasing) if you bungle raising your children, nothing else you do matters much.

I'm sure they did love their children. But in my mid-western, middle class, late-century upbringing, I can't imagine having my mother jet-setting around the world while I'm home being raised by a nanny and later being sent off to boarding schools. How much mothering is going on if you're never around? Hmm...

Yes, I'm judging. And, yes, I'm thinking of the non-stop, exhausting job motherhood is to most of us moms. Have I fantasized about two weeks in Paris with no kids, my sister, and unlimited funds? Oh, yeah!

These women hung out with top entertainers, artists, and diplomats. Flirting was going on--you only need eyes. I can see it in the pictures. When you're admired by the world, you're not going to be content withering away unnoticed while your hubby is cheating on you with every showgirl who walks his way. Playing with fire? You betcha.

Then there were the odd choices in marriage. Slim flat out admits she married her third husband for financial security. Jackie never did admit it with Aristotle Onassis, but let's face it, she wasn't marrying a billionaire old enough to be her father for anything other than security.

Do I have a point?

Sure.

If the character in your novel grew up in a wealthy, high profile environment, she's likely going to have very different views about parenting, education, and security than the average person. She might have been raised primarily by nannies. She might think traveling to Paris for the weekend quite normal. She may have a deep-seated need for financial security, and if she isn't prepared or equipped to earn it herself, she may be willing to marry for it.

Even if your heroine is more enlightened, her mother may have experienced all these things. This affects the heroine's attitude, her values, and her desires. Or maybe her father still has a bit of that old sixties swing in him--the good ol' boy club where you marry a classy woman but cheat on her every chance you get?

And think twice before having this type of character naturally fall for Joe Blow, the mid-level accountant for a tax firm. She's used to being around entitled, rich, plenty-of-time-on-their-hands men. Yes, she may find Joe's integrity appealing. She might long for a man who will honor his commitments and pour his heart into making her happy--but will she trust him? Will she even notice him? And will her expectations be dashed when their first date isn't a jaunt to Paris? When he presents her with a smallish diamond ring instead of the Hope diamond?

I'm not saying all high profile, wealthy people live like this, but read enough biographies of women and men from the forties to present day, and you'll see how common it really is. Hey, I subscribe to UsWeekly. The infidelity hasn't changed at all. Neither has marrying for celebrity, money, or security.

Do you enjoy reading biographies? Who has fascinated you recently?

Have a terrific weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Cheryl Reif!

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thankyou for joining me in welcoming… Cheryl Reif!!

You know how sometimes you come across a blog andfeel an instant connection? That’s how I felt when I found Cheryl’s blog afterchatting with her on Twitter. She’s amazingly (had to use that adverb!)intelligent, and her blog always encourages and informs. Plus, I’m drawn toscience majors who also write fiction, and she fits that description perfectly.:)

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Coffee, unless I splurge on agingerbread latte.

2. Any pets?

I’m owned by two dogs, a boxer and astandard poodle.

3. Dream vacation?

Onlyone? Hmm…either a castle in Italy (like the one in Enchanted April) or asailboat off the coast of Greece.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Silence!(a rare event in my home)

5. What's for dinner?

Somesort of pressure cooker soup—quick, hot, and yummy.

***

Cheryl, I’ve never tried a gingerbread latte, but boy, thatsounds delicious. I, naturally, would spray Reddi-Whip into a tower on top. Yourdogs sound fun. Do they get along well? Are they polar opposites or partners incrime? They’re such different breeds; I’m curious!

Enchanted April? I haven’t watched it, but I’m now adding itto my DVD list. First, it has the word “enchanted” in it, and second, I’m allabout castles! But the sailboat and Greece sound so good too. Decisions,decisions… Enjoy the silence (blessed silence!) and the yummy soup, and thanksso much for being my guest today!

***

CherylReif ~

I'ma writer on the road...trying to balance a rich writing life with family,friends, home, and bringing home a bit of cash. I write fiction and nonfiction,for children and adults, magazine articles and book-length works, and amrepresented by Gary Heidt of Signature Literary Agency.

Tolearn more about Cheryl, head to her blog and follow her on Twitter.

Whatis your go-to snack?

I’mon a fruit and nut kick, but I always enjoy a good cookie.

Havea fantastic Wednesday!

Adventures in Detroit: North American International Auto Show 2012

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every January, the North American International Auto Show descends on downtown Detroit, Michigan. It had been thirteen years since we'd been there, so we decided to check out the fun this year, even though the weather had turned iffy--temperatures in the low twenties with a light snow falling.

Yep, that's me in a Jeep Rubicon! Photo courtesy of ChryslerGroup

The drive in was uneventful, until we tried to find parking near the Cobo Center. My husband and I played a round of, "Oh, there's a parking garage--whoops, you just missed it," and proceeded to perform a series of legal U-turns until we landed in a garage. Then we repeated the parking space number until we were fairly certain we would indeed find the spot upon our return.

Our garage offered a free shuttle bus (an old schoolbus painted red) to the event, so we hopped on and enjoyed a quick trip to the entrance.

Inside, swarms--and I mean swarms--of people merged onto the escalator leading to the main floor. We purchased our tickets, waited in a hefty line for the restrooms, and entered the show.

The first thing you notice, besides the overwhelming amount of people in attendance, is the sheer size of the auto show. We entered into the Mercedes Benz exhibit, and after oohing and ahhing over the luxury vehicles, decided to move toward the back to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

The show is all in one room but each automaker has its own unique space. They go all out on their displays--some with carpeting, others with laminate flooring, and still others with glass-like tiles--to highlight their vehicles. They also used different levels of lighting--some fairly blinded, while others provided ambience--and some featured frenetic, loud dance music, while others employed silence.

Our favorite areas were Ford, Lincoln, Porsche, Dodge, Jeep, Volkswagon, and BMW. Ford and Lincoln in particular exceeded my expectations in giving show-goers the wow factor. Ford offered simulated rides, roped off an area for attendees to watch workers build an engine, and hoisted the new Raptor truck's frame off its body. Ford provided plastic cards (like a credit card) to register and save information on any vehicle you were interested in.

Lincoln screamed luxury. The space relaxed and soothed, and the materials used in the display reminded me of an expensive showroom. They also built rooms to display the benefits of owning one of their vehicles. In one room, you could get inside one of their cars to witness the noise-reducing effects of their design.

We liked Dodge for their innovative trucks, Jeep, because, well, it's Jeep!, Volkswagon because of the disco ball and dance club atmosphere, and BMW because they had a really cool concept car.

Of the concept cars, our family also enjoyed GM's Camaro--the matchbox version--in a flourescent green. It looked cool! For regular vehicles, I loved the Dodge Ram Longhorn truck. The leather seats had embroidered stitching reminiscent of a saddle, and the entire truck was so decadent and big, I couldn't help but want it. Made me want to go out and buy a pair of cowboy boots, too!

Hours later, with aching feet, we said goodbye to the visual feast and made our way to the entrance where we'd originally arrived. Shuttle busses for hotels lined the front, but gone were the busses leading to the parking garages. The temperature had dropped considerably, night darkened the sky, and more snow had fallen, leaving the streets icy.

We asked a security guard about a shuttle, and while friendly, he couldn't give us clear direction on if or when a bus would be able to take us to our garage. A group of college kids started walking in that general direction and we decided to join them, knowing our garage was less than four blocks away. There's safety in numbers. However, we'd forgotten about the long tunnel on the way. So we hiked under a creepy, creepy tunnel with one foot of sidewalk--I felt like I was in a horror movie--and prayed we'd survive. The lack of sidewalks on the street (under construction) didn't help. Finally, we emerged and saw the garage. None too soon, I might add.

Minutes later, back on the highway leading out of town, we watched an accident unfold several cars ahead of us. Like I said, the roads had turned icy, and another mile down the road was an even worse accident with fire trucks, police, and such.

Downtown Detroit has such a different feel from the rest of Detroit city. Minutes away from the glitzy casinos, pretty skyscrapers, and upscale hotels, you're confronted with reality. Much of the city is rundown and dangerous. In the street-lit dimness, we passed a gasoline refinery. The electrical lines looked like dusty cobwebs strung over a forgotten neighborhood. As the miles sped away, I was glad we spent the afternoon viewing the automobiles of today and tomorrow, and I couldn't help but hope the innovation we'd witnessed spread to the rest of the once vibrant streets we passed.

Have you ever been to an auto show? Do you, like me, think you want a ginormous truck even though you're slightly frightened of backing up a big vehicle, and you know you'd never find a good parking spot?

By the way, we learned from the radio that over 92,000 people attended on Saturday. No wonder we felt crowded!

Have a fantastic Monday!

Are Your Reading Habits Affected by Television?

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

I purchased the first season of Downtown Abbey, an early 1900's British melodrama, for my mom as a Christmas gift. She and I both love movies set in historical England, and I had a feeling she would enjoy this popular series.

Photo by binaryape

When I came across Julie Bosman's excellent article "If You're Mad for 'Downton,' Publishers Have Reading List" on NYTimes.com (article is linked) I nodded throughout. Publishers realize an important factor in today's media consumption. Television and movies tend to spark interest in readers, and we have a hearty appetite to learn and experience more on the same topics.

I routinely get way too excited about a subject after watching something on television. Over the holidays, we found a two-hour-long special on the History channel featuring home movies of the Kennedys. I only had a basic understanding of the famous family, but after seeing their big smiles, endless football games, and hearing the biography of the family as a whole, I wanted to learn more. Several trips to the library ensued, and that in turn, sparked interest in the style-mavericks of the 50's. I just ordered a book on Slim Keith.

Also, my husband and I are not the greatest at remembering ancient history. A fascinating television program about why ancient Egypt's civilization collapsed had us debating the when, what, who, and how of that time.

I'm already ordering books to help us figure it out.

Just as television can prompt us to read a wider variety of books, it can also help writers get a feel for what topics interest viewers. The popularity of Once Upon a Time will ensure more cheeky, suspenseful fairy tales are published. The Walking Dead continues to spur zombie fiction. And Downtown Abbey will undoubtedly pave the way for even more fabulous fiction set around WWI England.

Have any television programs spurred you to read a book you might not have picked up?

Have a fabulous weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Susan Mills!

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thankyou for joining me in welcoming… Susan Mills!

Ifound Susan’s blog early in my own blogging experience, and hers was easy toremember. It’s the shoe blog! No, she doesn’t review footwear, but she doespost pictures of shoes and relates them to her writing and life. Very clever.One thing I love about Susan is her generosity. Every time she takes a blogbreak, good things happen to her friends, and she always shares the love. Hownice is that?

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Coffee-black,no cream, no sugar.

2. Any pets?

ABlack Lab named Willie after the K-State mascot Willie the Wildcat and a brand new boxer rescue puppy.

3. Dream vacation?

Anywherewith a beach. I haven't been to the beach since I was a kid.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Atrain bellowing in the distance.

5. What's for dinner?

Whatever everyone can scrounge up. Iwon't be home to cook tonight, but if I were, I'd probably make somethingsimple like spaghetti.

***

Susan, no cream, no sugar?? The horror! Actually, I’m beyondimpressed. My coffee barely resembles coffee by the time I doctor it. Hugecongratulations on your new puppy! What did you name him? Is he adorable orwhat? And how is Willie taking this?

You need to get to the beach. Might I suggest Lake Michigan?We found a gorgeous stretch of white sand called Tunnel Beach in Holland, MI. Ican’t wait to get back there this summer. I adore the beach! Spaghetti is mygo-to meal, too. It’s fast, hearty, and always delicious. Thanks so much forbeing my guest today, Susan!

***

Susan Mills is a parttime number cruncher and a full time aspiring young adult author. She lives inthe Midwest with her husband, three teenage children, a black lab and a boxerrescue puppy. To learn more about Susan, head to her blog, A Walk in My Shoes, befriends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

What has grabbed your interest lately?

I just read a new Stephanie Laurens book, studied up on the Kennedy family, and I'm really enjoying the Usher song "Without You" right now.

Have a magnificent day!

Popular Genre Shines in Contemporary Art

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, the Toledo Art Museum lured me to visit. To my delight, it featured a special exhibition called "Small Worlds" with work by several contemporary artists. The collection that captured my interest the most was titled "The City" by Lori Nix.

Photo by joelwashing

(If you would like to view "The City," it is linked to a dedicated webpage in her site. For other collections by Lori Nix, browse her website, www.lorinix.net.)

Lori uses unconventional methods with her art. She defines herself as a non-traditional photographer because she constructs the subject matter she photographs. Another difference in her work is her use of old-school photography techniques rather than digital manipulation to achieve the correct lighting and scale. The result is an impressive, whimsical, stunning, off-putting, clever feast for the eyes and mind.

I could have studied each photo for hours, but it only took a quick peek at one of her pictures to recognize the theme. A cataclysmic event has wiped out humanity, and the photos reflect the world a period of time after the event. In almost (or maybe every) shot, some aspect of nature has overtaken the building or space photographed.

I immediately thought of the popularity of post-apocalyptic fiction. For a few years now, novels and movies have regularly portrayed life after a cataclysmic event. It was really cool to see this genre in art form, except with a twist--the artist didn't need a human protagonist to carry a movie or book, and she was free to imagine the world with nature taking over.

As I strolled from photo to photo, I was disturbed and charmed. She did an amazing job of creating a mood in each scene. One in particular, "The Laundromat," has two depictions--daytime and at night. The daytime photo depressed me more than the night photo. The day photo held no sign of life whereas I found two funny rats in the evening one. It made me realize how much life, the sheer act of living, in any form--humans, animals, insects, even trees--brings hope.

Although I can't guarantee you'll enjoy and interpret Lori Nix's work the same way I did, I can assure you you'll be stunned by the level of detail and craftsmanship she uses to create each scene.

Have you had the privilege of viewing any contemporary art lately? Do you see any literary themes manifested in other art forms?

Have a lovely Monday!

The Picky Writer's Day Planner

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I adore day planners, always have. There's something exciting and fun about a fresh calendar. Personally, I'm more productive when I write my daily goals out, and it only makes sense to keep them in one place. So with a Staples coupon in hand, I trotted to the store and debated on the best planner.

Photo by mcgraths

Many of them come wire bound. I don't like this kind because it's impossible to add sections or to take a paper out temporarily. I do like Franklin Covey planners. They have great preprinted sections and usually come with a three-ring binder. However, they are almost always too big for my needs. I don't want an 8.5" x 11" planner, and the smaller versions are too thick.

In the past, I've made my own planner out of a blank three-ring binder, and this year, I decided to weigh the other options first. My planner should be a certain size. It would need to fit into my everyday purse for when I head out on my weekly Idea Hour dates. It would also need to have a yearly calendar with sections for each of the months, tabbed dividers for my business categories, and at least one pocket to store slips of papers or index cards. I vowed I would buy or create the perfect planner, regardless the cost.

The calendar aisle scared me. It's a big aisle, folks. But I gamely perused the selections. You would not believe the prices! Or maybe you would and I'm just super cheap. I liked one but it was too large, and I fell into a coughing fit when I saw that it was $42.99. Ouch. Then I picked up several other models, disregarding each for lacking something in my above criteria.

Thankfully, Staples has an entire section of refills. I snuck to the three-ring binder section and actually found the exact size binder I had in mind. Only 1/2" thick and a compact version (I'm guessing 6" x 8"), I snatched it up even though the price made me cringe.

Then I headed back to the calendar aisle and spent another twenty minutes deciding which refills would suit my needs best. I opted for a smaller version of looseleaf paper, a package of 15 small, clear protective covers, and a tabbed monthly calendar insert. I did not purchase a one-sheet calendar of 2012. They didn't carry any. But I did find a slew of free printable options online when I got home.

My day planner ended up being expensive: $7.29 for the binder, $3.79 for the looseleaf papers, $4.99 for the protective covers, and $10.99 for the tabbed monthly calendar insert. I also threw in a ten pack of colored Sharpies on sale for $3.00. You would have too, admit it. :)

So, not including the Sharpies, I paid $27.06 excluding tax for the exact day planner I wanted. Normally, I would have found a way to create a day planner for under ten dollars, but there comes a time when you know what works for you and what doesn't. This one works, and hopefully, I would only need to replace the looseleaf paper and the tabbed calendar next year.

I don't feel too guilty about the price either. I use my planner every day, and at the above price, that's about $2.25 a month for recording, meeting, and exceeding my goals. Not bad!

Now that you know all about my thrilling day planner adventure, I'd love to hear how you keep track of your schedule. Do you have a day planner? Use your phone? Google Calendar? Do tell!

Have a fantastic weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Kristina Knight!

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Kristina Knight!!

Kristina and I met through Maumee Valley RWA and quickly bonded. She has a sassy, quick sense of humor, a huge heart, and she shares my addiction to the Middleton sisters and the royal princes. Kristina oozes patience, especially when dealing with my exuberant brainstorming ideas. Let’s just say I threw out a plot twist involving killing a sister—I believe pirate coins were involved--and Kristina still talks to me. I can't wait to read her contemporary romance novels. Here's to 2012 being your year, Kristina!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Coke. All the way. Although I'm trying to switch to Coke Zero because I'm not getting any younger and those calories are settling in places they don't belong! Also Cherry-Limeaide from Sonic on really hot summer days...or days I want to *pretend* it's summer.

2. Any pets?

One dog - who is officially 20 years old this month. She's a wonder dog - although she's mostly blind and only listens selectively. Everyone asks how we've kept her healthy: Yearly vet appointments, WalMart-brand dog food and when she was younger we walked. A lot.

3. Dream vacation?

Anywhere warm. Last December we took a family cruise to the Carribbean and that was wonderful...I'm wishing I had another cruise to look forward to lately.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Christmas music. I can't seem to get enough. I've regained my love of the old holiday hymns this year, songs like 'Let There Be Peace On Earth' and the classic hymn-styled 'Silent Night' have gotten a lot of play. Usually I'm an eclectic listener, though - pop, classics, country, contemporary Christian...it all gets played in my house!

5. What's for dinner?

I've been on a crockpot kick lately - and I'm been slammed with work, which makes the crockpot the easy choice. Tonight it's barbecue ribs, homemade mac-n-cheese (because everybody needs a little mac-n-cheese in life!) and some steamed green beans. Or maybe broccoli...that extra cheese from the mac needs to go somewhere.

***

Kristina, I love Coke, but I too have made the switch this January, except I went to Diet Coke. We’ll see how long it lasts. And I am so with you on a cruise! The Caribbean sounds fabulous right now, especially since snow flurries swirl outside and the temps dipped to the twenties. We could call it a brainstorming cruise. I won’t even bring up pirate coins or psychotic sisters!

Your dinner makes my mouth water. I would skip the green beans and go with the broccoli. Like you said, the extra cheese from the mac DOES need to go somewhere! Thanks so much for being my guest today. Give your pooch an extra big hug too, okay?

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police - no, she wasn't a trouble-maker she was a journalist. When the opportunity to write what she wanted - business and family/parenting articles - and to focus a bit of energy on the stories in her head, she jumped at it. And she's never looked back. Now she writes articles for magazines and such by day and writes romance novels with spice by night. And any toddler-free, five minute break she has. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband, 3 year old daughter and 20 year old fur-kid. Happily ever after. To learn more about Kristina, stop by her blog, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

All month on my author Facebook page, I'm posting tips on how to stay motivated to meet our goals. I'd love for you to stop by and join the conversation. If you have a tip, hop over and please share!!

What are you looking forward to this year?

(My big dreams for this year include signing a book contract, possibly moving into a different home, and celebrating my oldest heading to high school this fall!)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

***

A Bloggy Vacay

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I hope your Christmas was everything you hoped it would be! I'm taking a blog break until January 4. See you all then!

Wishing you a fabulous New Year, everyone!!

Nutty, Fudgy, Crazy Christmas!

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I always assume the week before Christmas will be like all the other weeks in the year, maybe a little busier, but not too bad. And every year, I laugh at how wrong I was!

Photo by dansanuf (Sophie, don't get any ideas. You've been a naughty dog. This puppy deserves kisses from Santa. You don't. :)

I'd like to share a medley of what the week before Christmas looked like in my house this year:

Monday:

* Have had an awful migraine since Saturday. I'm on the couch all day. Reading would make me vomit, so I'm stuck with the television. It's either an all-day Hoarders marathon or Kim and Kourtney Take New York. I flip to Hoarders. Where are the Christmas movies? Hallmark channel does not air their awesome made-for-TV movies during the day. Bummer. Dead rats, cats, and human feces doesn't exactly get me in the holiday spirit, but I'll take it.

* Migraines alter my mood--it feels as if nothing will ever be good again--and I waver between anxiety about all of the chores left undone, nausea due to the headache, and a strange fascination with the man who has to tunnel his way into his apartment because of his extreme hoarding. Can't look away.

* McDonalds for dinner. French fries never tasted so good.

Tuesday:

* Migraine is gone! Hallelujah!! I drop the kids off at school and begin a multi-store grocery shopping excursion. Success!!

* Laundry here I come. I'm starting to think each member of our family should only own two changes of clothing. It might make life easier.

* I peek in the fridge. Oh, there's the sugar cookie dough I made on Saturday but didn't roll out. I'll get to it later...

* Pick the kids up from school and head straight to the barber. My son's hair is at that almost-too-long stage, and both kids whine and act like I'm handing them over to a cult when I pull in the parking lot.

* My daughter needs help with science and algebra, so we spend "quality" time bonding over equations.

* The SNL Christmas special is on, and we all love Justin Timberlake's "Soup There It Is" skit. Yes, we're still working on balancing chemistry formulas during this.

Wednesday:

* Last minute shopping trip #775. Both kids are in the Christmas Eve service at our church. Yes, I've known this for months--12 months to be exact--yet, I pretended festive outfits would magically appear on their own. I zoom to the store right after I drop the kids off at school. A small fortune later I have items that could be put together for outfits, but we won't know until the kids try them on. There are at least nine other things I bought that I had no intention of purchasing. Well done, marketers. Well done.

* Back home, a wave of fatigue hits me and I worry that my previous migraine will pull a switcheroo and come back to the other side of my head. It does that sometimes. I immediately down a Coke, a candy bar, and a huge Motrin. Yes, I have candy bars around my house for just this scenario. Thirty minutes later, the fatigue passes.

* Oh, what? I have a book? I'm supposed to be adding 10,000 words to it? Whoops! Guess I'd better squeeze in a writing session.

* Peek in the fridge. Sugar cookie dough still sitting there.

* The "malfunction" light comes on in my van. Yay! Malfunction! Just what I wanted for Christmas!! I pray for God to take care of it so I won't have to.

* I spend two hours wrapping presents. During this time, my mini-wiener dog, Sophie, sneaks into my daughter's room, finds a wrapped gift, destroys the package, and eats half the candy. You should have seen this box--it looked like a raccoon had gotten hold of it. Guess who just went on Santa's naughty list? Bad dog.

* Since I feel like I've gained thirty pounds from my three-day stint on the couch, I take time to exercise. My limbs hurt afterward.

* Realized I accidentally told both sets of parents the wrong time for the Christmas Eve service. Give them a quick call with the right time.

Thursday:

* Last minute shopping trips #776 and #777. I have to replace the candy that a certain puppy ate, so I stop at the grocery store after dropping the kids off. Run into three moms from school, which makes me feel better, and I purchase four items I had no intention of buying. Again, great job marketers! But the grocery store did not have the right candy, so I stop at the drug store on the way home.

* At the drug store, it hits me how drab and icky my hair looks. Surely I can touch up my roots and throw on some highlights this afternoon, right? Oh, yes, I have a coupon! Woo-hoo!

* Peek in the fridge. Okay, the sugar cookie dough is dried out. Time to toss it--and I hate tossing perfectly good food. I'll make a new batch Friday night.

* Book? Oh. Right. That. I have blog posts to write first. I'll get to my manuscript later. Like after I work on my hair. Priorities, people. Priorities.

* The malfunction light disappears! I say a hearty silent prayer. How blessed are we that God doesn't only answer big prayers?

* Head to my other stash of chocolate bars--Nestle Crunch. Mm-mm...

* I'm a room mom, so I organize my supplies for Friday's party. Sausages, check. (We're doing a pancake breakfast.) Wii games? Check. Presents? Check. Rice Krispy treats for my other child's party? Yikers! Time to hit the stove.

* Book? Yes. I'll squeeze in a writing session because my characters are calling. I love these two. Just one more scene. Just one more...

Friday:

Here we are! It's almost Christmas! My plan today includes finding another candy bar, whipping up a new batch of sugar cookies, spending most of the day with friends and my kids, and having a speedy, massive cleaning session tonight.

Our house is always a little nutty, a lot fudgy, and majorly crazy at Christmas, but by Christmas Eve, we're ready to focus on the only thing that's really important. Celebrating the birth of Jesus. One of my favorite Bible passages sums up my awe of December 25.

John 3:16 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

God does so love the world. You. Me. He came for us. Rejoice!!

Pop over to MVRWA's blog today to see how I handle missing my writing goals--"Ho, Ho--No I Didn't Meet My Writing Goals."

Merry Christmas!!

5 Easy Questions with Jennifer K. Hale!

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Jennifer K. Hale!!

Jennifer probably doesn’t know this, but we met through Katie Ganshert, another fellow blogger, when Katie tweeted a recommendation about her. I loved the title of Jennifer’s blog, The Debutante of Diaperland (is that great or what??), and squealed when I saw that we share the same agent. Jennifer is funny, welcoming, and tells it straight up on her blog. I’m so glad to have her here today!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Sweet tea (I am a Southern Belle, after all). Or as a treat I'll occasionally have a Root Beer or Cherry Coke. I don't do diet drinks.

2. Any pets?

We have a sweet Lhasa Apso named Pickle. She's the best guard dog ever and actually scared off a burglar at the apartment where we lived the first year we had her. She's 10 now and a tiny little thing, but she still gives the UPS man a good chase. We used to have a cat. I don't do cats. You can read a nice little post about that at my blog.

3. Dream vacation?

Europe. I've been several times and I love it--I want to keep going until I've seen it all. I'd like to do Ireland next and one day, I'd love to break out of my European fascination and see India.

4. What are you listening to right now?

The sounds of my oldest son playing outside with a neighbor kid. (It's 75 degrees outside in December--it's GA after all, so they are making the most of it.) I've also got my favorite Pandora station going--the one I created by adding together all my favorite artists and songs. It's a weird, mish-mash station. :)

5. What's for dinner?

Most likely Italian or Mexican food. I love to cook, but my hubby and oldest son tend to be picky, and those are two types of food all four of us can agree on. My husband would eat Mexican food every night of the week if he could. Heart attack, anyone?

***

A Cherry Coke sounds delicious right now, as does Italian or Mexican food. My family would get along very well with your family! So you've been to Europe several times? Sounds amazing! Which countries did you visit? I'd love to get to London and then take a driving tour of the countryside. You're on your own when it comes to India, though--I'm fine traveling to the hot Middle East from my couch! In fact, I visited Vietnam yesterday via House Hunters International. :)

Pickle--what a cute name! Little dogs can be very protective. Our nine-pound Sophie thinks she's a Doberman. And don't you just love Pandora? I've found new-to-me artists through my stations. It's a treat! Thank you so much for being my guest today, Jennifer!

***

Jennifer is a hopeless romantic living in a Thomas the Train world. This high school history teacher turned stay-at-home mom turned writer is represented by Rachel Kent of Books and Such Literary Agency. When she's not wrangling her two adorable sons (ages 5 and 2), she's always looking for time to write contemporary and historical romantic fiction. She's passionate about Jesus Christ, her family, her church, chocolate, world travel, history, and the study of world religions. She even teaches a world religions class through her church so that others will know how to share the Gospel of Christ with anyone, anywhere in the world! She's a self-professed social studies nerd and loves politics, Broadway shows, and music and is an active member of her church's music department. Jennifer has been happily married to Brian, her super-teacher hubby, for ten years and they make their home in Georgia.

To learn more about Jennifer, head to her blog and follow her on Twitter.

What is your favorite Christmas cookie? I love frosted sugar cookies!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Why I Love to Read

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas is less than a week away, so what did I do last Thursday? I picked up the the thickest novel I own and started reading all 1100 pages of it. Not a very smart move, considering I have a house to clean, presents to wrap, cookies to bake, and some last-minute shopping to get done. But if you love to read, you probably understand this.

Santa Sophie--she's fun to dress up during the holidays!

Why I love to read:

- Nothing else matters when I'm reading a good book.

- I think about things I wouldn't normally think about, like giant steam engines, evil dictators, an impossible romance, a group of morally corrupt people, exotic locations, or anything else some fantastic writer imagined.

- Reading a book takes longer than watching a movie, and my brain has to fill in the images. It's more of a mental workout. I always hate to finish a great book, yet I race to keep reading it.

- I often get interested in new subjects after I read a good book. I study different countries, time periods, philosophies, even different fashion styles.

- Friends who are also readers share great books with me and they listen to me rave about my favorite authors. We get it. :)

- I always feel a rush of excitement when I open a new book, like I might find something I've never thought of before, and often that's exactly what happens.

Last week I received an e-mail from a teacher in Northern California, and it made me appreciate all of the wonderful people who not only love to read but who are sharing it with others. So I'd like to give a huge shout-out to Ms. Arianna Hernandez's English class. She told me how proud she is of her students' recent projects, and I'm proud of them too. Here's to you--fellow readers!

Why do you love to read?

Have a fabulous Monday!!

One Minute Vacation Time!

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

On a mid-December Friday, I think we all need a one minute vacation! I plan on taking several today. My mini-vacays rarely surprise me, but they always refresh me, and I'm inviting you to tag along. :)

First stop...beach.

Oh my. Look at that. White sand. Blue skies. Clear water. And the best part? It's empty!

Photo by neilspicys

Next up...snacks. Yes, please!

Photo by joshwept

Fuzzy little animals always bring my blood pressure down, so here's a cutie for you.

Photo by anataean

And another...

Photo by khanb1

And we need a little downtime in a different exotic locale, so we're heading to Paris.

Photo by pdbreen

Feeling more relaxed? Inspired? I am!

Where do you turn to when you need a one minute vacation?

Have a wonderful weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Leigh Caron!

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Leigh Caron!!

Leigh and I met through MVRWA, and I quickly bonded with her. Terrific writer, stylish, accomplished—Leigh inspires me. I’m delighted to have her here today. She amazes me with her range of writing, including screenplays and religious horror, and she is currently focusing on humorous women’s fiction.

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Ozonated water

2. Any pets?

The sweetest cat in the world, and the dust bunnies under my bed.

3. Dream vacation?

Heaven

4. What are you listening to right now?

The clatter of my fingernails on the computer keys.

5. What's for dinner?

Homemade chicken soup with wild rice and mushrooms and a handful of vitamins.

***

Okay, I’m asking it. What is ozonated water? It sounds healthy, as do your handful of vitamins and chicken soup. Boy, you know how to ward off a cold, don’t you?

I didn’t know you had a cat. Aren’t they lovable? I love every cat that comes my way. They’re so sweet! Your dream vacation sounds…perfect! Wouldn’t it be cool to spend a week in heaven? Of course we would never want to come back…

Have fun clattering those keys and thanks for being my guest today, Leigh!

***

Leigh Caron ~

I began writing poems when I was ten. I was influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, so the poems were very dramatic and dark. I started writing novels in my twenties but never finished any. I finally took my writing seriously about ten years ago when chapters of a book kept flooding my head till finally I said, "Hm? I think I got a novel here." I finished it. The genre was dark, religious horror (trust me, there's no market for this).

I've since switched to writing humorous Women's Fiction and have completed three books in one series. I'm working on number four. I'm currently pursuing finding an agent who will love and believe that these stories resonate with women of all ages, but particularly women 50+. I write under the pseudonym, Leigh Caron primarily to protect my daughters. I think it would be too embarrassing for them (and their in-laws) to read about their mother's libido...even though my books are works of fiction. ;);)

To learn more about Leigh and her writing, head to her blog, Em-Musing, and follow her on Facebook!

I miss summer fruit. A fresh, ripe watermelon sounds so good right now. Do you miss any of your summer foods?

Have a fantastic Wednesday!

The Gift I Want But Hate to Admit

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

So now that December is sprinting by faster than a hungry cheetah in the African Savanah, let's talk presents. Not for other people, oh no, presents for ourselves! Maybe you don't have a secret, fantasy gift you try not to acknowledge.

Photo by crabchick

I do. It feels shameful, wrong to want this, and I've done my best to conceal it, but it's bursting to come out. The gift I really want but would never admit?

Twenty-four hours all alone with no agenda.

Yeah. That's right. I want to be completely selfish without interruption for an entire day.

I imagine it would go something like this...

1. Sleep in super late and actually wake up feeling refreshed. (This hasn't happened in fourteen years--the waking up feeling refreshed part.)

2. Breakfast--french toast, bacon, and a pot of hot coffee with my favorite creamer--would somehow appear on a tray before me.

3. After the breakfast plates magically disappear, I would snuggle the down comforter around me, enjoying a pajama-clad moment, then I would pick from a selection of novels I've been dying to read. The next three hours would pass in a blurry-eyed fictional world until more food--soda and chocolate included--arrived.

4. To give my eyes a rest, I might catch a marathon of House Hunters, and I will yell "Pick number 2," at the screen until they do indeed pick house two.

5. More reading will follow. Then a chick flick. Or an epic fantasy flick. Then a delicious dinner. And another book.

You can see how this goes. What can I say? I miss having big chunks of time to read. When I was young, we lived in the country and my mother set strict limits on how much television we could watch. So I spent much of my free time either playing with my big sister or reading.

All of those uninterrupted hours didn't appeal as much to me then as they do now. I mean, the thought of reading a book straight through? So tempting! I usually have to read novels two to three chapters at a time because of our busy schedules.

So now you know. A full day of nothing sounds like the perfect gift!

Do you ever fantasize about being completely selfish for 24 hours?

Enjoy your Monday!

Do Books Make Great Gifts?

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Books can make wonderful gifts...or not. It depends on the recipient. Since I'm a writer and I get happy heart flutters in a bookstore, I naturally gravitate to giving books as gifts. This season is no exception.

Photo by shortsandlongs

Jody Hedlund, in her excellent blog post, "Even Though Free Is In, Don't Forget to Buy Books Too," reminds us that with all of the free books available (either from giveaways, promotional e-books, or self-published promotions) we should support authors by purchasing their books. I agree. My budget is tight, and I don't buy a ton of new books, but whenever possible I try to buy copies of books from authors I like. I recently purchased A Log Cabin Christmas as a gift because I knew Erica Vetsch, Michelle Ule, and Liz Johnson had contributed novellas, plus, the recipient enjoys the genre.

But are books always appreciated as a gift? The Wall Street Journal featured a lively article by Cynthia Crossen, with great tips, titled, "Giving Books for the Holidays." Ms. Crossen recommends bundling books with something related to make the present more meaningful.

Both Jody and Cynthia got me thinking about my outlook on books as gifts. I keep in mind the following questions.

1. Does this person enjoy reading?
2. With fiction, is the genre something this person normally reads or might read?
3. Would the recipient find the book insulting in any way? (You never know!)

If you truly want to share the joy of reading but have no idea what book to purchase, give a gift card. I recently received a Barnes and Noble gift card and have been saving it for a long afternoon of browsing and shopping. What a treat!

And we have a winner of Linda Glaz's Polar Bear Plunge!! Congratulations, K. B. Owen!! You won!! Thank you to everyone who entered!

Do you ever purchase books as gifts?

Have a fabulous weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Linda Glaz!

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Linda Glaz!!

Linda and I met through the Great Lakes chapter of ACFW. It’s been an exciting year for Linda. This fall she announced her new job title—literary agent at Hartline Literary Agency! And, bah-bah-bum, her new book, Polar Bear Plunge, released December 5 through White Rose Publishing. Details to follow!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Diet Dr. Pepper.

2. Any pets?

A grandkitty named Ophelia who lives with us because her actor parents can't very well traipse her all over the country!

3. Dream vacation?

Alaska to see son and family.

4. What are you listening to right now?

The sound of the furnace and it's so cold, it's a glorious sound.

5. What's for dinner?

Home made, with my own little hands, turkey pot pie (daughter's yummy recipe).

***

Linda, I am obsessed with Diet Dr. Pepper. It’s brought more joy to my life than soda should! Your grandkitty sounds like a sweetie, too. Actor parents, you say? I’m intrigued…

I hope you can get to Alaska, but if you’re like me, I’d want to go in the summer. It’s cold here in Michigan! And I’m officially inviting myself over for dinner. Yum! Thanks so much for being my guest!

***

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

Linda Glaz ~

I served in the military during a time when it wasn’t a politically correct thing to do. My years as a meteorologist during Vietnam were filled with travel, teaching, and meeting with quite a few characters. Winning awards, many of which were “firsts” for a woman in the Air Force, I experienced an array of unusual opportunities normally reserved for men.

I taught karate and women’s self-defense off and on for thirty years, refereed soccer for twenty-five, fifteen of which I was a National Instructor for the largest youth soccer organization in the world. After all those years, I went to work for a physical therapy clinic. Good place to be after all the soccer/karate injuries.

Now, I work as a writer and an agent at Hartline Literary Agency.

I enjoy teaching on so many levels. I am a true believer that lecture allows for minimal retention, but participation and demonstration lock the information in a student’s mind. And therefore, these are interspersed throughout my lessons as much as possible.

I spend relaxing time outside writing activities directing and singing in church musicals. I’m active in an online crit group, the Friday Critters. All members, but one, are represented by agents or pubbed.

Linda has graciously offered to give away a copy of Polar Bear Plunge! If you'd like to be entered in the drawing, simply leave your e-mail address in the comments section. I will announce the winner on Friday!

*Entrants must be 18 years of age*

What Christmas song are you already tired of hearing?

Have a fantastic day!

My Stay Fit Trick for the Holidays

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Unless you plan on wearing Pajama Jeans for the holidays, you need a plan to stay in shape. Christmas is coming and that means parties and dress up clothes. It's time to meet new people and reconnect with friends, and, if you're like me, you want to look good.

Photo by eustaquio

Although I'm not super-skinny, I've stayed relatively the same weight for twenty years. (That's not counting baby weight with the kids--wow, I gained a lot!) You might assume I have some elusive secret or a magical metabolism. I don't. Like most people, I work at it.

But listen...it really isn't as hard as it sounds.

Through the years, I've learned a few secrets to maintaining a healthy weight. Do I fluctuate by five pounds? Absolutely. Do I deny myself the treats of the season? No way!

So here is my stay fit trick for the holidays:

Make Monday through Thursday Count.

Most parties and events take place on the weekends, so balance them with good habits during the week.

Nutrition:

* Plan and cook healthy meals. If you absolutely have no time to cook and don't own a crockpot, purchase healthy frozen dinners and add a large salad.

* Aim for 5-7 fruits and veggies. Maybe baby carrots and a sliced orange don't tease your taste buds, but your body will thank you for the fiber and vitamins. You can always wash the celery down with a cup of hot cocoa. I'm serious. Cocoa has like 100 calories or something--go for it!

* Drink tons of water. Have a glass of water when you wake up. Have one mid-morning. Have one at lunch. Have two in the afternoon. Water prevents water retention. I like to be able to zip up my jeans.

* Watch portion sizes of high calorie snacks. I daily enjoy non-nutritious snacks like chocolate bars and barbecue potato chips. The key is to watch the portion size. If the serving size says 17 chips, go ahead and count out 17 chips. The 34th chip doesn't taste better, trust me.

* Take vitamins. This is entirely up to you, and the experts disagree on their benefits, but I take vitamins. Ladies, if your hormones are off, consider adding a B complex to your routine. I take a B50 (I do notice a difference if I skip a week), fish oil (this made a huge difference in my nails and complexion), vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. The last three work together to balance hormones plus they are immune system boosters. Who wants to spend the holidays sick? Not me!

* No fast food. We're only talking Monday through Thursday here. If you work outside of the home, pack food that will fill you up and that you enjoy. It doesn't have to be a boring sandwich. Yogurt, string cheese, summer sausage, soup, leftovers, wraps, salad--take your pick. Just make sure you bring enough to sustain you through the day. A 200 calorie lunch won't cut it.

Exercise:

* Do ten minutes of cardio. You can walk on the treadmill, do a couple Just Dance routines on your kids' Wii, march in place, ride your bike, swim, roller blade--whatever will raise your heart rate. If you want to do more than 10 minutes, great! Your body will love you even more. But 10 minutes is your minimum goal.

* Create a quickie strength routine. I do two--just two--sets of exercises for my stomach, arms, and legs. I do these every Monday through Thursday.

Set 1: 25 crunches, 25 push-ups (full body), and 25 squats.
Set 2: 25 bicycle crunches, 25 push-ups (girl-style), and 25 plie squats (that's what I call them at least!)

I feel the burn, but they only take a commercial break to get through.We're talking 5-7 minutes. How can I blow off 7 minutes? I can't. And these exercises have done more to tone my body than anything.

So that's it. Make Monday through Thursday count and the weekends won't throw you into another dress size.

What are your stay fit tricks for the holidays?

Have a wonderful Monday!

First 3 Chapters: From Blah to Bang!

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Early last month I wrote the first three chapters of my latest manuscript. I knew the characters, had the plot nailed down, and felt great about my scene list. Yet when I reviewed what I'd written, an uneasy feeling settled over me.

Photo by jaynandd

The chapters didn't wow me.

Now, first drafts are first drafts--we all know it. I certainly don't write the perfect first draft--far from it--but the draft itself wasn't the problem.

The first three chapters were blah. They could have been in any current book of my genre. Technically, they were solid, but something was missing.

Rather than forge ahead and keep writing (sorry, that's one writing "rule" I don't follow), I took an hour to think about the problem. I had full confidence in the plot and knew if I tinkered with it, it could become outlandish. The scenes were fleshed out reasonably well for a draft, and the setting and pace were appropriate. The area I kept coming back to?

My heroine.

Sure, she was likable. She had clear goals, motivations, and conflicts. But she could have been any heroine in any other inspirational contemporary romance.

I spent more time brainstorming what would make her stand out. It only took thirty seconds for me to slap my forehead. I'd squandered her individuality. By sprinkling thoughts filtered through her unique mind in the first three chapters, I would give the reader something to be excited about.

Once I fixed the problem, the rest of the chapters have been much easier to write.

By the way, this wouldn't have been apparent to me if I did not read many different authors in my genre. Only by knowing what is out there could I figure out why my book wasn't as good as it could be.

If you open your first three chapters and aren't "wowed," try brainstorming for an hour. Write down any areas that might be weak, then evaluate them. Trust your instincts. The solution will come to you.

Have you ever started reading a book and wondered if you'd read it before? I've picked up books I've already read! That's sad!

Enjoy your weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Michelle Ule!

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Michelle Ule!!

I met Michelle through Books & Such Literary Agency where we are both clients (Michelle also works there!). Michelle is such an intelligent, encouraging writer—I’m honored to have her here today and can’t wait for the day I get to meet her in person. Her novella, The Dogtrot Christmas, is featured in the New York Times Bestselling Christmas collection, A Log Cabin Christmas! Details to follow. Trust me, this book makes an excellent Christmas gift!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

I actually really like water. With ice in the summer, without in the winter. The best water was from our well when we lived in Washington State. :-) Otherwise, mocha--but Starbuck's drink is a little too sweet.

2. Any pets?

I have a 10 year-old blind Gordon Setter dog, Suzie, whom I've written about on my blog "Life with a blind dog: How come she's always hungry?" and "Life with a blind dog: Watch Out." We have a miserable Hawaiian calico stray who has never gotten over leaving Hawai'i 14 years ago. Her name is Kali.

3. Dream vacation?

St. Petersburg, Russia where I'd love to get lost for a day or two in the Hermitage art museum and wander the city with an excellent English-speaking guide who can take me to all the Romanov sites.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Civil War music to get in the mood for the novel I'm working on. If it's closer to Christmas, probably Nat King Cole's Christmas album. :-)

5. What's for dinner?

Salmon or possibly quiche; depending on what's on sale at the grocery store later this morning! :-)

***

Michelle, I drink a lot of water too, but soda and coffee are my faves! Your sweet dog Suzie is a very special member of the family—has she caught up with Murphy lately?—and I’m sure Kali is too. Cats are so independent and funny, aren’t they? I’m officially inviting myself along to Russia with you. A few years ago, I became obsessed with the story of the Romanovs. I read several conflicting books about the fates of the Grand Duchesses and enjoyed the rich history accompanying them. It would be a dream trip to traipse around St. Petersburg!

Oh, and I love Allison Krauss. One of her songs was featured on the Cold Mountain soundtrack, and it always reminds me of the Civil War. So haunting… Thanks so much for being my guest today, Michelle!

***

Nine novellas make up a collection of romantic Christmas tales from the 19th century. Spanning the country, we see how love blossomed in the rough walled cabins of winter. Learn about the Mexican posada tradition and how it meshed with the Scottish frontier Christmas; experience the anguish of a Civil War battlefield where stars provide hope; join a young teacher and students snowed into the classroom on the eve of Jesus' birth, and more!

Plenty of short stories perfect for curling up with a cup of cocoa and wood on the fire; this makes a lovely Christmas gift in a gorgeous book.

***

Michelle Ule fell in love with history, particularly US history, as a child and has read avidly on the subject ever since. Researching and then writing her massive family history, Pioneer Stock, put family names to extraordinary events in North American since the family's earliest arrival in 1628.

When the opportunity arose to write a romance set in a log cabin, she immediately reached into her family's past for pertinent stories. Panthers in the woods, Native Americans reaching between the unchinked gaps in the log cabin to touch the baby, a horrifying moment at the water hole-- all these stories and more happened to her Texas pioneer kinfolk.

Her degree may be in English Literature from UCLA, her training may be as a newspaper reporter and her life may be rich with travel and family, but Michelle Ule always comes back to the most dynamic parts of her life: reading and loving God. To learn more about Michelle, check out her blog and like her on Facebook. Michelle is also blogging this week at the Books & Such Blog.

Have you decorated for the holidays yet?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Why Our Characters Must Fail

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

I recently read a novel but struggled to get into the story. Each time I put it down, I had no desire to pick it back up. Tempted to stop reading, I decided to forge ahead and figure out why it wasn't grabbing me. I made a list of its strengths and weaknesses.

Photo by kylemacdonald

Strengths:

- Excellent writing. The author balances dialogue, thoughts, action, and narrative with ease.
- Modern, relatable characters. The hero and heroine (it's a contemporary romance) are realistic and have believable conflicts and goals. Plus, I liked both of them.
- Logical progression of plot. The story arc made sense and proceeded in a way I would expect.

Weaknesses:

- Too many characters introduced in first chapters. This book is the second or third in a series, so extra characters should be involved, but too many too soon only confuses the reader.
- Sunday drive pacing. While the plot progresses logically, it does not progress quickly. There doesn't seem to be any urgency.
- The hero and heroine do not share enough scenes in the first half. They are in scenes together, but they rarely interact. How are they supposed to fall in love if they don't talk to each other?

Not every book is perfect, and the strengths in this one more than offset the weaknesses. However, I pinpointed one major area that needed work.

Each scene had a point, but the stakes were never high enough for me to want to read the next scene.

Jack M. Bickham discusses what an effective scene accomplishes in his excellent book, Scene & Structure. I'm paraphrasing here, but basically each scene should be told from one character's viewpoint, and the character must have a clear goal, which is obvious from the beginning of the scene. The character will then experience conflict in reaching that goal until the scene ends with the character failing to meet the goal.

Summary of Scene Essentials:
1. Introduction of the viewpoint character's scene goal.
2. Conflict threatening the character's ability to reach goal.
3. Failure of character to meet goal.

But...the character has to win sometimes, right? Yes. This is why it's important to be clear about the character's scene goal. If the book requires your heroine to convince her coworker to attend a wedding with her, you might choose to split the section into two scenes. The first scene will be told from her viewpoint. She gets the courage to ask him, he puts up a fight, and the scene ends with him refusing.

1. She asks coworker to be her date for wedding. (Goal)
2. He gives lame excuses. (Conflict)
3. He refuses. (Failure)

But...he has to agree. It's a vital plot point. Okay, no problem. The next scene will be in his point of view, and his scene goal will be to get out of the wedding invitation. But the heroine is very convincing, and he finds himself saying yes when he wants to say no.

1. He must not agree to this wedding invitation. (Goal)
2. She has lawyer-like convincing skills. (Conflict)
3. He accepts. (Failure)
If we ignore the scene essential of the character failing, we waste an opportunity to keep the reader on edge. We could have written the previous scene in the heroine's point of view and had her ask the hero to the wedding. He could still put up a fight, but in the end he agrees. The problem with this is that the heroine wins.

As readers, we like to watch our heroes and heroines suffer. We love that gnawing feeling in our gut when things go wrong. We need the hero and heroine to fail repeatedly for us to keep turning the pages. If they only win, what's the point of reading more? Our goal as writers should be to provide a sense of urgency--regardless what genre we write--and have the reader constantly ask, what comes next? How is the main character going to handle this? I've got to find out more!

Let's talk about this. Anything to add? Any questions?

Have a terrific day!

Hold On To Your Zippers!

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've been drooling about it for days. Thanksgiving dinner!

Photo by pinksherbet

This year, I got smart and came up with the perfect holiday outfit. Leggings and a long sweater. No worrying about the strain on my zipper. No wondering how long I have to wait until I can put on my pajamas. Just stretchy, stylish comfort for a day of pigging out.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, all my American friends, and for everyone else, happy Thursday!

Who is braving the lines on Black Friday? (I'm passing this year.)

I'll be offline until Monday, so have a wonderful, wonderful holiday!

What Your Vacuum Cord Says About You

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have I performed secret psychological studies explaining the mysteries of life according to the state of your vacuum cord?

Photo by thekirbster

No, but I did just spend seven minutes (yeah, seven! Why? Why??) thinking about my vacuum cord and wanted to write a post about it. Obviously, vacuum cleaners aren't very exciting, and their cords are positively dull. I had to find some way to wake up this yawn-a-rific topic.

My vacuum is ten years old. It's a Hoover WindTunnel. I've loved this vacuum even as it slowly deteriorated and continues to do so. The cord in particular has problems. Sections of it are wrapped in electrical tape. Chunks of the rubber coating are missing. A few spots are coming dangerously close to exposing the wires.

It also permanently bends in the same spots because of the way we wrap it. Its sharp, hard curves remind me of an arthritic hand, and sometimes I feel sorry for it. Of course, I still crank down the plastic holder and whip the cord out like a lasso whenever it's time to shimmy the vacuum around the house. I mean, come on, I don't feel that sorry for it.

I know my vacuum needs to be replaced--it's spitting things out, much like a cat coughs up a hairball--but I resist. I know I can make it work a little longer. :)

So here is my impressions of what your vacuum says about you:

- Shiny, new, perfect cord? You value performance and have high expectations of the tools you use. If your vacuum is not new but the cord still looks new, you must either never use it or you take extremely good care of your appliances. I'm in awe of you. You have a level of patience I don't possess when it comes to cleaning!

- Slightly beat-up cord? You don't let much in your daily life bother you. Sure, you have days where coffee spills down your shirt and you're stuck in traffic, but you get through it with ease. And it isn't a big deal to you if your appliances don't work exactly as they should. They work and that's good enough for you. You rock!

- Somewhat dangerous, cobbled together cord? Welcome to my world. You're probably a tad stubborn. You'd rather spend money on something fun like a three-foot long box of chocolates from Russell Stover rather than replace a vacuum. However, you do actually clean the house, and you'll replace that bad boy when the vacuum motor dies. (Am I the only one in this category? Please, tell me I'm not!)

What does your vacuum cord say about you?

Happy Monday!

The Fantasy and Reality of a Christmas Parade

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

We're marching and singing in a Christmas parade this weekend. I've never participated before, so the images in my head are very idealistic. I have this lovely fantasy scenario playing out, but I think we all know the reality will be quite different.

Photo by lostinmiami

Let's look at my fantasy verses reality, shall we?

Fantasy:
- My kids beam with happiness, "We get to sing in a parade??" They're so thrilled about our family outing, they want to join hands with me as we spread joy down the street. Kumbaya time.

Reality:
- My kids haven't been toddlers in a long, long time. Not only are they not jumping up in excitement, they're already moaning about it. And holding hands? Laughing so hard I just choked on a piece of apple!

Fantasy:
- The weather is clear and warm. You know how in the movies or on commercials, you see people with snow falling around them? They're usually wearing an unzipped jacket and cute shoes? That's me. Unzipped jacket, cute shoes, feeling good.

Reality:
- Um, I live in Michigan. If it isn't snowing, it's probably raining, and if it isn't raining, we can expect biting cold winds. Not only will my jacket be zipped, I'll be wearing a turtleneck and two sweaters. Don't forget the ugly snow boots. I can't even fathom not wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves. Let me tell you, all these layers add bulk. It won't be pretty.

Fantasy:
- Our voices will mingle in harmony as we sing Christmas carols. I'm talking concert choir level singing.

Reality:
- I sing loudly and off-key. And in every group--correct me if I'm wrong--there's at least one mumbler and one person who sings a fraction too fast. Let's not forget the lyric master; you know, the guy who sings the wrong words but doesn't realize it? Oh, yeah!

Fantasy:
- Our spirits bulge with the wonder of sharing holiday cheer.

Reality:
- Our spirits bulge with the wonder of sharing holiday cheer...and we still whine about the freezing weather, skirmish over who stands where, test to see if the hat is absolutely necessary (yes), and wish, out loud and often, we had a hot cocoa in hand.

Ahh, the charms of a Christmas parade. I'll take reality over fantasy every day. It's more fun!

What are you doing this weekend? Getting into the Christmas spirit yet?

Have a marvelous weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Lynda Lee Schab!

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Lynda Lee Schab!!

Lynda and I met through the Great Lakes chapter of ACFW. She’s a warm, friendly, funny writer, and I’m so happy to host her here today. Her debut novel, Mind Over Madi, an inspirational women’s fiction, released yesterday--more details below.

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Definitely coffee and Diet Coke. Caffeinated, please.

2. Any pets?

Only the dust bunnies under my bed.

3. Dream vacation?

Honestly, my creativity has been on vacation for a while now, so my dream vacation would be an entire week by myself with nothing to think about rediscovering my muse. A whole week working on my novel with no housework, no running the kids around, no distractions, sounds heavenly.

4. What are you listening to right now?

At this moment, the only sound I hear is the gentle hum of my laptop and my fingers hitting the keyboard.

5. What's for dinner?

For me? Probably a Weight Watchers frozen entree. For my daughter, who just had four baby teeth pulled yesterday, probably soup. My son will likely come home with McDonalds or put chicken fries in the oven, and I'm not sure what my husband will want. With our schedules, I cook once or twice a week (and we try to sit down together on those days to reconnect) but the other days it's pretty much "fend for yourselves."

***

Lynda, I need my coffee and caffeine too! If you’re crying over your lack of pets, we have an aged guinea pig who would make a terrific addition to your family. No, really, we love the little guy. His bedding on the other hand... :) Also, your dream vacation sounds like a slice of heaven. No cooking? No cleaning? No mom-shuttling? Just a week-long date with a WIP? Love it!

I’m sorry your daughter had to have teeth pulled. Ouch. Hope she recovers quickly. Thank you so much for being my guest today!

***

Madi McCall admits her husband lacks a little in the romance department, but all in all, he’s been a good husband, a good father. Now, though, she suspects Rich is having an affair with Fawn Witchburn, the mother of one of his fourth-grade students. To say Fawn shows off her “assets” more than should be legally allowed in public is an understatement, and Madi’s insecurities kick into high gear. When, in a heated moment, she asks Rich to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues of love and trust she’s tried so hard to avoid. Issues that trail all the way back to her childhood and make her act like a total moron.

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including http://www.examiner.com/ and http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/), but her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

To learn more about Lynda, head to her blog, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Does November seem extra busy to you? Or is it like any other month?

Have an amazing Wednesday!

Inspired or Terrified? Why I Avoid Fear-Based Journalism

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Journalism, whether through newspapers, magazines, television, radio, or the Internet, has power. Power to inspire, to motivate, to change people's lives, and to inform. But sadly, the very stories meant to inspire often leave me uninspired, or worse, terrified.

Photo by ozlem-w

For instance, I recently borrowed O's Big Book of Happiness from our library. The book, published in 2008, is a compilation of magazine articles originally published in the Oprah Magazine. It's divided into different sections for various areas in our lives. I read the diet/fitness section and loved the articles. They were funny, smart, and full of interesting research. My mood? Happy.

I then read the next several articles and found my happiness plummeting. One article was about a victim who'd been sexually assaulted and warned her town that the man was still at large. Another discussed two women with AIDS who are still alive (but with compromised immune systems) more than twenty-five years after their diagnosis. A woman recounted how as a ten-year-old she avoided being kidnapped by a serial killer. Then another article involving sexual assault, except this time the woman accused the wrong man and sent him to jail for twenty years. From there, the articles headed into bi-polar issues, cancer, more cancer, before settling into the story of a woman who went for a walk one morning and returned home to find all four of her children dead--they'd been killed by her ex-husband.

Don't get me wrong--these articles described women overcoming devastating life events. They were well-written, expertly researched, and meant to be inspirational.

But I didn't find them inspirational.

Maybe it's my overactive imagination or my sensitivity, but a layer of anxiety settled on me after reading them. I started worrying about my safety, my family's safety, cancer, AIDS, serial killers--you name it. Anything I'd read became very real and very possible in my brain.

I didn't sleep well, and I decided I've had enough "happiness" from Oprah's book. I'm returning it to the library.

Maybe my idea of happiness is off, but none of those stories made me feel happy. Many years ago, I stopped watching the nightly news for the same reason. I had trouble sleeping, and I worried about tragedies befalling our family.

We're all wired differently. You might have read the articles and found them not only inspiring, but empowering as well. Not me. Still, my faith keeps me strong. I've never been a Christian who believes bad things only happen to other people. I know God would get our family through any tragedy that could befall us, but I'd prefer to not have the tragedy to begin with.

Does fear-based journalism inspire you? Or are you like me and get unduly terrified after reading about tragedies?

Have a fantastic Monday!

Taking Back My Day: An Update

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I posted about my disappearing day. I've been trying different techniques to accomplish more in less time. While I haven't yet found my best division of time, I am happy with the progress I've made so far.

Photo by pirlouiiiit

Successes:

1. I moved back into my office.

Since we don't allow our dog upstairs--and she is 100% a lapdog--I was working in our living room. No more. Each morning I close the doors to the bedrooms and set aside the baby gate so Sophie can hang out with me in my office. Maybe it's a mental thing, but I feel more professional working in a dedicated space.

2. Each Monday I take fifteen minutes to map out my writing week.

My calendar shows any outside obligations, like appointments, volunteer commitments, or hiccups in the school schedule. After reviewing my calendar, I set writing goals and remind myself of upcoming tasks such as setting aside time for a critique and writing blog posts. Setting weekly goals keeps me realistic on what I can accomplish.

3. Making progress on my current WIP is always my top priority, so I rescheduled my mornings to start with a "win."

I used to have no trouble starting my day by checking e-mails, my blog, Facebook, Twitter, and my writing loops, but my platform has grown, and with that, the amount of sites I check. I can lose two hours just checking in! That doesn't include reading blogs! I still like to check e-mails and my blog first thing, so I set my limit to ONE hour. Then, I immediately devote my next hour to my WIP. Knowing I've made legitimate progress on my book before lunch makes me a happy camper.

4. I've chopped my day into segments.

Instead of one marathon multi-hour writing or revising session, I've broken my day into hour segments. I still spend the same amount of time on my work in progress, but I'm less drained and it's less daunting. As mentioned earlier, I start with a one hour AM social media session. Then I move on to my book. I take 5-10 minute breaks between sessions to stretch my legs, take the dog out, and grab a cup of hot tea or a snack. Physically and mentally, it's a better fit for me.

Not Successes:

1. I would like to have 30 minutes of free time by myself each afternoon.

To meet the goals I've set, I simply do not have that 30 minutes. I would either have to lower my goals or devote even less time to social media. I'll be brainstorming this dilemma in the upcoming weeks.

2. I still lose a lot of time to slow computers.

My laptop and our PC are old, slow, and lock up frequently. We plan on replacing my laptop next year, but in the meantime, I'm trying a duel computer gig where I sign on to one site with my laptop and, while it's loading, I check e-mails and what-not with the PC. So far this method has saved me at least 20 minutes per session, but the problem persists.

3. I want one free day (a weekday) per month to fill my creative well.

Again, see number one on Not Successes. I really struggle to allow myself time for me. I know I'm a nicer person and more creative when I watch old DVD's, read a novel in one sitting, or tour a museum. Yet, I haven't planned a free day in over a year. Ouch.

If you've been struggling with time management, how are you combating it? Any secrets you'd like to share?

Have a terrific weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Jessica Bell!

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thank youfor joining me in welcoming… Jessica Bell!!

I metJessica through blogging and was immediately charmed. She's lived anartistic life on a different continent than me (check out her bio below!), andshe expresses herself through a variety of mediums--as a musician, poet, andwriter. In fact, her novel, StringBridge, just released through Lucky Press, and Jessica released a soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, to accompany it. You can find more about String Bridge after theinterview.

Let's getto it!

1.Beverage of choice?

There arequite a few. Some healthy, some not so, but I have to say my most favorite is astrawberry smoothie. I'm picky though. It's got to be made with frozenstrawberries, Greek yogurt, full fat milk, and a generous amount of honey.No sugars, sweeteners, ice cubes or skim milk thank you ...

2.Any pets?

Yes! Myadorable dalmatian, Holly Bolly Wollywood :o) That's what I call her when I'mcuddling her face close to mine and scratching under her chin. Otherwise, it'sjust Holly.

(Attachedpicture if you want to use it!)

3.Dream vacation?

Travellingaround Australia in a Ute with my partner and my dog, with ALL thetime in the world to explore every single nook and cranny. I have to add, withthe least amount of belongings possible. We've gotta go it rough. ... um ...but can I sneak my laptop along? LOL

4.What are you listening to right now?

Hollybanging the window for me to let her in. But I'm not giving in. She's toospoiled!

5.What's for dinner?

I hardlyever plan dinner, or even cook ... properly. I slap something together a thelast minute that's quick and easy like salad, pasta, or soup. But funnilyenough, today I have planned, and it's already prepared and in the fridge,ready to pop into the oven. Fresh grilled sardines is on the menu today, withsome steamed green veggies, feta cheese and olives.

***

Jessica, Imade strawberry smoothies this morning with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. Idid add a banana, though, and a scoop of protein powder! Oh, and you have adalmation. Aren't they sweet? We have one in our neighborhood, who, I'm ashamedto say, our mini-dachshund yaps at, but she's a lovely dog. What a fun name!

I wouldlove to sneak my laptop along for a tour of Australia. It's been on my fantasyvacay list for as long as I can remember. And Hugh Jackman has nothing to dowith it. Nothing at all. :) Enjoy your delicious and healthy dinner, and thanksfor being my guest today!

***

Here is the book trailer--and yes, that is Miss Jessica singing!--for String Bridge. Ooo, it gave me shivers it's so good!

String Bridge ~

Greekcuisine, smog and domestic drudgery was not the life Australian musician,Melody, was expecting when she married a Greek music promoter and settled inAthens, Greece. Keen to play in her new shoes, though, Melody trades her guitarfor a 'proper' career and her music for motherhood. That is, until she can bearit no longer and plots a return to the stage--and the person she used to be.However, the obstacles she faces along the way are nothing compared to thetragedy that awaits ...

String Bridge and Melody Hill are available through Amazon (both are linked) now!

Jessica Bell is aliterary women's fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter who grew up inMelbourne, Australia, to two gothic rock musicians who had successfulindependent careers during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much ofher childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing twoentirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments.She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editorfor English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins,Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book ofpoetry called Twisted Velvet Chains.A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies andliterary magazines can be found under PublishedWorks & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012Jessica will be hosting the HomericWriters' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, homeof Odysseus. For more information about Jessica, head to her website, her blog, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

What's the weather like today in your neck of the woods?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Dippin' Dots Demise?

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dippin' Dots--little beads of ice cream sold in a cup for 3-6 bucks. For years, my kids have been begging me for the tiny globes of goodness. In a variety of flavors, Dippin' Dots has enchanted children (and adults) from the get go.

Photo by rockinfree

I never got very excited about them, myself. I prefer my ice cream rich, thick, and scoopable. I also prefer my ice cream inexpensive, and it seemed ridiculous to pay such an exorbitant amount for what looked like popsicles run through a food processor.

Apparently, I'm not alone. Dippin' Dots recently filed for bankruptcy according the the Wall Street Journal. You can read all about it in Katy Stetch's article, "Dippin' Dots Tries To Avoid a Meltdown," which is linked.

It got me to thinking about other ice cream phenomenons I rarely see anymore. Take TCBY frozen yogurt. Twenty years ago a franchise opened near us, and for months the line snaked out the door. The soft serve treat was good, but it, too, was expensive.

We used to see Baskin Robbins and Dairy Queens everywhere, but I have to drive to a major city to find one anymore.

One ice cream franchise I see everywhere, or at least it seems like it, is Cold Stone Creamery. We tried it once, and it was yummy, but four tiny bowls cost more than a fast food meal. I simply can't justify making Cold Stone Creamery a habit at those prices.

Most of our ice cream is purchased on sale and consumed at home. My favorite brand is Edy's, and I'm a huge fan of their low fat selections. Occasionally, we'll indulge in a McFlurry, or, if it's summertime, we'll stop at one of our local, seasonal ice cream joints. We also like to make our own shakes and smoothies.

Still, my children will mourn the loss of Dippin' Dots. As for me, I'll smile inside knowing I won't have to listen to, "Ooo, look, Dippin' Dots..." when we head to the zoo, an amusement park, or the mall.

Have you ever tried Dippin' Dots? Are you sad they may no longer be available?

Have a lovely Monday!

The Yin and Yang of Genres

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Something strange happened this summer. Something unexpected. Something that has grown stronger with the cooler weather.

I've become a fan of scary television shows.

Photo by popculturegeek

What's odd about this? Well, for one, I write sweet romances for the inspirational market. My books never feature zombies, I couldn't write a gruesome horror scene without vomiting, and there's always a happily-ever-after at the end of my stories. So why am I willing to turn off Sunday Night Football to catch the latest installment of The Walking Dead?

I don't have a scientific answer, but I have a few theories.

1. I'm drawn to good writing.

2. I'm impressed with the pace, level of acting, and the special effects.

3. My husband controls the remote.

4. Watching scary shows accelerates my heart rate without having to exercise.

5. There is some romance in the shows I like.

Maybe the most likely cause is that when it comes to television I'm drawn to the polar opposite of my genre because I spend so much time with sweet romance every day. It's like chocolate and peanut butter. You know. Yin. Yang.

Somehow it works.

Do you have opposing tastes in books, movies, and television? Or do you like to stick with one genre?

I'm blogging over at MVRWA today about one of my song obsessions--"Dear John" by Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones. I'd love it if you stopped by!

Have a fantastic weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Tracy Madison!

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Tracy Madison!!

Tracy and I met when I moved back to Michigan four years ago. At the time she was president of MVRWA, and she soon signed with Dorchester for her first book, A Taste of Magic. Since then, she's published three more books in the Magic series, and this month marks her first book release through Harlequin Special Edition! Miracle Under the Mistletoe is available now. Tracy has such a warm, fun voice--you're in for a treat with any of her books.

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Coffee. Always coffee. If for some reason, coffee isn’t available, then I’ll make do with tea.

2. Any pets?

Yes, we have two cats (Briar & Ellie), and two dogs (Sadie & Holly). Briar owns the house, even over the dogs, which cracks me up.

3. Dream vacation?

I’ve always dreamed about going to Ireland. Someday!

4. What are you listening to right now?

My dog (Holly) snoring in her sleep, and a fan I always turn on when I’m going to write. It works as white noise for me.

5. What's for dinner?

We all have colds, so the traditional homemade chicken noodle soup is on the menu.

***

Tracy, I love coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoons, and I really want to borrow your cats. Then Briar could rule the house in peace for a few days, right? :) Ireland sounds fabulous with all that lush, green scenery, plus, I enjoy the Irish accent.

You're the first writer here who admits to using white noise, and what a great idea to use a fan. I rarely write with music or television on, but the noise of construction sometimes bothers me. Next time it does, I'll drag a fan in here. And so sorry your household is under the weather. It's been a rough fall for illness. Hope you feel better. Thanks so much for being my guest today, and congratulations on your release!

***

Miracle Under the Mistletoe

Grady and Olivia Foster shared everything—passion, friendship and a soul-deep connection that made their marriage blissful. Then tragedy struck when a drunk driver stole the life of their young son Cody just days before Christmas. Olivia begged for space to heal. But space became estrangement, and now, as Christmas approaches again, Olivia fears it's time to call it quits.

But Grady's not giving up without a fight. He'd given her space. Now he's determined to give her what she really needs—all the desire, devotion and tireless love it takes to heal their loss and rekindle the spark that once made them the perfect couple…whether Olivia likes it or not! To save their love, he'll pull out all the stops…and pray for a Christmas miracle.

Tracy Madison is an award-winning author who lives with her husband, four kids, and too many pets. A night-owl by nature, Tracy tends to write when the rest of her household is asleep. She happily admits her addiction to coffee, reading, online shopping, and reality television (of the cooking variety). When she isn't writing, Tracy is likely to have her nose buried in a book. To learn more about Tracy, head to her website and be friends with her on Facebook.

I started writing a new book, and it's been challenging and exciting. What are you working on this week?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Nah, Nah, Nah, NaNo!

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again. No, I don't mean Halloween. I mean the time where eager writers from all over the world frantically prepare for November 1, the official kick-off of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

Goals will be made, caffeine will be consumed, and many, many words will be written. Loved ones will roll their eyes, and later in the month, they will hide in fear. Laundry will pile up. Fists will pound keyboards in frustration. Sleep will be lost, and new friends will be made.

NaNoWriMo is an exhilarating time of year!

While I'm not participating this year, I am writing a first draft. I love this phase of a book. I'm most creative when I'm writing a first draft. So for all you NaNo-ers out there, I will be cheering you on.

If I can encourage you to do one thing, it's to log the time you spend writing, the number of pages you've written, and your word count. Don't be afraid to break your writing sessions up. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in thirty minutes. The log will boost your spirits when you feel as if you're not moving forward quickly enough.

Other advice?
- Lower your expectations for all other aspects of your life.
- Plan a few takeout meals if you normally cook every night.
- Take two minutes to deep breathe if you're getting tired.
- Stuck on a plot point? Have no idea what to write next? Jot the scene basics on notebook paper and explain the goal of the scene to yourself. It should unblock you. If you're still stuck, go back and read the last chapter. I'll bet something triggers your muse.

Are you NaNo-ing this year? What advice do you have?

Enjoy your Monday!

Why a First Draft is Like a Day at the Farm

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of chaperoning my son's field trip to a farm. Since I grew up in the country, I knew what I was getting into and wore old jeans and hiking boots. We clearly had two groups of parents--those comfortable with a farm's unique qualities and those who wished they could dip themselves in a vat of Purell. It made for a fun time!

Several things on the farm reminded me of my first drafts.

1. Barn cats, like secondary characters, weave in and out throughout the day, stopping for a quick pet or a nap in a patch of sunlight. They aren't the main attraction, but they enhance the overall setting.

2. The draft, like the grounds, will be mucky in some places, hard in others, and extra words (and straw) will be everywhere.

3. Subplots will need to be tended to even if they, like the penned animals, aren't in our direct path.

4. Sometimes a fantastic twist will be added for fun, much like the peacock strutting its way along a barn roof.

5. Sections of the draft will bring the warm fuzzies, and you'll feel as if you're sitting on a bale of hay with a baby bunny in your arms.

6. The draft will stink. The scent of manure, decaying crops, and wet dog will permeate the area. That's okay. First drafts can smell.

7. By the end of the draft, the chaos will have order. Farmers move through their day in a logical progression, just as first drafts do by the time we've finished them. They still carry a stinky aroma, still have mucky areas, and still have a stray cat unaccounted for, but revisions will polish all of that up.

How are your first drafts like a day at the farm?

Have a wonderful weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Jessica Nelson!

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Jessica Nelson!!

I met Jessica years ago through blogging, and I instantly adored her posts about her writing journey. It's been fun watching Jessica's progress, including landing an agent (woo-hoo!) and a contract with Harlequin Love Inspired Historical (double woo-hoo!). I can't wait to read her debut novel next April!

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Starbucks Raspberry mocha, but I drink water regularly and like it.

2. Any pets?

One cat, Pretty Girl. Sadly our other cat, Kiah, went missing a month ago. He was a sweetheart who loved the kids and dogs.

3. Dream vacation?

Anywhere! I love traveling and I love to learn languages!

4. What are you listening to right now?

The gurgling of my husband's annoying fish tank. Everything else is silent because the wild, albeit adorable, children have gone to sleep.

5. What's for dinner?

Ummmm...nothing, yet. Maybe melted chocolate chips with peanut butter? Cooking isn't my forte. :-)

***

Mmm...rasperry mocha. I haven't tried that one, but it sounds like the perfect drink for this time of year. I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. I can only hope he's in a good place. As far as traveling, I am so with you! I don't care if we head somewhere an hour away, I just love puttering around new places, but sadly, I don't share you adoration of new languages. I've attempted to learn French from a CD, and it didn't go so well. Okay, your dinner is the BEST EVER! Melted chocolate chips and peanut butter? Sign me up! Thanks so much for being my guest today, Jessica!

***

About Jessica:

My heart is filled with romantic stories, my shelves are loaded with chocolate and I'm always longing for one more cup of Starbucks. Besides that, I write for Love Inspired Historical and am a happy mom to a bunch of little boys.

Jessica's debut novel, Love on the Range, will be available in April, 2012 through Harlequin Love Inspired Historical. To learn more about Jessica, head to her blog, Booking It, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Has anyone gotten their winter coats out yet? The weather is turning brisk here!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

A Charmed Life?

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Bath & Body Works released a line of lotions and sprays called "Charmed Life." I have a mini-bottle of lotion perched in a spinning pencil holder on my desk. The scent is light with floral and vanilla accents, and the bottle itself has a cute bow and a picture of a ring on it. It makes me smile.

Photo by evelynishere

The slogan, "charmed life," made me pause. Does anyone really lead a charmed life? I recently watched a portion of Kim Kardashian's televised wedding special. If anyone would come to mind as having a charmed life, I would think it is her. Yet as I watched the program, it became glaringly obvious she lives anything but a charmed life.

Yes, she's financially blessed, but her personal life seems filled with disarray. Three days before the wedding, Kim and Kris held a discussion about her taking his last name, and she informed him she was keeping hers. I'm not getting into a judging match about last names here, but it struck me as something that should have been discussed long before three days prior to the nuptials.

I realize weddings are stressful, and expectations run high, but neither Kris or Kim seemed to even like each other. They shared, on-camera, their doubts, but they didn't address them together. I hope they find a way to communicate better or their marriage will be a struggle.

Also, Kim's family, Khloe in particular, airs opinions that would grate on any man's nerves. I cringed at Khloe's announcement (and I'm paraphrasing, her words were crude) that men in their family weren't allowed to make decisions.

Really?

I respect and admire my husband's opinions. Maybe he does not share my love for the perfect purse, a red can-can costume for our mini-dachshund, or a number of other things, but that doesn't mean his opinion isn't valuable. Many times he sees things in a different light than I do, and I make a better choice because of his input. We mutually respect each other, and shouldn't all married couples?

Hmm...maybe I do lead a charmed life after all?

What are your ingredients for a charmed life?

Enjoy your Monday!

The Idea Hour

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

I recently read Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser. It's a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it. In fact, I picked it up because Wendy Lawton mentioned it in a blog post for Books & Such Literary Agency. One of the bits of advice that resonated with me? Once a week, head somewhere you can get inspired and spend an hour writing down ideas.

Photo by gordonplant

I loved this advice for a number of reasons.

1. As a work-at-home mother, an excuse to head to a coffee shop once a week and do nothing but think got me unusually excited.
2. I often push "idea sessions" back for months to get my "real work" done.
3. I'm a writer. This advice included a. writing b. ideas and c. solitude.

Since I already meet local authors for coffee twice a month, I decided to try the Idea Hour on alternate weeks. Hey, twice a month is better than nothing, and the overachiever in me struggles with giving up even fifteen minutes.

Idea Time:

Yesterday morning, I woke up tired, with a long to-do list, and a few worries hanging over my head. The clouds drizzled rain against a dreary gray sky, and all I wanted to do was drop the kids off at school and head home. But I'd already decided Thursdays were my day, so I drove to Panera with my notebook.

A coffee and a window seat helped my mood, and I took a few moments to soak in the cheery maize walls, strategic lighting, and happy conversations. Feeling a bit better, I journaled for several minutes about the above-mentioned worries. That act improved my attitude immensely, and soon I wrote a few pages of ideas about my writing career, possible blog posts, and what I could realistically accomplish by the end of 2011.

I still had five minutes, so I sipped my coffee and relaxed. By the time I arrived home, I couldn't believe how productive and calm I felt.

I'm already anticipating my next Idea Hour. We have so many different areas to brainstorm. My next session will focus on any areas I could improve my current work-in-progress.

You don't have to limit your sessions to one area in your life. Here are suggestions for other Idea Hours.

* Business
* Housekeeping
* Raising children
* The holidays
* Romance
* House projects
* Vacation
* Book: Work in progress
* Book: New book ideas
* Social media strategies
* Exercise/health

If a theme bothers you, feel free to just come up with solutions for whatever is pressing on your mind.

Since I chose one area--my business as a writer--I thought about what works and what doesn't. The things that aren't working are the ones I brainstormed different methods to try. I didn't limit my ideas to negatives, I also reflected on areas I've improved. It's good to congratulate ourselves from time to time.

Have you ever tried setting aside time each week (or in my case every other week) to write down ideas? Does it seem indulgent to you? Would you be willing to try it?

Have a fabulous weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Susan J. Reinhardt!

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Susan J. Reinhardt!!

I met Susan through her excellent blog, Susan J. Reinhardts's Christian Writer/Reader Connection. We share similar tastes in fiction; indeed several books Susan has recommended have been favorites of mine! I always feel inspired after stopping by her blog because of her generous spirit, go get 'em attitude, and excellent interviews.

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Lactaid milk. I'm a serious cookie hound, and I love to dunk. Chocolate soy milk is another favorite, as well as Tazo Calm tea.

2. Any pets?

I don't have any pets right now, but I had two cats. Their names were Abraham and Sarah. Abraham was a black and white tuxedo cat, who loved to nap in the bathroom sink. Sarah, a beautiful tabby, was my wild child. Climbing anything made her happy. A space between my kitchen cabinets and the ceiling provided a perch from which she could survey her domain. Someday, I'd like to write a children's book based on their antics.

3. Dream vacation?

My late husband and I went on our dream vacation six months after we married. Colorado's mountains, Denver, and The Garden of the Gods made for a romantic belated honeymoon. I think God spent an extra hour or two creating that landscape.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Nothing. Unless I'm working on a Sign Language Special for church, I like silence. I get too distracted if I have music on when I'm trying to write. I listen mostly to worship music, so I want to sing and enjoy His presence rather than do the task at hand. Both writing and worship demand my full attention.

5. What's for dinner?

Rotisserie chicken from Costco! If I don't have someone to fuss over, I don't have the time or inclination to putter around the kitchen. Domestic diva is not one of my descriptions.

***

Susan, when we lived in Virginia, we could buy Chocolate Lactaid. It was delicious! I haven't been able to find it around here, though. Your kitties sounded like they were entertaining companions. My late cat used to curl up in the bathroom sink too. How cute! I have to agree with you on Colorado. I've been blessed to spend time there twice, and both trips left me awestruck.

Silence is good. I'm listening to the sound of my dryer tumbling. While my kids are at school, I rarely turn on any optional noise. And I'm so with you on non-fussy dinners! What did we do before rotisserie chickens? :)Thanks so much for being my guest today, Susan!

***

Susan J. Reinhardt's devotionals and short articles have been published both in print and online. Her latest piece is in the recently released Love Is A Verb devotional. She is currently working on a futuristic fiction trilogy and collaborating with Karen Lange on a historical novel. Susan's active in her church, enjoys reading, gardening, antiquing, couponing, and spending time with family and friends. (Is it any wonder she doesn't have time to cook!)

To learn more about Susan, head to her blog, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

I bought several bags of Halloween candy and enough chocolate chips to last a lifetime. Have you went nuts in the grocery store lately??
Have an amazing Wednesday!

Be a Sponge

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Be ready. Be willing. Be able.

A long time ago, I read these three sentences on an agent blog (sorry, I can't remember the author). I thought they were terrific guideposts for writers.

Photo by horiavarlan

I'd like to add a fourth. Be a sponge.

Many aspiring writers are ready and willing. It's the able that gets them. That's why we need to be a sponge.

Let's look at a fictional aspiring writer, Susie. Susie wrote her first manuscript last year during NaNoWriMo. She spent the bitter winter months revising and editing it, and she attended her first writer's conference in June where she pitched to an editor and an agent. Both requested a partial.

Susie is pumped. She knows she's got what it takes and certain it will be a short wait until her big dream comes true. Of course, if her future publisher has suggestions, she'll take them, but as far as she's concerned, she'll land a contract, and soon.

What Susie finds out eight weeks later from both the agent and the editor is that her story shows promise but she needs to work on her craft. They decline her project.

Her craft? Rejected? What??

Susie takes a few days to rant, cry, and eat brownie batter. Slowly, she returns to life. She remembers how that guy from the fiction workshop self-published his book. He made it sound easy. Maybe the agent and editor don't know everything. A hidden part of her protests, though, since both pointed out the same problem.

She doesn't rule self-publishing out, but decides she'd better investigate writing techniques and make her book as polished as possible before making any publishing decisions.

She starts paying attention to the blogs she's read that talk about point of view, info dumps, and backstory. Even though she doesn't quite believe she's doing any of those things, she checks out a few recommended books on the writing craft. As she reads, she has many breakthrough moments. Once more, she gets excited about writing.

Now she knows what she needs to do. As she writes book two, she knows she's writing much better than her last book. She queries agents and gets a few requests. This time she gets a rejection based on pacing.

Pacing? She heads back to the blogs, checks out more books. And so the process goes.

While she's learning about writing, she's also picking up advice about self-publishing, e-publishers, and traditional print publishers. She now knows the genre she writes, let's say urban fantasy, sells really well as an e-book and she decides to query a respected e-publisher. She not only gets a request, she gets a contract.

Susie was smart. Sure, she had big dreams for her first book, who doesn't? Some writers actually get their first book published--why not her? But when her book one got rejected, she took the advice given and worked on improving. She kept studying, kept her ears perked for advice, and picked up every tip she could.

Now when Susie writes, she's creating better books, and she's building an audience. Her confidence is based on a solid foundation. She knows she'll always be soaking in writer advice. And because she was willing to be a sponge, she is able.

Be ready. Be willing. Be able. Be a sponge.

Are you always on the lookout for tips to improve your writing? Do you have anything to add to the mantra?

Have a wonderful Monday!

My Reactions to This Week's Headlines

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've brushed off several intriguing headlines from my online homepage this week, but on a whim, I read some of the stories. Today, I'm going to share with you my reactions to two gems.

Photo by preppybyday

First headline...

"Fan explains why he threw a hot dog at Tiger Woods"
(Story via The Associated Press. Article is linked.)

My reaction:

1. Love the headline! Hot dogs? Tiger Woods? I'm immediately wondering why anyone would throw a hot dog at a golfer. Surely not to injure him? Not a great weapon. I click on the story.

2. Opening paragraph: "A California man arrested for throwing a hot dog at Tiger Woods during a tournament said he wanted to do something 'courageous and epic.'"

Oo-ka-a-ay. I'm not sure anything involving a hot dog would be described as courageous and epic, unless it involved feeding someone trapped in a cave for twenty-three days. I mean, really, how is throwing a hot dog at a champion golfer courageous or epic? I'm actually taking a few moments right now to ponder this.

Nope. Got nothing.

But I did laugh throughout the article, so maybe the hot dog thrower did do something epic? It's not easy to make people laugh.

Second headline...

"Family lost in Mass. corn maze calls 911 for help"
(Story via The Associated Press. Article is linked.)

My reaction:

1. Again, classic headline. Those corn mazes freak me out. I could easily see myself getting lost in one for days--except I have a good sense of direction, and I would probably walk through the corn until I found civilization. Hmm...

2. Oh boy, I've got two goodies here for you.

a. 911 call: "'Hi I just called, I'm still stuck at Connor's Farms, I don't see anybody I'm really scared, it's really dark and we've got a three-week-old baby with us,' the woman is heard on police tapes telling the dispatcher."
b. Info about maze: "The maze has several guide posts with clues and posters instructing visitors to send text messages to receive additional guidance to help them make their way out."

After reading the entire article--it seems there were street lights, the sounds of cars nearby, and the above-mentioned guide posts and posters with text messaging instructions--I can only assume the family panicked. Maybe we get so set on following the rules (in their case staying on the actual maze path) we sometimes forget to use common sense. If street lights and the sounds of cars were nearby, maybe the first option would be to walk toward the lights even if it meant weaving through corn stalks. I can't judge. Just a suggestion.

What headlines grabbed your attention this week? Are you giggling at the "courageous and epic" hot dog throw too?

Enjoy your weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Jennifer Shirk!

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Jennifer Shirk!

I've followed Jennifer's fun, quirky blog, Me, My Muse, and I, for years. It's like heading over to your best friend's house for a cup of tea and a brownie--it just feels right. Jennifer has two "fun, feel-good, romantic fiction" books out: Georgie on His Mind and The Role of a Lifetime, and later in this post you'll learn how you can enter to win a copy of The Role of a Lifetime! Woo-hoo!

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Water. (I know, boring. But you asked.) After I read how good water is for you, I’m now hooked. However, if I’m out in a nice restaurant or bar, you would find me drinking a Stoli Doli for sure!

2. Any pets?

Yes, four hermit crabs. What the? Yes, hermit crabs are the way to go if you want low maintenance, except I think I need to get a heater for them this winter.

3. Dream vacation?

Portofino or Rome, Italy. *sigh* I’ve never been to Europe, but since my hubby is Italian (half) we’re planning on going there first. Someday…

4. What are you listening to right now?

Music? Ha! My kiddo has the TV cranked to an insane volume and it’s on the Disney channel.

5. What's for dinner?

Mexican black bean lasagna. (It’s my one day a week to pretend to be a vegetarian.) The hubby and kiddo dubbed themselves “meatatarians” but they do enjoy this recipe.

***

Jennifer, hermit crabs are the one pet I've been able to prevent from entering my home. The kids are experts at pushing my "let's get another pet" button. It's sad, really! Your dream vacation sounds extra special since your hubby is part Italian. I hope you can make it happen soon.

Disney and I are not on friendly terms right now. If I have to hear that song with monsters in it one more time--maybe by the star of Ant Farm?--I'm borrowing an air-soft gun and shooting our television. But I will say, your dinner is making the "meatatarian" in me drool! I'll take anything with layers of gooey cheese! Thanks so much for being my guest today.

***

Sandra Moyer has a good reason to distrust actors. She was once married to one who left her and her child. However, she’s desperate for publicity to help her struggling preschool. Hollywood playboy Ben Capshaw’s request to access her classes to prepare for a role is an offer she can’t refuse.

Sandra second guesses herself on that decision until she sees Ben in action with the children. Her apprehension turns to wonder, and then to feelings she’d thought were closed off forever. Yet how can she trust that what she’s seeing is real?

As a boy, Ben learned that acting was the answer to everything. The role he’s up for now will enhance his career and, he’s sure, secure his happiness. But spending time with Sandra and her daughter stirs up emotions that—for once—aren’t pretend.

Ben’s ready for a lifetime role as husband and father—if he can convince Sandra not to typecast him.

***

Here's your chance to win a copy of The Role of a Lifetime. Head to Goodreads, linked here, to enter! Contest deadline is October 16, 2011, so don't delay!

***

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet romances for Samhain Publishing and Avalon Books. She's also a board member for Straight Ahead Ministries, an organization involved in helping spread the gospel and aiding medical and pharmacy students in Russia. She resides in a beach resort in NJ, and when she's not involved in all the above, she's taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter, and four hermit crabs.

For more information about Jennifer, head to her website, her blog, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Who has spotted Christmas decorations in stores? Anyone counting the days until Christmas yet?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

7 Ways to Prepare to Give a Conference Workshop

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, I was blessed to speak at a local writer's conference, Write Brain Workshop, presented by Northwest Ohio Writers Forum in Perrysburg, Ohio. I've given presentations to writers and I've taught fiction workshops in the past, but this was my first time speaking to complete strangers.

Photo by dexxus

I had a wonderful time meeting so many talented local authors, and the venue--a gorgeous mansion on the banks of the Maumee River--couldn't have been better.

I spent a lot of time preparing for my workshop. If you're interested in speaking at conferences, here are my preparation tips.

1. Give the presentation on a topic you are passionate about.

Months in advance, the event coordinator, Elizabeth Irwin, and I discussed possible topics that would interest the attendees. She felt a craft-based workshop would fit well with the other speakers, and I quickly offered three options which I felt passionate about. We narrowed it down to "Plotting the Scene." Since I've spent years experimenting with plotting methods and I regularly study books on plot and structure, I knew I'd be comfortable speaking about it.

2. Prepare a written handout to supplement your speech.

One time saver was that I had already written a short article about plotting the scene for this blog. If you're interested, here's the link, "Plotting the Scene." I printed it out, and expanded it with regards to the time frame I would be speaking. Write Brain Workshop is a hands-on conference, meaning the guests prefer an interactive learning experience rather than only listening to someone speak. I brainstormed ways to get the audience involved.

3. Write a brief introduction about yourself, your writing, and your qualifications. Practice it.

This summer I gave a presentation to Maumee Valley Romance Writers of America about questions to ask during the agent call. While I was more than ready to speak about the topic, I'd failed to practice my opening, and I stammered a few moments. Lesson learned. We think introducing ourselves and our topic will come naturally, but sometimes it's the hardest part of the presentation. Practice it over and over until you're comfortable.

4. Using your written handout, break your topic into several chunks, depending on how much time you have to speak.

I kept my introduction short, asked several questions to get a feel for their writing level, and launched into the definition of a scene. I then paused to allow for questions before continuing to the next chunk. By breaking the presentation up into digestible bits and pausing to allow the guests to process and ask questions, I was able to avoid the dreaded glazed over look in their eyes (for the most part!). It also assured me I was connecting with the audience and they understood the new information.

5. If it is a hands-on presentation, determine how to involve the audience.

I had a lot of ground to cover. I knew I would not be able to give the guests enough time to work on their own scenes. But I wanted them to be part of the creative process because I know how sticky information becomes when we work on assignments. Since I'd broken how to plot a scene into three levels, we brainstormed part of a new scene together after each segment, building on our previous work.

6. Determine what materials you will need the day of the presentation.

Find out how many guests are expected to attend. If you are giving handouts, prepare for the maximum amount of attendees. Since we were doing a group exercise, I needed an easel, a dry erase board, and dry erase markers. I also brought a notepad just in case.

7. Relax and enjoy it.

People are paying to learn about writing when they come to a conference. They're excited. No one is forcing them to be there. Make the experience as enjoyable as possible for them by relaxing and enjoying it yourself. After all, you've been given a gift--a set amount of time to share your passion with others.

Have you ever presented at a writer's conference? What are your tips? What qualities in a speaker do you admire?

Enjoy your Monday!

And My Day Disappears

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

8:00 AM. Shiny new day. Happy times! I'm ready to tackle my to-do list.

Photo by alancleaver

2:00 PM. What?? What happened? How did six hours pass? Did I get anything done? Please tell me something got checked off my to-do list.

5:00 PM. Seriously? Five? Now? I don't believe it. Tiny gremlins snuck in and changed all the clocks. It's the only explanation. Or maybe I got sucked into some weird sci-fi time loophole? Hmm...not ruling that one out.

10:00 PM. Not only did I not complete my to-do list, but I also failed at my plan for the evening. I was supposed to relax tonight. Relax and read. But did that happen? No. Where did the day go??

***

I had too many days this summer that went down exactly like this. Did I actually accomplish anything? Yes. But I felt frazzled and behind, like I'd been swept into a time tornado and didn't have the strength to break free.

However, I decided to fight back and reclaim my day. I'm still working on it, but so far, I'm accomplishing more and relaxing again--win, win!

Here are the steps I'm taking to take back my day:

1. Analyze current schedule to determine what works and what doesn't

When I reviewed how I typically spent each day, I quickly realized I had let social media take over my mornings--yet I couldn't fit one of my favorite activities in--reading writer blogs. It frustrated me that I was spending hours each day ineffectively.

My solution? Split my social media marathon into two sessions; one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. This freed up a large chunk of my most valuable work time, the morning.

2. Set daily goals and write down the actual time it takes to complete them

I always set daily goals, and I usually meet them, even if I have to work on them later in the day. But I knew I'd let my priorities slip.

My solution? Next to each goal, write the actual start and end time. This helps me be more realistic about how long it takes me to write and schedule a blog post or whatever task I'm working on. It also dissipates my anxiety of feeling like I didn't accomplish anything. I can look at my daily planner and clearly see that I spent 3 hours plotting, writing, or networking.

3. Build relaxation and fun into the day

Sometimes I get so caught up in "achieving" I miss out on the essentials in life. I struggle with this aspect the most.

My solution? Remind myself that relaxing, exercising, and reading are not optional. They are essential parts of my day. Your essentials may differ from mine, but we all have activities our souls crave. No one is going to force me to relax, exercise, or read, and I am not being a hero by shoving my needs to the side. I'm hurting myself. No thank you!

Does your day ever disappear from you? What do you do to reclaim it? Share your tips! I love to hear them!

Have a wonderful weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Joanne DeMaio!

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Joanne DeMaio!

I've been following Joanne's magnificent blog, Whole Latte Life, for years. Every time I read it, I feel refreshed and relaxed. Joanne is such a smart and talented writer--she shares interviews with fascinating musicians, and she makes me think about my writing in a different way. I'm thrilled to have her as my guest today!

Let's get to it...

1. Beverage of choice?

I’m all about living a whole latte life, so it’s no secret coffee is my drink. Steaming hot, in one of my favorite mugs. I value what it represents … good conversation and our bonds with others. Because coffee often forms the connection with a friend, a daughter. So I love coffee, even more so because of everything that comes with it.

2. Any pets?

Our little cat spent five long months in the Humane Society before we happened by and brought her home, indulging her with lots of treats and toys since. She’s a real talker, cooing and chattering all the time. If she could write, I think she might have a book in her. :)

3. Dream vacation?

I’m lucky enough to take my dream vacation every year at a little beach on Long Island Sound, nestled in the crook of the Connecticut coast. With its sandy boardwalk, whispering lagoon grasses and sweet salt air, it’s a place of peace and beauty, and has been a backdrop to much of my life.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Last weekend, my family and I saw Roger Daltrey perform The Who’s entire Tommy rock opera. Really, as a writer I love finding stories in different forms around me, and the mingling of story and song that night was fascinating.

5. What's for dinner?

Chicken cutlets with roasted sweet peppers, mashed potatoes and zucchini. Bon Appetit!

***

Joanne, I feel the same about coffee and hot beverages in general. I start every morning with coffee, and every time my parents visit, we bond over steaming mugs of tea. Your kitty definitely has a story in her. What a blessing to rescue such a talkative gal!

My fantasy vacations usually take place on a beach so your description of Long Island Sound made me sigh. How nice it would be to head over there right now. And what a treat to attend the Roger Daltrey concert. We went to the University of Michigan's football game last week, and the energy of the crowd spills over, infects you with zest, much like a concert. By the way, I'm coming over for dinner. Yum, yum! Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

Joanne DeMaio is a Connecticut writer blending family, coffee and friendship on the page. Her music essays have appeared in literary journals, celebrating her passion for song, in print. She is also the founder of the inspirational blog Whole Latte Life. Grab a coffee and stop by for a visit at joannedemaio.blogspot.com. To learn more about her writing, visit her website at joannedemaio.com.

Heard any good songs lately? Care to recommend one?

Enjoy your Wednesday!

When a Little Deoderant Won't Cut It

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

All year I've wanted to redesign my cyber homes, but time was always an issue--when isn't it, right? So I freshened everything up, but by late summer, I knew another layer of deoderant wouldn't cut it. It was time for full immersion with body wash, shampoo, and scalding hot water.

I'm so happy to finally share my new website! You can access the pages from the navigation bar at the top of this page. Feel free to browse around. I update the Home page every month with what I'm reading, what's on my iPod, any events to note, and just a brief update on life in general. You can also access my Speaking page from the home page. The Proposals page leads you to interactive pages for my active proposals and teasers of the projects I'm working on.

For Writers has .pdf files of many of my articles. I know I keep hearing "print is dead," but if you'd prefer to have a hard copy of my revision checklist or any other articles, go ahead and print them out for future reference. (All articles are copyrighted, but you're welcome to link them to your sites if you give proper credit.) You'll also find oodles of links for aspiring writers from the For Writers page.

Links to all of the social media sites I interact on are provided in the Connect page along with a sign-up form to get on my mailing list (also linked in the sidebar of my blog).

I had so much fun sprucing up my cyber home--I hope you enjoy it too!

Do you check out your favorite authors' websites? What features keep you coming back for more?

Have a wonderful first Monday of October!

Trying Different Approaches

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

This post was spawned by a horrific meal. I'm still attempting to digest the few bites I gagged down. I know it's bad when I spit a bite out into my napkin before my kids cry uncle. The terror on a plate?

*shuddering*

Shrimp rolls.

Photo by moonlightbulb

Now I love shrimp, and I adore mayonnaise. Throw the two together with some pesto and a few vegetables and slap it all on a hoagie--the picture for the recipe looked delicious. Yet, somehow, someway, something went wrong. Kids-I-don't-care-if-you-have-ice-cream-for-dinner-but-you-do-not-have-to-eat-another-bite wrong.

The meal? A big, fat FAILURE. Still, I'm glad we tried it. The recipe had been sitting in my binder for over a year. It now is crumpled up in the trash can, making room for another recipe to try. It's no longer staring at me with its why-did-you-cut-me-out-if-you're-never-going-to-cook-me eyes.

My cooking to-try list is similar to my writing idea journal. I write down any nugget of an idea in there to come back and consider later. Some of the ideas have been napping in the journal for over a year. Others tempt me enough to think, yes, maybe that will work.

Inevitably, when I take time to think through and flesh out ideas, some, like the shrimp roll, look good but don't live up to their picture. Those I don't pursue. Others might not be flashy, but by the time I've worked through them, they're as hearty as Sunday dinner and just as satisfying.

Sometimes we have to be willing to send a few ideas into the trash to get to the prize winner.

Have you made a meal so bad you couldn't eat it?

Have a wonderful weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Sarah Forgrave!

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Sarah Forgrave!!

In a roundabout way, Sarah and I met through one of my critique partners. Sarah's name kept coming up, so I thought I'd better check her out, and I'm glad I did! Sarah is one of those writers I can't wait to meet in person--we write the same genre, belong to the same agency, and we're both writer moms. Sarah writes contemporary romance for the inspirational market.

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Water! Lots of it. With lots of ice. I'm also hooked on my daily cup of coffee, which usually comes in some form of latte. But really, I'm nondiscriminatory when it comes to java.

2. Any pets?

Do the cicadas in our woods count? They're very noisy at night, which I hear isn't much different than a new puppy. Seriously, though, our only real pet is a fish named Finny. That's about as high-maintenance as we can handle in my house. I let my kids get their fur fix with our neighbors' cats and dogs.

3. Dream vacation?

It's impossible for me to narrow this down because my bucket list includes wanting to visit all seven continents. I've made it to two, so I guess my dream vacation would involve visiting the other five. Hmm, it sounds like a sabbatical is in order.

4. What are you listening to right now?

Silence. Beautiful silence. (My kids are napping.)

5. What's for dinner?

Grilled tuna steaks with a brush of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkling of herbs (My favorites are basil and lemon-pepper seasoning). I'll probably serve it with steamed veggies and homemade fries. And if my sweet tooth wins out (Is it really a matter of 'if'?), I'll finish it all off with some ice cream.

***

Sarah, I love ice water and coffee. I'm trying to drink more water to replace my soda habit. It's working! And, yes, the cicadas count. I would totally use that if the kids start begging for a dog. "But we have the cicadas--we don't have room for another pet..."

All seven continents? Ambitious! I'll visit Australia with you, but you're on your own when it comes to Antarctica! I'm so glad you were able to have some quiet time, and your dinner sounds healthy and mouth-watering. Mm-mm! Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

Sarah Forgrave writes contemporary romance for the inspirational market. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and won runner-up in the 2010 Genesis contest. She's also a regular contributor to the webzine Ungrind and her group blog The Writers Alley. When she's not writing, she enjoys all forms of exercise (or most of them anyway) and stays busy chasing the bundles of energy that live in her house--her husband and her two young children.

To learn more about Sarah's writing, head to her website, find her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

***

Do you decorate your house for fall each year?

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Marketing Myths Busted

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

How do authors effectively market their books today? Most blogs and experts will steer writers to social networking through Facebook, Twitter, and starting a blog.

Photo by izzyplante

I am a firm believer in the power of social networking, but only if writers understand how social networking works. Many bloggers have written about keeping the "social" in networking, yet many new-to-publishing (traditional or self-published) authors are still making the same mistakes.

Wendy Lawton, agent and Vice-President of Books & Such Literary Agency, recently wrote "So What's an Author To Do?" (full post is linked) where she busts the myths that all social networking attempts sell books. In it she cautions writers about using Twitter, Facebook, and Blogging as marketing tools:

"We talked about the drawbacks of Twitter yesterday. Do you know why it doesn’t work for most people? Because everyone sounds like everyone else... The same with Facebook. It’s a community. You need to invest yourself there with as much give as take...You don’t market to Facebook friends. You just live in community, so to speak... I also said blogging to promote books no longer works. Do you remember my exception? 'Exception: The writer who blogs to his/her well-established readership and has something unique and valuable to offer.'"

Wendy then goes on with detailed suggestions on marketing your book today. She summarizes:

"Remember–it is important to be fresh. Once everyone starts doing something it no longer stands out. When thinking about specifics, come up with the next big thing. This is not the time to copy other successes. You want to come up with the idea that causes other writers to say, “I wish I’d thought of that.” Here’s the key to all your marketing efforts: Keep your focus on the three unique elements– the author, the book, and your reader."

Wendy was very clear in the post that social networking does work, if used well. Her post brimmed with wisdom, and I urge you to read it if you haven't had a chance. Also, if you are at all confused on how to effectively build your platform through social media, pick up one of Kristen Lamb's books and follow her terrific blog, Kristen Lamb's Blog.

***

It's that time again, time to share good news!

Jessica R. Patch recently signed with Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency! I'm so happy for her and thrilled we're agency mates! Congratulations, Jessica!

Jody Hedlund just signed another three-book contract with Bethany House Publishing! This means I have four more books of hers to look forward to. Congratulations, Jody!

And I may have announced it here before, but it's news worth repeating: my awesome critique partner, Wendy Paine Miller, recently signed with Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary Agency! Congratulations, Wendy! I am so proud of you!!

Do you have any good news to share?

Enjoy your Monday!

Line Judging and Critiquing

2011-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, I was asked to line judge my daughter's volleyball game. I did not want to do this and I made excuses like, "I mix up my left and right all the time," but the asker assured me line judging was easy. After a few more lame attempts at getting out of it, I relented.

Photo by over_kind_man We didn't have this view at our game. We didn't have the Speedos either. :)

Line Judging ~

Although nervous I would mess up, I only had to make a few calls and the game went fine. Thankfully, I remembered the hand gestures properly and didn't make any mistakes. When the game was over, I felt good that I'd been able to contribute, and it really had been easy.

So why had I resisted so much?

I didn't want the responsibility. I didn't want to mess up. I didn't want to have to pay attention to anything but cheering on the team.

Critiquing ~

I thought about how similar my reaction to line judging and to performing my first critique for another writer were. I'd agreed to read and give feedback on a friend's chapters yet I'd never done it before. I was scared I'd mess up. I didn't want the responsibility. I didn't want to have to say anything negative--I wanted to be able to cheer the author on. But after I sent the author the critique, I felt good. I'd been able to contribute to the writer's understanding of her novel, and it had been easy.

It's been years since I did my first critique, and I still enjoy critiquing very much. Plus, all the practice has made me confident in my ability to give a fair assessment.

Strength ~

I've always been more gutsy when it comes to my writing career. I'm willing to take chances and be uncomfortable because I want to be published. The risks I've taken have helped me try more things in my personal life too, like agreeing to be a line judge for a game I've never played.

It's amazing how every step we take affects the other steps we'll take.

Have you become stronger in personal areas due to taking chances in your professional life?

Have a fabulous weekend!!

5 Easy Questions with Tiffany A. White!

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Tiffany A. White!!

Tiffany and I met through the #MyWANA hashtag on Twitter! I was immediately drawn to her funny tweets and her delicious blog--don't miss her Tele-Tuesdays for help with your DVR list. If you haven't connected with her on Twitter, remedy that. Right now. You can't go wrong with such a smart, fun, generous writer!

Let's get to it...

1. Beverage of choice?

This definitely depends on my mood; mostly I crave Unsweetened Iced Tea, but occasionally require a chilled bottle of Woodchuck Amber or a nice glass of St. Louis Martini Cabernet to wrap up the day.

2. Any pets?

We have two cats, a dog, and a 135 gallon salt water aquarium. I’ve had Shady-cat since college; he’s a bit protective and tends to only like me. My best girl friends call him a dog/cat because of his size; he could probably eat many small lap dogs. Lucky (cat) and Shadow (dog) are both rescue animals. I found Lucky in the parking lot at work, and I credit him for my current relationship: my guy caught me trying to sneak him into the building, and he reluctantly agreed to “babysit” for the weekend. Here we are almost nine years later…Shadow is our geriatric dog. She’s currently taking thyroid medication, bladder control pills, and bronchial dilators. She has no idea that she’s not healthy and young anymore. My dad once said that if all dogs were like Shadow, every household would have two.

3. Dream vacation?

Definitely Italy. Having attended Catholic school for seven years, and being honored to sing for Pope John Paul II when he visited St. Antonio in the ‘80s, I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Rome and experiencing Vatican City first hand.

4. What are you listening to right now?

ESPN from the other room. I have to make sure that I hear any and all up to the minute updates to stay on top of my fantasy football team. I’m addicted, and a bit competitive. I must win!

5. What’s for dinner?

Baked Tilapia with baked pineapple and steamed veggies. Honestly, I could eat an entire plate of the baked pineapple, but I throw the fish and veggies in for good measure.

***

Tiffany, your beverage choices sound yummy. I'm adding St. Louis Martini Cabernet to my list. Mmm! I had a cat similar to Shady-Cat. She loved me, but she wasn't all that enthused about anyone else, and how sweet that Lucky played matchmaker--cats are blessings in so many ways. I'm sorry about your poor Shadow, though. It's really hard watching our pets grow old and frail.

Someday, when you take your dream trip, you might have to sing to the Pope again. Maybe he'll request you? :) And speaking of fantasy football, I'm not a participant, but I watch a lot of NFL. How are your players working out for you? My husband's running back got injured last Sunday. Sad times at our house! Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

After working a decade in corporate America as an executive assistant, Tiffany is now writing her first fiction manuscript inspired by growing up in West Texas. Her story is centered on the world of high school football with a twist - murder. She’s a member of several writing groups including the Warrior Writer Boot Camp, Row80, HP’s Writing Group, She Writes, and the Young Adult Sisterhood. Tiffany recently started freelance blogging and managing social media for a digital conversion company out of Tennessee.

Like most writers, Tiffany’s hooked on caffeine. When she’s not typing away, you can also find her attached to the television remote. She has a bit of a competitive side, whether it be bowling (high game is 289, of course that was a long time ago), or playing fantasy sports. She’s an avid sports fan who bleeds red and black for Texas Tech University. Despite not owning cowboy boots, or a cowboy hat, she takes pride in being a Texan.

To learn more about Tiffany, head to her blog, Tiffany A. White's Ooo Factor, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever had an encounter with someone famous?

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Conferences: What Can You Offer?

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Many of my friends are traveling to St. Louis for the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference. I think it's safe to say many are beyond excited at the chance to meet friends, rub elbows with industry publishers, take workshops from esteemed authors, and hopefully pitch their books.

Photo by uggboy

Emotions are high during these times. We're nervous--what if I don't have anyone to sit with at lunch? We're hopeful--maybe my dream agent will request my book. We're afraid we're forgetting something--did I remember my business cards, my business casual (whatever that means!) outfits, and my toothbrush? And we can't help but wonder if this trip will change our lives.

I will not be attending the ACFW conference this year, but many of my friends will. First, I'm praying you all have a safe trip and that the Lord blesses you deeply. Do not worry if you aren't super excited every minute. Our feelings can't take non-stop giddiness. It's normal to have periods of tiredness and confusion. But also, please take a minute to consider the following.

What can you bring to the conference?

No, I don't mean for you to bring an outfit, nail polish, or cool writing gadget. I mean, what do you have to offer to others? How can you give of yourself during these days?

We all have gifts to share with the world. After my first conference, I learned my motivations had been focused on me--how I could make a good impression during my pitches, what information I could glean from the workshops, and how could I get another helping of that fabulous dessert??--but I walked away with an even better output. God used me to meet His needs.

I love meeting and talking to other writers. Introducing myself to strangers comes naturally to me. If I see someone with that helpless, lost, "I don't know anyone" stare, I have no problem merging them into the group I'm hanging out with. This is not something I am bragging about--it's just a trait God blessed me with.

Long after the conference, I realized I had never been there to promote myself and my book. I had been there to spread the writerly spirit, the support we all desperately need. Again, I can't take the credit. I'm just thankful God had His own plans for me.

So remember that, yes, you're there to promote yourself, to meet your friends, to pitch to agents and editors, maybe to sell your published books, but you're also there for another reason, one only you and God know.

Let your light shine.

***

Okay, the big day has arrived--the winner of a copy of Jody Hedlund's magnificent book, The Doctor's Lady, is... Julie Lippo!! Congratulations, Julie! My daughter originally picked Michelle Fayard as the winner, but when I e-mailed her with the news, she graciously urged me to pick another winner. Apparantly she couldn't wait and already has a copy! Wasn't that generous of her to pass the book on to someone else? If you get a chance, stop by her lovely blog, Bird's Eye View. And thank you, thank you to everyone who entered!

***

I finally broke down and published an author page on Facebook. Some of you have received invitations on Facebook to "Like" it. Thank you, in advance, for supporting me! Facebook is a fun place to mingle, so expect random observations about my day, my latest blog posts, and pictures (mostly of my mini-dachshund Sophie--that dog cracks me up!). There is a permanent link to "Like" my author page in the sidebar of this blog, or simply head to http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJillKemerer. Thanks again!

What's your best conference tip?

Have an amazing Monday!

Publications I'm Enjoying

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite magazines is Everyday with Rachael Ray. I've subscribed to various cooking magazines over the years, but this one does such a great job keeping me engaged. One of the new features, "This Month's Menu," is a two-page spread of thumbnail snapshots for every recipe in the issue. Seeing a picture of the recipe greatly increases my desire to try it.

Photo by shaunayounge

I recently saw another example of this type of feature on Wall Street Journal's online magazine. The interactive web page, The Off-Duty 50, has snapshots and links of 50 fall trends. Again, I found it very entertaining and time-worthy.

Katie Brown puts out visually delicious books on entertaining and cooking. I just borrowed Katie Brown Celebrates from the library. With full page pictures of decorations and recipes, the book kept me entertained for over an hour.

These are just a few examples of publications, online and in-print, that have succeeded not only in capturing my interest but in keeping it for future issues.

What publications or websites are keeping your interest lately?

(The winner of a copy of Jody Hedlund's latest, The Doctor's Lady, will be chosen tonight! If you haven't entered, head to this post, 5 Reasons to Read Jody Hedlund's The Doctor's Lady and leave a comment with your e-mail address by 5pm Eastern time! Winner will be announced Monday, September 19, 2011!)

Have you ever struggled with a crummy attitude? Head to MVRWA's blog today for my post, "Why a Crummy Attitude Hurts Us."

Have a fabulous weekend!

5 Easy Questions with Paul Greci!

2011-09-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Paul Greci!!

I've been following Paul's wonderful blog for years. I love stepping into another world--one with the occasional stray moose, a peek at exotic travels, or even an interview with another author. Paul also shares amazing nature photographs, many from his home in Alaska. Paul writes young adult and middle grade fiction, and I can't wait until the day I can buy one of his books.

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

My beverage of choice is a smoky black tea called Lapsang Souchong. I start almost every day with two extra-strong mugs of it.

2. Any pets?

Currently, no. But, right now I’m taking care of a miniature dachshund for a friend. The dog’s name is Ka’u and he plays a pretty mean tug-o-war.

3. Dream vacation?

Funny you should ask. I mean, I kind of just got back from my dream vacation. Three weeks in Italy. We hiked in the Alps, ate great food—think pizza, gelato, chocolate croissants, cappuccino—swam in beautiful swimming holes in mountain streams, picked plums and figs from trees, and then walked around Venice for a few days before returning to Alaska. I’m still digesting the experience.

4. What are you listening to right now?

No music playing at the moment but a friend just introduced me to “I Love my Dog” by Cat Stevens, and that’s been playing in my car.

5. What's for dinner?

It’s harvest time around here. So, lots of fresh veggies from the garden. Peas, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers…the list goes on, but last night we went out and I had fish and chips.

***

Paul, black tea is my favorite but I've never tried (or heard of!) Lapsang Souchong. Next time I head to a specialty market, I'll have to pick up a box. And don't you love those mini-dachshund's? Our mini-doxie is an eight pound bundle of personality named Sophie. Her favorite activities are attacking a stuffed bunny, barking at the mail truck, and cuddling on our laps--under a blanket of course! Naturally, after dog-sitting, you would find a song named "I Love My Dog," right?

Wow, three weeks in Italy is definitely a dream vacation, and it sounds as if you were able to explore the countryside. I sighed just reading your description. I'm also drooling over your dinner. All those fresh veggies--yum! Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

Paul writes young adult and middle grade fiction. When he’s not writing he spends as much time as he can exploring the roadless areas of Alaska on foot and by kayak. Back in the day, he hiked 120 miles through the mountains of central Idaho without crossing a road. Paul also teaches English. In August his middle grade novel, Stranded, was awarded second place in the 2011 Pacific Northwest Writers Association’s Annual Contest.

To learn more about Paul's work, head to his blog, Northwriter, connect with him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.

***

I picked up caramel apple dip this morning. What says "fall" to you?

Have a great Wednesday!

A Sad Day

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

My uncle passed away last Friday. Unfortunately the news was not a shock. He'd been in poor health for a long time--an obscure lung disease forced a lung transplant, during which he suffered a stroke and never fully recovered. Some things in life make no sense to me. Like how such a vibrant, healthy, fun man could be incapacitated at a relatively young age.

Photo by mnsc

I've always loved him. Growing up, our families were extremely close. Honestly, their kids, my sister and I felt more like siblings than cousins. My sister and I would sit in our window seat half an hour before they were due to arrive, and we'd press our noses to the glass, wondering out loud if the car approaching could be them.

My uncle and my dad were left in charge of us kids on numerous occasions. Once, we were loading the dishwasher and ran out of detergent. When we asked them what we should do, they told us to use dishwashing liquid. Thirty minutes later we had soap suds climbing the cabinets onto the counter! My uncle and my dad laughed as hard as we did.

We could get away with more with our dads, too. My cousin and I would grab an old sleeping bag and ride it down their wooden staircase over and over. Our moms would yell at us to stop after one go, but the dads? Nope. We'd get at least a dozen rides in before they told us to stop.

As I grew older, our relationship changed. My husband and I moved around a lot, leaving us less time to spend with our extended families. I wish I could have been there for my aunt and cousins for the last few years as they've dealt with extremely difficult circumstances.

Sometimes I wish I could have another weekend of riding down that staircase with my cousin--when our families were intact, healthy, and happy.

I guess I should be thankful I had it to begin with.

I am. I'm very thankful.

It's times like these I'm filled with gratitude for the Lord and my faith because I know I'll see my uncle again.

Have your relationships changed with your extended family as you've gotten older?

Enjoy your day.