Writer's Life: Candice Sue Patterson

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life, my interview series with authors of inspirational romance. Today I have the pleasure of hosting Candice Sue Patterson! Candice and I met online through ACFW, and I'm so happy to have her here! She has two beautiful Christmas novellas published through White Rose Press (Pelican Book Group), and she's graciously giving away a copy of her Christmas novella, Silver White Winters. Enter the contest below!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Writing is therapeutic for me. I’m an emotional person, I feel deeply, and writing is an outlet for all that craziness. I love creating three-dimensional characters who face real issues and learn lasting lessons. One thing about writing that surprises me the most is that I learn something through the story, whether it’s realizing that I’m struggling with the same hurdle as the characters or discovering something about myself I never knew before. God truly speaks to me through my writing.

2.  What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

Knowing what direction to take next. Do I continue to stay at home and write full-time, or work a part-time job now that our youngest is reaching school age? Things like that. I’m also seeking an agent right now, which takes patience. Something I’m not great at.  

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I read! Inspirational romance is my favorite genre, but I also read historical fiction and non-fiction, biographies, and non-fiction on subjects I’ve always wanted to learn about. This sparks ideas for new stories and causes me to reflect on my own life.

4. What are you working on now?

I’m currently seeking a publisher for a novel I’ve been writing over the last two years set in coastal Maine. In the meantime, I’m working on the first draft of the next novel in the series.

***

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Candice! I completely understand about not knowing which direction to take. I reviewed all my options several times over the years. I hope you find your path soon! And I love that you grow with your stories. I do too. I'm often surprised by the spiritual applications that pop up!

***

About Candace ~

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes contemporary romance with threads of nostalgia. Her debut novella Bright Copper Kettles is available now. Connect with Candice on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

***

Click on the book above to purchase through Pelican Book Group! Other merchants linked below.

Silver White Winters ~

She thought she had it all. Until she discovered the treasures in the snow. 

          Country music singer/songwriter Raelynn Rivers is a has-been. According to the latest gossip magazines, that is. Her last number-one hit was six years ago, and her songwriting ability has vanished. Her foundering career is all she has left, and she’s determined to once again hold the title of “Country Music Queen.” But Raelynn’s dreams are derailed when a coal mine collapses in her home town of Eve Hollow, West Virginia, trapping her daddy and brother inside.

            The man in charge of the mine rescue is Lane Ryan, her childhood best friend and the former fiancé she abandoned twelve years ago for her career. In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one has inspired her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries around is as big as Coal Mountain.

            Will Raelynn sacrifice her title, or say goodbye to Lane forever? 

Available Now!!

Purchase through Barnes & Noble
Purchase through Amazon
Purchase through Christianbook.com

***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read any Christmas books or watched any movies yet?

Have a wonderful day!! 

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Strengthening Weak Areas in Your Writing

I'm writing a first draft. I'm not a fast drafter, and I'm not a revise-as-you-go writer either. I'm somewhere in between.

There are days when I have to glue myself to the chair in order to achieve my word count goal. I should have invested in superglue this week. Yikes. The first fifty pages are slow and torturous for me.

Each writing session starts with a review of the previous scene. Weaknesses glare at me. I tidy up the details before writing a new scene.


Here are the weaknesses I'm fighting in this book:

1. Boring, useless, overdone gestures/action beats (I fight this weakness in EVERY book!)

2. Piles of backstory

3. Not enough motion to ground the reader physically in the scene


Here's how I'm strengthening these weaknesses:

1. I keep The Synonym Finder by J.I. Rodale next to me so I can use better descriptors. Some of the action beats I just delete.

2. The backstory? I highlight any obvious sections and move them when I've written a scene they'd fit into.

3. I add movements within the scene so the reader has a better mental picture of what's happening.

Each book brings a new challenge. I'm constantly on the lookout for lazy writing. I've successfully strengthened my writing by actively trying harder.

The weaknesses I've made progress with over the years:

1. Setting the scene

2. Giving each scene weight with either a story goal/conflict/failure or an action/reaction/decision

3. Weaving the spiritual thread throughout the story

4. Balancing dialogue and introspection (my earlier manuscripts had tons of dialogue and not enough introspection for what the romance market requires)


I still have plenty of weak areas that will scream at me when I finish the draft and start revising, but it's good for my soul to fix what I can in the first draft.

By the way, many experts recommend you turn off your internal editor and just write the draft. I think that's really good advice for anyone who struggles to make progress on a manuscript. It just doesn't work for me.

When I've turned off my internal editor in the past, it created so much extra work because the story veered off and my word choices were lazy. I'd rather keep my internal editor on and write slower in the first draft. It saves me tons of work in the revising stage.

Works for me, but you have to find what works best for you. :)

If you're a writer, how do you fight your weaknesses? I'd love to hear your tips!

Have a terrific day!

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My Inspiring Writer Space

Last week I was tagged by K. B. Owen (author of the Concordia Wells Mystery series!) for Cate Russell-Cole's Inspiring Spaces Blog Hop!

We've lived in a lot of places--apartments, houses, more apartments, more houses. Only one of our homes (an apartment) was too tiny to carve out any inspiring space. I've had a computer in an unfinished basement, our bedroom, an empty dining room, a real office, and spare bedrooms. 

Our current home is spacious. I not only have a dedicated office space, I have a corner window too. I know, I'm spoiled! Here are some pictures of where I write. 

I love L-shaped desks. This one allows me to spread my planner out, keep a stack of files nearby, house my most used reference books, and still have room to red-line manuscripts and type on my laptop.

Here's the closet. It's full of office supplies and random inspiration pieces like notecards, old vision boards, and more books.

No office of mine would be complete without M&Ms. Notice the strategic placement--pinned to the bulletin board for maximum grab-ability. The picture of Allison Sweeney is for health motivation (which counterbalances the M&Ms). She inspires me! The schedule is our family schedule so I don't accidentally send my hubby to the wrong baseball field or forget to pick up our daughter from cross country. Not that that ever happened. *cough* :)

I love my office. I'm always inspired when I walk in! 

Do you have an inspiration space? I'd love to hear about it!

Have a wonderful day!! 

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Writer's Life: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

I'm super excited to have Sarah Loudin Thomas on the blog today! Sarah and I originally "met" online. We've crossed virtual paths for a few years now, so I was thrilled when Sarah signed with an agent from Books & Such Literary Agency AND sold her debut novel to Bethany House Publishers! Woo-hoo!! Sarah has a warm, friendly personality that comes through in everything she does. I'm so glad I finally got to meet her in person last year! And her inspirational romance, Miracle in a Dry Season, surprised me. I knew it would be great, but I wasn't expecting such a unique time period and voice! My review is below.

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?  

My writing is a love letter to my family and my heritage. I grew up hearing all these wonderful stories mostly about people who are long gone. West Virginia hunting stories, farming stories, funny stories, LIVING stories. So when I draw on the wealth of my family's oral tradition to put words on paper, it's as though I get to be a participant. I get to meet people, to know them intimately, and to experience life with them. It really does make my heart sing!

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer? 

I've gotten just enough reader feedback to begin to feel confident that Miracle in a Dry Season is a book people like. Which feels fantastic. It also makes me shake in my boots when they say they're looking forward to the next book. What if it's not as good? What if readers just don't like the story? What if I'm a one-hit-wonder? So, yeah, my biggest hurdle right now is self-doubt. Thank goodness the second book is already written!

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I hike! I take Thistle (my dog) to the woods almost every day. We're fortunate to live really close to Pisgah National Forest where there are miles of trails to wander. I do my best thinking and plotting while I'm out there surrounded by nature breathing the fresh, clean air--the same sort of nature my Appalachian characters are surrounded by. We even walk in the rain and winter wind. I guess you could say Thistle is my muse since she won't let me skip our daily walk!

4. What are you working on now?

I just turned in book #2. While I'm waiting on the next round of edits for that, I'll get cracking on the third book in the Appalachian Blessings series. I have a draft but I want to make MAJOR changes to it. And then there's all the work of promoting Miracle in a Dry Season--social media, events, soliciting reviews, interacting with readers--it requires a good bit of time. When I started out I didn't realize how much books would overlap. Here I am promoting book #1, waiting for edits on book #2, and rewriting book #3. AND there's a fourth book I'm just itching to write!

*** 

Sarah, your love of West Virginia came through in your book. What a blessing to have a rich history brought to life through family stories--and brought to the reader as well! I understand the doubts too. We can't help but worry how our work will be accepted! Thistle sounds like the perfect muse and personal trainer. I get ideas when I walk too. :)

Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

Miracle in a Dry Season 
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

***

About Sarah ~

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.

Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.

***

My review ~ 5 Star!!

Settle in with a soft blanket and a warm beverage, because this book is all about savoring the details. Several things surprised me: the 1950's setting, the dominant point of view being male, and the gentle tone. It's a lovely book, one that stays with you, one that you wish wouldn't end. 

Ms. Thomas uses her rich knowledge of West Virginia to bring the little town of Wise to life during a drought. While full of conflict, it's never overly dramatic. I loved watching the main character, Casewell, grow spiritually. His relationship with his father brought tears to my eyes. And Perla, the heroine, was so easy to love. The characters and town came to life for me--they felt very real.

I loved this book and can't wait for the next novel in this series to come out!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.*

***

Did you grow up hearing about family lore? Did it shape your impressions?

Have an amazing day!

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Writer's Life: Melissa Tagg

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Today we have the fabulous Melissa Tagg!! Melissa writes contemporary romance for the inspirational market. Her latest, Here to Stay, released this week! I spent ten minutes debating with myself about the cover, and in the end, I decided it's my favorite romance cover of 2014. Isn't it pretty? I'm a sucker for small towns, brick sidewalks, and cute couples. :) My review is posted at the end of the interview.

Let's get to it!!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Writing The End. LOL! No but seriously, probably what most makes my heart sing are those moments when I'm deep in a scene and the characters suddenly start doing things I didn't expect, saying things I didn't plan on...when the words almost don't feel like my own. Especially if it's a serious scene...those are just amazing moments as a writer. And it's often those moments when a nugget of truth comes to light and I have the realization that God has me writing this story at this time for a reason...and that he's changing me or working in my heart. 

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Hands-down my biggest hurdle is time and focus. I work full-time at a nonprofit organization, and I do try to, you know, have a social life. Haha! So doing the writing thing on top of that is a lot. I often feel like I'm working two full-time jobs. But I keep telling myself, this is the season I'm in right now. Embrace it! 

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Spend time with family for sure. Nothing relaxes and reenergizes me as much as spending a Sunday afternoon with family. Too, I love classic movies...especially classic movies with witty and fast-paced dialogue. (I'm sorry, so many of today's movies are sooo lacking in brilliant dialogue! If that makes me sound like a snob, well, so be it.) So sometimes if I'm feeling less-than-creative, I'll go watch one of my favorite movies to get inspired.

4. What are you working on next?

Well, when this interview goes up, I will be just days away from the deadline for my third book! It's called From the Start and it comes out in spring 2015. It's the start of a new series that takes place in Iowa and features the Walker family. The first book in the series is about Kate Walker, a romantic movie scriptwriter who doesn't believe in love, and a brooding-but-adorable ex-NFL-er named Colton Greene. This summer I'll be writing a novella to preclude and introduce the new series, and soon after, I'll start on the second book in the series. So...lots of writing in my world this year!

***

 Melissa, I think we can all relate on struggling to balance our time. You really are working two full-time jobs. Writing involves so much more than just putting words down! I'm with you on classic movies. In my twenties, I had a thing for Cary Grant movies. Just love the dialogue, sets, and proper clothing! Congratulations on finishing book three (I have complete faith you'll make that deadline without any problem)! And thanks for being my guest today!

***

Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he’s finally returning to his hometown–the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he’s surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer–coordinating the annual Christmas festival–even though he has no idea how he’ll pull it off.

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family’s inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.

Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees…in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who’s had enough of running away and the woman who can’t wait to leave join forces.

***

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.

 ***

My Review ~ 5 Stars!!

Charming, whimsical, and oh-so-warm, I loved Here to Stay! Ms. Tagg excels at writing lovable characters. Since I spend time every summer on Lake Michigan, I especially enjoyed the autumn setting on the lake. Look for fun cameos by Miranda Woodruff from the first book in the series, Made to Last. With a strong romance, touching spiritual journeys, and comedic situations, Here to Stay is a must read! 

***

What do you look for in a cover? Does a gorgeous one make you more likely to read a book?

Have a fantastic day!!

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Introducing a New Interview Series!

If there's one thing I love, it's romance novels. And coffee. And chocolate. And... Well, I love a lot of things, but romance is up there! I've been blessed to meet many of my favorite authors, and I'd like for you to get to know them too. What better way to do that than by starting a new interview series??

Starting next week, each Wednesday I'll be featuring the "Writer's Life" series. Expect an exciting line up of inspirational romance authors (historical, contemporary, and suspense), and authors of sweet romance, with an occasional wild card thrown in. 

Because I like to keep things simple, the questions will be the same. Many of the authors have graciously offered to give away a copy of their latest book! Yay!!

I hope you'll find some new-to-you authors to add to your favorites list. I know I've found many a book from online recommendations. :)

We're kicking things off on April 23, 2014 with the fabulous Katie Ganshert! Hope you'll join us!!

What have you read recently? Would you recommend it?

Have a terrific day!

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Building an Author Platform Wore Me Out

Four score and seven years...

Wait. How long have I been building that imaginary plywood stage called an author platform?

A long, long time! And you know what? It wore me out.

Yeah. It just tuckered this girl out.

You see, this is post 782. I've been blogging since 2008. Facebook? Yep. Twitter? Uh-huh. Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Goodreads? Absolutely.

I've been writing full time for seven years, studying, getting critiques, critiquing, honing my skills, attending conferences, pitching to editors, studying the industry. A girl can learn a lot about writing and the publishing industry in seven years.

But last fall I read Wendy Lawton's fabulous post, "The Trouble with Tribes" over at  Books and Such Literary Blog, and I sensed something needed to change. Wendy discusses the problem many authors have--their Tribe (and platform) consists of peers instead of readers.

Personally, I think aspiring fiction writers are smart to connect with peers. These are the people who will shout out your news and recommend your books to friends. Unpublished fiction authors have a tough time finding readers. After all, we don't have a book to sell.

But much of Wendy's advice rang true. We need to continue leaving our comfort zone to attract an audience. And that is what I've struggled with when the initial excitement of building a platform wore off. I settled for comfortable because I was too discouraged and tired to put myself out there.

I've been blessed. My platform has continued to grow on every site without tons of effort on my part. But I could do a better job of engaging readers.

The bottom line?

I'm pushing myself to make more of an effort on my social media sites. Brainstorming ways to kick-start my platform.

Why?

Because I'm persistent, and I believe in my books. I love writing. Writing isn't my hobby. Getting published isn't something that would be nice. It's my big dream, and I've sacrificed a lot to make it happen. I'm willing to sacrifice more.

If becoming a published author is important to you, you'll pick up the hammer and nails and build your platform, even when you're worn out.

How?

* Put small efforts in every day.
* Don't let your platform languish.
* Be generous.
* Nurture relationships.
* Freshen the look of your site every so often.
* And don't count on your platform to give you an edge with editors. It might, but it might not.

When the time comes to market your books, you'll need a web presence to do it. Think of building your platform as investing in your business. You can "save"  now by having your own system in place or "borrow" later by hiring web designers, paying for blog tours, or hiring a publicist. You might want to do both. It's good to have options.

If you're an aspiring author (or a published author), how do you stay motivated to build your platform?

Have a terrific day!

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The Upside of Waiting

If you're a writer trying to get published, waiting is an inevitable part of life. You wait for a contest result, a reply from an agent, a yes or no from an editor, for the annual conference to come around again. You wait for revisions, edits, cover art, and your release date. Then there are other waits--your first reviews, sales reports, royalty statements. And the cycle starts again when you submit your next book.

I've been blessed to spend years waiting. Most days I don't think of it as a blessing. In fact, very few days do I thank the Lord for my wait. Usually it just sits inside my heart like a jagged piece of crystal, weighing, poking, hurting. But even in my baby-ish emotions (I want it now, waaah!), I comprehend the upside to waiting.

1. I'm a better writer. 

My writing has become more complex with all the practice I've gotten over the years. I instinctively understand things that I had to piece together when I started submitting. By no means would I consider myself a master, but it's good for the soul to truly know you've improved.

2. The publishing industry is not a big mystery as it once was.

I've been following publishing news for several years. Blogs, magazines, conferences, agents, editors, and other writers--all have informed me. Knowledge throws reality on expectations. It's good to know what you're getting into. Sure, getting published is a dream come true, but it doesn't make all your dreams come true.

3. Humble confidence

I can't speak for all newer writers, but it's easy to buy into your own hype. An editor requested your first novel? It must mean you're a genius! This is your destiny!

Long waits pave the way for rejections. Rejections fill you with humility. Humility brings you back to the drawing board and forces you to admit your weaknesses. Then you address those weaknesses by studying, trying to overcome them in your next book, finding critique partners to help point out ways you can improve. And when you repeat this, you gain confidence in your writing. But it isn't puffed up, prideful confidence. It's humble. And it's real.

4. You understand how much you want it.

Ask any writer how badly they want to see their work in print, and you'll be reduced to tears at the sincerity oozing from them. We ALL want it. But time has a way of weeding out those willing to sit in a state of failure for years on end because they believe in their dream. They want it on a level many writers claim but few put in practice.

Let me ask you this. If someone told you it would take exactly two years, three months, and five days from the day you first submitted to an editor until the day you were offered a contract, would the time seem reasonable? What if the prediction was five years, eleven months, and twenty days? How about eight years, three months, and one day?

What if you wrote steadily throughout those years? What if you wrote fifteen novels? Twenty? And what if you still didn't have a contract?

Would you give up? Decide you don't have what it takes? Assume every published writer has talent but you don't?

No one knows how long it will take to get published. Might be your first book. Might be your twenty-second.

But I can tell you one thing. The longer your wait, the more you realize how much you want it. You take nothing for granted. Nothing. Every tiny crumb that comes your way becomes a three-layer cake. Small beginnings? Brilliant. Jesus himself fed five thousand people with a few fish and a couple loaves of bread.

Whether you've just begun your wait or have slogged through years of it, remember there is an upside. And on the days you can't find an upside, know you aren't alone. Most writers are waiting.

Do you see an upside in waiting? 

Have a terrific day!

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First Chapter Woes

I'm revising a full length contemporary romance I wrote in late 2012. While experts advise putting distance between writing and revising, an entire year is a lot of distance. My writing skills have grown since then, so jumping back into the book was like taking the polar plunge. Icy, scary, and exciting!

The good news? The book starts in the correct spot, the characters are fun, and the setting makes me smile.

The bad news? Too much back story and introspection in my heroine's point of view, and the hero bored me.

In ten pages, I left forty-three (yes, forty-three!!) comments and countless more track changes.

I quit my initial read through after chapter three. The first two chapters needed major work, but the comment bubbles trickled through the third chapter. When my comment bubbles trickle, I know the story is on track.

To make life easier, I copied the first two chapters (with the comments and track changes) and pasted them into a new file. Then I started rewriting. Two pages took four hours. It's important for me to get it right.

I'll continue to make changes based on my comments until I'm happy with the first three chapters. Then I'll read the rest of the book, leave comments, and do major revisions.

First chapter woes are not new to me. I'm used to them. Good writers, experienced writers, learn how to spot problem areas, take care of them, and move on. Never let a so-so opening bring you down!

Do you ever rewrite your opening chapter? Or do you tend to get it right the first time around?

Have a wonderful day!

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The Panic Before a Writing Conference

Lists. Heartburn. Unfinished laundry. Random papers everywhere. Weight gain from chocolate. No, it isn't the week before Christmas. It's even better! It's time for ACFW's annual conference!



Why do I get so wound up? I have no idea. It's ridiculous!

Maybe I'm nervy due to my life being in a busy phase. I'm afraid I'll forget something important. I don't envy my hubby for the weekend he has ahead! We are definitely a divide-and-conquer couple.

Pitching my novel also contributes to the tension. The fact I have trouble sleeping when overexcited has me a little frayed too. And, as much as I caution myself don't butt into conversations, don't accost the author you're dying to meet, don't act like a moron...I know--deep down know--I will butt into conversations, accost the author(s) I'm dying to meet, and yes, I'll act like a moron.

One thing I'm not stressed about? The ride there. I really enjoy driving by myself. I get to indulge in a large coffee with triple cream, quadruple sugar, and no one is there to judge me. The radio? All mine. I can sing at the top of my lungs or let my mind wander. Good times!

I'm taking a week off of blogging, but I'll be back next Wednesday with a full update.

What stresses you out most about a conference or business trip?

Have a wonderful week!!

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Another Guilty Pleasure: Writers' Workspaces

InStyle magazine originally featured two celebrity homes in each new issue. I subscribed for years just to see these rooms. It's not that I don't like fashion and makeup, but the real draw was the peek into stars' lives. Somewhere along the way, InStyle changed, and now it only sporadically shares celebrity rooms, which explains why I rarely purchase the mag. Bummer.


What hasn't changed? My gravitation to photographs of how other people live. I was so excited to find The UK's online publication, The Guardian, has a terrific segment archived under "Culture," "Books," and  "Writer's Rooms." Skim through dozens of writers who share pictures and essays of their offices. Prepare to get addicted!

Gillian Slovo's office grabbed me. You can see it here, "Writer's Rooms: Gillian Slovo." The sheer volume of desk area made me salivate!

What I love about the office? (Click on the above link to see the photo.)

Compact. Two windows with transoms above. The view appears to be the neighbor's brick wall, but a cute little gate is visible too. An enormous bulletin board is within easy reach of the chair, and it's filled with pictures. Bookshelves line the walls. Cute knickknacks reflect the author's whimsical side.

The room obviously functions well, as evidenced by the filing cabinets, printer, and office supplies in easy reach. It's like a perfect little cave of creativity. I could write in this space!

This summer I'm taking a cue from teachers and putting new art on my bulletin board. I'm rearranging my pictures and knickknacks. It's up to us to create an inviting workspace!

Are you fascinated with other writers' workspaces? Describe your ideal office!

Have a fantastic Monday!

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My Author Crush: Becky Wade!!

Last September I picked up a book I'd been hearing about, My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade. Well, I got sucked in--I'm talking Dyson vacuum suction levels--and couldn't put it down! To say I loved it would be a massive understatement. When I finished, I clasped it to my chest, and thought I want to meet this author.

Little did I know, God was listening!

A few weeks later, I perched on my chair in the first-timer's orientation at the 2012 ACFW conference in Dallas. Yeah, I chatted with the fabulous Jon and Tom Hopkins (twins!) a bit, oogled Cara Putman's adorable outfit, and then I drifted off to my own thoughts.

How cool would it be if Becky Wade--the Becky Wade--was here? But what are the odds that I would run into her even if she did show up? I mean, there are like 700 people here. Still...

Cara divided us into groups by genre. I kind of wanted to sprint out of the room, but I figured that would be immature, so I gamely headed to the "contemporary romance" section where one person stood.

And that's when I heard it.
My name.
Southern accent.
It was--Becky Wade!! In the flesh!!

What happened next? I hugged her. Practically jumped up and down. Okay, I did jump up and down. I hugged her again. Maybe once more. I'm sure she felt molested. But I was riding high! I couldn't control myself!!

The best part? She was cool! She didn't give me the weird look or the am-I-dealing-with-a-stalker?  step backward. We chatted. I gushed. And I said a thank you prayer to God for making one of my dreams come true.

Since we've met, Becky has become a huge influence in my life--she answered God's call to a prayer I hadn't been brave enough to utter. I hope I can be half as generous to others as she's been to me.

Becky's second inspirational romance, Undeniably Yours, released this week. I was blessed to receive an advanced reader copy, and her amazing talent did it again. What a superb book! I hope you buy it and like it as much as I did!

***

 Undeniably Yours

 

 

When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted -- more interested in art than in oil -- she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

 

Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them -- her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage -- and earn the right to love her.

 

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love, and their belief that God can work through every circumstance, survive?

***

My Review--5 Stars!!!

Becky Wade delivers another compelling inspirational contemporary romance. She writes such rich, memorable, relatable characters. Meg, the heroine, was sympathetic, funny, and with believable thoughts to contrast her play-by-the rules actions. I could spend a day shopping with Meg, no problem!

The hero, Bo, made me swoon multiple times. I love a rugged cowboy with a protective streak and oozing with integrity. He was fabulous, and he provided Meg with the calm security her money had never been able to give her.

Meg’s spiritual journey tugged at my heart. Even strong Christians underestimate God’s plans for our lives. I really related to the fears, prayers, and decisions the characters had to make.

Fantastic book! I hope we’ll be reading future books based on other characters—I would love to see Jake get his happily-ever-after!

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.**

***

 

My Favorite Lines (This book is full of them! I have many, many more!) 

"She wanted to drop-kick her Cole Oil job..."

"She didn't personally care for the 'I can kill deer!' decorating style..."

(Meg imagining a horse, Silver Leaf, thinking,) "I have benevolence on you, small human."

 ***

About Becky Wade

 

 

 

Becky's a California native who attended Baylor University, met a Texas boy, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the ABA, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves the kind of books she's writing now! Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, has been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award. Her new contemporary romance, Undeniably Yours, is available now.

Undeniably Yours is available for purchase now! Head to Becky Wade's Books for links!

It's the first Friday of the month, so my latest 2 Minute Resolution Webisode is up on YouTube! Click here for My Hall Closet: 2 Minute Resolution!!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! What author do YOU have a crush on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Sprucing Up the Office

I am blessed to have my own workspace at home, an entire room, all for me--it's my office. I have not always had my own room, but I've always managed to carve out a spot for my writing supplies. I'll be honest--I love having my own space!

When we bought our house last summer, the walls were dark purple with polka dots, and a High School Musical ceiling fan hung from the ceiling. I promptly painted the walls a nice peachy hue, and we replaced the fan (I'll miss you Troy!). Besides that, I hadn't done much in there. Although I used the office, it was getting unorganized and dusty, and I found myself spending more time on my laptop in our living room.

Last week, I decided enough was enough--we'd shoved Christmas wrapping paper and what-not in there, and it was time to claim my space. Mark my territory. Take back what was mine!

It's even a "corner office" with windows!

So I spent an hour moving the stuff that didn't belong there to where it did belong. I used plenty of Windex to make the surfaces sparkle. I even shopped in my basement for framed pictures to hang on the wall.

Mama needs lots of room to spread out when writing. Yes, Sophie is under the desk. :)

My old CD's--Usher and Rascal Flatts--kept me humming while I worked. And by the time I hung the last picture and vacuumed, I couldn't wait to start working in there again.

My new life motto, and a picture of the ocean I took on vacation years ago.

I love my office because I added all the little odds & ends that make me happy, like pictures of my kids and husband, and special cards that perk me up.

I keep my hoard of Staples office supplies in the big closet!

Candles, cute bins to organize things, and, of course, my bulletin board WITH CHOCOLATE attached all bring me pleasure.

Yes, my bulletin board has actual chocolate truffles pinned to the board. :)

My husband bought me a pretty shelf, and I organized all my books about writing on it.

Phone, modem, and writing books--all within easy reach!

Having a large, pretty, organized space is such a tremendous blessing. I'm excited to head in there each day and do my thing--with chocolate of course!

What is your writing space like? Do you love it? If not, is there any way to make it more inviting? 

Have a fabulous day!

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Writing Prompt: Red Dress

I'm going to take the next few Wednesdays to share quick and easy writing prompts with you. If you choose to use them, great! If  not, that's okay too! It's just good to throw new things at our brains. I'll bet thoughts come to you about this even if you don't write anything down!

If you haven't tried writing prompts, you're in for a treat. You're basically writing the first thing that comes to you. No plotting, outlining, or sitting for an hour thinking of something. Just write whatever comes to mind. No one has to see the results but you! And the best part? You don't have to edit!

I'm being brave. Every time I share a writing prompt, I'll include what I came up with. This is free-writing, unedited, and usually off-kilter. Do NOT feel obligated to read!

Writing Prompt: Red Dress

You spot this girl coming out of the drug store.




Here's what I came up with:

That's the third Taylor Swift look-alike I've seen this morning. This one's even wearing red. She must have taken the whole "Red" album to heart. I want to yell, you can still be a fan and wear blue, but I don't.

Checking my watch, I speed up. I can't afford to be late today, not with my district manager sniffing out potential fire-ees. I toss the Taylor imposter a quick glance as I get ready to pass her. What in the world? I frown, craning my neck for a better look.

It's her, Taylor Swift! I can't help myself--I peek into her plastic Rite Aid bag. I think I see Neosporin, or wait, is that anti-itch cream? Does she have an infection? A rash?

She clutches the bag to her and gives me a you-look-like-a-stalker stare. Hey, honey, I don't have time to stalk anyone, and if I did, it would be someone like Channing Tatum. Someone without a raging fungul infection. 

I resume my pace, this time smiling widely.

***

Okay, I found it VERY hard not to edit this after I read it! My inner critic yelled to change the word "speed" to "hustle as much as my four-inch heels would let me." And, frankly, the POV is catty and mean. But, hey, this is what free-writing is all about. :)

Do you ever use writing prompts? What do you naturally tend to write?

Happy Wednesday!

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