My Monday Morning Gratitudes

New white shirts
Clean clothes
Clean stoves and ovens
Microwaves
The purple thistles I saw this morning
The sound of my garden waterfall
Cruising on summer nights
Going barefoot in the summer
Scented candles, especially spicey ones
The tree husband installed in our great room

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Flowers that bend toward the sun,

do so even on cloudy days.

Please Welcome
My Sweet Friend and Guest Blogger . . .
Jeanette Levellie!

Why Humor?


By Jeanette Levellie

I woke up one day and said, “I want to write humor.” When I sat down at the keyboard, the one-liners and witticisms flew from my fingers like lightning flashes. Now I make tons of money with my laugh-a-second writing.

And if you believe that, I have a boat I’d like to sell you.

I never planned to become a humor writer. The bi-weekly column I author for our local newspaper began as an inspirational feature. But I soon discovered that writing about the pickles I get myself into endeared me to people. Although they may shake their head and wonder how I manage some of my ditzy doings, it makes them feel better knowing they aren’t alone. Sally says to Ben, “It may bug you that I can never remember where I parked the car, but Jeanette Levellie once mistook a crawdad for a huge insect, and woke her husband up at 5:30 a.m. to rescue her cats from it! At least I’m not that nutty!” The exposure of my wackiness has become a public service of encouragement: if God can rescue me from myself, there’s hope for you.

Another benefit of humor writing is its barrier-breaking power. If I can make someone laugh before I dish them a serving of meat from God’s Word, they swallow it more willingly. I write about the time I shook the Italian dressing bottle, unaware my new husband had only placed the lid on, not tightened it. We spent the next two hours cleaning the walls and ceiling of our honeymoon cabin! My reader either pities us for our lack of communication skills, or laughs at our plight. Either way, they’ve opened their heart a crack and I can scoot inside and share God’s unconditional love with them.

Finally, humor adds to your readers’ health. The Bible says, “A merry heart does good like medicine.” Numerous studies have shown the benefits of laughter on the human body and soul. When we give the gift of laughter, we are helping others live longer and happier lives. I recently wrote a funny story about a lady in our church who told her dog to poop on her ornery uncle’s lawn (I had her permission). My goal was to encourage readers in finding ways to make the best of stinky situations. But God had a nobler goal. The column came out shortly after this lady’s husband had passed away. As she guffawed at the recollection of Fido carrying out her revenge on Uncle Bill, her laughter helped heal her broken heart. I rejoiced to be a small part of that healing.

I’m not one of the world’s best writers. I may not even be a great writer. But when I combine the gifts of humor and writing into a nutty, meaty sandwich, I can delight and nourish at the same time. With God’s help and a little craziness, you can do the same.

Want to learn more about humor writing?

• James N. Watkins’ book, “Writing with Banana Peels,” reveals the secrets of a great humorist. Purchase it on his website, http://www.jameswatkins.com/, which overflows with humorous articles.
• Another of my favorites is Rhonda Schrock, whose writing echoes the late Erma Bombeck. Find her at http://momof4braves.blogspot.com/ 
• In addition to my own inspirational/humorous blog, Audience of ONE, http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/,
• I contribute to a humor writers' blog, An Army of Ermas. Find us at http://www.anarmyofermas.com/

Thank you, dear Carole, for inviting me to guest blog today. I appreciate this opportunity to share with your readers. Love, Jen

 
 
Loved having you, Jen!

Winner!

Huge congratulations to the winner of Shelley's book, Autumn's Promise: JO!

Jo will also receive an amish gift along with the book.


UPCOMING NEWS:

• Friday, August 27: My friend Jeanette Levellie (humor writer) will guest blog here. Don't miss it.

• Next week: September, 1--oooh, guess who! Mary Ellis, AMISH writer, will answer questions in an interview and GIVEAWAY a book. Yeah!

• And if you'd like to enter a fun contest, then check out this blog post. YOU could win a great book! This contest will run until August 31st. Here's the link: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-is-it-day-can-anyone-guess-what.html

Finally, have a wonderful week!
Love you all.
Blessings!

Giveaway and Interview with my Friend Maureen Lang!

Please make sure you leave your comment and an email address for a chance to win Maureen's book!


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?


I’m one of those writers who found my love for writing early in life. I remember finishing my first “epic” when I was around ten years old, and passing it around the neighborhood for others to read. I also invited friends over and sometimes instead of playing a game, I’d beg them to sit down and write stories with me. How many games of Kick the Can or Monopoly can you play, anyway? Not all of my friends went along with it, and no one else stuck with it. (I often wonder what the world is missing if only they’d persevered!) So I suppose the realization that I was wired to write began early, because I was different.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I’ve written contemporary and historical novels, women’s fiction and romance. I think the difference between women’s fiction and romance can be subtle, at least it is with the books I’ve written. My Sister Dilly, for example, would be considered contemporary women’s fiction, but a romance is included in the story. The difference between the kind of book I like to write and a classic romance is more a matter of page time focusing on the romance. Romance is definitely part of all my stories, but it might not be the main focus.

Lately, however, I’ve been following my preference for historical settings, and my books have been getting more romantic, which is just so much fun! This newest release, Whisper on the Wind, has a mix of war tension as the backdrop, but the focus is definitely romantic. Maybe that’s why it’s one of my favorite stories…

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I’m on a nine-month schedule with my publisher (Tyndale), which has worked well for me. That might sound like a long time, but between research, revision, family demands and marketing other work, those months just fly by. I write every school day, just as soon as my boys get on the bus, leaving the house nice and quiet! Sometimes I aim for a minimum of 7 or 8 pages in a day, which is less than 2000 words, but when things are going well I can do far more—20 pages or so, depending on my time and energy. Those are the best days, when it’s hard for my fingertips to keep up!

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

Whisper on the Wind is one of my favorites. For me, the spiritual lessons aren’t just on the pages—I began this book years ago, with God sitting right next to me at the computer, reading along, affirming for me that after many years of not writing, I was doing what He wired me to do. Finally writing a book He wanted to read! I’d written secular historical romances years before that, but given it up when life took some turns and I could no longer afford the luxury of staying home to write. When I finally returned to writing, this was the story on my heart.

I love the First World War era. Not the war itself—it was as horrific as any other. But the time period seems to have one foot in history and another in more modern times. Sometimes I would read history books from that era and I noticed references to an “illegal newsprint” call La Libre Belgique. It originated in Belgium when they were occupied by the German army, and illegal because the Germans censored everything—except this little newspaper that found a way to give hope to those who suffered under the occupation. What a brave band of people they must have been! And so I imagined my characters getting involved—a rich, spoiled young woman who falls in love with a heroic young man wanting to do whatever he can against the occupying army. He thinks she’s too young and spoiled to be noticed, until she risks her life for the same thing he believes in. Faith, for both of them, is never more real than when they lose almost everything.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

Since I regularly meet with a number of newer writers, I haven’t forgotten how that first goal of publication looks and feels. Any bit of success is heady, but the real prize seems to be a book contract from a traditional publisher. The myth: just get that first contract, and more will follow. I wish it were true, that we only need to be published once for a writer to find an audience and readers who will follow (no, demand!) everything they want to write. But the truth is the book industry is just as competitive after publication as it is before. As most writers know, at least those who’ve attended a writer’s conference, there are many more aspiring writers than published ones. Having critiqued many manuscripts, judged many contests, I know there are a number of talented aspiring writers out there. There simply isn’t room for everyone, which makes staying published almost as hard as getting published in the first place. That means sticking with it, not giving up, writing when we don’t feel like it, meeting deadlines (whether from an editor or self-imposed).

I also have a family, which includes my wonderful Fragile X child who is functional only at a two-year-old level even though chronologically he’s fifteen. So my days are full, and I must admit there have been times when I realize life would be so much easier if I could concentrate on my family’s needs.

But the truth is there is absolutely nothing more exciting than recording all of the stories that fill up my head—those stories that sometimes keep me sane when the rest of life is demanding, disappointing, or overwhelming. There is nothing like capturing on the page some of those every day moments that can really be poignant – faith moments, learning moments, loving moments. And then—the real icing on the cake—is hearing from readers that one of my characters helped them articulate some of their own struggles, define some of their emotions, or just helped them escape for a little while the same way I do when I’m imaging all of the story scenarios. That’s why, even if I weren’t writing for a publisher, I’d still write. The escapism is just too important to my every day sanity!

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Like most serious aspiring writers out there, I investigated which publishers produced books similar to the ones I wanted to write, and basically targeted every one of them. I’m not sure any aspiring writer singles out one publisher, because that so narrowly limits options, and few of us have the confidence to think whatever we write will be eagerly snapped up by our favorite publisher.

I was first published by Kregel, which is a well-established, family owned publisher. And while it was a great experience for me, I did want to broaden my exposure. I met the founder of WordServe Literary Agency at a writer’s conference, and not long after that I began working with them. It was through WordServe that I connected with Tyndale—which has been a special blessing to me since they’re local to me in the Chicago area. The Tyndale campus is less than an hour away, so I’ve occasionally stopped in for marketing meetings or to drop off Christmas cookies as a thank you to the staff for all they do to help get my books out there.

But I don’t think there are many authors who sit back and relax after getting published. If your books sell well, the pressure is on to keep those sales up. If the sales sink, the pressure is on to get them back up. Regardless of sales, if one book is received well by an audience, the pressure is on to write something new and different but still please our reading audience—an audience that wants something at least a little familiar from us. In some ways, the time before being published is easier because a writer can write with passion and has the time to explore different genres and interests. But I’m not sure any aspiring writer would see it that way, or that I saw it that way before getting published.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I’ve always considered myself a reader first, and I just write the kind of book I’d like to be reading. So reading is always first on my list of things I like to do. I also enjoy movies, both old and new (no one in my family—except me, of course—ever makes it all the way through a viewing of Wings, the first—silent—Academy Award winner for Best Picture). And I’m sorry to say most of my hobbies have been left behind now that I spend so much time writing. I used to like painting ceramics and embroidery, but it’s been years since I had the time. And travel! I love it, but that’s a challenge, too, with our son who is so unpredictable with his disability and unable to travel well. So we’re limited, but we did manage to visit Belgium, which is the setting for Whisper on the Wind. That was an amazingly memorable trip!

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

My newest novel is Whisper on the Wind, which is a romance that takes place during the First World War. Here is the blurb from the back cover:

She risked everything to rescue him. But what if he doesn’t want to be saved?

Belgium, 1916

The German Imperial Army may have conquered Belgium on its march through Europe, but the small country refuses to be defeated. An underground newspaper surfaces to keep patriotism alive and bring hope and real news of the war to the occupied country. It may be a whisper amongst the shouts of the German army, but it’s a thorn in their side nonetheless—and Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print . . . even risk his life.

Isa Lassone is a Belgium socialite whose family fled Europe at the first rumblings of war. Now, two years later, she sneaks back across enemy lines, determined to rescue Edward—the man she has loved from afar since she was a child.

But will he ever see her as more than the wealthy, silly girl his mother once cared for as a daughter?

When Edward refuses to leave, so does Isa, and soon she is drawn into his dangerous double life. But the Germans are closing in on the paper, and Edward had never planned to put any one else at risk . . . especially the beautiful, smart, yet obstinate young woman who has inconveniently managed to work her way into his life—and into his heart.

My books are available anywhere books are sold, or online at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Wind-Great-War-No/dp/1414324367/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270657535&sr=1-8

Or at CBD:

http://www.christianbook.com/whisper-the-wind-the-great-war/9781414324364/pd/324364?item_code=WW&netp_id=754871&event=ESRCN&view=details

Or Barnes and Noble:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Whisper-on-the-Wind/Maureen-Lang/e/9781414324364/?itm=10&USRI=Maureen+Lang

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

I love visitors to my website and blog! On my blog, I’m be chatting about the “story behind the story” and this week I’m hosting a contest to win a free copy (a contest separate from the one here, so stop by my blog after this if you have another moment).

http://www.maureenlang.com/ and http://maureenlang.blogspot.com/

At my website, you can sign up for my newsletter which I send out with every new book and in the spring and at Christmas time—usually that means two or three newsletters a year, just as an update about what’s going on in my little world. Or you can sign up to be a follower on my blog, which I update every Monday. On Wednesdays I feature new fiction from friends and colleagues, whenever I have a friend who’s promoting a book. It’s fun!

Thanks very much for having me, Carole.

Isn't the book cover beautiful?

Blessings, dear readers.

GiveawayScout is promoting this blog and giveaway at http://giveawayscout.com

My Monday Morning Gratitudes

New journals
Well-writing inkpens
Grilled chicken
Seasoned potatoes
Coffee prepared by hubby
Ripe, homegrown tomatoes
Baby cucumbers
Fun, children's books
My 69 cherry-red, black vinyl-topped, 428 super cobra jet engined-mustang
Reading with hubby

Blessings!

What is It? Day

Can anyone guess what this is? Those with the correct answer will have their name put into a "monthly pot" and one name will be drawn for a free gift!

Please make sure to leave your email address with your guess.

Guess away . . .

Blessings!

I'm thrilled to have Shelley  on my blog today. Please welcome her with your comments.

Every comment and email address will have a chance to win one of her beautiful books and a handmade Amish handcraft!


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?


I’ve always loved writing, but I never even considered writing until the last year I taught school. Then I just wrote for fun. When we moved to Ohio, my husband suggested I go to the Ohio Valley Romance Writers of America meeting. An announcement about their Saturday meeting was in the paper. After my first meeting, I began to try to write a book in earnest.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write inspirational Amish romances for Avon Inspire. I like writing stories about men and women falling in love, but also deepening their faith. I also love writing about the Amish. Soon, I’ll be also writing historical western romances.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I usually write 6 days a week. Right now, I aim for 10 pages a day Monday-Friday, and 5 pages on Saturdays. I take Sundays off. The length of time it takes me depends on the deadline and how the book is going. I’ve written a book in six weeks before, but I wouldn’t recommend it! Three months is my idea amount of time.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

My newest release is titled Autumn’s Promise. It’s the third and final novel in my Seasons of Sugarcreek series. It’s an Amish romance with a twist. My heroine is English, and my hero is Amish. They’ve both been through a lot, and must decide how much they are willing to give up for love.

I depended on a verse from Philippians to guide me. Basically, the spiritual message is that we’re all ‘works in progress’, and that the Lord gives us obstacles in life to discover more about ourselves. Both my characters lean on that verse.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

I might be in the minority, but I’ve never felt like giving up. For me, getting the opportunity to make up stories is such a blessing. But, yes, I completely agree with you, writing is a very solitary job, and it can be extremely challenging and discouraging.

Before writing Amish romances for Avon Inspire, I wrote sweet romances for Avalon Books. It took me quite a while to sell a book to them. Then, after that, it took me another three years to sell to Harlequin American Romance, where I write for them as Shelley Galloway. Now I’m juggling big work loads and lots of deadlines. Sometimes I get just plain tired!

On those days, I give myself a break and go for walks or shop~anything to be out of my house and around other people. I also find a lot of support from my critique partners. We’ve been together over 10 years, and have each had our ups and downs. They know what I’m going through, so talking to them helps.

Once I give myself permission to take a break, within a day or two, I’m anxious to write again. : )

Who’s inspired you the most?

I would have to say my father inspired me the most. He’s been gone for some time now, but his success in life made me realize that anything was possible. So, I often try to have big dreams and work as hard as I can.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

Ha! I could spend an hour on likes and dislikes! I really enjoy baking and reading cookbooks. I also love spending time with my kids. They’re older now, so any moments I’m with them make me very happy. We also have two dogs. The miniature dachshund is my little buddy. I love taking her on walks.

I love to travel, too, and have been fortunate to have traveled to a lot of different places, both in the United States and in Europe. Lately, I’ve been telling my husband I want to go on two different cruises. One is a transatlantic cruise, and stop in Casablanca. The other is a northern European cruise, and stop in St. Petersburg. Obviously I’m still dreaming about big things!

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

My website is http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/, and I write a blog on it about once a week. I’m also very active on FaceBook, and have two pages there, a Fan Page and a regular page, where I post little things about my days. If people are interested, I’d love for people to ‘friend’ me there!

I give a lot of books away, and offer contests and drawings with almost every book release. My next release is GRACE, which will be published in October. It’s a Christmas romance, and a continuation of my first series with Avon Inspire, the sisters of the heart series. I’ll post information about that book on both my website and on FB.

Thank you so much, Shelley for sharing with us a bit of your life!

Folks, don't forget that comment and email address! You don't want to miss a chance on winning a book from Shelley!

Blessings!

My Monday Morning Gratitudes

Smiles from people I don't know
Jamin, who gives me great insight on my manuscripts
Older people who really do know everything
Young people and their undeniable enthusiasm
Skirts that float
Sailboats and those who know anything about them
Hummingbirds that feed beside our deck
Strong arms
Gentle hands
The privilege of buying colorful shoes.

Blessings!

Isaiah 65:24

Do you have faith?

This is a story written by a doctor who worked in Africa:

One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).
We also had no special feeding facilities.
Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates)..

'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed.

As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough,mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten -year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this.

Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home.

Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored.. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.
Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the . . . could it really be?
I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.

Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!'

Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!
Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'

'Of course,' I replied!

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator.

And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)

When you read this, say the prayer.
That's all I ask.
No strings attached.

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.

This awesome prayer takes less than a minute:
Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal our love and release to them Your courage.. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen

Blessings!

Please Welcome Anita Higman and Janice Thompson . . .



Your Barbour Heartsong 3-in-1 collection is entitled, Ozark Weddings. Tell us a little bit about the three stories.

Anita: All three stories are set in Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Larkspur Dreams and Castles in the Air are romantic comedy, while the middle story, The Love Song, is more dramatic in tone.

Janice: Larkspur Dreams is a lighthearted, whimsical tale that will appeal to inspirational romance readers, particularly those with artistic leanings. The Love Song reaches into the depths of the reader’s soul, dealing with the topic of overcoming past hurts. Castles in the Air provides a humorous look at the way we are perceived by others, and teaches us that our prejudices (comical as they might be) often keep us from the very thing God has planned for us.

Anita, you and Janice co-authored the three stories in Ozark Weddings. How do writers go about co-authoring?

Anita: There are a number of ways to co-author a novel. One writer might do the research and the other writer may actually write the story. Or co-authors may each choose a character and write from that character’s POV. In the three novels, I guess you could say I wrote the body and wings of the stories, and Janice helped to make them fly. She has a gift for critiquing.

Janice: Working with Anita is a breeze because she conceives and fully plots the stories then lets me add my thoughts/tidbits to give them flavor. She is so quirky and fun to work with, and I am very proud of the stories we have co-produced.

Were there times when it was hard to work together?

Anita: Janice is not only talented, but easy to work with. There were a few times in one of the novels that I found myself writing in a way that strayed from the general concept of a Heartsong romance. Janice made some good suggestions, which steered me in the right direction.

Janice: I can honestly say that I’ve never worked with anyone who was so willing to accept critique and/or take suggestions as Anita. She is a precious friend and collaborative partner. I already knew she was talented (even before we began this project) but had no idea how gracious she would be. Since I’ve written for the Heartsong line for years, I was able to “teach her the ropes” (as it were) and she was a ready learner! That’s not to say she hasn’t taught me a thing or two. I’ve learned much from her throughout this process, particularly as it applies to romantic tension. She’s far better at that than I am, and I’m happy to admit it.

Why did you choose to be a writer?

Anita: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this need to express myself in some sort of artistic medium. I’ve tried a number of things: piano, painting, decorating, and acting. But I’ve never been very good at any these endeavors, except writing. I guess really then—writing chose me.

Janice: Like Anita, I’ve always been artistic. As a youngster, I sang, danced and played the piano. I was also very involved in theater as a young person. I’ve been writing since childhood. I wrote my first novella in 6th grade, then went on to write musical comedies for the stage before turning to books in the mid-90’s. Like Anita, I can truly say that I didn’t choose writing; it chose me. Or, perhaps I should say that God chose it for me, as a gift.

When did you have your first success as a writer?

Anita: After several years of writing, I had some gradual success—books for children, books of one-act plays, and nonfiction for women. These successes were enough to keep me going toward my ultimate goal, which was to write novels.

Janice: This may sound a bit silly, but my first real writing “success” happened my senior year in high school, when I was chosen to help write the senior production. I had a blast, and the scene I crafted (a 1930’s/Busby Berkeley-esque “The Show Must Go On” scene) was a huge success. I can’t tell you what fun I had, or how great it felt for people to respond as they did.

Do you have any special methods of getting into the writing zone, such as favorite scents, music, or certain foods?

Anita: In the past I used to go to a French café, order coffee and scrambled eggs, and then write a rough chapter. The noise, music, and bustle always energized me creatively. But now I’m more of a homebody, so I sit for long hours in my office, working on my stories.

Janice: An "ideal" writing situation for me would involve someplace like Starbucks (or otherwise) with a cup of my favorite hot beverage in my hand (to be discussed below). Ironically, when I'm at home, I can't stand having music going. I find it terribly distracting... something about the "beat" drives me nutty. Having the television on is okay, but it's often muted. Crazy, I know. I'm a fanatic about my Diet Dr. Pepper and several flavors of hot tea. I particularly love Earl Grey and Chai Latte, among others. And I'm nuts about hot chocolate in the wintertime. I'm also crazy about my puppies. I have two red mini-dachshunds named Sasha and Copper. They usually settle in next to me on the sofa, Sasha on my right, Copper on my left. When we're all in place (with a cup of tea or a Diet Dr. Pepper on the end table, depending on the season) I'm ready to begin. Of course, I usually have to weed through several emails (clearing a path) before I can actually start writing. Whew! Sounds like quite a process, doesn't it?! It's a wonder I get anything done at all!

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?

Anita: If you feel called to write, don’t let people discourage you. I’m sure they don’t realize the impact of their words, but negative remarks can undermine our courage and joy. Comments similar to: “Maybe you weren’t really meant to be published.” Or, “Are you making any money at this yet?” Perhaps you’ve heard, “Why can’t you write like my favorite author?” Honestly, I could go on and on here. Writing is a great and honorable profession—one that can challenge, inspire, and change people’s lives. If you love words and love arranging them into stories, then don’t let the battering influence of dispiriting comments shatter your dream. Keep pressing on!

Janice: I often say this to young/new writers: Learn the craft, but don’t necessarily write what the publishers/agents/houses tell you to write. Trends change. Stick with the stories God places on your heart and if He intends them to be published, He will find the right publishing house in the right time.

What are your writing plans for the future?

Anita: I’d love to just keep doing what I’m doing. But I think I’d also enjoy writing novels for the young adult market.

Janice: I’m open to whatever God wants (and I really mean that). If He shifts me in a new direction (women’s fiction, for example) I’m following His lead! If He asks me to lay the writing down for a season in order to accomplish a different task, I’m open to that, too.

We’d love for you to visit our websites at http://www.anitahigman.com/ and http://www.janiceathompson.com/. If you’re interested in our Heartsong collection, Ozark Weddings, it can be purchased in bookstores or ordered online at http://www.amazon.com/.

Thanks for inviting us to your blog!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

1. I'm thankful for the look of trust and love in my dogs' eyes
2. I'm thankful for my bookshelves
3. For the beautiful pictures I own
4. For the music boxes that sprinkle a little happiness on me now and then
5. The beautiful red, red roses; their color so deep and rich
6. The coral pink roses that are light and fun and girlish
7. For the two new mystery writers I've discovered
8. For the joy of grilling
9. The funny stuff No. 1 son says
10. For how No. 2 son always says I love you when he hangs up.

Blessings!

Winners!

We've drawn TWO names for Lisa's books:

Miss Kallie
Marjorie

Congratulations, ladies,
and thanks so much, everyone, for visiting and participating. I (and the writers!) appreciate it so much. Please stop by anytime. I love having you.

Coming on Wednesday, is an interview with Janice Thompsom and Anita Higman, authors of Ozark Weddings, a compilation of THREE romance stories. Don't miss the interview!

Wonderful weekend blessings!

Oh, the Wonder of Anniversaries

Since my anniversary is today, I've got a funny story about an anniversary for you . . .

40 years of marriage
A married couple in their early 60s was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant.

Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table. She said, 'For being such an exemplary married couple and for being loving to each other for all this time, I will grant you each a wish.'

The wife answered, 'Oh, I want to travel around the world with my darling husband.

The fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - two tickets for the Queen Mary II appeared in her hands.

The husband thought for a moment: 'Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again. Aloud, he said, 'I'm sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me.'

The wife and the fairy were deeply disappointed, but a wish is a wish. So the fairy waved her magic wand and poof! . . .

the husband became 92 years old.

The moral of this story: Men who are ungrateful beasts should remember fairies are female.

Love is the only thing that can be divided without being diminished.

 
And I truly thank God that my husband isn't like that! LOL
 
Blessings

Please Welcome
Mystery Writer
J. Mark Bertrand!




How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I always wanted to be a writer. But then I always wanted to be a spy, a detective, a general, and a ninja, too. None of the other options worked out (and in the case of spy, even if it had, I couldn’t talk about it) so there was nothing left to do but write!

LOL. What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write crime fiction, specifically police procedurals, a form of detective story with a high degree of realism. My books are about people doing terrible things, and the impact those transgressions have on both the victims and the police.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

When I’m writing a first draft, I focus on one chapter at a time. I’ve already done my planning, and probably written a few “false starts” trying to get into the story. Once I have a feel for it, I shoot for one chapter a day, moving forward through the story until I reach the end. Then I go back to revise and rewrite. I read the whole thing out loud to myself. I’m not done until I feel completely satisfied with the result. I can write a first draft in a month, month and a half, but all the work before and after requires time, too. For me, the process changes book to book, too.

Tell my readers about your new book (I loved it and posted a review). What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

I’m writing a series of detective novels featuring a Houston homicide cop named Roland March. In the first book, Back on Murder, which released in July, we catch up to him as his once-promising career is on the skids. He catches a break and suddenly finds himself at the center of two investigations: a multiple homicide at a Southwest Houston gang house and the headline-grabbing disappearance of a beautiful suburban teen. He’s the only one who thinks there’s a connection. The next book in the series comes out in Summer 2011. Readers can find my books in their local stores or order them online.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

Since the people I write about have a very hard job that involves danger, dead bodies, and enormous amounts of paperwork, I can’t complain too much about getting to write novels. I enjoy it too much to think of it as work, even when it is, and so far no one has taken a shot at me.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Dave Long, my editor at Bethany House, suggested I try my hand at crime fiction. Not long after that, one of his authors, my friend Deeanne Gist, asked me to co-author a book with her. That’s how I ended up having two books, Beguiled and Back on Murder, releasing in 2010. The moral of the story? Do the best you can, and know the right people. Easier said than done, I realize.

The hard work begins once you’re published. The bigger the book, the bigger the risk, so there’s no question of sitting back and relaxing. Maybe some day, once there’s enough momentum behind my books. For now, though, it’s push, push, push.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I’m a voracious reader, naturally. When I’m not reading or writing, I have an unusual sideline: I run BibleDesignBlog.com, the world’s foremost blog on Bible design and binding. (Well, it’s also the only blog on the subject, which explains the foremost part.) This ties in with the travel question, because there’s a company in Glasgow, Scotland called R. L. Allan that makes magnificent Bibles. My wife and I went to Edinburgh for our honeymoon, so I’d love to take her back and combine business with pleasure. Oh, and did I mention that I’m a Francophile, too? I grew up in Louisiana, where the Code Napoléon is still the law, so I’m always daydreaming about returning to France, too.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Back on Murder has a dedicated webpage at http://www.backonmurder.com/. There are excerpts, endorsements, extras -- lots of good stuff to check out. I also blog about crime fiction at http://www.crimegenre.com/. Then there’s my main page, http://www.jmarkbertrand.com/, a clearing house for all things Bertrand-related. There are links to all my books there!

Thanks so much, Mark, for sharing a little of your writing life with us.
 
Blessings, dear readers!

My Monday's List of Gratitude

1. My writing talent
2. That I've been able to write and finish six novels with another almost completed
3. That I have a wonderful agent who works hard for me
4. That even though she doesn't know it, she always calls when I need her the worst. Smile
5. That I've made friends with some of my agent's other clients
6. For Jen who's blog is fun and teaches me a lot about blogging
7. For Lisa who's blog is educational and encourages me to stand up for what I believe in this world
8. For Allen who knows his stuff on his blog
9. For John and his ministry
10. For Doug and how he encourages us to market.

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Life should not be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive

and well preserved body, but rather

to skid in sideways, with an old dog,

astride a lifelong old horse,

with a body thoroughly used up,

totally worn out and screaming

"Woo Hoo! What a ride!"

-author unknown

Blessings!