Sunday Morning Peace

Herb Garden

I know a garden with a loveliness
Deeper than eye can see or indrawn breath
Canmeasure rightly. Ancient centuries press
Against its walls till time is gone and death
Is lost in fragrance of the lavender
That grows serenely by a lichened stile.
Basil, rosemary, marjoram are there,
And savory, whose blossoms lift a smile
Beside a dripping pool. There silver sage
and lads-love, that all our mothers knew
And pressed for s in many a yellowed page.
Woodruff is there, mint, caraway, and rue.
Old flowers are lovely, lovelier still are these
Sweet-scented herbs near box and cedar trees.

--Catherine ate Coblentz

A Warm Welcome to My Friend, Marsha Hubler!

Would you like to win one of Marsha's books? Make sure to leave a comment and your email address. Now on to her interview:

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 guess I’ve always had the “write” gene in me. As a young person, I had several teachers who encouraged me from elementary school through college. I always loved writing, especially poetry, short stories, and articles, but life got in the way, and I didn’t start seriously trying to be published until the early 1990s. In 1991, my first sale was a short piece about one of our foster daughters. A Christian woman’s magazine bought the “Bus Kid” article for $30. I was so excited, I felt as though I had won the lottery. I still have a copy of that first check on my “FAVORITES” wall in my office to remind me from whence I came and how God has blessed my writing.

That would be inspiration to keep writing! Smile. What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I have dabbled in the genres, or “divisions,” of poetry, articles, short stories, ladies’ Bible studies, nonfiction helps book for homeschoolers, juvenile fiction, and now I’m working on an Amish/Mennonite fiction series for adults. My eight girl/horse tween books, The Keystone Stables Series from Zonderkidz, have been my best sellers.

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?

If I can park “life” for a while, my best time to write each day is from ten to 2 pm. I don’t set goals other than that of finishing a manuscript. Last fall, I had an agent request the first completed Amish fiction book in my “Loves of Snyder County” series, which I had only three chapters written last October. Writing steadily, but not every day, I was able to finish the 53,000-word manuscript by the end of February.

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

• I have 13 books in print, the most recent a tween mystery, THE SECRET OF WOLF CANYON, published by Sonfire in Galax, VA. Horse lovers would also love the Keystone Stables series, which has main characters that deal with juvenile delinquency, blindness, deafness, Down syndrome, and the death of a close friend.

On the lighter side, they’d enjoy RICKIE RIDES TO THE RESCUE and for the six-to-ten-year-olds, THE SECRET OF THE BATTY

Ladies serious about their prayer life would like DRAW ME CLOSER LORD.

Those thinking about homeschooling or just starting the tremendous task would glean from my 20 years of experience with homeschoolers by reading YOU’VE DECIDED TO HOMESCHOOL; NOW WHAT?



Readers can buy all my books at my website, and most are on Amazon or at any bookstore. Most of the books can be ordered if they are not on the shelves.

Oh, my. You have an impressive list of books! Tell us, what is the spiritual message in your books? What can readers expect to get from reading them?

All of my books either present the plan of salvation or challenge the reader to live godly lives for the Lord Jesus.

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?

Of course, it’s always discouraging to get rejection letters, and even after the success of 13 books, I still get rejection letters. But I have a burning desire to write for the Lord’s glory. I love the process of creating characters and thinking, “What if?” So, whether I am accepted for publication or not, I MUST write. I feel it is a direct calling from the Lord.

Who’s inspired you the most?

I would have to say that Jesus has inspired me the most. He’s the AUTHOR and finisher of our faith. I’m also impressed with the writings of Paul in the New Testament. As far as contemporary authors, I’m always reading the genres in which I write. So it’s hard to name any specific ones other than Nancy Rue (juvenile fiction), and right now I’m reading Amish fiction by Suzanne Fisher. Other writer friends inspire me, as well. Once a week a few of us try to get together at a local café and just sit together for several hours, sip coffee, and write on our laptops. It’s a great way to hold yourself accountable.

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

I’ve had five contracts with publishing companies and two with agents. All but one came from meeting the editors or agents at writers’ conferences. I can’t express how important it is to “get out there and mingle” with our creative crowd.

As far as “success,” that is an abstract term. In the Christian book market, there is very little money for the author. I received an advance for some of my books, but it was no way near any amount to be able to live on. My royalties for the rest of the books are pittance. So, in the Christian book world, “success” only means that you have, maybe, a recognizable name to a small group of fans and admirers. It’s only your big names like Tim LaHaye and Beverly Lewis who get the million dollar advances.

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

• I love reading the Bible. You couldn’t make up stories better than those that are recorded in those holy pages.
• I also love Christian music and play it often in my home and in the car.
• I like quality time to think and write.

I dislike most of what’s on TV today. I watch mostly Fox news and old reruns of Murder, She Wrote or old “happy ending” movies.

I have several hobbies: playing the organ (church organist), reading, of course, playing Scrabble online, gardening, and billiards. I love horses, but I only ride them vicariously in my horse books anymore.

I’d love to travel to Israel, Hawaii, Alaska, and Austria.

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 to hear from other writers and Keystone Stables fans. Visit me at any of these sites.

• (web) http://www.marshahubler.com/
• (writers’ tips blog) http://www.marshahubler.wordpress.com/ (Every Monday)
• (horse lovers’ blog) http://www.horsefactsbymarshahubler.wordpress.com/ (Every Thurs.)
• (writers’ conference info) http://www.susquehannavalleywritersworkshop.wordpress.com/

All anyone wants to know about my writing, my passions, and my books can visit my website and three blogs. I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, and several other social networking sites.

I will be at The Montrose Christian Writers Conference, Montrose, PA, from July 24th to the 29th.

Thanks, Carole!

Thank you, Marsha, for visitng!
Readers, for a chance to win her book, please leave your email and a comment!

Blessings! 

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Gorgeous wedding invitations.
Certain stamps
Garden books
Newly mown grass
Peaches and cream
Carrot cake cupcakes
Outdoor dramas
Houseplants
People who know how to decorate
birdnests

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Who Loves a Garden

Who loves a garden
Finds within his soul
Life's whole;
He hears the anthem of the soil
While ingrates toil:
And sees beyond his little sphere
The waving fronds of heaven, clear.

--Louise Seymour Jones

Children in Church

A little boy was in a relative's wedding. As he was coming down the aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR, all the way down the aisle.

As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit.

When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was being the Ring Bear."

****

One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out.

Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

****

 

One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

Have a fun and wonderful day!

Blessings.

Please Help Me Welcome Dora Hiers!

I'm thrilled to host Dora on my blog this week. For a chance to win to win her book, please leave your email address and a comment.
How long have you known that you were a writer?

Since my son started middle school and didn’t want me hanging out at school with him anymore. LOL. By then, I’d been a stay-at-home mom about three years and had spent most of my time alternating between two schools. My older son graduated, and my younger son moved to middle school. I knew I needed something more to fill my days. An avid reader, God planted a story idea that pinged around in my head for a few months until I finally confessed my desire to write to my husband. With his enthusiastic support, I started pounding out the story.

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

Inspirational romantic suspense ~ what I like to call heart racing, God-gracing romance

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?

The creative side of my brain functions best in the mornings, so I usually only write until lunchtime. My goal is anything over 1,000 words. Does that happen every day? No, but it does most days. I reserve afternoons for editing, promoting, housecleaning, yard work, catching up on personal errands, and watching my grandkids. Oh, and the best part ~ lunch with my husband!

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

Sure! I’ll do better…here’s a brief blurb and a tiny taste of JOURNEY’S END!

Devastated after the brutal murder of her husband, Chelsea Hammond vows never to love another lawman. Intent on rebuilding her shattered life, she turns her focus to helping troubled teens. But when an angry father bent on retaliation, threatens her, Chelsea must turn to the one man she never thought to trust: Deputy U.S. Marshal Trey Colten.

Trey wants only to protect Chelsea, but she blames him for her husband’s death. Trey can relate. He blames himself, also. As danger lurks, Trey begs Chelsea to heed his warnings. He let down one Hammond. He won’t let down another—especially one who now holds his heart.

When Chelsea is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear and trust Trey with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?


Where one journey ends, another begins…

And for that tiny taste…

“I suppose I should have been a vet.” Chelsea stroked the dog’s fur from his head all the way down his back, careful not to touch his wounded leg.


“Maybe. But I don’t think you’ve wasted your energy or your talents as a guidance counselor. Teenagers can’t seem to resist you, either.”


That produced a full-fledged smile in his direction. Way to go, Colten!


“Remember that natural charm I warned you about?”


He threw back his head and laughed. “Yes. And after a few days in your presence, I’m inclined to agree with you.”

He pulled into the veterinarian’s parking lot and glanced her way, surprised to see her grinning. “What?”


“Saved by the vet.”


Her words hit him like a piano dropping ten stories. She was flirting with him.


He took his time walking around to her side of the truck. He opened the door and leaned in, planting his hand on the seat next to her shapely legs. His face hovered inches from hers while he savored the way her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, the lips that curved in that always graceful way, and the eyes that spoke everything his heart wanted to hear.


Her eyes closed, and her lips parted slightly.


Trey snapped out of it. He couldn’t do this. He was on the job. She didn’t know the secrets he knew, the truth about her husband.


Her eyes startled open. As much as he wanted to partake and enjoy, he couldn’t. He touched a silky curl framing her face and ran it through his fingers. “You need to know that right now I’m working. But there will come a time, soon, when I’m not.”

JOURNEY'S END is available in e-book and print editions. You can find JOURNEY'S END at http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/ ; http://www.amazon.com/ ; and http://www.christianbook.com/

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Forgiveness ~ it’s never too late.

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?

With each rejection letter, I cried, ranted, and stopped writing. Shelved my baby deep in the closet. But, God wouldn’t let me give up. After a few months, a gentle nudge would prompt me to look at each rejection again with fresh perspective. What did I find? Not a “no!” but constructive criticism to help my writing become stronger, better. So, armed with knowledge and renewed vigor, I’d dig in. So, yeah, I felt like giving up, but I’m so glad I didn’t because the feeling’s ever so sweet when that congratulatory email or phone call comes!

Who’s inspired you the most?

God, first. Psalms 19:14 (NIV) “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” In every action I take, every thought that swirls around in my head, every word that comes from my mouth, every word I type ~ I want to glorify my Creator!

Next, my husband. He’s my best friend, my encourager, and my biggest promoter!

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

I love:

• spending time with my family,
• drinking a cup of café con leche in the morning,
• kicking back in my recliner with a good book,
• teaching 2nd graders in Sunday School,
• vacationing in the mountains,
• watching football,
• walking my dog at the park,
• turning the fireplace on for the first time in winter,
• the changing seasons in NC (we never saw this in Florida!), and what else?
• Shopping!

I don’t like traffic. Bad coffee. Or no coffee in the morning. A sad ending to a book. That’s the absolute worst! My books always end with happily-ever-after’s!

My dream destination? The Holy Land. Can you imagine walking where Jesus walked? Talk about standing on holy ground. That thought gives me goosebumps!

Where can we find you?

At my website ~ http://dorahiers.com/
Blog with me at ~ http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/
Email me ~ dora@dorahiers.com

I’ve enjoyed my visit, Carole. Thanks so much for inviting me to hang out with you today.


And thank you so much for being here, Dora!
Readers, if you'd like a copy of Dora's book, leave your comment and email address for a chance.
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Feeding hungry people
Watching enthusiastic young people
Seeing the joy of a couple buying a new home
Love in the eye of a couple
Bridal dresses
bare feet
Sand
Older couples holding hands
Polite men
People who aren't afraid to enjoy life

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

On a summer day I find--

Proof enough for all mankind

Of God's glory everywhere . . .

Honeysuckle in the air,

Violets nd dew-kissed roses,

Pleated daisies, quilted clover,

Blue slate swallows soaring over,

Flowered apple trees aglow,

Aspens leaning in a row,

Wrinkled elm trees in a line,

Speckled birch and needled pine,

Fertile gardens, fields of wheat,

Velet grass grown at my feet . . .

All things lovely, all things fair--

Proof of God's love everywhere!

Blessings!

Reviews and More Reviews
Three reviews of three different books I've enjoyed this year. A suspense. A post WWII romance. And a growing-old-with-me romance set in the Appalachian area of North Carolina. All exellent books. All I highly recommend.

The Scroll

by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky
Back Cover:
One last dig. One final descent into the twisted tunnels of ancient Jerusalem. Will the truth be found among the treasures that lie beneath the holy city?

Dr. David Chambers, leading archaeologist, has spent his professional career uncovering the facts in the artifacts. His work sets the standard for biblical research in the Holy Land. But surrounded by the evidence, David has sunk into an abyss of doubt. A painful experience with a seemingly unresponsive God has left him without hope. The Old Testament scriptures that used to fill his mind with wonder now drive him into frustration. His unanswered questions have ripped him from both his academic pursuits and the love of his life his fiancée, Amber.

An old friend and mentor reaches out to David, enticing him with the riches described in the enigmatic Copper Scroll. Losing ground with his peers, his love, and his faith, David Chambers has a choice to make. Will he undertake one final dig to unlock a secret that could alter the course of history? Do the mysteries of the Old Testament hold the key to the political turmoil of the Middle East?

In a world where faith has been eclipsed by the allure of doubt, The Scroll offers a different journey: a gripping adventure to find truth worth dying for.


My Take:
From the get-go, David Chambers seems like a self-absorbed, egotistical man, but likeable nonetheless because of the obvious flaws and personality traits Jeffrey and Gansky used for their protagonist. Obsessed with his work, he allows his faith to decline until it causes a wedge between the one woman he loves and himself. Determined to turn his back on any studies of Israel, he focuses on finding another interest to pursue.

Enter old friend and mentor Abram Ben-Judah who is successful in persuading David to join a special team for one last search of Israeli treasure. Unknown to David, his former fiancée, Amber Robinson, is part of the team, the one person who knows him and is not afraid to speak her mind around him. Add to the triangle another archeologist who’s also interested in Amber, and the setup is perfect for conflict and romance.

Danger stalks the team as they encounter terrorists determined to get their hands on the generations-old treasures. Bombs, threats, and bad press releases, in spite of one of the best security groups in the country available for protection, take the lives of several helpers. But the hope in finding the ultimate historical treasures from Biblical days keeps Chambers pushing on. The thrill of seeing the rich jewels and high priest articles is the supreme reward.

From hotel conference rooms and dining areas to tombs and tunnels, all in Israel, are the perfect settings for an exciting suspense that will keep the reader turning page after page to the end. I highly recommend this book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unforgettable

by Trish Perry

Back Cover:

Rachel Stanhope tries to see the good in everyone. But Josh Reegan tests even the benevolent Rachel's good graces when they meet outside her Arlington, Virginia, dance studio on a brisk fall morning in 1951. Admittedly, he's attractive, yet his cynicism and cockiness are hard to tolerate.

A journalist and former WWII Air Force pilot, Josh considers a distraction like ballroom dancing a frivolous waste of time. Yes, Rachel's confident nature is a refreshing challenge, but he wouldn't tangle with her if his newpaper hadn't roped him into covering one of her studio's competitions in New York City.

Between Arlington and New York . . . between the melodrama of ballroom antics and the real drama of political corruption . . . between family involvement and romantic entanglement . . . Rachel and Josh have their hands full. The last thing either of them expects is mutual need and support. But once they stop dancing around the truth, the results are unforgettable.

My Take:

Anything to do with the WWII era or roundabout then, catches my attention. And this romance set right after that period succeeded.

Rachel Stanhope, determined to prove to her father that she is just as capable as her brother at creating a career, opens a dance studio where she is mildly successful. But after losing her main instructor, she hires two interesting dance instructors and starts a class for juveniles, and things take a turn for the better. Unfortunately--or is it fortunately?--she has to deal with a WWII hero named Josh Reegan who belittles her school as frivolous. Rachel, fighting the memory of a past dance partner who embarrassed her to such a degree she can't forgive or forget, is reluctant to trust another man--especially one who blows hot, then cold within minutes.

Josh, an ambitious news reporter, is disgusted when he's demoted to "society news" because of losing a main informational source. Secretly fighting to regain his previous positon which draws him into a political corruption scheme, he's angry when instructed to cover Stanhope's competition in New York. Yet that very move brings the one thing he's not sure is for him: love.

Josh and Rachel learn that letting go of their problems and trusting God will teach them the way to trust each other. Only then, will love blossom.

A sweet, enjoyable read for those who adore romance!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grow Old With Me

by Melinda Evaul

Back Cover:

A modern day Beauty and the Beast meet in their fifties when a disfigured carpenter becomes a guest at a bed and breakfast in the western-style tourist town of Love Valley, NC.

Benjamin Pruitt plans to repair the town’s buildings before retiring to a solitary life. Sarah Campbell longs for freedom since her long task as caregiver has ended.

Can Benjamin and Sarah piece the tattered remnants of their lives into a beautiful design to warm their waning years?



My Take:

Ah, Melinda, what a sweet, cherishable story of two hurting, flaw-able people who are drawn together.

Set in a charming bed and breakfast, small town, North Carolina state, Melinda draws a picture of love in an impossibly seeming way. Add to that, the darling quilt-named rooms, and you have a story setting that is rich in appalachianal history.

Benjamin Pruitt, carpenter, is disfigured due to an fire accident years before, lost the life he'd planned and the faith he was held dear. When he rents a room at the local bed and breakfast, all he wants is to stay clear of other guests and go about his work as quickly as he can. He doesn't plan on the sweet--and sometimes impatient--Sarah Campbell to quietly enter his life and draw him out of himself. Her growing need for help forces him to forget about his own suffering in spite of enduring the stares and an ugly rumor and accusation that points its finger his direction. But what is a man to do when the woman he loves is hurting? 

A love Benjamin once thought he'd never have. 

Life has escaped Sarah--or at least that's the way it seems. Forced into the care of her ailing parents, she's never known anything else, and has no other visible means of support, than to run the B and B. A charming place with quilt-named rooms--is nevertheless almost more than she can handle, in spite of a dear friend who does what she can to help the growing crippled Sarah, and a young couple and their child who care enough to love this couple regardless of their problems. 

Tentatively, slowly, cautiously, love advances and conquers the hearts of two real-life people who never dream that past dreams can come true--even for them.

A beautifully written story that will touch your heart and remain with you for long afterwards.

I hope you decide to buy/read all of these books. If you do, enjoy!

Blessings!

A Warm Welcome to my Friend, Jude Urbanski!

Jude's new book isn't out until this fall, but she's thrilled to giveaway to one winner his/her choice of a copy of her, I Can't Remember Me or if they want: A Joy Restored (again, available this fall) .  Leave a comment and email address for a chance to win it!

Now for her interview . . .

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?

Carole, I did not feel a ‘call’ to write, but have loved reading ever since I can remember. I had read nearly every book in the library by the time I finished elementary. The desire to write was probably born in that school library and I scribbled in diaries, wrote poems, prayers and articles for many years. Even won a contest or two.

I can say my real passion to write hinges on two historical events in my life.

The first. My adult daughter was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, had a car wreck in which her little six- year-old son was killed and she suffered a life-threatening traumatic brain injury. After a long, dark period of time, the Lord led us to tell her story in book form as a means of healing and testimony of God’s mercy and redemption and the absolute miracle of her recovery. Writing that book was one of the hardest things I have done, yet one of the most rewarding.

Of course, that book was nonfiction, but from there I continued my fiction efforts, but, to be honest, with minimum success. I thought I had forever to perfect my writing, when my second hinge of history occurred. After a routine exam, I received the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The lab report had to be pushed in front of my nose and my doctor’s nose to make us believers.

From there, I rearranged my life to include writing fiction.

Oh, my. You are a brave woman, Jude. What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I continue to write inspirational nonfiction. That is just a part of me. For the past year I have written an inspirational column for Maximum Living, a magazine with focus on spirituality and wellness. But most of my time is spent writing fiction. I like to say I write women’s fiction with inspirational romance elements. Women’s fiction to me is the story of a woman’s journey, which may or may not include romance. I just like to include romance. What’s life without romance?

Too true! 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?

Ugh! Some days not as well as I’d like. My laptop is on my dining room table (sigh, can I covet Deb Raney’s fabulous office?) and the beautiful scene of nature outside my windows pulls me astray far too often. BUT, my goal is to reach my ergonomic chair in front of my laptop by 9:00 am. I’m a fairly early riser and get everything done first, even dinner planned. From there I GO! If I get 2-3 hours of pure writing in, I am satisfied. As you know, there’s a lot more to this business than making words. Liz Curtis Higgs has certain days she does administration, marketing and writing. I wanna be like her! But we all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s just how we use them.

My first novel took about two years to write, but I did not apply myself diligently. My author friend JoAnn Durgin is gifted and can craft a zillion words by noon. I’m lucky to get a 1000. I’m too lean and she says my words are too big.

My second novel took about a year interspersed with work, volunteering, church, and family. You know the drill don’t you? My third one must be done quicker. I have a deadline of eight months. We do get better and faster. But I’ll never be real fast.

I love days when I get lots of writing done! 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?

The title is Joy Restored. It is about a young, widowed mother who is healed in broken places. She blames God for the death of her disturbed, Vietnam vet husband and in the process almost misses the incredible love offered by a rich, Christian widower.

The message is timeless. God is still there through our darkest times. My heroine finds that with God tragedy can turn to triumph. Readers can expect delightful characters and a wonderful love story.

Joy Restored is being published by Desert Breeze Publishing and will be available in electronic form in November. It will be carried by Desert Breeze, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other electronic venues. It is book one of the Chanute Crossings Chronicles and book two will be out June 2012. My mother's 1930's sweet love story with the same setting will be a free bonus download with my book.

The link to Desert Breeze is http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/

Oooo. Nice gift with your book. Your book sounds interesting. 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?

Carole, I have emotionally quit several times, but never literally. Once, the rejections from my so-desired Christian Publishers were so not forthcoming, I decided to take the Christian out of my story. At my next agent meeting (with an agent I really, really wanted) she asked, “Where’s the faith element?” I was terribly humbled and had no cogent reply. A strong faith element has been there since and always will be. No matter the number of rejections.

Who’s inspired you the most?

This is not hard to answer. I think real heroes are missing today, but I’m always on the look out. In short and in hindsight, I’d say my mother was and has been my biggest inspiration by far. Simply by her life.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?”

I called my first publisher because author submission guidelines were missing from their web site. One thing let to another and she asked for a proposal. A God thing.

The second publisher had a request for submissions on our ACFW Loop and I answered. And she answered. It's very important though to study publishers to whom you submit. Make sure the house fits your genre and subject.

Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Come on, Carole! Though that does happen (think JK Rowling), it isn’t often. I’m just thankful for what small success I have had. It means a lot to me for many reasons.

LOL. Well, I have to ask, don't I? Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I hardly dislike anything and have far too many likes! That’s why I get distracted from writing.

• I love nature and love to travel.
• Biking and walking suit me just fine.
• Love jazz and classical music.
• Have just learned to knit and am learning to play the piano.
• Am fascinated with genealogy.

• After God, my passions are people and places.
• My college minor was anthropology and I’ve always enjoyed other cultures.
• I’ve been blessed, in my nursing career and otherwise, to travel to quite a few places in the world and this has given me a broader understanding of mankind. I’ve always wanted to see Siberia. Instead, God gave me a wonderful Russian neighbor and I read The Long Walk. Now I don’t want to see Siberia so much.

Would you care to share your blog address or webpage with readers? 

I have a fun blog and very, very soon will have a nice web site done by Jason Walker, whom some of you use. I do all the social network things also, but to be honest, I’d rather be playing Uno with my grandkids. However, those things are important and as writers, we must do them.

Don’t write a book unless you are willing to market it and plan to spend about 2 years doing that. Create a local, state and national marketing plan. Be brazen.

My web site is http://www.judeurbanski.com/ and my blog is http://judeurbanski.blogspot.com/ Come, visit and as a man once said, “Follow Me.”

Carole, for those visiting your blog and leaving a comment, I am giving away either a copy of my non fiction book, I Can't Remember Me, or a copy of Joy Restored when it's released. Leave your email and Carole will pick the winner!

Thanks for having me, Carole. I enjoyed it.

And thanks for joining us, Jude. It's been a lot of fun! 

Readers, winner's choice: An interesting nonfic book or her soon-to-be-released fiction romance. Leave a comment and email address.

Wonderful blessings! 

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Hotdogs!
Fourth of July fireworks!
The multiple questions children ask
The sun, moon, and stars--all gorgeous lights in their own rights
Children's books
Comfortable feeling shoes
Men who read to their families
Men in a tux
Heart to heart talks
Checked tablecloths


Blessings

Sunday Morning Peace

Don't take anyone else's definition of success as your own. -- Jacqueline Briskin

Tidbits of Wisdom . . . and Encouragement

Revelations 3:8

One Door Closes--Another Opens
God closes doors no man can open and God opens doors no man can close . . .

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only one of two things will happen. Either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

When you reach the end of your rope
You will find the hem of his garment..


I would rather live my life as if there is a God,

And die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is.



Wonderful blessings!

Summer Extravaganza Winner!

Whooeee! I have a winner . . .

This was so-o-o-o much fun to do with all of you! And I get to pick only ONE winner of four books! Hard. Without anymore to-do, here's the winner's name . . .

REBECCA.

Rebecca's been contacted, and she's responded with her address and is very excited. Her books will be on the way shortly!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember, if you ever win a book and don't receive it--for whatever reason--contact me. I'll make it right, somehow.

Thanks, readers. Look for more contests. And come back anytime for a visit.

Blessings!

How Wonderful to Have Katherine Hyde on my Blog This Week!

I love children's books, and Katherine's excited to give away her book to one person! Your comment and email address just might be the one drawn.

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 decided when I was 11 that I wanted to be a writer. I’d always loved reading, and I had a couple of school assignments that involved writing fiction. I loved doing it, and one of my stories was apparently good enough that a teacher accused me of copying it from a magazine.

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

I write in a variety of genres, from women’s fiction to young adult fantasy. But the common denominator is a more literary style and a more subtle approach to faith than you often see in Christian fiction. I like to call my fiction “God-haunted.”

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?

The only time I have whole days to write is when I go on retreat on the Oregon coast for one week out of the year. Then I walk on the beach after breakfast and write for about eight hours, with breaks for lunch and maybe a short nap.

On ordinary days at home, I write for about an hour in the mornings after I take my kids to school. I try not to let this time get hijacked by ancillary activities like blogging, promotion, and social media—that I do in the evenings, on weekends, or interspersed with my editing job throughout the day. On a normal day of drafting—if I’m not struggling with plot issues and whatnot—I generally write between 500 and 1500 words, which is usually one complete scene. But I don’t set a definite goal unless I’m stuck and having a hard time motivating myself to write.

I can’t really give you a good idea of how long it takes me to write a novel. My first novel took about two months to draft and four years to revise. My second took about two years total. My third, which I’m revising now, will probably be done in a little more than a year from when I started. But I would not extrapolate from that to say the next one will only take six months!

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

The only book I’ve had published so far is a picture book, which is not my primary genre. The book is called Lucia, Saint of Light. St. Lucia is an early Sicilian martyr who became the patron saint of Sweden and is celebrated by Scandinavians everywhere to this day. The book combines the story of her life with a story about a modern American family celebrating her festival, which is very colorful and fun. The book is available on Amazon or through the publisher, http://www.conciliarpress.com/.

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Even for people who are not in the habit of honoring saints, reading about Lucia’s life can be inspiring. She was unselfish, compassionate, brave, and full of faith, and I hope by reading the book children will be inspired to emulate those qualities.

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’ve been discouraged so many times, for so many reasons. I think depression is the great curse of creative people. Sometimes the discouragement is intrinsic to the work—you take on a challenging project, and halfway into it you’re bound to feel you were insane ever to start, you’ll never be able to pull off what you were trying to achieve, and what immense hubris made you think you could ever be a writer in the first place?

Other times discouragement comes from outside, through the process of seeking publication. No matter how good a writer you are, there are absolutely no guarantees that your work will ever be accepted by the gatekeepers. And it’s so difficult, nearly impossible, to know for sure whether your work is being rejected because it really isn’t good enough, or just because it isn’t right for the current market. It can make you crazy.

There have been a few transcendent moments when I got the affirmation I craved from some publishing professional, and of course those moments are tremendously encouraging. But for me, encouragement comes mostly from my family and my wonderful and growing network of writer (and a few non-writer) friends. My family are all creative themselves, so they understand what I’m going through. And my friends are always there to catch me when I’m falling into the Slough of Despond. There is absolutely no way I could do this on my own.

The other crucial thing I think you need to do to stay on an even keel is to genuinely give your writing career to God. Your business is to become the best writer you can be. His business is to get your work into the hands of the people He wants it to reach.

Who’s inspired you the most?

Wow, that’s a tough question—there are so many, living and dead. Louisa May Alcott was one of my childhood heroes who first inspired me to write. Reading a biography of Charlotte Brontë was one thing that pushed me to finally start pursuing my dream of writing after letting it languish for decades. She had a very difficult life, a lot of obstacles to overcome, and she just kept on—I really identified with her. Another big inspiration is Jane Austen. I admire her so much as a person as well as a writer. She had amazing discipline and a sensitivity of conscience that you rarely see today. Madeleine L’Engle very kindly answered an almost incoherent letter I wrote to her when I was trying to write with young children around. She reassured me that I was indeed a writer but I didn’t need to push myself to produce during those difficult years.

Artistically and in some cases spiritually, I’m inspired by the great Russian writers, especially Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Charles Dickens, C. S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, and L. M. Montgomery have also contributed a lot to my formation as a writer.

Of living writers I know personally, Karen O’Connor has been a good friend and inspiration to me. She is such a gracious lady, a true bearer of Christ to the world. Liz Curtis Higgs is another woman I find tremendously encouraging. I could go on and on.
Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

• Of course, I’ve always spent most of my free time reading. I’ve loved the classics from a very early age.
• I’ve also been an avid needleworker most of my life. I’ve done dressmaking, cross-stitch, crochet, and currently I’m hooked on knitting.
• I love to sing, and I dance at every opportunity.
• I’m also fascinated with domestic architecture, an interest that is reflected in the novel my agent is currently shopping for me, The Vestibule of Heaven.

My first choice destination for travel is the British Isles, especially Ireland, because that’s my heritage. I’m a total Anglophile, to the point that I’m setting my current WIP there (that is, it starts and ends in England, but goes to another world in between). I’d also love to go to Russia—I majored in Russian Literature, but I’ve never been able to go there. Someday I hope to write a historical novel connecting Ireland and Russia.

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

My blog is called “The Wayfaring Writer,” at kbhyde.wordpress.com.
I also have a website at http://www.kbhyde.com/.
I’m a grammar fanatic, and I do a daily #grammartip on Twitter as KatherineBHyde.

Leave a comment and email address for a chance to win her book, readers!
 
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Freedom to think, work at what I want, speak or not speak
Freedom to love and cherish
Old glory, and the way it makes me feel to see it waving high in the air
Fresh air
hotdogs from a grill on the fourth
mothers who pass on wonderful recipes
people with generous hearts
the straight, tall look (even when they're short) that a person in a suit takes on
the price our past and present military guys and gals have paid for me
True blue patriotism that is untarnished

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

We make war that we might live in peace

--Aristotle

In war there is no substitue for victory.

--General Douglas MacArthur