Meet My New Friend, Tanya Stowe!

Tanya is giving away one e-book to someone. It could be YOU! Just leave a comment and your email address. Please welcome her . . .


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 wrote my first book when I was 11 years old! I didn’t like how one of my favorite television shows ended so I decided to re-write the ending. I would put myself to sleep each night re-writing endings and new adventures to favorite programs. At one point in my life, I wanted to be an Egyptologist, but when I realized I could write about ancient Egypt without getting dirty, I knew what I wanted to do!

Lol. Fun way to experience a lot of careers, wouldn't you say? What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write Inspirational Romance. Fictional romances, historical or contemporary with Christian themes and conflicts.

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 a very slow writer. I write lots and lots of conflict and always have to go back and edit the story down so I don’t overload the reader! That’s involves many re-writes and time between edits so I can look at the story with fresh eyes. The benefit of this type of writing is great sub-plots but it also takes a time. A typical writing day for me starts early in the morning when it’s quiet. I write at least until noon. Then I’ll break, exercise which usually includes some sort of outside activity, then it’s back to the computer to work on my blogs, website, contacts…all the business of writing. I don’t set word counts for myself but I do set goals to finish scenes or chapters before I quit for the day. One thing I have found is that I don’t write well when I’m mentally or physically tired so I try to take good care of myself.

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

Lacy Butler is graced with the gift of healing. She can save strangers…even those undeserving…yet fails to save her mother. Rejecting her gift, God, and society, she's content to live alone high above the mining town of Harperville. But her solitude is shattered when Royce Darnell builds a water flume through the middle of her mountain. To protect her sanctuary, Lacy sabotages his efforts. Little does she expect Royce to track her through a blizzard and end up half frozen to death on her doorstep. She can heal him, but why should she when he threatens to steal her peace...and her heart? With the livelihood of the miners and their families depending on his project, Royce refuses to stop building, no matter how good the reason or how lovely the masked saboteur turns out to be. Besides, he's convinced God wants Lacy to use her gift for good and not to hole up in her cabin like a reticent recluse afraid of human contact. But first, she must learn to trust, and Lacy doesn't trust anyone, not Royce and especially not God. Soon Royce finds himself in a battle to save the two things he loves the most…Harperville and Lacy. Is his faith strong enough to save them both?

Tender Touch is available at White Rose Publishing, Amazon.com and most other sites where ebooks are sold.

Love the names and the book sounds great. What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

For me the message in Tender Touch is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Lacy is given an incredible gift to heal. But she can’t use it properly or control it. In fact, it controls her. When she finally puts God in control, incredible things happen, not only to the people she wants to help but in her own life. In this story, readers can expect strong characters that step off the page, history that comes alive, great action and a sweet romance.

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?

Shortly after my first time-travel romance was published, my publisher closed their doors. I found myself without a home for the sequel I’d already started. It was over 17 years before I sold another full-length romance novel. I worked as education coordinator for a performing arts center, wrote grants, sold articles and even wrote a popular play. But the satisfaction of selling another novel eluded me. I felt like a failure. My spiritual advisors told me if the Lord put the desire in my heart, He meant for me to write…but how and when would be in His time not mine. They were right!

How strong writers have to be! Some of the best perseverers in the world! Who’s inspired you the most?

When I was a young women and a new Christian, I was always inspired by some of the older women in my church. Not all of them. Just a select few. I knew they had large families that wore them out and many tragedies and disappointments in their lives but their love of the Lord just glowed in their eyes. In my mind, they defied everything society said you couldn’t do and I wanted to be just like them. I wanted to handle all that life sent my way and still sit at my Lord’s feet and listen.

I love your answer! So many times older, faithful women are overlooked. They are such great examples to younger women. 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 created a list of Christian publishers I was interested in and went down the list. White Rose Publishing was one of the first because I felt they were publishing Christian stories with many unusual paramenters. I queried them with my proposal and waited for a response. They wanted to see more revisions before they would even consider it. I felt their suggestions would make the story a better book so I made the revisions and resubmitted. Of course, even after they accepted the story there were more edits. That’s the life of a writer! I’m working on a second book called Tender Trust about 2 lovers torn apart in Tender Touch. White Rose just accepted a Christmas novella of mine called White Christmas and I’m completing a Valentine’s anthology with 3 other White Rose authors, so I think the answer is no. I don’t think I can just sit back and relax. But I have spent a great deal of time smelling the roses along the way!

You are truly blessed. I believe that White Rose is a wonderful publishing company growing and helping authors find their place in the writing world. Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love spending time with my children and grandchildren, especially now that there are so many miles between us! I think my hobby is traveling and history because they always inspires great stories in my heart and mind. In October, my husband and I will be travelling to the Middle East where we will live and work for 2 years. We plan to visit Europe, India and parts of Africa as well as the countries around us. It will be such an adventure and I know great stories will come out of it! My dislikes? Being so very far away from my grandchildren. It’s important to me to be a part of their lives so I’m going to have to work very hard at it while I’m half-way around the world.

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

My web page is http://www.tanyastowe.com/ and I love to hear from visitors! I have 2 blogs and they are both undergoing make-overs so there haven’t been any new posts since I started the revamp. But you can view old posts at www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com where I talk about all things writing…craft, inspiration, motivation and the industry. You can read about my travel adventures at http://www.stoweberry.blogspot.com/.

Thanks so much for letting me visit with you!

And thank you, Tanya, for being here!
Blessings, readers. Hope you enjoy Tanya's little bit of writing world. Don't forget to leave your comment and email address.

Monday Morning Gratitudes

New school clothes
Looking at past memories and laughing
Nice desktop pics that give me a pick-me-up
Going to the historical museum
Apologies
Rain washed air
Safety from danger
All the times we've been protected on the road when there could have been fatalities
The wild flowers hubby picked again this summer
anniversary trips

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

And let not your heart be troubled . . .

Blessings!

A Glimpse into My World . . .

I'm a writer.

A suspense writer.

But that doesn't mean I don't love romance.

I'm a sucker for a tear-jerking story about him and her.

My hubby almost every summer picks some wildflowers for me: a gift of love.

A story of him and her that has lasted.

Here they are:

And here, for a close up of the colors. Gorgeous, aren't they?

He loves me.

How does your loved one show affection to you?

Blessings!

I'm Thrilled to Introduce you to Linda Rohrbough this Week!

She's giving away a copy of her The Prophetess One: At Risk to one person who comments and leaves an email address.



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?For me it’s like I can’t stop writing. My first indicator was I won a national award for a short story I wrote in seventh grade. Every time I’ve gotten interested in something, I ended up writing about it. For example, I was an English major in college, but then I realized I couldn’t make a living as an English major without teaching, which I thought I’d hate. So I went into computer science. And I ended up writing about computers.
What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?
I like suspense. Plot driven books with strong characters and smart villains. In a suspense the reader often knows who the villain is, even if the hero doesn’t, and the story is about how the good guy overcomes the obstacles the villain sets up. This is opposed to a mystery, where the game is to keep the reader guessing about “who done it.”
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 spend my writing days feeling guilty because I get caught up in the work and I end up in my chair not moving for hours at a time. I’m working to remember to set my writing timer for 50 minutes, get up and doing some stretches for 10 minutes, then going back at it for another 50. Four to six sessions a day like that would be my perfect writing day. What actually happens is I start my day with a list of unfinished tasks from the day before, most of which have to do with promotion of some new project that’s out. So I do those first and forget to set my timer. Then I answer requests I get via e-mail, then I carve out time to write. I am constantly working on changing that around, so writing is first, but there are things that come up almost every day that interrupt my perfect writing day. And yet I still manage to get the work done if I stay with it.
I’m a fast writer, but I get hung up on what I want to do next or distracted by the volume of requests for speaking or other stuff that comes across my desk. So it usually takes me about six months to actually finish a project. If I could just crank through without interruption I could probably do it in under a month. But that’s never happened, no matter how much planning I do. However, persistence is my motto. I just stay with it and eventually it gets 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?

"This is fast-paced, thrilling, edge-of-the-seat reading. The Prophetess One: At Risk had me flipping the pages and holding my breath." - Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestseller.
It’s a very different kind of war.
Why would God choose a pregnant computer programmer to fight it?

All Anna McClintock wants is a peaceful stretch of beach she can walk to with her new husband, Jack, and her soon-to-be-born child. Jack is finishing his engineering degree this semester and the two plan to leave his Kansas home to build their new lives together.

But when Anna finds herself in jail for the murder of a preschool child she tried to save, she realizes she is alone, except for God. She has to rely on new-found spiritual gifts as well as her wits and skills in order to save herself, her unborn son, and her marriage.


And she has another decision to make. This one affects the entire nation.

Real events form the background for The Prophetess One: At Risk

I put on my journalist hat when I saw strange events after my husband’s nephew, Daniel Rohrbough, was a casualty in the Columbine shooting. For example, as family at the Columbine memorial service, I noticed General Colin Powell was on the platform in full military dress between musicians Amy Grant and Phil Driscoll. But he was never mentioned or introduced, and he never spoke.

I also discovered the shooters bragged theirs would be the first of many such events and I now believe they low-level formatted the hard disk drives of their computers so no record of their Internet activity could be uncovered. And the officials investigating Columbine looked unsuccessfully for months for third-party involvement in the year-long planning of the shooting.

As I investigated other shootings, I uncovered much more information that led her to believe this sort of thing could be prevented on a grass roots level. The theme of my book is men are important in the lives of children.
My book is available through standard retail channels, but probably the easiest way to get it is at Amazon.com. And it’s available as a Kindle book.
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?
Oh yes, I’ve wondered a number of times if I was barking up the wrong tree. Because this is hard and lonely. And the successes can be very few and far between, especially in the beginning stages when you’re “pre-published.” Every time I thought wow, I may have to go out and get a real job, something happened to keep me writing. Most recently I was thinking I may have to retool to do something else as my agents hadn’t sold anything for two years. So I started taking a class and in the first week, my agents sold two projects. And this was during August. I don’t know if you know much about the publishing business, but August is traditionally a very slow time, so that looked to me like a God thing.

Who’s inspired you the most?

I’ve been inspired by a number of writers. I loved O’Henry short stories and I read every Zane Grey novel my grandmother ordered from her book club. I love Frank Peretti and was privileged to interview him for a newspaper I worked for in Dallas when he was on book tour with The Oath. I’ve been personally mentored and inspired by New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber, best-selling, award-winning author Jodi Thomas, and western writer and award-winning author Dusty Richards.

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

I went with the publisher who loved the book. Which ended up being a small house in St. Charles, Missouri. They said they couldn’t put the book down and they are still trying to figure out why a New York house didn’t buy it. Gotta say, I love hearing that.
Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve
experienced?

I laughed when I read THAT question. I know you’re asking for the benefit of readers because any author whose ever been published will tell you the work just begins when you sign a contract. But I wouldn’t trade it. I’ve always been someone who likes to be busy.
Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I have a travel list and I like science and nature. So my list includes US destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Niagra Falls, and Alaska. Then Europe including London and Paris. I heard somewhere that the quality of the light is different in Paris, that it’s rose-colored. I want to find out for myself. I do have favorite places I go back to again and again. I love Colorado, New Mexico, Tucson, and any part of California.

I am interested in art and dabble in painting. I’m a technology junkie so I have lots of automation at my house. For example, I have rope lighting over my kitchen cabinets that’s controlled by a motion sensor. This is especially handy when I am half-asleep looking for a drink of water in the middle of the night.
You recently had a book published. How and where can readers buy your books?
The Prophetess One: At Risk is available through standard retail channels. However, the easiest place to buy it is on Amazon.com and it is also available for the Kindle Reader.
Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

I post regular updates on my website and on Facebook for my books, my app and any special media appearances (like I did a PBS Television interview in Denver the last time I was there). My website is http://www.lindarohrbough.com/ and Facebook is www.Facebook.com/LindaRohrboughAuthor.

I also have an iPhone App for writers available on iTunes called “Pitch Your Book.”
Bio:
Linda Rohrbough has been writing since 1989, and has more than 5,000 articles and seven books to her credit along with awards for fiction and non-fiction. New York Times #1 bestselling author Debbie Macomber said about Linda’s new novel: "This is fast-paced, thrilling, edge-of-the-seat reading. The Prophetess One: At Risk had me flipping the pages and holding my breath." An iPhone App of her popular three-step formula workshop for writers, “Pitch Your Book,” is available in the Apple iTunes store. Visit her website: http://www.lindarohrbough.com/.

Thank you, Linda, for joining us this week! Folks, a comment and email address will put you in the running for a chance at winning Linda's book!
 
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Peace when I know I've made the right decision even though I didn't want to make it
A hubby who gives back rubs
A meal that turns out good
plotting for presents for others
baskets filled with goodies
Donna A, Jenny, and Patty--great brainstormers!
People who share whether recipes, ideas, friendship
Those who take time out of their busyness to do a little extra something to bring a smile to my face
Watching kids think
That Taylor was uninjured in spite of a car hitting him

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Many of life's failures are people

who did not realize

how close they were to success

when they gave up.

--Thomas Edison

Welcome, Christa Allan! It's so good to have you this week!

For a chance to win her book, please leave your comment and an email address!

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 started writing in high school after I discovered I couldn’t sing, dance, paint, play sports or act. When I started writing for a newspaper after my second child was born, it was the first time I saw my name in print. My own byline. I was hooked. The line and sinkers came later when my husband bought me a laptop several years ago, and I actually began writing my novel.

Sounds like my experience. :) What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write Women’s Fiction, which I would categorize as a genre where romance is not an integral part of the story, but rather how a woman or women change as a result of life circumstances.

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 am generally teaching high school full-time, but I am on a semester sabbatical. So, at least until January, I have the luxury of writing all day if I choose to do so. I’d like to say I’m one of those words a day people, but I’m not. My goal is to get the novel finished and turned in on deadline…no matter what it takes!

Groan. I know what you mean. What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

The Edge of Grace released in August, and it’s currently a free Kindle download. Readers can purchase it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book distributors, Books-a-Million and other online sites.

It just received a starred review from Library Journal, and I think the reviewer truly captured the novel:

“Forgiveness, acceptance, and family ties -figure prominently in Allan’s second novel. She does not avoid tough subjects (her Walking on Broken Glass deals with alcoholism). Widow Caryn Becker is having a hard time raising her young son while getting her new business off the ground. When her brother David tells her he is gay, she is unable to cope and rejects the one person she has been able to count on. When her brother is attacked, his partner, Max, asks Caryn for help standing up against the attacker. Reluctantly, she agrees. Throughout the trial, Caryn comes to accept David and finds the grace to stand up for what is right.

VERDICT: This sophomore effort deals with a difficult subject for many Christians with sensitivity and grace, exploring Caryn’s feelings honestly while never shirking from the issue of justice and forgiveness. It is difficult to find a comparative CF novel, but readers who believe in a more forgiving and accepting God are sure to enjoy it.”

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 feel like giving up several times a day. When I’m writing, I’m checking my brain waves and asking myself why on earth do I subject myself to this torture. When I’m not writing, I’m asking myself why on earth am I wasting all this great material that surrounds me.

I learned with my debut novel, Walking on Broken Glass, that readers can be the kindest, most generous and exceptional people in the universe. They can also be mean, petty, and arrogant. So, I have to ride the waves and understand that it’s the direction of the boat that ultimately matters, regardless of the waves getting me there. I remind myself constantly that, even on those days when I’m baking a cake for my pity party, God doesn’t want me to write for me. He wants me to write for Him, and I have no idea who He has in mind that will read my novel and possibly be changed.
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?

After nine immediate rejections for Walking on Broken Glass, my agent pitched the novel to Abingdon Press and Barbara Scott, the Acquisitions Editor at that time, loved it. They also opened the door for me to write The Edge of Grace, and I could not be more proud of them for having the courage and faith to do so.

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

Likes: Coke Zero, cheesecake, and seafood (not all at once), reading, pens, pulling weeds, Bruno Mars

Dislikes: Mustard Greens, duck, deer, folding clothes, emptying the dishwasher, potty-mouths on students

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

WEBSITE: http://www.christaallan.com/

TWITTER: ChristaAllan

FACEBOOK: Christa Allan, Author

Google+

Thanks so much, Christa, for visiting.
Readers, a comment and your email address will enter you in for a chance to win her book.
 
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

the scent of newly mown grass
the hint of fall in the air
anticipation for the last few months of the year
excitement of buying school clothes
cramming in a last few vacation trips
authors' with gratitude for publicity
watching my hubby work
faith
exploring yard sales
The laughter of children playing in the water

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Live a good, honorable life.

Then when you get older and think back,

you'll enjoy it a second time.

--an old farmer's advice

Review of The Prophetess One
by Linda Rohrbough


Back Cover:
It's a very different kind of war. Why would God choose a pregnant computer programmer to fight it? All Anna McClintock wants is a peaceful stretch of beach she can walk to with her new husband, Jack, and her soon-to-be-born child. Jack is finishing his engineering degree this semester and the two plan to leave his Kansas home to build their lifes together.

But when Anna finds herself in jail for the murder of a preschoo child she tried t save, she realizes she is alone, except for God. She has to rely on new-found spiritual gifts as well as her wits and skills in order to save herself, her unborn son, and her marriage.

And she has another decision to make. This one affects the entire nation.


My Take:
This is one book with all the characters appealing to me.

• Anna, with her hesitant, yet decidedly-chosen-by-God personality and talent for seeing things that she doesn't want to see.
• Jack, with his husbandly fears, and anxiousness to do the right thing.
• The snooty friends, with their airs of pretending concern.
• Theo, with her godly obedience, yet touch-of-the-past look.
• Kyle, and his youthful rebellion and needs.
• Dr. Moody, with his sinister hate and determination to carry out his plans.

Good, well-drawn characters that the reader can relate to.

It's an excitiing roller coaster ride from the first page to the end. From the first page to the last one, the reader will be taken on an exciting journey.


I loved the love between Jack and Anna, in spite of his annoyance with her and her visions, in spite of her reluctance to admit her "seeings." Their love was strong even when he didn't-wouldn't-understand her, even when she shrank from acknowledging her ability--the burning truth--within herself. There is a connection between them that is real.
 
Anna's first mistake is in trying to save a preschool child, but when the little girl dies, Anna is accused and arrested for murder. Doubts flood in: does anyone care what happens to her, a simple pregnant woman? Does her husband even love her enough to try to raise enough bail to get her out?

It's only when an older woman, Theo, hippish, weird and the only one to not only get Anna free of her jail bars, but to urge her to listen and use her inner gifts.

But Anna would rather not go against her husband's wishes or even to answer the call to serve her nation. Should she believe this old woman who says God told her she'll have no need of her property, with her unworldly wisdom? Should she listen to her husband who practically begs her to forget her visions?
Or should she do what she knows is right and the only thing that will give her peace?

But peace seldom comes without a price, and Anna's not sure if she wants anything at all to do with the whole notion that she's the one to save her nation, whether they listen or not.

This is a novel that deals with husband and/or father relationships, one that brings school bullying and the hard facts of what it does to a child to a vivid consciousness. It's a book about obeying God even when obeying is difficult and friends and family don't understand. If you want to read a book that will change you forever, will cause you to seek God for a deeper walk, and question the reasoning for leading a monotone life, then get The Prophetess. A great book!

Blessings

A Very Warm Welcome to Lydia Harris!


Lydia is the author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey from AMG Publishers, October 2010, a 212 page book. If you'd like a chance to win it, please comment and leave your email address!

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

I often said, “Some day I’m going to write a book.” But I was busy raising a daughter and son. Then in December 1996, with an empty nest, I sensed God’s nudge: “Lydia, it’s time to begin writing.” So I began writing for publication in my early fifties.

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

I write nonfiction devotionals, articles, book reviews, stories, and a regular column, “A Cup of Tea with Lydia.” I also write recipes for children and adults. Recently, I’ve had a Bible study published.

Sounds as if you keep very busy. How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?

Most days I invest time in writing, speaking, or promoting my book. The time spent varies depending on what’s due. I write early in the morning, often starting at 5 a.m. Now with a published book, I speak each month, so some of my time is used preparing to teach or speak and make other connections to promote my book.

Marketing is a fulltime job in itself, but a necessity! Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

I’m thrilled that Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting came out in October 2010. It’s not only for new grandparents but also for grandparents at any stage of the journey. This Bible study affirms grandparents in their important role and gives them practical tools to become fantastic grandparents and pass on a legacy of faith. The numerous grandparenting stories, quotes, and practical tips and charts make it a fun, practical resource to refer to for years to come. Grandparents who have studied it individually and in church and community groups have said, “I loved it,” “It made me a better grandparent,” and “I gained confidence as a grandmother.”

A book that should be in the hands of every grandparent in America. How and where can readers buy your book?

1. The book can be ordered from bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble or Family Christian Bookstores.
2. It’s also available online through Christianbook.com and Amazon.com.
3. My Web site (http://www.preparingmyheart.net/) also lists numerous places to order it under “store.”

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer.

When I started writing for publication in 1997, I questioned whether I would get published. But since I began by writing mostly assigned book reviews and articles, I didn’t receive many rejections. I spent twelve years writing hundreds of short pieces for dozens of publications, including Focus on the Family. These short pieces were like sprints that prepared me for a longer run.

In contrast, writing a book was a marathon. Without God’s help, many prayers of others, and my supportive husband, I wouldn’t have completed thirty Bible study lessons in thirty-six weeks. The biggest hurdle was the deadline. I soon learned nine months is a short time to complete a 212-page Bible study and have it tested by grandparents. Also, the word “grandparentng” doesn’t appear in the Bible, so I spent much time doing biblical research and interviewing grandparents. The ongoing pressure to write each day from morning to evening became wearisome at times. But the completed book and encouraging responses from readers make it all worthwhile.

It does, doesn't it? Who has inspired you the most?

In writing the Bible study, my niece, Ann Marie Stewart, has inspired me the most. My study is part of AMG Publishers “Preparing My Heart” series. Ann wrote the first three books in the series on preparing for Advent, Easter, and motherhood. As I wrote the fourth one on grandparenting, Ann mentored me throughout the process and answered questions. But my biggest encourager in writing is my husband, Milt Harris. He’s the president of my FAN club.

When it comes to writing in general, two organizations and their conferences have been invaluable: Northwest Christian Writers’ Association (http://www.nwchristianwriters.org/) and Oregon Christian Writers (http://www.oregonchristianwriters.org/).

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

I met Dan Penwell, editor at AMG Publishers, at the Oregon Christian Writers conference and saw him there year after year. Since my niece had written Bible studies for AMG Publishers, I asked Dan if he was interested in a study for grandparents. He was. But it took me years to research the topic and write a proposal. When I finally submitted it to Dan, he was seriously ill and soon retired. He left my proposal on his desk. Before long, his successor contacted me and sent a contract to write the study. God’s hand and timing were evident in it all.

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

I’m thankful I could prepare a tool for God’s use. But sitting back—no. Just as new babies need care and nurturing to grow and develop, authors need to invest in their new books to make them visible and help sales grow. I spend time networking, speaking, and doing many things to promote my book.

Besides book promotion, I continue to write short pieces, such as recipes and my tea column. I’m also working on other book projects. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I want to complete what God has prepared in advance for me to do. And that doesn’t seem to include sitting back.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests?

I love to serve tea and go out for tea. For our fortieth wedding anniversary, my husband suggested we go for tea for-tea (forty) times in the next year. It took us 2 1/2 years, but we reached our goal of forty tea outings. I enjoy spending time with Milt, my husband of 44 years.

Of course, our five grandchildren, ages one to twelve, light up our lives. One was born while I wrote this book. It’s our privilege to spend time with them and intentionally pass on our faith. Later in August, we’ll have the four older ones here for a sleepover and celebrate their spiritual birthdays together. My study includes dozens of creative ideas like this one, which combine fun and faith.

Reading, writing, cooking, and music bring joy. Worship and building relationships with family and friends is also a high priority.

You have many of the same loves that I do. Finally, would you give us your blog or Web page so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

You can learn more about my book at www.PreparingMyHeart.net. Under “free,” you’ll find a complete table of contents and sample pages of the study. Grandparent’s Day is September 11, and this book would make a great gift for grandparents. The book can be used alone, with a spouse, or in church and community groups. It’s a wonderful tool to spur each other on to pray for grandkids, invest in their lives, and pass on a godly legacy. Grandparents can learn and grow in their roles as they study it alone or together.

Although this was the hardest writing assignment I’ve ever done, I felt privileged to complete this God-sized project. Now it’s a joy to see God use it to impact future generations. To God be the glory!



Thank you so much, Lydia, for visiting this week! I think your book sounds fantastic!
Readers, if you are a grandparent, becoming one, or just would like to give away this book, please leave your comment and email address.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

hubby's unselfish ways
his gentleness when he knows I'm hurting
his strength
the life we've built together
the way he connects with our sons
the gentleness he has for the physically handicapped
his wisdom
our laughter together
surprises from him
the coral roses I received today

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

My beloved is mine, and I am his . . .

Song of Solomon 2:16a

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart!

Some Biblical Humor to Bring a Smile to Your Face--Today!

And if some of them are kind of corny, well, enjoy the few you like. Have a happy day:



Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?

A. Ruthless.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?

A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?

A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a Little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury.
David's Triumph was heard throughout the land.
Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?

A. Samson. He brought the house down
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden ?

A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?

A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?

A. The area around Jordan . The banks were always overflowing

Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?

A. David... He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?

A. Joshua, son of Nun

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark ?

A. Because Noah was standing on the deck.


PS.. Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee?

Yup, it's in the Bible. It says . . 'He-brews

Keep laughing!

Reviews of Two Young Adult Books

Review of Found in Translation
by Roger Bruner

Back Cover:
When Kim Hartlinger--eighteen and spoiled--arrives on a mission trip to Mexico and discovers, to her chagrin, that she'll be doing construction in a remote village without plumbing and electicity, rather than evangelism in a medium-sized town with a fast food joint . . . she has only two choices: "Rough it" (which isn't exactly what Kim had in mind when she signed up for this trip) or turn around and head home.

Will Kim be able to touch the villagers' hearts with the Gospel? Or will her time in Mexico be up before she gets the chance?


My Take:
One of the things that stood out to me was Kim's personality, and how, like so many young people, (in spite of adult beliefs about them) quickly did an aboutface when faced with the choices she had to make. She went from being a spoiled, self-centered girl to one verging on a growing maturity that was impressive and spoke well of today's youth. Her love for reaching others, especially children, was touching. Her struggles with her language was a real one youth could relate to. Her insistence upon what she wanted and how she wanted it, was typical of many of today's youth.

Other character's stood out to me: 
Aleesha. I really liked this young person. The reader could tell with only vague hints to clue him in, that this character had perhaps faced a rougher life than any young person should have to. Yet her upbeat, true-to-life personality was a real treat to see. I love her strength in befriending Kim, when none of the other youth would; adored reading her stalwart determination to help the other youth "mend" their attitudes toward Kim; liked her "hip" way.

Kim and Aleesha's leaders: Rob and Charlie were well drawn.
Geoff, with his self-confident air and gorgeous looks, reacted like a normal today young man used to getting what he wanted.

Mexico is always a setting that can pull me into a book. I love it's jungle, it's big city, it's shores, the danger and beauty. The small, remote village, Santa Maria, with its destruction and people bound by superstitutions and ignorance, was a touching point. I could see the cacti,  the villagers destroyed homes, the litter, and the forsaken church.

The plot in this story would especially appeal to a young person. It will draw the reader along on Kim's missionary journey--and more importantly--her spiritual journey. From her irritation with her own father and her best friend's parents, who kept Betsy from going on this trip, to her own forlornness at realizing her reconceived notions of what she needed/wanted, to her refusal to accept defeat and the choices she makes all lead Kim to the place where she can be the christian example she longs to be. It gives her the opportunities she desire to do evangelism. And then, ultimately, realize her life's career for her future.

I recommend this book for all youth.

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

Review of Night of the Cossack

by Thomas Blubaugh

My Take:

This is a wonderful young adult book! I’m thrilled with the opportunity to read it and recommend it highly for both girls and boys.

The cover is fantastic; well drawn to fit the opening scene in Blubaugh’s novel. It shows a setting that is romantic and yet filled with heartache. To be a Jew and living in a Czar-controlled land, is not exactly a dream come true. Yet the images Russia, in that era, conjure in one’s mind bring to mind glamour and romance, an exciting setting for the novel.

When Jewish Nathan Hertzfield’s village is raided by the Cossacks, only a few of the villagers are spared, including he, his mother and brother, and a friend. Both Nathan and his friend, are kidnapped and forced into Cossack service unwillingly. Because he is a superb hunter, has quick reflexes, and a fast horse, he and his friend are given the chore of killing and bringing food to the camp.

Nathan is an endearing young man, attached to his mother and brother, and serious about being the man of the house. He may respect his captor but his hate is greater, and when Nicolai forces him to change his name to protect his nationality, Nathan—now Stephan—despises him that much more. But Nathan—Stephan—is strong. He adapts, encourages his friend, and longs for home.

Instead, he’s forced to proclaim a new home. In his first battle—unprovoked though it was—he shoots and kills a man in self defense. But when he is ordered to Odessa, a Jewish center, he is sure he’s losing his mind. When his captor, Nichai, is killed, Nathan weeps and he realizes how attached he’s grown to the man.

Nathan’s journey to freedom and most of all, to spiritual freedom is fraught with peril and trouble, but it’s a journey that leads him to true happiness.

For a read that will stir you to the depths of your soul, choose Night of the Cossack.




Blessings and happy reading!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Lists of things to do/items to buy
Notepads for lists
Checking off completed chores
scissors
rubberbands
envelopes
pamphlets
sparkly clothes
shopping with friends
Good deals

Blessings