Monday Morning Gratitudes

sun after rain
double rainbows
shooting stars
four leaf clovers
bright ideas
staring at the stars
anticipating spring
clean floors
fresh smelling air
feeling better.

Blessings

Sunday Morning Peace

The best sermons are lived, not preached

--from a farmer

Blessings

A Darkly Hidden Truth

Donna Fletcher Crow has written an amazing book filled with historical tidbits and showing lots of research.

This mystery adventure book involves a twenty-something woman and her friends. The story opens at a Catholic College for future nuns and priests in England. Set in a modern-day environment, the author flashes back to medeval times and the life of a holy woman at that time. It all takes place in central and southeaster England, north of London.

As Felicity seeks to make a life-defying decision about her vocation in life, her friend Antony, asks her to help recover a missing ancient icon. She resists becoming involved in the mystery by focusing on her search for her vocation. Just as she is leaving, she receives a letter from her mother who will arrive to spend some time with Felicity.

Running, Felicity leaves to avoid the mystery as well as her mother, only to become more involved with both.

With some medival history, truth, and fantasy, the story evolves into a thriller-adventure for Felicity and her friend. Her mother accompanies them on part of the adventure while they travel back and forth, searching for clues and answers. Danger lurks in some of the old restored churches. Twists and turns keep you wondering "who-done-it?" as the young woman faces her past as well as the death of a friend.

This is one novel even when you put it down for awhile, that calls you back to find the answers to all the questions Felicity seeks.

An insightful look into some early history of England, a grand read, and perhaps even, some spiritual enlightenment.

Blessings!

A Little Bit of Everything

Giveaways, announcements, and a Contest . . .

Announcement first:

I drew a name for Elizabeth Camden's book but haven't heard back from the winner. I'll give her until Friday to reply, then I'll draw another name. kandrajane@bellsouth.net kandrajane@bellsouth.net  Please reply soon!

Giveaways:

When you enter a contest, please keep watch in your email section. I always have the word winner in the subject line. I'll be giving you a week to reply. After that, then I'll be forced to choose another winner. Please don't lose your chance to win a prize or good book!

TWO QUESTION Contest:

This Week only thru Tuesday, January 31st, here's our contest:

Answer these two questions, leave your email address and you're entered for a TWO BOOK prize.

1. What do you like about winter?
2. What book are you reading right now or plan to read before the end of this month?

Easy, huh? Winner will be solely my choice based on your answers.

Have a wonderful blest day!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

an unexpected kiss from hubby when he knows I'm frustrated
boots, boots, and more boots
the sound of hubby working outside
words of inspiration
my friend, Sharon
birthdays
ice cream cakes
the feeling that comes with "all's right with my world"--even if it's just a moment's respite
favorite kitchen knives
letting someone else win a game

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Always do right.

This will gratify some, and

astonish the rest.

--Mark Twain

Blessings!

MY TAKE . . .
     of The Muir House
               by Mary DeMuth


Mary DeMuth hit the nail on the head in writing this book, The Muir House, a funeral parlor turned inn. Vivid characters, descriptive settings, and a well-developed plot drew me in.

Willa is a damaged character. Haunted by a memory from her past, she plays fast and loose at times and clings the next, to the heartstrings of her beau, Hale. You could almost dislike a character who seems to be using a man like Hale, yet something resonates from Willa that captures your attention and forces a positive response from a reader.

Her highest goal is to track down that illusive memory. That vague scene—so vague it tells her nothing—grips her being and drags her along a lane of duty and research that consumes her. Who is the man in that scene? Why has her mother always hated her? Why did she send her away from home with such bitter incriminations? Why does her heart refuse to accept Hale’s love? Why does she long for another glimpse, another chance with Blake, a past love?

Running from Texas to Seattle, as far away as she could, she’d made a new life for herself. Only when called back to remodel her old home place does she find the courage to return to her home town. Greeted by a servant who holds secrets Willa yearns to know, unsettled about seeing her mother again, Willa tramps the grounds of her past, pushing, pushing, pushing for the knowledge she needs to recollect that something from her childhood.

Only the answers are almost more than she can endure. Faced with her own sins and regrets, Willa must learn to forgive before she can answer the questions hammering at her and accept love from those who really do love her the best.

I loved this book. It was a great one to end the year with.
Blessings!

I'm Thrilled to Announce prolific writer Lisa Lickel is on my blog this week! 

Join us as we learn more about her writing life, and leave a comment and email address for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Nice.

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?

Hi, Carole, thanks for having me back. I’m not a lifer. I colored the walls with crayons when I was three, and even though maybe I had tried to tell a story, I didn’t entertain more than a passing fancy for writing professionally until I took the Apprentice program of the Christian Writer’s Guild in 2002.

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

I have published in a couple of different genres. Cozy mysteries, which are lighter, not gory, crimes solved by an amateur sleuth. I’ve also published romance, which I enjoy, but I dream of being taken…um, forgive me, but—literarily, so to speak.

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 don’t have strict schedules because I’m an at-home housewife first. I’d like to get more serious about getting back into article-writing where the income is, and I’m an editor and like to help people when they ask. As a mentor and magazine editor, I also have responsibilities. Marketing is a huge chunk of time and sometimes I have to watch to jump on opportunities as they come. I do book reviews and network by doing interviews also, as well as blog in several places. When I’m in writing mode, I do the research first, then by the time I’m writing, it goes pretty fast – usually six weeks or so.

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’m excited about the re-release of my cozy mystery series. MuseItUp from Canada bought the second book of my Buried Treasure series, re-did the cover which I adore, and put it out electronically December 1.

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

The theme of The Gold Standard is about how money, or the love of it, destroys people—a pretty old theme, but one we never seem to “cure.” There are more important choices in life than building up treasures on earth. How we treat others, even the suspects, shows our real character.

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?

More often than I’d like to admit. It feels wasteful, with so much sitting, typing, staring into space, researching, the constant learning curve, even networking and marketing, and especially the reading we must do. It’s one of those jobs that demands both working with people, and being alone. At least, I do my best work when I’m in a quiet environment. Each time someone says “no thanks” to your work, you have to learn to not let it sink you. A real author gets right back on the keyboard and goes to work.

Who’s inspired you the most?

Ann Schrock, my longest-term writing pard. She’s had a lot to deal with, including getting another job experience outside her home, but she’s still writing, still being a great mom and wife, still managing to get published by Barbour and work on proposals for her agent, and find time to celebrate Guy Fawkes day. Now that’s class.

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?

My first publisher, Barbour, offered a cozy mystery line, so I tried it and was contracted. Authors should be careful to study the market, the publisher’s guidelines, the types of material and other authors they represent before submitting. Success is very loosely and liberally interpreted in this business. Some authors are happy to hold a book with their name on the cover, some define success as reaching best-seller status; some as getting into their favorite magazine, some by number of copies sold or money earned. You can relax in your coffin, but until then…get to work!

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

I’m not much of a pink person. I like dragons, watching movies and cinnamon raisin toast. I’d like to travel to Great Britain someday.

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

Sure, Carole: my web site has a lot of information on it, and all my links to social networking and my blogs: http://www.lisalickel.com/.

I have workshops, writer’s tips and links to the organizations I participate in, as well as information about my editing business and an online store. As I mentioned above, The Map Quilt, the second book of the Buried Treasure series releases in April, and deals with an old family story of the Underground Railroad. I enjoy working with a small cadre of authors around southeast Wisconsin who travel together for programs at book stores and libraries and writing conferences.

My second edition of OtherSheep magazine released this month. OtherSheep is a Christian world-view science fiction/fantasy/monsters magazine of short fiction, essays, interviews and reviews, poetry and games from Written World Communications. I’m always looking for contributions.

Thanks so much for  visiting, Lisa!

Readers, comments and email addys, please.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

medicine when needed
the joy of sledding
new clothes
washer and dryer
heat
the sweet words, grandma and grandpa
hugs
hubby strengthening the bonds between himself and grandkids
knowing our loved ones are at home safe
chapstick

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

"But" is a fence over which few jump.

--Geman proverb

Blessings!

A Warm Welcome to New Author Elizabeth Camden

Elizabeth has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her book to one fortunate person. Please leave your comment and addy!

It's so good to have you, Elizabeth. Tell us, what is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write big, sprawling romantic epics with plenty of drama and emotional moments, but shot through with moments of joy, inspiration, and a good heart-pounding romance. This is my favorite genre to read, so that’s why I write it!

I love a good romance. Can you describe your writing style?

Romance is always front and center in my books. I think my writing would appeal to people who like characters who are fiercely intelligent, have a sense of humor, but like a book with a lot of emotional pull. I write about people who have huge dreams and are willing to risk everything in order to make them happen. When they fail, they do so in a spectacular fashion. When they love, it is with both hands stretched out and no-holds barred. So my ideal reader is someone who loves a good stormy romance, but also wants glimpses of wit, delight, and joy sprinkled in amongst the drama

Yep, that sounds great. 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 book is set in a small New England town in 1879. Libby and her father arrive home from their summer cottage to find that a family of strangers has seized their house. These people, newly arrived from Romania, have proof that the house was legally willed to them decades earlier. Matters are complicated when Libby falls hopelessly in love with the mysterious leader of the group who she does not know if she can trust.

What can you do in a moral dilemma when both sides are clearly right? And the stakes are huge? This is the problem that confronts Libby and Michael as they fall in love and try to untangle a mystery from long ago that has plunged both their families into a world of high drama. Libby and her father will be impoverished if they lose their home, but Michael’s family faces a far greater danger if they are forced to return to Europe.

Intriguing! 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?

Have you ever loved an art form so much you wanted to go from enjoying it to producing it? I think this is how most artists, musicians, and writers get started. I had been publishing nonfiction books and articles for decades as part of my day job, but I always wanted to try my hand at fiction. I came to a point in my life when I realized it was “now or never” if I wanted to tackle being a novelist.

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?

My goal in writing is to get as much down on the page as possible (which is usually around 2,000-3,000 words per day). Frankly, the first draft is a lot of heavy-lifting which I don’t always enjoy, but I love, adore, and savor every moment of revising a manuscript. By the time I finish my first draft I have gotten to know my characters, their motivations and weaknesses a lot better, so this is where the fine-tuning comes in. I believe it is in the revisions that we really draw out a great story. Polishing, tweaking, burnishing, rearranging…… this is sheer, unadulterated joy for me. This is why I try to plow through the first draft as quickly as possible. The faster I can get to the revision, the happier I am.

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?

Yeah, I thought about it a lot. Frankly, most people who have ambitions to write a novel never get into print, so you need to ask yourself why you are writing. If you love it and don’t mind the investment, keep going. Most people WILL confront a lot of rejection on the journey. The trick is to be humble enough to learn from it, smart enough to spot your weaknesses, and brave enough to keep going.

One of my favorite quotes is from A League of Their Own, when Geena Davis has reached her breaking point and is getting ready to throw in the towel. Tom Hanks scolds her, saying “Of course this is hard. If it was easy, anyone could do it. It is the hard that makes it great.” I think this line is true in almost any endeavor that is really worthwhile … starting a business, raising kids, training for a sport, writing a book. It is the hard that makes it great. I tell myself that phrase whenever I need a quick pick-me-up.

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

Yup, that’s what I’m doing now as I sip a glass of red wine, enjoying the sunset from my vacation home in the south of France (cough).

Flipping back into truth-telling mode, very little change happens after getting published, except that now you have to get your manuscripts delivered by a deadline. The only practical difference in my lifestyle since getting published is that I have less time for cooking, so I treat myself to Chinese take-out now and then. It is all very glamorous.

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

See the south of France comment above!

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

I blog about the romance genre at www.elizabethcamden.com/blog
My professional training is as a librarian, so I also share ton of photographs from beautiful libraries I’ve collected over the years.



Carole, many thanks for letting me drop by your blog. As a new writer on the scene, I am really grateful to folks like you giving me a little airtime!

It's been a blessing, Elizabeth. May you have continued success in your writing journey.

Readers, a comment and email address will give you a chance to win her book!
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

New opportunities
Hope from God
A beautiful Christmas day
Good weather already received
Watching hubby and grandboys sledding
Rosy cheeks
healthy babies
pregnant mommies
a new birth
gifts from the heart

Blessings!

A2Z4UandMe

Thanks to Linda Shaub, Patty Wysong and Joanne Sher for the idea!

I'll be posting probably twice a month on each letter of the alphabet on some subject pertaining to that letter. Hoping you enjoy it and jump right into the fun if you'd like by posting the sign below:

NOW: on to the post!

A is for attitude.

Although I try to look on the bright side, to be pleasant to everyone, I don't always succeed even if no one knows it but me. I whine. I complain. I doubt and fuss. I envy those doing better than me in my chosen career. I push myself to an exhausting point.

With God's help this new year, I want to improve on that.

On the bright side. Hmmm. I'm not so gullible as to believe in a rainbow everyday. Right? I mean I have sickness in my life. Death at times. Times when I can't get another word out of my exhausted brain, let alone a paragraph, or a chapter. There are always going to be others doing "better" than me. There are always going to be things beyond my ability.

That's when I have to take the advice of my agent: step away. Rest.

I'll absorb God's scriptures. Spend time alone with those I love and God. Study nature. Take walks or cozy up by my fireplace. Reflect and heal.

Somewhere there is always a rainbow shining . . . promising. So if I go through hard times, discouraging times, despairing times, I can remember there's a rainbow shining on the other side of my dark cloud. My attitude may not always be the best, but it can be positive if I let God control my life and my writing. If I remember that HE sees the rainbows in my life and knows exactly where they are and when's the appropriate time for me to view them, I can trust him in all things. My worries are for nothing, but trust in Him means I'm learning a lesson.

Here's to a new year, a promising future, and an improved ATTITUDE.

Blessings! 

No, I Haven't Forgotten . . .

About my blog.
I burned out.

Sometime late summer or fall, it began. Too much to do, not enough time to get it done. I pushed on anyway. Something had to give.

Now, after a few months, I feel revigorated. Inspired to move on. Ideas coming for those novels I'm working on. Ideas for my blog. Challenged to work and dream and plan again.

So though I've neglected you and my blog, I haven't forgotten.

Here are a few things I've planned for my blog this year:

1. Added to miscellaneous Friday (guest posts and fun stories) is the ABC blog posts I'll be posting once or twice a month. Check out Friday's post for more info.
2. I'm keeping the Wednesday's interviews, but also adding reviews that day and some surprise posts for my readers. Check out next Wednesday's with Elizabeth Camden and a giveaway of her book, The Rose of Winslow Street and the following week, an interview with Lisa Lickel who's giving away a $10 certificate from Amazon.
3. Of course, I'm keeping Sunday morning peaceful posts and Monday morning gratitudes. So many of you have written how you appreciate and enjoy them.
4. In addition I'll be adding a twice yearly contest w/a NICE prize for the person who posts the most throughout the time period. More about this soon.

Thanks for being one of my readers, for being so faithful, and just for being there. Needing your support this year, looking forward to your participation, and hoping for your prayers.

Blessings!