For the Stressed Out Writer . . .

Okay, so ANY woman can enjoy these. Just remember to take some time out for yourself. Even five minutes sometimes does the trick for me.

* When you get home from work (or running errands or acting as a chaffeur for everyone) take fifteen minutes for yourself. If your children are young, settle them into an activity that will keep them occupied. Other than that inform everyone you're NOT to be disturbed!

Lie flat on the floor (or your preference of position. Relax each portion of your body. (and enjoy the nap!)

* Try open-eye meditation. Gaze at a pleasant picture, a candle, a scene outside a window. Keep your mind focused on it and/or pleasantness.

* Try a home spa! Turn your favorite music on and light a candle. Scent your water or use scented shower soaps/creams. A hot tub, whirlpool tub, even a hot/warm shower can do lots to relax tense muscles.

* Other times: go for a stroll after dinner. Take a class you've always wanted to learn about. Play a game with your family. Let yourself enjoy a craft.

* Even if you can't live your dreams all the time, enjoy what you do have. You may not live in a mansion, but take pleasure in those new pots and pans. Enjoy the hummingbird that persists in showing up outside your window every morning. Or go chase some fireflies in the evening or the butterflies in the morning. Thank God you're alive!

Blessings

Welcome to Three New Friends!
Tracy Ruckman
Amy Barkman
Debbie Roome

Tell us about your latest release. The cover looks fantastic!

TR: Thanks so much. We're rather partial to it ourselves. Board to Death is a trio of mystery novellas written by Amy Barkman, Debbie Roome, and myself, Tracy Ruckman. It centers on a theme of board games. Here's the back cover blurb:

Baby Boomers Polly Nichols, Lindsay Wilson, and Gretchen Anderson may live worlds apart, but they have one common hobby – a penchant for board games.

Polly’s serene Kentucky campground turns sinister when the manager is a VICTIM of murder. In New Zealand, Lindsay’s life is turned upside down when MIND GAMES and evidence drag her into a murder case - as a suspect. At the Kettle’s On Campground in Georgia, Gretchen matches wits with a murderous wordsmith intent on winning the latest game of SENTENCED.

You’ll love the games, the characters, and the stories – and we promise, you won’t be BOARD to Death!

Sounds unique and oh, so interesting. What was the hardest part to write?

TR: Well, the most challenging I think was to write three stories set in three different locations, and yet still have the stories sort of blend together. Amy's story, set in Kentucky, led into Debbie's story, which is set in New Zealand, then that led into my story, set in Georgia. New Zealand's seasons are opposite ours here in the states, so in the blazing hot summer here, she's going through winter. Trying to make that work was interesting.

Then, after Debbie and I finished our stories, we realized they were entirely too similar so I rewrote mine. Next time, we're doing much better brainstorming and plotting before we start writing. :-)

Wow. Sounds like a lot of work, but the results were good, I imagine. We all have choices of items that help us write. What’s yours? Can you give the readers a glimpse into your writing space? What’s your favorite writing reference tool?

TR: I love working out on my screened porch. I can get away from inside sounds, and the outdoor noise and even the traffic in the distance serves as white noise for me. The birds and squirrels occasionally get loud and remind me to take a break, too. My favorite reference tool changes from story to story. I do love the Flip Dictionary for writing in general, and then all of my crime reference books - those help a great deal.

DR: I’ve learnt to write anywhere – but one of my favorite places is on a plane. I fly frequently and always try and sit by the window in the back row. People don’t like the back so I’m normally on my own - and spread my stuff out and write furiously. Google is my favorite reference tool. It can generally tell me anything I need to know.

Love you gals' choices! Perfect. :) If you had to choose one person to go with you for encouragement to a secluded cabin, who would that be?


TR: My husband. He's my biggest supporter, sounding board, and shoulder to cry on. I read all of my writing to him – it helps me edit, and hear the flow of the words. He also takes good care of me when I'm on deadline, making sure I remember to eat, bathe, sleep. :-)

AB: I would probably choose Tracy or my daughter Virginia Smith if I had to take somebody with me, because they are both writers and understand the need for silence. Actually I go every other month to the Kentucky mountains and stay in a cottage Monday through Friday all by myself and write. They don’t have cell phone or internet connection access! I love it.

DR: My husband.

What are you working on now?

TR: A novel I started a few years ago - I'm ready to finish it and move onto the next one. I'll also be plotting and brainstorming with Amy and Debbie on our next book in the Dangerous Games Series. That book, Hands of Death, will release next summer. And I'm just fleshing out a new series.

AB: I’m working on a mid-grade fiction, second in the Fun To Be One Club series, a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater script, and a non-fiction “Walking in the Spirit for Amateurs.”

DR: I’m working on my second novel which is entitled Broken Shells. I’m hoping to finish it by the end of 2011.

All of them sound good. Hope to read them someday. How do you choose names for your characters? Do you do a lot of research on them?

TR: Names for my characters are so important. A setting normally presents itself to me first, as it did in that new series I mentioned earlier. Then, the characters start placing themselves into the setting. Once they do that, I have to know their names, and what they look like. I'll spend some time on some stock photo places, flipping through photos until I find just the right character and then I visit Social Security's website for most popular baby names in different years. I type in the year my character was born, and then I look through the list to see what appeals. I don't like ordinary names.

AB: Tracy’s way of naming sounds so professional. I just see my characters in my imagination and then search my own mind for names that fit. I have named a lot of characters after friends of mine who have died. It’s kind of like a tribute to them.

DR: The name has to fit the age and nature of the character and I sometimes change names two or three times before I’m happy. I usually settle for names that don’t remind me of friends or family with the same or similar names.

Choosing names is one of the funnest things in writing novels, I think. Any fun things about yourself that the readers might enjoy knowing?

AB: I’m in my late sixties but feel like a kid. I’ve quoted Psalm 103:5 for over thirty years that my youth is being renewed as the eagles. And when people talk about aging I say “Not me, I’m youthening.” I guess it must have worked because I’m busier than I’ve ever been in my life and have more energy than ever. I love Disney World and English castles. I collect castles and dolls and thimbles. I have fun with children.

DR: I’ve been a dog lover since I was a young girl. My current dog is a Jack Russell named Nelson. I call him my ‘hairy child’ and he goes all over with us. He loves popping balloons and sometimes I’ll blow a whole packet up for him. It’s hilarious watching him trying to burst them all.

Debbie, I love Jack Russells. Darling dogs. And Amy, I love your motto. Forever young! Yay! 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?

AB: I loved to read when I was a child - can’t remember when I couldn’t read, was reading by age 4. And some time in my teens I discovered that inventing stories and writing them was even more exciting than reading. I sold a few things, wrote a humor column, and won a few contests. But I didn’t do it seriously until a few years ago.

DR: I wrote my first book when I was six and sold my first story when I was eight. I’ve loved reading and writing since I was small but have only been able to concentrate on it since moving to New Zealand in 2006.

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

AB: What genre don’t I write in? I’ve already mentioned the humor column and the dinner theatre script, Christian non-fiction books, and Christian fiction books: women’s fiction, mystery, mid-grade. I wrote a musical - script and 9 songs - that premiered in 2009, “Claus and the King.” I’ve written several other songs too. I also sold a Christian sci-fi short story years ago, and a 4th grade Kentucky historical fiction. I’ve won some poetry contests and sold a few poems. And I wrote forms and instructions when I worked for state government. Ah! I don’t write bonnet fiction or cowboy stories. I’m sure I’d sell better if I did but, it’s just not me.

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?

AB: I tried for a long time to set a goal but too many interruptions made me irritated at people so I just write when I can and trust the Lord to make the time for me. I wrote the first draft of one mid-grade novel (45,000 words) in 3 days - by going upstairs and telling everyone to pretend I was not home. I took several years to write another book before I found out about scenes. If I get stuck chronologically I write a future scene that I have clearly in my mind and then somehow it fills itself in. I usually have the first third and last chapter of a book clear in my mind. Since I’ve learned I don’t have to write chronologically, I have a much easier time getting from here to there.

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

AB: In my novella “Victim,” the spiritual message is compassion. I hope readers will take away a sense of God’s love for each of us just as we are and a realization that He can change us into His perfect plan for our lives.

TR: Overall, Board to Death shows compassion, as Amy said, but also, it reveals in a subtle way how we’re all so different and how we all live out our Christianity in unique ways. Polly is very vocal about her faith, Lindsay meditates on Scripture to get through trying times, and Gretchen prays silently. Their faith is no more or no less than any of the others, because there’s no “right” or “wrong” in practicing our faith – as long as we’re biblically-sound, and actively pursue our individual relationship with Jesus.

I love that. Compassion is such a needed trait in this world today. 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?

AB: I have given up trying to interest publishers. The three books published this last two months are ones where two different publishers approached me.

DR: When you have a book published, people suddenly become literary experts and tell you exactly what is wrong with your work. I’ve found that much of this criticism comes from unpublished writers. I’ve learnt to accept this graciously, take note if they’re right and ignore the rest. (And be happy that I’ve got as far as being published)

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

TR: I’m an avid fisherman – but I don’t get to fish as often as I like these days. I love traveling – if money and time were no object, I would travel the entire world, staying long enough in each place to learn the people and the area, then move on to the next spot. Observing people in their every day lives is special to me, and seeing architecture with vast history just renders me speechless at times. I have a great appreciation for art and music, and the talents and gifts required for both.

AB: Likes: reading historical and cozy mystery novels, writing, directing plays, watching plays. Traveling to new places and back to England, Scotland, and Disney World. I used to like to oil paint and embroider but now that time is spent writing. Dislikes: TV and radio.

DR: I don’t like people taking advantage of the underprivileged and disabled. I enjoy music and play piano, guitar, and bass guitar. Travel is a large part of my life and I would especially like to spend some more time in Asia. I’ve been to Singapore and Hong Kong and find their culture fascinating.

Great likes. I adore some of the same things. Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Board to Death is available in print and digital formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and a host of other retail outlets. You can also request autographed copies from any of us.

http://www.tracyruckman.com/

http://www.amybarkman.com/

http://www.debbieroome.com/

http://www.writeintegrity.com/

Board to Death book trailer - http://youtu.be/q7YdYRKnsRc

Amy’s Which Witch? book trailer - http://youtu.be/9bOHnbomleg


Thank you, ladies for visiting today!
Blessings!

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.

Are You Ready?  

Beginning May 3rd and going thru most of the month, I'll be holding a
 Huge Giveaway on this blog for my followers!

What do you have to do?
Simple stuff!

• Comment and leave your email address as many times as you want on any post throughout contest period. EACH time you comment, your name will be entered again to receive a book!
• Link to my blog & announce this contest and rules on your blog, FB, Twitter, wherever: just make sure you let me know! :)
• Encourage someone to follow my blog & let me know who they are.

That's it!

Books, books and more books. I'll be giving away at least TWENTY books; maybe more! One of them could be YOURS.

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

DON'T FORGET!

If I ever run any kind of contest, giveaway, whatever on here

and you DON'T receive your book/gift,

LET ME KNOW.

I can't correct the problem if I don't know about it!

Thanks for your faithfulness!

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

Winner for Cathy West's book: Renee Ann

TWO Winners for Tina Pinson's books: Kyndra and Maria J
Winner for Naomi Musch's books:  Wanda

 

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Eddie Snipes is celebrating the release of his book with giveaways (including a Kindle) on his website (time is limited):

 eddiesnipes.com

For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turns his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life. When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life

CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

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LAST, but NEVER LEAST:

UPCOMING INTERVIEWS:

Sharon Elliott, April 20, interview with a giveaway

Shelba Nivens, April 15, guest blog

Aaron Gansky, Aprl 22, guest blog with a giveaway

Eddie Snipes, April 27, interview with a giveaway

Linore Rose Burkard, April 29, guest blog

Don't Miss Them!

Blessings

Please welcome Diana Flegel (Hartline agent) today as she offers a fun opportunity to share some of your writing with us!

Ask the Author by Diana

Dear Reader,

I am often amazed at the varied inspiration authors come by.

Will you share on this blog today by telling us some of your wackiest, zaniest or most inspirational plot inspirations, titles or characters you have come up with when hit smack dab in the face with inspiration? Has a billboard, news report or family member provided a jump off place for your writing?

50 words or less please.

We look forward to your response.

BTW: These are my red and green velvet Christmas skunks that were made by my Amish cousins. Any one see a story there?

From my heart to yours,

Diana
http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com/

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

Why Humor?


By Jeanette Levellie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to learn more about humor writing?

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

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

 
 
Loved having you, Jen!

My Thoughts of Karen Witemeyer's novel:
A Tailor-Made Bride

From the back cover:
When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly.

My thoughts:
Wow. It's not often that a book comes along that I absolutely, positively fall in love with. But this is one of them. From the first, Karen's excellent writing drew me in, captured my fancy with the so-much opposite characters--and loveable ones at that. You'll find books where you love a certain character, but can't feel any love for the other. Settings don't "set" right. Plots don't work. But this book had it all.  Wonderful, warm characters, a setting that made you feel right at home, a plot that kept you rooting for the end.

Hannah's independence and determination to succeed in her new business adventure as a seamstress, are admirable. Yet her caring spirit for those less fortunate: a smelly, old man suffering from depression, and a little girl who she befriends and teaches a trade, combine to give her a unique and wonderful personality. Her fun-loving attitude and teasing were a delight to read about.

At first glimpse, you'd think a narrow-minded, quick-to-judge man wouldn't be someone you'd take to, but J.T. Tucker had hidden depths that Karen skillfully wove into the story. He's all man, yet gentle in ways that he doesn't want broadcast about town. And quick to own up--even its only to God--his faults.

I'm so looking forward to Karen's next book. This is a keeper! A wonderful read for anyone who wants an excellent, well-written book. You'll not be disappointed!


Blessings!

Meet Inspirational Author, Roxanne Rustrand

Roxanne is giving away TWO books, one each to

two different commenters!

Please make sure you leave a comment AND

someway to contact you.

Now read on to learn a bit about Roxanne's writing life:

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?
I've always been an avid reader. My mom thought I would be a writer, even when I was a child. But decades later, it took a random offer of a job writing feature articles for a regional horse magazine, and the associated offer of a free computer, for me to realize just how much fun it was to write. "Copy/Paste" and "Erase" opened up whole new vistas! I wrote humorous articles for a few years and then, I just kept going. I never expected to sell, though. That seemed like an impossible dream.

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

I've written twenty-four romantic suspense novels. Sixteen for Superromance focused on relationship and family/friendship situations, more than the suspense. I also co-wrote a straight mystery for Public Radio. More recently, I've completed my seventh romantic suspense for Steeple Hill, for which the romance and suspense carry equal weight. Also, just this month I completed my very first non-suspense for Love Inspired Romance. What a learning curve that was--but great fun, too!

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 keep a progress chart posted above my computer--much like those United Way temperature graphs for fundraising, with a column showing page numbers marked in increments of ten, and also a column showing rising steps in word count. It feels so good to mark off another square, that it can help drive me on to finish a few more pages! I write approximately three books a year.

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

My June book, END GAME, is the third in my Big Sky Secrets series set in the Montana Rockies. Winter Reunion (the first in my new Aspen Creek Crossroads series for Love Inspired Romance) will be out in November....but then the fourth Big Sky book will be out next April. All of them stand alone, though there are recurring characters here and there.

The heroine in END GAME is county deputy, and is one of three cousins who experienced a terrible tragedy--the murder of a fourth cousin--when they were young teens. Each of them has carried those emotional wounds into adulthood. Each of them faces faith issues because of that tragedy and other events in their lives. And in each story, the heroine returns to Montana for various reasons....only to face renewed danger of a different kind, and ultimately find their once-in-a-lifetime love.

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

I cannot imagine wanting to give up. That's not to say there isn’t stress, or anxiety at times! I remember hearing as an unpublished writer that "it was even harder after you sell." I couldn’t imagine that was true. After all, when you are chasing what might be an impossible dream, spending weeks and months and years trying to develop your craft--maybe for nothing--that isn't easy! For those of you still hoping for a first sale, I empathize fully. It can take so much determination and endurance to get there!

But there are different challenges after you sell. The first ones hit after the first sale--when you discover that your beloved "baby," the book that finally sold, isn't perfect after all. You may face extensive, multiple re-writes at the revision stage. Heavy line edits. Then there's all the other stuff that goes along with the process--and everything has a deadline. And there's promotion...and the need to be pulling together new projects. The hope that you can make a second sale. Oh--and then there's your family, job, church...and other important things in life. It can be hard to juggle it all. Finding a balance is key.

And even after you sell a lot of books, things can change. Editors quit to have babies or go to a different publisher. Lines fold. Entire publishers fade away. All disappointing events--but also, a wonderful opportunity for growth and renewal. If you need to re-invent yourself in a new genre, perhaps you'll find that change was just what you needed!

A series of rejections, after making well over a dozen sales, led me from secular to inspirational fiction, and I couldn’t be happier!

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

If you are an avid reader for so long, you internalize what you love to read (and read the most.) When I started writing I had no plan, no idea of what I was doing, until someone told me what it was!

Sit back and relax? LOL. I am busier now than ever--and I feel richly blessed by that fact. I've now cut way back on a day job I love, as a dietitian for a psychiatric facility, because I have less and less time to spend away from my office at home.

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

Now that our three children are all in college, my husband and I travel a lot more--which we love. I enjoy photography, reading (of course!), spending time with our horses, and the long walks my husband and I take with our dogs. There's always so much more to learn, so many more ways to grow as a writer, so I really love to attend every writers' conference I can. I cannot wait for RWA in Orlando, and ACFW in Indiana this year!

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

Here is the backcover blurb for END GAME:

"I'll be seeing you again..."


The attacker's words still ring in Deputy Megan Peters' ears. Her attempt to trap a serial rapist terrorizing Lost Falls failed, but she has succeeded in becoming the target of his attention. Undaunted, she moves forward in her investigation, and Scott Anders, the only newcomer in town, draws her suspicion. Is his gentleness just an act? Yet as Megan and Scott grow closer, she finds herself questioning her instincts. What will she believe--her heart, or the evidence against him?

The book is available at boosktores, Wal-mart, Kmart, Target, at www.target.com, www.steeplehill.com, www.christianbook.com and various other online sources.

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

• Website: www.roxannerustand.com
• Blog: http://roxannerustand.blogspot.com

I'd love to have everyone stop by at my "All Creatures Great and Small" blog--where readers and writers share amusing or poignant stories about their pets. I also have run quite a few "Tales of the Old Horsetrader" from my old magazine articles, so one can check the archives.

If anyone would like to be featured on the blog (you don’t need to be published!) Just give me a shout, through my website! I'd love to have you visit!


Thank you, Roxanne, for visiting my blog today!

Blessings, dear readers.

Winner of Robin's Book . . .

Christine's name was chosen!!!

Christine, please email me with your address so that I can pass it on to Robin.

browncarole212@yahoo.com

NEXT?  Toni Cyran-Brock's interview! AND a GIVEAWAY of her book. The author of "Prisoners of Love," Toni shares her experience and calling with us. For anyone who's experienced (or knows someone who has) a loved one or friend who's in prison, this is the ideal book.

Here is what some people have said about the book:

• Thanks for sharing your valuable experience and wisdom. I highly recommend your book to others.    —Tom Lagana, author of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.

• What a wonderful book… It is on my list of must read books. It is full of humor, pathos, tears, and nitty gritty information. Toni tells it like it is. There is no sugar coating, but she gently fills your heart with hope. I purchased a copy for myself and quickly ordered one for my husband and two for friends.    —Bobbie Pierce, author, prison activist, and wife of a prisoner in Arizona.

• This is much more than a how-to book, it's a realistic look at what it's really like to try to support (emotionally, legally, financially) someone in prison. It's also a very human book about people in a difficult situation.    —Anne Rose-Pierce, founder of 17 Years After, an Oregon based prison reform organization.

• Toni’s book is used in both our male and female programs at Southside Regional Jail. We recommend her book to anyone dealing with the human side of incarceration.    —Morgan Moss and Penny Patton, founders of The Center for Therapeutic Justice.

• Toni's book is a must for everyone that has someone in prison. It is even good read for anyone. I’m starting my own live support group next week…and I am going to recommend it to everyone to read it.     —Kathy Groves, wife of a convict serving 10 years.

• I just finished this book and it is awesome. As the wife of an Alabama prisoner, it seemed as though parts of the book were written about my life. Thank you for this book and for caring about the prisoners and their loved ones.    —Monica, Alabama

• This is a wonderful book for the millions of people who have loved ones on the "other side." I keep a copy by my bedside and refer to it when I need encouragement. …This book should be read by everyone, because our entire society will be impacted by the release of our incarcerated once their time has been served.    —Sharon, North Carolina

Blessings, and don't miss Toni's interview!

Interview Questions

Welcome, Cerella!

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?

As a child, I ADORED books. I ate them up like they were candy. I attribute a lot of it to my mother, who used to read to me nightly. She’s a drama/theater-lover, so every story’s telling contained dramatic dialogue and sound effects. It made stories come alive for me. As I grew, I continued to consume books rapaciously. Of course, children love to discuss what they’re going to be ‘when they grow up’, and like most children, I had a varied list of what I wanted to do as an adult.

Then, one night when I was ten years of age, I watched a movie in which the heroine was a novelist. I can’t say there was a choir of the heavenly host or a booming voice, but a light bulb did go off in that moment – this was a career. The books I was reading began with an author. I latched onto this and throughout the rest of my childhood and teenage years, felt that desire grow into a calling.

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

My current book is a modern-day romantic comedy, although I’ve been known to write in other genres. For a long time, I wrote historical novels but had no luck getting them published. After years of receiving rejections on the manuscripts I was submitting, I decided to do a 180 and try something completely different. Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania was born out of my ‘foodie’ personality – it’s light, fun and sweet…like Angel food cake. =)

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 system varies. A lot. Like many writers, I work a full-time job in addition to my writing, plus I’m taking college courses at the same time. Time is precious! Right now, I’ve been consumed with the necessary promotion and details that go along with the publication of my first book. It’s exciting but leaves little time for the actual writing!

Love Finds You In Hershey was mostly written in two large spurts. I wrote the first half and then walked away in the dreaded middle, feeling drained. I returned to it some months later, re-inspired, and finished the second half. The actual writing is the least time-consuming part of the process – editing, fact-checking, polishing, researching, plotting…these are what take up the most time. I would say it probably took me about a year, from conceptualization to finished product. It all depends on how much real life interferes with one’s plans!

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

My character’s struggles are often born out of my own. There’s usually an issue I have to work through before I can help my character resolve it.

In Love Finds You in Hershey, Sadie Spencer is forced to face her inner perfectionist: that she cannot be the very best in everything she longs to excel at. It’s a hard lesson, and one I’ve had to face myself – this need to be something more than I am.

Sadie is a talented woman when it comes to food and her restaurant. But the one gift she doesn’t have is the skill to create a truly delicious dessert. It’s her Achilles heel, and she nearly loses some very priceless relationships in the pursuit of it.

Of course, there are some very comedic (and chocolaty!) moments along the way, as well.

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

Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania is part of Summerside Press’s Love Finds You series, which takes place in unique, real-life small towns across America.

Love Finds you in Hershey centers around Sadie, a single mom who is juggling raising her precocious five-year-old daughter and managing the restaurant she owns. She’s a little bit jinxed and finds herself in several hilarious (and occasionally alarming) circumstances. Her best friend, Jasper, sticks by her and helps her raise Kylie, her daughter, and begins to realize he feels a lot more for his lifelong friend than mere friendship. There’s also a mysterious Russian entrepreneur threatening Sadie’s business and the return of her erstwhile father, seeking amends.

It’s a story cooked up with a little bit of everything: humor, romance, drama, redemption, relationships and obviously, chocolate.

Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania is available wherever fine books are sold: Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Christian bookstores, etc. You can find links on my website (http://www.cerelladsechrist.com/) as well as read the first chapter and discover more information on the story – including recipes from the book, character bios, merchandise, tidbits on the town of Hershey, soundtrack recommendations and more!

Where do you get ideas? Character names? Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?

I think writers find their inspiration just about everywhere – at least, I know I do. The surest way for an idea to take root and bloom for me is when I ask that fateful question, "Well, what if…"

As for character names, I used to be extremely fussy in regards to this. I’d spend hours trying to find names that were ones I liked. In recent years, I’ve learned to let go more and allow the name to find me. The better you know your character, the more they’ll end up telling you about themselves – and the name is usually included in that for me. Characters often name themselves.

Whether my characters are similar to me or not – absolutely! Not in every way, but there’s a small part of me in each of them, for better or worse. For instance, with Sadie – I can definitely see her drive to succeed in myself, especially in the way she beats herself up for the skills she’s lacking. On the other hand, I will never possess her flair for withstanding public humiliation.

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

Wow, this is a big one. Okay, it’s true – the writing life is hard. Super hard. Especially when you’re writing day in and day out with no acknowledgment or return on your efforts. I wrote my first novel at age 16 and started submitting for publication when I was 17 years old – it took 13 more years to finally see something published. Everyone knew this was my lifelong dream, but along the way, most people stopped asking me how it was going. In a way, this was a relief – telling people ‘nothing yet’ grew wearing after several years.

I think the most important thing you can remember, though, is that success does not define you nor your ability. If you like to write, then write. Don’t do it to be published – do it for you. Do it because you enjoy the telling of a story and appreciate the value in them. If you do it because you love it, the discouragement is still there, but it rolls off easier than if you’re doing it to prove yourself. If I didn’t love the art of words, I would have given up a long time ago. And if I wasn’t being published, I’d still be writing anyway – because stories matter to me. Immensely.

For me, inspiration comes from other stories – the kind that make you dig deep and recognize that who we are and what we do matters.

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

Ha ha! It’s so facetious of you to place this question after the last one. I’ve only heard of one or two writers in my lifetime who had the pleasure of selecting from a platter of eager publishers with their first book. I was extremely fortunate in receiving an offer from Summerside Press, who maintain a high standard of quality in their titles. I’m blessed and grateful that they chose to take a chance on me.

As for relaxing….um, no. =) There’s always more work to be done.

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

Well, beyond the obvious answer of reading and writing... I love history, and I love touring historical places. My dream is to visit Scotland one day, since I have family history there and love all things Scottish. I’m enamored with pug puppies (including my own, named Bronte after the classic Charlotte and Emily.) Obviously, I’m a bit of a foodie and derive great interest from anything related to food and cooking. I’ll try just about anything except some of the stuff seen on Andrew Zimmerman’s Bizarre Foods. (I admire that man’s fortitude in the face of gastronomical horrors.)

I’m addicted to coffee, but I’m trying to drink more tea since I’m taking classes in holistic health and recognize the health benefits of the latter. And I’m so excited for the final season of the TV show, Lost.

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

I try keep my websites interesting with lots of goodies to be found, both on my author website and my personal website and blog. Definitely check out my sites:

Author website with fun book content (recipes, soundtrack, character blog and bio, etc.): http://www.cerelladsechrist.com/

My personal website and blog (with fun, random info. about me):

http://www.thecerellalife.com/

Join me on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/thecerellalife

And make sure you check out Sadie’s character blog at:

http://www.suncatchersadie.blogspot.com/

Wasn't that fun? Thank you, Cerella, for joining me today!

Blessings!

An Interview with my Friend . . .
Doug Varrieur



I'm so happy to have you on my blog today, Doug. I'm sure many readers will love hearing and learning about your book and your life!

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?

Wow, a calling….if it had only been such a glorious reason! Afraid not though, a bit more mundane than that. J I’ve been an avid dirt bike rider my whole life and occasionally I zig when I should have zagged resulting in more interaction with the dirt then the riding. I ride fast so when I crash it’s usually pretty hard. On this one particular day I broke my left foot which laid me up for a few weeks.





Over the years I’ve been coming up with little one liners, sayings like "You gotta go through what you gotta go through to get to where you’re going" I’ve come up with hundreds of them and have used them to teach my kids and my various employees an easy way to get the message.





I’ve written them down on everything imaginable, the back of a business card, a napkin, a piece of scrap wood, yes . . . even toilet paper.





As I sat at my desk with the broken foot elevated I spied the pile of notes loaded up on the shelf in the corner . . . time to clean the desk I thought and proceeded to open up a .doc file. The plan was simple really, write 'em down and throw away the notes. As I started to write the one liners in succession I found the need to elaborate on their meaning. This in turn resulted in a little paragraph below each one.





As I stared at the screen I recognized that I was writing a book . . . That’s the day THE CHERRY TREE was born. It’s dedicated to my kids, when they ask me for advice now I simply say…."look it up, it’s in the book!" J It begins with my most favorite cherry of all time, here it is;

"The toughest part about getting it done is getting it started! "





It couldn’t be truer! Talk, talk, talk, talk. Quit talking about it and do something about it. Take action, wait no more. Once you’ve begun, the hardest part’s behind you. It makes no difference what it is. Whether it's a project, quitting smoking, losing weight, whatever it is, get it started today and before you know it--it will be done.　

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

My chosen genre is weight loss and health recovery. When I reached the weight loss cherry in THE CHERRY TREE I found it needed much more than a paragraph to explain so I opened up another .doc file and FAT TO SKINNY Fast and Easy! was born.



I had lost over 100 pounds a few years earlier and cured my own type two diabetes. Over the years I had been asked over and over and over again, "how did you do it?" I had told the story so many times it was effortless to write it down. Within a couple of weeks it was roughed in and within a few weeks after that it was done. I specialize in teaching the truth about weight loss and weight gain. I uncover the secrets for my readers to reversing insulin resistance and type two diabetes. I give them a simple roadmap to good health and longer life.

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 book?

I'm a deadline kinda guy. I peck away at the keyboard with two or sometimes three fingers until I’ve had enough. Sometimes I’ll put in 8 to 10 hours at a clip, other times I’ll walk away for two or three days and catch up on other things. The amount of time it takes to write my books depends on the type of book I’m writing. Currently I’m in the middle of three books; they are all within sight of finalization.

FAT TO SKINNY Low Sugar Low Carb Cookbook (350 pages)

FAT TO SKINNY Low Sugar Low Carb Product Guide (175 pages) and

FAT TO SKINNY Sugar and Carb Counter (115 pages)

These books are all very detail orientated and require a great deal of time for layout and intricacies. I find it to be very tedious at times but I work through it. I tackled all three at once because they all tie together in my series. I want them all available as a package by mid December.

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

My spiritual message is simple; our bodies are a temple and a gift to be respected. We all have the free will granted us to make good choices, make them wisely.

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

FAT TO SKINNY Fast and Easy! is the simplest most straight forward weight loss book ever written--at least that’s what the publisher tells me. J It starts with my personal story beginning at childhood and ends with recipes. Of course the middle is filled with the problem, the causes and the solutions. The beauty of the FAT TO SKINNY program is no exercise is required, I teach you how to use the body’s own natural metabolics to shed the weight. It’s so easy anyone of any age can master it and once the weight is off it stays off unless you choose to put it back on.





The book will be available for delivery starting 12/15/09 from anywhere books are sold as well as from my web site http://www.FATtoSKINNY.com





As a side note it will be featured in the Barnes and Nobles "New Year New You" program in January, all 800 stores.

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

In my case I really have no option. If you had the cure for cancer would you keep it to yourself? That’s the position I’m in, I have the cure for obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It’s my responsibility to spread the word. It can be tedious and of course very time consuming; in fact, it will swallow you up if you’re not careful.

My most discouraging times came when the FAT TO SKINNY manuscript was rejected by 56 agents and publishers over a period of 90 days. As all of you know, that’s very disheartening. I self published because I thought they were all idiots for not seeing the magic of the book. My most encouraging times come when I hear from successful readers. To hear from a 75 year old woman thanking me for balancing her blood sugar or from a 13 year old girl who’s no longer the "fat kid" in school is an indescribable reward. Children inspire me more than anybody. Just this week I received news that my program is being taught in my home town schools health class. That’s inspiration J

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

In my case it was both, Sterling Publishing chose me and I chose them. As mentioned earlier I had pretty much given up on approaching publishers and agents, I simply had too many people to help. The way I saw it every day that went by with my manuscript nestled away on my hard drive was one more day that I should be spreading the word. The e book was available on my web site but the book needed to go into print.

It was during that time frame that I had a heart attack. All the years of high triglycerides (over 400) had finally caught up to me and even though I was now thin and they were in check (55-60) the plaque, once formed never goes away. The heartburn I was experiencing turned out to be a 95% blockage in my left anterior descending artery; they call it the "widow maker".

As I lay in the hospital bed the evening before my surgery I asked myself the questions one does in such a situation. Was I ready to go? Have I done everything I needed to do on earth before moving on? The only thing that haunted me that evening was the book.





It was that evening that I made a promise, a promise to the lord that if in his wisdom he saw fit to leave me here for a while longer that I would dedicate the balance of my life to helping as many people on the planet as I could before going home. The next day a stent was inserted in the artery and two weeks later I was on the phone to a printer in Korea arranging for hard copies.



It was also at that time that my Aunt Polly Craig, author and actor introduced me to her literary agent, Diana Flegal, Hartline Literary Agency. Diana and I hit it off and I sent her a hard copy of my book printed by LULU.com. Once she committed to my cause we agreed to go to contract for publisher representation. I remember her surprise when I told her that I could care less if I ever had a publisher.

The new books, 3000 copies, were to be delivered to Tampa in mid December 2008. My wife Sherri and I spend our summers in the mountains of Western NC and our winters in the islands of the Florida Keys. It was time to head south, and my intention was to take delivery of my books and go bang on the doors of Home Shopping Network--I had a promise to keep.

When I arrived in the Tampa Bay Area I hooked up with an old friend who as it turned out was now the operations manager for 6 bay area radio stations. I was invited on air the week the books arrived and 600 copies sold within 19 days. I was then offered an exhibit space at the Florida State Fair which I gladly accepted. My wife and I spent 12 days 10 hours a day talking, talking then talking some more. Hundreds of books were purchased and I was interviewed a couple more times by radio stations from the show floor.





The fair ended and it was time to travel back to the Florida Keys. Home Shopping Network had declined my offer but there was no denying the success achieved in the Tampa Bay Area. Sherri and I were exhausted, and we both had laryngitis.



I was driving through the Everglades when the phone rang. An excited Diana Flegal was on the line, it seemed she had some news. Diana told me that Sterling Publishing Company had taken a liking to FAT TO SKINNY Fast and Easy! She asked if I could overnight 5 hard copies to NY that very day. The book was heading for an acquisitions meeting 48 hours later and they needed copies.

Within a week the publisher and I were on the phone together. They wanted to know if we could do business. My attitude was simple, this is what I told them, "I don’t need you unless you can help me help others faster than I can help them myself. If you can, we can do business. If you can’t, I’m not interested."





Then the strangest thing happened, I was told by the Sterling execs that not only did they want to help they also didn’t want to change the book! They liked it just the way it was--other than the fact that I had spelled "exercise" wrong on the front cover J I knew right away that I was dealing with the right company. They chose me, and I chose them.

I also knew that the job wasn’t done. It was just beginning. Don’t kid yourself; publishing a book is like opening a door. Inside the room you’ll not find a comfy couch to sit and rest in, you’ll find a hell of allot of work and commitment. If you’re not ready for it quit now, this is not your path. 　

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

I love to cook for people and I’m a nut for nature. For me happiness is the changing of the leaves and a cool mountain stream, the smell of the ocean and the clatter of the seagulls. It’s the pure satisfaction of recognizing how beautiful and wonderful life is each and every day.





My hobbies mirror these loves, fishing, hiking, diving, and riding my dirt bike through the mountains. Dinner parties with close friends and family are always a joy. These are my foundations for which I build my life upon.



I do have a few dislikes however they are few and far between. I don’t have a big interest in traveling. Sherri and I, accompanied by our 4 Yorkshire Terriers, BJ, Monkey, Bam Bam and Pebbles, have already settled into a wonderful routine. Traveling between and residing in two of the most majestic places in the country feeds my spirit and soul. As I leave the mountains for the ocean and then the ocean for the mountains each year I know I’ve found my path.　

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

I’m not a blogger, I simply don’t have the time. I do however have a couple of web sites:

• My business web site for my books is http://www.fattoskinny.com/ Here you can read testimonials from readers, listen to interviews and watch video.


• My personal family web site is http://www.varrieur.com/ here you can click on my name and visit photo galleries with pictures of our adventures.

Is there anything else I’d like to share? Yes, I’d like to share myself. I’ll address this to you, dear reader. If I can be of any help to you in any way please feel free to write me at:

DougVarrieur@FATtoSKINNY.com

I’ll do whatever I can for you.

Thank You for the interview, Carole, and I wish you and all you dear readers a blessed day!

We have no excuse now, to not get ourselves in shape and live a healthier life! Thank you, Doug, for a wonderful, inspiring insight into your life and most of all, your book!

Blessings!

Special People

One of the highlights of my year! Meeting Diana Flegel, my literary agent.


She's just as wonderful as she sounds over the phone.
Knowlegeable, interested, concerned and prayerful about her clients and their work, fun.

Two of my fellow writers: Max Lewis (in the middle--and he's not really, uh, as snobbish as he looks--snicker--he just had a time getting the rest of us to behave.) His very sweet wife, Valerie, on the end in the white sweater, Connie Cameron between them, wonderful Diana on the end, with me between Max and her.

Books galore from authors like Tamela Murray Hancock and Doug Varrieur and Connie Cameron. Topics like the market, and critique groups, and research. That subject took us down the trail of dogs, but we managed to curb our ever present curiosity. We even got in some critiquing and brainstorming over Connie's newest project--and is it an exciting topic! Can't wait to see it in print.

And, of course, we had some of Tim Horton's famous and delicious coffee, and muffins of each individual choice (although certain people who shall remain nameless, deviously got samples of two different types of muffins by ingeniously cutting them in halves. Hmmm).

• Max writes suspense.
• Connie is a superb and published nonfiction author.
• Valerie is a supportive wife. Smile
• Me, you all KNOW what I write. (That's what comes of having somewhere to talk, I mean write, what I want)
• And Diana. Our agent. The best.

A fun, meaningful day.

Blessings!