BookingIt

If You Like Inspirational Historical Romances...?

2012-02-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

I think I'm supposed to get author copies soon. Yay!!

I'm looking for some honest reviews and blog stops. Is there such a thing as a "bad" review? Maybe hurtful ones but most provide a learning experience, in my opinion.

If you like to read inspirational romances or historicals or if you're just curious and would be interested in reviewing my book, I think I can send out about 20 copies. Send me an e-mail at jessica_nelson7590 AT yahoo dot com. You can find an excerpt of Love On the Range HERE.

If you'd prefer to have me as a guest poster or over for an interview, let me know. :-)

Also, I'd just like to say that I appreciate all of my blogger friends so much! You guys are wonderfully awesome and are such a part of my writing journey.

So...what do you think about reviews? Have you ever reviewed anything or been a part of a blog tour? Do you think there's such a thing as a bad review?

Adios Estados Unidos, Bienvenidos Costa Rica!

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-05:00

As you read this, I might be soaking up the southern hemisphere rays, or traipsing through an exotic jungle, or eating sushi...nope, I don't eat sushi. :-)

I'm in Costa Rica blogger friends!!! Will be back next week. Have an awesome end of January everyone.

What's the most exotic place you've ever traveled to? The strangest food you've eaten?

(btw, the chocolate in Costa Rica is absolutely delicious)

Same Bait, Different Hook

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

I used to watch NCIS...until I realized Ziva and DiNozzo weren't going to hook up.

Turns out my real interest lay in the tension between these characters, and when their attraction seemed to take a backseat, so did my attention. I still like the show, but it no longer hooks me.

Sometimes what one person loves in a story is completely different than what someone else loves. Same story, different draws.

This is why it's so important that we have more than one hook in our books. Every plot has more going on than just action, or just romance. My husband's favorite movie is Braveheart. He loves the action. That's his hook. Mine is the lost love, but also the new love with the queen.

What is your fave book of all time? Why? What is it about that story that hooks you? Do you have more than one hook in your WIP?

What I've Been Reading

2012-01-11T06:38:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege of meeting debut author Henry McLaughlin at the 2011 ACFW Conference. He's such a nice, interesting man that I had to pick up his book. I'm glad I did. While there's a romantic thread to this story, ultimately it was the writing and the wonderful Old West feel to the book that grabbed me and kept me. Check out his first line: The crowd was small for a hanging. I definitely recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction.

I really enjoyed this read by Noelle Marchand. This is her first book and she sold it at a super young age (I think 16?). Sometimes category romances get a little formulaic but this one felt very fresh to me with vivid characters and an interesting premise.

If you didn't know it, this book has become popular posthumously. The author, Stieg Larsson, passed shortly after handing in the third manuscript. I enjoyed the writing in the book. It was different than my norm. While the pacing felt off, ultimately I liked the main character enough to start the second book.

I'd heard of this book for over a year but didn't get around to reading it until I saw the movie trailer and realized there was romance involved. I really enjoyed the writing and story. The premise/setting was really intriguing, the characters (most of them) were well-rounded and the way Sara Gruen set up the story was interesting. Now I'm ready to watch the movie!

What have you been reading? Any recommendations for 2012?

Put Your Character in a Box

2012-01-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

The irony of characters, in my opinion, is that in order to make them real, we have to make them unreal.

What I mean is, no real person can be put in a box and labeled. But to write a character that stands out, we must give that character overarching qualities (labels, even) in order to make that character real and memorable.

When I was in middle school I went on a retreat and we did an intriguing exercise. On the outside of a paper bag we wrote words that described how others thought of us (or how we feel we appear to others). On the inside of the bag we wrote words to describe how we felt on the inside.

I think this is a great exercise to do with our characters. For example, I'm reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo right now. One main character, Blomkvist, doesn't stand out to me at all. He's okay but he doesn't capture my interest. The other character, though, is Lisbeth Sanders. She's intriguing.

This is how I think the author made her intriguing.

On the outside of Lisbeth's box (other characters' perspectives or her outward actions) is written Aloof, Cold, Difficult, Smart.

But on the inside is Tender (evidenced by the scene with her mother), Fragile, and Persistent.

What makes a character intriguing is when the outside words juxtapose with the inside words. When they're opposites or don't seem to match.

Which word is on the outside of your character's box? What is on the inside that surprises the reader? Does this theory fit for your favorite character in a movie or book?

Merry Christmas to All My Peeps

2011-12-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Blogger Friends!! As we head into Christmas and the New Year, I hope you all are blessed and at peace. Maybe next year will bring new contracts, new agents, new friends. I know I have proposals at several publishers so 2012 should be interesting.

Here's a song if you're in the mood.

What things do you think might happen in 2012 for you?

I'm outtie (for a few weeks). See you next year!

Interview with Debut Author Camille Eide (and winners!)

2011-12-14T08:17:00.001-05:00

Camille Eide graciously answered some questions I had for her. If you hadn't heard, her debut novella just released and is available in Kindle format.

1. Me: So Camille, what's your favorite part about writing romance? Probably the moment the hero knows he's got it bad for the heroine. :-) I like writing emotionally wrenching scenes and tingly moments. To dig a little deeper, I like to read, watch AND write about how a person finds himself drawn to something far beyond outer attraction, something that speaks to a deep need in him, that thing she completes in him. :-) Oooh! Romantic!

2. Me: When did you start writing? I started writing with the intent of publishing nearly 5 yrs ago. The first novel took a while to polish, but eventually attracted my agent and made it to a pub house board (where it sits to this day...) My second in the series will be shopping for a publishing home soon. This Christmas novella is my first book to be published, but not my first. So even though it only took a month (it's short & sweet), there was a lot of craft development that went before, and I think what helped me write it so quickly.

3. Me: Any advice for unpublished writers? Depends on where the unpub is at in the pursuit of your craft. If you KNOW you have a love of story and a knack for words, put a sticky note above your computer screen that says, "You have a God-given gift. If you need help with it, just ask." If you love to write and haven't reached Pub Heaven, please don't give up. Some seasons just feel like they go on and on (like Oregon winters that last 10 months) but hang in there. The only writers certain to fail are the ones who quit. None of us ever "arrive," no matter where we are in the process. Give yourself permission to be where you are, and keep at it.

4. Me: What's your favorite kind of chocolate? I LOVE LINDOR WHITE CHOCOLATE BALLS AND I'M NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE THEM. Thanks for asking, though. Sorry I yelled. I quit sugar a while back and I get a little cranky sometimes. (You all see how sweet and happy Jessica looks, right? Do you know she believes chocolate is one of the 4 food groups?) Wait, isn't it???

Thank you so much, Camille, for taking the time to answer my nosy questions. You can check out Camille's book HERE and she also has a book trailer.

Now for winners. Last week I posted about Camille and Linda's debut novellas. The winners of those are Jeanette Levellie and Linda Kage!! Congrats, ladies. ;-)

Christmas is for Kissing! (book giveaways)

2011-12-07T04:00:00.002-05:00

Actually, mistletoe is for kissing, but I really do enjoy Christmas romances. You might've seen my posts on Facebook, but two of my critique partners have Christmas romance novellas that just released. These ladies are fabulous writers and I'm so excited for them!

Introducing....

Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.
Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.
Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

Linda Glaz:
I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide

When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will the dream that once divided them get in the way?
Just before Christmas, Savanna Holt returns to the ski lodge where she once worked hoping to deliver her goddaughter to the child’s grandparents and flee the mountain resort before memories of one special Christmas there reminds her how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life.
But Savanna is stunned to discover Luke, the man whose heart she broke three years ago, now manages the resort. Seeing him reminds her of what she lost, but Luke wants no reminders of his hurt. He’s changed, but so has she.
When a blizzard traps her at the lodge over Christmas, she sees the forced proximity as a gift from God and is determined to win Luke back. Can she convince Luke she has changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

Camille Eide writes contemporary romantic women’s fiction and was a 2009 Zondervan First Novel Competition finalist and a 2011 Genesis winner. She lives in the evergreen Cascade foothills near Portland, Oregon with her hero of 28 years and is mom to three brilliant college-age kids. She’s a church secretary, a bassist, and a passably devoted fan of classic rock, Harleys, sappy flicks, muscle cars, and Jane Austen.
A cynic saved by grace, Camille sometimes remembers to turn that amazing grace around and use it on others. And either because of or in spite of that grace, she holds a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way.
Camille is a member of the Oregon Christian Writers, The American Christian Fiction Writers and the Portland Chapter ACFW where she serves on the board as Treasurer. She has attended Mount Hermon, ACFW, and local OCW writing conferences. She belongs to Randy Ingermanson’s Columbia River Christian Writers and other Christian writing communities that cultivate literary excellence.
When she’s not pounding the keyboard, they let her play bass guitar and sing in the worship band. Camille knows how to do a bunch of random things like baking four dozen cinnamon rolls in a flash for a crowd of drooling young adults.

Now for the GIVEAWAY!

Tell me your fave Christmas movie/book of all time. For a second entry, tell me your favorite Christmas romance. I will draw two winners of both novellas. :-)
(oh, and these are e-books but downloading the Kindle app on your computer is SO easy)

To Pick a Scabbing Wound

2011-11-30T06:14:00.000-05:00

After my involvement in that accident, my grandma suggested I write out what happened as a healing exercise. I used to write in a diary all the time, but since getting married, that has fallen to the side. Even when I did it though, the words were subdued for fear that someone like me might walk into the room.

To write about something that hurts to think about seems to me rather like picking at a scabbing wound. But I think for some writing out their hurts aides in the healing process.

How do you release emotion? Do you think writing about a painful event is healthy or counterproductive? And do you journal? If so, what about?

When Thanksgiving Doesn't Feel Right

2011-11-23T04:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I was involved in a horrific accident. I walked away physically unscathed. The other person did not. Right now a young man is in ICU in serious condition.

I'm very thankful for my family, my friends, my health, but I can't help but wonder how this young man's family is feeling this Thanksgiving.

If you would, please pray for my emotions and for this young man (Larry), that he'd fully recover.

For those of you on a mountain peak, may your Thanksgiving be wonderful and merry and full of good food. And to those of you in the valley right now, I feel you and hope you'll see a sunny spot where you can rest awhile. Perhaps finding a blessing to hold close until your journey brings you back to the mountain top.

Where are you right now? Have you ever been in a dark spot on a holiday? How did you end up leaving that place?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome Debut Author Lisa Jordan!

2011-11-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

Lakeside Reunion: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion

Today I'd like to welcome debut Love Inspired author Lisa Jordan! Below is a short interview with this lovely author.

Why did you choose to be a writer?
When I was 16, I read The Promise by Danielle Steele. The happily ever after ending made my heart sigh. At that moment, I knew I wanted to create the same heart-sighing promise of hope and happily ever after for my readers.

Where is the worst place you've ever been stuck waiting?
A local regional airport for 15 hours!! I was flying to Florida in February 2009 for a My Book Therapy retreat. The airport is on a hilltop, and at that elevation, it was snowing so hard the runway was too icy for planes to land. My flight kept getting delayed. Finally, via cell phone, Hubby convinced me to talk sternly to them to drive me to a larger airport and pay for my flights to Florida. I had arrived at 5:00 a.m. for my original flight and finally left at 9:00 p.m. to be driven to another airport. The small regional airport lacked vending machines or a restaurant.

What is the most common compliment people give you?
I don’t look my age. Many people can’t believe I have an 18-year-old and a 21-year-old.

What’s one thing you would rather pay someone to do than do yourself?
Grocery shop and cook my meals. I used to love to cook, but now I’d rather spend that time writing.

What do you think is the secret to a happy marriage?
Shared faith, unconditional love, an abundance of grace, communication, supporting one another, and saying “I’m sorry.”

~*~
I’m holding a scavenger hunt to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.

The token for this blog is a squirrel.

Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired, followed by her second novel, Lakeside Family, in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for twenty-two years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.

And Now, Live on the Silver Screen....

2011-11-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

It's just little ol' me and my book trailer.

One of the great things about the changes happening in the publishing industry is the introduction of the book trailer. I definitely think it has great potential to drive sales...if used in the right way.

I have seen incredibly boring trailers, long-winded and dry. I've seen okay ones. And then I've seen ones that made me click over to read the book blurb.

Making a book trailer is hard work. Will anyone buy a book because of its trailer? Who knows? But I feel like a great, hooky trailer will generate interest in looking at the story. Which can lead to sales or at least some kind of buzz.

Below is my trailer. I had a really fun time making it, even though I'm not sure I utilized everything the best way. You can also check out my good friend Anita's blog where she hosts a Trailer Thursday every week.

Have you ever made a trailer? Thought about it? What do you look for in one, and do you think a great trailer could prompt you to explore the story more?

The Path to Publication

2011-11-04T06:35:00.001-04:00

I'm at work all day today but wanted to give Loretta Boyett a shout-out. She graciously invited me to guest post on her blog this week. If you're interested in hearing a more detailed account of the events leading up to The Call, you can read about it HERE.

Hope you all have an awesome weekend!

Set the Hook and Reel that Fishie In!

2011-11-02T04:00:00.001-04:00

Most of you know my husband is a fishing show host. The man loves fishing. I don't really go with him, but I hear enough lingo to know if you want to catch a fish, you have to set the hook.

Setting the hook involves forceful action: You've got to yank the rod at the right moment. Too soon and the fish gets away. Too late and the fish swallows the hook.

Books are kind of the same way. We start our chapters with a hooky first line, but do we end the chapter that way? On a conflict or a question that the reader must read on to discover more? I think the end of each chapter is a solid place for setting a hook.

And while the first few pages are great bait for getting a nibble, it's the hook setting that will allow you to reel your fish in.

How does your book end? Do you think the reader is reeled into your author boat? Which authors have reeled you in? And did it happen on the first nibble of their books?

I'm a Guest!!

2011-11-01T08:02:00.000-04:00

I have a guest post up over at Seekerville, the IT place for all writers, pubbed and unpubbed. If you've never visited, I highly recommend making them a daily stop.
In the meantime, if you have time, hit me up over there today. :-)

Chocolate for Dinner? Why That Sounds Sublime.

2011-10-26T07:15:00.002-04:00

I'm being interviewed over at the lovely Jill Kemerer's today. Stop by if you have time.

WINNER!!! Robyn Campbell, you are the winner of A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman. :-) I need your addy, please.

Thanks Tori for the Versatile blogger award! I can't play the game now, but maybe soon. Thank you!

I also have a thanks going out to Linda Rohrbrough, a fellow agency-mate who makes wonderful writer clocks. I met her at the conference and she kindly sent me one.

What are your plans for today? Any special items on the menu?

You Say Potato

2011-10-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

And I say Pah-tah-to. (heeheee, not really!)

Better is niggling at me as I start a new WIP.

What does it mean when I'm told to get better? Better at craft? Better at storytelling? Who determines what better is?

I believe there is something intangible to a great story. A few posts back I wrote how I met with an editor and he encouraged me to keep getting better. Which I absolutely want to do.

The thing about better is that...well...."One man's trash is another man's treasure."

So what I think is better, someone else might think is no good.

How do you decide or know if you're "better"? How do you gauge the worth of a book?

Ummmm.....I Heard You the First Time

2011-10-12T04:00:00.001-04:00

As you all know, I just finished my line edits a few weeks ago. One thing that immediately jumped out at me was the same word scrawled on page after page.

Rep

As in, repetitive.

Now, this is a manuscript I finished the rough draft of in 2007. This thing has been through the ringer. I've edited and revised it a million times.

But I was still being repetitive.

Thank goodness for editors!

What a great reminder for me when I start my next story. I see repetitiveness in books already and sometimes it can be annoying. Repetition is not necessarily using the same words or repeating a sentence. For example, I read a book recently which was a good story with some sweet romance, but I felt like every chapter was reiterating the inner conflicts of the main characters.

The reader doesn't need to be told over and over why the hero and heroine can't be together. I find myself doing this in my own writing. Using the character's internal narrative to remind the reader what the conflicts are. I don't think it's effective. The reader will remember. Use external conflict to heighten the inner conflict, but repeating the inner conflict is not necessarily a hook.

Will I take my own advice? I'm trying!

Do you find yourself repeating the conflicts in your stories? What about telling the reader what you want them to know, rather than using scenes? Any advice for someone like me who feels like the queen of repetition at the moment?

From the Mouth of an Editor

2011-10-05T06:15:00.000-04:00

Get Better.

I'd had all my appointments on Friday so Saturday afternoon, I wandered into the appointment room at the ACFW conference thinking that it would be smart to see if there were any more openings.

There was one, a mentoring appointment with longtime editor, Andy Meisenheimer. I decided to do it though my plan of what to talk with him about was pretty sketchy.

Appointment time came. I popped into the room, shook his hand, sat down (maybe not in that order but I can't remember now) and then frankly told him I wasn't sure what to be mentored on but it seemed like a good idea. I asked him for whatever advice he thought a new author should have.

The poor guy seemed startled at first but he recovered and gave me some of the best advice I've ever heard.

Get Better.

I highly recommend a mentoring appointment if you ever go to a conference. Meisenheimer was knowledgeable, encouraging and I just overall really enjoyed talking to him. I left the meeting with a lot to chew on.

Are you striving to "Get Better"? Do you ever think some authors get stuck in mediocre writing? How do you spur yourself to get better?

A Heart Revealed By Julie Lessman

2011-09-28T04:00:00.007-04:00

The ring on her hand belongs to one man …

but her heart belongs to another.

As a battered woman, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston ten years ago, seeking shelter for a heart badly bruised by both her husband and guilt. But when she falls in love with Sean O’Connor, a man who wrestles with demons of his own, fear and shame almost destroy her … until she is finally set free by a heart revealed.

If you want love stories that curl your toes, then you'll adore Julie Lessman's books.

I dove into this book because I'd really been waiting to read Emma's story. Scarred by an abusive husband, Emma deals with deep self-worth issues. But she's also a beautiful person who tries to let her weaknesses and fears bring her closer to God.

If you're just looking for a straight romance, Julie's books are more than that. I saw her at the conference and told her I'd noticed how her books are moving into more of a saga-type read, rather than just a straightforward romance between hero and heroine.

With this shift in her stories (which really probably began in the third book of her first series, The Daughters of Boston), I've marveled at the strength of Julie's characterization. Especially with the females of the story.

I read this book on the way to and back from the conference. I both laughed and cried during it.

In my opinion, A Heart Revealed is one of her best books yet.

Have you ever read a saga? Have you read Julie's books? If so, which one is your favorite and why?

Leave a comment if you'd like to be entered to win A Hope Undaunted, the first in the Winds of Change series.

Deep Cover by Sandra Orchard

2011-09-20T04:00:00.010-04:00

IDENTITY: GUARDED
Maintaining his cover cost undercover cop Rick Gray the woman he loved. Sweet Ginny Bryson never really knew Rick. He never gave her the chance. Not then, and not now, when he's back with a new alias to gather evidence against Ginny's uncle. The man's crimes led to Rick's partner's death, and Rick wants justice to be served. But his investigation is stirring up trouble, and Ginny is smack-dab in the middle. Someone wants Ginny to pay the price for what her uncle has done. But how can Rick protect her without blowing his cover, jeopardizing his assignment...and risking both their lives?

Deep Cover is the first book in the series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line.

Book 2 ~ Shades of Truth ~ March 2012
A compassionate youth worker fighting to preserve her dying father’s legacy battles the justice-driven detective who threatens her mission and her heart.

Book 3 ~ Dose of Deception ~ TBA (title tentative)
A nurse. An undercover cop. A killer who’ll stop at nothing to avoid being caught.

Sandra Orchard lives in rural Ontario, Canada where inspiration abounds for her romantic suspense novels set in the fictional Niagara town she's created as their backdrop. Married with three grown children, when not writing, she enjoys hanging out with family, brainstorming new stories with fellow writers, and hiking or kayaking in God's beautiful creation. She’s an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, and several RWA chapters.

You can find her at her blog or website. You can buy Deep Cover HERE.

I cyber-met Sandra a few years ago when she responded to one of my questions on a writing loop. She was knowledgeable and always helpful. I'm excited to post that her debut from Love Inspired Suspense released this month. I really enjoyed reading it and thought her premise was genius.

That is, how does a Christian undercover policeman handle the lying aspect of his job?

To be honest, I've never even considered this before.

Sandra has written a fast-paced read with smart hooks and sweet romance. You can find her book on Walmart shelves still, I bet! Or better yet, meet Sandra in person at the ACFW conference this week.

Have you ever known an undercover policeman? What do you think about lying, and is it ever okay?

Cool News and Linkage

2011-09-14T04:00:00.000-04:00

I had some news and links I wanted to share.

First, one of my best friends ever just recently sold her book to Abram's imprint Amulet!!! Anita is a superb writer who first guest posted here in 2008. You can read Anita's Call Story Here. Woohoo, Anita! I know there are many more sales in your future!

Secondly, one of my amazing critique partners Karla Akins just had a non-fiction book released. She's done a wonderful job with this book. If you homeschool or are Canadian, you may be interested in checking it out Here.

So, E-Readers are becoming more popular.

ACFW is so close! I'm going, are you?

And...my line edits arrived. At first I felt intimidated but as I'm going through them, I'm really enjoying it and finding some great nuggets from the editor (thank you!).

Do you use an e-reader? Are you going to ACFW?

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

2011-09-07T04:00:00.001-04:00

They vowed to keep their marriage in name only.
But when the unexpected happens on the grueling journey west . . .
Their carefully constructed partnership will be put to the ultimate test.

Priscilla White knows she’ll never be a wife or mother and feels God’s call to the mission field.

Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs.

Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God’s leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

After finishing Jody's debut The Preacher's Wife, I've been eagerly awaiting her next book.

The Doctor's Lady is newly released and I devoured it. The writing was great and Jody did an amazing job of bringing the characters and setting to life. As a young reader, I used to love reading the historical romances featuring Native Americans and their lifestyle. I found the accounts fascinating.

While I enjoyed the romance in The Doctor's Lady, what I really found myself appreciating (and what served as my biggest hook), ended up being the incredible details Jody incorporated. Things like food, smells, lodging and the dangers found on the trail. I just had to know who would survive the journey and how it would end.

Kudos to Jody for writing a wonderful book based on the true story of the first white women to ever cross into Oregon!!

Jody can be found at her blog, her website, facebook and twitter.

Don't forget to enter her Trailblazer Contest!

So, you now know that I adore western historicals. What time periods do you enjoy? Who is your favorite historical author?

Waiting On Line Edits

2011-08-31T06:56:00.000-04:00

Right now I'm waiting on line edits for my soon-to-be-pubbed (eeek!!!) book.

I did a set of revisions before contract and a set after, but now the story is being sent to a different line editor. Even though authors from the same line gave me some encouragement about these edits, I'm still nervous.

What will be changed? Will the editor like the story or hate it? Will the editor cross out all my "was"s?

The suspense of not knowing what will happen is driving me to chocolate.

Are you waiting for anything right now? How do you handle the suspense of the unknown? Are you prepared for the changes an editor might ask you to make?

Talking With Readers

2011-08-24T04:00:00.001-04:00

One thing I've loved about my new job is talking books with one of my co-workers. She's a big reader who ranges from literary to all things Harlequin. The perspective of someone who reads but doesn't write is fresh for me. Now another co-worker started reading a book and was telling me how mad she was at a male character over how he treated the heroine.

The depth of her immersion in the story was inspiring for me because last week she'd mentioned that the story was confusing at times due to an abundance of characters.

Yet that didn't stop her from rooting for the heroine.

How do I make a story like that? One that, despite its weaknesses, ensares a reader to the end?

There are lots of rules on how to do it, but sometimes I think it comes down to voice.

What was the last book you read that put you in tears or made you mad at a character? Any insight on how the writer did it? Do you talk books with nonwriters?

Use Your Words

2011-08-17T04:00:00.004-04:00

Have you ever heard a parent tell their toddler to use their words? That's how I feel about writing. This Song captured me partly because of the lyrics.

Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors

Who would've thought forever could be severed
by the sharp knife of a short life

The writer uses words to make metaphors that create interesting images. She created a mood with her words, which is so important for us to do in our books.

Do your words evoke the mood you're going for in a particular scene? What about your metaphors? Have you ever heard this song before?

The Next Big Thing

2011-08-10T07:56:00.000-04:00

After Harry Potter we knew something else would be big, but what? Then suddenly Twilight appeared and for years captured the imagination of our world.
Now Twilight is approaching the end of its movie run and I can't help but wonder what will be the next big thing.

Do you think the next huge book will be YA? Is there room for anything else to get so big? Is there something big right now that I don't know about yet?

Why I Think Napoleon Dynamite Rocks

2011-08-03T04:00:00.001-04:00

There are a lot of reasons why I love the movie Napoleon Dynamite.

Those who hate it might find this hard to believe, but Napoleon Dynamite is, at heart, about the deep value of relationships and how they can change us. The movie uses Understatement in a major way, which I think makes it slow-paced and boring at the beginning. If you don't finish the movie, it will be hard to like it, imo.

At the beginning of the movie, it's as though the major characters are muffled. Their emotions, their expressions, even the tones of their voices contain little emotion.

This is where Irony comes into play.

Secondary characters at first appear more alive than main ones. But as the story unfolds, as conflicts are introduced and relationships forged, the primary characters become the ones I root for. And by the end of the movie, a very interesting thing happens.

The discovered relationship and connection between the main characters has changed them so deeply that they become real and rounded. Those secondary characters who seemed more relatable at the beginning are actually flat stereotypes.

I also love the element of Surprise (aka freshness). When Napoleon's brother meets the girl he's been talking to on the internet, you're in for a surprise. There's a wonderful freshness in that scene, in how their love transcends the superficiality of culture.

Besides the beasting soundtrack and fantastic use of Irony, Understatement, and Freshness, Napoleon Dynamite is a winner in my house because it takes the everyday blahness of (some people's)life and shows how friendship can change everything.

What did you think of Napoleon Dynamite? Anything to add to this? If you didn't like the movie, why not? What do you think now?

Please Pray

2011-07-21T04:00:00.000-04:00

Right now I'm driving to Minnesota to see my Grandma. She's been very sick. I'll be offline for the next week, probably.
Please pray for her and for safe travels for me. Thank you!

Confessions of a Peeved Reader

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make.

As a reader, there was one type of scene I always skimmed. Most romances, especially the historicals, would have this kind of scene and without fail, I'd skip it. I remember it being a pet peeve of mine.

The scene always felt overdrawn, long, overly detailed with nothing exciting happening (lack of conflict)...The wedding scene.

Yup. I know I'm probably in the minority but there's my confession: I hate reading wedding scenes.

What's your confession?

Life in the Borderland

2011-07-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

I've been traveling the world of Writerdom for many years now and I've traversed through different lands (Query Land andAgent Land), but I've never been on the border before.
It's the strange and shadowy place between Unpublished and Published. There are befuddling sights in this region and new sounds. People from both sides mingle here and I'm seeing things from both the same and a new perspective. (Dichotomy, anyone?)

What's your region like halfway into 2011? Are you enjoying it or counting the minutes until you escape? Have you ever felt like you belonged somewhere other than where you find yourself now?

Working on Revisions

2011-07-06T07:28:00.000-04:00

After I got the call I was sent another revision letter. It was a mix of overarching notes on the story (things the editors want clarified or changed) and specific thoughts on different pages.

The overarching notes were a little overwhelming at first. I had to sit and think about them. So I did the page edits first because I knew when I went in to fix other stuff it would change the page numbers. I'm almost done with my revisions and am pretty sure I'll have them in by deadline, which is so freaky (the fact that I have a deadline, eeek!) I can barely believe it.

Is there a certain way you'd handle revisions? Do you use any kind of organizational tools like Excel?

For a great, in-depth post on handling revisions on a contracted story, check out Jody Hedlund's post.

A New Agent in Town and Linkage

2011-06-29T04:00:00.001-04:00

Last week I found out that my long-time critique partner Linda Glaz was just made an agent at Hartline Literary!!! Woohoo! So apparently for years I've been rubbing shoulders with an agent in the making. :-)
Linda is a kind and funny person. She's very savvy regarding the industry and craft and she loves romance. If you're looking for an agent to query, I'd recommend Linda. She mostly loves any subgenre of romance and suspense, but she'll never turn down a great story regardless of genre. The guidelines for querying Linda are HERE.
Congrats Linda!

As for linkage, there some news on the digital royalties publishing front. Here are a few interesting links.

Harlequin Raises E-book Royalties
Agent Kristin Nelson's Take So Far
Dear Author Asks Harlequin
Some Other Publishers Royalty Rates
Brenda Hiatt's Show Me The Money (this site is a good representation of what publishers pay on average)

What do you think about digital royalties? Had you heard any of this yet? Did you find your targeted publisher on Hiatt's list?

Getting Visual

2011-06-22T07:27:00.000-04:00

A cool thing about Love Inspired is that authors are asked to give input into the covers of their books.

The uncool thing is that I'm so NOT visual.

Some writers have pictures of their scenes and characters taped to the walls. I don't. I have a vague idea, so when I was asked to supply pictures for cover ideas, I was befuddled. Thank goodness I have a friend who is the Queen of Visuality (you know who you are!). She supplied me with links to helpful websites where I could brainstorm who exactly my characters look like.

Are you visual? Do you already have cover ideas? If you were a character, how would you be physically described?

My Call: The Journey

2011-06-15T08:19:00.003-04:00

I sold to Love Inspired Historical!!! Here's how it happened:

"You should write a book. You'd make more money doing that."

In 2006 my editor at the newspaper I freelanced for told me this. In that moment, a lightbulb went off in my head. Write for money? Sure, I'd written stories all my life, but to actually write a book and be paid for it was a concept that had never occurred to me.

That same year, I started a historical romance. Why historical? Because Love Inspired was launching a historical line in 2007 and I was aiming for that. I also love reading historical romances.

"The characters should be talking by now."

So said agent Steve Laube at my first writer's conference in 2007. He'd gotten to page 7 and my heroine was still thinking of backstory. I made every newbie mistake with that first manuscript. So I read articles and did my best to make the manuscript shine. Then I submitted it to agents. Form rejections. I decided to submit it to Love Inspired Historical. Weeks later, the rejection came back. "Your writing is not strong enough." Granted, I'd only sent a very poor synopsis, but that editor was right and though it stung, I knew I needed help.

"To conclude, I want to stress that you have written a beautiful and intriguing novel."

I decided to send my historical to Harlequin's Critique Service. While it was there, I started a new book. As I wrote, I realized how bad my first story was. I determined that I'd probably have to shelve it. That was okay, because my new story was so exciting! I was sure it would be the one. Finally the historical critique came back. It rocked! The line above is the one reason I decided to keep submitting the story. I put the historical away for a while though because I'd finaled with my contemporary and it was not until 2008 that I began querying the historical again.

"Project Under Consideration"

An agent was interested! I sent it to the agent and continued writing and querying. After many other agent rejections, this same agent still had the story. Finally, a year and a half later, the agent rejected the full, citing some slowness at the beginning (it was slow). A little disheartened, I decided to move onto the publisher and resubmit (remember I first subbed it in 2007). Thanks to the contest I'd finaled in with my second story, I'd developed a preference for a specific editor at Love Inspired. I sent a query and synopsis to her. And waited.

This is where my call becomes very typical but no less exciting. She requested a partial. Then revisions and a full. Then revisions again and a resubmit. And then.....THE E-MAIL. :-)

I was at work all day when it came so I didn't see it until that night. I'm still wavering between shock and joy!

I learned a lot from this journey.

1. Don't be afraid to revise.
2. Be persistent. If you don't submit, you can't move forward.
3. Develop relationships. It was through finaling and submitting that I discovered an editor who found promise in my writing.
4. Never give up.

If you give up, then nothing will ever happen.

So there it is, a very long post about my five year journey to publication. The book is slotted to come out in April 2012.

How do you think you'll react when you get the call? Are you submitting yet? Any questions?

Behind the Badge by Susan Sleeman (You can win stuff!)

2011-06-08T06:52:00.003-04:00

I first met Susan a few years ago at a Tampa meeting. She was really friendly and nice. After going through some publishing glitches that might turn a writer's hair gray, she's now flourishing in the publishing world. Her new book Behind the Badge is out this month. I read the excerpt and plan to buy the story because it sounds great! I always love a sexy cop hero.

Enter to win a copy of Susan Sleeman's Behind the Badge and a $50 Amazon gift card!

Susan Sleeman here. Behind the Badge, my second romantic suspense book for Love Inspired Suspense will release on June 6th and in honor of all of you, the readers, I am hosting a special contest on my website for the month of June.

Let’s face it. Without you, the wonderful readers, books would not exist and I wouldn’t be able to wake up looking forward to a job that is fresh and exciting each and every day. Praise God for this incredible opportunity!

Now back to the contest. All you have to do is read the excerpt below then go to my WEBSITE and answer the following question. That's it. You're entered to win.

If you'd like to sign up for my mailing list to learn of other contests in the future you can do that at the same time, too. Full contest rules are on the entry page. Remember only one entry per person.

QUESTION: In what city did Russ serve as a homicide detective?

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com.

Her books include Nipped in the Bud, High-Stakes Inheritance, Behind the Badge, and The Christmas Witness. Also watch for the first two romantic suspense books in her Justice Agency series coming from Love Inspired suspense in 2012 and featuring a private investigations firm specializing in helping those who traditional law enforcement has failed.

Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson.

To learn more about Susan visit her website, Facebook , or Twitter.

"YOUR SISTER IS NEXT!"

A killer is threatening the life of rookie cop Sydney Tucker's sister-unless Sydney turns over evidence from a drug bust. But she doesn't have the evidence. Not that the thug believes her. Now she and the sibling in her care are under the watchful eye of Logan Lake police chief Russ Morgan…but will his protection be enough?

The killer is closing in, picking off the people and places that mean the most to Sydney. A list that now includes Russ. To protect her loved ones, will she pay the ultimate price-her life?

The Morgan Brothers - Bk 2

Love Inspired Suspense
June 6, 2011
ISBN-10: 0373444478
ISBN-13: 978-0373444472

READ AN EXCERPT:

Chapter One

Gunshots split the inky darkness.

Deputy Sydney Tucker hit the cold ground, a jagged rock slashing into her forehead on the way down. She reached for her service weapon. Came up empty handed. She'd stopped after work to check on the construction of her townhouse and left her gun and cell phone in the car.

Dumb, Sydney. Really dumb. Now what're you gonna do?

Inching her head above knee-high grass, she listened. The keening whistle of the wind died, leaving the air damp and heavy with tension but silence reigned.

Had she overreacted? Could be target practice. But at night? Maybe. Hunters did crazy things sometimes.

Footfalls pounded from below like someone charging through the brush. No. Two people. Maybe a chase. One person after another. A loud crash, branches snapping.

"What're you doin', man," a panicked male voice traveled through the night. "No! Don't shoot! We can work this out."

Three more gunshots rang out. A moan drifted up the hill.

Not target practice. Someone had been shot.

Sydney lurched to her feet, dizziness swirling around her. Blood dripped into her eyes. She wiped it away, blinked hard and steadied herself on a large rock while peering into the wall of darkness for the best escape route.

Heavy footfalls crunched up the gravel path.

"I know you're here, Deputy Tucker," a male voice, disguised with a high nasally pitch, called out. "We need to talk about this. C'mon out."

Yeah, right. Come out and die. Not hardly.

Praying, pleading for safety, she scrambled deeper into the scrub. Over rocks. Through grass tangling her feet. Her heart pounded in her head, drowning the prayers with fear.

"I'm losing patience, Deputy," he called again in that strange voice. "You're not like Dixon. He had it coming. You don't."

Dixon? Did he mean the man she arrested for providing alcohol to her teenage sister and for selling drugs? Was that what this was about?

Rocks skittered down the incline. The shooter was on the move again. No time to think. She had to go. Now!

Blindly she felt her way past shrubs, over uneven ground. Dried leaves crunched underfoot. Branches slapped her face and clawed at her arms, but she stifled her cries of pain.

"I hear you, Deputy."

She wrenched around to determine his location. A protruding rock caught her foot, catapulting her forward. She somersaulted through the air. Her knee slammed into the packed earth and she crashed down the hill. Wrapping arms around her head for protection, she came to a stop, breath knocked out of her chest, lying flat on her back in a thick stand of weeds.

"So you want to play it that way, do you Deputy? Fine. Just remember, you can run, but you can't hide. I will find you. This will be resolved one way or another." His disembodied laugh swirled into the night.

The darkness pressed closer. Blinding. Overwhelming. Terrifying.

She was easy prey. Even with her bulletproof vest, a few rounds fired in her direction would take her out. She had to get up.

She rose to her knees, but pain knifed into her knee, keeping her anchored to the ground.

Lord, please don't let me die like this. Give me the strength to move. I need to live for Nikki. She's only seventeen. She has no one.

Sydney uncurled and came to a standing position. Taking a few halting steps, she tested the pain. Nearly unbearable. But she could-no she had to do this for her sister.

Thinking of Nikki, she gritted her teeth and set off, moving slowly, taking care not to make a sound.

Out of the darkness, a hand shot out. Clamped over her mouth.

Screams tore from her throat, but died behind fingers pressed hard against her lips.

A muscled arm jerked her against a solid chest and dragged her deep into the brush.

God, please, no.

She twisted, arched her back, pushing against arms like iron bands.

She dug her heels into the ground, but he was too strong. He kept going deeper into the brush before settling them both on the ground behind a large boulder.

"Relax Sydney, it's Russ Morgan," Logan Lake's Police Chief whispered, his lips close to her ear.

Russ Morgan? What was he doing here?

"Sorry about the hand." His tone said she was nothing more than a stranger instead of someone she'd known for years. "I didn't want you to alert the shooter with a scream. I'm gonna remove my hand now. Nod if you understand me."

She let all of her relief escape in a sharp jerk of her head. His fingers dropped away.

"Once the shooter rounded that curve, you would've been a goner," he whispered while still firmly holding her. "Good thing a neighbor reported gunshots."

Sydney started to shiver and breathed deep to steady her galloping pulse. Air rushed into her lungs. She was alive, but barely. No thanks to her own skills.

"You okay?" he asked, his breath stirring her hair.

"Yes." She willed her body to stop shaking and eased out a hiss of disappointment in her performance as a deputy. "How long have you been here?"

"Long enough to hear the shooter claim he's hit Dixon and is coming after you next," he whispered again, but urgency lit his voice and rekindled her fear. "This have to do with your arrest of Carl Dixon the other day?"

"I don't know," she whispered back. "I just stopped to check on the construction of my townhouse on my way home from work."

"Off duty, huh? Explains why you don't have your weapon drawn."

"I left my duty belt in my car." She waited for his reaction to not carrying, but he simply gave a quick nod as footfalls grated against gravel.

"Shh, he's about to pass us." Russ leaned forward and drew his gun with his free hand, but didn't release his hold on her.

Crunching steps came within a few feet of their location. Halted.

"Can you feel me breathing down your neck, Deputy? I'm inches from finding you." He didn't know the accuracy of his words.

She felt Russ's breathing speed up, upping her concern and washing away the brief blanket of security his arms provided. Adrenaline urged her to move. To keep from panicking, she focused on Russ's unwavering weapon.

The shooter took a few steps closer. Her heart thumped, threatening to leave her chest. Russ tightened his hold as if he knew she wanted to bolt.

The shooter spun sending gravel flying then headed up the path.

As his footsteps receded, she tried to relax taut muscles. The warmth from Russ's body helped chase out her fear and the chill of the night. Thank God Russ was here. If he hadn't come.

She refused to go there. God had watched over her. Provided rescue, just not in the form she'd have chosen.

Not only was Russ an officer from the city police force-a team often in competition with the county sheriff's department where she worked-but a man she'd had a crazy crush on in high school. A man whose rugged good looks still turned women's heads.

She let out a long sigh.

"I know this's awkward," he whispered, "but hang tight for a few more minutes. We need to wait for him to head back down the hill."

She wanted to protest and suggest they flee now, but not Russ. He thought clearly. Taking off now gave the killer the advantage of higher ground, making them moving targets. They'd have to sit like this until he passed them again.

If they made it out of here, which the approaching footfalls told her wasn't at all certain.

They pounded closer. The shooter moved at a quick clip this time as if he thought she'd gotten away and he was fleeing. Or maybe he was heading to her car to lay in wait for her.

As the footsteps receded again, she felt Russ's arm slacken.

"Time to roll," he whispered. "Stay here."

"But I-"

"You have a backup?" He referred to a back up gun officers often carry.

She shook her head.

"Then wait here." He gave her the hard stare that'd made him famous around town and crept toward the path.

She leaned against the boulder and wrapped her arms around the warm circle on her waist where he'd held her. Without his warmth, she couldn't quit shaking. The reality of the night froze her inner core.

She should listen to Russ. Lay low. Wait until he apprehended the killer.

That was the safe thing to do.

The easy thing to do.

The wrong thing to do.

Not for everyone, but for an officer of the law, letting a shooter escape without trying to stop him wasn't an option. Even if that shooter had her in his sights, she'd make her way to her car for her gun and help Russ stop this maniac before he hurt anyone else.

*****

Near the ditch, Russ came to a stop and fought to catch his breath. Taillights on a mud splattered dirt bike roared up the trail. He'd warned the suspect to stop, but short of shooting him in the back, Russ couldn't stop him from fleeing into the dark.

At least he'd accomplished his primary objective. To protect Sydney and keep her alive. Now he needed to alert his men and the sheriff's office to the suspect's whereabouts.

He lifted his shoulder mic and ordered a unit from his office to stake out the end of the trail for the motorcycle and an ambulance in case Dixon survived. Then he asked dispatch to patch him through to the county sheriff's department to make sure they knew he'd taken charge of the scene so none of their hotshot deputies arrived with the hope of usurping control.

He turned on his Maglight and headed up the hill. The beam of light skipped over gravel and lush plants lining the winding path. Midway up, rustling brush stopped him cold. He'd left Sydney higher up. Nearer the lake.

Was a second shooter hoping to ambush him?

He flipped off his light and sought protection behind a tree. His breath came in little pulses in the unusually cold air for a typical Oregon fall. Adrenaline with little time to ebb away came roaring back, but even as the noise grew louder, he resisted the urge to take action.

Maybe it was Sydney. The Sydney he used to know wouldn't have listened to his directive and stayed put. She'd trounce down the hill, her chin tilted at the same insolent angle as when he told her he didn't return her crazy crush her freshman year of high school. Not that he'd wanted to send a beautiful, lively girl like her away. He could easily have dated her, but he was four years older, in college. With their age difference, it wouldn't have been right.

Bushes at the path's edge shook then parted. Slowly, like a sleek panther, Sydney slipped out. He watched until she stood tall on those incredibly long legs he'd admired since she was sixteen before lowering his gun and aiming his flashlight at her.

She jumped. Peered up at him, an impudent look planted on her face. This was the Sydney he'd known as a teen and heaven help him, in less than thirty minutes, she'd sparked his interest again.

"Care to shine that somewhere other than my face." She perched her hand over her eyes, warding off the glare.

He moved the light but not before he caught a good look at a gaping wound running from her hairline to eyebrow, covered in congealed blood. He lifted his hand to check out her injury, but stopped. He wouldn't probe a wound on one of his men's faces. As a fellow LEO-law enforcement officer-he wouldn't treat Sydney any differently.

"I told you to stay put." He infused his words with authority.

"I wanted to help. Wish I'd listened. I tripped over the body." She held out blood-covered hands. Her eyes watered as if she might cry.

Man. Don't do that. Don't fall apart. He couldn't remain detached if she started crying. He'd have to empathize, maybe give her a reassuring pat on the arm. Maybe feel her pain and resurrect all the reasons he'd left his homicide job in Portland.

He changed his focus. Nodded at the brush. "Show me the body."

As a faint whine of sirens spiraled in the distance, she limped into tall grass, a grimace of pain marring her beautiful face. He followed, illuminating the area ahead of her. About ten feet in, she suddenly stopped. He shone his light a few feet ahead of her.

Diffused rays slid over a young male lying on his back. Russ swung the beam to the man's face landing on open eyes staring into the blackness above.

Sydney gasped and swung around him. She rushed toward the main path. Even though Russ knew it was a lost cause, he bent down to check for a pulse. No question, this man hadn't made it and no question about his identity. Carl Dixon, a man every LEO in the area knew from his frequent blips onto the police radar and the most recent arrest for selling drugs.

All that ended with three gunshots to the chest at close range from what Russ could see with his flashlight. Once they thoroughly processed the scene, he'd know better. But first, they needed to vacate the area before further contaminating the scene.

He found Sydney near the path, gaze fixed in the distance, hands clasped on her hips and exhaling long breaths as if trying to expel what she'd just seen.

Haunted eyes peered at him. "He's dead, right?"

"Yeah."

"And what about the killer?"

"Couldn't catch him. He took off on a dirt bike."

Disappointment crowded out the fear on her face. "Did you at least see him?"

"From the back. He was my height or a little taller, but lean. Wore a black stocking cap. The bike has a plate so it must be street legal. I caught the first few digits."

"That's something, then."

Russ didn't want to tell her it would do little for them in terms of searching DMV records as three digits would return thousands of bikes, but he didn't think she could take any more bad news so he kept quiet. "Let's head down to the parking lot."

He gave her the flashlight and urged her to take the lead down the steep hill. Once on solid concrete, she handed it back to him. Holding it overhead, he watched her closely for dizziness or other impairments from her fall. He saw nothing out of the ordinary, but a head injury could mean a concussion. He'd have the EMT's check her out when they got here.

He pointed at a rough-hewn bench. "Maybe you should sit down."

"I'm fine " Her voice cracked and she seemed embarrassed over reacting to the murder.

"It's okay to be upset, Syd. A horrible thing happened tonight."

"I'm fine really. I'll be back to a hundred percent by morning."

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A.

What I've Been Reading

2011-06-01T04:00:00.001-04:00

I've read some great books in the last six months

This is an intriguing novel by Ariana Franklin that blends history with science. I enjoyed the premise, coupled with solid writing and a cover I kept looking at over and over again.

This book by Nancy Werlin is also an interesting mix of genres. Not only that, but she did some great things with POV, seamlessly moving from third person to first.

.

I really enjoyed this book by Camy Tang. Lots of twists and I wasn't sure who the villain was, which is always nice in a suspense.

A sweet love story by Ruth Logan Herne that introduced a lifestyle I didn't know existed, or not much about it. (raising sheep)

I absolutely loved this book by Cathy Gohlke. I've never read her before but I thought her writing was exquisite and she brought the era of the story to life for me, as well as the characters.

What are you reading? Do you tend to span genres or stick with the tried and true?

Refining Your Voice

2011-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

So last week I mentioned that critiques can smother or dull a voice.

Well, the opposite is also true. Good critiques can smooth and refine voice. Just because a voice is strong doesn't mean it's the best it can be.

Writing guidelines are tools, as are critiques. Use them to sharpen and shape your voice, to strengthen it and make it powerful.

What is the best critique you've ever received in any area of your life? How did it change your writing or perspective?

Getting Comfortable in My Own Voice

2011-05-18T04:00:00.002-04:00

Last week I talked about being deliberate with our writing.

The words we choose, the length of our sentences, even the pacing of our scenes can all be traced back to voice. It's important to get comfortable in our voice, to know it, because if we write how other writers tell us to write and don't know our voice yet, we can lose it.

It's important to learn from other writers, to gain knowledge and new writing skills, but in the end, we're responsible for using these things to strengthen our own voice, and not to carbon copy another's voice.

Have you ever felt like you'd lost your voice, or are you still finding it? Are you comfortable in your voice?

Be Deliberate

2011-05-11T04:00:00.003-04:00

The term Rules used in the below post really means guidelines but we're taught that they're rules, thus that's the word I use. In reference to breaking them, I mean departing from the standards we're taught :-)

Rules are fun to break, but there's two things we must know before we break them.

1) What are the rules?

2) Why are we breaking them?

As I've been reading contest entries, a commonality stood out to me. The overuse of exclamation points. I'd forgotten how much we writers love that bit of punctuation. And so when I was reading a very good book, I noticed immediately when the author used exclamation points in three consecutive sentences.

I thought to myself: Now that's Voice. That author knows exactly what she's doing, and why.

When we write, we must be deliberate. Every word, every character, every action, every scene must have a purpose to the story. It is up to us to discover what that purpose is. It is up to us to decide how to use the rules to make our story most effective.

Have you broken any rules in your current WIP? If so, why? Leave an example, if you'd like. :-)

Last Dance With Mary Jane

2011-05-04T04:00:00.002-04:00

Anyone remember that song?

I loved it in sixth grade, having absolutely no clue what it meant.

In the writing world, there's a Mary Jane too, and she's not welcome in our stories. My RWR (the RWA magazine) came in the mail last month and one writer did an interesting article on writer terms. I hadn't heard the Mary Jane one in a while so thought I'd pass it on.

A Mary Jane is basically when the main character is too perfect.

Ever written a Mary Jane? Ever read one? Without pinpointing authors, can you name any characters that were so Mary Janish you gagged?

I'm officially a ditz. The term I'm referring to is MARY SUE, not Mary Jane...Whoops!

RUE and Conflict

2011-04-27T07:49:00.001-04:00

I've been in the midst of judging contests since November and I'm starting to see a pattern with entries, enabling me to see what I need to work on in my own writing.

RUE
Resist the Urge to Explain
This manifests as telling most of the time. Good showing needs no explanation. A grin says more than "she was happy." RUE doesn't just occur in telling though. Sometimes the sneaky bugger pops into narrative (and there's a fine line, imo, between internal narrative and telling). For example, something will be said in dialogue or shown in action, and then we like to jump in and drop a few lines explaining what just happened.

Just like in life, sometimes it's better to RUE.

Another weakness I'm coming across is lack of conflict.

I think many writers (including myself) make the mistake of thinking that bad things happening to our main character equals conflict. I've been pondering it though, and I'm beginning to realize that conflict cannot exist without goal. (GMC, anyone?)

A true conflict means two opposing forces, not one force battering our main character. This means our main character must be a force as well. Our main character must begin the story with a deep desire which translates into a goal he or she vigorously pursues.

And then, WHAM.

An opposing force gets in the way of that goal and suddenly our MC must deal with that conflict.

So true conflict requires a proactive MC rather than a reactive one.

What do you think? Is there enough conflict in your plot or is your MC just reacting to what happens to her or him? And anyone here struggle with RUE?

I Knew Them When

2011-04-20T04:00:00.001-04:00

I'm busy in revision land, so I just wanted to throw out some encouraging shout-outs. I started reading the blogs of most of the bloggers below Pre-Agents/Pre-Publication, and now they all have contracts and/or books released.
You never know when it'll happen to you!

So here they are: Proof that writers CAN get pubbed. :-)

Jody Hedlund I started reading her blog before she had an agent. Now she's on the bestseller list!

Katie GanshertI started reading her blog pre-Agent too, back when it was called Brain Throw-up (which I still think is genius! lol)

Anita HowardBeen reading her blog since before I had any commenters on my blog!

Elana JohnsonYep, before she had an agent or a contract. Now look what she has coming out!

Julie JarnaginI met her after she'd received her contract but have to do a shout-out because her debut just released!

Kristen PainterWas reading her pre-contract; now she has books coming out everywhere!

I feel like I'm missing someone, so if it's you, send me a message and I'll get a link up. Can I blame my forgetfulness on too much chocolate and not enough sleep?

Have you known anyone who got the call? Does getting published feel impossible or do you see that it can be done?

It Takes Time

2011-04-13T07:29:00.002-04:00

When I first started writing, I did a lot of research. One of the things I began to notice was how long it took for authors to get published. The average, if I remember right, was 3-5 years from the point of starting to the point of contract.

The numbers boggled me.

Could I write for that long? With no guarantee?

Of course, I could. It helped to think of the first few years as college. Still, I was overwhelmed by the thought of how long it took so I decided to stop thinking about it and just write, query, etc.

About a year ago, I suddenly realized I'd been writing for three years. Somehow the time had flown by.

How?

Well, the best thing about publishing is that while there's a wait, there's also always things changing. For example, after I finished my first manuscript it took time to write the query. Then time to figure out who to send it to. And then I started a new story as I waited for responses. Between all that was editing and critiquing and contests.

Basically, I've been writing, editing and submitting for four years now. Time slipped by and I didn't even know it. Now I'm moving toward the five year mark and I have to wonder, will this be it?

How do you feel about the wait? How long have you been writing?

Rooting for the Bad Guy

2011-04-06T06:33:00.002-04:00

So I watched Tangled with my kids the other night. As the movie started, my six year old son couldn't help but give me a running dialogue about everything (he's seen it before).

The movie introduced the hero, who happened to be stealing. I asked my son, is the thief the guy Rapunzel falls in love with?

He turned to me, eyes round. "He's not a thief, mom."

"But he's stealing," I pointed out.

No, no, no, he's not stealing. There are bad guys with him, but he's not stealing at all. My son shook his head and absolutely refused to believe that the good guy was doing a bad thing.

I smiled and dropped the subject. Let him root for the bad guy. I knew that by the end of the story, the thief would be the prince.

Have you ever rooted for someone, knowing they were doing bad things but seeing their potential for change? Have you ever been like my son and completely blind to a character's/person's faults? What do you think about starting a character arc so completely down on the morality pole?

Rounding Second!

2011-03-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

I'm heading toward third base!

The journey to getting published feels like baseball to me right now. I cracked the ball and sent it soaring (sent out my queries). I reached first base.

Then I got a request for a full. That's my second base.

Some people go straight home from there, but I'm heading toward third.

That's because I received a revision letter from an editor. *swoon*

Remember I had a full out to a publisher? They've requested some revisions which I am only too happy to do! So right now I'm trying to get these done so the manuscript can go out for some reads.

I've heard that some writers are discouraged by revision requests. Maybe they're overwhelmed (I was a little) and they step off the base and are out. DON'T step off the base. If you get a request, and it feels doable and you resonate with it, RUN like lightning for third base.

This is pretty exciting for me. I could still get out but I know there'll be other chances for me to bat again.

What is the most exciting thing that ever happened with one of your manuscripts? Would you love to get a revision letter?

For tips on handling revisions, check out these fabulous posts by Jody Hedlund and Keli Gwyn.

Playing with Grandma Today

2011-03-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

My grandma is in town so I won't be blogging this week.

Do you have anything special going on? If you could wish for something special, what would it be?

Proof of Desire

2011-03-09T07:30:00.002-05:00

One of my pastors said something on Sunday that resonated with me. Speaking of the Christian life, and following Jesus, he said:

"The proof of desire is in the pursuit."

Writers love to write. Some of us are content to hide our stories away and write for our own pleasure. Some of us want to be published though. Our desire can be reflected in our pursuit of publication.

How can editor buy our book if he never reads it? How will an agent represent us if she never sees our query?

What are you doing to pursue publication? How do you get your work out there? Is your fear of failure greater than your desire to be published?

Starting Your Story Right

2011-03-02T06:38:00.003-05:00

First chapters are always fun for me.

I love setting up the story and creating some juicy conflict.

One thing I try to keep in mind is that I start the story right. There's a lot of advice to start the story with action, which is great, but I also think there's another important aspect to the first chapter and it has to do with character arc.

The first chapter should start with your main character in their ordinary world. This is the world they've been in before the story started. The same problems, the same people, the same moral structure.

Somewhere in chapter one, usually toward the end, something happens or some choice is made which propels the main character into a new world. A new job, a new challenge, or maybe new choices.

This change that occurs should be something that challenges your hero or heroine's character.

Thus, the character arc begins and chapter one ends with your main character in a struggle that will continue throughout the story and at the end of the book, your main character should be somehow different or changed from who he or she was at the beginning of the story.

What happens to your main character in chapter one that will forever change him or her? Who is your favorite hero or heroine and how is he or she different at the end of the story?

It Ain't Easy Following the Rules

2011-02-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

Last post I talked about rules we readers would like to tell writers.

Some rules we came up with:

1. Don't Bore Your Reader
2. Don't Annoy Your Reader
3. Don't Be Predictable
4. Misunderstandings don't make Good Conflict
5. Trust Your Reader
6. Make Your Reader Care
7. Be an Honest, Believable Writer
8. Keep Things Simple

Unfortunately, while I can spot these things in books, somehow I miss them in my own stories. I'm always breaking rules and not realizing it!

Thank goodness for my critique group. For my writing friends. For anonymous contest judges.

Which "rules" have you broken? How do you keep yourself from doing it again? How do you feel about rules in general? (*grin* They're not my favorite thing, if you can tell)

Rule Number One: Don't Bore Your Reader

2011-02-16T04:00:00.001-05:00

I picked up a book that I'd heard good reviews about. The cover was cute, the voice engaging. I was totally into the book for about fifty pages...until I figured out the plot.

HEAs are my thing. That's why I read romance. But there are still ways to surprise me and hook me into the characters' lives.

With this book, the author set up a plot that could've been really good with lots of tension and snappy writing but somehow I realized that the whole crux of the plot is a misunderstanding. I didn't buy that the husband was cheating because I didn't see the evidence (could be other craft problems or could just be me).

There was a scene where the heroine is riding with her boss's son (who the husband doesn't know about) in a car and sees her husband drive past with his beautiful co-worker beside him. That's where I stopped reading.

The heroine is worrying about her husband cheating but she just did the same thing he did! Why is she allowed to ride in the car with a hot co-worker but if he doesn it's automatic suspicion of adultery?

Which leads me to...

RULE NUMBER TWO: Don't Annoy Your Reader.

Shortly after that scene I began skipping narrative, looking for a reason to believe that the conflict and tension in the story was real. I hadn't found it a chapter later so I flipped to the end and sure enough, my suspicions had been correct. The husband had always loved the wife and everything she'd been misreading had a valid explanation. Everything was hunky dory.

Was this the writer's fault? I don't know but I'm passing the book on to family members who may like it.

What do you think RULE NUMBER THREE should be?

You Are A Story

2011-02-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

I didn't have much interest in people as a kid. Once I discovered books, the life within them seemed more real than the bustle around me.

I cared for and liked people but I didn't really see them...

Until I landed a job at my local newspaper.

As a freelancer, my editor expected a story on a person every two weeks to grace our Neighbors section, and it needed to be interesting. The story was supposed to focus on a local resident's unique skill or talent.

I was blind, not understanding, wondering how I could find these "special" people.

My editor forever changed my perpective. He told me every person has something unique, something special--even if they don't know it. It was my job to find that slant and spotlight it.

Now everyone I meet I'm full of curiosity about. Who are they? What's their story? Where have they been and where are they going?

If you were a story, what genre would you be? How do you see people? How do you think God sees people?

What a Reader is Really Thinking

2011-02-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

But first, another Huge Shout-Out to Katie Ganshert, who just landed a two book contract! You can read about her call HERE. Woohoo, I can't wait to read your books Katie!

Also, please keep Baby Annabelle and her parents Krista (my tree-climbing buddy)and Scott in your prayers. They have some major medical decisions looming.

On a side note, ever wonder what readers really think when they're ripped away from their current book? Check out the video below (rated PG for name calling)

How do you react when you get interrupted?

Submission Update

2011-01-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

A publisher has had my full for three months now. Knowing I could get a rejection, revision or a call any day is so nerve-wracking!

What would happen with my life if I got published? How would it change?

It's a new year. Many of you said you'd like to start querying this year. Have you began yet? How is it going? How would getting published change your life, and do you think you're ready?

Woot, Woot for Keli Gwyn!

2011-01-19T08:21:00.002-05:00

If you don't know Keli, I'd be surprised. For the past few years she's been interviewing romance writers over at Romance Writers on the Journey.
She even interviewed ME at one point.
Keli is an encouraging, wonderful person. She sends gifts, creates First Sale Scrapbooks (I have one, it's waiting still for that sale, lol), and tries to support writers in different ways.

I just found out that Keli has SOLD a book! You can read her call story HERE. She's been working toward this goal for a long time.

How long have you been writing? Are you aware of the averages regarding the amount of manuscripts written and the number of years that pass before a sale is obtained? Do the stats challenge you or depress you?

Congrats Keli!

Judging By the Cover

2011-01-12T04:00:00.000-05:00

"some of us aren't the typical romance reader who has time to read one book after another while the husband is away at work, while we're waiting on the kids at soccer practice or while we're homeschooling our kids."

I read this comment on a blog the other day. It made me laugh a little but also caused me to think about how easy it is to generalize people.

I tend to think romance writers have certain qualities in common, but what about romance readers?

Do you think their commonalities are more internal than external? When you think of someone who reads romance, what do you see? Have you ever made an assumption about someone and then been proven completely wrong?

I'll Never Love Again

2011-01-05T06:47:00.002-05:00

A soulmate or soul mate is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality, and/or compatibility

Love is a complicated thing.

Do you believe that there's a perfect fit out there for everyone? How do you handle writing a story about a widow(er) or a divorced character who meets someone special? Which type of story do you prefer to read, the first-time-falling-in-love or the second-time-around-but-just-as-special romance?

Dusty Dreams Hiding Beneath the Bed

2010-12-29T08:33:00.003-05:00

New Year's is a time for resolutions and goals, but what about dreams?

After having kids and staying home for years, I'd forgotten how much I love learning languages but with a new job and traveling to Costa Rica, I unpacked that dream, dusted it off, and played with it.

2010 wasn't a good writing year for me. Writing became tiring to me, something to trudge after rather than something to cherish. My hope for 2011 is that in the same way I rediscovered my excitement for speaking Spanish, I'll rediscover my passion for penning a good story.

What are your hopes for 2011? What dreams lay beneath your bed? Do they deserve a good dusting or are they gone for good?

Feliz Navidad!

2010-12-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

The dream of speaking Spanish fluently is still in my heart. I probably should go visit the mercado pueblo nearby and find someone who is patient enough to let me practice on them. :-)

What dreams live in your character's hearts? Who does your MC spend Christmas with?

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Here's one of my favorite Christmas songs! I couldn't get it to embed...

I'm Home, but A Little Broken

2010-12-15T06:02:00.002-05:00

I'm back from Costa Rica. It was an absolutely amazing, wonderful trip. I saw so many different things. I'll try to post pics later.

I'm not going to be blogging for a little while longer because a shark bit my right index finger off...

Just kidding.

It actually got smushed by the boat's toilet cover. *blushes* The poor thing is really gross and I can't type well, so I'll be back when the stinker heals up.

Merry Christmas everyone! Feliz Navidad!

Te Amo, Costa Rica

2010-12-01T10:07:00.003-05:00

Do I really love Costa Rica? I'm about to find out. :-)

This coming Monday I'm going with my husband to Costa Rica. While he's out fishing and filming for his tv show Extreme Fishing Adventures, I'll be soaking up the sun and practicing my spanish. Woohoo!

Here's the trailer for Jimmy's show.

Have you ever traveled out of the country? What's your favorite part about it? Least favorite? And does it inspire your writing muse?

My Golden Heart Entry is Finally Off

2010-11-24T11:15:00.002-05:00

I finally sent it off!

I ran into a word count snafu and that's why I had to disappear from the blogosphere. Even with devoting as much free time as I could to writing, I think I only topped 3k a day once.

How many words are you able to get in per day? What's the most you've ever written in one day? With the holidays looming, how has your word count been going?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May your fingers be nimble, your stories be fruitful and your tummies filled. :-)

No Blogging Today

2010-11-17T06:43:00.001-05:00

I put a ton on my plate so I'll post next week. Hopefully will visit you all before then, though.

What's on your plate?

Have a wonderful week!

Cut Until It Hurts

2010-11-10T06:22:00.003-05:00

Editing a manuscript reminds me of pruning.

Sometimes you have to cut off perfectly good branches, perfectly good characters, perfectly good scenes, so that the story can flourish.

Proper pruning enhances the beauty of almost any landscape tree and shrub, while improper pruning can ruin or greatly reduce its landscape potential. In most cases, it is better not to prune than to do it incorrectly. In nature, plants go years with little or no pruning, but man can ruin what nature has created. By using improper pruning methods healthy plants are often weakened or deformed.

So while it's important to cut our work, it's also imperative we know what we're doing.

How do you prune without ruining your work? Have you ever overedited? Took advice when you shouldn't have?

Tender Graces: A Long Overdue Review

2010-11-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to do this review for a long time. I had to wait to buy Tender Graces, but I figured from reading Kathryn Magendie's blog that when I did buy it, I'd love it.

I wasn't disappointed.

The prose in Tender Graces captured me. The plot was interesting and the characters were unique, but the writing itself, the way Magendie uses words, elevated the story to something gorgeous. The way Magendie writes Virginia Kate's point of view is so endearing and vulnerable. Although Tender Graces is completely different than To Kill a Mockingbird, the whole time I read it I kept thinking of Scout.

That wasn't the only famous book Tender Graces reminded me of. Magendie's mastery with words, how she plays with them and uses them in unique, new ways, totally reminded me of The Book Thief.

I loved reading Tender Graces because it had both a compelling plot and words that felt a little like Godiva on every page. I'll definitely be reading more of her, but as much as I want to pass her around, I really can't part with the book. :-)

To learn more about Kathryn Magendie and her colorful writing, check out her website or her blog. She's a sweet lady who shares all sorts of interesting things about life and publishing.

Do you want your prose to be Godiva to someone? What was the last sentence you wrote using words in a fresh, exciting way?

A Kind Of Call

2010-10-27T06:02:00.004-04:00

Some of you (specifically T. Anne *grin*) were wondering about the call.

Well, it came as a surprise and was different than I expected. I had some fulls out but Les only had a proposal. I'd sent a status-check e-mail and he asked me a few questions about the story. Next thing I knew, he sent another e-mail offering representation.

So it wasn't a phone call, but that was fine with me.

I was nervous and excited. I had to keep rereading that e-mail to see if it said what I thought it did.

After that, I contacted the list of agents who had my full. There's a certain process to follow in this type of situation and I wanted to make sure I did it right. The BookEnds blog and Rachelle Gardner's blog both have archived posts on how to handle an offer of representation. For my checklist, I used a post on Nathan Bransford's site. HERE

The stats on responses were kind of interesting. Out of four agents who'd recently requested the full, one immediately declined representation, another never responded, and the remaining two said they'd read it over the weekend. Of those two, one got it read and also offered representation.

That made me even more nervous!

This is why it's really important to know what your priorities are when selecting an agent. It's also important not to be afraid to ask questions, especially if you can't find the answers online.

In the end, after praying and worrying and pestering my writer friends :-), I felt like I should go with industry veteran, Les Stobbe.

Does he meet all my secret hopes for an agent? Like a marriage, no. But I really love his strengths and I don't mind his weaknesses. I had to figure out my priorities and what would matter to me.

So I e-mailed him back and accepted his wonderful offer. :-)

I think with this whole process it's important to show thankfulness, to be polite and considerate of those agents involved.

What are your priorities when it comes to an agent? If two offered you representation, how would you choose?

Agent Land Exit: Straight Ahead

2010-10-20T08:29:00.003-04:00

So I veered out of Query Land and into Agent Land about two weeks ago.

Agent Land is a vast place. The terrain is different for everyone, I've heard. When I took that exit, I was really scared. Nervous. Would there be more cacti in this new place? Pot holes? A smooth road?

Before taking your exit, talk to others who've taken the same exit. Scope out the lay of the land. Make sure you know what you're getting into, and that it will take you to where you want to go.

When you get out of Query Land and enter Agent Land, what are you expecting things to look like? What questions will you ask others about this new place? Is Agent Land exciting to you, or nerve-wracking?

I signed with Les Stobbe!

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund: A Review

2010-10-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

I haven't read many books in the Christian market featuring Puritans. This story was wonderful! The writing was smooth and easy to get into. I loved the romantic dynamic between heroine and hero. I'm a sucker for "ugly duckling" heroines. Add to that a healthy dose of danger and intrigue, and you've got an engrossing read.

Besides the interesting plot and realistic, strong characters, Jody planted me in Puritan England effortlessly. She is genius when it comes to weaving history into the story. I learned all sorts of interesting things, like it was against the law to dance. Can you imagine? And to even preach about Jesus without a special license...

I flew through the story and finished with a happy sigh.

If you want to read more reviews, fellow blogger Jill Kemerer posted some wonderful quotes about The Preacher's Bride. You can find the author, Jody Hedlund, on facebook and at her blog.

The Preacher's Bride is based on a true story. Do you like fiction based on historical figures? What was the last book that left you with a happy sigh?

Living in Query Land

2010-10-06T04:00:00.000-04:00

For the past year I've been living in Query Land.

It's a strange place full of valleys and peaks, shadows and sunbeams.

Where have you been living lately? What's it like?

Winner of A Hope Undaunted, and other Books I've been Reading

2010-09-29T04:00:00.001-04:00

And the winner is...

Molly!! Congrats! Shoot me an e-mail with your mailing info and we'll get your copy out to you. :-)

I've read a few books lately that I've loved.

A lady from work lent this book to me and I really enjoyed it. The genre and voice was a little different from my normal reads but guess what? The girl still gets the guy. :-) You'll have to read to find out which guy she gets! Besides the wonderful hero and romantic love of the story, there are some other great nuggets of wisdom in this read. I'd definitely recommend it.

I flew through this book. I felt like I had to know what happened next. I think what made this story so powerful was the characterization. From the first page you know you're dealing with a heroine who is both ruthless and incredibly loyal. These qualities really made the story compelling. That and the high level of personal stakes involved for the heroine.

I've been disappointed with most of Dekker's latest offerings but this one surprised me and gives me hope for future stories. A couple different things hooked me in this story. The unique worldview (gypsy), the mystery of what happened during the fire, and the romance. The twist in the story at the end is very intriguing, very Dekker (could be Healy too, I just haven't read enough of her to know for sure)

What have you enjoyed reading lately? Anything out of your norm? What's on your TBR list?

Book Review and Giveaway!!! A Hope Undaunted By Julie Lessman

2010-09-22T04:00:00.003-04:00

Reading Julie Lessman's books is like sitting down for my favorite soap for an hour of guilty pleasure. Her books pack a powerful spiritual punch though, and unlike a soap opera, her characters actually learn from their mistakes and repent.

Her latest release is A Hope Undaunted. Below are some things she graciously shared with me.

1. Are there any scenes in AHU modeled after your own life?

As a matter of fact, there are two things I pulled directly from my own life. The first is mentioned in the opening scene where we find out that Katie O’Connor was made fun of in kindergarten because of skin condition she had, which consequently molds her into a champion for the underdog and women’s rights. In that scene, an elderly nun asks Katie if she has leprosy in front of the whole class, and that kicks off a barrage of ridicule from her classmates, which is exactly what happened to me in the 2nd grade.

You see, when I was in half-day kindergarten, I attended all day because my sisters and brothers were in the upper grades, and my parents only wanted to make one round trip. As a result, I was the teacher’s pet and so popular that kids used to fight over holding my hand. But when my parents moved me to a different school in 2nd grade, the switch was so traumatic that I broke out in psoriasis all over my legs and arms, forcing me to wear sweaters and knee socks year-round just like Katie O’Connor. The summer before I changed schools again in the 5th grade, I got angry about the psoriasis and stopped wearing knee socks and sweaters. Lo and behold, the psoriasis cleared up after being in the sun, and when school started I became “popular” again. I remember how the popular clique wanted me to join them, but I refused, choosing to hang out with the “rejects” instead because I wanted nothing to do with people who thought they were better than everyone else. It was a bitter lesson to learn, but one that has given me (and Katie O’Connor in the story) a soft heart for the underdog.

The second scene that is modeled after something in my life appears later in the book where Katie’s sister, Faith, tries to talk her into turning her life over to God. Katie does not share her family’s deep faith and is almost agnostic, which is a person who doubts the truth of religion. Here’s a snippet of that scene where Faith talks to her about God:

“Katie,” Faith whispered, “you say He’s not real to you, that you’re not sure He even exists. But right this minute, one of us is right and one of us is wrong ...”
Katie looked into her sister’s face, as if compelled to listen by some strange force that pulled at her with a tentative thread of hope.
Wetness shimmered in Faith’s eyes. “If it’s me who is wrong, then I have lost nothing. Because even if I have believed in a lie or a fairy-tale, then that lie or fairy-tale has given me more joy, more hope and more strength than anything I have ever encountered. But if it is you who is wrong, Katie, I tremble to think that you will have lost everything—His joy, His peace, His hope …” Her voice softened to a bare whisper. “His salvation.” She straightened then, her manner as sure as the conviction in her tone. “I repeat, Katie, one of us is right and one of us is wrong. Do it now, I beg of you—invite Him into your heart. Because truly, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

The above words that Faith speaks are exactly what I spoke to an agnostic friend of mine from work years ago, but Katie’s response that follows in the scene below is taken from words I actually spoke in the privacy of my bedroom after a woman at work (the one who brought me to Christ) challenged me to ask Christ into my heart years prior:

Gripping her sister’s hand like a lifeline in a stormy sea, Katie lifted her face to the ceiling while water seeped from her lidded eyes. Her voice quivered, but her resolve was sure. “God, Faith says You’re up there, that You care for me and have a plan for my life. If You are … and I’m not just talking to a ceiling … will You show me? Reveal Yourself to me, Your love, Your purpose for my life. Please, God, come into my heart and make me the woman You want me to be.”

2.) AHU is the fourth novel you've written revolving around the same family, with each previous novel spotlighting its own hero and heroine. Do you resonate with your heroine Katie in any ways differently than you've related to previous heroines?

Katie is actually based on my own 22-year-old daughter Amy rather than me, so I don’t relate to Katie as much as I do to Faith (who is my spiritual self) or Charity (who is my passionate self before Christ) or Lizzie (who is my dreamer self), except for the ways I mentioned above. My Amy is in law school like Katie is and has a quick wit and a precise list as to what she wants in a husband, just like Katie O’Connor.

3.)There are quite a few kisses in AHU. Which one is your favorite and how do you feel it morally and emotionally changed your characters?

Oh, without question, the scene where Luke kisses Katie for the first time in the offices of the Boston Children’s Aid Society is my VERY favorite. I love everything about it—Katie’s attraction to Luke, his concern for her welfare and subsequent kiss, his shock over her passionate response followed by his shock over her slap of his face. That slap triggers something in him that changes his gentle concern to a hard and dominating kiss that’s meant to insult her, but all it does is seal Katie’s fate … and Luke’s.

That single kiss changes Katie O’Connor forever, transforming her from a strong woman in control to a woman weakened at the knees by a man who suddenly controls her, at least emotionally. Morally it weakened her as well because where she once was involved with only one man, she now finds herself passionate about another at the same time, causing her to fall into Luke McGee’s arms at the drop of a hat while she is still going with Jack. Emotionally, that kiss scares the daylights out of her because she does NOT want to be attracted to Luke or allow him to control her in anyway, especially in the arena of love. Nope, Katie has plans to marry Jack, a wealthy lawyer whom she has eating out of her hand … not a penniless street lawyer like Luke McGee who refuses to let her run the show. 

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction” at http://www.borders.com/online/store/ListView_best2009favefiction. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son and daughter-in-law and is the author of The Daughters of Boston series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

One thing I love about Lessman's books is how she writes passion, both emotional and physical. Her stories never fail to drop me into drama and hook me until I reach the end.

When you read romance, what level of steam do you prefer? Have you read Lessman? If so, who is your favorite character in the O'Connor family?

Leave a comment to be entered to win a signed copy

Quirky is Awesome

2010-09-15T04:00:00.000-04:00

I love quirky characters, but they're hard to write. Quirky can quickly turn into annoying.
I've always loved Amanda Quick's heroines because they leap off the page.

An awesomely quirky character is someone you remember years later. You think about the character and smile. My absolutely favorite quirky character is Kate (played by Meg Ryan) in the movie French Kiss.

Do you like quirky characters? Do you write them? If someone wrote your autobiography, would you be awesomely quirky?

Finding Rivers

2010-09-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Remember that movie Finding Forrester? Here's the trailer:

What writer would you want to discover lurking next door? Would you let that author mark your work with a red pen? What do you think that writer could teach you?

When One Lays Dying

2010-09-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

It happens all the time, across the world. Intellectually, I know there are people who starve to death.

But I've never seen their hollowed cheeks, never heard their groans or smelled their fear. I've never held a starving person in my arms, her dry skin warm against mine, and prayed she'd live.

Renee has.

Nabakoza

Betty

I found the story of Nabakoza and Betty on the blog Kisses From Katie. They're the last two August 2010 posts. From there I've learned that Renee, who is a missionary with Serving His Children, is in need of transportation. If you're interested in learning how you can help, this is their website:
http://www.servinghischildren.org/

Learning about Betty and Nabakoza ripped my heart a little. I want the tears to stay, to hurt and to remind me.

How do you feel about ministries like this? Do you support any? Is your main character involved with a mission or charity?

Use Caution When Jumping Out of Trees

2010-08-25T04:00:00.001-04:00

There was a tree with a rope (and most of you probably know my weakness for trees)so I had to climb it and jump, along with other family members. Somehow I jammed my typing finger in a horrible way, so I'll try coming back to blogging next week, when I can actually make comments on your blogs. :-)

What's the worst injury you've ever experienced? Was it your fault?

I Have Another Job

2010-08-06T14:29:00.002-04:00

Well, I got another job at a bank (yay!). I'll be working Mondays and Fridays, so my new blogging day will be Wednesdays for a while. I like responding to your comments and hate when I miss you all from being too busy.

I'm going to be out of the blogosphere for the next two weeks because I have training.

Will miss you all and look forward to diving back in the blogosphere later on! Pray for me, if you would. :-)

And in return, do any of you need prayer for anything? I'll be getting an hour lunch, plenty of time to talk to God. :-)

When At A Signing

2010-08-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

A few things I thought about as I wallowed in a room full of books and writers at RWA's Literacy Night.

For the buyers:

1. Bring a set amount of money. I wanted to read almost every single book I saw and the only thing that stopped me was the cash in my purse. :-)

2. Don't be rude in your enthusiasm. I was looking forward to meeting a major bestselling author, but I was so excited that as I look back, I seriously think I may have overwhelmed or, worse, offended her with my yapping.

For the authors:

1. Postcards and bookmarks are okay. I don't really use either though.

2. Don't scowl. Seriously, it was only a few people and as a writer I realize they were probably scared and nervous in their booths, but a reader might not know that. No smiling is no-no. Fake your joy, if you have to!

But the majority of authors I saw were peppy and happy and wonderful to be around!

If you've gone to book signings, what do you think works? What doesn't? If you had a book signing, what would you do there? Would you have to fake a smile?

Book TV

2010-08-02T08:59:00.009-04:00

Yes, there is such a thing.

I babysat for my sister yesterday and was able to watch some TV (don't have channels at home). When I saw Book TV I thought, boring. But when I was flipping through channels I just happened to see a book on the screen that I'd looked over at WalMart.

I wasn't sure whether this book was fiction or not when I looked at it in WalMart, but after listening to the end of the author's speech I realized it was a political book. I liked what she was saying about the government needing more ordinary people (like teachers, mothers, business owners) to be involved, so I stayed on the station.

Then an interview with an author in his home came on. Being the nosy type, I had to watch.

T R Reid might write nonfiction, but from what I can tell, a writer is a writer is a writer. He showed off where he works, his computer, a poster he had on his wall to inspire him to finish his book (been there!) and then he shared his amazing bookshelf-lined walls with the camera guy. This was like the writer's version of Cribs. Fascinating stuff.

So I was hooked last night into staying on the Book TV channel. I watched one more show, a speaking event by author Matt Gallagher. He's a soldier, my age, who started blogging about his experiences in Iraq. When he published a post that was too personal, the government shut his blog down. That got the attention of news media and before he knew it, literary agents and publishers were calling him up. (every writer's dream! lol) Anyway, I loved listening to him speak about his experiences. He was both nervous and casual, young and old.

Have you ever watched Book TV? Would you? What's the strangest station you've ever found yourself interested in?

RWA's Literacy Night

2010-07-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

My sisters and I loaded up and drove down to Orlando for a fun night of rubbing shoulders with other writers. Well, my sisters are readers so they enjoyed meeting authors, I think.
Anyway, I was able to see a bunch of bloggers! Sadly, somehow I missed seeing Amy and author Kristen Painter.

Here are some pics.

The lovely Ruth Logan Herne and sweet Sara Mitchell with me. :-)

Another sweet Seeker, Debby Giusti.

Me and one of my wonderful crit partners, Cheryl!

The experience was amazing and I wanted to see so many other writers!

Have you gone to a signing or literacy event before? Do you like being surrounded by writers?

Parties Galore

2010-07-26T07:33:00.002-04:00

I have lots of things coming up this week. A baby shower, a book signing (which is pretty much like a party to me!) and my son's sixth birthday. I'll be running around this week but will post on Friday about the signing. Consequently, I won't be around the blogosphere as much as I like.

What are your plans for this week?

Please pray for fellow blogger Krista's newborn Annabelle, who'll be needing heart surgery soon.

RWA Conference?

2010-07-23T04:00:00.000-04:00

Are any of you going? I'm not, but I am going to the literacy signing on Wednesday night.
I'm hoping to nose around a little and say hi to some of you. :-) And of course, meet my favorite authors!

Unforgotten Kindnesses

2010-07-21T07:21:00.001-04:00

In eighth grade I stood alone in the schoolyard every morning, a book my best friend, as I waited for the morning bell. I was a new student and not bold enough, or maybe not interested enough, in making friends.

Despite that, two students invited me to join their little circle of friends. I still stood on the outskirts of that circle, reading my book, rarely joining in conversation, yet their kindness touched some deep part of me. They became my best friends until I moved away.

At the ACFW conference I wasn't a disinterested stranger. From the moment I arrived, I met people I knew. Talked incessantly and smiled always. The night of the awards banquet was different. I showed up late and entered a packed room. Saw no one I knew well enough to sit with. And for the first time, I felt alone. I made my way through tables, scanning for someone I knew, wishing I would've hurried and feeling a strange sense of deja vu.

Then I heard my name.

Katie Ganshert was calling my name. She and other bloggers had saved me a seat.

I rushed toward her, not alone, so relieved I felt like crying.

These are two instances of kindness that might seem small to someone else, but to me, they'll never be forgotten.

What was the last kindness you showed? Have your characters experienced a kindness that changed their life?

Themes

2010-07-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

Recently I took my kids to see a movie called AstroBoy.

I'm not one of those parents who likes watching cartoons (though I love Toy Story) but I really enjoyed the movie. It was also interesting to see the themes woven throught the story.

Some whoppers, really.

For one, the main character is a boy who is also part machine. This is a universal theme that I think most people could relate to. The MC needs a place to belong, to fit in.

Then there's sacrifice. I almost had tears in my eyes because the little boy has been turned on by everyone, yet he knowingly gives up his life (sound familiar?) to save them.

Sacrifice is something we relate to also, though probably not to that extreme. Although I'd guess most people would aspire to be the type of person who'd lay down her life for a loved one.

Do you notice themes in movies? What themes are in your fiction? What type of themes do you enjoy reading?

Conversation With an Editor

2010-07-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

As some you may know, I won a conversation with editor Barbara Scott of Abingdon Press. She's started a new blog called The Roving Editor and although she's a CBA editor, she has a deep knowledge of the industry and I'd recommend following her.

Not only is she smart, but she's a really funny, sweet lady. I often feel nervous on the phone, not sure what to say to people I don't know, but she put me at ease.

One of the main things she felt was important for writers is encouragement. Encouragement and perseverance.

Who and what encourages you in your writing? On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how would you rate your Encouraged level? Why is it high or low?

Suck That Reader In, Or Else...

2010-07-14T04:00:00.000-04:00

I really did try.

At the library one of the books I picked up was from a debut author, a historical romance. I really wanted to like it. Even when I didn't get into the story immediately, I hung in there. I don't like to not finish a book. I wanted to give her a chance but then I suddenly remembered that it was a library book and that my life is too short and fast to spend reading books I really don't like.

So I set it to the side.

I can't help wondering though, if I would've liked the story more if I'd been sucked in from the beginning.

This is why it's important to intrigue the reader immediately! Agents and editors are readers.

I'm still working on this with my own stories. How about you? Is your first page intriguing? Does it immediately present a unique situation with high stakes? A compelling character? Feel free to share what happens in the first page of your WIP. Also, have you ever given up on a book? Did you ever force yourself to read a book you didn't like and ended up liking it?

I Have A Mustache

2010-07-12T04:00:00.001-04:00

It's faint, but there. Annoying thing. None of my heroines have one. Why do I?

Genetics, Jessie. Remember great-grandma?

We're told to torture our characters but there are some things that I just won't do to my peeps.

What is the one "flaw" you'll never give your main character?

On Being a Writer: Stephanie Meyer

2010-07-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

I won't be home most of today so thought I'd post this. I particularly love what she says in minute three of this video!

The Addiction

2010-07-07T04:00:00.001-04:00

It's not like I learned something new yesterday, but rather that it suddenly disturbed me.

I have a bookshelf filled with unread books. Some I've won, some I've bought, most are authors I cyber-know. When I took the kids to the library yesterday, I told my husband I wouldn't get anything because I had too many books to read.

I came home with five books for myself.

Reading has always been a compulsion for me. But suddenly I'm feeling like that girl in Confessions of a Shopaholic. A little ashamed, even, that I had to check out books. That I'm so addicted to reading I want to be surrounded by as many books as possible. That I wish I could inhale them.

What makes me need them? Is it emotional? Do they make me feel secure? I have NO clue, but I figured I'd share with all of you because I think at least some of you will know how I feel.

What are you addicted to? What do you buy even when you know you already have it at home? Is there a cure? Do I even need a cure? (you know I'm hoping I don't *Grin*)

Keeping Things Professional

2010-07-05T09:10:00.003-04:00

When I graduated from high school I got a job at a bank as a teller. I was also waitressing at night so getting up early for a professional job exhausted me.
One day during training I finished my workbook. The other tellers were doing drive-thru. The lobby wasn't open yet.

To my eighteen year old mind, it seemed like a good time for a nap.

That didn't go over well.

I didn't have a professional mindset. I was still back in school where I always took a nap in the mornings during class.

If you're writing toward publication, toward a career, it's important to find out what is expected of professionals in this industry. I read an interesting comment where a lady remarked that her husband was in sales, and in that industry, it's okay not to take no for an answer. But with the publishing industry, that can be a death knell for your career.

What have you learned about being an author? What are the things required of you in your current job to be professional? How is it different from the publishing industry?

A Winner! and I'm Out and About

2010-06-28T11:08:00.002-04:00

First, Congrats to Lisa Jordan! My two year old drew your name so e-mail me with your address and I'll get Tailor-Made Bride out to you. :-)

I'm running around this week doing all sorts of things so I'm taking a week off of blogging. I hope wonderful things happen for all you this week and I'll see you next Monday!

Review: A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

2010-06-25T04:00:00.000-04:00

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas's new dressmaker. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected. Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

If I saw this book in the bookstore, I'd pick it up because of the title and cover. I loved them. It was great getting between the pages and realizing that the outside reflects the inside.
Karen Witemeyer's debut historical romance is a sweet, humorous story that I enjoyed reading. The heroine Hannah is both funny and smart and I liked J.T.'s gruffness. Even though the plot felt a little on the predictable side to me, the characters were awesome. One of my favorite parts is when Hannah uses J.T.'s real name to rile him. He deserved it, don't worry. :-)
I think Witemeyer did a great job with characterization in this book, and I also liked how she worked some biblical truth into the story without being preachy.
I'd like to get the story out there, so if you'd like to read it, leave a comment and I'll hold a drawing.

You can find Witemeyer at her website which has all sorts of cool links. Keep an eye out for her next story, which sports an equally adorable cover!

When Good Writing Isn't Enough

2010-06-23T04:00:00.000-04:00

The more I write, the more I realize good writing isn't enough. I've heard the saying, "Story trumps all."

It really does.

If you're starting a new story, or even halfway through, I'd suggest looking at your story first, editing and revising that (story structure, pacing, hooks, etc) before worrying about craft-like things such as POV, adverbs, dialogue tags, backstory, etc.

Solid writing can be concrete. You can look at a sentence and "fix" it. Find the adverb. Delete the dialogue tag. Add a comma.

Some people notice great writing. But if there's not a great story to go with it, the writing doesn't matter. On the other hand, a great story doesn't need great writing to suck the reader in.

Which authors suck you in with their prose? Which authors tell such a great story that you don't even notice their prose? And if you had to choose, which author would you be?

Categories and Single Titles

2010-06-21T07:26:00.004-04:00

A category romance is a shorter romance (45-60k, depending on the line, up to 75k if it's historical) that has a one month shelf life. Harlequin is the main category publisher though I think there are others who have category-like imprints.(Barbour and Kensington)

Single Titles are all the other books you see sitting on the shelf. They're usually 75k-110k and the plot lines include more subplots than a category.

For the past few months I've been turning my category into a single title. It's hard!

Do you know if there's such a thing as western categories? What size books do you enjoy reading? How long is your WIP?

Wish this was My Day

2010-06-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

My day is filled with cleaning and children. What are your plans for today?

The Beholder's Eye

2010-06-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. (NASB Psalm 139:13)

As I was putting away laundry the other day, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. No make-up, hair pulled away from my face...I looked ugly. I felt ugly.

Then I remembered how God made me, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that I'm fearfully and wonderfully made.

After that, I looked at myself and knew that I'd been crafted with love.

This made me think of our stories. Perhaps they're considered ugly (rejected). Maybe they're not perfect (don't follow writing "rules") But think about how you wrote that manuscript. Think about the love and the wonder and the awe of creating a story from your heart. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

What is one part of your body that you think is beautiful? What about your first manuscript?

Posting Time Matters

2010-06-14T04:00:00.000-04:00

I do most of my blog reading in the morning. I know I miss out on posts because I have to stop scrolling through my dashboard after breakfast is done. For me, if you post in the morning there's a better chance that I'll be commenting on it.

What times do you schedule your posts for? Do you think the timing matters?

Coming Around

2010-06-11T04:00:00.000-04:00

I SO appreciate all of your comments on my last post! I love reading about things you know or don't know. :-)
Sadly, I was swamped so I'm just now, today, going to be able to visit you guys. See you in a bit!

Oh, I waitressed last night and my feet HURT. That's one thing I forgot I didn't like about serving.

What's one thing you don't like about writing? (Not the business of it, but the actual art)

Do Your Research

2010-06-09T04:00:00.001-04:00

If you don't research your subject or characters, you might have a mess to clean up. Like me.
I wrote a beginning scene with a cop hero, only now to discover that so many things in that scene must be changed because they don't fit with the rules of the profession.

What kind of research have you done for your stories? In what area of life are you an expert?

You Deserve Awards

2010-06-07T05:54:00.002-04:00

Thank you for your sweet comments on my last post, but you all deserve awards too! Time got away from me and I wasn't able to work up a post giving them out, but it's coming.

Today is busy with doctor visits and errands, so I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Also, agent Gardner put up the winning one-liners for her logline contest and tomorrow will be critting some entries. The contest was a good way to see what kind of pitches interest that particular agent.

Thank You

2010-06-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

I found this post hidden on my dashboard and so I just wanted to thank my fellow bloggers who have given me awards during the past few months.

Thank you Lynn!

Thank You Danyelle!

Thank you Katie! The rules are to post six lies and one truth.

Thank you Nancy!

Thank you to Steena at Chocolate Reality for the Sunshine Award!