ACFW Carol Awards

Another conference has come and gone. Listed below are this year's winners.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Carol Awards!

Contemporaroy Novella -
The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren
Tyndale House, Karen Watson, Editor
Historical Novella -Christmas Bells for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Steeple Hill, Tina James, Editor
Short Contemporary -A Texas Ranger's Family by Mae Nunn
Steeple Hill, Melissa Endlich, Editor
Short Contemporary Suspense -Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Steeple Hill, Emily Rodmell, Editor
Short Historical -The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh
Revell, Andrea Doering, Editor
Young Adult -So Not Happening - Jenny B. Jones
Thomas Nelson, Amanda Bostic/Jamie Chavez, Editors
Long Contemporary -The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry
Moody Publishers, Paul Santhouse, Editor
Long Contemporary Romance -Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones
Thomas Nelson, Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez, Editors
Mystery -The Case of the Mystified M.D. by A.K. Arenz
Sheaf House, Joan M. Shoup, Editor
Suspense/Thriller -Intervention by Terri Blackstock
Zondervan, Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors
Long Historical -Stealing Home by Allison Pittman
Multnomah, Alice Crider, Editor
Long Historical Romance - Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy
Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany, Editor
Speculative -Eternity Falls by Kirk Outerbridge
Marcher Lord Press, Jeff Gerke, Editor
Women's Fiction -Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge
Waterbrook Press, Shannon Marchese, Editor
Debut Author - The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh
Revell, Andrea Doering, Editor

MOVING ON

Historical was turned in on time. My agent should be reading through it now. I submitted a blurb for a possible anthology, wrote a proposal for a cozy mystery, and am now working on a contemporary. Surely with all these lines in the water (figuratively speaking) I'll get a big 'ole bite. God will surely reward me for perseverance, right?

What Am I Doing?

I am so struggling with this 1865 historical I'm writing. Then, for the reviews I must do, I've read a book that is written so well, I feel I'm wasting my time putting pen to paper. Ugh! I know it's just the insecurities that go with the writing profession, but enough already! I need the words to come. God, give them to me, please! I told my agent I'd have this book finished by the end of July and it's already the 12th. There are four publishers waiting to see it. Then, I'm worried that I'm spending my time writing something no one will want and then I've wasted my time. Yep, having a great big old pity party! Wanna join me?

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Well, what a joke. Son has to serve five more months, ten years probation, and register as a sex offender. Good thing: might be able to expunge in five years. Thank you to our pastor and the youth pastor and his wife who came to support our son and us. It meant so much to us.

The prosecutor gave her spiel, then proceeded to spend the rest of the hearing texting on her blackberry. Son's lawyer gave his spiel, he's definitely not gifted in the speaking department by the way. The language used by all parties was that our son "crossed some boundaries". Really? I thought the girls were crying rape. Oh, well. Must be why the charges were so drastically reduced.

The facts about the girls calling, texting, bragging, etc., was never brought to the judge's attention. Seems that in AZ these things are not admissible. According to our son's lawyer, these are the reasons the prosecution lowered the charges. Really? Then why didn't our son's lawyer fight harder for him.

I have very good hearing, and the two lawyers were talking before the court started. The prosecution would say so, this charge stands as this, right? this plea needs amended to this, right? And our son's lawyer agreed to everyone. Nice to know he lets women wear the pants.

He did manage to get our son's probationary fee lowered from $65/month to $25/month. Oh, yippee! Glad we didn't have to pay HIM for representation. My husband is going to check into taking this to civil court. We'll see.

OZARK WEDDINGS By Anita Higman and Janice Thompson

Being from the Ozarks myself, I jumped at the chance to be an influencer for Ozark Weddings.

An enjoyable collection of three stories set in Arkansas, I felt propelled back to the land of my childhood. With sensitivity, master of lyrical writing, the authors take the readers deep into the hearts of three wonderful couples, where romance is pure and sweet. So grab your favorite drink, curl up in your favorite chair, and spend a summer day immersed in the beauty that is the Ozarks.

HOW TO WRITE GREAT FICTION

By Janice Hanna Thompson
FICTION COURSE INTERVIEW
Janice Thompson: booksbyjanice@aol.com

Janice, I understand you’re about to debut a new fiction course online. Why fiction? What is your background, as it relates to fiction writing?
Every writer hopes to one day write “The Great American Novel.” I started writing novels as a child, so the desire to craft “story” has always been inside of me. In the mid ‘90s I started writing with the desire to be published. After years of trial and error, my first novel hit the shelves in 2000. Since then, I’ve published over forty novels—everything from inspirational romance to cozy mysteries to Y.A. (young adult) to romantic comedies. It’s been a great run! I’ve noticed a trend in recent years. “Young” writers approach me, one after the other, asking the same questions and struggling with the same problems. I’ve worn myself out giving the same answers! (There are only so many times and ways you can say, “You’re head-hopping, honey!”) Because of that, I decided it would be easier to compile the information into a fiction course, will debut mid-June at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. I can’t wait to see what novelists think of this exciting new course!

You’ve started with a lesson on understanding the genres. Why is that?
As mentioned above, I’ve been published in multiple genres. My first book was a suspense-thriller. I’ve since written historicals, contemporaries, children’s, young adult, romances, mysteries and much, much more. Because I’ve been able to successfully cross genre lines, I feel qualified to teach on the subject. Before writers can establish themselves as novelists, they must develop an understanding of the fiction genres/categories. Choosing the best genre (or genres) is critical to your success. But with so many categories to choose from, how do you know which is your best fit? This lesson will give writers a thorough introduction to genre writing and will provide them with the necessary information to choose the one(s) best suited to their literary style and voice.
I see you’ve included a lesson on plotting. Is this based on your “Plot Shots” teaching, which you’ve offered at conferences?
Yes! I’m so tickled to finally be able to offer this teaching in a course format. I’ve become known as “that Plot Shots lady.” That’s okay. I can live with that! I’m a firm believer in laying out a great plotline. Why? Because every story needs a beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down. The "Plot Shots" method gives writers the tools they need to plot their novel in twelve easy snapshots. It’s a fun and easy approach to plotting that won’t confuse or complicate the story.

Characterization is such an important component of fiction writing. Can you tell us more about your characterization lesson?
Years ago I developed a teaching that I call “Pandora’s Box.” It’s a layered approach to characterization, which uses the illustration of multiple boxes, one inside the other. In this lesson, I lay out the need for great characterization, then present the Pandora’s Box method. After presenting the method, I take the student through the process four times, using four fictional characters as a foundation. (Each character has a different personality, so the student learns how to apply the technique to the various personalities.)

So many writers struggle with P.O.V. (point of view). Is that why you included a lesson on that very tough subject?
Point of View (P.O.V.) is a critical fiction component. Employing to your best advantage is tough! Most of the young writers I know struggle in this area. The head-hop. Oh, they don’t mean to. . .but they do! My detailed lesson on Point of View offers students a thorough teaching on the various P.O.V.s (omniscient, third person, second person, first person), and gives specific examples and tips so that writers can become P.O.V. purists.

What is passive writing? Why have you included a lesson about it?
Many of the manuscripts I edit are written in passive voice. They’re loaded with passive verbs and include huge sections of “telling.” The author “information dumps,” which stops the flow of the story. Knowing the difference between active voice and passive voice is key to writing a great novel. Conquering the art of "showing" instead of "telling" will give writers an added advantage. This detailed lesson--filled with nuggets of wisdom from published authors--will give writers the tools they need to strengthen their stories and pull them into active voice.

Ack! Backstory! It’s so tough to add to our novels. Is that why you included a lesson on the subject?
Backstory. We all struggle with it, don’t we? In so many ways, it's critical to our story. After all, the reader needs to know where our primary character has come from--what she's been through--why she acts like she does. So, do you add the backstory or not? If so, can you do so without resorting to author intrusion? And where will you place it? At the beginning of the story? Elsewhere? Will it come out in lumps or snippets? This lesson offers students an intense look at backstory and includes tips for interjecting it without stopping the action.

Many writers struggle with finding their “voice.” Can you tell us more about that?
A writer’s “voice” is her/her “stamp.” It’s the author’s “personality on the page.” And many young writers haven’t “found their voice” yet. This lesson delves into the topic, in detail, giving perspective on this very personal issue. The lesson (titled “Themes, Style and Voice”) also covers the various themes found in popular books, as well as style components.

Can you tell us some of the top fiction mistakes?
Sure! After editing hundreds of manuscripts, I can point out some of the “top” fiction mistakes: Lack of a good hook. P.O.V. issues. Passive writing. Weak characterization. Poor plotting (no “belly of the whale” scene). Overuse of adverbs. On and on the list goes. Many writers simply don’t realize they’re making these mistakes until someone points them out. They wonder why the book keeps getting rejected. This lesson offers writers a thorough list, detailing the top twenty mistakes novelists make.

Why did you decide to add a lesson on humor writing?
I’ve been writing comedies for years and have learned so much along the way. Humor writing is tough stuff! Some writers are born with an overactive funny bone. Others have to work hard to be funny. (Ironic, isn't it?!) If you're interested in adding a little har-de-har-har-har to your novel, then you've come to the right place. In this light-hearted lesson on humor writing, I share my top ten tips for adding humor to your writing. The bonus feature contains another twenty tummy-tickling techniques, so hang on for the ride!

Putting together a book proposal is tough! What have you learned over the years?
Book deals are won or lost based on the proposal. If you've got a completed manuscript and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or editor, then this exciting lesson on query letters and book proposals will point you in the right direction, giving you all the confidence you need to submit, submit, submit! Students who use the information provided in this lesson can compose polished query letters and dazzling book proposals, sure to impress both editors and agents, alike.

Thanks so much for joining us, Janice. Where can people learn more about your courses? And where else can they find you on the web?
They can learn more at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. On that site, they will also find my “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” course, which many students have already taken. Folks can learn more about that one by clicking on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-5IZSNaZFU. I offered a free webinar on the subject about six weeks ago, and it can be found here: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/?s=webinar. We’ll be adding to the course list every couple of months, so stay tuned for more announcements!
Other places to find me on the web:
My website: www.janiceathompson.com
My blog: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?cat=1
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson

OH WICKED JUSTICE!

Well, my son met with a sentencing officer. Never heard of one, but supposedly, they're the ones who decide someone's fate and tell the judge their recommendations. To make a long story short, everything my son's lawyer told him in order to get my son to sign a plea...the lawyer had no business telling him. Once my son signed the plea, the lawyer's job was done. Hmmm...do you think it was because the lawyer had a high profile case he wanted to work on? So, if my son's sentencing goes bad on June 23rd, we will sue for misrepresentation. Also, my son said he will rescind his plea and take his chances at trial.

LOVE ON A DIME By Cara Lynn James

Lilly Westbrook is following God's will for her life by writing dime romance novels. Her wealthy, high-society family believes she is penning poetry for her own enjoyment. To discover the truth about what Lilly does for hours in her room would destroy their acceptance into the society of Newport, Rhode Island. But Lilly has a good handle on things, until her publishing company is bought by Jackson Grail, the man who ditched her and their love years before.

Then, a tabloid reporter is determined to blackmail her into revealing her true identity to her readers. How can Lilly keep her heart, and her secret, safe?

LOVE ON A DIME is a delightful read with a fesity heroince determined to follow God's will at all costs. A subtle message woven throughout the story, leaves the reader feeling good and eagerly awaiting Cara Lynn James's next novel in the Ladies of Summerhill series.

A NEW ATTITUDE

I can't handle my life the way it is right now, so something has to give. What? Me. I've decided to forceably (and I mean with great force!) change my attitude. I can't change the world, so I'll do the best I can. Who's with me? Do I hear a big amen?

HE SIGNED

My son signed the plea bargain. He had no other choice. I want to cry.
Vengeance is Mine Says the Lord! These little girls will someday get their's. I'm trying not to rejoice in that.

WELL...

Found out from my son's lawyer that in the state of Arizona, there's no such thing as consentual sex if one of the parties (or both, I guess) are under the age of fifteen. The girl was under fifteen. So, I guess the plea is the best way to go at this point. Still sucks, but you can't fight the law. That's why the lawyer doesn't want it to go to trial. If the jury knows about the law, then our son would be convicted.

JUSTICE STRIKES AGAIN!

Oh, the ongoing saga of justice. My son's lawyer called yesterday, all excited. Well, of course he would be...it isn't his son. Seems the prosecution wants to strike a plea bargain. The terms:

No further jail time or up to two years jail time. (It will be up to the judge)
TEN years probation, and he will have to register as a sex offender, plus attend a monthly probation meeting, and sexual therapy classes. What the hell? Oh, yes, people will jump at the change to give him a job knowing right off the bat he'll be missing a couple days of work every month. Sign me up!

The lawyer can't understand why my husband and I aren't excited about this. I told the lawyer it seems like the prosecution has realized they don't have the case they thought they did. One of the charges has been dropped to Attempted Sexual Assault and the other to Sexual Misconduct with a minor. Well, what do they think my 17-year-old is, a lecherous old man? Aren't minors under the age of eighteen? He was barely sixteen when these charges supposedly took place.

Plus, the so-called witness they had has been discounted. My husband asked whether the whole thing could be dropped if the girls came forward. Guess what? Not in the state of Arizona! Once a person is incarcerated, the state will play it out, even if the alleged victims change their mind. If the girls didn't want to go to trial, they'd be subpoened. Oh, yeah, justica at its finest.

My husband blew and told the lawyer he's throwing our son under the bus because a high-Profile case (on the news, but I'm not at liberty to say) is taking all his time. The lawyer says the plea is our son's best bet, because if it goes to trial, and we lose, he would get seventeen years. Well, what if we won? Seems everytime we turn around the charges are lessened. Why not pursue it and take our chances?

The lawyer asked what I thought? I said there was no way I would take the plea. I'd be lying by saying I did it, and why should I suffer for someone else's lie? I told him I've asked numerous adults and young people and not one person believes our son capable of this. If one person said he was, I wouldn't be so adamant about fighting it. Especially knowing the charges were lessened for a second time.

Now, if you were a 17-year-old presented with two years or seventeen, what would you do? We have no opportunity to speak with our son to tell him how we feel. The entire decision rests on a kid that just wants to come home. I no longer have any faith in the lawyer. If our son decides to take it to trial, will the lawyer put his all into it, or do things half-ass to prove a point?

Maybe I have the wrong attitude about the whole thing, but this is how I feel. What does the future hold for my son? Where can he get a job if he's a registered sex offender? Why should he be punished for having sex because a little girl thought she might get in trouble? If she was so afraid of him, why'd she come back a second and a third time? Yep, makes sense to me.

There's the slightest chance that if he's a good boy and follows his probationary terms, he MIGHT be expunged by the age of twenty-two. Whatever. The way things have been going so far, yep, that'll happen. So, we get to be the joyful, proud parents of a bouncing baby adult for who knows how long because all his rights were tossed away. There goes his desire to join the military.

Sex with that young girl was sure expensive! And the one he tried to kiss, well, obviously she thought it worth holding onto for a year before saying anything. Oh, the bond between friendship.

First girl: "Hey, what do you want to do tonight?"
Second: "Oh, I don't know. Hey, let's screw up somebody's life! That'll be fine."
First: "What do you want to say?"
Second: "Well, I'll spread it around town that we had sex at the park, have our other friend say she witnessed him hurting me, and you say how he tried to get with you three times."
First: "Okay, but you have to say three times too, or it won't work."
Second: "Deal!"
Hugs and kisses all around.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty? I don't think so!

On February 26, 2010, my son was arrested for sexual assault. Two girls claim he acted inappropriately with them on three different occasions per girl. Innocent until proven guilty? I don't think so. My son admitted to having sex with one of them and now telling the truth will be held against him. Why should he lie to the police officer? To keep his words from being twisted, that's why.

My son's lawyer (per Arizona law) is not allowed to speak to the girls about their testimony. It could be construed as badgering the victims. We can't even talk to our son about anything because every conversation is recorded and WILL be used against him. Golly Gee! How are we supposed to find our own witnesses, then? The only hope we have is that the prospective jury will believe the interaction was consentual on both sides. In the meantime, my son sits in jail, while these girls roam free, telling all their friends. Huh. I always thought victims of these type of crimes were too scared to talk about it.

Why don't I believe their story? If I was on a jury, knowing the facts, although few that I do know, there isn't a chance in hell I'd convict anyone. Below are the facts as we know them:

1. Alleged Victim #1 started telling people that my son "raped" her over a year ago. Coincidentally when he started dating his current girlfriend. I don't believe in coincidences. She has recently come forward to say they never did have sex. Does she need to look up the definition of rape in the dictionary? I think so. So, what were the other two counts? A pat on the butt? An attempt at a stolen kiss? I have over five text messages forwarded from my son's girlfriend that #1 sent to her, bragging about her charges. Are these texts admissable in court? No.

2. Alleged Victim #2 had sex with my son at a park. Nice girl, right? Of course, my son is also stupid, but that's another blog. Then she proceeded to walk him home afterward. Actions of a victim? Maybe on her planet. She also has a witness that said when #2 came out from behind the bushes, she had a look in her eyes that said something bad happened. Alrighty, then! All the parks around here are greenbelts. Patches of grass completely surrounded by houses. Do you want to tell me that she was being assaulted and didn't cry for help when several houses sat a stone throw's away? Maybe she's a mute. I'll have to check on that. Oh, and maybe the "witness" is mute too.

Another point that, if I were on a jury, would tell me these little girls could right a New York Times bestselling story of fiction, is that supposedly, my son assaulted them three times each. Really? So, after the first time you allowed herself to be put in the same position, not once more, but twice more? Give me a break!

I've got to tell you, and I'll need to repent afterwards, but I have no hope left. I've tried to rely on God to get my son out of his stupidity. To ease our pain. My son may be a horny toad, but he doesn't deserve to have his life ruined for doing what half of our teenagers are doing. Just because one girl was jilted and another...what? Thought Mom and Dad would find out she's a loosy goosy and she'd get in trouble?

I don't know. I don't believe in coincidences. Based on the above information, there's no way I would convict anyone. Yet, my son's lawyer said that over 90% of sexual assault charges result in conviction. Wow! Did you know that I could go out, have sex, change my mind, and claim rape? Yep! Got that tidbit of information from the mouth of a cop. Well, aren't I glad I live here.

Can I get in trouble for writing this blog? I don't know. It's supposed to be a free country. Free speech and all that. No names were mentioned to protect the guilty. Names of the innocent are plastered all over the internet, should anyone be inclined to search for them.

So, they're holding him without bail, which was a joke to begin with because it was set at $75,000. Now, they are trying to plea bargain, but haven't come up with the terms yet.

SENECA SURRENDER - Gen Bailey

LOCAL AUTHOR Karen Kay, aka, Gen Bailey, the leading voice in American
Indian Historical Romance, is going on tour with her latest release, SENECA
SURRENDER, A Berkley Sensation Historical romance.

Did you know that thousands upon thousands of women are reading Romance?
With a dwindling economy and many families losing jobs and homes, many
Americans are craving an escape from their every day problems. What are
women turning to? Romance.

Multi-published author, Karen Kay (aka Gen Bailey) will be touring
bookstores within the greater Los Angeles/San Diego area, and its many
communities, promoting her new book, SENECA SURRENDER, and signing copies
of the book

Here is Ms. Bailey's schedule:

Book Signing: March 27th, Saturday, 11AM – Karen/Gen will be signing books
at the Relay for life in Hemet at the West Valley High School. This is a
twenty-four hour relay event that benefits the Cancer Society. Contact
info:heather4relay@yahoo.com

Book Store visit: April 7th, Wednesday, 11AM :Romance Reader's group at
Barnes & Noble, Torrance, CA

Online: April 8th, Thursday, all day long. I'll be guest blogging at Fallen
Angel Reviews at www.fallenangelreviews.com/blog/

Book Signing: April 9th, Friday 12:00 PM – Barnes & Noble Books, 1800
Rosecrans Ave., Unit B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Book Signing: April 10th, Saturday, 12 PM – Romance Writers of America
conference in Brea. Brea Community Ctr., 695 E. Madison Way, Brea, CA 92822

Online: April 13th, Tuesday, Chat time at Coffee Time romance – Starts at
9PM EST or 6PM Pacific: www.coffeetimeromance.com/ctr_chat.htm2

Lecture: Book Signing: April 14th, Wednesday, 6PM – Silver Lake library –
This lecture will be on How to Write a Romance. 2411 Glendale Blvd., @
Silver Lake, LA, CA 90039. Contact info: (323)913-7453

Book Signing: April 16th, Friday, 11AM-2PM – Cameron Books, 3077 W. Florida
Ave, Hemet, CA 92544. Contact info: (909) 925-6477

Book Signing: April 17th, Saturday, 1PM – Russo's Books in Bakersfield.
9000 Ming Avenue, Suite #4, Bakersfield, CA 93311 – Contact info: (661)
665-4686

Book Signing: April 18th, Sunday -- 12PM, LA chapter of Romance Writers of
America in Encino at the Barnes & Noble, 16461 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA
91436

Online: April 21st, Wednesday -- Chat time at the Cata Romance Blog. This
event will be featured off and on all day long. Come visit at
www.cataromance.com

Online: April 23rd, Friday, Blogging at Petticoats & Pistols blog.
www.petticoatsandpistols.com

Book Signing: April 23rd, Friday, 1:30 PM -- Sunshine Books in Cypress.
4931 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, CA 90630 Contact info: (714) 761-1552

Book Signing: April 24th, Saturday, 11:30 – Borders Books 555 S. Plaza
Lane, Montclair, CA 91763

Online: April 27th – Chat and blogging time with The Romance Studio. Come
and join the fun of chatting online. www.theromancestudio.blogspot.com

Online: April 29th – Coffee Time Romance Blog – all day long – please come
on over and chat – here's the link:
www.coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/

Online: April 30th – One more time to catch the chat with the blogging time
with The Romance Studio. Come and join the fun of chatting online.
www.theromancestudio.blogspot.com

Book Signing: May 1st, Saturday – 1PM, Borders Books, 3030 Plaza Bonita
Rd., National City, CA 91950

Online: Come join me at RidingWithTheTopDown blog.
www.ridingwiththetopdown.blogspot.com

Book Signing: May 4th, Tuesday – 6PM – The Book Rack, 78-329 Highway 11, La
Quinta, CA 92253 Contact info: (760) 771-3449.

Book Signing: May 8th, Saturday – 1PM – Borders Books in Lakewood, 15
Lakewood Ctr. Mall, Lakewood, CA 90712.

Book Signing: May 14th, Friday –6PM-8PM – Katy Books, 2950 Fray Road,
Houston, TX 77084. Contact info: (281) 578-7770. There is a huge sale at
this store on this date.

Online: May 18th, Tuesday – Live Chat – come and visit online at 9PM EST or
6PM Pacific www.coffeetimeromance.com/ctr_chat.htm

Book Signing: June 12th, Saturday, 12:30PM - 3:30PM – Gracie's Book Nook,
1722 - C Sweetwater Road, National City, CA 91950. Contact info: (619)
474-4464.

Lecture/Book Signing: August 27th, Friday – 11AM - 1PM -- Seminar/Lecture
at Las Vegas Romance Writers. The Nevada Energy Building, Wengert
Conference Room, 6226 W. Sahara, Las Vegas, NV. Contact info:
catusroselv@gmail.com


Well, that's all so far. I would like to add that I am always thrilled to
meet readers. So please don't be shy. Come on out and let's meet in
person.

HELLO?

Anybody out there? How do I get people to visit my blog? What do I write about to entice them? Hello? Hello?

INTERVIEW WITH ROBIN CAROLL

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a Southern through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's books have placed/finaled in such contests as Bestseller's Best, Book of the Year, and Reviewer's Choice Award. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, and their four character-filled pets at home--in the South, where else? An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspsnse, of course, she'll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this auther of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin's website at www.robincaroll.com

Tell us about your latest release? Deliver Us From Evil is about a beautiful yet tough woman working in a beautiful yet tough setting, Brannon Callahan is a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Strong faith and a decorated history of service have kept her one step ahead of on-the-job dangers, but there’s no precedent for what’s about to happen. After a blizzard takes down a small plane carrying U.S. Marshal Roark Holland (already haunted by a recent tragedy), Brannon must save him in more ways than one and safeguard the donor heart he’s transporting to a government witness on the edge of death. Otherwise the largest child trafficking ring in history—with shocking links from Thailand to Tennessee—will slip further away into darkness along the Appalachian Trail.

Where did you get the inspiration? I watched a television special on child trafficking with my husband. As a mother of three daughters, I couldn’t stop the ache in my heart long after the show was over. I couldn’t get the image of these poor girls’ faces out of my mind. The horrors these children endure in their own poverty-stricken country is horrible enough, but to be brought to America and be further exploited and abused is appalling. When my outrage settled deep inside me, I knew I had to write a story about this most serious issue.

How did you begin writing? I've always been writing in one form or another. LOL I began writing toward publication years ago, but didn't get serious until I joined ACFW. That's when I learned HOW to write.

Why Romantic Suspense? That's the genre I enjoy reading the most, so that's where my passion for story lies.

Tell us about your "big" break? I'm still waiting on it. LOL

What's your writing journey been like? The stock market...lots of ups and down, but the ups sure make up for the downs.

What kind of a writing schedule do you keep? NORMALLY, I try to write from 8-2, Mon-Friday, around my children's schedules. Sometimes, that's not possible. But that's what I try to shoot for.

What's next on your writing agenda? I just finished the third book in the "evil" trilogy, but will be working on revisions. I'm playing around with another series idea, so I'll keep you posted! :D

OH Pooh!

Well, another story got shot down. The publisher is just too filled up with authors who've published more than I have. Now, I ask you...how am I supposed to reach that spot if those who already have keep taking all the spots? So why would new or fairly new authors even bother if publishers are actually seeking out the multi-published authors? I guess my two, soon to be three, books don't count as multi-published enough. Oh, woe is me! That's my mood right now. I'm going to wallow in it for a while, okay?

THE SHERIFF'S SURRENDER By Susan Page Davis

Gert Dooley is the best shot in town. And everyone knows it. When folks start dying, Gert forms a club to teach the ladies of Fergus to shoot well enough to defend themselves if the need should arrive. The women wind up learning alot more than how to load and pull the trigger. Prejudices are set aside. Compassion for one another rises, and despite the animosity from some of the men in town, their shooting club thrives and grows. In the midst of it all, Gert loves the new sheriff, Ethan Chapman, and volunteers her club as amateur deputies. Ethan jumps at the chance, and the town of Fergus will never be the same. Nor will his life as he realizes the gift right under his nose. The lovely Gert.

This was a fun read! Before the last page is turned, readers will be a fan of Susan Page Davis.

GOING DOWN!

Okay, I still don't know what direction to take this blog, or how to stop it from posting to my facebook, but ... I made only one New Year's resolution, okay, maybe a few, but the main one is to lose sixty pounds. I started on January 1st and stepped on the scale this morning two pounds lighter. And that's after going out to dinner last night where I ate shrimp, salmon, and crab legs. Yippee!

Second, though not less important goal, is to finish writing another novel, and get it published. I have several finished ones that need revamping, and will continue writing until I see my name on the cover of another book. Then, when I'm famous, LOL! I'll have other manuscripts to fall back on when life keeps me busy. Thank you, God, for this desire to write.

2009

I'm trying to determine what direction to take this blog in 2010, but for today, I'm going to reflect on 2009. Alot happened. And don't get me started on the last decade. We'd be here all day. So,...
*My second book came out. Yay!
*We went to Arkansas and threw my parents a surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary party. Yay!
*My husband and I are still working. Yay!
*Someone shot five rounds of a nine-millimeter into our house. Boo!
*My sister-in-law moved in with us. Yay!
*My agent sent out five book proposals. Yay!
*Only one rejection so far. Boo! (Yay that it was only one)
*I had a viral infection in my joints where I couldn't move without pain for two weeks. Boo!
*Only one family member got the swine flu. Yay!

It seemed like a difficult year, but when I look at the list of major points, it wasn't too bad. Here's to a lot more Yays! in 2010.

If you have any thoughts on a theme or subject matter for my blog, leave a comment. I'm open to suggestions.

BRRRR

What's up with this weather? Last I was told, I live in the desert. It's been cloudy and cold for most of a month. Not that I'm complaining, mind you, the summers last way too long. But, I don't have many winter clothes! Do I need to go shopping? Because if I do, the sun will come back in all its ferocity. That's the way things work for me.

WINTER IS HERE!

Yep, it's here. Not often you hear about blizzards in Arizona, but the Flagstaff area is whirling with snow. Down here in the desert, we're cold and rainy.

It's been a long time since I've written on my blog. It's missed me. I promise to be around more. Just haven't decided the path I'd like to take. For sure, I'll be doing book reviews. An interview or two, and pass on writing tidbits as I learn them. Plus, I'll keep everyone posted on my writing. Right now, nothing. I've several proposals out. A couple historicals and one romantic suspense. God willing, I'll get a contract out of at least one of them.

Merry Christmas. God loves you!

SO NOT HAPPENING By Jenny B. Jones

When Bella Kirkwood is transplanted from Manhattan to Truman, Oklahoma, life as she knew it has ended. Not only does she have to deal with side-stepping cow piles and doing without high-price stores, she has an evil step-brother who resents her as much as she does him. And what's up with the handsome editor of the school newspaper? The one who can't seem to stand the sight of Bella? Yet, she stumbles across a diabolical plot to make the high school football team win at all costs. She's determined to do so, or die trying.

SO NOT HAPPENING is one of the most enjoyable YA novels I've read in a long time. Jenny B. Jones has captured the attitude and sass of a high school socialite. Settle into your favorite chair, grab a cold drink, and laugh along with Bella's antics as she learns that home truly is where the heart is.

Arkansas June 2009

Our trip back home was wonderful. I'm praying daily that it is in God's will for us to retire back there in six years. Here's a picture of the whole crowd on top of Mount Nebo.

50th Wedding Anniversary

We just returned from a wonderful visit to Atkins, Arkansas where my parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. My youngest sister and I had been planning the celebration since February 2009. My parents were thrilled and touched. Here is a picture of them reenacting a pose from their original wedding photos.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Prov. 1:8-9 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.

Here is a picture of my mother, me, my daughter, and my grandaughter.

MOTHER'S DAY

Proverbs 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

This one ought to be framed on every teenager's wall! Here is a picture of my wonderful mother. I was one of the priviledged. Disciplined when I needed it, loved all the time! My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this August.

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Proverbs 31: 28-29

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

YOU NEVER KNOW

Sometimes you don't know what your life accomplishments are while you're alive, but they can have lasting effects.

STORY NUMBER ONE

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago . Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well.. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.

Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done.

He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some resemblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street . But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay.. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."



STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.

He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.

One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.

He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.

His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.

The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.

Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.

Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly.

Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier..

Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.


SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?


Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son

SILLY FROG JOKE

I heard a silly joke last night while out with friends. Hopefully, I can remember it correctly.

A frog goes into the bank. He spots a teller at the far end. her name plate says Patricia Whack. He approaches her window and says, "Hello, my name is Frog Jagger. My father is Mick Jagger. I'm here to take out a $30,000 loan."

Patricia says, "That's a lot of funny. I'll need some security on the loan."

Frog pulls out a tiny porcelain elephant and hands it to Patricia. "Here is my security. I know the bank manager, he'll vouch for me."

Patricia takes the tiny item. "I'll have to check with him." She takes the elephant to the manager. "Sir, there is a frog requesting a $30,000 loan. He says his father is Mick Jagger and he has this for security. What is it?"

The bank manager studies the elephant, then says, "It's a knick-knack, Patty Whack, give the frog a loan for his father is a Rolling Stone."

Silly, huh? Hopefully it brings a smile to your face.

What to Write?

Goodness! It occurred to me this morning as I'm getting to ready to read through my crit partner's remarks, that if I'd made up my mind which story to focus on a few weeks ago, I might have a book finished by the end of May! Now, I've found the story I'm enjoying writing and I'll have to write 2,000 words a day to finish by then.

I think I was more bummed about the closing of Barbour's mystery line than I'd thought. For a while, I'd kind of lost the desire; instead floating from story idea to story idea. They'll all get finished eventually, but boy do I have my work cut out for me now! Help me, Jesus!

KATT'S IN THE CRADLE

In KATT'S IN THE CRADLE, we revisit the pastor wives and Lulu's cafe. Challenges have been met, and new ones risen. A young new wife enters the mix, pointing out to Mimi, Lisa, Felicia, and Jennifer how naive they used to be, and putting a crimp in the Pastor Wives' Fellowship. Can the four friends draw everyong together beneath the umbrella of their faith? Can they support each other when disaster and surprise threaten to bury them beneath a heavy weight?

Ginger Kolbaba & Christy Scannell deliver again a fun story of marriage, friendship, faith, and holding it all together. Through this story we learn the value of strong friendships with other women, and how we can rely on our friends when our faith is tested.

DEADLY CHARM By Claudia Mair Burney

Dr. Amanda Bell Brown is back, and neck deep in trouble. Again! When Evangelist, Ezekiel Thunder's baby is found drowned in the bathtub, Amanda is certain is was no accident and turns her attentions on the little boy's mother. Admidst babies, illness, and trying to repair her own marriage, Amanda goes head-to-head with the woman. When everything Amanda holds dear is threatened, she "steps it up" to solve a murder and save her marriage.

Claudia Mair Burney has done it again! Amanda Bell Brown is back and sassy as ever. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the Amanda Bell Brown mysteries and wasn't disappointed in the third. Burney has the reader, laughing, crying, and gasping through one page-turning escapade after another. Bravo!

BLOOD BAYOU By Karen Young

Camille St. James, advocate for the wrongly accused. When she proves the innocence of a death-row inmate, and a brutal death occurs days after his release, Camille loses her job and finds herself back in Blood Bayou being courted by her ex-husband, and chased by a killer. The last thing she wants is to renew a relationship with her ex-husband, Jack, now a minister with a load of secrets.

I have never read one of Karen Young's books before this one. I'm hooked. Blood Bayou is a page-turning suspense, with a steamy romance between Camille and Jack who struggle with the changes in each other and themselves. Can Jack convince Camille that he really has changed? Can he show her God's character shining through him? Can Camille trust the man who still holds her heart?

A great book! I recommend it to any romantic suspense fan.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?

Months ago, my eleven-year-old approached me with a deal. If he kept his room clean for three months, we'd buy him a snake. My husband agreed. I said, "Okay." Never thinking he could actually do it. Well, the picture tells the tale. The little bugger did exactly that! Yuck! Here' my youngest, holding Flash, a ball python. Good grief. I held the snake in the pet store. My insides quivered the whole time, but I figured if the thing was going to be living in my house, I had to get over my fear. He's amazingly docile and very inquisitive. As long as he stays away from my face, I'm okay. The worst part is...once my husband found out the price of pinky mice that we needed in order to feed Flash, he decided to breed his own food. We now have mice in the garage. I absolutely refuse to allow them in the house. Good luck critters when summer comes.

Now...how can I use this in a story?

QUIT SMOKING? YEAH, RIGHT!

Well, I have, almost. But here's what's going on in my book world. Frustrating! So, if you can't find the book in a store, give me a holler and we'll deal over the internet!

I am so frustrated! I've spent hundreds of dollars and hours of time marketing my books and am now finding out that people can't even get them! For example...I have fans in Arkansas. Don't laugh, I grew up there. Anyway, they want to buy Fudge. Not that I blame them. It's good. Anyway, they insist on shopping at Hastings. Fine. It's a bookstore. Whatever. But...the book isn't in Hastings system. So, after multiple emails to Barbour, I called Hastings. Nope. Not in their system. No problem they said, they'll call corporate and have it put in. Then........ .....Ingram says it's out of stock. Well, no it's not because I haven't even earned back my advance yet. How can I when people can't buy the book! Ugh! Had to vent. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Now Candy will be released in two weeks, and I'm afraid I'll have the same problem. Have I wasted my time mailing out 500 postcards on each book? Because I sure did if the book can't be gotten. Know what I mean?

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HUMBLE TEXAS By Anita Higman

This was the first Love Finds You book I've read. I throughly enjoyed it. Not only does Anita deliver a beautiful love story, but she takes the reader deep into the emotions of two sisters in love with the same guy and one of them's willingness to "step aside" and let her sister have the desire of her heart. But has the right sister stepped back? Especially when the man seems to have different ideas?

CANDY-COATED SECRETS

Got moved up! The release date is now March 1! Yippee! Run out and buy a copy as soon as possible, okay? Buy Fudge-Laced Felonies while you're at it! :O

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Woo Hoo! I got awarded an Award for Excellence. Wasn't expecting this. It's nice to know someone has noticed my efforts.

BOOK SIGNING AT BARNES AND NOBLE

My book signing at Barnes and Noble on January 24, 2009 was a complete success. I SOLD OUT and the event coordinator ordered more copies of Fudge-Laced Felonies right then. Here are some pictures of the event. One of me by the end cap where the books were displayed. Another of a crowd around my table. And one of me and my dear husband who stayed with me the entire two hours.

FINAL COVER ART FOR CANDY-COATED SECRETS

Here it is and ain't it grand?

MOURNING BARBOUR

Well, due to the economic times, i got an email from my editor at Barbour. They are closing their mystery bookclub line. I mourned yesterday. Today, I'm back to the writing and planning stage. My remaining two books, Candy-Coated Secrets and Chocolate-Covered Crime will still be published because they are under contract. After that, I'll have to move in another direction. Sad, but a fact of life in this industry.

BOOK SIGNING

I have a booksigning at the Surprise, Arizona, Barnes and Noble bookstore on January 24, 2009 from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. Would love to see as many friends and soon-to-be fans as possible.

THE CRAZY PUBLISHING WORLD

I've been making up stories since I was kid. It's been my dream for as long as I can remember to see my name on the cover of a book. When I turned forty, I wrote three books and had them pod published. Now, in most places in the publishing world, this doesn't count as published. That doesn't bother me. The books aren't written that well. I don't regret going the pod route. I learned a few things.

1 - I can finish a book
2 - I have more than one book in me
3 - Writing is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Fast forward to 2007. I wrote a romantic suspense, too scary and edgy for the CBA. It's shelved for now. It'll come out again someday. A friend heard of Barbour's new Heartsong Mystery line and told me I should try them. I didn't even know what a cozy was! So I looked it up, wrote the book, entered it into a contest, won first place, obtained an agent and got a contract. All within the space of eight months. Talk about a wild ride. Books two and three in the series are due out this year and I've just completed the first book in a new series. Plus, I'm writing a new romantic suspense.

Yes, the world of publishing is crazy. Sometimes you put your heart and soul into a book that the market is looking for, only to have them no longer looking by the time you're finished writing it. Or, you try your hand at writing a different genre and get absolutely no where.

But, I wouldn't trade the roller-coaster ride for anything! Good luck to all you pre-published. Hang in there!

ANOTHER REVIEW OF FUDGE-LACED FELONIES

A reader sent me this review. Isn't it wonderful?

Cynthia Hickey weaves an entertaining mystery around her impulsive heroine, Summer Meadows, who runs a candy shop in her small home town. Summer becomes intrigued when diamonds appear under her rosebush and other mysterious items are found. She puts herself, and her aunt and uncle with whom she lives, in harms way as she develops theories and a suspect list for strange occurrences and murders as she blunders into and out of danger. She struggles with a lack of trust in God and with two love interests. As the author weaves biblical quotes into Summer's dilemmas, the reader becomes a sideline cheerleader for this Miss Marple wannabe. The story enlightens as well entertains.

NEW BOOK RELEASES

Looking for something good to read? Here's a list of January releases by authors belonging to American Christian Fiction Writer's Association. Check out a few!

1. Bayou Betrayal, Book 5 of the Bayou series by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a woman arrives in town to meet her relatives, an arsonist doesn't want her to stay!

2. Be Strong and Curvaceous, All About Us #3 by Shelley Adina from Hachette FaithWords. Carly Aragon's faith is tested when she takes on a crush crasher who comes accessorized with a stalker.

3. Before the Season Ends, Lights of London, Book One by Linore Rose Burkard from Harvest House. A Christian young woman must make her way through the treacherous waters of a Regency Season in London; while her worldly, wealthy aunt tries to marry her off for money.

4. Cursebreaker, Book One of The Order of the Scrolls Series by Nancy Wentz from Whitaker House. Author Nancy Wentz's drama unfolds in both the physical and spiritual realms, treating the reader to a thrilling tale of mystery, passion, and historical intrigue.

5. Fireflies In December by Jennifer Erin Valent from Tyndale House. A young girl comes of age amidst the racial prejudice of Depression-era Virginia.

6. Hannah Grace, The Daughters of Jacob Kane by Sharlene MacLaren from Whitaker House. A new century, a new sheriff, a new love...many things are about to change in the town of Sandy Shores.

7. Kiriath's Quest by Rick Barry from JourneyForth Books (a division of BJU Press). A YA Christian fantasy adventure that reaffirms the value of faith, family, love and loyalty.

8. Milk Money by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Publishing (Heartsong Presents). Can Frank find faith in Jesus, while battling alcoholism, as he seeks the love of Emily Cooper?

9. Mommy's Hometown Hero, Dalton Brothers Book 2 by Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Ex-soldier Matt Dalton wants to bring his friend Rachel Charbonneau back to the Lord and win her heart as well.

10. No Place For A Lady, Heart Of The West Book One by Maggie Brendan from Revell. Can a Southern belle tame the heart of a rugged cowboy?

11. Paper Roses, Texas Dreams #1 by Amanda Cabot from Revell. There's only one problem when mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in Texas to greet her groom: he's been murdered.

12. Sweetwater Gap, (Women of Faith Fiction) by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson. A woman returns home to help save her family's apple orchard and must face the ghosts that chased her away so many years ago.

13. The Edge of Light, Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove Series by Ann Shorey from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. It's 1838 on the Missouri frontier--how will Molly McGarvie keep her young family together after her husband's sudden death?

14. What Sarah Saw, Book One, Without a Trace Love Inspired Suspense continuity series by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. The tragic conclusion to a kidnapping case broke Sam and Jocelyn apart, but for a child's sake they must join forces to uncover what Sarah saw.

CANDY COATED SECRETS

It's the preliminary sketch for the cover of Candy-Coated Secrets. Isn't it fun?

POST CHRISTMAS

That Glorious time of year is past and a new year looms. 2008 saw the release of my first novel. 2009 will release two more. God is good. We spent the holidays with our children and their families, which makes for a large and noisy group, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't make new year resolutions, but I do have hopes. My hope for the coming year is to sign a single-title contract. It could happen. What about you?

Enjoy the picture of my youngest son (the black one)and our five grandchildren clowning around in front of the tree.

Merry Christmas

The Season is upon us. School is out, which means I'm also on a two-week vacation, gifts are bought, tonight is making tamales, a couple of parties have been attended, our day volunteering at the food bank is done, and I can sit back and enjoy the sight of a decorated tree and house with presents wrapped and waiting. If you could have one thing under the tree (for yourself) what would it be?

Me? I'd like a single-title contract for my historical romance, Shattered Superstitions. Anyone listening? God? Santa?

Holiday Memories

What's your favorite? What makes your holiday complete? How do you celebrate? What was your favorite gift every received?

My favorite gift has to be my wedding set given to me by my husband on our tenth Christmas. Any time the family gets together makes the holidays complete. Here's the whole gang last year in front of the tree, except for my husband. He took the picture. What a motley crue!

Writing

How does one know what to write? I've started so many stories because a publishing house thought it sounded like a "good" idea, but then they turn it down and I'm left with half a book. I hate leaving anything unfinished, and someday all my work in progresses will be complete, but how do we know what to write? What do we put our sweat and time into?

Often, I've had an idea, started the book, then saw a new release with almost the same idea! Ugh! How do we find our niche?

Sure, we want our writing to be a ministry. And readers have told me how much my book has helped them, but I also have a goal. To retire in six years when my husband does and supplement with money from writing. Unreasonable? I pray not.

Write the book of your heart, people say. Sure, but every story I write comes from the heart. Oh, well. Can you tell I'm suffering from sour grapes today?

Wow! Long time no write

I really need to find the time to carve out the minutes to blog. One more thing on a long list of things to do.

Fudge-Laced Felonies will be available for retail the end of January. Candy-Coated Secrets will ship to the bookclub at the same time. For someone who wasn't gifted with patience, this seems to take forever. And no, I'm not asking God to teach me patience. Been there, done that!

My latest work, Shades of Crimson, was turned down by publishers as being too scary. Jeesh! Just because I read FBI profiling books and got into the head of the killer doesn't make it scary, does it? Okay, it was kind of scary. Someday the Christian market will be ready for a good thriller with a redemption story, right? Then I'll be ready.

I'm just so tired of Amish stories, you know? Too sweet. Although I did read one by new author, Beth Wiseman. Plain Perfect. Not your ordinary Amish story. I really enjoyed it.

Right now, I'm working on a historical that a couple of publishers expressed interest in. Of course, it'll have a healthy dose of suspense. Can't help it. Even my fun cozies have that. I'm managing to write an average of 10,000 words a week, but that will definitely slow down during the holidays.

Y'all have a great Thanksgiving!

TWILIGHT

Well, I read the book to see what all the hoopla was about. It's good, but I didn't see the intense romance so many people are raving about. It's definitely suited for both young adult and adults, and the story does grip you. Yes, I'll read the others in the series. I've got to find out who turns; Edward or Bella. Okay, I cheated and I know who turns, but I've got to find out how they reached the conclusion they did.

For anyone wondering, Stephanie Meyer is a great storyteller, pulling the reader into the love of 17-year-old Bella's life. Is Edward hunky? Yes. Is the book clean? Yes. Can anyone from Junior High age and older relate? Again, yes. But don't take my word for it. Buy, borrow, or check-out the book and see for yourself.

THE CASE OF THE BOUNCING GRANDMA by A.K. Arenz

Glory Harper, adventurous, skate-boarding, tramboline jumping, grandma is confined to a wheelchair because of a broken leg. While spying on the new neighbors, Glory spots a foot hanging from the end of rolled up carpet. When she alerts her family and the police, they don't believe her. Instead, they try convincing her the foot belongs to a mannequin. Glory decides to investigate on her own, bum leg or not! When handsome detective Rick Spencer enters the picture, Glory finds herself torn between a possible romance, or solving a murder.

In a humorous "Rear View" fashion, A.K. Arenz has crafted a wonderfully entertaining mystery complete with a quirky heroine, unforgettable characters, and a healthy dose of romance. I can't wait to read the next mystery involving The Bouncing Grandma

Candy-Coated Secrets

We're moving right along. And fast! Candy-Coated Secrets has been moved from a release day of late April, 2009 to late January, 2009. I've just sent back my final edits and am waiting on cover art. I can't wait to see what the art department comes up with. What can they do with an elephant, a candy-maker, and a county fair...not to mention a couple of bears, Bigfoot, and a lion!

ACFW Conference 2008

This year's conference was held in Minneapolis. The weather was perfect, the rooms comfortable, the hotel HUGE! People were wonderful and welcoming. Appointments fell into place with ease. The ACFW board members outdid themselves again, and Angie Hunt's speaking was not to be missed.

Although, I attended, I ordered the CD of all the classes. Way too many to choose from and, since I don't live in a science fiction movie, I couldn't attend more than one class at a time.

Contracts were signed, agents found, and friendships made. Excitement ran high. A few people may have had hopes dashed, but we need to remember that publication isn't a guarantee. If we're meant to be published, it's in God's time, not ours. For learning the craft, the conference can't be beat.

And the multi-author booksigning at the Mall of America was the bomb! As kids today say. 125 authors attracted more people than you could count. The bookstore quickly ran out of most books. The man at Barnes and Noble said the mall hadn't seen anything like it since the guitarest from Motley Crue was there. Did God move that day, or what? An amazing experience!

God willing, I'll attend next year's conference in Denver. Start saving now, folks. The dates are September 17-20, and Debbie MacComber will be the guest speaker.

Bad Writing

I'm not going to mention the title of the book I'm reading, but it's by a well-known, multi-published Christian author. And, it breaks every writing rule in the book! How can someone who's been published many times get away with pov issues, passive writing, repetition, lots of exclamation marks, and just horrible story matter? NOT FAIR! I say. I must follow the rules, say something a million ways, not use a single cliche, etc.

I'd like nothing more than to toss the book, but as I've got to read it in order to review it, I'll have to muddle along. God help me! Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.

Mega Booksigning at the Mall of America

Wow! 127 authors beneath one roof! At this year's ACFW conference in Minneapolis, Sept. 18 thru Sept. 21, Barnes and Noble, ACFW, and the Mall of America have teamed together to bring one colassal booksigning event. And I'm one of the listed authors! Is this exciting or what? If you're in the area, stop by and buy a book!

Update

I know, it's been a while. I just sent the copy edits back on Candy-Coated Secrets. Look for it in April. I sent my agent my hopeful Romantic Suspense, Deceitful Promise, and am rewriting a historical; The Trail Worth Taking. So, it isn't like I'm not busy. And that's just my writing world. I won't even go into the trials of still having a 16-year-old at home and an 11-year-old. Both boys by the way. Hope all of you are well. Don't forget to pop in at www.mainlymystery.blogspot.com. A blog I co-manage with another author. That, too, keeps me busy. God bless!

Mind Test

I visited another author's blog and took this mind test: www.mindmedia.com/braintest

Here are the results. Scarily accurate!

Cynthia, your hemispheric dominance is equally divided between left and right brain, while you show a moderate preference for auditory versus visual learning, signs of a balanced and flexible person.

Your balance gives you the enviable capacity to be verbal and literate while retaining a certain "flair" and individuality. You are logical and compliant but only to a degree. You are organized without being compulsive, goal-directed without being driven, and a "thinking" individual without being excessively so.

The one problem you might have is that your learning might not be as efficient as you would like. At times you will work from the specific to the general, while at other times you'll work from the general to the specific. Sometimes you will be logical in your approach while at other times random. Since you cannot always control the choice, you may experience frustrations not normally felt by persons with a more defined and directed learning style.

You may also minimally experience conflicts associated with auditory processing. You will be systematic and sequential in your processing of information, you will most often focus on a single dimension of the problem or material, and you will be more reflective, i.e., "taking the data in" as opposed to "devouring" it.

Overall, you should feel content with your life and yourself. You are, perhaps, a little too critical of yourself - and of others - while maintaining an "openness" which is redeeming. Indecisiveness is a problem and your creativity is not in keeping with your potential. Being a pragmatist, you downplay this aspect of yourself and focus on the more immediate, the more obvious and the more functional.

The Bone Box by Bob Hostetler

Reeling from his wife’s death, and nineteen years of being an absentee father, Randall Bullock goes to Israel to try to save his unraveling life. Archaeology seems to have lost the thrill it once held. Until Randall’s daughter shows up just as he’s uncovered the remains of “Joseph, son of Caiaphas” and a scroll depicting the ancient high priest’s involvement in the crucifixion of Christ.

The problem is, no one seems as interested in this find as Randall. Except for those he thinks needs this proof of Christ’s existence the least. In Randall’s eyes, Christ is no longer a name between the pages of a book. He lived, he died, he rose…and why can’t others see the evidence he’s uncovered?
Merging the time of Christ’s death with modern-day archaeology, The Bone Box is full of historical facts, redeeming grace, and proof of what Christ did for mankind.

Fudge-Laced Felonies Review

Title: FUDGE-LACED FELONIES
Author: Cynthia Hickey
Publisher: Heartsong Presents Mysteries
2008
ISBN: 978-1-69269- 181-9
Genre: Inspirational/ cozy mystery

Summer Meadows is angry when she gets home from vacation and finds out that her prize rosebush is dead. She’d asked Ethan Banning to water her roses for her, and he obviously fell down on the job. Wanting to make it right, Ethan takes Summer and they buy another rosebush. When Ethan digs up the dead plant, he discovers that someone had buried a bag full of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove.

Thrown into a mystery by the act of the criminal, Summer sets out to discover what the meaning of it all, but then discovers that someone is targeting her. People are turning up dead, and Summer is beginning to fear she’ll be next.

Ethan begs Summer to let the police do their job, but that doesn’t stop her from throwing herself into harms way. Still, he can’t back off, he’s there for Summer and she can’t help but falling in love. But will this crime spree push Summer away from him for good?

FUDGE-LACED FELONIES is the first book in Ms. Hickey’s A Summer Meadows Mysteries series, and it’s a winner. Summer is a slightly klutzy, totally loveable heroine who stumbles into messy situations she can’t get out of easily. The reader can’t help but cheer for Summer and hope that things will work out for her.

The faith message is expertly woven in and isn’t preachy, and the setting is well-woven into the story. The opening lines of the book are really excellent. Readers are going to see a lot more of Ms. Hickey and her books – and, as Ms. Hickey’s critique partner, I know that the second two books in this trilogy are every bit as wonderful as the first. Don’t miss FUDGE-LACED FELONIES. $6.97. 244 pages.
Laura V. Hilton

Another Review of Fudge-Laced Felonies

Check out my review at www.idealinhope.com. Click on fiction under book reviews.

ACFW Conference

I received notice today that I am on the list, along with 106 other authors, to participate in ACFW's biggest booksigning event to date. This will take place at the Mall of America, September 23, 2008. In the rotunda will be a revolving screen depicting bookcovers and photos of the participating authors.

I was getting a little depressed about the upcoming conference because I'm unsure of what I'll be pitching. Receiving the email with that news raised my excitement level back to the roof! And to put the icing on the cake, Heartsong Present/Mystery subscribers are receiving their copy of Fudge-Laced Felonies. I can't wait to hear the readers' responses.

Where the Truth Lies by Elizabeth Ludwig & Janelle Mowery

When Casey Alexander receives notice that her Aunty Liddy has died and left a suicide note, Casey refuses to believe her death was anything but murder. She leaves her web-design business and heads to her Aunt's home. It instantly becomes clear that someone wants Casey out of the picture or she'll join her aunt in the hereafter. Stalked by a shadowy figure, and finding bones buried in the yard, Casey is even more determined to find her aunt's killer.
Full of twists and quirky characters, Where the Truth Lies is an enjoyable, page-turning reading experience. Just when you think you've figured out "who-dunnit", Ludwig and Mowery throw you another curve. Well done, Ladies!

Mainly Mystery

I will be teaming with Nancy Mehl on hosting a mystery blog. We will focus on the art of writing mystery, interviewing authors, and reviewing books. Primarily our focus is mystery, but we'll be tossing in some suspense to keep everyone on their toes. Click on the link on the right to visit the Mainly Mystery blog.

Fudge-Laced Felonies First Review

I've got my first review!

Review of Fudge-Laced Felonies
by Cynthia Hickey
http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/

Reviewed by Barbara J. Robinson
Award-winning Author
http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/

From the lead, “I marched into church on Sunday – not to search for God, but to find a killer,” spunky heroine Summer Meadows captures your heart with humor even in the darkest situations, as you journey with her to solve a diamond mystery. A light, easy read, this page turner takes you into the Ozark foothills. Set in a small town, Summer owns a candy store and is up to her wrists in chocolate, when she’s not knee deep in trouble playing detective.

Hooked from the lead, I was riveted in the mystery and completed the novel in several readings. When interrupted, I couldn’t wait to return to Summer’s world of chocolate, diamonds, and mystery.

Rich with fresh similes and metaphors, readers savor a taste of Southern grit as two handsome men compete for Summer’s attention, but only one of them truly loves her. She must decide between Man of God, Ethan, with rough, working hands, or smooth-talking Nate with hands softer than her own. Nate says all the right things while Ethan teases like a childhood friend, leading Summer to believe that he thinks of her as a sister. Then there’s beautiful Terri Lee who once dated Ethan and attempts to pick up where she left off. Summer knows her natural beauty can’t complete with her store-bought façade.

Summer is down-to-earth, but feisty. Used to being in control, she has to learn to let God guide her steps and relinquish control to the One who can make an eternal difference in her life. She’s a Christian who attends church every Sunday, but grows in her faith through her struggles and learns to depend on God to see her through.

Have you ever treasured your flower garden and thought it worth gold? Summer’s rose garden is worth a small fortune in cash and diamonds, and she must solve the mystery of who killed her prized rose bush before she ends up a dead summer flower.

Candy-Coated Secrets is the second book in the Fudge-Laced Felonies series – Heartsong Presents. If you love humor and mystery entwined, snag the book for great summer read. See http://cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/ for more information. ISBN-978-1-60260-181-9, $6.95 paperback, 244 pages, 22 chapters of love and mystery.

Writing is Easy

My soon to be eleven year old was getting ready to spend the night with a friend. My sixteen year old is out of the state for a couple of days. To me, this means uninterrupted writing time. My younger son, said, "Why can't you write anytime? It's easy. All you do is sit down and write the words." Wow. Out of the mouth of babes. If only it WAS that easy.

Sure, we do have to 'just sit down and write the words', but there is so much more involved. I lost my son's attention when I started explaining about plot lines, and the story making sense, then there's marketing, and selling to publishers, etc. It's way more than just sitting down and putting words on paper.

The words have to be right. They have to tell a story that a reader is interested in getting into. Your characters need to be real and interesting. Your setting must draw the reader in. Oh, how I wish it were as simple as a child thinks it is. Then, there's the mechanics of writing. Oh, boy!