ACFW Conference in Dallas

Seems I have a lot going on with the Lone-Star state this year. Tonight, a Cairn Terrier puppy is flying in from Waco to join our family and September 21-23 is the conference in Dallas. I've never been. First time for me, and I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous. I tend to talk too much when I'm nervous. What if I drive people off? What if they see me coming and run and hide? I'm very excited about all the things I'll learn, all the people I'll meet and I hope, I hope, whoever my appointments are with like me. I mean really like me as in we want your book, like me. I've got a roomie and I've never shared a room with a stranger before. I'm breaking out of my comfort zone all over the place! What will I do with my free time? There are so many questions! Did I mention I can't wait?

Fun Questions for a change

Here are some fun questions I was sent.

Tired of all of those surveys made by High School kids?

'Have you ever kissed someone?'
'missed someone?'
'told someone you love them?'
'drank alcohol?'

Here are some questions for some people who are a little more mature... ok old folks like us!!!!


1. What bill do you hate paying the most? ALL of them!

2. What's the best place to eat a romantic dinner? P.F. Changs


3. Last time you Puked from Drinking? Never - have never been drunk

4. When is the last time you got drunk and danced on a bar? There's enough alcohol in the world to get me to do that!

5. Name of your First Grade Teacher? ?????

6. What do you really want to be doing right now? Enjoying some peace and quiet.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A wife and mother who writes books!

8.How many colleges did you attend before you settled on the one you graduated from? none


9. Why did you wear the shirt that you have on right now? Just bought it yesterday!

10. Gas prices? Ridiculous!

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would you go and who? I want to live closer to my parents, if I could take my kids and grandkids with me.

13. Last thought before Falling asleep last night? God Help Me!

14. Favorite style of Underwear? Hanes Her Way

15. Favorite style of Underwear for the opposite sex? Boxer briefs

16. What Errand/Chore do you despise? Moping and bathtubs.

17. If you didn't have to work, what would you do? WRITING!

18. Get up early or sleep in? Depends on the night before

19. Your Favorite Cartoon Character? Mulan. She kicks butt.

20. Favorite NON sexual thing to do at night with a girl/guy is?
Carry on a good conversation

21. A secret that you wouldn't mind everyone knowing? But then it wouldn't be a secret . . .

22. What was your First Car? 1969 Chevy Impala. A putrid green

24. Your Favorite Lunch Meat? Ham

25. What do you get everytime you go into a Walmart? Probably pet supplies

26. Beach Or Lake? Beach

27. Do you think Marriage is an outdated ritual that was invented by people who died at 20? God santifies marriage.

28. Who do you Stalk on myspace? No one

29. Favorite Guilty Pleasure? M&M's and Starbucks

30. Favorite Movie you wouldnt want anyone to find out about? I don't really watch any movies I'd be ashamed to watch with anyone I know.

31. What's your drink? Diet coke.

32. Cowboys or Indians? Depends on if they are hot or not! I grew up with both so I can see pros and cons on both sides.

33. Cops or Robbers? Cops

34. Do you cheer for the bad guy? Nope

35. What Hollywood star do you think resembles you best? Can I make a wish?

36. If you had to pick one cast member of Grey's Anatomy, which one would you be? ???.

37. What do you want when you are sick? To be left alone.

38. Who from High School would you like to run into? My old friends.

39. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now? KLUV

41. Stiffler or Oz? I have no idea what this means

42. Norm or Cliff? Neither

43. The Cosby Show or the Simpsons? Cosby

44. Worst Relationship Mistake that you wish you could take back? Old boyfriend

45. Do you like the Person who sits directly across from you at work? I sit with detention kids all day. Does that answer your question?

46. If you could get away with it who would you kill? I kill people in my writing everyday.

47. What Famous person would you like to have dinner with? I'd have to think about this one.

48. What famous Person would you like to sleep with? I'm not that kind of girl!

49. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? Yes. When my then three-year old son set his mattress on fire.

50. Last book you read for real? Murder, Mayhem & A Fine Man

51. Do you have a teddy bear? Not anymore.

52. Strangest Place you have ever brushed your teeth? Airport bathroom (I know, not strange, but I lead a pretty boring life.)

53. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go? Highway 101 and head north.

54. How many times a day do you text? Sometimes not even once.

55. At this point would you rather start a new career or relationship? Career. Full-time writing

56. Do you go to church? The Vineyard.

57. Pencil or Pen? Pencil. Mistakes erase better.

58. Describe your favorite Day? Sleeping late, watching a chick-flick with popcorn and a soda, and writing.

Shades of Crimson

Finished the last chapter yesterday. Yahoo! Such a feeling of accomplishment. It's always a bit sad though to finish something you've spent so much time on. These characters will be with me for a while, though as I now have revisions and will move on to books two and three in the Upton Falls Series. Now, to find more and different ways for my hero and heroine to avoid the "bad" guy.

Last Chapter

Well, Shades of Crimson is down to it's last chapter. If I ever get it written, that is. I've been in a funk the last couple of days. Feeling a bit depressed and can't pinpoint why. I'm still gathering notes on the conference, thinking about the second book in the series and not sure I even want to write it, unless a publisher shows interest and I know that's not the right attitude. Haven't written anything on the first-person cozy I started. Also had a story started that takes place in, of all places, Booger Hollow, Arkansas. Yes, there is such a place. Population 7 counting one coon-dog, and goes on to spend time in the now vacated Dogpatch, USA. Will probably change some of that story line. How much of a book can you write that takes place in a closed down Amusement Park? Anyway, I'm rambling, and should do some work on marketing the three print-on-demand novels I have out. Did I mention the Language Arts teacher at the local Junior High absolutely loved them? Still freaks me out when someone says that.

Nearing the end

Well, I've got 10,000 more words to go in my wip. Feeling pretty good about finishing the first draft by conference. Hey, I might even have an edited version to pitch, God willing.

The publisher interested in my fourth book received the revisions. Said it might take 2 - 3 months before they get back to me. Yikes! I was so hoping to hear back by conference. I don't know whether I should pitch that book or not.

I'm reading Dee Henderson's, The Witness. Haven't read any of her books before, but someone mentioned that I write like her, so of course I had to pick up one of her books. What a compliment! I can see the comparison. Hopefully, a publisher will to.

Novel Submitted for Revisions

Got a lovely not so rejection letter the other day on my completed novel, Mountain of Fear. The publisher wanted revisions with the sexual tension increased. I was skeptical at first and after e-mailing the editor, decided to go with the revisions. They weren't asking for sex or obscenity, just the tension to up the romance part of the story. I hope I was able to do what they asked and will be waiting on pins and needles to hear back. Pray with me, ya'll!

New Readers

Got contacted my another person who received my book as a door prize at a church function. She'd liked it enough, she's going to buy the sequel.

I wish, and you'd think that as a writer I could, find the words to describe how you feel when you get an e-mail from someone who enjoyed your book. It's like Christmas. A huge feeling of euphoria. It gives you that boost you need to keep writing when the rejection slips from the big publishers fill a file folder in your desk drawer.

If someone likes your first book, when you really didn't know much about writing, how much more will they like your fourth, when you've learned so much.

Camping

Camping went great! The weather was perfect (althought a bit of rain wouldn't have been bad, right?). The trout were biting, the kids were great and us "big" kids had a blast.

One of the traditions we started last year was heading out into the woods about a mile from the campsite armed only with flashlights. We find a secluded spot and tell stories to scare ourselves. We also film ourselves in our version of the "Blair Witch Project". Last year, besides my then 13-year old son, was just us girls. This year we talked a couple of the guys into going and trying it out. What a blast! My 28 year-old step-son, bless his heart, wanted to head back as soon as we got there. He's probably the smartest one of us. My husband and step-daughter think we're all crazy. We think it's great fun to ditch one of the group and totally freak them out. Can you tell I'm a suspense writer? This year there was no moon and it was very dark. Even the trees looked scarey!

I did manage to finish a chapter while up there. No small feat with grandchildren wanting to know what Nana was doing. When you tell them you're writing, they just don't get it.

Oh, the memories these camping trips give us. I took over 150 pictures for my other hobby of putting pictures to a DVD complete with music and transitions.

If you're as blessed as I am to have all your children and grandchildren close by, I suggest you try the whole family camping trip. You won't regret it.

Camping for how many days?

We're heading up for our annual family camping trip to Woods Canyon Lake in Northern Arizona. The entire family goes, which is a lot of fun. We're only going for two and a half days, but the supplies form a mound it's difficult to see over. Isn't it amazing what we think we need? I mean, really, besides a flushing toilet, cause the outhouses are horrendous! and food, sleeping bags, shampoo (dirty hair? ICK!)and of course all the important things to kill germs, because we all know nature is dirty, right? All we really need is a pad of paper and an ink pen (my stepdaughter says my laptop is off limits! How dare she?!).

I've got my entire wip in a bag, cause we all know there could be a solar flare and I'd never make it back to Phoenix and might have to live by this beautiful lake for the rest of my life, eating only fish and Pringles! So, I've got to take a book to read, right? I've chosen Last Light by Terri Blackstock, just in case I need the tips.

Should I take my wilderness survival book?

Oh, and I've packed an extra set of clothes for everyone, just in case. Two bags of marshmallows, cause one just isn't enough for four people to eat S'mores. Guess, I won't take nice sandles, just my flip flops. I mean, I've got to be reasonable, right? We are camping.

Oh, and I've got rain ponchos for everyone, cause we all know how much it rains in Arizona!

Do you think I've got the important things covered? I don't need to take God, cause He'll already be there, enjoying His creation!

Dance Revolution

Someone mentioned to me about the playstation2 Dance Revolution as a workout! What a hoot! I'm having a blast. Who said exercise can't be fun. I bumbled my way through for an hour, worked up a sweat and had such a good time.

Now, if I can get my brain to work on two things at once, I can be thinking about the next step in my writing while I'm following the steps.

Interview with Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren's novel, Everything's Coming Up Josie, promises to be a great read!

For everyone who wanted to know what it's REALLY like to be a missionary!

What is God doing? When Josey Berglund's little sister marries her ex, Josey heads out of town to Russia to teach English for a year. If the snow, the subway, the market and the language don't send her screaming, her love life just might. Will she survive Russia? Or God's plans for her?

Thank you, Susan for taking the time to answer a few questions.

1. A fiction book about your life. Was it difficult to write? Fun?

Susan: Oh, it was VERY fun to write...because as a missionary you go onto the field with a billion false expectations, until you realize you know NOTHING about what you're doing and feel about as important as a slug. I got to tap into all those crazy expectations and moments and reveal what missionary life is all about...(and you'll have to read the answer in Everything's Coming Up Josey!) *g*

2. When did you discover you wanted to be an author?

Susan: I have always loved to write, but I NEVER thought I'd be an author. Even after I was published, I had a hard time seeing myself as an "author". Authors are people like Francine Rivers, John Grisham, or C.S. Lewis...you know, SMART people! I think God just knows our deepest unspoken desires and delights in surprising us!

3. Is this your first novel?

Susan: This is my first CHICK LIT novel. I have fifteen suspense/romance novels on the market currently, either contemporary or historical. But this is probably the funniest of my novels.

4. As a published author, what is the most important piece of advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Susan: You need to keep working on craft all the time. Keep learning. I am going to be opening a new page on my website (www.susanmaywarren.com) that takes books and dissects them for a writer--sorta bringing out the things we can learn. One of the most important things for a writer is to read, analyze and apply.

5. What was the hardest lesson you had to learn?

Susan: That not everyone is as passionate about my stories as I am, and that sometimes I should let other people talk. *g*

6. Where do you get your inspiration for your novels?

Susan: News articles, scripture, life events...mostly I ask God for an idea and He brings it to mind.

7. Anything you would like to add to encourage other writers?

Susan: Don't be afraid to dig deep, to let your real emotions out. If you are authentic and let the stories come from deep inside, they will touch others and maybe even change lives.

Thank you very much, Susan for your time!

A Letter From Long Ago

The small country town where I grew up recently ran an article on the release of my newest book, Haunted By Evil. In response to that article, my Junior High Science teacher contacted me. What a wonderful surprise. I've been getting many such surprises lately. Here is the letter she e-mailed me.

Cynthia, I bought your book at Hastings in Russellville and couldn't put it down until I finished it. It was so good. I checked at the town library today and they don't have any of your books so I told them how good the first one was. Robbie said they would order them.

Your book made me think of Dee Henderson's books that I have been reading. Both talk about God and such with no bad language. I can't wait until they get the other books in. Hastings said they could order the other two, so I will have them order for me.

Do you remember Miss Cheek, the counselor at school? We exchange books so I have it to take to her to read. I got her hooked on Dee Henderson and will now get her hooked on yours.

Keep up the good work. When will you have another one out? I will tell all my friends about your books. So good to hear good things about former students.

Sincerely,
Shirley Pickle

Front Page

Well, I took another baby step today. A bigger one! I wrote a press release and sent it to the paper of the small city I grew up in. 3,000 people read about my latest book on the front page of the Atkins Chronicle. Even better, my science Junior High teacher contacted me to congratulate me. She remembered me enough after thirty years to look me up in the year book. Yes, it's a small paper, but I'M ON THE FRONT PAGE!!!! Praise God!

Baby Steps

Took another step yesterday. Still actively seeking a larger publisher and received yet another rejection, but...this rejection did offer encouragement. The publisher said, "...though well-written and worthy of publication, is just not fit for the line of titles we are developing." Encouraging, right?

They sent out the all too familiar form letter, only this one had a multiple choice and the above statement is the one they circled. At least they didn't circle the one saying my writing needed honed, or that the material didn't "grab" them for any number of reasons. If I had to be rejected, I'm glad they choice the above answer.

I am continually working on improving my writing and constantly writing and coming up with more story ideas, so I'll keep pursuing these people. Eventually, someone is going to say, "Let's take her on if only to shut her up. She is persistant." LOL!

Blog Tour with Colleen Coble

I've joined a blog tour to help promote interest in Colleen's newest book, Alaska Twilight. Enjoy and stay a while. After viewing the other blogs, I realize mine is kind of boring as in plain. So ya'll come liven it up, okay? So glad to spend time with you, Colleen.

1. How long did it take for your first novel to become a reality?

Forever! It took a year to write it and another six years to sell it.

2. Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?

I'm a junkie for shows like Discovery and Travel Channel. I go about
constructing my novels in a little off kilter way. I pick the setting first.
Then when I research the area, I'm able to draw in cultural aspects that can
play a role in the plot. For example, Alaska Twilight, is set on the
southern coast of Alaska. I pulled in brown bear study, factored in elements
of the terrain that added to the suspense, and the Midnight Sun elements. I
even had a weiner dog race. Elements of the setting can add so much to the
theme and the tone of a book. Most writers miss out on the richness they
could pull in from the setting.

3. What is the best advice you can give a pre-published author?

Attend conferences. I know some will say they can't afford it, and I say
it's a business. If you're going to go into business, you have to be ready
to plunk down some investment. Conferences are invaluable for networking
with other writers, meeting editors and agents, and learning more about the
craft. Sell pencils on the street if you have to, but GO.

4. How would you describe your journey to publication?

Long and frustrating. But necessary. I learned a lot in those seven years.
Seven is the number of perfection, you know. The biggest thing I learned
is that I will never "arrive." I want to always be seeking to improve my
craft, to find new ideas, and to reach down and help someone else along the
way.

5. Who is your favorite character and why?

I love Haley in Alaska Twilight. She had so much to overcome, but she hung
in there. Even with only one leg, she was game to give it all she had.

6. What is the best writing advice anyone has given you?

Seek to get conflict on every page. Read Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout
Novel for more on that.

7. Any other comments you would like to give to encourage aspiring authors?

Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Get the
picture? And find some critique partners. They are invaluable to brainstorm,
encourage, commiserate and just generally make your life better. Also, see
who you can help. Don't just take, give it out too.

  

Wedding

My daughter got married on April 1, 2006 and, if I do say so myself, looked like she stepped off the page of a wedding magazine. The wedding was lovely...it was the preparations that were a nightmare. My daughter insisted on cupcakes. 200 of them! Guess you got to bake'em. Me. The first batch went in the oven at 7:30 a.m. and the last batch at 3:30 that afternoon. In between baking, I had to frost them using this handy dandy decorating tool which left my hand cramped into the hand of a crone.

The next day there were six of us joyfully sitting down to make bouquet balls. You know the round styrofoam balls with real flowers poked into them? Anyway, they're all the rage nowadays. We didn't have enough silk "stuff" to fill in the spaces, so had to run to the store. It took us so long to finish these "masterpieces" that the petals were beginning to fall off. Let me tell you there were six frazzled women, including one frustrated bride-to-be trying to finish those bouquets. We all prayed they'd hold up until the wedding the next day. They did.

Although there were threats of rain (we live in the desert, what's the chance?) the clouds dissipated and the skies were a brilliant azure blue. The wedding was perfect!!! Praise God for not striking down those six grumbling women. It was worth it! (But I am glad it's over and they are headed for a week in Tahiti).

JUST GOT 'EM!

Just got my box of my latest release and I'm thrilled. Thought I might be less so, with it being my third and all, but no way, folks. The feeling is still euphoric. Now imagine how I'll feel when that "big" publisher gives me a call!!!

$10,000!!! ARE THEY CRAZY!!

I mailed out quite a few queries and proposals on my latest wip. Not much happening (in the way I'd like) but, today, I got an e-mail from a Publisher (Strang). I didn't send them anything, so not quite sure how they found out about me, but they want to publish my book. Before ya'll get too excited, they're proposing a "joint" effort. Ha! It will cost me $10,800. Well, I may not be a financial genius, but even I know that's no deal. The publisher I use now, who is POD, does not charge me a cent, nor do they ask me to "co" do anything. Yes, it is my heart's desire to be with a more "traditional" publisher, and God promises to give me the desires of my heart. Until then, I'll stay small and keep learning the craft. I still laugh when I think of the $10,800 I don't have lying around!

Writing

Just keep writing, writing, writing. Just keep writing, writi... Yep, I'm losing it!