Subject: Getting to know your friends--Christmas edition
You all know the drill...you answer the questions and send back to me, and anybody else you want to answer the questions.
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate with marshmellows
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Mom and Dad wrap presents. Santa puts his by the tree unwrapped
3. Colored or white lights on tree/house?
White lights everywhere
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I always forget
5. When do you put up your decorations?
The day after Thanksgiving. They come down the day after Christmas.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Stuffing!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
My Dad taking his time drinking his coffee. It drove us kids crazy. We couldn't open presents until he was done. This became a game and treasured memory
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Fourth grade from a mean red haired boy
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Any gifts arriving in the mail are opened as soon as they arrive
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
The grandkids come over and decorate. The adults "rearrange" when the smaller ones drink their hot chocolate
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it!
12. Can you ice skate?
Not at all
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My daughter (born on Dec. 17) or my wedding set
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Being with family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Cherry pie
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas morning at home with hubby and the kids.
17. What tops your tree?
An angel
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Giving...but I do enjoy the presents, too.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Mary Did You Know and Emmanuel (God With Us)
20. Candy Canes?
Can live with them or without them
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Thanksgiving
I love the holidays. Everything about them. We had twenty-four people for dinner on Thanksgiving. Yes, it was loud, it was crazy, and it was fun! The kids raised the decimel level way past the sound barrier, but that was okay, too. If it got to be too much, the adults just stepped outside, or ran the kids out.
Way too much food. Six different types of pie, plus we always celebrate one of our son's birthday, so there was also a triple layer Black Velvet Cake.
The smells so warm and homey. The sights so welcoming, cementing precious memories into us. The sounds, loud but thank God I could hear them. The holidays heighten our senses. This holiday season we should not only thank God for the abundance of food, family and friends, but also for the gifts he gave us: smell, sight, hearing, touch, taste, etc.
Way too much food. Six different types of pie, plus we always celebrate one of our son's birthday, so there was also a triple layer Black Velvet Cake.
The smells so warm and homey. The sights so welcoming, cementing precious memories into us. The sounds, loud but thank God I could hear them. The holidays heighten our senses. This holiday season we should not only thank God for the abundance of food, family and friends, but also for the gifts he gave us: smell, sight, hearing, touch, taste, etc.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Hazardous Duty
Definitely a fun read. While Gabby St. Claire is cleaning a crime scene, she uncovers evidence pointing toward someone other than the suspect being held in jail. The closer she gets to the truth, the more suspenseful things become. As if trying to avoid being killed isn't enough, she finds herself torn between two men who are interested in her. One of whom practices a faith in God that intrigues Gabby.
Christy Barritt has written the first in what I hope is many Gabby adventures. I look forward to seeing where her interest in Christianity and her love life takes her.
Christy Barritt has written the first in what I hope is many Gabby adventures. I look forward to seeing where her interest in Christianity and her love life takes her.
Friday, November 17, 2006
NaNoWriMo
Well as of this morning, I've only written 17,116 words. I should be crowding 35,000. I don't think I'll reach my goal of 50,000 words, but at least I'm making a good dent and, hopefully, with have the first draft of, Buried Beneath the Midnight Blue, finished by the end of this year. This is the novel I'm hoping will cut the ice with the publishers. It's a humorous cozy romantic mystery. My critique partners are really enjoying it. This genre is totally new to me, difficult to write (my mind likes the scarier stuff), but a lot of fun.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A Mile From Sunday
Finally, a "real" heroine. Below is my review of Jo Kadlecek's, A Mile From Sunday.
Jonna Lightfoot McLaughlin is a heroine for today’s Christian reader. She’s smart, ambitious, loyal, loves a pint of ale after work and smokes. Although, she is trying to quit. As the city’s number one religion reporter, Jonna is looking for a “good” front page story and falls into a trap of fraud and danger.
Jo Kadlecek has finally given us a heroine we can relate to. One that is not perfect, a bit of a slob, looking for her love-match, and striving for a better relationship with God. This book is a must read for readers of any genre. – Cynthia Hickey, author
Jonna Lightfoot McLaughlin is a heroine for today’s Christian reader. She’s smart, ambitious, loyal, loves a pint of ale after work and smokes. Although, she is trying to quit. As the city’s number one religion reporter, Jonna is looking for a “good” front page story and falls into a trap of fraud and danger.
Jo Kadlecek has finally given us a heroine we can relate to. One that is not perfect, a bit of a slob, looking for her love-match, and striving for a better relationship with God. This book is a must read for readers of any genre. – Cynthia Hickey, author
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Writing Ups and Downs
What a rollercoaster! I entered the Harvest Rose contest with Romance Writers of America, and while I didn't win, the positive feedback was astonishing. These women liked my story, liked my writing, and had excellent points. Finally, uplifting feedback.
I've also joined NaNoWriMo. The event where you write 50,000 words during the month of November. Today is the second, and I've written a little less than 2,000 words. Not much considering what is left. I'll keep ya'll posted if you're interested. I'm also following a course on the ACFW forum where you write a novel in thirty days. I've read a book on this. Basically, you have to write 5 pages a day for a 300 page novel. The publishing line I'm going for only wants 60,000 - 65,000 words, so it ought to be easy, right? Yeah!
I've also joined NaNoWriMo. The event where you write 50,000 words during the month of November. Today is the second, and I've written a little less than 2,000 words. Not much considering what is left. I'll keep ya'll posted if you're interested. I'm also following a course on the ACFW forum where you write a novel in thirty days. I've read a book on this. Basically, you have to write 5 pages a day for a 300 page novel. The publishing line I'm going for only wants 60,000 - 65,000 words, so it ought to be easy, right? Yeah!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Broken Bones
Had a traumatic afternoon yesterday. An eighth grader at the elementary school where I work came, very quickly, into the school office, clutching his arm. Being the blunt, soft-spoken woman I am, I blurted, "What?"
"Mrs. Hickey!" The boy fell to his knees.
Now, this young man has been in my detention several times, and I've gotten on to him for other reasons, so once again, I matter-of-factly state, "What's wrong?"
"I broke my wrist."
Well, that spurred me into action a bit. I took one look at his very loose forearm (if you've seen where Harry Potter's arm is like rubber in movie #2, you'll have some idea of what I'm talking about), and rushed him to the nurse. He'd been "warming up" for soccer practice, goofed around, and fell.
Anyway, the little darling didn't want me to leave his side. Now, mind you I've never seen a broken arm before, especially of this magnitude, and hope never to again. I stayed by the boy's side until his mother got there, then went into the bathroom, trembled and cried. Thank God, I'm calm during the crisis.
Anyway, my pastor's sermon last Sunday was to find the good in everything. Here it is. Should a character in one of my books ever break their arm, I'll know how it looks, what is done to secure the dangling appendage, and have some idea of how it feels.
Did I do good?
"Mrs. Hickey!" The boy fell to his knees.
Now, this young man has been in my detention several times, and I've gotten on to him for other reasons, so once again, I matter-of-factly state, "What's wrong?"
"I broke my wrist."
Well, that spurred me into action a bit. I took one look at his very loose forearm (if you've seen where Harry Potter's arm is like rubber in movie #2, you'll have some idea of what I'm talking about), and rushed him to the nurse. He'd been "warming up" for soccer practice, goofed around, and fell.
Anyway, the little darling didn't want me to leave his side. Now, mind you I've never seen a broken arm before, especially of this magnitude, and hope never to again. I stayed by the boy's side until his mother got there, then went into the bathroom, trembled and cried. Thank God, I'm calm during the crisis.
Anyway, my pastor's sermon last Sunday was to find the good in everything. Here it is. Should a character in one of my books ever break their arm, I'll know how it looks, what is done to secure the dangling appendage, and have some idea of how it feels.
Did I do good?
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Marilynn Griffith
I've had the opportunity to be part of a blog tour for Marilynn Griffith. Let's take the time to know her better.
Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Well, let's see... I'm mom to a tribe of kids, wife to a very handsome deacon and blessed to be friends with some wonderful writers, like you, LaShaunda. I love to read, write, speak and all things communication related. I'm the person at the family gatherings who is always either telling a story or listening to one! Before realizing I was a writer life was a bit confusing. I tried everything from secretary to math tutor (that actually worked out pretty well). These days it's family, friends and church activities when I'm not writing. I like blogging though. That's fun.
Tell us about your current book?
Dana Rose pledges to say "I won't" the next time she's asked to be in a wedding. Her weak will has turned her closet into cemetery for satin gowns from periwinkle to Pepto pink. After ten stints as bridesmaid, Dana thinks she's seen it all. Then she's fired, forced to turn her hobby into a business and faced with her prodigal brother, back-stabbing sis and Mr. Practically Perfect, the ex who not only married someone else, but opened the business of her dreams—across the street. There's that Maid of Honor thing too… And this time she can't say no. Will wedding #11 show Dana what's she's really made of?
What inspired this story?
I used to own a seasonal bath and body business. Steeple Hill rejected my first manuscript but they liked my voice. They asked my agent about me doing a chick lit. I didn't know what that was exactly, but the prospect of writing in first person sounded interesting, so I tried it and loved it. I also have had a lot of wonderful single friends over the years.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I'd love for readers of MADE OF HONOR to come away from the book knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God delights in them and loves them in an intimate way, despite whatever mess riddles their pasts. Christ stands waiting to embrace them as His bride.
How do you balance writing with your "every day life?"
I don't. LOL Really. I've long since given God that job. He called me to be a wife and mother and a writer. Sometimes (like a deadline week) that doesn't always look like I think it should, but God graced me with the family I was supposed to have. I try to keep the Word first place and keep the lines of communication open so that when things get off balance (too much work, not enough work) we can talk about it. When I try to stop writing to be Super Mom, my kids are like,"Go write something. You're cranky!"
How can readers learn more about your books and get in contact with you?
I can be contacted at marilynngriffith@gmail.com or through comments at my website www.MarilynnGriffith.com .
Mir Schutz's interview questions:
Q: Some of us have heard of the Rock Bottom Remainders--an amateur rock group made up of authors that performs regularly at the Miami Book Fair Int'L, which has included luminaries like Amy Tan , Dave Barry, Stephen King, etc. If you had a Christian author gospel group called MAIDS OF MADE, which characters from your novel would be in it, what would be the title of their signature song, and what would they wear?
Wow, what a question! Let's see. The MAIDS OF MADE would consist of Dana Rose, my main character, her back-stabbing sister Dahlia and her friends Rochelle, Tracey and Austin. Their signature song would be Shackles by Mary Mary and they'd be wearing all the old bridesmaid dresses from the back of Dana's closet.
Q Tell all the lovely people--all four of them--who visit my blog with semi-regularity, why they should run to the store and buy MADE OF HONOR come January?
Run, do not walk, to your nearest bookseller to buy MADE OF HONOR because it's a funny, honest story about learning to love friends, family and even yourself when things go less than perfect. Not to mention that the book is full of great smells--candles, soaps, lotions and all the good stuff. Just the type of thing for a relaxing evening. It's fun, but it's serious too.
Q. As a Christian Fiction Writer , what is the spiritual truth your book carries thematically?
MADE OF HONOR is about seeing what you're really made of and knowing that God loves you anyway. This book is about a woman discovering that everyone, including herself, isn't quite what she thought and realizing that God still loves them all. Dana knows how to love, but she has to learn how to let her self be loved...both by God and the other people in her life.
Q: If someone said, "What blurb could I put on a t-shirt that would encapsulate the feel and tone and plot of your novel?"--how would you respond?
MADE OF HONOR--Girlfriends, God and all the giggles in between!
Of course there's some Godiva and tissues between the giggles, but that's the gist of it.
Q. If I were a published author, my typical reader would fit this demographic: Over thirty, highly intelligent, a lover of Christ, thinks all those Biblical plague are cool and we really should have more of them wiping out bad guys, can't get enough of the books of Revelation and Hebrews, is a lover of British wit and hyperbole, had really bad eyesight from reading too much in dim rooms, is given to broody thoughts on rainy days and, even, occasionally, on sunny days, and will belt out a Sarah MacLachlan tune if provoked while in a melancholic fit. Please describe your audience as you see it?
Wow, I like this person! And I think she'll love my books too. My reader knows how to worship God and how to have fun too. She's the woman at the Bible study who can spill punch in her lap and turn it into a parable. She loves a good sale and cute shoes and wishes she had a better metabolism. She's big hearted, passionate, intelligent and could use a good nap.
Q. How many hours will it take me to read MADE OF HONOR and will I have to wear an ugly lemon-yellow dress while I do it?
You can skip the dress, but if you do it, send me a picture for my blog! The book is 288 pages, so it's not too long. I can't really estimate time, since everyone reads differently (some savor, some devour), but so far, I've had one person stay up all night to finish it, so I guess it can be done.
Q. If I had to describe my novel in three words, it would be: melancholic, romantic, and mystical. Describe MADE OF HONOR in three words that are much cooler than mine.
You're pretty cool, Mir so that's hard to do. If I had to describe MADE OF HONOR in three words I'd have to go with: dramatic, intimate, funny.
Q. You know how you sometimes hear on Christian radio the phrase, "If you like the secular band, Metallica, then you'll love this new album by the Christian group, Wrathling." Okay, what book would get compared to yours as a "if you like X, you'll love MADE OF HONOR?"
If you like Superchick, Margaret Becker, Mary Mary, Crystal Lewis, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Nicole Mullen or Fred Hammond, you might enjoy MADE OF HONOR. (You might enjoy it regardless of who you listen to. :)
Q. What is the one, all-encompassing, totally-vindicated secret of good writing that you made sure to employ in writing MADE OF HONOR?
Secret? I don't know any. When you discover one let me know! LOL I just fell in love with the characters and tried to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Somewhere along the way, we got a book.
Q. Who are your three favorite writers, and will you be sending them copies of MADE OF HONOR?
Well, many of those folks are dead and probably wouldn't have been interested, but there are many writers who I respect who endorsed the book like Sharon Ewell Foster, Lisa Samson and Kristin Billerbeck.
Q: Are you afraid that answering my question will pretty much scare off your potential readers? :)
Nah. If they hang around here, they don't scare easy. :) And if they've read my blog or actually met me, well... it doesn't get any scarier than that. LOL Thanks for having me!
Thanks,
Marilynn
Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Well, let's see... I'm mom to a tribe of kids, wife to a very handsome deacon and blessed to be friends with some wonderful writers, like you, LaShaunda. I love to read, write, speak and all things communication related. I'm the person at the family gatherings who is always either telling a story or listening to one! Before realizing I was a writer life was a bit confusing. I tried everything from secretary to math tutor (that actually worked out pretty well). These days it's family, friends and church activities when I'm not writing. I like blogging though. That's fun.
Tell us about your current book?
Dana Rose pledges to say "I won't" the next time she's asked to be in a wedding. Her weak will has turned her closet into cemetery for satin gowns from periwinkle to Pepto pink. After ten stints as bridesmaid, Dana thinks she's seen it all. Then she's fired, forced to turn her hobby into a business and faced with her prodigal brother, back-stabbing sis and Mr. Practically Perfect, the ex who not only married someone else, but opened the business of her dreams—across the street. There's that Maid of Honor thing too… And this time she can't say no. Will wedding #11 show Dana what's she's really made of?
What inspired this story?
I used to own a seasonal bath and body business. Steeple Hill rejected my first manuscript but they liked my voice. They asked my agent about me doing a chick lit. I didn't know what that was exactly, but the prospect of writing in first person sounded interesting, so I tried it and loved it. I also have had a lot of wonderful single friends over the years.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I'd love for readers of MADE OF HONOR to come away from the book knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God delights in them and loves them in an intimate way, despite whatever mess riddles their pasts. Christ stands waiting to embrace them as His bride.
How do you balance writing with your "every day life?"
I don't. LOL Really. I've long since given God that job. He called me to be a wife and mother and a writer. Sometimes (like a deadline week) that doesn't always look like I think it should, but God graced me with the family I was supposed to have. I try to keep the Word first place and keep the lines of communication open so that when things get off balance (too much work, not enough work) we can talk about it. When I try to stop writing to be Super Mom, my kids are like,"Go write something. You're cranky!"
How can readers learn more about your books and get in contact with you?
I can be contacted at marilynngriffith@gmail.com or through comments at my website www.MarilynnGriffith.com .
Mir Schutz's interview questions:
Q: Some of us have heard of the Rock Bottom Remainders--an amateur rock group made up of authors that performs regularly at the Miami Book Fair Int'L, which has included luminaries like Amy Tan , Dave Barry, Stephen King, etc. If you had a Christian author gospel group called MAIDS OF MADE, which characters from your novel would be in it, what would be the title of their signature song, and what would they wear?
Wow, what a question! Let's see. The MAIDS OF MADE would consist of Dana Rose, my main character, her back-stabbing sister Dahlia and her friends Rochelle, Tracey and Austin. Their signature song would be Shackles by Mary Mary and they'd be wearing all the old bridesmaid dresses from the back of Dana's closet.
Q Tell all the lovely people--all four of them--who visit my blog with semi-regularity, why they should run to the store and buy MADE OF HONOR come January?
Run, do not walk, to your nearest bookseller to buy MADE OF HONOR because it's a funny, honest story about learning to love friends, family and even yourself when things go less than perfect. Not to mention that the book is full of great smells--candles, soaps, lotions and all the good stuff. Just the type of thing for a relaxing evening. It's fun, but it's serious too.
Q. As a Christian Fiction Writer , what is the spiritual truth your book carries thematically?
MADE OF HONOR is about seeing what you're really made of and knowing that God loves you anyway. This book is about a woman discovering that everyone, including herself, isn't quite what she thought and realizing that God still loves them all. Dana knows how to love, but she has to learn how to let her self be loved...both by God and the other people in her life.
Q: If someone said, "What blurb could I put on a t-shirt that would encapsulate the feel and tone and plot of your novel?"--how would you respond?
MADE OF HONOR--Girlfriends, God and all the giggles in between!
Of course there's some Godiva and tissues between the giggles, but that's the gist of it.
Q. If I were a published author, my typical reader would fit this demographic: Over thirty, highly intelligent, a lover of Christ, thinks all those Biblical plague are cool and we really should have more of them wiping out bad guys, can't get enough of the books of Revelation and Hebrews, is a lover of British wit and hyperbole, had really bad eyesight from reading too much in dim rooms, is given to broody thoughts on rainy days and, even, occasionally, on sunny days, and will belt out a Sarah MacLachlan tune if provoked while in a melancholic fit. Please describe your audience as you see it?
Wow, I like this person! And I think she'll love my books too. My reader knows how to worship God and how to have fun too. She's the woman at the Bible study who can spill punch in her lap and turn it into a parable. She loves a good sale and cute shoes and wishes she had a better metabolism. She's big hearted, passionate, intelligent and could use a good nap.
Q. How many hours will it take me to read MADE OF HONOR and will I have to wear an ugly lemon-yellow dress while I do it?
You can skip the dress, but if you do it, send me a picture for my blog! The book is 288 pages, so it's not too long. I can't really estimate time, since everyone reads differently (some savor, some devour), but so far, I've had one person stay up all night to finish it, so I guess it can be done.
Q. If I had to describe my novel in three words, it would be: melancholic, romantic, and mystical. Describe MADE OF HONOR in three words that are much cooler than mine.
You're pretty cool, Mir so that's hard to do. If I had to describe MADE OF HONOR in three words I'd have to go with: dramatic, intimate, funny.
Q. You know how you sometimes hear on Christian radio the phrase, "If you like the secular band, Metallica, then you'll love this new album by the Christian group, Wrathling." Okay, what book would get compared to yours as a "if you like X, you'll love MADE OF HONOR?"
If you like Superchick, Margaret Becker, Mary Mary, Crystal Lewis, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Nicole Mullen or Fred Hammond, you might enjoy MADE OF HONOR. (You might enjoy it regardless of who you listen to. :)
Q. What is the one, all-encompassing, totally-vindicated secret of good writing that you made sure to employ in writing MADE OF HONOR?
Secret? I don't know any. When you discover one let me know! LOL I just fell in love with the characters and tried to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Somewhere along the way, we got a book.
Q. Who are your three favorite writers, and will you be sending them copies of MADE OF HONOR?
Well, many of those folks are dead and probably wouldn't have been interested, but there are many writers who I respect who endorsed the book like Sharon Ewell Foster, Lisa Samson and Kristin Billerbeck.
Q: Are you afraid that answering my question will pretty much scare off your potential readers? :)
Nah. If they hang around here, they don't scare easy. :) And if they've read my blog or actually met me, well... it doesn't get any scarier than that. LOL Thanks for having me!
Thanks,
Marilynn
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Category Fiction
Well, I was turned down again by another agent who said my work was publishable, but suggested I go with the category publishers such as Barbour, Avon, etc. I'm not sure I even know how to write that type of story. The agent also said my writing was too edgy for Christian and too religious for the ABA. Oh well, at least I got feedback. At least I was told my work is publishable. Now to find that publisher I'm publishable with. What a wicked circle!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
2006 ACFW Conference
What do I say about my first conference? It was intimidating, exciting, stimulating, frustrating, loud and lonely. I think I must have experienced the full gauntlet of emotions over those three days. Made new friends. Put faces with names and met with editors who weren't so intimidating after all. Now the agents, they're another story! Scared me spitless! Why? I don't know.
I had an editor request a proposal and another to request the full of two of my books. I'm sending proposals to five agents. A good conference? I sincerely hope so.
One agent, bless her heart, said my story was too scary and I should target men agents. Isn't that funny? My target audience is women.
I had an editor request a proposal and another to request the full of two of my books. I'm sending proposals to five agents. A good conference? I sincerely hope so.
One agent, bless her heart, said my story was too scary and I should target men agents. Isn't that funny? My target audience is women.
Monday, September 18, 2006
What's Your Line?
Sunday afternoon I took some advice from the conference forum and cold-called my critique partner, Dina Nickerson. My words, "This is Cynthia Hickey from Westbow Publishing. I'd like to hear about your book." (Hope Westbow doesn't mind I used their name, but I know Dina plans on pitching to them). Anyway, Dina started giggling. In my infinite wisdom, I informed her she was pitching incorrectly. This just sent her into a bigger fit of giggles. Now mind you, I've never met this woman face to face, and this is the first time I've heard her voice, but we spoke for a good hour about our books, the upcoming conference, life, etc. Who says you need to meet someone in order to find a friend?
My husband says the two of us at conference will be a force to reckon with. Well, not his exact words, but I can't say them here. Now, I've gone from knowing noone at the conference, to having someone excited to meet me. I am truly blessed! Plus, she told me that if my book isn't picked up by an editor at this conference, she wants to know why! Me, too!
My husband says the two of us at conference will be a force to reckon with. Well, not his exact words, but I can't say them here. Now, I've gone from knowing noone at the conference, to having someone excited to meet me. I am truly blessed! Plus, she told me that if my book isn't picked up by an editor at this conference, she wants to know why! Me, too!
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Reluctant Burglar
This is the first novel of Jill Nelson's I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What would you do if you found out your father had stolen millions of dollars worth of rare art and upon his death, it all falls into your lap?
Desiree Jacobs wants to right the wrong her father had done, despite the interference of Old Hollywood style FBI agent, Tony Lucano. As Desiree struggles to right the wrong, save her father's business and clear his name, she finds herself on the hunted list. The Reluctant Burglar takes you along with Desiree through a ring of cutthroat art thieves and into a reluctant partnership with Agent Lucano.
A totally engrossing read. Highly recommended.
Desiree Jacobs wants to right the wrong her father had done, despite the interference of Old Hollywood style FBI agent, Tony Lucano. As Desiree struggles to right the wrong, save her father's business and clear his name, she finds herself on the hunted list. The Reluctant Burglar takes you along with Desiree through a ring of cutthroat art thieves and into a reluctant partnership with Agent Lucano.
A totally engrossing read. Highly recommended.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
My Review of Violet Dawn
Paige Williams arrives in Kanner Lake looking for all the things she'd always wanted. A family. A friend. The feeling of belonging. Unable to sleep one night, Paige decides to take a long soak in her hot tub only to discover the floating body of the resident movie star. Paige does the unthinkable and the town of Kanner Lake is rocked on its heels.
Although I found Brandilyn's "Violet Dawn" a little more predictable than her Hidden Faces series, this book is every bit as much of a page turner. The characters feel real, with human quirks. The villain every bit as evil. This is definitely a book to read when you have a chunk of time. You won't want to put it down.
Although I found Brandilyn's "Violet Dawn" a little more predictable than her Hidden Faces series, this book is every bit as much of a page turner. The characters feel real, with human quirks. The villain every bit as evil. This is definitely a book to read when you have a chunk of time. You won't want to put it down.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Characters Inside My Head
Last night I couldn't sleep. Marilu Hutchins wouldn't stop talking. I'm half finished with my novel "Innocent Justice" and Marilu is insistant I write her story instead. I haven't been able to get into Justice in quite a while. I think I've discovered the reason why:
Marilu Hutchins was forty years old when she awoke and realized the man lying next to her wasn't her husband. Her husband was Tom Hutchins...and she'd killed him.
"Innocent Justice" will have to wait. I'm moving on to "Clouded Vision".
Marilu Hutchins was forty years old when she awoke and realized the man lying next to her wasn't her husband. Her husband was Tom Hutchins...and she'd killed him.
"Innocent Justice" will have to wait. I'm moving on to "Clouded Vision".
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Valley Vista High School Football
My fourteen year old son made history last night. During this new school's very first Freshman football game, my son intercepted a pass and ran forty-five yards. I always knew he was fast. Then, later in the game, the ball is being fumbled around on the ground and he scoops it up at the twenty five yard line and runs like the wind for a touch town. Almost 80 yards! He was positively pumped when he got home. We lost the game, but my little boy made the first ever touchdown for this brand new High School. Yep, I'm proud!
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Good Wife's Guide
Here's an article from the May 1955 issue of Housekeeping Monthly. What do you think?
* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest, so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people!
* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
*Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.
MORE TOMORROW FOLKS! Makes you thankful to live in today's society.
* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest, so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people!
* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
*Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.
MORE TOMORROW FOLKS! Makes you thankful to live in today's society.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Lesson 2 - Trustworthy
Proverbs 31 says: The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Are you a trustworthy wife? If the rest of the world turns against your husband, will you remain by his side? A trustworthy woman would never do anything to bring dishonor to her husband's name. She would not list his faults to friends, just to get a laugh.
To be trustworthy is a choice, much like the promise to love someone. Remember your wedding vows?
Ask your husband to describe you in one word. What will it be? My husband said loyal. I'll take that.
Are you a trustworthy wife? If the rest of the world turns against your husband, will you remain by his side? A trustworthy woman would never do anything to bring dishonor to her husband's name. She would not list his faults to friends, just to get a laugh.
To be trustworthy is a choice, much like the promise to love someone. Remember your wedding vows?
Ask your husband to describe you in one word. What will it be? My husband said loyal. I'll take that.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Creative Counterpart - Proverbs 31 Woman
Did you know that it was Abraham Lincoln who said, "And all that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother?"
Many times in today's society and advertising, housewife has become a dirty word. Because of this, women may begin to question herself, her role, and life in general. She may become frustrated.
The Bible tells us that woman was created to be a helpmate (creative counterpart) to man. The largest example of this is the Proverbs 31 woman. A woman who it may seem to be impossible to aspire toward. Not so, these verses describe what happened over this woman's lifetime. She didn't accomplish all these tasks in a day.
What I hope for you to take away from this bible study, is how God sees you. How you can strive to become the Creative Counterpart the Bible teaches us to become. Each chapter of this book by Linda Dillow covers so much information. We won't take each chapter at a time, but pieces. Let's look in more depth at the Proverbs 31 woman. I encourage you to read these verses and refresh your memory.
Before we actually get into the study, I'd like to pose a question. What are your thoughts on a woman's role in this world we live in? Here's mine. Oftentimes, I become frustrated, feeling overwhelmed at all that is expected of me. I feel pulled in many directions. But when I take the time to slow down and see that God has given me all the tools and guidelines in His word, I find the stress of juggling many hats, much easier to do.
We all get frustrated; engineers, pilots, teachers. Are we frustrated because of the job, or because of the boredom of a job done poorly without imagination. During this study, we will learn the joys of being a wife, mother, woman, daughter of the King!
Many times in today's society and advertising, housewife has become a dirty word. Because of this, women may begin to question herself, her role, and life in general. She may become frustrated.
The Bible tells us that woman was created to be a helpmate (creative counterpart) to man. The largest example of this is the Proverbs 31 woman. A woman who it may seem to be impossible to aspire toward. Not so, these verses describe what happened over this woman's lifetime. She didn't accomplish all these tasks in a day.
What I hope for you to take away from this bible study, is how God sees you. How you can strive to become the Creative Counterpart the Bible teaches us to become. Each chapter of this book by Linda Dillow covers so much information. We won't take each chapter at a time, but pieces. Let's look in more depth at the Proverbs 31 woman. I encourage you to read these verses and refresh your memory.
Before we actually get into the study, I'd like to pose a question. What are your thoughts on a woman's role in this world we live in? Here's mine. Oftentimes, I become frustrated, feeling overwhelmed at all that is expected of me. I feel pulled in many directions. But when I take the time to slow down and see that God has given me all the tools and guidelines in His word, I find the stress of juggling many hats, much easier to do.
We all get frustrated; engineers, pilots, teachers. Are we frustrated because of the job, or because of the boredom of a job done poorly without imagination. During this study, we will learn the joys of being a wife, mother, woman, daughter of the King!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Christian Marriage
Years ago, I taught a Bible Study on a woman being "The Creative Counterpart" God called her to be. In the following weeks, I will be leading this study on my blog, with other ramblings in between, but, ultimately, each week will be another posting on this Bible Study. I invite all of you to visit me. God Bless!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Reading - A Quote
When I consider what some books have done for the world, and what they are doing, how they keep up our hope, awaken new courage and faith, soothe pain, give an ideal life to those whose hours are cold and hard, bind together distant ages and foreign lands, create new worlds of beauty, bring down truth from heaven; I give eternal blessings for this gift, and thank God for books. - James Freeman Clarke
What do our books do? What purpose do you hope to achieve with your writing? Are you doing your best with the blessing God gave you? I pray I am. My goal is to entertain and, hopefully, show someone God's truth in my words. Am I doing this? I don't know. I may not know this side of heaven, but I will continue to write with this desire God has given me.
What do our books do? What purpose do you hope to achieve with your writing? Are you doing your best with the blessing God gave you? I pray I am. My goal is to entertain and, hopefully, show someone God's truth in my words. Am I doing this? I don't know. I may not know this side of heaven, but I will continue to write with this desire God has given me.
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