Why Read Suspense?

It was a dark and stormy night...

Why do I like to read books that depict the darker elements and side of humans? It's a great question. Aren't the headlines filled with enough horrible things, like the 3 year old in St. Louis who was snatched from her front yard Saturday? Or the riots in London? Or how about an economy that seems to spiral ever deeper?

With the world in such a state, why would a girl want to read about a fictional world that's in chaos?

I don't know. Really. While I love a good historical romance or a contemporary romance, I love a good suspense -- especially if it ends in hope. I like to experience the ever tightening spiral of suspense to the point I wonder if all will survive -- if God is in the middle of it. Not that I want a sermon on every page or even in the book. But I want to smell His fragrance and sense His presence. I want to close the book with the sense that He is always there even in the darkest night.

How about you? Why do you read suspense?

Who's Your Family?

Family.

We all have them. And they are all so different.

I have been blessed with an amazing family.

This is my dad with me and my siblings on his back...a long time ago LOL. My parents just left yesterday after coming out for almost a week to free me to work on edits for two August 1st deadlines. They sent me flowers ahead of time to thank me for letting them come!

Did I mention I'm blessed?

But not everybody is so fortunate. They didn't grow up with loving parents in a secure home. They didn't receive hugs freely as a kid to have them to give to their kids. They didn't hear that they were treasured by God from an early age.

Experiencing that marked me. It made me the woman I am today.

Not hearing or experiencing that is just as scarring. It makes people who they are.

So think about your characters...what's their family like? Are their parents married? Divorced? Were they an only child or surrounded by siblings? Did their family have money? Were things hand to mouth? Did they grow up in a family with parents who led them to God? Or did their parents give them a warped image of God? Those questions matter because the answers change how they will respond to the life and challenges you're giving them today.

So what about you? Was your family more functional...or dysfunctional?

Quirks: Does Your Character Have Them?

We all have quirks.

One of mine is that I love traditions. So every July 4th week, I know I'll be dragging my kids to a blueberry farm at least once so we fill our fridge and hopefully our freezer with fresh blueberries. This year we went twice in three days -- so far. But my breakfast of choice is homemade oatmeal with blueberries on top. Every day. Of the year. Over and over. Quirk.

In my novel Stars in the Night, the heroine Audra has a charm bracelet that she plays with when nervous. In A Promise Forged, the heroine Kat is a ballplayer with the inaugural All American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1942, so she borrow a quirk from my grandpa and is constantly running a baseball through her fingers.  
 
In real life, I have a friend who always has a long-sleeved sweater on, no matter that it's 90+ degrees outside. I have another friend who keeps a running to-do list on a clipboard with sheets of notes -- in what appears to be random order. But she's one of the most organized people I know -- even if I could never make her system work.

Think about the people you know...most of them will have some unique quirk. Does she pluck their eyebrows out compulsively? Does she always wear big necklaces in layers? Does he always have a Swiss Army knife that he has to mail back every time he hits an airport?

These are the details that make people unique. They also serve as tells. "She must be nervous because she's doing X..." Your characters need these, too.

So what's the best quirk you've read in a character or given a character? And what's the best quirk you've seen in real life? I can't wait to see your answers!

Moral Premise?

Right now I'm reading a book called the Moral Premise. The author Stanley D. Williams will teach the Early Bird at ACFW in September, and like any good hyper student, I wanted to get a head start on preparing. The Moral Premise reveals the foundational concept at the heart of all storytelling and successful box office movies. In concrete terms it explains how you can create your own success and, in the process, entertain, delight, challenge, and uplift this generation and the ones to come.

Hmmm, that's a lot to offer in one little book!

But as I think more about it, I think the author is on to something. Don't we all want to read books that challenge us to live better lives? That illustrate good v. evil? That show hope and redemption at the end?

One reason I write Christian fiction is my firm belief that if God is with us, which He promises He is, then no matter how bad things seem, there is always hope. And as the movie says, Hope Floats to the surface. Sometimes it just takes longer than other times.

In a nutshell, the premise of the Moral Premise seems to be that a movie or book that will resonate with its audience is one that illustrates the dichotimies of life. Illustrates the differences between choosing well and choosing evil.

The one John Grisham novel I wanted to throw against the wall had Goliath winning rather than David. I don't know about you, but in the books I read and write, I want hope to prevail...after the long, dark night.

When the Storms Blow...

This week my church loaded a truck with diapers, food, baby food, toiletries, and kids clothing and sent it to Joplin, Missouri. The picture doesn't begin to convey how many boxes are layered in there. I really didn't think it would all fit...but it did!

A pastor from the church we are working with spoke at our church. He and his wife shared stories that would break your heart -- yet gave such hope at the same time. God is on the move.

In storms like this, I think we see who we really are. How strong we really are. What our core values are. What we are fundamentally made of at the core of our existence.

Some people experience a massive tornado -- possibly the most destructive in United States history. But for most of us, the storms are other things. In the last few days a friend had a husband tell her he never loved her and their life together has been a lie. F-5 on the scale of storms. Another friend learned that her cancer returned, this time in her bones. Another F-5 shock. Yet another friend went in for an ultrasound and learned her baby had no heartbeat. An F-5. Another friend learned that she was being asked not to continue on a public project. A F-5.

I'm sure you've had something similar happen. And as writers we have to place our chracters in the middle of life's storms, too. We have to run them through the wringer and see what emerges on the other side. Who they become.

So what do we do personally? And what do our characters do?

Do we lean into Jesus and His promises? Or do we rail against Him and shake our fists at heaven? Do we sink into His loving embrace like my six-month-old curls into mine? Or do we go rigid and turn away?

Praying that whatever the storm in your life, that Jesus would be bigger, present, and still it.

Getting Our Facts Right...

Recently, I received some really amazing feedback for one of my historicals A Promise Forged. How does this tie in to a suspense blog? Hang with me a minute and you'll see.

First, you need to know a little about the story, set in 1943:

When Kat Miller makes All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and the challenge of making time for God. Not only that, but older teammates are jealous of her success and an irritating reporter, Jack Raymond, has a knack for getting under Kat’s skin.

I received a package from my editor a few weeks ago. When I opened up this package, I was instantly intrigued by its contents, especially the black and white baseball card autographed to me and the autobiography with a photo of a female softball player on the cover. The card is about to get put in a shadowbox frame -- it's an amazing gift.

It also came with a letter: "...A friend gave me the book because she knew I had played in the All-American Girls' Professional Baseball League in 1954 for the Grand Rapids Chicks. As I read the book, it was like I was walking in Kat's shoes, reliving my life again.I am enclosing a book I wrote about my ball playing days, and a signed baseball card....Thank you for the great story!"

This type of feedback is a dream come true for a writer. It lets us know all our research paid off and we got the details right. How often have you read a book that's moving along and then the author gets one fact wrong. While you were going with the characters before, now you can't. The error (no matter how small) is a glaring problem. It makes you doubt everything else. 

So for a historical, I spend time in archives and talking to historians and people who lived it. For a suspense I talk to arson investigators, police detectives, etc. But as a writer, we have to get the details right. 

And when we do? Serendipity!

The Great Easter Bunny Heist - Part 9 Cara Putman

Richard groaned as a swift kick connected with his stomach. He resisted the need to gulp in air, knowing the water would overwhelm him if he didn't break the surface.

He scissor-kicked away from the swimmer, surfaced long enough to suck in air, and then surface-dove after the man. The swimmer's strokes slowed, the effect of the high waves battering him. Richard slowly pulled closer, taking an angle to avoid getting kicked again. He had to get this person.

That explosion couldn't have been an accident.

No it seemed like a convenient way to hide another body. If it was that poor Mrs. Candy, Richard could only imagine what Ellie would do. She seemed to genuinely like the woman. And if she'd been so involved in the community, Richard would like to know why that changed when J.J. arrived. Made him think J.J. kept close tabs on his aunt. He tired to shake the cynical thought. didn't help that the nephew appeared to be the one who stole the egg. That stupid egg...each time he got close, a bizarre series of events like today's erupted.

Could the crazy thing be cursed?

He shook the thought off and stretched. One more stroke and he'd have whoever had jumped free of the exploding boat. Richard reached and almost grabbed the black fabric. Wait. Was that a wet suit? Then this had definitely been a premeditated swim!

A shrill scream pierced the air, and his grasp slipped from the swimmer in front of him. He turned his head and saw Ellie gesturing frantically to his right. That's where the swimmer was.

Richard turned back and saw a bubbling mass poke above the surface. The next thing he knew, the swimmer disappeared. He dove, but couldn't spot him in the murky water.

Ellie gunned the boat and brought it next to him. "What was that?"

Richard pulled himself onto the boat and lay on the deck a moment. "I don't know, but we'd better head after it."

These are a few of my favorite things: Writing Books

This week, I'm on a bit of a research trip for a novella I'm writing. So I thought I'd share my favorite writing books.

Plot v. Character is a new writing book, releasing in the fall of 2010. Jeff Gerke, the author, has developed software (which I love) that walks writers through the creation of stories through two means. Starting with 1) the plot or 2) the character. Most writers have a style that they prefer -- I tend to be strange (shocking I know!) and will start some stories with a plot idea and others with a character. I'd used the software when I'd get stuck in a book or to help flesh out a germ of an idea.

What I love about the book is that it takes the gems from the software and puts it in a very easy to read and apply format. The book has lots of practical applications and covers just about everything a novel writer needs. It's not genre specific, so really is a tool that any novelists can use with success.

First, the book deals with creating likable characters. It addresses everything from physical attributes to the major events and inciting incidents that character must deal with. Then it turns to marvelous plots. The author relies on the three act structure to form the bones of the plot.  I would still use the software to help me implement all he talks about, but the book alone is gold.

Another book that I love and recommend to most aspiring writers is James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure. (His Revision and Self-Editing is equally good.) Plot & Structure's strength is the very easy way that Jim explains how to formulate a novel. When I get stuck in a plot, I'll pull it out and read a few pages for inspiration. I always come away with practical tools I can immediately apply to the novel I'm writing. And this book is loaded with excellent exercises that you can apply immediately after reading. I highly recommend it!

If you're a writer, what are your favorites? 

Looking for Exercise Fun?

Yes, really. I'm serious.

At the beginning of the year, I treated myself to a few new exercise DVDs. I am really enjoying two of them and thought I'd tell you about them in case you're looking for inspiration.

The first one I've been enjoying is Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. This DVD comes with two workouts. The first is a bit easier than the second, but both contain good descriptions of the beginning and advanced forms of the exercises. What I enjoy about this is you get the stretch and training of yoga with a cardio element as she has you rep out the exercises. There's also no of the Eastern religion that I don't want. The extent is melting your heart to the sky -- or stretching. :-)

I've enjoyed it and I've got my pre-baby abs back -- not bad considering he was born eight weeks ago today (as I type this.)

The other video is Denis Austin's Hit the Spot Pilates. Again, this is a great workout for strengthening and stretching your muscles. An element I really like about this one is that there are seven targeted mini-workouts (10-15 minutes each) and then you string them together. So if I want to work abs/core, no problem. Or I can add a butt, thigh or hip element to it. And then there's a combined workout at the end. I really like it, and it emphasizes the beauty and grace of pilates.

So you can get the strength with yoga and the grace with pilates. Neither takes very long -- and you can stop in the middle to answer a baby's cry, wrestle a toddler, or put out the dog :-)

Pushing Through

Have you ever noticed how life can get tough with the slightest disruption to routine. I have a nine week old. Disruption #1.

I have some funky cold/sore throat/ear thing. It wakes me in the middle of the night and keeps me up. Disruption #2.

My husband is traveling for work, leaving me a single parent. (My hats off to those of you who take that role every day!) Disruption #3.

Yet, my responsibilities don't lessen. I still get to put on all of my hats and juggle all my jobs. It's just the way it is.

I've been working on a proposal that still feels flat to me. And I think it's that there isn't enough conflict. The heroine doesn't have enough disruptions going on in her life at the same time. Now my job as the creator of the story world is to wreck some serious havoc in her life. And the Hero's. It seems mean, but if I don't compound everything going on in her life, then you as readers won't stay engaged.

So I'm off to create some disruptions. Some major disruptions. In her life.

What's Your Word for 2011?

Since it's the beginning of a new year, I've been asking God over the last several weeks what my word or theme for this year is. If you listen to K-LOVE, I'm sure you heard them talking about that last week, too.

I don't remember where I first ran into the idea, but I love asking God for a word or theme verse to ponder and incorporate into my life. This year I think my word is BELIEVE and the verse is Isaiah 43:18-19:

“Forget about what’s happened! Don’t keep going over old history. Be alert! Be present! I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out. Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road in the desert and rivers in the badlands.” (MSG)

This verse and really the chapter have spoken to me over the last few years. What's really standing out to me this year are the middle sentences: Be alert! Be present! Don't miss what I'm doing now. Ouch. How often am I somewhere else rather than in the moment? Whether that moment is teaching one of the kids long division, interacting with our toddler, or playing a game? Often my mind is working on multiple levels, and that's not always a good thing.

So what's your word for the year? Here are some people gave me last week...maybe they'll inspire you or resonate...

o   Rest   o   Hope   o   Prosper  o   Work  o   Change   o   Finish  o   Love

o   Seeing  o   Productivity  o   Love: I Cor 13  o   Balance  o   Empowerment

o   Trust       o   Sustain   o Center (prior year was gather)  o   expectation  o   listen

o   intention  o   relax  o   focus  o   give  o   transformed  o   nurse  o   harvest

o   wait  o   faith

Goals?

2011 is rapidly approaching. Yikes!

And with the new year comes the challenge to make goals. All the experts say if you want to make change, you need to have goals. Definable, attainable goals. Then you have to communicate them so you have accountability.

So in that vein...what are your goals?

You want to write a book? Great! What is your plan to accomplish that? Do you have a daily word count? Monthly word count? Germ of an idea?

You want to be a better spouse or parent? Excellent! How will you tackle that? Read books? Take classes? Change your approach?

For me: I want to get back in shape. Now that Daniel is 4 weeks old, I'm ready to start exercising again. In January, I have two proposals to write while I wait to hear on projects that are being considered. Then it's time to start writing the book due in August. I also have parenting books to read. With a tween, I realized it was time to start focusing on preparing her for those teen years. I've already read How to Keep the Little in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh -- fantastic book!

So what are your goals??

God is a God of Miracles

Today my youngest is one week old. Last Thursday, I went to the hospital at 1:30 wondering if I was in labor, and less than three hours later was holding my new son Daniel Reagan. Don't ask -- I am the most clueless of women :-)

But I can tell you as we welcome little Daniel into our family, that God is a God of miracles. There is something about the process of welcoming a new baby that just reinforces that reality to me. Who but God could have designed the elaborate system for bringing babies into the world? There's no way that could just happen over billions of years of accidents.

And we are so thrilled to welcome Daniel, even if the younger two were soon enthralled by my old laptop.

Praying your Christmas season is filled with miracles that have God's fingerprints all over them.

A Thanksgiving Tale of Terror - Part Four by Cara Putman

Cranton inhaled as he tugged Pamela through the unlocked front door. Johnny followed them, but not before Cranton caught the hardened glint in the younger man's eyes. A hard tale filled that look, one he didn't have time to probe.

Sooner or later he'd known this day would come. He could only hide so long. But he'd never imagined civilians being in the way. Like it or not he was now responsible for keeping them safe, too, even if the kid had Army veteran written all over him from stance to voice.

More gunfire trailed their steps as they rushed up the stairs. Johnny closed the door behind them, then pulled the couch over. Pamela sank behind it, her breath ragged and her eyes darting around the darkened room.

"Johnny, do you think Grandpa's shot gun is still in the bedroom?" Her voice sounded steady, surprising considering the circumstances.

"I'll look." The brother moved with the stealthy movements of someone used to slipping in and out of buildings while hunting the enemy. The movements of someone who was more comfortable hunting, than being hunted.

Pamela turned to him. "What's the plan?"

Cranton's thoughts raced. "How did they find this place?"

"I don't know. It's not in my name yet, and should be off the radar." She rifled through her bag, and pulled out a Glock. She slid the chamber back and checked for a bullet. "They've been too quiet."

He had to agree. And he didn't like it. Not one bit. Especially since he'd barely had time to stop the car let alone do an onsite walk-through. He'd never felt more like a sitting duck. He pulled his trusty SIG from the back of this waistband, just as the sound of exploding glass came from behind them.

"Johnny!" Pamela was on her feet and racing to the sound before he could grab her.

Thank You to Our Veterans and Troops

If you've read for any length of time, that I have a love and deep respect for those who have been in the military and endured wars. That's one reason seven of my first novels tell homefront stories from World War Two.

Today is Veteran's Day, and I wanted to thank all who currently serve and those who are veterans for their service to our country and their protection of our freedoms. Awhile ago a friend forwarded this YouTube video by Lizzie Palmer. It's a tribute to the troops and worth every moment of your time to watch.

It brought back all kinds of memories. My Dad's unit was called up during Desert Storm. I wish I had a photo I could post of him. There are some great ones of him in his flight and dress uniforms. Good thing he married mom on this way to Vietnam, because he looked GOOD!

After Nam, Dad was part of a National Guard unit in Nebraska. It was a medivac unit, and he'd been a helicopter pilot since he enlisted during Vietnam. I was so proud of him, but it was probably the first truly trying time of my life. I was 16. Had started classes at the Community College. Was beginning to make forays into adulthood. Then he got shipped out. Left the week of Thanksgiving. Shipped out the day after Christmas. Came back around Easter.

We were fortunate. Everybody in our community was so supportive. Everywhere you went there were cards to sign for the veterans including Dad. School classes sent him mail. A stark contrast to Vietnam.

I am so proud of my Dad. He has served his country well and ably through two wars and about twenty years of full-time and National Guard service.

And he's not the only one. We are blessed to be a nation where its citizens will willingly go into the breach, so that we can all enjoy our freedoms.

So watch the video. And then find a way to say thanks. There are many servicemen and women who need our support -- regardless of what you think about the war itself.

Research at the FBI Citizens' Academy

So I'm in the Indianapolis FBI Citizens' Academy and loving it. But I'm sure those who know me are far from surprised :-)

The evenings are often filled with lectures about different efforts of the local office from gangs to white collar crime to terrorism and violent crimes. This week's session was very interesting. The first hour focused on the application of the use of deadly force policy. As an attorney, I loved the parsing of phrases and figuring out how to apply that to real life situations. It really was an eye-opening session.


But the best part was when they walked us across the street to a conference room where they'd set up a training simulator that they use with FBI agents. One at a time we were handed a modified Sig 228, which was hooked into a machine that somehow read where we shot and told us if we'd hit, nicked or missed the moving target. There were approximately 20 different scenarios that they ran us through. In each case the student was supposed to decide whether to use deadly force and then attempt to shoot.


I bracketed my guy and probably winged him -- not terrible considering I've never held anything more than a paint ball gun. But it was interesting to watch my response and the response of my classmates. One gal nailed her bad guy. This guy was not getting back up. But the rest of us gals for the most part bracketed and nicked them.


While an interesting exercise, it also reinforced how much is affected by how someone responds. In these video scenarios, the bad guys weren't actually responding to our shots. I would think that would change in real life.


Anyway, I continue to love this experience. I've decided I fall firmly into the geek category as I take detailed notes about everything. I just never know when I'll get to use some tidbit or other in a book.

Coming to the Indianapolis Public Library: Terri Blackstock & Gayle Roper

If you're a reader or a writer, you'll want to take advantage of this opportunity. On Saturday, September 18, at noon, NYT best-selling author Terri Blackstock and multi-published author Gayle Roper will speak at the downtown Indianapolis Public Library. A beautiful new facility located at One Library Square, 40 E. St. Clair St., in downtown Indianapolis, this is your opportunity to ask these two authors your questions about writing.

Adults are invited to hear Terri Blackstock, author of "Intervention," and Gayle Roper, author of "A Stranger's Wish," discuss their lives and works. This will be followed by a question and answer session and book signing. This program is held in conjunction with the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference. This program will be held in the Clowes Auditorium at Central Library.


I hope you will join us for a fun event. And an opportunity to meet these great ladies.

I Spent the Weekend with Heroes

The first weekend in August I had the incredible honor of attending the Eleventh Armored Division's final reunion. These veterans were sent to Europe just in time to participate in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, and part of the division rode in the three vehicles that liberated Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria.

I spent the weekend with heroes. Even today, 65 years later, they don't see what they did as a big deal. Instead, it was their duty. They did it well. And they came home to live their lives.

I was there to listen to stories. And boy did I! I talked to women, asking what their experience had been like during the war. Learned tidbits and details that will make it into books.

Then I got to spend a lot of time chatting with the gentleman in this photo with Tricia Goyer and her youngest. Chet served in the 11th. But what I found fascinating is that he spent time at the Hollywood Canteen and the Stage Door Canteen in San Francisco. We spent almost an hour talking about his experiences stateside before he was shipped out. Then, last night at the dance, he started telling me about what Mauthausen was like. Unfortunately, the band started playing again so we'll have to continue that conversation. But he is such a delightful gentleman, I can't wait to talk to him again.

And then at the dinner Tricia, her friend Michelle Hill, and I sat with the sons and daughters-in-law of a vet that Tricia knew well. I was spellbound as they recounted their dad's stories with passion and zeal. I so wish I could have met this hero before he died.

Tricia, thanks for inviting me along. It was the experience of a lifetime. And one I hope I won't soon forget!

And thank you to the men of the 11th Armored Division (past and present) for all you did. I didn't say it lightly when I told you you are my heroes. It was an honor to meet you and share the weekend and your stories. May God continue to bless you!

What I learned while researching Stars... Part Two

Continuing the fun historical details from last week...

4) The Winecoff Hotel, where I have my stars stay while they’re in Atlanta, was the site of the worst hotel fire in American history and has recently been restored and renovated.

5) I initially considered having the tour appear at Ford’s Theater, but it was essentially abandoned during the World War Two era – and was used as storage. Hard to believe if you tour that beautifully restored theater today.

6) The National Theater has had continuous shows running since December 1835. Fortunately for my story, it had a hole the summer of 1942, which fit perfectly with when I wanted my caravan to have a show there.

7) The Hollywood Canteen didn’t open until later in 1942. Since my first book involved a canteen, I really wanted to include the Hollywood Canteen. Besides, what’s more romantic than movie stars mixing with and entertaining servicemen? Unfortunately, it was in the planning stages during Stars in the Night. Maybe in the next book…

As you can see, I love the details of history. I hope Stars in the Night sweeps you away to a time that was rich in service, glamour, and conflict.


And don't forget to participate in the launch contest for Stars in the Night by leaving a comment on that post. I've giving away classic movies, lots of books, and more. Check it out here! It runs through August 1st.

What I learned while researching Stars...

This week, I'm filing in for Lynette Eason who is on vacation. A cruise. Let's all pause a moment and enjoy the idea of her relaxing. Poolside. With a fun, fruity drink in hand. I've never been on a cruise, but hope to rectify that next year...maybe.

Since I'm still celebrating the release of Stars in the Night, I'm going to take this opportunity to share with you some of the cool historical details I learned while writing Stars in the Night.

One of the things I love about writing novels set during World War II is that I always learn something new. As a World War II history nut, that keeps the writing fresh and exciting. Here are a few of the things I learned while writing Stars in the Night:1) There really was a Hollywood Victory Caravan. The Hollywood Victory Caravan traveled by train Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., then north through cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

2) If something had happened to the train, Hollywood would have been ravaged. The real caravan was filled with stars like Abbott and Costello, Desi Arnez, Bing Crosby, and Groucho Marx.

3) The first train entertained the President and Mrs. Roosevelt at the White House. What a great way to launch the tour. And Mrs. Roosevelt had a staff member standing immediately behind her to help her “remember” everyone who came by so she could say something personal to them.

Come back next Thursday to learn four more tidbits I learned while researching this book. And don't forget to participate in the launch contest for Stars in the Night by leaving a comment on that post. I've giving away classic movies, lots of books, and more. Check it out here! It runs through August 1st.