Hi, I’m Leann Harris. I am so excited to join this site with all these wonderful authors. I’ve a boring teacher by day. I teach high school and by night I write danger and suspense. I’ve often wondered about my desire to write murder. It worried me. What did it say about me? What was wrong with me that I couldn’t write a story without a dead body? I wanted to write romance, but falling in love is so boring, but throw in a dead body, and now you have excitement.
So what about me?
How I got my first name is when my mother was in nurses’ training, she had a good friend with my name. Years later, when I was born, I was named after her friend.
My writing name is my middle name. I’ve just sold my 11th book. It will be the second for LIS.
How do I pick my hero/heroine’s name? That is probably what takes as much time as anything I do in a book. I have to know their names. I go through the phone book and try out the names. I also have a baby name book I used for my children’s names. It has old names in it, but those names are rock solid. I also like to see the meaning of the names. I had one character that was named Matthew Hawkins. He’d been a book before. As I continued writing his story, there was something wrong. When I started referring to him as “Hawk” I knew that was the right handle for him.
Interesting tidbit…
1) I am a master composter. When I took the class, I thought what a wonderful way to get rid of a body. One of the people working with the city composting education said that is how they dispose of farm animals in Indiana. Who knew?
2) I sign. I taught deaf students most of my teaching career. Now I teach ASL to hearing students. Today is voiceless Thursday. It takes twice as much work for me to make my students understand--but the only way they will learn ASL is without voice.
3) I survived a brain aneurysm. I bled into my brain one Saturday at my writers’ meeting. I remember clutching the commode throwing up blueberry pancakes (it was a while before I could eat blueberries again) when the paramedics pulled me out of the bathroom and took me to the hospital. Three months later, I started to remember. There are a lot of lessons I and my family learned. I hope to share some of those lessons in future posts
About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense...Again, I find my brain just puts dead bodies in the plot. Reading the newspaper, you see about a murder and my mind starts spinning ‘what if’. What I love is a good ticking clock in the plot where the hero/heroine have to solve a mystery.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why...This is like asking me which child do I love the most. In each book you write, there is something that you love.
3. My favorite suspense book I read and why... There are so many good suspense books. The fun thing is to find an author you like and then gobble up every other book they have written. Try any of the ladies on this site. You'll be in for a good read.
Leann
Christian Romance Authors with Fictionalized Tales of Intriguing Edginess
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
It's all about me!
Hi. I'm Lenora. I'm happy to be here with these other great writers. Let's see-tidbits about me? Well, I love shoes. I have a lot of shoes. I grew up on a farm in Georgia so I didn't have a lot of money to buy shoes when I was growing up. I wore the same pair to school day after day. But I held my fist up in Scarlett O'hara fashion and promised myself one day I'd have lots of shoes. And so I do. And I make sure other people have shoes, too. I'm on the local board for Dress for Success. So I contribute my time and donations of clothes, shoes, and financial help to make other women feel good about how they look so they can find a job and get back on their feet--wearing fabulous shoes, of course. That's two tidbits--shoes and Dress for Success. The other tidbit--I love action movies--spys, saving the world, anything DIE HARD and anything James Bond.
My first name is actually Tommie, after one of my grandmothers. My middle name--Lenora--came from the other grandmother--Eleanora. My mother turned it around and stuck Tommie (I spell it Tommi) on front. And that's how I got my first name.
Character names drive me nuts. They have to be just right. I sometimes spend a whole afternoon researching the perfect names for my characters. If the name is right I can finally settle down and write the book. I love picking out names. I like names that have a little bit of symbolism and history. But sometimes in spite of all my research, my editors will ask me to change a name. I go into a mini-tizzy fit but I find another name and try to get on with things.
About my books--I love writing Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense. I always wanted to write love stories (I wanted to be a writer at an early age but I discovered romance novels when my husband and I moved to Atlanta, GA, and he worked at night so I'd stay up late reading. But I always wanted to write books with a bit of a faith element in them so I had a lot of "God" moments but I found a home with Steeple Hill and I don't take that for granted. I try to write books that are emotional and truthful and sometimes painful to write and read. I love writing suspense--it's a great way to get rid of angst without actually doing in any harm!
My favorite suspense? Right now, it's my January book "Heart of the Night". Eli Trudeau just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. He had a tormented soul that needed healing. Writing his story was both joyful and painful because I think I've been in that desolate place where he landed at times myself. I had fun with the book, but I also truly felt for Eli. I'm so glad he's found his happy ending.
My favorite author? Oh, that's tough. I have so many I don't think I can name just one. I love all of my LI and LIS sister writers and I try to read as many of them as I can. I love Margaret Mitchell simply because she never gave up. I love Flannery O'Connor for her grittiness and her boldness. I love Southern writers.
My best writing friend? I have lots of those too, and they are treasures to me. I have a strong group of friends who live over in Texas. They kind of rescued me once when I was going through a rough time. They include Eve Gaddy, Janet Justiss, Rosalyn Alsobrook and Kathy Garbera and Denise Daniels, who actually lives in Pennsylvania. (Long story on how we found Denise but we all love her!) We all write different things in different genres but I know if I called any one of them in the middle of the night, they'd be there for me. And I have very strong friendships with a lot of the LI gang. Steeple Hill has some wonderful writers who are also great, caring human beings. They try to keep me straight!
My most loyal fan? My husband is a strong supporter, but I wouldn't call him a fan. He never reads my books! I have several fans who correspond with me with just about every book that comes out. I keep in touch with them and they bless me with their words of encouragement. I'm just thrilled that people actually read my books!
Why am I so excited about this blog? Well because of all the smart, talented women here and because I get to be a part of that. I never blogged much until recently and I credit the women here for helping me make the transition. It's fun once you get the hang of it. And I hope I'm doing this right. This group is exciting because they care about their work, their readers and their fellow writers. And they want to spread the word about our stories and God's love and grace. What more could I ask for? Now if I can just make sure this comes through okay!
Lenora :)
My first name is actually Tommie, after one of my grandmothers. My middle name--Lenora--came from the other grandmother--Eleanora. My mother turned it around and stuck Tommie (I spell it Tommi) on front. And that's how I got my first name.
Character names drive me nuts. They have to be just right. I sometimes spend a whole afternoon researching the perfect names for my characters. If the name is right I can finally settle down and write the book. I love picking out names. I like names that have a little bit of symbolism and history. But sometimes in spite of all my research, my editors will ask me to change a name. I go into a mini-tizzy fit but I find another name and try to get on with things.
About my books--I love writing Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense. I always wanted to write love stories (I wanted to be a writer at an early age but I discovered romance novels when my husband and I moved to Atlanta, GA, and he worked at night so I'd stay up late reading. But I always wanted to write books with a bit of a faith element in them so I had a lot of "God" moments but I found a home with Steeple Hill and I don't take that for granted. I try to write books that are emotional and truthful and sometimes painful to write and read. I love writing suspense--it's a great way to get rid of angst without actually doing in any harm!
My favorite suspense? Right now, it's my January book "Heart of the Night". Eli Trudeau just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. He had a tormented soul that needed healing. Writing his story was both joyful and painful because I think I've been in that desolate place where he landed at times myself. I had fun with the book, but I also truly felt for Eli. I'm so glad he's found his happy ending.
My favorite author? Oh, that's tough. I have so many I don't think I can name just one. I love all of my LI and LIS sister writers and I try to read as many of them as I can. I love Margaret Mitchell simply because she never gave up. I love Flannery O'Connor for her grittiness and her boldness. I love Southern writers.
My best writing friend? I have lots of those too, and they are treasures to me. I have a strong group of friends who live over in Texas. They kind of rescued me once when I was going through a rough time. They include Eve Gaddy, Janet Justiss, Rosalyn Alsobrook and Kathy Garbera and Denise Daniels, who actually lives in Pennsylvania. (Long story on how we found Denise but we all love her!) We all write different things in different genres but I know if I called any one of them in the middle of the night, they'd be there for me. And I have very strong friendships with a lot of the LI gang. Steeple Hill has some wonderful writers who are also great, caring human beings. They try to keep me straight!
My most loyal fan? My husband is a strong supporter, but I wouldn't call him a fan. He never reads my books! I have several fans who correspond with me with just about every book that comes out. I keep in touch with them and they bless me with their words of encouragement. I'm just thrilled that people actually read my books!
Why am I so excited about this blog? Well because of all the smart, talented women here and because I get to be a part of that. I never blogged much until recently and I credit the women here for helping me make the transition. It's fun once you get the hang of it. And I hope I'm doing this right. This group is exciting because they care about their work, their readers and their fellow writers. And they want to spread the word about our stories and God's love and grace. What more could I ask for? Now if I can just make sure this comes through okay!
Lenora :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Linda Hall: Happy to be here, too!
It's exciting for me to be a part of this group! For those of you who don't know me - read on,
Three interesting tidbits about me:
1. I like chocolate, but I don't love it. I know, I know - no romance author worth her salt shuns chocolate! But, I can take it or leave it. My candy drug of choice is sugar; Peach Fuzzies, Licorice Allsorts, Maynard's Wine gums. I especially love Bassett's Jelly Babies. I feel fortunate that in Canada we can get all of these candies imported from the UK.
2.I write out the first drafts of my novels by hand. Am I crazy or what? But, yes, I do. I have tried writing first drafts right onto the computer and can't get my mind to think straight. I was a journalist before I was a novelist and about a thousand years ago I studied shorthand. So, my first drafts are done in coffee shops, in shorthand, on unlined paper using ultra-fine Sharpies in bright colors. I write them very fast and very big. Then I get home and transcribe them onto the computer using my voice recognition software. I have heard over and over again to "trust your process.' And, I've come to understand that this - crazy as it is - is my 'writing process.'
3.I have a love affair with the sea. For me a vacation isn't a vacation unless swimming in the ocean is involved. My husband and I have a sailboat and most of a part of every summer is spent living aboard. We have gotten up close to whales, we have sailed beside dolphins, and we see seals all the time. There is just something about the wide expanse of salt water that draws me. Last year we sold our 28' sailboat and bought a 34' one that now resides in Maryland. This coming May we plan on sailing it up the east coast to Maine and then into Canada where we live. My husband and I are looking forward to the adventure.
All About Me:
1. How I got my first name?
I'm not named after anyone, my mother simply liked the name Linda. I was born in 1950 and Linda was THE most popular name that year. There were always more than one "Linda" in all of my school classes. Now, when I meet someone named "Linda" I know exactly how old she is. Tee hee. Maybe someday mothers will begin naming their baby girls "Linda", but for now the name is reserved for those of us 'of a certain age.'
2. How I pick my characters' names, good guy and bad.
I once read that mystery author Ruth Rendell looks through maps and lexicons for her character's names, rather than phone books. I do that for last names. First names are odd ducks. Sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night knowing my character's name. Sometimes I have to try out dozens before one 'feels' right.
All About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense...
I have always loved suspense and romantic suspense. I grew up reading Nancy Drew. Then I graduated to Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt and Mary Higgins Clark. I couldn't get enough of those authors. I began my writing career writing mysteries and thrillers for Christian publishers. A few years ago I decided to branch out and add a bit more 'romance' to my suspense, and am now, as you know writing for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. I'm loving being here.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why...
Probably SADIE'S SONG.
Sadie lives within a very abusive Christian marriage. Her on-the-church-board Christian husband is both verbally and physically abusive, and Sadie spends her life trying to hide it. I'm very proud of that book, and it's currently in a number of women's shelters in the U.S. and Canada.
All About Others:
1. My favorite author is..
This depends on when you ask me. A year ago I would have a different favorite author than today. I'm constantly reading, and my favorite authors keep changing. I LOVE romantic suspense and read great gobs of it
2. My best writing friend is...
I hang with a local group of romance writers. Barbara Phinney - on this blog - is a part of that group. We have great fun when we get together for our yearly retreats.
3. My most loyal fan is...
My husband. He is my first reader, my first editor and my critique partner. Everything that I send to my editor goes through him, first. He is a voracious reader in his own right, and reads probably a novel a week. He likes thrillers.
Finally, I'm excited about this blog because...
I'm hoping it will be a good way to connect with readers! I look forward to being a part of this great community. What great fun we're all going to have. I understand there's going to be prizes and giveaways - all sorts of neat things! I hope you're as excited as I am.
Three interesting tidbits about me:
1. I like chocolate, but I don't love it. I know, I know - no romance author worth her salt shuns chocolate! But, I can take it or leave it. My candy drug of choice is sugar; Peach Fuzzies, Licorice Allsorts, Maynard's Wine gums. I especially love Bassett's Jelly Babies. I feel fortunate that in Canada we can get all of these candies imported from the UK.
2.I write out the first drafts of my novels by hand. Am I crazy or what? But, yes, I do. I have tried writing first drafts right onto the computer and can't get my mind to think straight. I was a journalist before I was a novelist and about a thousand years ago I studied shorthand. So, my first drafts are done in coffee shops, in shorthand, on unlined paper using ultra-fine Sharpies in bright colors. I write them very fast and very big. Then I get home and transcribe them onto the computer using my voice recognition software. I have heard over and over again to "trust your process.' And, I've come to understand that this - crazy as it is - is my 'writing process.'
3.I have a love affair with the sea. For me a vacation isn't a vacation unless swimming in the ocean is involved. My husband and I have a sailboat and most of a part of every summer is spent living aboard. We have gotten up close to whales, we have sailed beside dolphins, and we see seals all the time. There is just something about the wide expanse of salt water that draws me. Last year we sold our 28' sailboat and bought a 34' one that now resides in Maryland. This coming May we plan on sailing it up the east coast to Maine and then into Canada where we live. My husband and I are looking forward to the adventure.
All About Me:
1. How I got my first name?
I'm not named after anyone, my mother simply liked the name Linda. I was born in 1950 and Linda was THE most popular name that year. There were always more than one "Linda" in all of my school classes. Now, when I meet someone named "Linda" I know exactly how old she is. Tee hee. Maybe someday mothers will begin naming their baby girls "Linda", but for now the name is reserved for those of us 'of a certain age.'
2. How I pick my characters' names, good guy and bad.
I once read that mystery author Ruth Rendell looks through maps and lexicons for her character's names, rather than phone books. I do that for last names. First names are odd ducks. Sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night knowing my character's name. Sometimes I have to try out dozens before one 'feels' right.
All About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense...
I have always loved suspense and romantic suspense. I grew up reading Nancy Drew. Then I graduated to Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt and Mary Higgins Clark. I couldn't get enough of those authors. I began my writing career writing mysteries and thrillers for Christian publishers. A few years ago I decided to branch out and add a bit more 'romance' to my suspense, and am now, as you know writing for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. I'm loving being here.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why...
Probably SADIE'S SONG.
Sadie lives within a very abusive Christian marriage. Her on-the-church-board Christian husband is both verbally and physically abusive, and Sadie spends her life trying to hide it. I'm very proud of that book, and it's currently in a number of women's shelters in the U.S. and Canada.
All About Others:
1. My favorite author is..
This depends on when you ask me. A year ago I would have a different favorite author than today. I'm constantly reading, and my favorite authors keep changing. I LOVE romantic suspense and read great gobs of it
2. My best writing friend is...
I hang with a local group of romance writers. Barbara Phinney - on this blog - is a part of that group. We have great fun when we get together for our yearly retreats.
3. My most loyal fan is...
My husband. He is my first reader, my first editor and my critique partner. Everything that I send to my editor goes through him, first. He is a voracious reader in his own right, and reads probably a novel a week. He likes thrillers.
Finally, I'm excited about this blog because...
I'm hoping it will be a good way to connect with readers! I look forward to being a part of this great community. What great fun we're all going to have. I understand there's going to be prizes and giveaways - all sorts of neat things! I hope you're as excited as I am.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Lynette Eason is glad to be here! And other things...
Brief Intro:
Hi everyone, I’m Lynette Eason and I’m so honored to be a part of this fantastic group of suspense writers. I’m a homeschooling mom by day and a writer by night—mostly. When I can stay awake. Anyway, I’m married to Jack Eason and we have two great kids. And I have the best job in the world. I get to write suspense!
All About Me:
1. How I got my first name? From my parents. My dad liked the name and my mom went along with it because it started with “L”. Yep, Mom’s name is Lou Jean, Dad’s name is Lewis and my brother’s name is Lane. Oh, and we had a dog named Lucky.
2. How I got my writing name? I just use my own.
3. How I pick my characters' names, good guy and bad. Oh, I hate answering this question because I’m so uninspired when I pick names. I just go through the alphabet picking names I like and making sure I don’t have another character in the book that starts with the same letter. Aren’t you glad you asked??
Three Really Interesting Tidbits About Me: (I’m thinking, I’m thinking! Why is this so hard?)
1. I’m fluent in American Sign Language – I taught at our local deaf school for several years.
2. I’m profoundly deaf without my hearing aids, only you’d never know it to meet me in person! (And no, the character in A SILENT TERROR (due out in March 2009), while she is deaf, is NOT based on me.)
3. Um…gotta have 3 things?? Okay, last one…um…if I could go back to school and do it all over again, I’d major in Forensic Science and work for the FBI.
All About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense...I’ve always loved to write and since I love to read it, it was the natural choice! I think action adventure movies are the greatest, all the blowing stuff up and solving crimes…and the suspense part, just love it.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why...Probably River of Secrets because it dealt with inner beauty vs. outer and how God looks at the heart, and not the outer physical body.
3. My favorite suspense book I read and why...Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson. Because it stuck with me long after I finished the story. I felt like I’d become friends with the characters and wanted to be lifelong buddies.
All About Others:
1. My favorite author is…probably Dee Henderson because she mentored me from the very beginning, but of course, I love Brandilyn Collins and Terri Blackstock. Sorry, that’s more than one, isn’t it?
2. My best writing friend is...it’s a toss up between my editors, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the crimescenewriter yahoo group!
3. My most loyal fan is...this is another toss up between my mom and a former Sunday School teacher, Barbara Lollis.
The funniest thing that's ever happened to me because I'm a writer...I go to Panera Bread a lot. It’s just around the corner from my house and when I don’t have kids, I escape to grab a Strawberry Smoothie or a cinnamon crunch bagel. I’m such a regular there that the staff often stops to talk for a bit. When one of the managers found out I wrote novels, he decided I needed my own personalized Panera coffee cup! So, he gave me one with my name on it. It was really sweet.
The craziest thing I've done gathering research for a novel is....sigh…I’m so boring in this department. I research like crazy, but haven’t done anything very glamorous or crazy to get the info. Sorry.
A real life murder (crime) that fascinates me is/was....fascinates and sickens at the same time—the Caylee Anthony story: 1) because it’s beyond me that a mother could do something like that to her child and 2) the forensics involved in deciding a decaying body had been in the trunk thus playing a role in leading them to arrest the mother.
Finally, I'm excited about this blog because...I just love connecting with other authors and readers!
Hi everyone, I’m Lynette Eason and I’m so honored to be a part of this fantastic group of suspense writers. I’m a homeschooling mom by day and a writer by night—mostly. When I can stay awake. Anyway, I’m married to Jack Eason and we have two great kids. And I have the best job in the world. I get to write suspense!
All About Me:
1. How I got my first name? From my parents. My dad liked the name and my mom went along with it because it started with “L”. Yep, Mom’s name is Lou Jean, Dad’s name is Lewis and my brother’s name is Lane. Oh, and we had a dog named Lucky.
2. How I got my writing name? I just use my own.
3. How I pick my characters' names, good guy and bad. Oh, I hate answering this question because I’m so uninspired when I pick names. I just go through the alphabet picking names I like and making sure I don’t have another character in the book that starts with the same letter. Aren’t you glad you asked??
Three Really Interesting Tidbits About Me: (I’m thinking, I’m thinking! Why is this so hard?)
1. I’m fluent in American Sign Language – I taught at our local deaf school for several years.
2. I’m profoundly deaf without my hearing aids, only you’d never know it to meet me in person! (And no, the character in A SILENT TERROR (due out in March 2009), while she is deaf, is NOT based on me.)
3. Um…gotta have 3 things?? Okay, last one…um…if I could go back to school and do it all over again, I’d major in Forensic Science and work for the FBI.
All About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense...I’ve always loved to write and since I love to read it, it was the natural choice! I think action adventure movies are the greatest, all the blowing stuff up and solving crimes…and the suspense part, just love it.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why...Probably River of Secrets because it dealt with inner beauty vs. outer and how God looks at the heart, and not the outer physical body.
3. My favorite suspense book I read and why...Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson. Because it stuck with me long after I finished the story. I felt like I’d become friends with the characters and wanted to be lifelong buddies.
All About Others:
1. My favorite author is…probably Dee Henderson because she mentored me from the very beginning, but of course, I love Brandilyn Collins and Terri Blackstock. Sorry, that’s more than one, isn’t it?
2. My best writing friend is...it’s a toss up between my editors, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the crimescenewriter yahoo group!
3. My most loyal fan is...this is another toss up between my mom and a former Sunday School teacher, Barbara Lollis.
The funniest thing that's ever happened to me because I'm a writer...I go to Panera Bread a lot. It’s just around the corner from my house and when I don’t have kids, I escape to grab a Strawberry Smoothie or a cinnamon crunch bagel. I’m such a regular there that the staff often stops to talk for a bit. When one of the managers found out I wrote novels, he decided I needed my own personalized Panera coffee cup! So, he gave me one with my name on it. It was really sweet.
The craziest thing I've done gathering research for a novel is....sigh…I’m so boring in this department. I research like crazy, but haven’t done anything very glamorous or crazy to get the info. Sorry.
A real life murder (crime) that fascinates me is/was....fascinates and sickens at the same time—the Caylee Anthony story: 1) because it’s beyond me that a mother could do something like that to her child and 2) the forensics involved in deciding a decaying body had been in the trunk thus playing a role in leading them to arrest the mother.
Finally, I'm excited about this blog because...I just love connecting with other authors and readers!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Flashover Interview
Today we're welcoming Ivy Beria, the heroine of Flashover, by Dana Mentink, a January Love Inspired Suspense.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure!
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
My name is Ivy Beria. I’m a firefighter. My life fell apart when I was injured in an arson fire. My fault, for disobeying a direct order and staying in, but I couldn’t walk away, not after what happened to my sister.
2. So, during the book you met Tim Carnelli. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
Actually, I’ve known Tim for a long time but we were friends, buddies. At least, that’s what I thought. I’ve dated other guys, firefighters mostly and I shut Tim out, I guess, because he wasn’t part of my firefighting world. It took a near death experience and some divine intervention for me to see things clearly.
3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’m doggedly determined, excellent at what I do and totally committed to my job. That total commitment to work, and the pride that goes with it, it also my biggest weakness.
4. What scares you?
Losing control.
5.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would not be so stubborn.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I was angry at God for a long time, for allowing my sister to die.
7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I realized that I was so wrapped up in my anger, I was ignoring the great joy and love she brought to my life. God gave me a second chance at life and love.
8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindess, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Real heroes are people who are kind, gentle and forgiving. They are often in the background, living quiet lives of service to Him. It’s good to be reminded of that.
9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I’d be lemon meringue pie because it’s a simple dessert, sweet but with a luscious tang to it.
Dana, thank you for sharing Ivy with us. What a great read for the New Year.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure!
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
My name is Ivy Beria. I’m a firefighter. My life fell apart when I was injured in an arson fire. My fault, for disobeying a direct order and staying in, but I couldn’t walk away, not after what happened to my sister.
2. So, during the book you met Tim Carnelli. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
Actually, I’ve known Tim for a long time but we were friends, buddies. At least, that’s what I thought. I’ve dated other guys, firefighters mostly and I shut Tim out, I guess, because he wasn’t part of my firefighting world. It took a near death experience and some divine intervention for me to see things clearly.
3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’m doggedly determined, excellent at what I do and totally committed to my job. That total commitment to work, and the pride that goes with it, it also my biggest weakness.
4. What scares you?
Losing control.
5.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would not be so stubborn.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I was angry at God for a long time, for allowing my sister to die.
7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I realized that I was so wrapped up in my anger, I was ignoring the great joy and love she brought to my life. God gave me a second chance at life and love.
8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindess, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Real heroes are people who are kind, gentle and forgiving. They are often in the background, living quiet lives of service to Him. It’s good to be reminded of that.
9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I’d be lemon meringue pie because it’s a simple dessert, sweet but with a luscious tang to it.
Dana, thank you for sharing Ivy with us. What a great read for the New Year.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Featured this Week: Dana Mentink's Flashover
Why is a kind-hearted savant setting fire to an ordinary book? Recuperating firefighter Ivy Beria is determined to find out. But then the young man, Moe, goes missing—and his only friend turns up dead. Ivy is sure the double mystery is linked to the string of numbers Moe chanted before he vanished. She asks her best friend, computer expert Tim Carnelli, to uncover a pattern. They make two shocking discoveries: they have unexpected romantic feelings for one another and Moe is in serious danger. They'd better find him fast. Or the truth—and their dreams—will go up in smoke.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Getting to Know Carol Steward
Brief Intro:
Wow, it's already 2009! I'm thrilled to be here with the Craftie Ladies of Suspense. I'm Carol Steward, wife, mother, grandmother, administrative assistant, and author of romance and suspense. A friend once teased me about wanting to be a Christian crime writer. My dream came true in 1998 when Steeple Hill bought my second book, Her Kind of Hero, my first of many Christian cop novels.
I've always done the unexpected. I was married at 17 to the love of my life, which meant that the odds of staying together was against us. Thirty-plus years later, and he's still the one to inspire my romance novels. Writing shouldn't have surprised me, or anyone else, but it did. In hindsight, the signs were there, but it took a lot of kicking from God to get me to follow His plan.
All About Me:
1. How I got my first name? All I know is I'm not named after anyone. I'm the fourth of five children, and the only one without a nickname. I'm simply Carol, one of the most popular names of my generation. My siblings nicknames all end with 'y', so I always have and will always be the oddball.
2. How I got my writing name? Partly given to me at birth, part from my own hero. I didn't really expect my first sale so quickly, so I hadn't been able to settle on a pen name. So when the editor suggested using my real name, I asked my father-in-law for permission to use their family name as my writing name, and was thrilled that he welcomed it.
3. How I pick my characters' names, good guy and bad. A few heroes and heroines have been named after people I admire. It becomes challenging to find names that fit the same generation as the age of the characters the more characters I write, but the most challenging have been the characters that I don't plot. Two books were continuity series where the editors plan the book, name the characters, and assign the plot.
When I'm writing villains, I try very hard to use stereotypes rather than real sounding names, because even though I love to torment my characters, I don't want to taint any real person's image with a fictional name.
Three Interesting Tidbits About Me:
1. I was raised in a motel. My parents owned a small motel, so I grew up with a very public life.
2. My husband and I delivered newspapers in the middle of the night for many years, giving me a lot of ideas for my books. Even with my romances, it wasn't uncommon to have found a touch of mystery.
3. I love watching the criminal investigation shows. Being raised by a law enforcement officer, I always had the interest and respect for police, but seeing how the investigation is processed has been very intriguing for me. It's almost an obsession.
All About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense... delivering newspapers, I happened to interrupt a burglar, leading to his arrest. Not every book starts from my own life, but real life is often more interesting than fiction, and I use what I can to add to my books.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why... Finding Amy was a continuity book, so the editors told the group of 6 authors what our stories would include. It was an incredible challenge, as the heroine's three year old daughter was kidnapped by her child care provider. I'd been a licensed provider for over a decade, so having the villain from a profession that I greatly admired was a challenge. It strengthened my writing, and now it is easier to push the envelope on what I'm comfortable with writing.
3. My favorite suspense book I read and why... Redeeming Travis by Kate Welsh. It was before the suspense line officially started, but Kate did a terrific job mixing the suspense, the crime, and the romance of a couple who had broken off on their relationship years before.
All About Others:
My favorite author is.. impossible to name just one!
My best writing friend is... Maya Milhous, a brilliant author who is going to start a new trend when she finally finishes her book!
My most loyal fan is... a coworker. Mary can name the characters from every book, something I can't even do!
The funniest thing that's ever happened to me because I'm a writer...I was scheduled to ride along with a police officer friend, but when I got there, someone else had shown up to ride along with him, too. He asked if I'd mind riding with someone else. I agreed. When I got in to the car, the officer asked what I write, and when I told him Christian romance, he made an excuse to get out of the car, for at least five minutes. I'm sure my friend was ripped a good one for pawning me off on him. It turned out to be a terrific night with perfect experiences for my book, and it eventually won the tolerant officer a vote for mayor.
The craziest thing I've done gathering research for a novel is.... run into an on-duty police officer, flip him onto his top and spun him around. It wasn't meant to be research, of course, but it turned out to be a perfect opening for Shield of Refuge. The officer wasn't injured, praise the Lord. It could have ended much differently.
A real life murder (crime) that fascinates me is/was....when a sheriff's officer's wife killed a police officer's wife just down the block from my home. It was horrid, and turned out to be a very warped case that I'd love to just forget, but it hit me too close to home on many levels. I had planned to stop at that bank after work, but didn't. I'd gone home sick early in the afternoon. I cancelled my critique group at my home and went to sleep, only to be woken up by my son calling to tell me he'd just turned in his application for our local police force. Justice did prevail, and hopefully, nothing like it will ever happen again.
Finally, I'm excited about this blog because...I think it is a great place to interact with our readers. The Love Inspired authors are truly the most wonderful people you'd ever want to meet, and I think that setting up this blog is a brilliant idea to keep us all connected. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. I love reading about the characters in our books, and love hearing back from you, the readers also.
Happy New Year, and Happy Reading!
Wow, it's already 2009! I'm thrilled to be here with the Craftie Ladies of Suspense. I'm Carol Steward, wife, mother, grandmother, administrative assistant, and author of romance and suspense. A friend once teased me about wanting to be a Christian crime writer. My dream came true in 1998 when Steeple Hill bought my second book, Her Kind of Hero, my first of many Christian cop novels.
I've always done the unexpected. I was married at 17 to the love of my life, which meant that the odds of staying together was against us. Thirty-plus years later, and he's still the one to inspire my romance novels. Writing shouldn't have surprised me, or anyone else, but it did. In hindsight, the signs were there, but it took a lot of kicking from God to get me to follow His plan.
All About Me:
1. How I got my first name? All I know is I'm not named after anyone. I'm the fourth of five children, and the only one without a nickname. I'm simply Carol, one of the most popular names of my generation. My siblings nicknames all end with 'y', so I always have and will always be the oddball.
2. How I got my writing name? Partly given to me at birth, part from my own hero. I didn't really expect my first sale so quickly, so I hadn't been able to settle on a pen name. So when the editor suggested using my real name, I asked my father-in-law for permission to use their family name as my writing name, and was thrilled that he welcomed it.
3. How I pick my characters' names, good guy and bad. A few heroes and heroines have been named after people I admire. It becomes challenging to find names that fit the same generation as the age of the characters the more characters I write, but the most challenging have been the characters that I don't plot. Two books were continuity series where the editors plan the book, name the characters, and assign the plot.
When I'm writing villains, I try very hard to use stereotypes rather than real sounding names, because even though I love to torment my characters, I don't want to taint any real person's image with a fictional name.
Three Interesting Tidbits About Me:
1. I was raised in a motel. My parents owned a small motel, so I grew up with a very public life.
2. My husband and I delivered newspapers in the middle of the night for many years, giving me a lot of ideas for my books. Even with my romances, it wasn't uncommon to have found a touch of mystery.
3. I love watching the criminal investigation shows. Being raised by a law enforcement officer, I always had the interest and respect for police, but seeing how the investigation is processed has been very intriguing for me. It's almost an obsession.
All About my Books:
1. How I stumbled into writing suspense... delivering newspapers, I happened to interrupt a burglar, leading to his arrest. Not every book starts from my own life, but real life is often more interesting than fiction, and I use what I can to add to my books.
2. My favorite suspense book I wrote and why... Finding Amy was a continuity book, so the editors told the group of 6 authors what our stories would include. It was an incredible challenge, as the heroine's three year old daughter was kidnapped by her child care provider. I'd been a licensed provider for over a decade, so having the villain from a profession that I greatly admired was a challenge. It strengthened my writing, and now it is easier to push the envelope on what I'm comfortable with writing.
3. My favorite suspense book I read and why... Redeeming Travis by Kate Welsh. It was before the suspense line officially started, but Kate did a terrific job mixing the suspense, the crime, and the romance of a couple who had broken off on their relationship years before.
All About Others:
My favorite author is.. impossible to name just one!
My best writing friend is... Maya Milhous, a brilliant author who is going to start a new trend when she finally finishes her book!
My most loyal fan is... a coworker. Mary can name the characters from every book, something I can't even do!
The funniest thing that's ever happened to me because I'm a writer...I was scheduled to ride along with a police officer friend, but when I got there, someone else had shown up to ride along with him, too. He asked if I'd mind riding with someone else. I agreed. When I got in to the car, the officer asked what I write, and when I told him Christian romance, he made an excuse to get out of the car, for at least five minutes. I'm sure my friend was ripped a good one for pawning me off on him. It turned out to be a terrific night with perfect experiences for my book, and it eventually won the tolerant officer a vote for mayor.
The craziest thing I've done gathering research for a novel is.... run into an on-duty police officer, flip him onto his top and spun him around. It wasn't meant to be research, of course, but it turned out to be a perfect opening for Shield of Refuge. The officer wasn't injured, praise the Lord. It could have ended much differently.
A real life murder (crime) that fascinates me is/was....when a sheriff's officer's wife killed a police officer's wife just down the block from my home. It was horrid, and turned out to be a very warped case that I'd love to just forget, but it hit me too close to home on many levels. I had planned to stop at that bank after work, but didn't. I'd gone home sick early in the afternoon. I cancelled my critique group at my home and went to sleep, only to be woken up by my son calling to tell me he'd just turned in his application for our local police force. Justice did prevail, and hopefully, nothing like it will ever happen again.
Finally, I'm excited about this blog because...I think it is a great place to interact with our readers. The Love Inspired authors are truly the most wonderful people you'd ever want to meet, and I think that setting up this blog is a brilliant idea to keep us all connected. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. I love reading about the characters in our books, and love hearing back from you, the readers also.
Happy New Year, and Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Exciting Changes in 2009
When Pamela Tracy asked me to join this blog 18 months ago, it was a pretty new project. She thought it would be fun as Love Inspired Suspense writers to get together and blog. About writing. About books. About life. A place for readers and authors to intersect.
Over time that initial group grew until there were seven ladies -- one to cover each day of the week. And this blog has developed into more than a random group of ladies who blog. We've celebrated each others success: whether books or babies :-) We've supported each other in the times filled with pain, too. And an underlying friendship has developed among us as we work to grow this site.
As we welcome a new year, we also want to welcome an additional group of Steeple Hill LIS authors to the blog. Starting with the New Year, Lenora Worth, Lynette Eason, Linda Hall, Ramona Richards, Dana Mentink, Barbara Phinney, Carol Steward, and LeAnn Harris will write with us here.
It's my pleasure to welcome them to the CRAFTIE Ladies of Suspense. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you, readers, to meet and get to know more of the LIS authors.
You'll find we're each unique and gifted in different ways in our writing. Some of us lean toward suspense and have to be reminded to develop the romance. Some like hard core suspense. Some like romance with a dash of suspense. But each of us loves writing stories for you.
So come back each day as you meet our newest members. And welcome to 2009!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Double Threat Christmas in the top ten
This arrived in my inbox on the day I went in for surgery(which was successful-Praise the Lord) so it was waiting for me when I came home. What a nice Christmas present it was!
eHarlequin.com
For women who love to read
Weekly News for December 23, 2008
Top 10 Christmas Corner Books
1. Welcome to Serenity by Sherryl Woods
2. Once Upon a Christmas by Holly Jacobs
3. A Mommy for Christmas by Caroline Anderson
4. Heating Up the Holidays by Jill Shalvis, Jacquie D'Alessandro and Jamie Sobrato
5. Her Best Christmas Ever by Judy Duarte
6. A McKettrick Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
7. Under the Mistletoe by Linda Howard and Stephanie Bond
8. Double Threat Christmas by Terri Reed**
9. A Stone Creek Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
10. Her Baby's First Christmas by Susan Meier
Hey, look here!
From eHarlequin
National Literacy Update
As part of our National Literacy Month special offer in November, over 14,500 books will be donated as part of the 100,000 Book Challenge to the National Center for Family Literacy! We thank all of you who participated in this important cause to help them solve the national literacy problem. Remember to participate in our eHarlequin.com Book Challenge in 2009!
You can sign-up on eHarlequin.com
Wishing many blessings to all of you out there that have been so supportive of The CRAFTIE Ladies of Suspense. Have a very happy and safe New Year!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Top Ten Books of 2008 According to People Magazine and Pam's Thoughts
I'm sitting here with People Magazine's "Tops of 2008". This year's Fan Faves. I'm a minority or maybe I'm just not a fan. Of the top movies, I only saw two. The Indiana Jones movie and Madagascar. LOL, but then again, I think I only saw two theator movies last year. Of the television shows, I only watch one: CSI. Of the popular songs, none, nada, never heard of any of them. But books, ah, the top ten books of the year. Let's see what I (we) think. Here they are, according to People:
1. The Shack
2. The Appeal
3. The Host
4. The Friday Night Knitting Club
5. Water for Elephants
6. The Kite Runner
7. Playing for Pizza
8. Fearless Fourteen
9. The Lucky One
10. 7th Heaven
1. Okay, I purchased The Shack, started it, made it to page ten. Everyone I know adored the book. Now, I have a small child so the taking of a small child is not something I 'want' to read about. Maybe that's why it went back in my pile. The fact that I did not give it away tells me I'll try again, but, unfortunately, it didn't grab me the first time.
2. I'm way behind on my John Grisham's. I will read The Appeal, but I'm still working on The Jury. Blame above small child for my being behind. I don't think I've been disappointed in a John Grisham yet.
3. As for The Host. I recently read Twilight, and fully intend to see the movie this holiday break. I've purchased the second one and it resides in my top ten candidates for To-Be-Read-Next books. I liked Twilight.
4. I have the first installment of the Friday Night Knitting Club. It's in my TBR pile. You need to understand my TBR pile. If I read a book a day for the rest of my life and lived to be 108, I still wouldn't get through. Still, I need to find this one (It's not just in my TBR piles, it's buried in my TBR pile). Good premise.
5. Water for Elephants was probably one of the top three books I read in 2008. I carried it around, could not put it down, and thought to myself "Why didn't I think of this!" I aspire to write this caliber. Oh, I do have one problem with it. I keep trying to say Like Water for Elephants because years ago I read Like Water for Chocolate.
6. I read The Kite Runner years ago, at least two. We were on a Christmas trip to Lake Havasu, and I loved the book so much I was reading in the car (which always gives me headaches). I understand why it's still a bestseller. It's a riveting book. As for me, I'd cut one scene (The Ick Factor). The year I read this, it was in my top three.
7. I don't have Playing for Pizza and it's in the maybe zone. I'm still trying to read his Skipping Christmas.
8. Ah, and now we have Janet Evanovich... There was a time I was a die-hard Stephanie Plum fan. Yup, if you asked me for my must-buy, read-immediately author, it was Evanovich. I will buy Fourteen, in paperback, and it will probably go by my bed, which means it will get read in a timely fashion. Evanovich is one of the best comedic writers. I've read 1 - 13.
9. I'm trying to remember if I've read Nicholas Sparks or just seen his movies. I'm pretty sure I read Message in a Bottle and adored it. His movie about the elderly people with James Garner is a favorite (even though the title escapes me now). I wasn't impressed with Rhodanza [sp?] although I'd take the house by the beach.
10. James Patterson... hmmm, my agent has suggested I read him. Maybe I'll pick up 7th Heaven. This is a writer I've just plain missed, mostly due to time restraints.
Okay, guys, which one's have you read and what do you think?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Happy New Year
I know I am a few days earlier but I wanted to wish everyone a happy New Year. The possibilities are limitless for us in 2009. The door is wide open and I hope that wonderful things happen to you in the coming year.
My son and his wife are expecting their fourth child in April. I hope to devout myself to my writing. I have six books coming out next year. I've seen the cover for my July Love Inspired and I'm thrilled at it. The dominant colors are red, white and blue so that's appropriate for the Fourth of July. I have two Love Inspired Suspense books I'll be working on for the first months of the new year. But truly, the year is blank--so many of those possibilities enticing me to see what the Lord has in store for me.
What does the Lord have in store for you?
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Century Club
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with love and warmth from family and friends. I know I did.
One thing that people have trouble with after the holidays is getting motivated to get back to writing again. Somehow, those 5-10 pages of writing you did before the holidays seems like a million! Too often writers will avoid having to do their daily pages because it seems like too high a mountain to climb. The problem is that by avoiding your writing, NOTHING is getting done.
To get back into writing again, try making a pledge to join what is known as the Century Club. Instead of writing 1000-2500 words, try writing just 100 words. Tell yourself that every day you have to write at least 100 words. Writing 100 words is easy. It's a paragraph or two. It can be written in a matter of minutes so you can't use the excuse that you don't have time to write. Everyone has a few minutes to spare.
Once you start writing those 100 words, you'll find you're getting into your story and that 100 words will really end up being much more. The good thing about joining the Century Club to get yourself motivated to write is that on those days that you really feel stuck, you're only obligated to write those 100 words. Once you've fulfilled that, you're done for the day. The great thing about the Century Club is that if you are one of those writers who is in avoidance mode, you know that at the end of the week you'll have at least 4-5 pages of writing done, whereas avoiding writing will give you no pages at all! Get motivated and get writing by joining the Century Club!
Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello
One thing that people have trouble with after the holidays is getting motivated to get back to writing again. Somehow, those 5-10 pages of writing you did before the holidays seems like a million! Too often writers will avoid having to do their daily pages because it seems like too high a mountain to climb. The problem is that by avoiding your writing, NOTHING is getting done.
To get back into writing again, try making a pledge to join what is known as the Century Club. Instead of writing 1000-2500 words, try writing just 100 words. Tell yourself that every day you have to write at least 100 words. Writing 100 words is easy. It's a paragraph or two. It can be written in a matter of minutes so you can't use the excuse that you don't have time to write. Everyone has a few minutes to spare.
Once you start writing those 100 words, you'll find you're getting into your story and that 100 words will really end up being much more. The good thing about joining the Century Club to get yourself motivated to write is that on those days that you really feel stuck, you're only obligated to write those 100 words. Once you've fulfilled that, you're done for the day. The great thing about the Century Club is that if you are one of those writers who is in avoidance mode, you know that at the end of the week you'll have at least 4-5 pages of writing done, whereas avoiding writing will give you no pages at all! Get motivated and get writing by joining the Century Club!
Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Only Three Days Until Christmas!
Wow, the countdown continues during this most blessed time of year. My family and I had the most wonderful time this past weekend. We rode the Polar Express. Yup, it stopped by our house (Okay, really it's in Williams, Arizona). Mikey got on. You know what, he believes. Here's a photo of my family standing in front of the train. Mikey's jammies are under his coat. My robe is over my coat. Daddy wasn't willing to dress the part.
So, back to three days. How did that happen? Back to my beloved list!
Done this week:
1. Mail the cards (There's usually more than a 100)
Update last week: I need to buy stamps! Hmmm, should I do that this morning or write.
Update this week: Mailed more than 100. Then, discovered left off about ten. Did by hand. All mailed except for the ones who need Polar Express pictures. The pictures are made. I'm mailing them today on the way to taking Mikey to the sitter.
2. Mail gifts (This is no fun. You can't just drop the gifts in a bag and black marker a name. I'm usually running late on this)
Update this week: Done last Thursday. Cost 88.00. Memo to self, next year use Amazon. But, KMart was having such a great sale!
3. Critique group party (My amazing critique group - Cathy McDavid, Connie Flynn, and Libby Banks - usually has dinner at an Olive Garden. I found the perfect presents this year. I really must drop those presents in a gift bag soon.)
Update this week: Gathering was wonderful. I told my husband I'd be home at 7:30. I called him at 8:00, still at the restaurant.
4. Attend Mikey's pre-school Christmas presentation. --- wouldn't you know I have a 9:30 final and his program is at 11:10 a half hour away. I'm going to start my final, and another teacher's going to sub for me for the last 50 minutes. I can't miss his first Christmas program!
Update this week: Zoomed to the program. My son is a show-off. The moment I got there he started talking. "Mommy, can I sit by you?" "Mommy, can I have a cookie?" He didn't sing at all. And, he's the only one the teacher had to reprimand. "Mikey, sing." "Mikey, hold up your fingers." "Mikey, look at me." Boy, do I love that kid.
5. Finish grading finals at work, clean office, lock office door.
UPdate this week: Done grading, office not clean but it's never clean so no one will notice. Office door locked.
6. Urge husband to drive two hours to take whole family to the snow.
Update this week: There was snow in Williams where the Polar Express was. We drove up to Elkridge Ski Resort and tubed down a slope. Then, we stopped and made a snowman. I sacrificed my banana for the nose!
Done last week:
1. Write my Christmas letter (My favorite thing! God has truly blessed me)
It's written, my husband read it. He found two blaring errors (one I called my son a she; the other I had an extra I in there). I fixed them. Left the computer for awhile, came back, and printed 50 copies. Oh, while I went away my computer did updates so automatically turned itself off. I turned it back on. I didn't realize until after I printed 50 of the letters that the mistakes were no longer fixed. I started to just ink out the mistakes and send the letters on their merry way, but the perfectionist in me is insisting I print 50 new one. Oh, and during the update, all my revisions on the second half of chapter one (where I changed a 'she' viewpoint into a 'he' viewpoint)disappeared. (Hmmm, this could be why I referred to my son as a she.
2. Set up the tree (It's fake. I've never had a real one. Think cats.)
Tree is up, lights are on, ornaments are still in the shed.
---Ornaments are out of the shed and onto the tree. It looks great!
3. Make green bean casserole for RWA party (Somebody - think best friend Cathy McDavid - grabbed the chips and dip card before I did!)
Really should have used more than three cans.
4. Buy the book the Polar Express (We're actually going to ride it on the 19th)
Toys-R-Us didn't have it, but BookStar did. Not only that, but the manager took me over to the remainder table and I got the 19.95 book for 9.95, plus it came with a DVD, a casette, and a Xmas tree ornament. I read it to my three-year-old last night, and he listened to every word.
5. Attend church group party (There might be singing around the piano. What fun!)
Attended and have a killer cold. Instead of singing Christmas carols in my alto, I sang them in deep bass. I felt like the kiddie looking in the candy store window. I was there. I so wanted to sing my heart out, but my heart was in the middle of not one, not two, but three coughing spells. I hate being sick.
6. Take Mikey to get picture with Santa Clause (I'll probably do this at Sears.)
Did you know that Santa visits the Bass Pro Shop? I didn't, but my husband did. So, now we have Mikey's picture and there's even a stuffed deer in the background. We got there at 5:00 last night, and the next available time was 7:30. My husband huffed and puffed. We walked around their children's Winter Wonderland (Mikey picked out a truck and boat; husband picked out a new quad; Mommy wished she were at a bookstore) and the head elf came and got us and said someone hadn't showed up. So, we got our picture taken. Then, we went to eat. Then, we went to Walmart. Then, we went to Fry's Grocery store. Then, we went home. Daddy said Mikey needed to behave more; Mommy reminded husband that Mikey is three and that was a lot of errands. 
7. Take Mikey to Chaz's birthday party.
A new train park! What a find. And, yes, we had fun.
Done two weeks ago:
1. Put the knick-knacks around the house (Memo to self: time to get rid of some)
I'm pretty sure there's a box of Christmas stuff still in the shed, but I don't think I'll mention that to hubby.
2. Clean house (We're having a kiddie party next Saturday for Mikey's Bible Hour class)
We had the kiddie party. It was great. And, boy was my house clean.
3. Call CWOW members who haven't responded to Christmas invite (CWOW stands for Christian Writers of the West. It's the local ACFW group. We're having our first Christmas party and a few members don't comprehend the meaning of RSVP) 
I'm putting this in the done column because we had the party. I never did call the members - got busy. But, we had a great party. I made three new writer friends (that's the best Christmas present!). In the picture, you see Leslie, Lori, Kathleen, Sheri, and me!)
4. Make chips and dip for above party.
Not only did I make chips and dip, but I looked at the sign-up, in time, and realized I'd volunteered dessert. So, I stopped at Safeway and got cheesecake. Plus, I had all these vegetables and dip left from the kiddy party and took that, too.
5. Book a hotel near Williams, Arizona, for the 19th (I would have done this already but Don says we have to stay at a hotel where he can earn points. I don't know which hotel to book.)
Booked hotel. According to Triple A book should have been 40 a night. According to reservationist, we'll be paying 70 a night because of the Christmas season. Me, I'm thinking hotel never honors amount they put in Triple A book.
6. Make sure I have babysitters for all adult events.
Now, if they just don't cancel! --- they didn't cancel.
7. Urge husband to decorate outside.
Didn't need to urge him. He did it on his own. Plus, the next-door neighbor gave us a giant blow-up Santa after watching Don put up our giant blue-up snowmen.
Almost Done:
1. Buy gifts (I buy gifts all year round. About a week before Christmas, I unload the gift closet and I get out my Christmas list. I make little name cards and make a spot around the house for everyone. This is how I find out if I bought too much for one relative or not enough for another relative. My husband shops on Christmas Eve.)
Updated last week: I almost wish this was still on the not done list. See, our neighborhood K-Mart is closing, and I went there last week - twice!. I'm probably down to just four more presents to buy.
Updated this week: I have three left to buy. I'm not doing it. I'm adding the names to my husband's To-Do list. He hasn't even looked at it. He won't know I added to it.
Not Done:
1. Wrap gifts (hubby does paper - he even measures when he cuts! Me, I'm a big believer in decorated bags)
2. Still need to write five pages a day on Fugitive Hearts, due January 15th.
3. Settle back and enjoy the season.
4. Thank God every day for more than twenty-five blessings.
Hey, notice how there are 3 days until Christmas, and I only have 4 things left to do! And two of them, I've really been donig every single day so maybe I should move them to the done list. Now that's a blessing.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Merry Christmas
I sometimes want to shout that from the roof tops. Of course, I would have to actually stand on a roof top and that ain't gonna happen. So I'm shouting it from here:
Robin Caroll sent me this email about Christmas. I was supposed to forward it to others and share a little about myself. But at the time I was in a deadline so I couldn't get to it. Now I have a little breathing room and want to share with you all.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Bags
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial-my husband has an allergy to pine trees.
3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving weekend
4. When do you take the tree down? Day after New Year’s Day
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes—especially my mother’s homemade eggnog
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My bike—I rode everywhere
7. Hardest person to buy for? My mother-in-law
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Several—one from my childhood
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? None
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I find something a person I know would like or need
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, I have this fruitcake that has made the rounds--just kidding.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham
16. Lights on the tree? All white lights on one tree and multi-colored on another
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home—family is all here
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? No, I can’t even remember how many there are.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas day? Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Too commercialized
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Ornament--one the kids made me and from my childhood
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham and mashed potatoes (my husband makes great ones)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Nothing
So what are some of your answers to these questions?
Have a blessed Christmas. Keep safe.
Robin Caroll sent me this email about Christmas. I was supposed to forward it to others and share a little about myself. But at the time I was in a deadline so I couldn't get to it. Now I have a little breathing room and want to share with you all.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Bags
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial-my husband has an allergy to pine trees.
3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving weekend
4. When do you take the tree down? Day after New Year’s Day
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes—especially my mother’s homemade eggnog
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My bike—I rode everywhere
7. Hardest person to buy for? My mother-in-law
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Several—one from my childhood
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? None
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I find something a person I know would like or need
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, I have this fruitcake that has made the rounds--just kidding.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham
16. Lights on the tree? All white lights on one tree and multi-colored on another
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home—family is all here
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? No, I can’t even remember how many there are.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas day? Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Too commercialized
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Ornament--one the kids made me and from my childhood
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham and mashed potatoes (my husband makes great ones)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Nothing
So what are some of your answers to these questions?
Have a blessed Christmas. Keep safe.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Writing the Short Synopsis
Synopsis writing is one of the most hair-pulling chores novel writers deal with. Whether you are sending a query letter to an agent or editor, or you are submitting a full manuscript, you need a synopsis.When submitting a query, you'll need a short synopsis, usually about 1-2 pages in length. That's what I'll focus on today. Next week I'll talk about how to write a long synopsis for submitting a full manuscript.
I've made no secret of the fact that my favorite book on writing a synopsis is Pam McCutcheon's Writing the Fiction Synopsis, published by Gryphon Books for Writers. This is a book that is chock full of information and worksheets you can use to write a winning synopsis for your book.
The problem a lot of writers have is that they write their synopsis once the book is finished. I try very hard not to do that. When the book is done, you know so much about your characters, their journey and the little twists and turns that help get them to their happily ever after that it makes it hard to decide what to put into the book and what to leave out. It's very easy to make what should be a quick overview of your story into a mini-novella because you want to tell the reader, i.e. agent or editor, all the wonderful scenes that happen.
When writing the short synopsis, this is a mistake. The only thing the agent or editor needs to know in a short synopsis is who these characters are, what they want, what is standing in their way, what happens that either allows them to get what they want or not get what they want and how the story is resolved to bring a happy ending. It may sound like a tall order and one that can't be done in a 1 to 2 page synopsis, but I assure you, it can be done.
Approach a short synopsis as if you're sitting with a friend and trying to explain what happened in a movie. You don't want to go on for hours. You just want to hit the high points, the things that make the story move forward or in a different direction. There are two different types of scenes to identify. Developmental scenes are those that show the development of characters. They are the "getting to know you" scenes. Turning point scenes are ones where something shifts the story in a different direction, causing action by the hero or heroine. They're the scenes where the dead body is discovered or the heroine is attacked or some other thing that causes action by the main characters. The cute little scenes with a puppy dog or when the hero and heroine go water skiing don't need to be included unless something important happens as a result of the scene to change the story. And even then, the only thing that needs to be mentioned is the turning point.
For instance, if the hero and heroine go water skiing and they're having a great time and suddenly they come across the floating body of the witness who is set to testify in court, proving the heroes innocence, this is important. But the detail that is important to put in the short synopsis is not the water skiing scene. It's the floating body. That's your turning point. Whatever happened during the water skiing scene can be a transitional phrase to bring the important point into focus.
Keep it simple. Hit the high points of your story and you'll be able to write a winning synopsis in 1 - 2 pages.
Until next time, have a wonderful holiday and many blessings to you and yours. Lisa Mondello
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Angela Hunt comes for a Visit
This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Angela Hunt. Her full bio is at the end of this interview, but I’ll summarize by saying she has written over one hundred books and sold millions of copies. Angela’s books have won awards like the Christy and one has been made into a Hallmark Movie. She teaches at many writers conferences and her readers have come to expect the unexpected when they pick up one of her books.You may wonder why I’m interviewing her when I’m focused on novelists who’ve written legal suspense. Well, next year one of her titles is set in the legal environment. I am delighted to welcome Angela today.
Angela, you're known for telling readers to expect the unexpected. Why step into the legal arena?
Several reasons--first, I've never done a legal book, and the subject fascinates me. Second, I found myself involved in a legal situation, and since I was cramming like mad to learn all about it, I figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone. Third, the seminal idea lent itself to a courtroom trial. So I suppose it was the conjunction of all those events.
You're stepping into the legal arena with one of your next books. What was the most challenging part of researching and writing that book? What can you tell us about this book?
I can give you the thumbnail synopsis of LET DARKNESS COME: Briley Lester is worried about her first capital trial—the prosecution has an airtight case and her client has no alibi. She plans on a mitigating defense—one that might get her client’s sentence reduced from first-degree murder to manslaughter—until she stumbles onto evidence that could prove her client’s innocence. In her struggle to achieve true justice, Briley must venture outside her self-protective boundaries to defeat an experienced prosecutor and the forces that are determined to destroy her client at any cost.
As to the most challenging part? Learning courtroom procedure; learning that you can't lead on a direct examination, but you're expected to lead on the cross. I had to learn a condensed version of what a trial lawyer would know, and learn it quickly. Fortunately, I had marvelous help from fantastic friends.
You've written over 100 books that are spread over a wonderful array of topics and issues. How do the ideas for your books come to you? How do you find a fresh angle for each?Ideas just come--usually through things I read. I'll notice something and let it go, but when I notice it again in another source, that's when I latch onto it. I figure the Lord's bringing it to my attention for a good reason. As to the fresh angle--well, every story is different, but every story also has common characteristics. I usually always feature an intelligent woman in an unusual situation with a unique problem.
If you could write any book you wanted and know it would land on the bestsellers list, what would you write?
Talking dreams here, are we? Well . . . if I could KNOW that it'd be read by tens of thousands, I'd want it to be something that reveals the Father's love.
Take a moment to tell us about one of your current novels. What excites you about this one?
THE FACE is my latest release, and it reveals the Father's love . . . in a metaphorical way. I'm excited about this one because it's high concept and it combines a lot of issues that fascinate me--beauty, faces, the CIA, female relationships, computer science, and psychology. And spying. I love spy stuff.
Last question: If you could go anywhere in the world and take anyone, where would you go and who would you take?
I've really been hankering to go on an African safari, and my husband would never forgive me if I didn't take him. :-)
Well, if he won't join you, feel free to invite me :-). Thanks again, Angela.
------
With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the best-selling author of The Tale of Three Trees (sales of over one million), Don’t Bet Against Me, with Deanna Favre (sales of over 195,000), The Note (sales of over 130,000), and The Nativity Story.
Hunt began her writing career in 1983. After five years of honing her craft and writing for magazines, she published her first book in 1988. Since then, she has written over one hundred books in fiction and nonfiction, for children and adults. In 2007, her nonfiction book Don’t Bet Against Me, written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
Eight of her novels have won Angel Awards from Excellence in Media. Hunt has also won four medals from ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award (for The Novelist, The Justice, The Canopy, and Unspoken), and a Christy Award for By Dawn’s Early Light. Her novel The Note was filmed as a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2007, and her books The Elevator and Uncharted have also been optioned by production companies. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and in 2008 she completed her doctorate in the same field. To keep in touch with her readers, Angela maintains a vibrant web presence through her website and blog.
She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs. In 2001, one of her dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest dog in America. Web page: www.angelahuntbooks.com
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Reflection
If you’re like me, your holiday schedule is full. Cards to send, presents to wrap, a tree to trim and a home to decorate make this, as the song says, “the busiest time of the year.”
In spite of the hustle and bustle and “to do” lists that never seem to end, let’s take a moment to look back over the past year and reflect on what we’ve learned.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
●Writing inspirational stories about God’s love and mercy is a ministry, yet I am always called to do more. The world is hurting, and I must never fail to help those in need.
●Before I begin a new story, I must have a clear picture of how it will unfold. Like a puzzle, the pieces need to fit. At the onset, the characters and plot twists and red herrings and surprise ending are scattered about helter-skelter. But when placed within the framework of the story, the pieces come together as a whole. Only then am I able to start writing.
●Balance is important. As much as I love to write, I also need time away from the writing to renew my spirit so the work remains a joy instead of a burden.
● Work expands to fill the time available. If I have a lot of time to spend on a project, I’ll use lots of time. When I’m under a short deadline, I manage to complete the task quickly.
●Deadlines keep me focused and on task.
●Pausing to celebrate the completion of one project allows me to anticipate the start of the next.
●Category books can be excellent writing tools. The short word count requires me to focus on the important aspects of the story while discarding any tangents that may slow the pace or detract from the main storyline.
●In order to be compelling, characters must be flawed. Readers identify with handicaps and cheer on a hero or heroine who struggles to overcome seemingly overwhelming obstacles.
●I can’t do everything; therefore, I must use my time wisely.
●Being able to say “no” is an important lesson to learn, sometimes more important than saying, “Yes.”
●Marketing takes time, and as stated above, I can’t do everything. The secret is to start with a few manageable tasks, then add new promotional strategies when time permits.
●Set priorities. God and family come fist. Looking back, I realize my “Call” came at the perfect time, after my children had grown when I could focus full time on my writing.
Think back over what you’ve learned this past year and share a tip or two that might help the rest of us.
As we countdown to Christmas let’s take time from our busyness to prepare our hearts as well as our homes. Only then will we be filled with eager anticipation and overwhelming gratitude for the gift of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
Live in the moment. Be grateful. Cherish time spent with friends and family. Pause to talk with God daily. And rejoice because a Savior is born.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas and abundant blessings in the New Year,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
SEASON OF GLORY INTERVIEW
Today we're welcoming SHARON PICKARD the heroine of SEASON OF GLORY, by RON AND JANET BENREY, DECEMBER, 2008. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
Sharon speaking. This is truly a case of 'no good deed goes unpunished'. I was helping my good friend, Emma Neilson, owner of The Scottish Captian, host an event called “First Annual Christmas in Carolina Getaway.” The Scottish Captain is a bed and breakfast that Emma runs by herself. I normally like my Christmases to be quiet affairs with no fuss, but when Emma asked for my help, I felt I couldn't say no.
2. So, during the book you met ANDREW BALLANTINE. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
What a way to meet a guy – when he's choking on food I helped to prepare. Hardly a way to win a man's heart is it? Emma had insisted I stay for the meal, even though I was a helper. Again I agreed and that's when I got more acquainted with Andrew. He was in town to help our church replace its broken stained-glass window. I thought he was a football player, he looked so fit.
3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
Sharon here. I'm a good organizer. That's my strength. And as a nurse, I think I'm compassionate. As for my greatest weakness, well I can be stubborn.
4. What scares you?
Not much. But I was scared of being arrested, let me tell you. And I don't like to be called a liar, either.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
This is something I'm working on. I'm trying to be more flexible. I had to be when I met Andrew.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I'd say it was humming along. I wasn't giving it a whole lot of thought, but then I had to look deeply into my heart and realize what I wanted may not be what God wanted for me.
7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
A more mature Christian.
8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Oh this is important to me. We all work hard on things we think are important, but in the end, they count for nothing in God's eyes unless the work we do advances his kingdom on earth.
9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I'd be a Strathbogie Mist, naturally. It's an usual dessert, and a romantic one. It is sweet, yet substantial. Kind of like me.
Thank you Janet and Ron for sharing Sharon with us today. I love Bed and Breakfasts, they're so romantic. Can't wait to read about Sharon's adventure helping her friend with the inn.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
Sharon speaking. This is truly a case of 'no good deed goes unpunished'. I was helping my good friend, Emma Neilson, owner of The Scottish Captian, host an event called “First Annual Christmas in Carolina Getaway.” The Scottish Captain is a bed and breakfast that Emma runs by herself. I normally like my Christmases to be quiet affairs with no fuss, but when Emma asked for my help, I felt I couldn't say no.
2. So, during the book you met ANDREW BALLANTINE. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
What a way to meet a guy – when he's choking on food I helped to prepare. Hardly a way to win a man's heart is it? Emma had insisted I stay for the meal, even though I was a helper. Again I agreed and that's when I got more acquainted with Andrew. He was in town to help our church replace its broken stained-glass window. I thought he was a football player, he looked so fit.
3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
Sharon here. I'm a good organizer. That's my strength. And as a nurse, I think I'm compassionate. As for my greatest weakness, well I can be stubborn.
4. What scares you?
Not much. But I was scared of being arrested, let me tell you. And I don't like to be called a liar, either.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
This is something I'm working on. I'm trying to be more flexible. I had to be when I met Andrew.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I'd say it was humming along. I wasn't giving it a whole lot of thought, but then I had to look deeply into my heart and realize what I wanted may not be what God wanted for me.
7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
A more mature Christian.
8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Oh this is important to me. We all work hard on things we think are important, but in the end, they count for nothing in God's eyes unless the work we do advances his kingdom on earth.
9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I'd be a Strathbogie Mist, naturally. It's an usual dessert, and a romantic one. It is sweet, yet substantial. Kind of like me.
Thank you Janet and Ron for sharing Sharon with us today. I love Bed and Breakfasts, they're so romantic. Can't wait to read about Sharon's adventure helping her friend with the inn.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ten Days Until Christmas
Ten Days! How did that happen? Okay, here I sit looking at my list of 25 things, then 17 things, and now 10 things, to do until Christmas. By the way, I'm absolutely loving this. I adore lists.
Done this week:
1. Write my Christmas letter (My favorite thing! God has truly blessed me)
It's written, my husband read it. He found two blaring errors (one I called my son a she; the other I had an extra I in there). I fixed them. Left the computer for awhile, came back, and printed 50 copies. Oh, while I went away my computer did updates so automatically turned itself off. I turned it back on. I didn't realize until after I printed 50 of the letters that the mistakes were no longer fixed. I started to just ink out the mistakes and send the letters on their merry way, but the perfectionist in me is insisting I print 50 new one. Oh, and during the update, all my revisions on the second half of chapter one (where I changed a 'she' viewpoint into a 'he' viewpoint)disappeared. (Hmmm, this could be why I referred to my son as a she.
2. Set up the tree (It's fake. I've never had a real one. Think cats.)
Tree is up, lights are on, ornaments are still in the shed.
---Ornaments are out of the shed and onto the tree. It looks great!
3. Make green bean casserole for RWA party (Somebody - think best friend Cathy McDavid - grabbed the chips and dip card before I did!)
Really should have used more than three cans.
4. Buy the book the Polar Express (We're actually going to ride it on the 19th)
Toys-R-Us didn't have it, but BookStar did. Not only that, but the manager took me over to the remainder table and I got the 19.95 book for 9.95, plus it came with a DVD, a casette, and a Xmas tree ornament. I read it to my three-year-old last night, and he listened to every word.
5. Attend church group party (There might be singing around the piano. What fun!)
Attended and have a killer cold. Instead of singing Christmas carols in my alto, I sang them in deep bass. I felt like the kiddie looking in the candy store window. I was there. I so wanted to sing my heart out, but my heart was in the middle of not one, not two, but three coughing spells. I hate being sick.
6. Take Mikey to get picture with Santa Clause (I'll probably do this at Sears.)
Did you know that Santa visits the Bass Pro Shop? I didn't, but my husband did. So, now we have Mikey's picture and there's even a stuffed deer in the background. We got there at 5:00 last night, and the next available time was 7:30. My husband huffed and puffed. We walked around their children's Winter Wonderland (Mikey picked out a truck and boat; husband picked out a new quad; Mommy wished she were at a bookstore) and the head elf came and got us and said someone hadn't showed up. So, we got our picture taken. Then, we went to eat. Then, we went to Walmart. Then, we went to Fry's Grocery store. Then, we went home. Daddy said Mikey needed to behave more; Mommy reminded husband that Mikey is three and that was a lot of errands.
7. Take Mikey to Chaz's birthday party.
A new train park! What a find. And, yes, we had fun.
Done last week:
1. Put the knick-knacks around the house (Memo to self: time to get rid of some)
I'm pretty sure there's a box of Christmas stuff still in the shed, but I don't think I'll mention that to hubby.
2. Clean house (We're having a kiddie party next Saturday for Mikey's Bible Hour class)
We had the kiddie party. It was great. And, boy was my house clean.
3. Call CWOW members who haven't responded to Christmas invite (CWOW stands for Christian Writers of the West. It's the local ACFW group. We're having our first Christmas party and a few members don't comprehend the meaning of RSVP)
I'm putting this in the done column because we had the party. I never did call the members - got busy. But, we had a great party. I made three new writer friends (that's the best Christmas present!). In the picture, you see Leslie, Lori, Kathleen, Sheri, and me!)
4. Make chips and dip for above party.
Not only did I make chips and dip, but I looked at the sign-up, in time, and realized I'd volunteered dessert. So, I stopped at Safeway and got cheesecake. Plus, I had all these vegetables and dip left from the kiddy party and took that, too.
5. Book a hotel near Williams, Arizona, for the 19th (I would have done this already but Don says we have to stay at a hotel where he can earn points. I don't know which hotel to book.)
Booked hotel. According to Triple A book should have been 40 a night. According to reservationist, we'll be paying 70 a night because of the Christmas season. Me, I'm thinking hotel never honors amount they put in Triple A book.
6. Make sure I have babysitters for all adult events.
Now, if they just don't cancel! --- they didn't cancel.
7. Urge husband to decorate outside.
Didn't need to urge him. He did it on his own. Plus, the next-door neighbor gave us a giant blow-up Santa after watching Don put up our giant blue-up snowmen.
Almost Done:
1. Buy gifts (I buy gifts all year round. About a week before Christmas, I unload the gift closet and I get out my Christmas list. I make little name cards and make a spot around the house for everyone. This is how I find out if I bought too much for one relative or not enough for another relative. My husband shops on Christmas Eve.)
I almost wish this was still on the not done list. See, our neighborhood K-Mart is closing, and I went there last week - twice!. I'm probably down to just four more presents to buy.
Not Done:
1. Mail the cards (There's usually more than a 100)
---I need to buy stamps! Hmmm, should I do that this morning or write?
2. Wrap gifts (hubby does paper - he even measures when he cuts! Me, I'm a big believer in decorated bags)
3. Mail gifts (This is no fun. You can't just drop the gifts in a bag and black marker a name. I'm usually running late on this)
4. Critique group party (My amazing critique group - Cathy McDavid, Connie Flynn, and Libby Banks - usually has dinner at an Olive Garden. I found the perfect presents this year. I really must drop those presents in a gift bag soon.)
5. Attend Mikey's pre-school Christmas presentation. --- wouldn't you know I have a 9:30 final and his program is at 11:10 a half hour away. I'm going to start my final, and another teacher's going to sub for me for the last 50 minutes. I can't miss his first Christmas program!
6. Finish grading finals at work, clean office, lock office door.
7. Still need to write five pages a day on Fugitive Hearts, due January 15th.
8. Urge husband to drive two hours to take whole family to the snow.
9. Settle back and enjoy the season.
10. Thank God every day for more than twenty-five blessings.
Hey, notice how there are 10 days until Christmas, and I only have 10 things left to do! Now that's a blessing.
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