by Tricia Goyer
Do you still find yourself humming the love songs of the 80s and 90s?
Do you still believe that every marriage should be between soul mates?
But -- do you wonder how you can succeed at love and marriage when the generation you grew up in didn't?
Marriage isn't what it used to be-it can be better than ever.
If you are a Gen Xer, your marriage has challenges and potentials that no other generation has known. A Gen Xer herself, Tricia Goyer offers realistic help to achieve the God-honoring marriage you long for. She includes:
·Ways to protect your marriage despite the broken relationships modeled in your youth
·Stories, suggestions, and confessions from fellow Gen Xers facing the "What now?" question of real-life marriage
·Advice from the ultimate marriage survival guide: the Bible
·Stats, quizzes, sidebars, and study questions related to this "relationally challenged" time in history
·Practical helps for negotiating kids, work, sex, money, and dirty laundry-sometimes all in the same evening
If you are part of a generation of adults who don't want to bow to their culture or live and love like their parents did -- this book is for you.
HERE'S MORE INFO!
Tricia's Bio and photo:http://triciagoyer.com/presskit.html
Book excerpt: http://www.triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/Ch__1_GNM_first_chap.pdf
What people are saying about Generation NeXt Marriage: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/1590529103/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Buy the book: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1137620&item_no=529102
Tricia's website: http://triciagoyer.com
Five unique marriage challenges faced by Gen Xers and how to tackle them!
1. Gen Xers saw more divorces than successful marriages. The divorce rate doubled between 1965-1977 and Gen Xers were the victims. 40% of us spent time in a single-family home before age 16. We grew up in families with step-moms and half-siblings and living every other weekend with a different parent and faced the loneliness and alienation of our splintered families. As married adults, Gen Xers can meet their spouse's need by speaking encouraging words, which are like gold stars to a Gen Xer's heart -- and by never using the D-word. As author Madeleine L'Engle once said, "There are a lot of marriages today that break up just at the point where they could mature and deepen."
2. Without role models, many GenXers turned to music, movies and television for examples of healthy relationships. Now, we often model our relationships after television sitcoms. We are good at quick comebacks and sassy remarks, without taking time to consider the other person's heart. We also want our problems wrapped up in thirty minutes or less! Instead, Gen Xers need to understand that unrealistic expectations can hurt our relationships. We also need to treat out spouses with honor and respect, even when we don't feel like they deserve it.
3. Our teen relationships were intense and often included sexuality, leading to intense breakups and the resulting baggage. By the time many GenXers walked down the aisle, they'd experienced several "pretend-marriages." Spouses can break free from these bonds when we realize the truth about love, the truth about emotions, and the truth about intimacy. It's knowing that what we had in the past wasn't love -- and emotions don't rule. True intimacy is choosing to share our hearts and our struggles with the one we're committed to for life.
4. Gen Xers were starved for quality time, so they appreciate balance. Doing too much stresses us out. The first thing Gen Xers need to do is realize the impact of our faced-pace lives, and then make plans for peace. It's cutting out things that won't matter ten years from now and focusing on the things that will.
5. Gen Xers were labeled the "slackers" and the "grunge" generation. The generations before didn't think we'd amount to much. Because of this, Gen Xers strive hard to prove themselves. We aren't content just "living life," we want to reach our full potential. Spouses can encourage each other to follow their heart dreams. This starts with asking your spouse out his/her dreams, then offering encouragement and support!
TELL US YOUR STORY!
Tomorrow I will be sharing the story of my husband and I meeting and falling in love. Even if you don't think your story is especially romantic, please share it with us.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Goldeneyes
by Delia Latham
A man’s eyes are the windows to his soul … if he has one.
Deep in the darkness of a Depression-era night, a man addicted to alcohol commits an unspeakable crime to obtain it. His vile action impacts the lives of two entire families, and over two decades will pass before the horrible wrong begins to be made right again.
Two young women – strangers to each other – unknowingly enmeshed in a Pandora’s Box of secrets that could prevent them from finding happiness with the men they love. Two adoring mothers who know more than they are willing to say. A newsman with a story he cannot tell. What is their connection, and who is the golden-eyed stranger who moves in the shadows of their broken lives?
Excerpt:
The old cuckoo clock on the shelf in the front room struck midnight. It’s persistent chirping irritated Jack Kelly’s already frayed nerves as he paced back and forth across the small room.
"Shut up! Shut up!" he growled beneath his breath, casting an anxious look at the crib in the next room. When no signs of disturbed sleep were forthcoming, he breathed a grateful sigh of relief. The last thing he needed right now was a squalling infant to further vex the burning demon within him. He had promised his wife he would not spend a cent on liquor. New babies meant new expenses, and those things must come first.
So far he had kept his promise; he’d had no choice. Every penny he earned with his hoe, day after blistering day in the cotton fields, was swallowed up in scratching out a meager existence. There never seemed to be a penny extra, to say nothing of the few dollars a bottle of whiskey would cost. With the addition of this new offspring, who knew when he would be able to quench the gnawing demon of thirst that drove him insane? He had to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. The arrival of more children would only make that job harder, and it was obvious Annie did not intend to stop at one pregnancy.
Another glance into the small bedroom revealed no unwelcome stirrings from the crib. A bright moonbeam, however, lay across the bed, and Kelly’s tormented gaze fell on the lovely face of the woman he had married. He had considered himself a lucky man when she said yes to his proposal, despite her goody-two-shoes, Bible-thumping parents. If he loved anything on this poor excuse of an earth, he loved Annie. She was a perfect wife.
Their home might be barely more than a shack, but it sparkled, and she was a real wonder in the kitchen. He could not remember her voice ever raised in anger, even when he had fallen through the front door, dog drunk, a week after she married him.
Kelly’s fevered mind wandered to his conversation with the poor fish in the cotton field. Had it only been eight or nine hours ago? It seemed an eon; every moment without the drink he craved was an eternity.
Poor fella don’t know how lucky he is. Only has to worry ‘bout that pretty little gal and hisself. I bet he could buy a bottle of whiskey if he wanted one!
With the thought, an idea was born, full-blown and itching for action. He actually stopped pacing for a moment, shocked to the core by the undiluted vileness of the seed taking root in his mind. He stood staring at the crib against the far wall and shook his head as if to toss out the evil thought.
"You’re crazy," he whispered. His heart pounded painfully against his chest; little beads of sweat dotted his forehead and chin. "You’ve done gone stark, starin’ mad!"
And perhaps he had, for suddenly he found himself across the room, gazing down into the hand-me-down crib. He was horrified at the darkness within his imagination, yet knew full well he hadn’t the strength of mind or will to resist its powerful pull.
One more almost desperate glance at his wife’s face … if she would only wake up he would have to forsake this notion, and perhaps he could rid himself of the unforgivable intent. Indeed, Annie did stir a little and drew a deep sigh, almost as though she heard his desperate mental cry. But hers was the sleep of utter exhaustion and she slumbered on.
A few moments later, Kelly slipped silently out the back door of the little shack, clutching a tiny pink bundle in his arms and blinking back the tears of shame and self-loathing that sprang unbidden to his eyes.
Interview With Delia
Q. Who is Delia Latham?
A: I’m a Christian wife, married to a Pentecostal minister. My husband is the assistant pastor at our church, and I’m involved in the music ministry. I play piano and sing. I have four grown children and four beautiful, absolutely perfect granchildren – no, really, they are! We all live in Bakersfield, California. I was born here and have resided in or around this desert town my entire life.
A: I’m a Christian wife, married to a Pentecostal minister. My husband is the assistant pastor at our church, and I’m involved in the music ministry. I play piano and sing. I have four grown children and four beautiful, absolutely perfect granchildren – no, really, they are! We all live in Bakersfield, California. I was born here and have resided in or around this desert town my entire life.
Q: What books are on your nightstand right now?
A: Too many. I write reviews, so there’s always plenty of reading material in my room. Right now, I’m looking at Rainbow’s End by Irene Hannon, Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky, Abandoned Identity by Tamara Tilley – that’s just a few of the unread books. I just finished Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren and – a little detour from the usual – The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz.
A: Too many. I write reviews, so there’s always plenty of reading material in my room. Right now, I’m looking at Rainbow’s End by Irene Hannon, Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky, Abandoned Identity by Tamara Tilley – that’s just a few of the unread books. I just finished Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren and – a little detour from the usual – The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz.
Q: Your novel, Goldeneyes, is scheduled for release in March. What is it about?
A: It’s an historical romance about a depression-era man who does something horrible to satisy his alcohol addiction, and the ripple effect his action causes in the lives of two families over twenty years later.
Q: What inspired you to write Goldeneyes?
A: I grew up in Weedpatch, the little farming community where Part One of Goldeneyes is set. I’ve always wanted to write something using that location as a backdrop. This story has been brewing in my mind for several years, but it was hard for me to get past the reality of Weedpatch in my own life and get on with turning it into a fictional tale. I prayed a lot! Once God gave me the go-ahead, He also gave me the inspiration, and I’m very pleased with the completed product.
A: It’s an historical romance about a depression-era man who does something horrible to satisy his alcohol addiction, and the ripple effect his action causes in the lives of two families over twenty years later.
Q: What inspired you to write Goldeneyes?
A: I grew up in Weedpatch, the little farming community where Part One of Goldeneyes is set. I’ve always wanted to write something using that location as a backdrop. This story has been brewing in my mind for several years, but it was hard for me to get past the reality of Weedpatch in my own life and get on with turning it into a fictional tale. I prayed a lot! Once God gave me the go-ahead, He also gave me the inspiration, and I’m very pleased with the completed product.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: Ahhh … the question every writer gets asked most often - and for me, quite possibly the hardest, because I’m not always sure. Sometimes I get ideas from little snippets of history; a few of my stories are major exaggerations of tiny occurrences in my own life or the lives of people I know; and sometimes I sit down to write with absolutely no idea what I’m going to write about. Oddly enough, those are the times I usually wind up being happiest with the results, maybe because I’m most open for God to take my writing wherever He wants to.
A: Ahhh … the question every writer gets asked most often - and for me, quite possibly the hardest, because I’m not always sure. Sometimes I get ideas from little snippets of history; a few of my stories are major exaggerations of tiny occurrences in my own life or the lives of people I know; and sometimes I sit down to write with absolutely no idea what I’m going to write about. Oddly enough, those are the times I usually wind up being happiest with the results, maybe because I’m most open for God to take my writing wherever He wants to.
Q: So you don’t always plot or outline your book before you write?
A: How’d you guess? No, I write like I do most other things in my life – totally off the cuff. I’m what the writing community refers to as a SOTP: Seat-of-the-pants writer.
A: How’d you guess? No, I write like I do most other things in my life – totally off the cuff. I’m what the writing community refers to as a SOTP: Seat-of-the-pants writer.
Q: Which authors have most influenced your own writing?
A: Too many to possibly mention here! As a child, I devoured just about every book I could get my hands on: Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Bobbsey Twins – even the Hardy Boys; I wasn’t gender specific as to reading material. As I got older, I graduated to romance and found Grace Livingston Hill, Barbara Cartland, Emilie Loring, and oh, yes – I discovered Harlequin Romance (oh, my!). Now some of my favorite writers are Joy Fielding, Lori Wick, Lori Copeland … the list goes on for miles. My favorite book of all time is Swan Song, by Robert McCammon – rather surprising for an inspirational author, I know, but it’s a beautifully written epic account of good vs. evil. Unforgettable!
Q: What other projects are you currently working on?
A: My current work-in-progress is surprising me by actually creating a connection between my debut novel and Goldeneyes, which I wasn’t expecting at all. I’ve also just completed something completely new - at least for me. While it’s still Christian romance, it will fit more easily into the Chick Lit genre, bringing in a touch more humor and lightheartedness than is in my other works.
Visit me at my website: http://www.delialatham.com
My blog: http://www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com
A: Too many to possibly mention here! As a child, I devoured just about every book I could get my hands on: Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Bobbsey Twins – even the Hardy Boys; I wasn’t gender specific as to reading material. As I got older, I graduated to romance and found Grace Livingston Hill, Barbara Cartland, Emilie Loring, and oh, yes – I discovered Harlequin Romance (oh, my!). Now some of my favorite writers are Joy Fielding, Lori Wick, Lori Copeland … the list goes on for miles. My favorite book of all time is Swan Song, by Robert McCammon – rather surprising for an inspirational author, I know, but it’s a beautifully written epic account of good vs. evil. Unforgettable!
Q: What other projects are you currently working on?
A: My current work-in-progress is surprising me by actually creating a connection between my debut novel and Goldeneyes, which I wasn’t expecting at all. I’ve also just completed something completely new - at least for me. While it’s still Christian romance, it will fit more easily into the Chick Lit genre, bringing in a touch more humor and lightheartedness than is in my other works.
Visit me at my website: http://www.delialatham.com
My blog: http://www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com
The tour: Check out these blogs to find out more about Delia and Goldeneyes.
1. Feb. 1 – Cecelia Dowdy - www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com
2. Feb. 2 – Diane Wylie - www.dianewylie.blogspot.com
3. Feb. 4 – Tyora Moody – http://www.faithwebbin.net/share/authors
4. Feb. 5 – Jill Elizabeth Nelson - www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
5. Feb. 7 – Toni V. Lee - www.tonivlee.blogspot.com
6. Feb. 11 – Joe Prentis – www.PrentisAtPickwick.blogspot.com
7. Feb. 13 – Grace Bridges – www.gracebridges.blogspot.com
8. Feb. 14 – Teresa Slack - www.teresaslack.blogspot.com
9. Feb. 15 – Angela Wilson - www.WickedWordsmith.com
10. Feb. 18 – Suzanne Woods Fisher – www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com
11. Feb. 20 – Cindy Bauer – www.cindybauer.blogspot.com
12. Feb. 21 – Cindy Bauer – www.cindybauer.blogspot.com
13. Feb. 24 – Shelagh Watkins –
http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-YBhTm88ic6MDORhJ2w7ss1P4kF_DWA--?cq=1
http://shelaghs.blogspot.com/
14. Feb. 25 – Rhonda Clark –
www.freewebs.com/rhondaclark
http://rclarkwriter.spaces.live.comhttp://www.shoutlife.com/rhondaclark
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-1g3AwwAjc6kAYkXzT8AzLjY15oA-?cq=1
15. Feb. 26 – Cindy Bauer – www.cindybauer.blogspot.com (Guest Blog)
16. Feb. 28 – Julie Kornhausl – www.simplyromancereviews.com
17. Mar. 2 – Mary Connealy – www.mconnealy.blogspot.com
18. Mar. 4 – Dee Owen – www.marjo-mumswritings.blogspot.com
19. Mar. 5 – Tabitha Robin – www.tabitha-robin.com
20. Mar. 7 – Tori Close – www.toriclose.com
http://heartfriendz.com/
21. Mar. 10 – Jennifer Hudson Taylor – www.jenniferswriting.blogspot.com
22. Mar. 12 – Debra Ullrick - http://www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/
23. Mar. 17 – Miralee Ferrell – www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com
24. Mar. 19 – Bonnie Winters - http://360.yahoo.com/indianabon
25. Mar. 20 – Cynthia Hickey – http://www.cynthiahickey.blogspot.com
26. Mar. 24 – Pamela James - www.pammer.blogspot.com
27. Mar. 24 – 28 – Tracy Ruckman – www.pixnpens.blogspot.com
28. Mar. 25 – Christa Allen - http://cballan.wordpress.com/
29. Mar. 27 – Melissa Meeks - http://forstrose.blogspot.com/
30. Mar. 31 – Gina Conroy – http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com
31. April 20 – Marian Merritt – http://www.marianmerritt.com
32. April 27 – Margaret Daley – www.margaretdaley.blogspot.com
33. Throughout February and March – David G. Boggs – http://www.freewebs.com/davidgboggs/delialathamsnewbook.htm
www.davidgboggs.blogspot.com
2. Feb. 2 – Diane Wylie - www.dianewylie.blogspot.com
3. Feb. 4 – Tyora Moody – http://www.faithwebbin.net/share/authors
4. Feb. 5 – Jill Elizabeth Nelson - www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
5. Feb. 7 – Toni V. Lee - www.tonivlee.blogspot.com
6. Feb. 11 – Joe Prentis – www.PrentisAtPickwick.blogspot.com
7. Feb. 13 – Grace Bridges – www.gracebridges.blogspot.com
8. Feb. 14 – Teresa Slack - www.teresaslack.blogspot.com
9. Feb. 15 – Angela Wilson - www.WickedWordsmith.com
10. Feb. 18 – Suzanne Woods Fisher – www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com
11. Feb. 20 – Cindy Bauer – www.cindybauer.blogspot.com
12. Feb. 21 – Cindy Bauer – www.cindybauer.blogspot.com
13. Feb. 24 – Shelagh Watkins –
http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-YBhTm88ic6MDORhJ2w7ss1P4kF_DWA--?cq=1
http://shelaghs.blogspot.com/
14. Feb. 25 – Rhonda Clark –
www.freewebs.com/rhondaclark
http://rclarkwriter.spaces.live.comhttp://www.shoutlife.com/rhondaclark
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-1g3AwwAjc6kAYkXzT8AzLjY15oA-?cq=1
15. Feb. 26 – Cindy Bauer – www.cindybauer.blogspot.com (Guest Blog)
16. Feb. 28 – Julie Kornhausl – www.simplyromancereviews.com
17. Mar. 2 – Mary Connealy – www.mconnealy.blogspot.com
18. Mar. 4 – Dee Owen – www.marjo-mumswritings.blogspot.com
19. Mar. 5 – Tabitha Robin – www.tabitha-robin.com
20. Mar. 7 – Tori Close – www.toriclose.com
http://heartfriendz.com/
21. Mar. 10 – Jennifer Hudson Taylor – www.jenniferswriting.blogspot.com
22. Mar. 12 – Debra Ullrick - http://www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/
23. Mar. 17 – Miralee Ferrell – www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com
24. Mar. 19 – Bonnie Winters - http://360.yahoo.com/indianabon
25. Mar. 20 – Cynthia Hickey – http://www.cynthiahickey.blogspot.com
26. Mar. 24 – Pamela James - www.pammer.blogspot.com
27. Mar. 24 – 28 – Tracy Ruckman – www.pixnpens.blogspot.com
28. Mar. 25 – Christa Allen - http://cballan.wordpress.com/
29. Mar. 27 – Melissa Meeks - http://forstrose.blogspot.com/
30. Mar. 31 – Gina Conroy – http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com
31. April 20 – Marian Merritt – http://www.marianmerritt.com
32. April 27 – Margaret Daley – www.margaretdaley.blogspot.com
33. Throughout February and March – David G. Boggs – http://www.freewebs.com/davidgboggs/delialathamsnewbook.htm
www.davidgboggs.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Full contact Easter hunting
Okay, my family is so precious because, well, they just are, but we are also weird.
I never did much of the Easter eggs stuff with my kids because I felt it was lying and I felt bad about it since my kids believed everything I told them. However, my kids and my niece and nephew are really too old for Easter eggs hunt anyway. My nephew is not quite too old as he's only ten. So he took some candy filled eggs out to the yard to hide them. Then we all (the adults too except my hubby, he was taking a nap) went out to the yard to try to find them. That kid can hide eggs, let me tell you. W searched high and low and dug in leaves and moss, under rocks and in holes.
My nephew said, "There's one IN THE GROUND!" My mother-in-law was out there hunting, hadn't gotten a single egg yet--even Grandpa found two--and she got an excited look on her face and hunkered over and moved at a run. She'd spotted it. Out from the right of her a blue blurr appeared. It was my oldest son running at top speed. He leaped, dove, grabbed the egg out of the hole in the ground, tucked and rolled. It was the funniest thing I'd seen in a long time. Poor Grandma, she was so crushed.
We did share our candy with her though.
Hope you had a blessed Easter.
I never did much of the Easter eggs stuff with my kids because I felt it was lying and I felt bad about it since my kids believed everything I told them. However, my kids and my niece and nephew are really too old for Easter eggs hunt anyway. My nephew is not quite too old as he's only ten. So he took some candy filled eggs out to the yard to hide them. Then we all (the adults too except my hubby, he was taking a nap) went out to the yard to try to find them. That kid can hide eggs, let me tell you. W searched high and low and dug in leaves and moss, under rocks and in holes.
My nephew said, "There's one IN THE GROUND!" My mother-in-law was out there hunting, hadn't gotten a single egg yet--even Grandpa found two--and she got an excited look on her face and hunkered over and moved at a run. She'd spotted it. Out from the right of her a blue blurr appeared. It was my oldest son running at top speed. He leaped, dove, grabbed the egg out of the hole in the ground, tucked and rolled. It was the funniest thing I'd seen in a long time. Poor Grandma, she was so crushed.
We did share our candy with her though.
Hope you had a blessed Easter.
The most romantic thing
My husband and I took the kids and a friend of theirs to Homer's Coffee House last night. Every Friday and Saturday night, Homor's features a live Christian band. Last night featured Stan Pollman (you can find him under that name at Shoutlife, if you'd like to give his music a listen to, it's worth the time).
They just finished a song, Stan wiped his brow and took one of the mics in front of him off the stand and handed it to the bass player, Perry. Perry took the mic and told the crowd Stan had given him a great honor to let him sing the first verse of one of his songs, especially for his girlfriend Stacy, sitting in the audience (right in front of course). He also said we'd quickly find out why he played bass, lol. Although I thought he sounded good. I can't remember all the words and wouldn't print them here without Stan's permission, but one line was about walking along life's roads with you (or something along those lines) and as he sang the last note, he pulled a ring out of his pocket and said, "Will you marry me?"
The whole place let out a collective gasp and I started crying. It was soooo romantic. She said yes of course.
What's the most romantic thing you've seen?
They just finished a song, Stan wiped his brow and took one of the mics in front of him off the stand and handed it to the bass player, Perry. Perry took the mic and told the crowd Stan had given him a great honor to let him sing the first verse of one of his songs, especially for his girlfriend Stacy, sitting in the audience (right in front of course). He also said we'd quickly find out why he played bass, lol. Although I thought he sounded good. I can't remember all the words and wouldn't print them here without Stan's permission, but one line was about walking along life's roads with you (or something along those lines) and as he sang the last note, he pulled a ring out of his pocket and said, "Will you marry me?"
The whole place let out a collective gasp and I started crying. It was soooo romantic. She said yes of course.
What's the most romantic thing you've seen?
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Self-education
Hi all,
I had a fun time over at Seekerville, but now I'm back.
This year I decided that I needed to settle down and learn how to be a better writer. I prayed about this and told God I wanted to keep my promise to Him (to continue to write with joy even if I never get published). I thought if I knew better what I was doing, I could find the joy of writing again.
So I started taking classes. I think in January I took the one in ACFW, but I came across one talking about Criminology and one about Fingerprinting. I took those. (I try not to take more than two a month because, well, I just don't have that kind of time and still have time to write.) This month I took one called Inside the Criminal Mind by Lucinda Schroeder and one called Empowering Your Characters Emotions by Margie Lawson (VERY detailed).
God gave me a hand and introduced me to Kelly Mortimer. Okay, I "met" her online early in 2007 because I liked her tagline. Then one month she drew my initials and I submitted to her. She rejected that submission, but a friendship grew nonetheless. Since then I submitted again, and she choose my submission out of other's to be the winner of her first Mentorship Award. I have learned so much already. (My crit partners are finding this out, lol.)
I usually lurk in classes. I read the assignments and occassionally will speak up to turn in a specific assignment or ask a question. I've signed up for two classes in April and I will take the one of ACFW (always a good class). One put on by the Elements of RWA called Crime Scene Investigations--Okay, you got the call, now what? What to expect at a Crime Scene by Phyllis Middleton. And one at Coffin (RWA's Kiss of Death) From Austin to Aliens: How to Create Classic Tough Chicks (can't remember the instructor at the moment.
But I discovered something else last year. I'm going to share it with you. Some of you may even be aware of it.
I love movies. Not all movies, mind you, but the movies I love, I can watch time and time again. In fact, if I love them enough, I'll watch everything on the disc (bloopers are a favorite). But my biggest Ah-ha moment was watching the Extras of an X-File season. Deleted scenes. That's right Deleted. They usually show you the scene and tell you why it didn't work. That directly relates to your writing. Are you hanging on to darling scenes that don't move the plot forward? Do you go on too long about a certain subject? Do you lack the setup for an important character? Look at each scene in your book and pretend your on the cutting floor for a film. Someone told me a scene has to serve three purposes to stay in your book. Three GOOD reasons to be there. Move the story forward, build character, increase tension, etc.
So come on, let's pretend we work for a movie studio and start inspecting those scenes.
And for those of you taking Margie's class, grab your highlighters and get to work coloring those pages. That's what I'm working on today.
Have a lovely Easter weekend.
Blessings.
I had a fun time over at Seekerville, but now I'm back.
This year I decided that I needed to settle down and learn how to be a better writer. I prayed about this and told God I wanted to keep my promise to Him (to continue to write with joy even if I never get published). I thought if I knew better what I was doing, I could find the joy of writing again.
So I started taking classes. I think in January I took the one in ACFW, but I came across one talking about Criminology and one about Fingerprinting. I took those. (I try not to take more than two a month because, well, I just don't have that kind of time and still have time to write.) This month I took one called Inside the Criminal Mind by Lucinda Schroeder and one called Empowering Your Characters Emotions by Margie Lawson (VERY detailed).
God gave me a hand and introduced me to Kelly Mortimer. Okay, I "met" her online early in 2007 because I liked her tagline. Then one month she drew my initials and I submitted to her. She rejected that submission, but a friendship grew nonetheless. Since then I submitted again, and she choose my submission out of other's to be the winner of her first Mentorship Award. I have learned so much already. (My crit partners are finding this out, lol.)
I usually lurk in classes. I read the assignments and occassionally will speak up to turn in a specific assignment or ask a question. I've signed up for two classes in April and I will take the one of ACFW (always a good class). One put on by the Elements of RWA called Crime Scene Investigations--Okay, you got the call, now what? What to expect at a Crime Scene by Phyllis Middleton. And one at Coffin (RWA's Kiss of Death) From Austin to Aliens: How to Create Classic Tough Chicks (can't remember the instructor at the moment.
But I discovered something else last year. I'm going to share it with you. Some of you may even be aware of it.
I love movies. Not all movies, mind you, but the movies I love, I can watch time and time again. In fact, if I love them enough, I'll watch everything on the disc (bloopers are a favorite). But my biggest Ah-ha moment was watching the Extras of an X-File season. Deleted scenes. That's right Deleted. They usually show you the scene and tell you why it didn't work. That directly relates to your writing. Are you hanging on to darling scenes that don't move the plot forward? Do you go on too long about a certain subject? Do you lack the setup for an important character? Look at each scene in your book and pretend your on the cutting floor for a film. Someone told me a scene has to serve three purposes to stay in your book. Three GOOD reasons to be there. Move the story forward, build character, increase tension, etc.
So come on, let's pretend we work for a movie studio and start inspecting those scenes.
And for those of you taking Margie's class, grab your highlighters and get to work coloring those pages. That's what I'm working on today.
Have a lovely Easter weekend.
Blessings.
Monday, March 17, 2008
My first Acknowledgement and Dedications!!
You know one of the first things I read in a book, usually is the acknowledgements. I love to see who authors thank and why. I was never in any until my friend Camy Tang published her first two books.
Unfortunately I was so enamored of her dedication to her hubby that I passed right over the acknowledgements, where I was listed. In Sushi for One? and Only Uni. I'm in both. I was so excited I called my niece and told her. :) Yes the dear is quite used to Auntie Pam being a little weird.
Then the other day I received a large envelope from Zondervan. Hmmmm, what was inside the envelope? A copy of Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins. Why? Because she dedicated it to all us original Scenes and Bean Bloggers. My name is in there. I was so excited.
Now imagine, I'll probably faint when I see my name on the front of a book as it's author!!
SEEKERVILLE
Tomorrow I have another honor bestowed upon me. The Seekers are featuring a post written by me. (These are some of the nicest ladies I've met, they have welcomed me with open arms.) Please join us in the fun of an interactive blogging experience and post a comment. :)
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
A late Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too. (Okay, honest, who else forgot to wear green today? I confess I forgot what day it was and had to steal a sticker off my sample coffee since it was green and I hate to be pinched, so I sported a tag that read "40 Sardines" all day. Now who would call their coffee 40 Sardines? I'm almost afraid to try it.)
Unfortunately I was so enamored of her dedication to her hubby that I passed right over the acknowledgements, where I was listed. In Sushi for One? and Only Uni. I'm in both. I was so excited I called my niece and told her. :) Yes the dear is quite used to Auntie Pam being a little weird.
Then the other day I received a large envelope from Zondervan. Hmmmm, what was inside the envelope? A copy of Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins. Why? Because she dedicated it to all us original Scenes and Bean Bloggers. My name is in there. I was so excited.
Now imagine, I'll probably faint when I see my name on the front of a book as it's author!!
SEEKERVILLE
Tomorrow I have another honor bestowed upon me. The Seekers are featuring a post written by me. (These are some of the nicest ladies I've met, they have welcomed me with open arms.) Please join us in the fun of an interactive blogging experience and post a comment. :)
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
A late Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too. (Okay, honest, who else forgot to wear green today? I confess I forgot what day it was and had to steal a sticker off my sample coffee since it was green and I hate to be pinched, so I sported a tag that read "40 Sardines" all day. Now who would call their coffee 40 Sardines? I'm almost afraid to try it.)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A Soldier's Family
by Cheryl Wyatt
Book 2 in the Wings of Refuge Series
(Steeple Hill Love Inspired)
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Both of her debut novels (Books 1 and 2 in her Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill) have received Romantic Times Top Picks.
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY:
On A Crash Course With Love
She was the woman of pararescue jumper Manny Péna's dreams. But he'd stuck his foot in his mouth the last time he met Celia Munez. Now, grounded after a parachuting accident, he was desperate to make amends with the beautiful widow.
But Celia wasn't having it. The last thing she needed was another man with a dangerous job—even if he had given his life to God. Yet Manny's growing commitment to her and her troubled son began to convince her that perhaps she should take her own leap of faith.
ISBN: 037387474X
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Ordering Link: Order now!
I met Cheryl on the Steeple Hill Chat Boards about four years ago (seems like we've been friends for so much longer than that). The first time I read her writing was on a Round Robin we were participating in about a Firewoman. I knew then she had so much talent. I've watched and cheered as she's learned more and more about writing and finally got her first contract.
It's been such a joy to watch her on this journey. I am so proud of her.
I know she'll never forget me or leave me behind because we're twins seperated at birth. (And it has nothing to do with the fact that I know some really embarassing things about her, snicker.)
The first book is called A Soldier's Promise, because I know you'll want to read it too, if it isn't completely sold out. :)
Monday, March 03, 2008
Only Uni by Camy Tang
We're here today to celebrate :) Camy's new release called Only Uni. Sequel to Sushi for One? Hi Camy, I'm happy to have you here today.
1. Is there a special way you met your husband? Does that play into your books?
I met Captain Caffeine at church on Easter Sunday, right after I'd gone sailing with friends and gotten completely sunburned! I was radioactive, I tell you. I really didn't want to meet anyone--I was sitting in the pew and trying to muster the energy to go home--when my friend Steve said, "Hey, Camy, I want to introduce you to someone." It was out of a nightmare. Here was this cute, volleyball-playing, guitar-playing engineer, and I'm looking like I could cook a steak on my face. Luckily, he didn't hold it against me. We started emailing after that, and things just kept going from there. Our first meeting doesn't really play into my books, but the way Captain Caffeine is so compatible with me in ways I never thought I needed a husband to be compatible with me is something I keep in mind when creating heroes for my heroines.
2. What do you feel the spiritual theme of this book is? Does this relate to real life for you?
The theme is God's grace, in not just the big stuff, but also the little stuff. It's about making mistakes and facing the consequences with God by our side. I've learned a lot about grace in the past few years--receiving and giving it--and I hope that's come out in the story.
3. I love your character Trish. She's so vivid and real, you can't help but love her. Can you tell me a little about "meeting" her?
There's a bit of me in Trish (Captain Caffeine says there's a LOT of me in Trish, but I just hit him and tell him to be quiet). She's a bit of a dingbat, but she's also very enthusiastic and adventurous. I'm a bit of a dingbat, and I WISH I was as enthusiastic and adventurous as she is. When I created the four cousins, I came up with four completely different personalities, and Trish's way of doing things seemed a good foil for the others.
4. I think you're a fun person to hang out with, and your fun voice comes across in your novels (I was laughing before I'd finished the first page.). Do you plot or just go by the seat of your pants? (although I think I know > the answer to this one.)
Well, I love hanging out with you, too, darlin'! I am a very anal plotter. I use Randy Ingermanson's Snowflake method as well as the Hero or Heroine's Journeys, and I make liberal use of my Excel program.
5. When is the third book in the series due out? Can you give us a small sneak peek?
Single Sashimi comes out in August 2008. It's the final book in the series, but I'm planning on writing a novella with Jenn's story, and having that available as an ebook for my newsletter YahooGroup members.
Here's the blurb for Single Sashimi:
Drake Yu. Why would Drake call her after … what, five years? Six?
Venus heard in his voice that resonance that was almost a growl, that titanium-hard determination to get what he wanted. And he usually got what he wanted. The voice said: "I want you to work for me."
Not this time… If it was a choice between Drake and McDonald's—she'd choose french fries. She'd never work for him again. It would take an act of God.
Venus Chau is determined to start her own game development company and launch the next Super Mario-sized phenomenon. However, she needs an investor to back her idea. When Drake Yu, an old nemesis, approaches Venus with a contracting opportunity at his sister's startup, the offer to become Chief Operating Officer tempts Venus to think the unthinkable.
Venus would rather throw away her PS3 than work for Drake again … except Grandma bribes Venus to do this favor for Drake's wealthy family with a coveted introduction to the most respected investor in the game industry. It's also a short job—only a few months—so Venus won't have to stand Drake's presence for very long.
But one wild youth group, a two-faced assistant, and Grandma's determined match-making threaten to make them both fail—or go insane. With the encouragement of her three cousins, Lex, Trish, and Jennifer, Venus discovers that even a wounded heart can undergo a beautiful transformation …
Thank you so much for your time and visiting.
Thanks for having me here, Pammer!
Will Trish Sakai be able to follow her three simple rules and hold out against two gorgeous guys?
Trish Sakai is ready for a change from her wild, flirtatious behavior. And her three cousins are anxious for her to change, too. Trish is always knocking something over, knocking herself out, and taking hard knocks in her perpetual confusion about men.
When Trish's ex-boyfriend, Kazuo the artist, keeps popping up at all the wrong moments, Trish decides to be firm with herself. She creates three simple rules from First and Second Corinthians and plans to follow them to the letter. No more looking at men! No more dating non-Christians! She will persevere in hardship by relying on God.
Except now Kazuo is claiming Trish is his muse, and he can't complete his major work of art without her. And a gorgeous coworker is reassigned, bringing him in daily contact with Trish. But her cousins are determined to hold her accountable to her plan. She thought three rules would be a cinch, but suddenly Trish's simple rules don't seem so simple after all.
It's a great book and around here, I'm having trouble keeping everyone's hands off until I've finished reading it. . .again. There is a line forming to read it next.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
New Releases for March
Grab a cup of your favorite beverage (in some areas spring is bursting so sit outside) and grab one of these books and take a break.
1. A Lady of Hidden Intent, Book 2 in the Ladies of Liberty series by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House Publishers. Catherine Newbury flees her past, but has hidden intentions to right the wrongs done her family.
2. A Soldier's Family, Book 2-Wings of Refuge Series by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill-Love Inspired. A USAF Pararescue jumper recovering from a skydiving accident opens his heart to a widow and her troubled teen, and discovers he's been given a second chance at family.
3. A Suspicion of Strawberries Scents of Murder Series, Book 1 by Lynette Sowell from Barbour. Andromeda Clark loves control, and that's tough to hang onto while tracking down a murderer, saving her business, all while her boyfriend decides it's time to settle down.
4. A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired. Single school teacher seeks solitude. . .and ends up on the adventure of a lifetime!
5. Amber Morn, Kanner Lake series #4 by Brandilyn Collins from Zondervan. The lives of the nationally read “Scenes and Beans” bloggers are on the line when they’re taken hostage by three volatile men whose demands are impossible to meet.
6. Another Stab at Life in The Volstead Manor Series by Anita Higman from Barbour Publishing. Another Stab at Life is about a woman who inherits not only a Gothic mansion, but the shadows and secrets that lie within.
7. Better than Gold Book Three in the Iowa Historical Series by Laurie Alice Eakes from Heartsong Presents. She wants to leave the small, Iowa town. He wants to stay and create a settled life. They both want to find the missing gold.
8. Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner from Harvest House. A jilted bride opens a secondhand wedding dress shop but can't seem to let go of the one dress that started her business - her own.
9. Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When Mary Graham finally starts making right choices, DEA officer Mitch Williams interferes. >From small steps to large leaps, trust, love, and faith are born in the midst of a mystery.
10. Dear to Me, Book 3 in the Brides of Webster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Melinda Andrews is torn between two loves -- her dear animal friends and Gabe, the man she loves.
11. Don't Look Back, #3 in Reunion Revelations (Love Inspired Suspense Continuity Series) by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill. Jameson vows to help Cassie solve her brother's murder by delving into his secrets. But Jameson has his own secrets that might tear them apart.
12. Goldeneyes by Delia Latham from Vintage Romance Publishing. In the darkness of a Depression-era night, an alcoholic man commits a heinous crime, and over twenty years will pass before the horrible wrong begins to be made right.
13. John's Quest by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Publishing. John, an agnostic science professor, finds romantic love while searching for Jesus.
14. Leaving November, Book 2 The Clayburn Novels by Deborah Raney from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. After failing the bar exam twice, a young woman comes home to discover love--with an artist who is everything she never wanted in a man.
15. My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. United by blood, divided by time, three orphan train siblings seek to reunite eighteen years after fate separated them.
16. Seneca Shadows by Lauralee Bliss from Heartsong Pesents, Barbour Publishing. Lucy's quiet world has been invaded as soldiers come to train in her valley. Will love be the consequence?
17. Sincerely, Mayla, The Sequel to Just As I Am by Virginia Smith from Kregel. For control freak Mayla Strong, learning to lean on the everlasting arms is the toughest lesson of all.
18. The Renovation: Carter Mansion, First book in the 3-book Project Restoration Series by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. Single father Ethan Willis is a master at restoring old buildings, returning what was once in ruins to the beauty of its original design. Can a new woman help restore his life after a tragedy that changed everything?
19. The Truth About Love by Tia McCollors from Moody Publishers - Lift Every Voice Imprint. In this powerful sequel to Zora's Cry, four friends face issues that test the strength of their faith and their love.
20. Trouble the Water by Nicole Seitz from Thomas Nelson. Three flawed women find God's healing in the loving hands of a Gullah community on a South Carolina sea island.
21. Wildfire Book #3, Snow Canyon Ranch series by Roxanne Rustand from Steeple Hill. Snow Canyon Ranch---where sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Rockies.
Hope your Sadie Hawkin's Day was fun.
Have a blessed day.
1. A Lady of Hidden Intent, Book 2 in the Ladies of Liberty series by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House Publishers. Catherine Newbury flees her past, but has hidden intentions to right the wrongs done her family.
2. A Soldier's Family, Book 2-Wings of Refuge Series by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill-Love Inspired. A USAF Pararescue jumper recovering from a skydiving accident opens his heart to a widow and her troubled teen, and discovers he's been given a second chance at family.
3. A Suspicion of Strawberries Scents of Murder Series, Book 1 by Lynette Sowell from Barbour. Andromeda Clark loves control, and that's tough to hang onto while tracking down a murderer, saving her business, all while her boyfriend decides it's time to settle down.
4. A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired. Single school teacher seeks solitude. . .and ends up on the adventure of a lifetime!
5. Amber Morn, Kanner Lake series #4 by Brandilyn Collins from Zondervan. The lives of the nationally read “Scenes and Beans” bloggers are on the line when they’re taken hostage by three volatile men whose demands are impossible to meet.
6. Another Stab at Life in The Volstead Manor Series by Anita Higman from Barbour Publishing. Another Stab at Life is about a woman who inherits not only a Gothic mansion, but the shadows and secrets that lie within.
7. Better than Gold Book Three in the Iowa Historical Series by Laurie Alice Eakes from Heartsong Presents. She wants to leave the small, Iowa town. He wants to stay and create a settled life. They both want to find the missing gold.
8. Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner from Harvest House. A jilted bride opens a secondhand wedding dress shop but can't seem to let go of the one dress that started her business - her own.
9. Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When Mary Graham finally starts making right choices, DEA officer Mitch Williams interferes. >From small steps to large leaps, trust, love, and faith are born in the midst of a mystery.
10. Dear to Me, Book 3 in the Brides of Webster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Melinda Andrews is torn between two loves -- her dear animal friends and Gabe, the man she loves.
11. Don't Look Back, #3 in Reunion Revelations (Love Inspired Suspense Continuity Series) by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill. Jameson vows to help Cassie solve her brother's murder by delving into his secrets. But Jameson has his own secrets that might tear them apart.
12. Goldeneyes by Delia Latham from Vintage Romance Publishing. In the darkness of a Depression-era night, an alcoholic man commits a heinous crime, and over twenty years will pass before the horrible wrong begins to be made right.
13. John's Quest by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Publishing. John, an agnostic science professor, finds romantic love while searching for Jesus.
14. Leaving November, Book 2 The Clayburn Novels by Deborah Raney from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. After failing the bar exam twice, a young woman comes home to discover love--with an artist who is everything she never wanted in a man.
15. My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. United by blood, divided by time, three orphan train siblings seek to reunite eighteen years after fate separated them.
16. Seneca Shadows by Lauralee Bliss from Heartsong Pesents, Barbour Publishing. Lucy's quiet world has been invaded as soldiers come to train in her valley. Will love be the consequence?
17. Sincerely, Mayla, The Sequel to Just As I Am by Virginia Smith from Kregel. For control freak Mayla Strong, learning to lean on the everlasting arms is the toughest lesson of all.
18. The Renovation: Carter Mansion, First book in the 3-book Project Restoration Series by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. Single father Ethan Willis is a master at restoring old buildings, returning what was once in ruins to the beauty of its original design. Can a new woman help restore his life after a tragedy that changed everything?
19. The Truth About Love by Tia McCollors from Moody Publishers - Lift Every Voice Imprint. In this powerful sequel to Zora's Cry, four friends face issues that test the strength of their faith and their love.
20. Trouble the Water by Nicole Seitz from Thomas Nelson. Three flawed women find God's healing in the loving hands of a Gullah community on a South Carolina sea island.
21. Wildfire Book #3, Snow Canyon Ranch series by Roxanne Rustand from Steeple Hill. Snow Canyon Ranch---where sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Rockies.
Hope your Sadie Hawkin's Day was fun.
Have a blessed day.
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