Author Jennifer Shirk's Me, My Muse and I

Friday FLASHBACK--and a winner!

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, all!

Before I announce the giveaway winner, I want to say a BIG thanks to special guest author Allie Pleiter!!

I also thought it'd be fun to do a little flashback piece for Friday.
For something different, I'm going to flashback all the way to....this past week.

**cough cough**

What can I say? It was a busy week.

**A 60 ft whale washed up on our beach this week. Dead, unfortunately. And very smelly. It was a fin back whale and marine biologists seem to think it was hit by ship.

**My backsplash is ordered.

**Went through ANOTHER case of Strep with the kiddo. Poor thing (and poor me) :(

**Appointed (by the mayor) to the Library Board of Trustees in our town. (Go, me--er, library!)

**Got my RITA judging books in the mail. (That'll keep me busy reading until March)

**went out to lunch with the hubby (I love lunch dates)

**pendant lights are being hung today in my kitchen (Will post pics Monday)

**Got the green light from the hubby to plan a tropical spring break vacation (Go, Caribbean!)

**had two really sweet reader comments about my book of The Role of a Lifetime. (Thank you!!)

See? Busy week.

So now let's get to the giveaway...

The winner of Allie Pleiter's book FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN is...

Lucky number 25--I mean, RULA SINARA!

Thank you to everyone who commented and entered! I will be hosting another Love Inspired author giveaway in March, so stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!!!

Love Inspired author Allie Pleiter--and a giveaway!

2012-01-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!
I'm so pleased to have Love Inspired author, Allie Pleiter on my blog today!!

About Allie:
An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, fourteen novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing.
Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com
or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com

Please welcome Allie, and read about her writing for the Harlequin Love Inspired line!

“So you write one of thosebooks?”

I get it all the time. People are startled that a six-foot, knitting-obsessed, extroverted,coffee-loving, loud-mouthed, Dr. Who and spy-movie fan writes those books. I have a relative who refers to me as “theone who writes the little God books.” Such comments are usually accompanied with a puzzled look.

I’m never insulted...I love busting the stereotype. Folks who can’t reconcile me with categoryromance--especially Love Inspired--probably haven’t read one lately. I always take that as my cue to thrust oneinto their hands (me, pushy? never!). Sure my stories might be labeled as “clean and wholesome,” but they surearen’t “meek and mild.” Faith belongs in our real world.

I’m delighted that Love Inspired has always encouraged the “edge”in my voice. They almost always let meget my “quirk” on. My heroines are asclever and strong as women I’d want for friends. If you’re looking for a strappingbare-chested pirate on your cover, you won’t find one in my books. What you willfind is women of depth and strength, learning to love men of courage andcharacter. And, if I’ve done it right,you will laugh a lot along the way.

So no, in answer to the question, I don’t write one of “those books.” I write greatbooks that just happen to come in small packages. Or slip right on yourNook/Kindle/ipad/whatever...because I’m also a gadget-freak.

Oh, by the way, my current WIP has a red-headed hero (for thoseof you who were pining for one earlier!)

Thanks, Allie! I realy enjoy the Love Inspired line.
And I LOVE that you're writing a red-headed hero in your next book!

Here's a bit about Allie's new release:

Falling for the Fireman
Harlequin Love Inspired
February 2012
ISBN #978-0-373-87725-6
Back Cover Copy:

There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes. Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog.

But the man who's all about safety and prevention keeps himself protected—from loving and losing again. Seems as if Jeannie will have to add his kind, guarded heart to her rebuilding efforts.

Allie has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN to some lucky commenter!
Contest will run from now until Thursday, Jan. 26th 11:59pm EST.
Winner will be announced this Friday!

Good luck!

A Fallen Soda

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Mr. Pibb (1972-2001)

Hey, all!

My hubby and I are bit sad after we learned this week that Mr. Pibb is no longer available.

Yes, it's true!! (I'd pass you a tissue if I could)

I'm not really a soda drinker. It's more of a treat. But you see, I have found memories of Mr. Pibb. When the hubby and I lived in MA, we used to go to Panera Bread a lot for lunch and that's where we first had Mr. Pibb. The hubby and I used to talk about it all the time. If you've never had it, it kind of has a Dr. Pepper flavor--only better IMHO.

The hubby went looking to order it recently online and, well... then he had to break the news to me:

Mr. Pibb, or Mr. PiBB as it’s often spelled, isn’t exactly gone, it was replaced by Pibb Xtra in 2001 with a slightly tweaked formula. That hasn’t stopped the Internet petitions or an entire episode of American Dad constructed around the soda’s disappearance. When Pibb Xtra came out, bottlers were allowed to use up their remaining stocks of real-deal Mr. Pibb. By 2003, all Mr. Pibb was gone and replaced with Xtra. Anything sold as “Pibb” to this day is “Pibb Xtra”. That’s how Mr. Pibb quietly ended.

**sniff sniff**

Unfortunately it's not the first time, this has happened to me. You may or may not know this, but I was one of the few people in America who actually ENJOYED Crystal Pepsi, also wiped from the market before its prime.

Is it me?

I'm not sure. But it could be you too. Here's a Tribute to Fallen Sodas you may have enjoyed as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~

In other news, I picked out a backsplash for my kitchen. FINALLY.

I ordered pendant lights for my island. FINALLY.

And I'm anxiously awaiting them all to come in now. (Will post pics when all completed)

That's all for me.

I have a library meeting and then I'm off to work on the last chapter of my work in progress. (Yay!!)

How about you? Have you tried Mr. Pibb?

Have any soda or food item you liked that was discontinued on you?

Harlequin Author Terri Reed--and a Giveaway!

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, all! Happy Friday! I'm so please to have Love Inspired author Terri Reed with me today!

At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful worldof fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfillingthat dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of bothRomance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She residesin the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderfulchildren and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending timewith her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

Describe a little of your writing routine forus. Do you have a set amount of time that you spend on writing per week?

My routine varies depending on where in theprocess I am. When I’m in the beginningstages, I do a lot of ‘pre-writing’ on a note pad and forms that I’ve gatheredfrom various different writing instructors. Then when I’m writing raw, I spend anywhere from four to seven hours atthe computer during the weekday. Sometimes this is all day, sometime the hoursare broken up with errands or appointments or volunteering at the kidsschool. I’ll make up hours on theweekend if I fall behind and the deadline is nearing. Sometimes I’ll make up hours lost during theday in the evening/after everyone goes to bed or early in the morning beforeanyone gets up.

Is there a different genre you would like to try and writesomeday? I have some ideas for a few grittierthrillers and a few ideas for a couple of women’s fiction books. But they are sitting on the back burner fornow. Love Inspired keeps me busy.

How do you reward yourself for finishing or selling a book?
I buy a latte after I’ve mailed the book andthen I get a massage.

What is the best advice you’ve evergotten and/or advice you’d like to give to other writers?

There are several bits of adviceI’ve taken to heart from some big name authors.
1)Nora Roberts said, I can fix a bad pagebut I can’t fix a blank page. Iremind myself that all the time when I’m writing and find myself stuck orspending too much time trying to come up with the words.
2) Susan Elizabeth Philips said Protectthe work, whatever that mean for you. Protect the work. For me protecting the work has been saying noto things I’d like to do when I have writing to be done. It means ordering pizza instead of going tothe grocery store when I’m on deadline. It means preserving my voice when critique partners or editors want tome to make changes that aren’t true to my voice and style.
3) Jo Beverly said—Justtell the story. I know we’re taughtto show don’t tell when we’re writing and that is very true and valid, however,when I get stuck I remember Nora’s words and I remember Jo’s words and I justtell the story. I can go back later andshow the story but I have to have something to work.
4)My advice is never stoplearning, believe in yourself and your writing because if you don’t who will? anddon’t get so attached to the work that you’re unwilling to make it better.

Wonderful advice!!

Now for some fun questions!

Favorite Christmas gift you just received? Pilates Reformer classes from my husband.

What are you reading right now? Miracle Cure by Harlan Coben.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Pilates, Zumba and hang out with my family.

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Links where readers can find you:

http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/

http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

http://www.harlequin.com/

Here is a little bit about Terri's new book out now: The Secret Heiress:

A Shocking Revelation

Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tullyto her core. And to “qualify” for theinheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi homefrom Christmas to New Year’s. Adopted asa baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realizethey can’t be trusted. When attempts aremade on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her. Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonelyheart want to love again. Posing as herfiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer. But will his protection-and his love-beenough to keep her safe?

Protection Specialists: Guarding the innocent.

GIVEAWAY:

Terri will be giving away a $10Visa GC for both blog host with most comments and one randomly drawn commenter duringthe tour.

Please comment on today's blog for your chance to win!

To increase your chances ofwinning, be sure to visit Terri's other blog tour stops here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-secret-heiress-by.html

Thanks so much, Terri!

Another NEW Year and Another NEW Goal!

2012-01-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hi, all! Long time no see, er, read.

Yes, I'm alive and well. Well...sort of well.

We went skiing over Christmas break and I kind of, um, landed on a fence. OK, I landed in the fence.
It all happened so fast, who's to say, really, but just know that in the end I jammed my leg and have been hobbling ever since.

But I'm better. Again, sort of.

Anyhew, it's nice to be back. I'm all energized and ready to start planning my year now.
Last year, one of my goals was to complete the P90x workout regime. DONE.

The hubby is really inspiring me for 2012. He's already started P90x2!!
Yes, he's insane.
Personally, a person has to know his/her limitations, and for me, P90x2 is it.

One of my goals this year is to repeat the old P90x because I did get in great shape and felt good too. I'm hoping to "bring it" even more.

The hubby has also bought himself a... guitar for Christmas and has downloaded lessons on our IPad. He's teaching himself to play and already has a jamming version of "Mary had a Little Lamb"going.His ultimate "goal" is to learn how to play Eric Clapton's "Promises"--long story--by the end of the year.

You gotta love his enthusiasm. :-)

Thus, here are a few of my own GOALS for the upcoming year:

1) Kick the caffeine habit. *gasp* I know it's drastic, but I feel that my coffee consumption is up and I hate the dependency on it. So I went to my local organic health food store and bought some TEECCINO--which is an organic herbal coffee that is caffeine free. I'm mixing it with my coffee when I brew a pot in the morning. It's quite tasty. Over a few weeks, you're supposed to add more Teeccino and less coffee until your caffeine free. We'll see how it goes.

2) Write less daily but more regularly.
Sounds weird, huh?
Well, I was reading "See Jane Write" and in it, one of the authors mentioned a tip she had learned, and that was to set a small writing goal every day--even if it's just a page or two. 500 words a day can bring you to a completed first draft novel in 6 months.

The idea is that if you wake up every day and think, "I have a whole book to write"--it can be overwhelming and cause you to put off doing.
But if you wake up and say, "I have two pages to write", it's much more manageable in your mind.

3) Learn Dragon and Effectively Use it.
The Dragon software was a Christmas gift from the hubby. Still trying to train it, but I'm hoping it makes some of my computer tasks run more smoothly by the end.

And that's it for me. Kind of simple this year.
What about you? Are you keeping it simple too or are your goals for this year more lofty and aggressive?
Also, what was your favorite Christmas gift?
(Mine was my Ugg clogs and the Dragon software)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas to the glory of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

See you all after the New Year!

Love,
Jennifer

Tick Tock Tick Tock

2011-12-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

Cookies Left to Make: Chocolate Chip
Gifts left to Buy: FIVE
Gifts left to Wrap: SIXTEEN

Hi, all!
The kiddo was home sick with Step ALL WEEK last week so I was basically held hostage and could not get done my Christmas shopping. But I hope to finish up between today and tomorrow.

I had my COOKIES FOR CASH cookie swap last Thursday. I did NOT win. :(
I came in second. Again. Always a bridesmaid and never a blah, blah, I guess.

In case you're curious what I made, you can check out the recipe here. They're yumola. And they look so pretty to give too.

Anyhew, I need to leave now to go shopping so I can make it back home for an online seminar at 10AM.

I'll be checking out blogs after that. In the meantime, it's the all-important question of the day:

Heat miser?orCold miser?

Deja Vu Blogfest!

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

How does Deja Vu blogfest work? On December 16^th all of those taking part will re-post their favorite blog offering, or one that never received the exposure it should have. For more info go to Nicole's blog HERE.

I chose one that was fairly popular but also fun. (Well, I thought it was fun) :-)

Anyway, and away we go...
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Beyond Blonde and Brunette: The Redheaded Hero

Hey, all!

As you all know I was in Florida last week where I was able to relax and do a lot of reading. It's kind of funny the things that you start to notice when you're zipping through books--and one of them is the hair color of MEN.

Believe me, there are plenty of tall, dark, and handsome heroes going on. A few blonds I've seen. And then, of course, the sandy-brown colored hair, which naturally dips down (just so) where the heroine has that desire to brush it off his forehead. :-)

All very nice hair colors for men.

But where I ask you is the REDHEADED HERO?! (--interrobang)

Is there some kind of red prejudice going on? Are there certain images that get conjured up in our minds when we think of redheaded men?

Hmm....Well, maybe.

I'd like to think that there will be a resurgence in ginger-headed heroes, but maybe there is a certain stereotype that's automatically in our brain when we think of men with red hair. I know. It's terrible. But we women can't help it!! After all, look what we've been subjected to all these years:

Cute. (Sort of.) But not a romance readers typical "fantasy"type of guy. Nothing personal to those redheaded gentlemen, but romance readers are kind of... PICKY--opting for larger than life heroes over the guy-next-door type of hero.

Most authors tend to keep this in mind when naming their heroes. Romance readers LOVE masculine names for their heroes as well as masculine looks. It's just the way it is, because a hair coloring or a name conjure up images when we're reading.

But now that this phenomenon has come to my attention, I feel the need to write a hero with red hair. Yep. Those men deserve their props. And who knows?
There might be some hero hope for them yet. :-)

How about you? Have you read (and liked) any romances that had a redheaded hero? If you're a writer, have you written a book with a redheaded hero?

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**on another note, the winner of the Sweet Sunshine Cookbook is...

Karen Walker!!

Please email me at jennifer--at--jennifershirk--dot--com and let me know where you want it sent.

Christmassy Stuff--and a Giveaway!

2011-12-12T06:25:00.000-05:00

Hey, all!

I went away on a little bus trip with my mom on Saturday. We decided to do something for Christmas and go to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that is. :)

It's actually called The Christmas City, christened "Bethlehem" on Christmas Eve 1741. We went shopping, had lunch, took a light tour and saw a short film on the city. We had so much fun! We actually bought Christmas gifts for each other. LOL

I soooooooooo needed that little getaway. And it was so nice to have so much fun with my mom. We try to do these little mommy-daughter getaways at least once or twice a year.
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More Christmassy stuff: It's COOKIES for CASH time again. What's that? It's a cookie swap my friend hosts that gets pretty darn serious because the winner gets the pot of cash everyone chips in on entry. This year I'm changing it up, but in case any judges are reading this, I won't post my cookie recipe until AFTER the swap.
Wish me luck!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now since I'm in such a Christmassy mood, I figured it's the perfect time to do a little cookbook GIVEAWAY!

Sweet Sunshine is a Charity Cookbook, with all proceeds going to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada www.sunshine.ca.

Within these pages, several featured authors have shared a childhood memory, some pictures of us as little kids, recipes, and a few have written a story, complete with artwork and coloring pages. Recipes include; Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Desserts, Fudge & Smoothies!

Available in print and ebook.

So if you would like a copy of this cookbook chock-full of yummy recipes, then ENTER to win by commenting below and telling me what your favorite Christmas treat is!
**contest will run from now until Thursday 11:59 PM EST.**
**anyone can enter to win, however if you live outside the U.S or Canada, you will be eligible for the ebook version only.

Tis the Season...

2011-12-09T07:33:00.008-05:00

Oh my gosh, I feel out of touch with everyone.
This has been an INSANE week. That's all I can really say.
INSANE.
So I will leave you with Happy Thoughts while I'll try to regroup and play catch-up.

Da Christmas Tree:
Da Kitchen with my new ginormous poinsettia. Isn't it pretty?
Here's a closeup:

Anyhew, I promise to be back next week in right mind. :-) I'll also be doing a little cookbook giveaway for fun--and just in time for the holiday season.

Have a great weekend!

Have I missed any big news? Please tell me I haven't.

Gone Shopping!

2011-12-05T04:07:00.003-05:00

Hey, all!

Well, the Christmas Tree is officially up and the house is decorated. FINALLY!

I had a little bit of trouble getting into the spirit initially. I think it's because it's been so unseasonably warm.
But for someone who's been a bit of a Grinch, I sure bedazzled my house!! I had no idea I had it in me!:)

Anyhew, my church's Advent Luncheon went off wonderfully, thanks for asking. I actually had four women request my Caesar dressing recipe. Yes, it's THAT good.

So now, I'm off to get some shopping done...um, since I have yet to start.

Catch up with you all later.

How about you, is your tree up yet?

And we have a winner...

2011-12-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and commented on my guest blogger Melissa McClone's guest post! We both really appreciate it!

Right now I'm up to my ears in extensive copy edits for my Avalon release coming out in April.
Did I mention how extensive they are? Sheesh.

I'm also preparing to speak at my church. Our Women's Ministry is having their third program on the subject of PRAYER this Saturday, and I happen to be the closer. :-)

(PS. I'm also in-charge of making enough salad dressing and croutons for 50 women. ) More sheesh.

Anyhew, I wanted to pop in and announce the winner of Melissa's giveaway.
The winner of one $10 Amazon Gift Card is...

Theresa Milstein!!

Congrats, Theresa! Please email me at Jennifer AT jennifershirk DOT com with the email you would like to use and I will have Melissa get your prize out to you.

Have a great weekend! And see you Monday!

Guest Blogger: Melissa McClone and a Giveaway!

2011-11-27T15:13:00.019-05:00

Happy Monday, all! Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving!
I actually ended up losing weight on Thanksgiving (long story. More on Friday)

Anyhew, my friend Melissa McClone, who writes for the Harlequin Romance series, has a new romance out now just in time for the holidays and to put you in the mood for Christmas. It's a sweet romance called Firefighter Under the Mistletoe.

When she told me the title, I was immediately interested in how she knew enough information about firefighters to write the story and thought it would be neat for her to share it with you all.
So, Melissa take it away!!

Thanks, Jennifer, for hosting me. I always have fun being at Me, My Muse and I.
I want to tell you about my November Harlequin Romance release, Firefighter Under the Mistletoe, and the research I did for my heroine, Leanne Thomas, a firefighter paramedic and volunteer mountain rescuer.

Back when I was writing Rescued by the Magic of Christmas (Harlequin Romance November '98), I took four male members of Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR) out to dinner at a local brewpub to learn more about mountain rescue and their camaraderie. A fun and educational time, but shades of my time as an engineer days kept flashing back. I knew I needed a woman in my fictional mountain rescue group to balance out all the testosterone.

Enter Leanne Thomas. She was female, but one of the guys, too. I made her a paramedic due to plot necessity, never thinking at that time she would end up the heroine of her own romance.

When the time came to write her story, I was a little worried about making Leanne realistic as well as relatable to readers. Here was a woman who was surrounded by men both at work and at play. She worked at the fire station with male firefighters. She could climb and ski as well (and sometimes better) as the men she hung out with. She was one of the guys, but I still needed to be a romance heroine. That meant I needed help.

Three women came to my rescue—Fran and Kellie, two climbers who are members of different mountain rescue groups in Washington State, and Karyn, a firefighter paramedic who works in Oregon. I never had a chance to meet them in person, but after initial phone calls with two of them everything else was done via email. Lots and lots of emails!

Fran and Kellie answered so many questions about mountain rescue and being a female climber. The technical stuff helped so much, but just as important, if not more so, was hearing about their experiences both as climbers and rescuers. They told me about the dynamics of being on a mountain rescue unit with a group of men. It was interesting to hear the similarities between the two rescue groups as well as the differences.

Their experiences helped me shape Leanne. Fran is married to a fellow mountain rescuer. I thought about making one of the rescuers as trying to figure out who would be the perfect hero for Leanne. But given the first two books in the series as well as the ones I want to write next, I decided against having another mountain rescuer hero. Kellie provided an itinerary for my hero's climbing road trip based on a trip she took. She also told me about her platonic relationship with a climbing partner that helped me with Leanne's working relationships and friendships.

Karyn gave me so much information about firefighting and being a paramedic. (Thirty-nine email replies answering my many questions!) I knew nothing about this part of Leanne's life/character. Karyn helped me understand life at a fire station (i.e. how does cooking work, where does she sleep, what does she wear to bed, etc.) and what she does on a call. She went so far as to read scenes to help me make sure what I wrote was plausible.

She also helped me figure out what kind of hero would be a good match for Leanne—a fellow firefighter! Karyn is married to a firefighter. They don't work in the same city so I often received two views of how things worked since each department and station can operate differently.

If you'd like to meet Leanne, she makes an appearance in Snow-Kissed Romance, a free on-line read at eHarlequin.com. The novella was used to promote the second book in the series, Christmas Magic on the Mountain, released in November 2010. In case you were wondering, the stories share the same setting and secondary characters, but each is standalone.

I can't thank Fran, Kellie and Karyn enough for all their research help. Leanne Thomas is a better character because of the assistance I received from women who live and play in the same world as her.

Are there careers and/or activities that you would like to learn more about?

Christmas magic in Hood Hamlet...
For Leanne, infuriatingly charming firefighter Christian Welton is out of bounds. Not only is he too young for her, but his trail of broken hearts is legendary. Leanne's fought hard to be one of the boys, and won't let anyone see that Christian's smile makes her want to melt into his arms!

Christian wanted to discover the softer side of the tough-talking paramedic, but hasn't counted on how much the real Leanne affects him. He's vowed never to settle down, but under the mistletoe it's certainly the season to be tempted....

Available on Amazon and Kindle, Harlequin.com and other book stores.

For more information on Melissa, check out her website HERE.

CONTEST: Melissa has generously offered to giveaway a $10 Amazon gift card to some lucky commenter!
Contest runs from now until Thursday, December 1, 2011 11:59 pm EST.

Thanksgiving Day Thoughts

2011-11-24T02:32:00.006-05:00

"Let us Give Thanks"

My friend, Frank, who serves as a missionary in Russia sent me these thoughts for Thanksgiving.

His message really connected with me so I wanted to share it with you all on this Thanksgiving Day:

Maybe you have a tradition at your Thanksgiving Celebration meal that goes something like this: The head of the table asks for each person to volunteer something they are thankful for. Now please don't get me wrong here, there is value and blessing in such an exercise.

But unless there is a person or persons to which the thankfulness is consciously addressed, then it is only a statement of a good thing. If I am really making a statement of thanksgiving then that statement must have as its target the giver. Otherwise, it is not really thankfulness but just a recognition that I am happy with the gift.

I guess what I am saying is this: This Thanksgiving let's direct our appreciation to the gift givers in our lives...to family, to friends, to work-mates...and of course to the most wonderful Gift Giver...our God.

Let's make our thankfulness truly an act of thanksgiving, being appreciative with words personally directed to our gift givers. To those and to Him that have been there for us.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kicking Off the Holidays (Literally)

2011-11-21T05:18:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday!

Guess where I was yesterday? Ok, I'll tell you.

New York City!

I dragged--er, convinced my hubby to take me and the kiddo up to NYC to see the Rockettes Christmas Show! The first time for all of us.

It was really great time--but perhaps a little hard to get into the Christmas spirit, considering it was a balmy 65 degrees out and not even Thanksgiving yet.

But fun nonetheless!

Hubby was a little reluctant to go and kept asking me if the show was just going to be the Rockettes kicking in a line together the whole time.

I assured him that wasn't the case--but, uh, lo and behold it really did comprise most of the show. So every time they they started kicking, I'd look over at him and bust out laughing--TEARS, actually, flowing down my face.

I probably got more entertainment out of that than the show.

But I'd still recommend it! And this year they added a 3D segment to the show.

Afterwards, we hit the American Girl Doll store, grabbed some dinner, and managed to make it home at a reasonable hour. Piece of cake.

The tree was up but not decorated yet at Rockefeller center. I was really hoping to get a picture in front of it for our Christmas cards this year. Dang it. I'll have to come up with a plan B.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyhew...

I'm off to the dentist this morning then aiming to finish edits this week. I hope to FINALLY submit my new book to my editor before Dec. 1st. Woo-hoo!

Do anything fun this past weekend?
Ever see a Rockettes show?

On Book Reading ( and why I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day)

2011-11-18T04:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday!
If you happened to catch it on Twitter then you already know I’ve been battling a sore throat. Since SUNDAY!! Bleh. I’m ready for it to be gone.

But this downtime has led me to catch up on some things—mostly reading—but it also gave me some great ideas. (I’m now hoping to start a Christian Fiction Book club in our church!)

Thank you to the oh so clever and talented Jessica Patch for her patience in answering all my book club questions!!

Anyway, why am I telling you this? Well, because after looking at my TBR pile in my bedroom (thanks to RWA Nationals and all the free books they sent me home with) and after looking at my TBR list on Goodreads, I realized I need a book club like I need a third eyebrow!

There are probably worse problems in life to have, but yes, I do have a serious case of “too many books to read and not enough time in the day” syndrome.
So I want to apologize to all my bloggy friends (who have traditionally published or self-published) and whose books I have not read yet. I might have BOOK A.D.D.

I see a blogger mention their book or a book in general and I say, “’Ooh, goodie! Must add to my Goodreads TBR pile!” I see a free download on Amazon and I click “download” thinking, “Can’t wait to read this one!” I win a free book and say, “I am so on this one!” Then I look at my nightstand and think, “Hmm…did that pile grow a foot since July?”

Ooops. See? BOOK A.D.D.
So…
I’m sorry if I BOUGHT your book and haven’t read it yet.
I’m sorry if I had INTENTIONS of buying your book but it’s still sitting in my Goodreads TBR pile.
I’m sorry if I WON your book (or a book off your blog) and I haven’t read it yet.

*sigh* I really want to support as many friends as I can, but maybe I need a better system of organization since half have a tendency to get buried on my Ipad or lost on a reading shelf. Or maybe I need more time in the day. I’m not sure.
Maybe I shouldn't stress over it. (I think it’s the anal part of me that really likes a nice orderly reading system)

Help. I can’t see over the books. :-)

What about you? Do you find yourself stressing over so many books out there and so little time? How long do books sit in your TBR pile at home or on your ereader?

More Monday Musings

2011-11-14T05:30:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday!
Hope all you Nano-ers are still plugging away! You're at the halfway mark!

And me? I'm still plugging away too--although at a much slower non-Nano rate. :)

In case you all are curious, I"ll share that I LOVE MY NEW HAIRCUT. Not really short in the back though. Just a tiny angle. It looks like Jennifer Anniston's hair when she bobbed it--here. Very happy!!

And here are just a few more of my thoughts for today:

1) Why do we still have Halloween candy in the house? We've been eating it everyday and it just won't disappear. (I'm afraid it will appear on my hips though)

2) Why does coffee out taste so much better than coffee at home?

3) I think I must have a very fragile body. I had just a smidgen of a sore throat yesterday and I had to take a nap after church and was pretty much down for the count all day. I had no other symptoms...

4) Leftovers stink. (Unless it's pizza or some kind of pasta)

5) Is it mashed potatoes or mash potatoes?

Yes, I know, my thoughts run pretty deep... LOL

Any thoughts (or answers) you'd like to share?
Do you still have Halloween candy left?

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T07:48:00.007-05:00

Hey, all!

The kiddo has off from school for Veterans Day, so we plan to take this time to organize the house--AKA throw out junk--and relax.

But before I start all that I thought I'd take this time to share some great quotes to celebrate our Veterans.
My dad served in the Army in the Korean War. My oldest brother served in the Coast Guard and my other brother served in the Air Force and is in the reserves and still gives up one weekend a month.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
Elmer Davis

Freedom is never free.
Author Unknown

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.
Author Unknown

In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
Mark Twain

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
Maya Angelou

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.
G.K. Chesterton

Thank you to all who have served in our military and are serving now!

Enjoy your freedom today and see you Monday!

Do you have a family member who is a Veteran?

Some Monday Musings

2011-11-07T06:32:00.009-05:00

Happy Monday, all!

I'm a little pressed for time today, so I'll keep my thoughts short. LUCKY YOU!

1) I have a chip in my granite already. I know. Only me. It's small and I think it can be fixed, but I think it's God way of reminding me that possessions are fleeting. LOL

2) Forget the IPhone. I want a dog now. Saw my brother last night and his new 3 month old puppy. Soooooooooo cute. He's a cross between a Labradoodle and a Cockapoo. He so sweet and hypoallergenic. Bonus.

3) Getting a haircut today. I'm thinking of bobbing it and having it shorter in the back. Hmmm...

4) Looking at backsplash is driving me more crazy than looking at granite. Nuff said.

5)I had a little writing challenge last week with fellow Avalon author bud, Julie Stone. There was a $5 Starbucks card on the line so we took it very seriously. But it was a draw. It really helped me write more because every time I figured I was done, I would think, "Hmm...what if she's still writing?" LOL

6) We're out of coffee. NOT a good way to start a Monday. I usually keep a back up can so I don't know how this happened. :(

7) Watched a good movie on Netflix that I highly enjoyed. The Groomsmen. It starred Ed Burns. Kind of an Indie movie. I rarely get a chance to sit and watch a movie so it was a nice treat.

8) Brother is hosting Thanksgiving this year. I usually bring the desserts so I was thrown for a loop when I was told to bring...the sweet potatoes.

9) Blogger and my laptop don't seem to get along anymore. More nuff said.

And that's all for me.

Anything you'd like to get off your chest?
Rent any good movies lately?

Two Happy Moments

2011-11-04T06:27:00.010-05:00

Happy Friday, all!

Well, my new counters are in! In short: they're GORGEOUS.
Whew! What a relief!

I was so nervous about the color I picked. I kept thinking, Brown? Really?
What were you thinking? But it turns out that it's really pretty because it's neutral but also different because of the little flecks of blue in it.
I don't think the pictures do it justice, but I took them anyway. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE BACK SPLASH IS GOING AND COUNTER STOOLS ARE COMING NEXT WEEK.

I expanded the island a bit. And check out the fridge!

I took a close-up picture of the granite. It's hard to tell but it looks like there are little crushed jewels sprinkled in.

My new sink. It's a Blanco Silgranit in the color "Truffle". It's way bigger and deeper than my old sink. Woo-hoo!

More pictures to come as more things change... I'm hoping to have everything completed my Christmas.

A happy moment for sure. :-)

***************************************

In another happy moment, I was editing a chapter this week to give to a critique partner and made a pleasant discovery. It had been a long time since I looked over what I'd written, so I had one of those "Did I really write that?" LOL! It was that good.

I haven't had that in a long time--if ever.

Let's hope my critique partner is as impressed...

Have you ever been super surprised and impressed with what you've written before?

Any happy moments this week you'd like to share?

And Now For Something Really Scary...

2011-10-31T05:34:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Guess what? I still need to buy Halloween candy for tonight.

YES, that is scary but not that scary.

Are you ready for something REALLY scary?

How about spending lots of $$$ for a kitchen makeover.

**Cue the scary music now**

What?

It is scary. I have new granite counters, a new sink, and stove top all coming in this Wednesday. I'm still looking at stainless steel refrigerators and counter stools.

And my goodness, it all better look dramatically different--for the better.

This the before picture:

Those counters are BLUE. Look away, if it's too frightening.

And you know what else is scary?

The fact that all these changes will lead to needing a new back splash and curtains.... Yeah, it's a nightmare.

Oh my gosh... Hold me.

Oh well. Too late now.

And just in case you haven't seen the Halloween House Light Show, here it is:

Happy Halloween!!

Why I Need an IPhone

2011-10-28T05:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, all!!

In case you haven't seen me much around the Internet, it's because...

Well, I haven't been around much on the Internet.

The crit partners and I are in the middle of a Write-a-Thon right now, and I'm trying desperately to log in some extra written pages on my new wip.

Anyhew, let me explain the title of my post.

I was in New York City last weekend as I mentioned on Monday's post with three other couples. (We usually do an annual trip together)

We go to dinner at Tao (excellent restaurant by the way) and everybody decides that we'll sit boy-girl but you can't sit next to your own spouse. Fine. So I'm wedged between my friend's hubby and my other friend's brother.

I'm not feeling too hungry at this point because we had a giant late lunch, so I'm looking for something on the lighter side. I immediately see Squab lettuce cups and think, "Mmm...that sounds nice and light."

So I turn to my friend's hubby (we'll call him FH) and ask him if he knows what squab is. I figure he's a foodie, so he should know.

He doesn't.

FH: You want me to Google it?

Me: (forgetting he has an Iphone) Oooh, yeah. Would you?

FH: No problem. (He then whips out his phone)

A few seconds go by then we both learn that squab is... PIGEON.

FH: Hmm...now that was a good one to Google.

Ya think?

Eww. That was close.

And now I am forever indebted to the growing technology available at our fingertips.

In short: I need an IPhone.

I thought I'd mention this now since Christmas is around the corner. :-)

Do you have Internet capability on your phone? Do you have IPhone envy too?

Back with a Birthday Recap

2011-10-24T06:26:00.004-05:00

Good morning!

Had a GREAT birthday break last week! And I'm not just saying that. It was truly was great.

Just to prove it, here's a little recap of the week:

1) I--along with three of my friends--went away on an overnight shopping trip on Wednesday. We left at 8:30 AM and went straight to the King of Prussia Mall in PA and shopped all day. We went out to dinner and stayed overnight then shopped some more in the morning and came back at 2PM the next day. Needless to say, I bought myself some nice birthday presents. And I scored HUGE at Anthroplogie!

2) I ate sushi FIVE times last week. (That's a lot of raw fish)

3) Was showered with lots of presents from the hubby and family! My favorite gift? The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/detail.asp?PID=336 I'm weird that way.

4) Went to New York City Saturday to Sunday with three other couples! We rented a a Ford Expedition limo to take us there too! We stayed in Times Square and Saturday night saw the show Rock of Ages (my first show in NY). Since I'm such an eighties girl, I totally LOVED it!! Rock on!

Unfortunately, now it's back to reality.
I hate when that happens. :-)

So did I miss anything while I was away? Have you seen a show in NY before? What was it?

BB Break

2011-10-17T05:29:00.005-05:00

This is my birthday week, so I'm going to take a little BB Break (BLOGGY BIRTHDAY BREAK).

After this past weekend I especially need a good break.

My friend turned 40 on Friday so her hubby rented a school bus (That's right. A school bus) and took a bunch of us to Atlantic City to the Borgata's Gypsy Bar. Had a great night of dancing! But home after 1 AM.

Saturday had a wedding to go to. 3 hours away... Fun time but again, home in bed well after 1 AM.

Sunday had a birthday party to go. Thought I'd be home early but was such a good time, it ran a bit late for a Sunday night.

I am so done now--meaning TIRED. And I haven't even celebrated MY birthday yet. So I'm taking off to do just that and do a little shopping.

I deserve it. :-)

Anyhew, have a great week.

And see you Monday!

Pay It Forward Blogfest!

2011-10-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

Hey, it's Pay it Forward Day!

Want to join in the fun? List THREE blogs you enjoy and think more people should follow! It's great way to meet people and also spread the "love". :-)

Want to know more details and see who signed up? Go to QQQE's blog HERE.

And away we go...

I really had a hard time choosing only three blogs, but after much thought I finally decided on these:

Visiting Reality: Why follow her? Linda Grimes is one FUNNY woman! I love to visit her blog to get a good chuckle. Plus she's super personable. And I'm so happy to say that she has a debut novel coming out this summer that I'm really looking forward to reading!

Jessica R. Patch: Why follow her? Jessica is another FUNNY lady! I love reading her blog because it's always different: sometimes she talks books, authors, and of course, her faith but it's always done with such awesome humor. I think people are missing out by not getting to know her!

Wendy Paine Miller: Thoughts that Move: Why follow her? Because Wendy writes posts that are thoughtprovoking and beautiful. Wendy is a deeper thinker, kind, friendly, and has a wonderful sense of humor too. I especially love her Friday feature where she poses a random question she would like you to answer along with your reason. Man, they're always such good questions!

So those are blogs I highly recommend that should have way more followers. If you get a chance, check them out. I'm sure you'll love these women as much as I do.

Have a great Friday!!

And be sure to check out the whole blogfest!

What I'm Doing Today

2011-10-12T06:31:00.003-05:00

IN THE NEWS: Man Assaults Wife for not "liking" his Facebook Status. Read more HERE.

So...what am I doing today?

1- I'm finally ordering my new granite counters. (Yay!) This is the color.

2- I'm working on chapter two of my new work-in progress. (Yay!)

3-I'm a guest over at Jill Kemerer's blog. (Double yay!)
Stop by if you get the chance. :-) She's super fun!

What are you doing today?

Columbus Day and The Worst of the 80's

2011-10-10T05:22:00.000-05:00

It's Columbus Day! (Meaning no school and very little computer time for me)

Oh, yeah, and Christopher Columbus discovered The New World.

But I digress...

Anyhew...I don't know about you but I LOVE 80's music. It's happy and cheesy.
Like me.
So of course when I heard Rolling Stone magazine did a Top Ten Worst Eighties songs list, I was right on that.

In case you are as interested as I was, I have the list here:

1."We Built This City” by Starship
2.“The Final Countdown,” by Europe
3.“The Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh
4. Wham! — “Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go)”
5. Men Without Hats — “The Safety Dance”
6. Falco — “Rock Me Amadeus”
7. Bobby McFerrin — “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
8. Toni Basil — “Mickey”
9. Taco — “Puttin’ On the Ritz”
10. Rick Astley — “Never Gonna Give You Up”

Yeah, um, "We Built This City" was pretty bad, although the video made it much much MUCH worst. And, hey! I LIKE "Safety Dance".

Personally, I would have put Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" on that list and possibly anything by Billy Ocean. :-)

Just sayin'.

So now I'm off to do some more plotting, get a pedicure, and entertain the kiddo. If you're off today, too, enjoy!

Do you like 80's music? What is the worst 80's song you can think of?

Plotting is Hard and Other Tidbits I'm still Discovering

2011-10-07T05:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, all!

October has been my time to start a new book. The very best part of writing in my opinion--second only to "The End". LOL!

I don't know if this happens to you, but every time I start a new story I almost forget what I did to plot for my previous stories and then I get a little nervous.
How do I do this again?
Why isn't this coming together?
Did I do a character sheet before?
I mean, I've written stories, had a few published, and, well, good grief...

YOU'D THINK PLOTTING WOULD GET EASIER!!!!

*sigh* It doesn't. At least not for me. Which is why I am ever so thankful and completely indebted to one of my critique partners for pointing me the way to The Plot Whisperer.

Have you heard of her?

Martha Alderson from Blockbuster Plots for writers has a great series of Youtube Plot Videos breaking down the fine points of plotting and things to consider when plotting. I've gone through a number of them the last few days (up to Step 9 so far) and it's already spun my writing wheels.

Two things that she talked about that really stuck out in my mind are:
1) Character Flaws. Who is your character in the beginning and who is your character at the end?

2) Climax/Ending. What is your character able to do now that they weren't able to do in the beginning of the story?

Concentrating on these things have really worked for me as far as making the story click in my mind and I feel it coming together much clearer.

Maybe these videos will help you, too.
Come prepared with a pencil and paper!

Writers: Is plotting always consistent for you or are you still discovering new writing tidbits? Any good plotting techniques or links you'd like to share?

Weddings and Wasabi by Camy Tang!

2011-10-03T04:29:00.001-05:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Camy Tang

and the book:

Weddings and Wasabi

WinePress Publishing (June 7, 2011)

***Special thanks to Camy Tang for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Camy Tang grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She graduated from Stanford University and was a biologist researcher for 9 years, but now she writes full-time. She is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of the Sunday worship teams. On her blog, she ponders knitting, spinning wool, dogs, running, the Never Ending Diet, and other frivolous things. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ to read short stories and subscribe to her quarterly newsletter.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

After finally graduating with a culinary degree, Jennifer Lim is pressured by her family to work for her control-freak aunty’s restaurant. But after a family blowout, Jenn is determined to no longer be a doormat and instead starts her own catering company. Her search for a wine merchant brings John into her life—a tall, dark, handsome biker, in form-fitting black leather, and Hispanic to boot. It would be wonderfully wild to snag a man like that!

Shy engineer Edward tentatively tries out his birthday present from his winery-owner uncle—a Harley Davidson complete with the trimmings. Jennifer seems attracted to the rough, aggressive image, but it isn’t his real self. Is she latching onto him just to spite her horrified family? And if this spark between them is real, will showing her the true guy underneath put it out?

And what’s with the goat in the backyard?

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: WinePress Publishing (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414120591
ISBN-13: 978-1414120591

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The goat in the backyard had just eaten tonight’s dinner.

Jennifer Lim stood on her mother’s minuscule back porch and glared at the small brown and white creature polishing off her basil. She would have run shouting at it to leave off her herb garden, except it had already decimated the oregano, mint, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and her precious basil, which had been slated for tonight’s pesto.

Besides, if it bit her, she was peeved enough to bite back.

“Mom!” She stomped back into the house. Thank goodness the pots of her special Malaysian basil were sectioned off in the large garden on the side of the house, protected by a wooden-framed wire gate. Jenn was growing it so that she could make her cousin Trish’s favorite chicken dish for her wedding, which Jenn was catering for her. But everything in her backyard garden was gone. The animal was welcome to the only thing left, the ragged juniper bushes. Were juniper bushes poison? If so, the animal was welcome to them.

“Mom!” Her voice had reached banshee range. “There is a goat—”

“You don’t need to yell.” Mom entered the kitchen, her lipstick bright red from a fresh application and her leather handbag over her arm, obviously ready to leave the house on some errand.

“Since when do we own a goat?”

“Since your cousin Larry brought him over.” She fished through her leather purse. “His name is Pookie.”

Jenn choked on her demand for an explanation, momentarily distracted. “He has a name?”

“He’s a living being. Of course he has a name.” Her mother fluttered eyelashes overloaded with mascara.

“Don’t give me that. You used to love to gross me out with stories of Great-Uncle Hao Chin eating goats back in China.”

Mom sniffed and found the refrigerator fascinating. “That’s your father’s side.”

Jenn swayed as the floor tilted. You are now entering … the Twilight Zone. Her parent had evoked that feeling quite often in the past few weeks. “Where did Larry get a goat and why do we have it now?”

“They were desperate.”

Actually, Jenn could have answered her own question. That goat was in their backyard right now because everyone knew that her mom couldn’t say no to a termite who knocked on the door and asked if it could spend the night.

And outside of physically dropping the goat off at someone’s house—and she didn’t have an animal trailer, so that was out of the question—Jenn wouldn’t be able to get anyone else in the family to agree to take the animal, now that it was here. That meant leaving a goat in a niece’s backyard because no one else wanted to go through the hassle of doing anything about it.

Mom said, “You wouldn’t have me turn away family, would you?”

“Uncle Percy knows, too?”

“No, not Percy.”

“Aunty Glenda?” No way. Even if Larry were thirty-one instead of twenty-one, Aunty would still dictate to her son the color underwear he wore that day—how much more his choice of pet?

“No.” Mom blinked as rapidly as she could with mascara making her short, stiff lashes stick together, almost gluing her eyes shut.

The tiger in Jenn’s ribcage growled. “Mother.” Her fist smacked onto her hip.

“Oh, all right.” Mom rolled her eyes as if she were still a teenager. “It belongs to Larry’s dormmate’s older brother, but really, he’s the nicest young man.” Burgundy lips pulled into what wanted to be a smile, but instead looked hideously desperate.

Jenn tried to count to ten but only got to two. “I know Larry’s a nice young man. If an abundance of immaturity counts as ‘nice’ points.”

“Jenn, really, you’re so intolerant. Just because you’re smart and went to Stanford for grad school …”

The name of her school—and the one dominant memory it brought up—made her neck jerk in a spasm. It had only been for two years, but that was enough. Desperately lonely after spending her undergrad years living with her cousins, Jenn had only formed a few friendships among the other grad students, none of them close. There was only one she’d never forget, although she vowed she would every morning when she got up and saw the scar in the mirror.

“Why. Do we have. A goat.”

“It’s only for a few days—”

“We don’t know a thing about how to take care of—”

“They’re easy—”

“Besides which, this is Cupertino. I’m sure there are city laws—”

“It’ll be gone before anyone notices—”

“Oh, ho, you’re right about that.” Jenn strode toward the phone on the wall. “I’m calling the Humane Society. They’ll take it.” Although they wouldn’t provide a trailer to transport it. How was she going to take the goat anywhere, much less to an animal shelter?

Mom plopped onto a stool and sighed. “That boy was so cute. His name was Brad.”

There went her neck spasming again. But Brad was a common name. She grabbed the phone.

“Such a nice Chinese boy. Related to the Yip family—you know, the ones in Mountain View?”

The phone slipped from her hand and bungee-jumped toward the floor, saved only by the curly cord. She bent to snatch it up, but dizziness shrouded her vision and she had to take a few breaths before straightening up.

“Oh, and he went to Stanford. You two have something in common.” Mom beamed.

No. He wouldn’t.

Yes, he would.

“Brad Yip?”

Mom’s eyes lighted up. “Do you know him?”

Sure, she knew him. Knew the next time he came for his goat she’d ram her chef’s knife, Michael Meyers style, right between his eyes.

**note**: Review is to come soon. I have read all of Camy's books so I am really looking forward to reading and reviewing this one!

News and Happenings

2011-09-30T06:35:00.009-05:00

Happy Friday, all!

Two things going on now:

1) I'm over at Lydia Kang's blog THE WORD IS MY OYSTER today! She's been doing some author spotlights on Fridays and I'm up! It's short and it's sweet. Stop by if you have the time.

2) In honor of my upcoming birthday (please don't ask how old I'll be), I'm doing a little book giveaway for my romantic comedy, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME on Goodreads. So if you're on Goodreads, stop by and enter! Don't cost nothing. :-)

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Role of a Lifetime

by Jennifer Shirk

Giveaway ends October 16, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Thanks!! Have a great weekend!
Any news and happenings with you?

How Bad Do You Want It?

2011-09-26T04:26:00.002-05:00

Good Morning!
A little motivational Monday for ya!

This video was sent to me by a friend and I found it so inspirational, I had to share. :-)

It's a football video, but the words can be applied to any kind of success. Do we want success or do we say we want success but not do anything to really work for it? It's awesome, but watch it for yourself.

How bad do YOU want it?

Time for a Fall Challenge!

2011-09-23T03:30:00.004-05:00

First, let me say to all my friends going to the ACFW conference, have a safe trip and a WONDERFUL time...and that I'm jealous of all of you.

There. I'm jealous. Happy? :)

Secondly, let me say that I have absolutely no plans whatsoever to do NaNoWriMo this year. Nope, so don't ask or beg. I can't. Seriously. I tried once and it wasn't pretty for me or anyone else involved with me.

But that being said.... it doesn't mean that I don't have some lofty writing goals for fall!

Come October 1st, my crit partners and I have a Fall Writing Challenge going on for that month. Woo-hoo! I LOVE writing challenge goals! Mine is 2K a day. Hey, that rhymes!!

Here's how I came up with that number: I took twenty days of the month that I will be writing and figured 2K words a day will get me a good chunk done and keep me on tract with my yearly goals. (I know. I'm so smart.)

So this weekend I'll finish up editing then next week I can finish plotting and then I'll be all ready to start something new. I can't wait!!

What about you? Are planning any writing challenges? Do you plan on doing NaNo?

Any plans for the weekend?

Guest Blogging

2011-09-19T06:38:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!

I'm not here today but at the Avalon Authors blog, talking about my weird desire to keep it summer all year long.

(At least with my writing.)

Stop by if you can!

985 and other things

2011-09-16T05:33:00.000-05:00

IN THE NEWS: An inebriated moose trying to get more fermenting apples apparently lost its balance and ended up stuck in an apple tree in Sweden. Read more HERE.

Why 985?

It's a nice number.

Well, that and...I'm on blog post 985!!!!
Thank you, thank you. Hold the applause.
(Actually, now that I think about it, this is blog post 986. But I digress...)

Wow, so many blog posts, so many rambles, so close to 1,000. Hmm...I feel as if I should do some sort of blog post celebration giveaway--ya know, due to my prolificness. Will need to think on this...

On another note, I wanted to give a big shout-out to fellow author Adelle Laudan, who put together a sweet (literally and figuratively) cookbook called Sweet Sunshine: Baking Sweet Memories.

This is a Charity Cookbook, with all proceeds going to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada http://www.sunshine.ca/ Within these pages, several featured authors (including ME) have shared a childhood memory, some pictures of us as little kids, recipes, and a few have written a story, complete with artwork and coloring pages. Recipes include; Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Desserts, Fudge & Smoothies!

It's really a nice cook book. So much so that I plan on doing a giveaway of this around the holidays because I think it'll make a great Christmas gift. So stay tuned!

Before I close out this week, I have to ask, what is your favorite thing to win on blogs? Books, gift certificates, food items, jewelery, or fun gift baskets? Have you won anything on a blog?

My So-called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife

2011-09-14T06:46:00.004-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Sara Horn

and the book:

My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife: A One-Year Experiment...and Its Surprising Results

Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Karri | Marketing Assistant | Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sara Horn is a wife and mom, a writer, author and founder of Wives of Faith, a military wives ministry. She’s a sought-after media guest and writer of numerous articles and books including GOD Strong and the Gold Medallion nominee A Greater Freedom cowritten with bestselling author Oliver North. She’s devoted to her husband who serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves, crazy about her son, and passionate about her ministry to women. Please visit

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Sara Horn, a busy writer and mother, deemed the Proverbs 31 wife to be an impossible ideal. Or is it? This surprising, heartfelt personal account of Sara’s one-year experiment reveals how even a domestically-challenged woman can embrace God’s purpose and encourages readers to pursue God’s amazing plan for their lives.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736939415
ISBN-13: 978-0736939416

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Oh Be Careful What You Preach

Yesterday was Sunday.

Our pastor started a new sermon series on the family. We missed the first sermon last week, but we were there yesterday for the second. The first week was “Dads Matter More than Anything.” This week’s was titled “Moms Matter Just as Much.”

Good to know.

As the pastor got started, I pulled out my Bible and my notebook, all ready to take notes. But then he said something that made my stomach churn. My hands instinctively made fists. My eyebrows furrowed.

The biblical passage he was speaking from was Proverbs 31.

Of course, I muttered to myself, turning to the passage I revere and fear at the same time.

The Proverbs 31 wife and I don’t get along very well. I don’t appreciate how bad she makes me look. I don’t like the guilt I feel when I see her. If she is the standard all Christian wives should work toward, then I’m in serious trouble. If she’s the equivalent of Miss America, then I’m a whole lot more like Lucille Ball. I have a lot of explaining to do for why I’m not more like Miss America. And I’m not really sure I can.

The pastor started making his points:

An Excellent Wife Is a Rare Find (v. 10).
An Excellent Wife Can Be Trusted in Every Way (vv. 11-12).
An Excellent Wife Is Concerned for Others (v. 20).
An Excellent Wife Is Strong and Stable (v. 25).
And so it went.

I stopped taking notes at “An Excellent Wife Is a Tireless Worker.”

My husband glanced over at me when he heard my notebook snap shut. He knows that’s never a good sign. Neither was the steam coming out of my ears and the laser stare in my eyes. He started looking for the exits, just in case.

I don’t like it when men tell women what will make us excellent. I don’t consider myself a feminist at all, but I just don’t think men can possibly understand the woman any more than we can understand the man. That’s why Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus was written. Eve may have been formed from the man’s rib, but she definitely had a mind of her own. And maybe, just maybe, if Adam had taken more time to understand her, the whole scene with the apple and the garden might have gone a lot better. Just sayin’.

Part of my struggle with the treatment of the fairer sex comes from the attitudes I’ve witnessed through the church denomination I’ve partly grown up and worked in. I agree with a lot that my denomination stands for. But when it comes to the treatment and attitudes about the service of women in the church, it often leaves me with the same feeling I get when I hear fingernails scratch down a chalkboard.

What I don’t understand is why there’s this 21-verse list of what the perfect wife is and not at least a Top 10 of what makes a perfect husband. I raised this question once on Facebook, and a guy I know who is deep into seminary classes pointed out that Ephesians 5:25-28 is an all-encompassing directive for husbands. See what you think:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Really? That’s great. Husbands are told to love their wives as they love themselves, and wives are given a laundry list of ways to show our love (just in case we might get confused and think the husband, as part of his love, might also “get up while it’s still dark and provide food” for his family). Husbands—you show love. Wives—get to cookin’.

Back to my stewing. I sat, listening to our pastor as he continued to speak on all the things that make an excellent wife, from the example of the Proverbs 31 superwoman:

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
(Proverbs 31:10-31)

I kept reading this passage, over and over, the successes of this great wifely role model taunting me more than encouraging me, my very being wilting and shrinking as I sat there, no comparison to this giant of an example. I was waiting, for what, I didn’t know. Waiting for something—a bright glimmer, anything that my pastor might say to give all the wives sitting in the audience, or maybe just me, some hope. He didn’t let me down. His last point was the same point I have made in the past: The Proverbs 31 woman’s most important task is to fear the Lord (v. 30).

My breathing relaxed a little. This, after all, was something I understood. Of course, I want to be a better wife and homemaker. I want to be a better woman in general. But my greatest desire is to be closer to God as his daughter. I want that close, incredible relationship with him.

I haven’t always done well with this. If God and I were going for a walk in the park, I’d be the kid running out in front, barely able to wait for him. Patience is not my strength. Waiting on God is hard.

I began to prayerfully think over the pounding of my heart, the churning of my stomach, and my fingers digging into my thighs. OK, so why am I so mad? Am I mad at the Proverbs 31 wife? Am I upset with the pastor? Am I angry at myself? I mean, I argued with myself. Wouldn’t it be great if you COULD be like the Proverbs 31 wife—if you were praying and reading the Bible and really staying in touch with God every day? Couldn’t God help you do it all?

He could if he wanted to, I’m sure. I’m just not convinced he wants me to be able to do it all. I’m not even convinced that the Proverbs 31 wife was real. I mean, I grew up being told King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, and he wasn’t exactly a role model when it came to women. He liked having as many wives as he could, and in fact it was his infatuation for the opposite sex that got him into trouble toward the end of his reign.

What if this woman we’ve all idolized and tried to emulate is just a concoction from King Solomon and a group of his royal cronies who sat around one day, drinking beers, and decided to have an impromptu brainstorming session on what makes the perfect wife? And some servant of his wrote all of these ideas down on a big Post-it note and it eventually made its way into Proverbs with all the other wise things Solomon wrote? In fact, my Bible notes that verses 10-31, the Proverbs 31-wife passage, is actually an acrostic. Each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. See? I told you it was a drinking game.1

Or if this woman really did exist, then maybe she was like the Martha Stewart of her day, and I’m sure the majority of the women living in that time didn’t like her and didn’t appreciate her. And while they watched her television shows and read her magazine, Housekeeping in the Holy Land, behind closed doors, they lived in fear and guilt that one day their husbands would come home and say, “Why can’t you be more like the Proverbs 31 wife?”

But then I got a crazy idea. Why can’t I be more like the Proverbs 31 wife? What would it be like to try and actually follow the example of this woman so many hold in such esteem?

I definitely had some things to think about.

REVIEW: This book surprised me. I thought it was going to be more of a spiritual "how to" book. But the author admits she doesn't have the answers on how to be a Proverbs 31 kind of woman. Instead, she tells (in a very funny and cute way) her stories of attempts and experiments--and eventually how she was blessed in the end for those attempts. There is a study guide of thoughtful discussion questions in the back of the book as well as a "10 day Martha experiment" which I plan on trying out. Very cute and interesting book.

If Not Now, then When?

2011-09-12T04:59:00.002-05:00

Procrastination is the thief of time.--Edward Young

I was reading a daily excerpt from the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach the other day and the title was called, "If not now, then when?"

The author went on to talk about making time for ourselves and the personal pleasures we tend to postpone in our life.

I DO make time for myself and my family--always--but perhaps not always for my writing. So I took a good long look at what goals I'm postponing.

I have friends with young children and they're always putting off writing because they say they don't have the time. They say that when their kids get older then they will have the time to devote to their career.

Hogwash. I think I had more time when the kiddo was younger than I do now. Why? I think I was more focused. I knew I only had that small window of nap time to get writing so I used that time wisely. Now that I have more free time, I don't think I'm using it to my advantage.

So if I don't take control of my time and writing now, then when?

Something in life always comes up, whether a hurricane, lice, earthquake (I'm speaking purely hypothetical now...) or even sickness.

It's September now which means I only have a few more months to reach my New Year goals. The kiddo's in school again and that means it's time to hunker down.

Two things (writing-wise) I want to accomplish before the year is out is:

1) to submit Kissing Kendall (tentatively titled)--Other times it's called "book thou does not wish to be written")

2) have rough draft finished of new work-in-progress before the year is out.

If I don't do this now, then when?

Please don't tell me I'm the only procrastinator out there!

What are you postponing in your life now?

Have You Heard?

2011-09-09T04:13:00.001-05:00

Maybe you've heard about this already, but I figured it was worth sharing just in case you haven't.

Because, well, sharing is caring...

Those of you who are e-published--or thinking about it--do not have to fret over how to make your Kindle book just a little more personal for readers.

With kindlegraph you can actually sign your ebook. Yep.

Cool, huh?

A few of my friends have already signed up and have done signed copies for their books already.

Check it out if you haven't already.

Again, you're welcome. :)

Oh, and have a great weekend!

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T05:22:00.001-05:00

Today is the first day of this whole three day weekend we will actually be able to relax. Kind of fitting since it's LABOR DAY.
Or Non-Labor Day as I like to refer to it as.

And that's exactly what I'll be doing: nothing.
All day long.

On another note, school starts for the kiddo tomorrow. It's a new grade, a new school, a new time, and thus, a new routine.

I'm scared.

But I'll survive. I think. No I'm not going to think. Not today anyway. :)

Enjoy your (non) Labor Day too!

My New All Around Cure-All

2011-09-02T09:13:00.006-05:00

Oops. I forgot it was Friday.
See what happens when you take too long of a blogging break? :-)

Anyhew, I just wanted to share with you my recent medical discovery:

TEA TREE OIL
According to wikipedia:Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a pale yellow colour to nearly clear essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Camphoraceous odor? Well, I think it smells like a combination of mint, eucalyptus, and...maybe shoe polish.

So yeah, I doubt Yankee Candle will have a hot seller with that scent.

But when you see what this stuff does, you'll appreciate it's unique aroma. :)

When the kiddo got lice--ugh, don't want to go there again--I treated her with Nix. Not something I wanted to do because it is so toxic, but that's what my doctor recommended. Well, two days later I saw live lice on her head and because it was too soon to treat again, I figured I would just have to do it the old fashioned way: with a nit comb and my bare little hands.

Then a friend told me to get tea tree oil, rub it all over her scalp, wrap her head in a towel and wait an hour. She told me you'll never see them again. So...I did a small test area on her head to make sure she wasn't allergic to it and when I saw she was fine, that's what I did.

Well, I never saw them again.

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF TEA TREE OIL!

After that, I put a few drops in the laundry, in the shampoo, behind my ears (lol)---you get the idea. :)

Then the other day, my hubby says, "Hey, check out that beetle on our screen."

I look and I see it's no mere beetle. It's a stink bug.

How do I know about stink bugs? When I had ants in the kitchen this spring, I had a chatty exterminator.

Well, there are three things you may or may not know about me. 1) I'm a germaphobe. 2) I'm a chemicalphobe. And 3) I'm a bugaphobe.

Yeah. I have "issues".

Anyhew, I knew (from my chatty exterminator) that stink bugs are hard to get rid of so I did not want a problem with that. So I Googled some all natural ways to prevent them. One of the ways was the use of my good friend Tea Tree Oil.

So I put a capfull in a spray bottle, filled it with water and shook it up. Then I sprayed all around the window where the little stinker of a stink bug was. He started crawling away immediately. I assume they don't like the odor. Then less than 60 seconds later it took off.

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF TEA TREE OIL.

Love this stuff! And love that it is all natural.

Just thought I'd share my discovery with you all. Carry on.
Oh, and you're welcome. :)

I'm BACK--and in one piece

2011-08-29T06:13:00.007-05:00

I wish I could say I had a restful and relaxing blog break but I DID NOT so I figured I might as well get back to blogging. :-)

Between the lice, then the earthquake, then having to evacuate my town because of Hurricane Irene...I'm feeling pretty jittery right now. The high octane coffee I'm drinking now isn't helping either.

We knew Irene was coming up the coast early in the week, but it still never dawned on us--ME--that it was actually on a direct course for our town and all coastal towns. We live back by the bay and our town floods anyway on a normal rainy day because we are a *barrier island so I was nervous.

*A barrier island is a long, relatively narrow island running parallel to the mainland, built up by the action of waves and currents and serving to protect the coast from erosion by surf and tidal surges.

Then the news starts predicting surges up of around 13 feet and winds around 100 miles per hour and I thought, "Our house is done."

Thursday afternoon Governor Chris Christie calls for voluntary evacuation of the shore towns and declares NJ a state of emergency. Then a few hours later it became mandatory evacuation. I can't tell you what that feels like to have to gather your belongings and not know when you'll be able to come back or if you'll have something to come back to, but know it's not a good feeling.

We were working like crazy to get in all my potted plants, outside furniture and grill inside. Then while I was packing clothes and food and water, my hubby worked to get everything off the floor of the garage thinking we would get some water in there (which we did).

We planned to stay with a friend a few towns over then we got an email from another friend who said he had plenty of room. He has a finished basement and a private bathroom there. We ultimately decided to go there since the kiddo would also have some playmates. We couldn't have asked for a better setup but were so grateful to all our friends and family who offered us places to stay. We are very blessed!

I think the worse part was that we knew so many days in advance. The waiting was the killer. And the news was extremely scary to watch and added to my anxiety every time it was on.

Saturday before the Irene was to make landfall in NJ, I prayed very heavily--particularly over PSALM 91.

Then I cooked very heavily. I figured I might as well because it took my mind off things. I made a banana chocolate chip cake, enough chicken Parmesan and eggplant Parmesan to feed a small army.
Then after that, I drank very heavily. Red wine with dinner. A lot of it. But I wanted to make sure I slept through the night (which I did) I even slept through the tornado warning too!

It was all for the best. :)

Then I woke up (with a hangover) but to good news. That we had dodged a huge bullet and our town suffered minimal damage. PRAISE GOD!

All week I kept praying for God to put down his hand and shield our house and town from this hurricane and I really feel my prayer was answered. That night before Irene was supposed to hit and I was reading my Psalm 91, tears came to my eyes and I really God was going to protect us. Yes, I was still nervous because I didn't know how or what was going to happen, but looking back now, I can see what He had done for us and feel remarkably blessed that he had shielded us.

We still have to get our yard back in order and dry out our garage, but aside from that everything is good. :-)

So that's my long winded story. Whew.

It's good to be back here and on the blogosphere again. Normalcy is good. :-)

**I also want to do a HUGE shoutout to all the police and fireman who stayed during the storm and worked so great for such a smooth evacuation process. You are the best!

Did anyone else go through Hurricane Irene? Did you ever have to evacuate your town because of a natural disaster?

In Need of an Unplug

2011-08-02T10:31:00.006-05:00

Hey, all.

Between the NJRW contest judging, car issues, and the kiddo's...LICE (bleh!!!), I need to unplug for a few weeks.

Thank goodness for summertime (and tea tree oil).

Be back soon!

Have a great rest of your summer!

Fun Friday for an Unfun Week

2011-07-29T06:50:00.005-05:00

Hey, all!

This week has been beyond stressful for me. And actually awful. But I'll tell more on Monday.

But I just had to share a DISNEY link for my friend's son, Jacob (who is ten years old). He made a short dance video for The Shake it Up Make Your Mark Ultimate Dance Off!

It's really too cute.

Check it out HERE. It would be great to support him by commenting and liking the video (which I'm sure you will). :-)

Thank you!! Have a great weekend! (I'm going to try...)

Summer Bash Time!

2011-07-25T05:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday, everyone!

I spent most--if not ALL--of the weekend at the beach trying to beat the heat. It was a good time but I was torn between two extremes there. It was SOOOOO hot sitting on the beach, but when you went in the ocean your legs turned numb. (Lifeguards said water temp was 68, but I disagree... Felt more like 58!)

We brought PLENTY of water (and other drinks), but maybe other people didn't think ahead. There were quite a few cases of heat exhaustion on the beach, which had the lifeguards busy.

All in all, an interesting beach time. :-)

Anyhew, it's back to editing for me this week. In the meantime, I wanted to let you know all about this:

Come hang out at Romance Author Hotspot and meet the people who help make the
romance industry special! From publishers, book reviewers, book stores, agents,
graphic artists, and of course your favorite authors, take this chance to know
the people behind the books, behind the scenes, and see how they have fun in the
sun!

From July 24th - August 1st, the Summer Bash will be in session! Don't miss out!

http://romanceauthorhotspot.com/

Enter to win a Kindle and many fabulous prizes!

Bring your beach towel, park an umbrella, and grab that cooler! You'll want to
stick around all week! Ask questions/comments, just fulfill your curiosity!

Meet your guests:

Camryn Rhys

Caridad Pineiro

Cindy Spencer Pape

Clarissa Yip

Deb Werksman (Sourcebooks)

Debora Dennis

Decadent Publishing

Deena Remiel

Donna Alward

Entangled Publishing

Fantasia Frog Designs

Gabriella Hewitt

Jennifer Shirk

Jill Marie Landis

Jules Bennett

Karen Duvall

Kate Richards

Lynn Raye Harris

Nina Croft

Olivia Gates

Rebecca Cantrell

Saritza Hernandez (L. Perkins Agency)

Shayne Leighton

Sherri Lee (Breathless Press)

Silke Juppenlatz

The Romance Studio

Victoria Dahl

Virna DePaul

As you can see there will be editors, agents, publishers, and authors posting there all week--including me! There will be prizes given away (I'll be giving away a $10 Amazon GC) and a grand prize drawing of a Kindle too.

So if you have a chance, stop by The Summer Bash, win some prizes, and beat the heat!

For Fun Friday

2011-07-22T05:06:00.003-05:00

IN THE NEWS: Man hit by lightning dies 48 years after his father died the same way. Read more HERE. (What are the odds?)

Well, the hubby is playing hooky from work this afternoon (he can do that since he's the boss) and we're heading to the beach!

I deserve the break too. I've been really working hard on my edits this week. Really hard. So hard I feel like my eyes are going crossed.

So if you haven't seen me around much on the blogosphere... um, that's why. :-)

Before I go back to my edits this morning, I'll leave you with a funny I saw in our local paper this week:

Have a great weekend!

On Writing Princess Romances by Harlequin author Melissa McClone

2011-07-18T03:33:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday! My friend Melissa McClone has a new Harlequin Romance book out this month called NOT-SO-PERFECT PRINCESS and is on a book tour now!
I'm thrilled that she's stopped here today to talk a little about the recent subject of her book: princesses in romances.

So please welcome, Melissa!

A little bit about her: Melissa McClone writes for Harlequin Romance. Her November '10 release Christmas Magic on the Mountain is a RITA® Finalist in the Contemporary Series Category. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but quit her job to write romance novels. Writing happily ever afters is a lot more fun than analyzing jet engine performance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, four cats and a dog named Chaos.

I'm so happy to be back at Me, My Muse, and I. I had a lot of fun here during my visit in February! If I was a new-to-you author then or am a new-to-you now, a look at my new release Not-So-Perfect Princess and my February one Expecting Royal Twins! might lead you to assume I write a lot of princess books. In fact as this virtual book tour was being set up, my gracious host today, Jennifer, told the organizers, "… she does a lot of themes with princesses, maybe she could talk about that and why."

Given the popularity of royal romances, I'm happy I've been able to write three of them. One for Silhouette Romance and two for Harlequin Romance. All three stories feature prince heroes, but only the most recent two had princess heroines. The stories are standalone, but one character makes an appearance in all three books—Princess Julianna of Aliestle. I've been dying to write her story for years now!

It all started when I wrote a manuscript called If The Ring Fits… It was a Golden Heart Finalist in 1998. (I'd sold another book to the Silhouette Yours Truly line in late 1997 but due to the rules at that time I could remain in the contest.) The hero was a prince, but the heroine was a klutzy American. I love rags-to-riches stories, but I wanted to flip it. I made my heroine wealthy and tired of the privileged life. Her ideal Prince Charming wasn't a prince, but a cowboy. She didn't want to live in a castle, but a ranch.

To counter my so-not-ready-to-be-a-princess heroine, I created a secondary character who was the perfect European princess, the kind of woman my hero should marry (except for the fact he fell in love with the klutz!) From the minute Princess Julianna appeared I knew she should have her own story. My critique partner at the time even said Jules would be the perfect Sleeping Beauty heroine. I agreed.

I eventually sold If the Ring Fits… to Silhouette Romance. It was released in early 2000. I kept telling myself I wanted to write Jule's story. By then I had already sold a third book. I had an almost two year old and was expecting another child in a couple of months. My editor suggested I write something else, so I wrote about my klutzy American's cousin. I kept telling myself someday I'd write Jule's book!

Someday took over a decade! My love of reading royalty-themed books made me want to write another. By this time Silhouette Romance had merged with Harlequin Romance so I developed a brand new story, what eventually would become Expecting Royal Twins!

I wanted to add a twist to this royalty story so I had my princess, Isabella aka Izzy, not know she was royalty (something that has been done many times in the past) but I also gave her a non-traditional occupation—a car mechanic who dreamed of working on a NASCAR pit crew. The last thing Izzy wanted to be was a princess, married to a crown prince and forced to wear gowns, heels and a tiara!

I needed a foil to Izzy. Someone who could be a mentor and a friend, a fairy godmother so to speak. I knew the perfect person…princess…Julianna. I asked my editor if I could resurrect Jules from my old Silhouette Romance. As soon as I received the okay, I couldn't stop myself from brainstorming about Jules' own story.

As the days and weeks passed, I knew I needed to ask my editor if I could write her tale next, but part of me was worried. It had taken ten years for me to write a second royalty-themed story. Would it be another ten years before I got the chance?

Imagine my surprise when my editor asked if I wanted to participate in the Once Upon a Kiss miniseries where each story is loosely based on a fairytale. I knew right away I wanted to write Princess Julianna's story and use Sleeping Beauty. My editor agreed. I actually screamed when I read her email!

In Not-So-Perfect Princess, Julianna strives to be the most dutiful, perfect princess she can be. Not easy when she's from an archaic country with outdated views of gender equality. But she believes she can make a difference to her countrywomen by doing what's required of her—marrying a crown prince she doesn't love. But to do that, she'll have to sacrifice her own dreams and keep sleepwalking through life. Not the best existence even if you get to wear a tiara! Unless a handsome prince can awaken her!

I don't know when I'll get the chance to write another princess story. My next heroine who'll be out in my November '11 release is a paramedic and volunteer mountain rescuer. But I hope it's not another ten years! I think princesses make really great romance heroines because from the time I was a little girl I've wanted to be a princess. But since my Prince Charming came without a royal pedigree and a castle, writing about a princess is the next best thing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks so much, Melissa! I LOVE princess themed romances!

Here's a little more about Melissa's book:

While the Princess was sleeping…

Dutiful Princess Julianna has a secret—she’s actually happiest makeup free, sailing with the sea breeze in her hair. Her attraction to rebel prince Alejandro is instant—but her intended is his brother, the proper but dull Enrique!

For the first time, Julianna’s irresistibly tempted. Before long, she’s spending her nights sailing with gorgeous Alejandro while the rest of the palace believes she’s sleeping. Soon she’ll have to choose—remain the perfect princess, or follow her heart and stop sleepwalking her way through life.…

**CONTEST**MELISSA WILL BE GIVING AWAY a $20 Amazon gift certificate to a random commenter from her tour; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found HERE.

I love that Melissa's book has a Sleeping Beauty theme instead of the classic Cinderella theme (although I'm a sucker for both)!

Have you written or read a fairy tale themed book? Do you like them?

Do you have a favorite fairy tale themed book? What fairy tale would you like seen done?

More This and That

2011-07-15T05:53:00.006-05:00

IN THE NEWS: Wife Chops Off Husband's Penis, Throws in Garbage Disposal. Read more HERE. (Oh. My. Gosh. Crazy nuts.)

Hey, all!
I found another summer drink in addition to my pineapple chili margaritas I usually make. It's called a Stoli Doli.

(Yes, I apparently like pineapple drinks)

Well, I took a fresh pineapple and sliced it up, layered it in my ice tea jug and then poured vodka over the pineapple pieces. You need to let it sit for at least a few days but no more than a week to let the pineapple infuse into the vodka. Then take a shaker and fill it with ice, put some pineapple vodka in it, and a just a little bit of actual pineapple juice and a splash of orange juice. Shake it up and serve in a martini glass. They are SO good!

You're welcome. :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other this and thats...
I forgot to mention what my kiddo said to me the first time I called home when I was in NYC for RWA Nationals.

Me: "Hi, sweetie!"
Kiddo: "Mommy, all I hear is party party party! When are you going to workshops?!"
Me: (laughing) "The parties are at night. All day I'm in workshops. Honest."
Kiddo: (still sounding petulant) "Oh."

I have to admit I had to wonder just what my hubby was telling our daughter while I was away. LOL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And lastly, my author friend, Melissa McClone will be on my blog this Monday for her blog tour. Melissa writes for Harlequin Romance and has a new book out:
Not So Perfect Princess.

Melissa will be giving way a $20 Amazon gift certificate to one commenter at the end of the tour. She will also be giving away, at each stop, a set of three trading cards from this book to one commenter. So stop by if you have the chance!!

**FYI: I picked up her trading cards at RWA Nationals and they are lovely! I use them as bookmarks.

Whew! That's it for me.

Have a great weekend!!

I'm Not Here...

2011-07-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hey, all!

I know this isn't my usual blogging day, but I'm over at Carol Kilgore's blog: Under the Tiki Hut talking about SETTINGS.

Stop by if you have the chance!

RWA Pics! (finally)

2011-07-11T04:24:00.000-05:00

Yay, I'm finally caught up on emails (and laundry)!
So now for some RWA poop:

My first night in town I met with some Liberty State Fiction Writers. We ate at Becco on 46th st. (Honestly, if I didn't want to make a good impression, I would have totally licked the plate) It was THAT good. It was so awesome getting to know authors I already knew as well as meeting new writers. So much fun!

Wednesday morning I was able to make the Samhain author breakfast (which was AWESOME) and sat down right next to head editor Heather Osborn, who I had a lovely chat with. While I was there, I saw Sourcebooks editor Leah Hultenschmidt walk in with literary agent Kristin Nelson (they must have been invited) but didn't have the nerve to say anything to them.

Yeah, I'm a weenie.
Speaking of acting like a weenie...

After breakfast, I met up with my roommate. The two of us where alone waiting for an elevator when a woman comes up and stands there with us. I'm looking at this woman, thinking, Hmm, how do I know her?

Then I look at her name tag and I see it's SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS. (um, just my all-time favorite author. No biggie) :-)

Well, she turns to us and my friend starts talking to her (TALKING TO HER!) while I say NOTHING (nothing!!!!), standing there in an upright coma.

So finally my friend turns to me with a smile and says, "Jennifer, do you know who this is?"

I'm like, "Of course, I know who this is! She's only like my favorite author ever!"

So Susan is like, "Well, next time you could show some enthusiasm." (Which totally cracked us up since I basically stared at her like a deer in headlights)

Fortunately I remembered I had my camera with me and asked for a picture, but then our elevator came. So we all got in and Susan says, "I'd like to see you try to get that picture now."

<---Not one to back down from a challenge, I snapped this picture. LOL

But then she was totally gracious and kind and allowed me to take a proper picture after we got out of the elevator. (LOVE her!!)

Wednesday night I had THREE parties set to attend.

The first one was the Avalon author party which was at Avalon Books on Madison Ave. A bunch of us authors took a cab over together.

This is me with author Carolyn Brown, author Julie Stone and on the right end, my editor Lia Brown.

My book, GEORGIE ON HIS MIND (green cover) on Avalon's shelf. --->

Julie Stone and I had such a good time, we decided to grab dinner together after the party, so I ended up blowing off my roommates and one of the parties. (sorry, ladies) Dinner was yummo and Julie's company was fun so it was worth it. :-)

But I did end up shooting over to the Harlequin Pajama Party for a tiny bit and met in person some of the authors and writing friends I've known online there. It's funny to meet authors and have them say, "I already know you. We're Facebook friends." LOL

Here I am with Harlequin Romance author (and P90x Twitter buddy) Donna Alward.

Whew! That was all the FUN bits. Well, most of them, anyway.

More to come I'm sure. :-)

On Writing and Research with Author Terri Reed

2011-07-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hey, all! Love Inspired Suspense author, Terri Reed has a new book out this month entitled The Innocent Witness.

When I read the blurb and noticed she had an autistic character in her book, I asked her to come and talk about how that character came about.

So please welcome, Terri Reed!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for inviting me here today. You asked what prompted me to write about an autistic child and the research involved. As I was developing the plot for The Innocent Witness I needed a plausible reason why my heroine’s son couldn’t tell what he saw the night of his father’s murder. Many possibilities came to mind, but I chose autism for many reasons. I have limited personal knowledge of the disorder to draw upon. During my childhood, my best friend’s little sister was autistic. She was able to communicate with sound, but not words and displayed several of the repeated behaviors seen in many cases. I loved her as if she were my own sister. My current neighbor has an adult autistic son who loves to sit on the porch in the summer and drink his soda while the kids in the neighborhood play.
I know it’s been a hard road for his parents; they’ve had pressure from family members to put him in a home since their son’s diagnosis. I admire their commitment and devotion to their son.
And more recently, a dear friend’s son has been diagnosed with high functioning autism. In order to be a support to her, I did some research of my own and was surprised to learn the autism spectrum disorder is very broad with no definitive cause or cure. I also learned the symptoms can vary dramatically per individual and that the disorder can’t be put into a neat little box. But the medical community is constantly making advances in treatments and there is support available.
There are many websites dedicated to this topic, blogs by parents of autistic children and personal stories by high functioning autistic individuals. Autism has also been very prevalent in the media with celebrities coming forward to talk about their autistic children as well as television shows featuring autistic characters. All of which helped me to gain a better understanding of the disorder and filled me with compassion for those living with autism. Writing a story with an autistic child stretched me both as a writer and as a person.

Thanks, Terri!

Author bio: Award winning, multi published author Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction at an early age and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Love Inspired. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children, and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing tennis.
You can write to Terri at P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97280 or visit her online at http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/
or email her at terrireed@sterling.net or leave comments on http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
or http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

BLURB: Faith sustained Vivian Grant through her horrible childhood and loveless marriage, but how much more can she take? Her husband has been killed. Her autistic son is the only witness. And someone is twisting the evidence to place the blame on her. Viv has no one to trust—and danger is closing in.

A failed protection detail cost former Secret Service agent Anthony Carlucci his job—and his self-confidence. He's not going to fail anyone under his care again. Anthony will risk anything to keep Viv and her son safe…including his heart.

Available in print and Kindle.

**NOTE**
Terri is on blog tour right now and will be giving away a $25 Visa gift card to one randomly drawn commenter on her tour. To see where else she is blogging, please go HERE. The more you comment, the better your chance of winning.

Good luck!

PrayerWalk by Janet Holm McHenry

2011-07-08T00:05:00.001-05:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Janet Holm McHenry

and the book:

PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline

WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (March 20, 2001)

***Special thanks to Laura Tucker, WaterBrook Multnomah Publicity for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janet Holm McHenry is the author of numerous books, including Daily PrayerWalk and PrayerStreaming. A high-school English, journalism, and creative writing teacher, she is the mother of four adult children. Janet has been prayerwalking for more than thirteen years and is the leader of her church’s prayer ministry. Find out more about the author at www.janetmchenry.com.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Ask any busy, overworked woman what her goals are for this year, and spiritual, mental and physical health are likely to be at the top of her list. Yet physical health and spiritual growth often take a backseat to the urgent demands of grocery shopping and bill paying, time with family and friends and long hours at the office. Thirteen years ago author Janet Holm McHenry suffered from depression, weight gain and exhaustion. Then she began a prayerwalk routine that not only transformed her life but also profoundly impacted the lives of those around her. Learn about the simple practice that changed her life in PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength & Discipline. This tenth-anniversary edition includes an epilogue letter from the author, a 30-day prayer and fitness challenge, a guide to organizing a community prayerwalk and a Bible study and discussion guide. Perfect for the overwhelmed mom, the business woman on the go, or anyone wanting physical and spiritual renewal, PrayerWalk includes heartfelt, genuine glimpses into the author’s journey as well as practical advice on everything from walking shoes and stretches to how and what to pray and finding a prayerwalk partner.

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (March 20, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781578563760
ISBN-13: 978-1578563760
ASIN: 1578563763

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Introduction

“You know I’m an ordinary Christian woman, God. But I’d like to become more disciplined, to have a consistent daily prayer time. I’d like to lose some weight and to be a little more ﬁt. And…and…oh, this sounds crazy after everything I’ve just said, but I’d like to be content with my life.”

This was my prayer two years ago. All of those requests and more have been realized in my life, all because of one thing: prayer-walking. Virtually overnight I changed from a woman who couldn’t get out of bed to—Okay, I’m going to be brutally honest with you, dear reader. I am still an ordinary Christian woman. I probably look like the person in your high school class who was voted Most Likely to Become Your Kids’ English Teacher, thirty years later. That’s because that’s exactly who I am! Let’s just say you won’t ﬁnd my face and body on the cover of an exercise video. But God has truly changed me, and I am convinced it’s because I now spend an hour or more ﬁve days a week praying as I walk. I call it prayerwalking—spending time with God in adoration and intercession as I walk the streets and highways of my community.

Stop right now! I know what you’re thinking: I don’t have a free hour for prayer and exercise. Hey, I don’t either. It’s true. If you were to examine my life, you’d see I don’t have the time. I work fulltime—teaching English, no less, which most secondary teachers agree is the most demanding position because of the mountains of writing assignments to grade. Craig and I have four children, with one still young enough to need Mommy’s nearly constant attention. All have been active in sports, lessons, and other activities. I have a part-time business as a writer, I teach Sunday school, and I have very little housekeeping help. But I am making time for prayerwalking—an hour or more daily—because God has used it to transform me. I wrote this book to tell you, from my heart, how and why I started prayerwalking and the reasons I believe that if you make time for prayerwalking, God will change you as well.

Besides reading my personal story, you’ll learn how you can pray more like Christ—our Personal Trainer in prayerwalking—and how prayerwalking can energize your prayer life. Prayerwalking has changed how I view my time and priorities, and I’ll help you ﬁnd time in your life for this new discipline. I’ll also show you why walking while you pray is a good idea, and I’ll provide a wealth of walking tips that can help prevent soreness before you head off on your own.

Join me as I share my story.
Chapter One: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It

Oh, that d word: discipline. I’ve never liked it, personally. We have met on occasion—with diets, short runs on exercise programs, and a prayer journal attempt or two. But life interfered with our acquaintance, and routines always fell by the wayside. Discipline implied torture, restriction, sameness. I mean, remember piano scales? Up and down, up and down. You never got anywhere, it appeared to me. Discipline simply stiﬂed my spontaneity. Why, if I were committed to various routines of discipline, I couldn’t visit a friend or take my daughter shopping or watch the ducks ﬂying the wrong way.

I Was a Mess

Just two years ago I was falling apart. I bit my ﬁngernails to their nubs with worry about ﬁnances (we had two kids in college). My weight was taxing my back, and my knees were giving way as I walked down stairs. I was force-feeding my soul with a few daily devotionals, but my prayer life was about zilch. Each night I gulped down a couple of St. John’s Wort tablets to combat depression. I ate too much, I was tired all the time, and I felt as if I were a few days behind on every list of my life—from my load of essays at school to my laundry at home. I was an undisciplined mess.

I knew what I needed. I needed to exercise to get my strength back again. Could I exercise in the morning? I didn’t really have time—I usually shut off the alarm around six each morning, exhausted, and turned over for an extra half-hour of rest, then rushed through my morning routine and headed to school an hour later. How could I give up even more sleep for exercise? With kids’ sports schedules and lessons, faculty meetings, and few consistent baby-sitters, regular exercise after I taught school all day was impossible. There had been spells in my life when I was more active—aerobics and weightlifting classes, swimming laps at the pool. But classes always end, and our community pool is only open during the summer months. Besides, I didn’t want to leave my kids once I was home from work.

I also needed to pray—at length—to give over the worries of my life to God. A book I read many years ago that still pierces me is Could You Not Tarry One Hour? by Larry Lea. Tarry an hour? It seemed like a Grand Canyon leap of time in my going-going-gone schedule. However, seeking God, interceding for others, and staying in his presence were becoming the deepest desires of my heart. I truly wanted to strengthen my relationship with the Lord of the universe by spending more alone time with him—without the phone ringing, without the kids interrupting, without the washing machine calling my name.

I’ve read over thirty books on prayer. Every single one recommends praying in the early morning hours. I had tried that over the years—getting up earlier than the family and creating my own prayer closet of sorts. Minutes into the routine, my head was usually ﬂopping. You have probably guessed that I’m not a morning person. Actually, I’m not a night person either. I tell my high school students that most days I have one good hour—lunch hour (which is really only forty minutes for me)—and that afterward I’m ready for a nap. It’s true!

However, I did stick to an early morning routine once. I thought of praying while I exercised, and for several months I propped my Bible on my NordicTrack and prayed through the Bible in the wee hours. That actually worked until my knees began to trouble me. Then the routine and I went our separate ways. My NordicTrack is now a great clothesline and keeps watch (wash?) in my ofﬁce over my usually messy desk.

Two in One

I needed a workable plan, a resolution. I believe in New Year’s resolutions, but my new year starts in September, when I return to teaching. All summer long I sleep a little later and mosey through my household chores and writing tasks. It’s a leisurely pace. When school starts, I begin living by ringing bells again, so it makes sense to make my resolutions then.

When Labor Day passed that year, I felt pulled to become the woman of discipline I had never been. My past history could not have been a solid résumé for my success: Every day of my life seemingly had begun a new diet or a new exercise routine or a new prayer practice. Somehow my resolve that Sunday night in September felt different. I would do it this time. I would get up an hour earlier and tarry with God. Well, maybe tarry was not quite the right word because I had decided to spend my hour prayer-walking. I would walk for an hour, praying at the same time— meeting two sincere desires of my heart with one activity.

I loved the idea of doing two things at once. As a working mom, I always make multitasking a personal objective. Every morning I read the newspaper literally upside down as I lean over and blow dry my hair. I open my mail on the way home from the post ofﬁce. I grade papers while listening to my daughter read at night. Although I may not be a model of organization, I love efﬁciency! Prayerwalking seemed a perfect solution to the two largest missing links in my life.

I had never before considered walking alone in the dark, early morning hours. The problem isn’t that it’s unsafe. In our town of just over a thousand people in a mountain valley in Cal i fornia, many not only leave their homes unlocked but keep their car keys in their ignitions. No, I’d not considered walking on Main Street because it didn’t have sidewalks and because huge logging trucks sweep through on their way to the lumber mill. However, a few days before I made my resolution, brand-new sidewalks sculpted of brick and cement and brand-new lighting made our few blocks of downtown look like a fairy tale town. Elsewhere people walk in their local mall before opening hours. We have no mall in our town, but I decided that our half-dozen blocks of twinkly-lit Main Street would be my mall—my prayerwalking course.

Beating “The List”

At 5:20 the next morning I woke up moments before the alarm, turned it off, and rolled over. The List began speaking to me. “You’re too tired; give yourself a few more minutes in bed.” “It’s probably too cold; why don’t you walk this afternoon when the sun is out?” “Remember all those dogs? They’re waiting for you!” “Bogeymen hide in the bushes!” “Your knee hurts; you’d better wait until you’re in better shape.” The List battered me for a few minutes until I remembered: I had not only made a physical-ﬁtness resolution; I had also made a spiritual-ﬁtness resolution.

Right then I realized that discipline involved another d word: decision. I could decide to be disciplined. I soon discovered that the decision to become disciplined had to be made daily (yet another d word.). Every single day I prayerwalked would be another decision, another step, toward discipline. That ﬁrst day was no easier, no harder than any other. It was just a decision: Would I be a disciplined woman, for my own beneﬁt, for the beneﬁt of my family, and for the glory of God? I could not ﬁx the physical and emotional pains of my life, but I could decide to meet God each morning while I walked.

After all, he wanted to be my Personal Trainer for becoming a woman of prayer, strength, and discipline. Some people have walking buddies. Others, like Oprah, pay someone to cheer them through a workout. I knew that in this new calling, prayerwalking, the Lord would be waiting at 5:30 on the front steps of my house, ready to hear my praise and petitions and to guide my steps—not only for the next hour but for the whole day ahead. How could I stay in bed when God was waiting for me? I got up! The ﬁrst victory was won!

During my ﬁrst months of prayerwalking I was too afraid I’d wimp out and jump back into bed if I undressed, so I pulled on lined nylon pants and a heavy sweatshirt right over my pajamas. As it grew colder, I added a coat, a double-layered knit hat, a woolen scarf, and gloves. Frost is our mountain manna about nine months of the year, and I’ve never liked being cold. I look pretty funny when I walk, but it’s no fashion show at that hour, and I stay warm. Yes, it took a friend of mine several months to realize it was I walking early in the morning—he thought I was a guy with all the heavy clothes on.

I started out slowly. Although my enthusiasm was high, I knew that if I overdid my ﬁrst days, I could risk injury and discouragement. I strolled down Main Street, then picked up the pace a bit. That ﬁrst day I walked a mile and a half in a half-hour. I increased the distance over the next weeks until I was consistently walking three miles in an hour. (Now I walk ﬁve miles in less than an hour and a half—ﬁves times a week.)

Changed!

I had thought that I’d be alone with God that early morning hour. At ﬁrst I devoted the entire hour to prayers for my husband, Craig, and for our four children, Rebekah and Justin, both away at college, and Joshua and Bethany, who are still at home. But one morning a couple of weeks into my prayerwalking changed all that. As I approached Toddler Towers, our local day-care center, two cars drove up from opposite directions and parked, almost in sync. In one I recognized my friend Cheryl, ready to open the home-awayfrom-home for a couple dozen little ones. Emerging from the other, a young father swept up his curly-haired little girl, still in jammies and holding her blankie, and handed his sleepy package to Cheryl. I was okay until the bundle said, “Bye, Daddy. Love you.” When I heard those words, the immenseness of my prayer job hit me. My prayerwalk was not just for my family and myself, but also for the many others I would encounter on Main Street. I began to cry—bawl is a better word. I cried and prayed for all the little children and their mommies and daddies, as well as the day-care workers who would mother and teach the children that day.

On subsequent days my Personal Trainer opened my eyes to other needs along my path, and I added new prayers. As I passed my church, just a half-block off Main Street, I prayed for our board members, who were desperately seeking direction. I prayed for the other two churches in town, which had their own struggles. I prayed for the owners of the businesses I passed each day, the principals and teachers at our three schools, the commuters leaving early for hour-away Reno, and the men heading for the day shift at the lumber mill. I added the city council members and the county supervisors and other government workers. Soon I discovered a sober truth: I didn’t have enough time to pray for all the needs.

The experience was not only sobering but had another effect.

One morning about two months after I began prayerwalking, my younger son, Joshua, then thirteen, came into the kitchen and said, “What are you doing, Mom?”

I looked down at the counter and back at him. Maybe he didn’t have his contacts in. “Making peanut butter sandwiches?”

“No, Mom,” he said accusingly, “you were singing.” He walked away, shaking his head.

He was right. I was singing. I, the one whose usual morning words were only Get up…I said get up…Get up or you’ll be late— and other variations on the same theme—was singing. God had been ﬁlling my soul while I prayerwalked, and I couldn’t hold it in anymore. It occurred to me that my entire countenance—in fact, my entire outlook on life—had changed. Prayerwalking an hour each weekday had transformed my life—in just a couple of short months.

On an ordinary morning I made the decision to prayerwalk. On an ordinary morning you could do the same and thus change your life in similarly dramatic ways. Walk with me. Walk with me over city streets, small town paths, and country roads. Let me show you how one daily decision can make a difference for our world. Walk with me through joys and sorrows, through hopes and fears, through laughter and tears. Let me show you how talking with God each day will be better than extra sleep. Decide to seek a healthier lifestyle, and let me prove that “discipline” can actually feel good. Join me and our Personal Trainer…and prayerwalk your way to physical and spiritual strength.

-----

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Acknowledgments

Introduction
Part 1 Becoming a Woman of Strength and Discipline

1. If I Can Do It, You Can Do It

2. Spiritual Endorphins

3. Making Time

4. Why Walk?

5. Reducing Aches and Pains

6. PrayerWalk Partners
Part 2 Becoming a Woman of Prayer

7. Prayer Tips from My Personal Trainer

8. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

9. Take a Walk with Me

10. Eyes Wide Open

11. A Sacriﬁce of Tears

12. Faces of Answered Prayer
Epilogue: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Study Guide

Resources on Walking

Thirty-Day PrayWalk Challenge

Appendix: How to Organize a Community PrayerWalk Event

-----

Notes Excerpted from PrayerWalk by Janet Holm McHenry, Copyright © 2001 by Janet Holm McHenry. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

***Note*** review to come soon!!

Happy Fourth!!!

2011-07-04T05:30:00.007-05:00

Hey, all!!

I'm finally back from NYC and the RWA Conference! WOW, I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say...

it was THE BEST CONFERENCE EVAH!!!

So much to talk about but so little time because of the holiday, so it'll have to wait. (Plus, I haven't quite unpacked or downloaded my pictures yet)

Gosh, I have so much to say! Things I can't wait to share:

*my office was painted red while I was away and I LOVE it.

*I got to meet Susan Elizabeth Phillips in person. (FUNNY story about that to come)

*I've become a new fan of Sourcebooks

*I'm feeling SO refreshed and recharged and ready to create a business plan for my writing.

*I've come away with a new perspective on social media

*I know there's more but I can't think...

Anyhew, I've missed you all! My Internet was acting up this weekend so this is the first chance I've had to check in. Today I'm hitting the beach and taking one of my MANY free books I took home from the conference.

Did I miss anything while I was away? Please share and give me some gossip. :-)

Free Online Conference This Week!

2011-06-27T05:27:00.001-05:00

Not Going to the Conference? No problem.

Attend Romance Divas' Annual Not Going to Conference Conference June 28-July 1
The Romance Divas annual virtual conference features workshops, publisher spotlights, pitch-your-book opportunities, fabulous door prize giveaways and more.

It's FREE!

And nobody says you can't wear fabulous shoes while you're recharging your writer batteries from home.

LIKE the NGTCC on Facebook for future updates in 2012 and beyond.

This is a fabulous conference! In fact, if I wasn't going to the live conference, I would SO be there. Lots of great giveaways and workshops for almost ANY genre of writer. All you have to do is sign into the forum and you're good to go.

I'm taking care of last minute details before my trip today and making sure the hubby and kiddo will be set before I leave. I'll try to make a few online visits this morning and when I can.

But if I don't talk to you today, have a great week and see you when I get back!

Getting Ready for New York City!

2011-06-24T02:25:00.002-05:00

Well, all this week I've been getting myself ready for the RWA National Convention that is next week in New York City!

I've been to writer's conventions before but this is my first National one, so I already know I'm going to be constant mental overload. But who cares? I'll look good at least!

Toenails are painted.

Hair is trimmed. (Although not colored and now I'm mad at myself for not coloring it because my roots are taunting me.)

Nevertheless I'm really excited about the Avalon Books party I was invited to on Wednesday night. Since Avalon is located in NYC, they're having the party there so I'll get see what my publishing house actually looks like and meet my editor in person! Exciting!
I'm wearing this cute black dress that I got at Marshall's for $12.
Ooops. I probably shouldn't admit that but my girlfriend was quite upset at my find because she bought a similar dress at Anthroplogie for at least six times the price.

And check out these shoes I'm wearing with my dress:

I'm already 5'8 so don't ask me why I decided to buy 4 1/2 inch heels.

But...what the heck. You only break your neck once. LOL

I volunteered to help out with registration on Wednesday morning. So of course that means I miss the Samhain breakfast. (figures) And then I decided to be extra nice and volunteer to help out with editor/agent appointments Thursday afternoon and as a result I'm missing the ONE workshop I really really really...REALLY wanted to go to. (Again, figures) But that's okay. I'll live.

I guess...

Anyhew, I skimmed the workshop schedule a few times and already have a good idea of what I plan on taking (although I'll probably change my mind a few times from now until then).

So if you'll be at the RWA convention, be on the look out for the amazon wearing the animal print shoes and stop me to say HI (or catch me if I start to look wobbly). :)

Have you ever been to Nationals? What's your favorite writer's convention?

Awards and Such

2011-06-20T05:34:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Father's Day and/or weekend!
I made brunch for my hubby and his family: breakfast pizza and creme brulee french toast were on the menu. Yum!

The Better is Possible blog surprised me with some nice awards last week. It's been awhile since I received any, so I figured I was boring people out. Nice to know I still have it. LOL!

Anyhew, here are the requisite seven facts about myself.

1) In high school I was in a beauty pageant. If I had won, I would have gone on to Miss New Jersey then Miss America. (But I didn't even place) :-)

2) I've recently decided to put a little color in my life and am having my office painted...RED. Well, cranberry. Well, actually the color is called Stolen Kiss. But you get the idea.

3) I prefer a heavily salted snack over a sweet snack.

4) I just started week 11 of my second round of p90x. (and no, I'm not ripped yet)

5) I'm highly allergic to cats (and most dogs)

6) Wanted to go to med school after I graduated pharmacy school. Took the GREs and everything. Bu then I met my future hubby and all my plans went totally out the window because I fell in love and got married. (never regretted it once)

7) Was sooooooo close to being named Linda, but when I was born the doctor told my mom I looked like a Jennifer. (And the rest is history) :)

And that's all for me.

This week I'm trying to get some editing done and get my act together for the RWA conference.

I'm also at the Avalon Blog today. I'm talking about "Beginnings and Endings" in books. It's a discussion I had last year, but I think it's an interesting topic, so if you get a chance (and haven't weighed in on your opinion before), come on over and tell me if you think one is more important than the other when reading a book.

On Writing a Book Series by Guest Author Anna Maclean

2011-06-17T01:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, all!

I'm very excited to have author Anna Maclean with me today. She has a new book out: Louisa and The Missing Heiress, the first in a trilogy of mysteries from Penguin Books (NAL),
featuring sleuth Louisa May Alcott.

Please welcome her as she shares some thoughts on writing her book series.

What’s most exciting about writing a series instead of a single novel is this great opportunity to follow a character through a longer time line than a single mystery could allow, to take her from here to there in terms of character development. Specifically, with Louisa May Alcott, who is the sleuth in my series of cozy mysteries, beginning with Louisa and the Missing Heiress, I wanted to begin with her in young adulthood, when she is unknown, inexperienced and uncertain of what she wants to do with her life. And then, take her up to that moment when she begins to become the Louisa May Alcott we know, the woman who writes Little Women and becomes astoundingly famous.

I begin the series in 1854, when twenty-two year old Louisa is living with her family in Boston, teaching children in her parlor to earn money, and secretly writing some pretty exciting tales of dangerous men and femme fatales in her attic writing room. But she’s also beginning to think about writing on a very serious level and soon after the beginning of this novel publishes Flower Tales, her earliest book for children. The book does well in that it earns her a little money and a little recognition…but she senses there is much, much more to come from her imagination. And so, in this first mystery in the series, she begins to think about the characters that will, in years to come, become her Little Women.

Of course, what is difficult about a series is that each book must stand alone and be able to be read, and enjoyed, independently from the others. Information can’t be repeated, yet each book must have all the information the reader needs to ‘know’ Louisa. The character has to change, to develop, yet remain completely identifiable.
There are many things that ‘unify’ my Louisa as a fictional character, so that while developing and changing she retains an inherent character: her love of writing, her devotion to her family, her conviction that she must remain independent if she is to do her best work.

In Louisa and the Missing Heiress, Louisa is just beginning to ‘separate’ from her family on an intellectual level, to realize that she may support causes her father may not support – specifically, women’s rights! So there is that tension, of the girl becoming the women, the free agent, the free-thinker. Throw into that emotional setting a series of events quite plausible for nineteenth century Boston – illegitimate children, sexual abuse of young girls, a murder – and you end up with a Louisa who is certainly different on the last page than she was on the first!

What some readers and admirers of Little Women may not know about Louisa May Alcott is that, in addition to writing grown-up tales of romance and forbidden love, Louisa also had a great sense of humor. I used that in my mystery, allowing Louisa moments of caustic yet never sarcastic fun, as well as a little romance.

I'm a huge fan of Little Women, so you using Louisa May Alcott as your character is so interesting!

Thanks for stopping by! Here's a little bit more about her book:

Long before she will achieve fame as the author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott is writing stories of a more dark and mysterious nature. But nothing prepares her for the role of amateur detective she assumes when the body of her dear friend, wealthy newlywed Dorothy Wortham, is found floating in Boston’s harbor.

It’s well known that Dorothy’s family didn’t approve of her husband, a confirmed fortune hunter, but Louisa suspects that some deeper secret lies behind her friend’s tragic murder...

CONTEST: Anne will be giving away a Victorian tea cup and saucer to one randomly drawn commenter and, for the host with the most comments, she has a page of cartoons from a mid-nineteenth century issue of Harper's Bazaar - cartoons Louisa herself might have laughed at.

For more information about the author, please visit her website: http://www.annamaclean.net

Good luck!

Do you enjoy reading series books? What's your favorite?
If you're a writer, have you ever considered writing a series?

Summer Scheduling

2011-06-13T05:40:00.006-05:00

(Thank you all for the nice anniversary wishes! I had a wonderful time away! )

Anyhew...I don't know how it is in your neck of the woods, but school is ending for us this Thursday, which means I have some serious crunch time to put in because I am sooooooooooooo close to finishing my WIP.
I have about two scenes left which will probably put me over my 50K mark, but that's okay.

I have all the confidence I will be able to finish this thing this week. If you remember, this WIP is my Book in Three Months WIP--which technically is turning out to be my Book in Four Months plus 3 Weeks WIP. LOL!

But that's okay too. I'm finishing before summer which will be key. (I'll finish before Nationals too)

In the summer with the kiddo off from school, my writing time gets seriously limited. Time is there, but I have to get creative. So I finally timed it out so I'll have the summer to just spend editing (and maybe do a little plotting) which will be PERFECT. Perfect, I tell you!
I finally have my summer writing schedule down. It only took five years. :-)

How about you? Does summer change your writing style or time?

PS. I saw this video over at Brenda Coulter's blog and had to post it here too: 29 Ways to Stay Creative

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

Happy writing!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-06-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's true. I was a June bride. :-)

Today, in fact, is my and my hubby's 16th wedding anniversary!!

To celebrate today, I thought I'd share some little known facts about me and the hub:

1) We met on a blind date. (I was still in college. He had graduated and had a real job already)

2)We got married two years and five months after our first date.

3)The priest who married us couldn't remember our names and kept calling us John and Martha at the rehearsal, which of course threw me into a panic.

4)Hub's only brother was married on the same exact date (six years earlier). My mother-in-law says she can never forget our anniversaries. LOL

Anyhew, we're going away on a little overnight trip to celebrate.

So in keeping with today's theme (and for a chuckle), I give you The Flintstones:

See you Monday!

Do you have an anniversary coming up?

Porch Pics--and a Winner

2011-06-06T05:19:00.008-05:00

MOOD STATUS: "Determined". Only 5k more to write and I'll be done my First Draft.

So I finally have all my outside planting and decorating done in the front and back of my house.

<--I have a small front porch, as you can see. But there is a chair there. It just didn't make the cut in the picture. I should have gotten a better shot of my hanging basket but I just bought new cushions for my settee and wanted to make sure I got my pineapple lantern in the picture. (Also a new purchase)

I just ordered a battery operated candle for it which should come in this week. (But isn't it cute?)

Pineapple is the symbol for hospitality, in case you didn't know...

My front door. I actually have another planter on the other side that identical, but I wanted you to see what was in them. This year I decided to mix some pink plants in with the flowers. I thought it came out pretty.

Wait until you see my backyard. This was the first year the rabbits did NOT attack my flowers.
I'm waiting for a few things to bloom then I'll snap a picture.

Anyhew...thanks to everyone who stopped my on Friday to hear about The Character Therapist!
The winner of Jeannie Campbell's download of Creating Rich Back stories is...

Tamika!!

Congrats!! You'll be getting an email from me shortly and I'll let you know what to do to claim your prize.

Thanks and have a great week!

The Character Therapist: Dig Deep into Your Character

2011-06-03T02:54:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday, all!
My bloggy friend, Jeannie Campbell is on a blog tour to launch her brand new website:
The Character Therapist! It's an on online therapy service for fictional characters.

Here's a little bit about Jeannie:

Jeannie Campbell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She is Head of Clinical Services for a large non-profit and enjoys working mainly with children and couples. She has a Masters of Divinity in Psychology and Counseling and bachelors degrees in both psychology and journalism. Two of Jeannie’s “therapeutic romance” manuscripts have garnered the high praise of being finalists in the Genesis Contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), of which she is an active member. She writes a popular monthly column for Christian Fiction Online Magazine and has been featured in many other e-zines, newspapers, and blogs.

Ok. So you may be thinking that's great, but...

How can a published or aspiring writer benefit from character therapy?

1) It will help you write characters more realistically.
Using a search engine to find out information about a mental disorder yields a very different result than asking a therapist who has treated those same problems in real life. Instead of getting a bunch of stale facts, I can help you breathe life into your characters while taking into consideration your unique story world.

2) You can plot more feasibly.
Plotting the external conflict around your character’s internal conflict is essential to create tension on every page. Understanding the character’s driving goals and motivation in relation to their emotional state will help you figure out what plot points need to occur to maximize the character’s arc to its fullest potential.

3) You will avoid clichéd or incorrect depictions of mental disorders.
Jeannie's passion is helping those not afflicted with mental disorders understand those who are. Since one in four adults have a mental disorder, the likelihood of one of your characters having one is pretty high. But you want every nuance to ring true about the character, not feel cardboard cutout or stereotyped. So pick her brain instead of yours to avoid pitfalls of re-writing later.

Jeannie helped me out a few months ago when I was plotting a new romance. I don't normally write about deep subjects, so I wanted to get a better handle on the motivation of my hero who was in an automobile crash. His brother had died and he survived. So I emailed Jeannie my questions and asked her to talk about "survivor's guilt" for me. You can read the article HERE.

I not only wanted a clear understanding of what he would be going through, but I wanted to make sure I got my hero's symptoms and actions correct too, and that his motivations made sense to a reader. Her thoughts and insight really helped and I plan on using her for future characters. (Get ready, Jeannie!) LOL

Any kind of writer can benefit in having strong believable motivations, but I personally think for ROMANCE writers it is an essential.

Why?

Because at the beginning of any romance, you have two individuals with "issues". (Otherwise, you'd have no story) LOL Sometimes we writers like to call this internal conflict. But basically, it's some belief or lie that your characters have been taught, told, or shown in their life. This belief is what is keeping them from having a happy healthy relationship with another person. Until that issue is resolved, they cannot be happy in their relationship and have the happily ever after the reader is looking for in the end. Having a strong understanding of your character's motivation and internal issues will ultimately bring a deeper emotional experience for the reader as well.

Think your characters might benefit from some couch time now?

If you do, then email Jeannie.

CONTEST: Jeannie has generously offered to giveaway a copy of her Writer's Guide to Creating Rich Back Stories.

Giveaway will run from now until midnight (EST) Sunday, June 5th, 2011.

I will draw a commenter and announce the winner on Monday.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Letters to the Future Blogfest!

2011-05-25T03:55:00.003-05:00

The lovely and talented Kristin Rae at her blog Kristin Creative has decided to host a fun blogfest in celebration of her 300 Followers! (although now she's over 300 and growing so go join the bandwagon if you haven't already!) :-)

What's this blogfest all about? Well, on Wednesday, May 25th, (TODAY) write a letter to your future self and post it on your blog. Fun, huh? So without further ado, here's mine:

Dear Future Self:

Hello. How 'bout that ride in? I guess that's why they call it Sin City.
Self, I hope you don’t have Alzheimer’s and can remember what movie that’s from. It’s okay if you don’t. But man, that’s a real bummer if that’s the case because you would be chuckling.

I should know. I’m you.

Anyway, there is so much I want to say to you. First and foremost, you're welcome. I really keep up with the sunscreen ritual and the p90x workouts so I am sure that you look fantastic for your age and all your girlfriends are completely jealous.

Also, did you write that “BIG” book you kept saying you were going to write? You better have. And if you’re reading this letter now and haven’t done so, get on it. NOW. You’re not getting any younger. (Although I’m sure you look it) :)

Maybe your tastes have changed but right now you’re a sucker for Lisa Kleypas contemporary romance novels, Michael Kors shoes, are into the color purple, and will eat anything that has chipotle or cilantro in it. Thought you’d want to know that.

Also, go easy on the kiddo. You may be having issues with her since she’s a teenager, but right now she tells you she loves you and that you’re the best mommy in the world almost every day. Remember that before you ground her from now to eternity.

That’s all I wanted to say. That and congratulations on being nominated for that RITA award. I knew that all my hard work I'm doing now would pay off for you in the future.

With Love Always,
Old Self

Don't forget to check out Kristin's blog and read the other blogfest posts!

PS. What is going on with blogger now? I can't comment on anyone's posts!!! Grrr....

Social Networking: Beyond just Marketing

2011-05-23T02:06:00.007-05:00

This week I finally got around to reading this month’s RW Report put out by the RWA. One article by Dyanne Davis in particular drew my attention since it cited “some quick tips to refill your creative well”. (Another reason I took off from blogging last week wasn’t to just write, but to refill the well and read too. But I digress…)

In the article she discussed ways to seek out inspiration and one of the ways was by using your social network. She told of an author who throws out questions on Facebook when he’s working on scenes he needs help with. For example: What would you do if you found your man in bed with another man?

I thought that was interesting—and a great way to be social and use social networking to help you as a writer. It kind of reminds me of that Hilary Clinton book title It Takes a Village. I think a lot of writers find it takes a village to write a book sometimes! We constantly bounce ideas off our spouses or significant others, our critique partners, and sometimes friends or family. But Social Networking opens up your feedback even more. You’ll never please everybody but you can get an idea of what the majority of people think out there.

1) Maybe you have a few ideas for a title for your book. Throw it out on Facebook or Twitter or your blog and see most people think would make them buy the book.
2) Are you stuck with a scene or need some inspiration? Do what the writer above did and pose a question on Facebook to get a different take on the situation. Maybe you’ll end up looking at the scene in a different light.
3) Having trouble naming your characters? Host a blog contest or throw it out on Twitter. I saw an author have her hero’s name narrowed down to three. She posted them on Twitter and got feedback on what most readers preferred and her hero was finally named.
4) Need inspiration to keep your butt in the chair and your fingers on that keyboard? Tweet about your writing progress or ask some writers to participate in a writing challenge. I’ve seen some authors say on Twitter that they’re going to do a little writing sprint and would anyone like to join them. They each write for an hour and then they post how much they’ve each written when the time is up. What a great way to drum up some motivation to write and finish up your story!
5) Are you your own worst enemy when it comes to finishing your book? Set up goals and blog or tweet about them. (That’s what I do. The shame factor really works well in keeping me accountable):-)

See? Writers don’t have to picture themselves as a lonely island. It’s like that song from High School Musical “We’re all in this together…” People are out there just waiting to help us write that book.

We just have to ask.:)

How about you? Do you work alone or do you have people you bounce ideas off of? Have you ever used social networking to get help with your writing?

Time for an Unplug

2011-05-16T03:47:00.002-05:00

I'm taking a little break this week from blogging.

I want to finish my WIP by the end of this month and my Internet has been acting weird, so this seems like a perfect time. :-)

I should be around on Twitter and Facebook. (WiFi and writing progress allowing, of course.)

Wish me luck and see ya next week!

Is Myspace Dead Space?

2011-05-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

Hello? Myspace?

I know that social media experts say you're not dead, but you seem to be gravely ill or at least...
maybe in a two year coma?

Poor Myspace.

I've really tried to send time there. (Ok, I lasted three minutes--tops!)
It's just so hard to maneuver around. And I feel so removed from everyone since all I see are feeds from other social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, which is kind of ironic. :)

No, I won't delete my site. Not sure why. Maybe because I remember when Myspace was cool and fun. Or maybe because I'm thinking there will be some Facebook meltdown with all it's new rules (go HERE for new contest information).

Am I the only one feeling this way or am I missing the boat on something advantageous?
So some thoughtful questions for you this Friday are:

Do you Myspace?
And if so, when was the last time you logged in there?

inquiring minds--ok, my mind wants to know. :-)

Three's a Crowd? Children in Romance Novels

2011-05-09T05:06:00.011-05:00

Hope all you moms out there had a great Mother's day! (I did) Mine started with sleeping in, lovely homemade gifts from the kiddo, then a brunch with my mom and family, then I read all afternoon, then the hubby cooked me dinner.

It doesn't get better than that!

Anyhew, last week I was at a writer's forum and they were discussing children in romance novels. (Maybe Mother's Day prompted this. I'm not sure.)

But considering, um, I write romance novels, I couldn't help but join in on the discussion. And I learned something that surprised me.

Not a lot of readers (at the forum, anyway) enjoy seeing children in romance novels. In fact, I think I was the only one who said they liked seeing children in them.

*Gasp*

What is it? Too close to reality?
Actually, yes. Most felt children or a child or a baby took away from the actual romance, the "fantasy", and was too real world for them.

Considering two of my soon-to-be three published romances have a child or children in them, I don't find that the case. :-) And apparently Harlequin's family style and/or secret baby romances do quite well too. Unless I'm the only one reading them, and I know that can't be.

But here's why I think a child or children can be a nice addition to a romance novel:

1) a child is a great vehicle to show character growth in one or two of your main characters. Your character may have started out a selfish playboy but now that he learns he has a family, he can change and be a responsible father by the end.

2) a child is a great vehicle for comic relief. I know my kiddo says the funniest things--and some of the things she's said or even the situations she's gotten herself into, I've used in my books.

3)a child can provide "likeability" for your character. Maybe your main character isn't the nicest person on the planet, but she/he can show a different side and have a different heart around a child. Very likeable.

4) a child can add great internal or external conflict for a character. Your main character doesn't have just he/she to worry about now, they have the child to consider in their quest for their goal. Conflict!

I happen to be a real sucker for children in books--maybe more so now that I'm a mom myself. But as long as there is balance and the child doesn't control the story, a child can really add some nice depth to a story.

What about you? Do you read romance? Do you like children in romance novels or books in general?

2 4 6 8, Who Do We Appreciate?

2011-05-06T03:18:00.001-05:00

It was Teacher Appreciation Week this past week!

Yep, and to show how much I appreciate my kiddo’s teachers I made a homemade chocolate chip cheesecake for a luncheon we had for them at the school. I even cut some flowers from my—er, my neighbor’s-- lilac bush, so my kiddo could bring them in for her teacher too. (I’m really thoughtful that way)

So yes, I really do appreciate my kiddo’s teachers. They weren’t getting store-bought cheesecake from me! In fact, I appreciate ALL teachers.

But, uh, that being said…

When I was working as a pharmacist I never had Pharmacist Appreciation Week. Although someone did just tell me we have an appreciation DAY. (Jan. 12) Huh. None of the patients I saw seemed to know that. I would have even settled for a short Thank You note from a customer thanking me for working 14 hours a day with no lunch or dinner breaks (and barely a bathroom break), dispensing the correct medication, and not killing them.

I’m sure it was on their “to do” list somewhere.

So let me just say now…

You’re welcome. And I’m really glad you’re not dead.

And what about authors too? (Can’t forget them)

Do they get an Appreciation Week thanking them for all the hours upon hours that they spend crammed up against some computer somewhere, unshowered and in yoga pants muttering to themselves just so we the reader can get a few hours of entertainment?

No. Apparently authors only get a DAY for that too. (Nov 1st)

The list could on.

This has all made me think long and hard about people I've taken for granted.

So allow me to now hold high on a pedestal and appreciate some people who might have been overlooked in my life. After all, everyone deserves a little recognition:

Thank you to everyone who has has ever worked with me and my slight case of self-diagnosed OCD. I know. You know. Thank you.

Thank you to my thyroid surgeon. He could have given me one nasty Frankenstein scar right across the throat. Instead, I have a little bitty one that only I notice. (in certain lights)

Thank you to Tony Horton of P90x. Thanks to Mr. Bring It I actually look forward to exercising and most days I actually do "bring it".

Thank you to the garbage men in my area. You always manage to keep my trashcans tightly together after emptying them. Wow. That little extra yard effort is so very appreciated.

Thank you to every waitress or waiter who has ever served us while we were eating with my father-in-law. He can be tough and a jokester too. You deserve every penny of that tip we give you.

And lastly, since Mother’s Day is in a few days, I can’t forget to appreciate Mom.
Thanks for giving me life and putting up with me (especially during those trying teenage years!) and when I forget to call.

If you're a mother, have a Happy Mother's Day!

Did you know it was Teacher Appreciation Week? Anyone else you want to appreciate?

A to Z Blog Challenge: Z is for...

2011-05-02T02:13:00.001-05:00

I'm late. I know. But I am finishing this blog challenge.

Thanks so much to all my new followers and for everyone involved in this challenge! It was long but fun, and I really enjoyed meeting so many new people!

Anyhew, Z is for: Zoboomafoo!

Ha! You're probably thinking zoboomawhat?

Zoboomafoo was actually a PBS children's television show.
It used to one of my kiddo's favorite shows. (I liked it too)
Every week you'd learn about some new animal--and most of them were pretty funky.

I remember once when the kiddo was in preschool, she took a field trip to the zoo. I was one of the mommy chaperones and walked around with her and a bunch of her friends plus some other moms too.

Well, my kiddo looks nonchalantly in one of the pens and says, "Oh, look Mommy, a capybara."

I laugh when I think of the other mom's face when she heard that. I mean what four year old can identify a capybara?
What forty year old can identify a capybara? LOL

Anyhew, the mom looks at me and asks, "Um, can your daughter read?"

I was like, "Nope, she just watches Zoboomafoo." :-)

I think the show still might be on reruns now. At least, I hope so. There should be more educational and FUN shows like that on today.

Have you ever heard of Zoboomafoo? What is your favorite children's educational TV show?

A to Z Challenge: Y is for...

2011-04-30T07:13:00.004-05:00

I'm feeling rushed lately--rushed to finish my WIP, rushed to get painting and repairs around the house done, and now all of sudden Mother's Day is around the corner and I have no gifts for my mom or mother in-law.

So Y is for: yada yada.

Why yada yada?

Remember this term from Seinfeld? People were using yada yada to gloss over details of a story to get to the end. Well, I feel like that. All of a sudden I was finishing getting ready for Easter, I was working on my writing, I just put away the plastic eggs, and yada yada...

Mother's Day is in a week.

How did THAT happen? I have no gifts and no gift ideas for my mom OR mother-in-law so I'm scrambling today.

What are you getting your mother or mother-in-law for Mother's Day? Any ideas?

A to Z Challenge: X is for...

2011-04-29T02:55:00.003-05:00

Got some great writing done the other day! Big thanks for all the rah-rahs and support. :-)

But now for something even more personal...

X is for: X-ray.

I've only had ONE broken bone in my life. (Okay, technically it was two: the radius and ulna in my ONE wrist, ONE time).

Here's how:

I was a sophomore in college, living on campus and being totally stupid and irresponsible as only a sophomore living away from her parents can be. We were at a party, I had a few drinks, and suddenly wanted to climb up a friend's bunk bed because I've never been in a bunk bed before (And yes, my life has so vastly improved from that experience).

Anyhew, this wasn't your average bunk bed. It was much higher. My friend lived alone in her dorm and thought it would be cool to suspend her bed between two desks instead.

I don't really know how I got up there to be honest. The ladder didn't reach all the way to the top. So when it was time for me to come down my friends pulled out a chair for me to lightly drop down on. Brilliant idea except I was in socks so when I dropped onto the chair I slipped right off of it.

And landed in a trashcan.

(True story)

Well, luckily another friend was nearby to drive me to the ER, where I had X-rays and was put into a cast.

End of story. Well, not really the end. My boyfriend at the time was not pleased that I went to a party without him, I missed a lot of classes and had to reschedule exams, I had THE worst time trying to fend for myself with one arm and no mommy around, and my parents weren't exactly thrilled with how I broke my wrist either. Good times.

Anyhew, that's the first and last time I ever broke anything.

How about you? Have you ever broken a bone? What did you break? How old were you?

A to Z challenge: W is for...

2011-04-27T02:34:00.002-05:00

This post will be brief. Sorry.

Today I need to crank out some major wordage and do double-time because Thursday I have a hair appointment and literally it'll take all day (cut and highlight)

So W is for: Words!

Here's what I've on my WIP and have to go on it:

Oooh...I'm so close I can practically taste it!

Anyhew, if you're as obsessed with word counts and word meters as much as I am, then you need to check out this link.
There are lots to choose from.

I'll visit blogs later this afternoon. Until then, go write and be merry, too! :-)

A to Z Challenge: V is for...

2011-04-26T03:48:00.001-05:00

Ah, the letter V.
Now, I could be all cool and writerly and talk about "voice", but I'm not feeling cool or writerly. :)

Instead, V is for: Vegetarian!

I am not a vegetarian--although I think I easily could be. (The dang meatarian family is holding me back) But I try to cook a few meatless meals a week. Anyway, as I was cleaning out various drawers I found some recipes that I had cut out of the newspaper. (They were yellow so it had been a while)
There was a recipe for Mexican Vegetarian Lasagna so I decided to make it. It was great! In fact, it's even better the next day.

So here it is:

cooking spray
5 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 large egg
16 ounces regular sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided use
1 bunch green onion (for 1/2 cup chopped)
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced black olives (optional)
Change Measurements: US Metric

Directions:
Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 1 1/4 hr
1 Preheat the oven to 400 F; Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray; Set aside.
2 Stack the tortillas on a cutting board, and slice through them lengthwise into 3 strips each (The strips will not be uniform because of their circular shape; This is OK) Set aside.
3 Pour the corn and black beans into a colander, and rinse with warm tap water to begin defrosting the corn and rinse the beans; Set aside to drain.
4 In a small bowl, stir together the tomatoes with their juice, the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and sugar; Spoon about half of the sauce into the bottom of the dish; Cover the sauce with 5 of the tortilla strips (it's fine if they overlap somewhat).
5 Break the egg into a medium-size mixing bowl, and beat with a whisk or fork until foamy; Add the sour cream and 1 cup of the cheese; Stir to mix well; Spoon half of the sour cream mixture evenly over the tortilla layer and spread it out with the back of a spoon; Scatter half of the corn and black beans over the sour cream mixture.
6 Place 5 more tortilla strips evenly over the corn and black bean layer; Top with the remaining sour cream mixture, and the remaining black beans and corn; Place the remaining tortilla strips over the dish; Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the tortillas, and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon to moisten all of the tortilla strips.
7 Cover the dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
8 While the dish bakes, rinse and trim the green onions; Slice the green onions thinly, using all of the whites and enough of the tender green tops to make 1/2 cup; Set aside.
9 If using the black olives, drain them well, and set aside.
10 After baking lasagna, scatter the green onions and olives, if using, evenly over the dish; Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 5 more minutes.
11 Remove the dish from the oven, and scatter the remaining cup of Mexican cheese evenly over the dish.
12 Return the dish, uncovered, to the oven, and bake until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
13 Remove the lasagna from the oven, and let it stand 10 minutes; Slice into squares and serve.

**The kiddo especially loved this meal!

Do you cook vegetarian? Any good recipes you'd like to share?

A to Z Challenge: U is for...

2011-04-25T03:07:00.000-05:00

Well, today is the last day of spring break. (Kiddo goes back tomorrow.) And considering I still have yet to touch my WIP, I realized something.

Thus, U is for: Unable.

Ugh. Unable. I don't like that word.

(and U is for "ugh" too, now that I think about it)

But anyway, between the two birthdays, Easter, and spring break, April proved to be a tougher month than expected, so I'm not going to complete my book in three months goal.

WAH!

But it'll be okay. My crit partners are giving me an extension! (They're so sweet). So I now have until the end of May to finish my book. I only need about 20K more.

If I can't finish by then, then...

Well, I don't know what will happen.

But I know I will wear the L for LAME on my forehead for awhile, I'll be slightly depressed, and I won't be able to treat myself to anything nice for a job well done. So I think all that will be punishment enough.

So today I'm chillin', because come tomorrow I'm on a mission to finish.

Did you realize you were unable to do something this month?

Did you accomplish anything recently?

(Or tell me what you did for Easter) :-) **We went out to dinner with the family (all nine of us)

A to Z challenge: T is for...

2011-04-24T02:02:00.001-05:00

It's Easter Sunday, so...

T has to be for: The Resurrection!

If you are Christian then you know that the resurrection is the belief that Jesus returned to bodily life on the third day following his death by crucifixion. It is a key element of Christian faith and theology and the reason we Christians celebrate Easter.

LUKE chapter 24:1-9

Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood beside them in dazzling attire. The 11women were terribly frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then the women remembered his words, and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

If you're celebrating, have a happy Easter!

A to Z Challenge: S is for...

2011-04-23T07:51:00.003-05:00

Morning, all!

I'm a little late in today's post because my kiddo had a sleepover at our house with TWO friends. But sleepover is not my word of the day, although it could be.

Instead, S is for: Saturday!

Original, huh? But as I said in the beginning of this blog challenge, these posts are not planned. I'm just rolling with it. :-)

Yes, so Saturday. And what have I done so far?

The kids were up at 5:30 (lovely) so that means I was up at 5:30. And because I'm a spoiler, I made homemade buttermilk chocolate chip pancakes for them (with whipped cream and sprinkles) and fried up some bacon.

I had a protein bar for breakfast.

Now I'm waiting for the kids to be picked up so I can go exercise. Yes, my hubby is around to watch the kids but he begged me not to leave him alone with them. He was like, "Don't leave! I'll easily lose control. You they'll listen to. Me, I'm practically one of them so they won't."

That made me laugh and take pity, so I'm blogging instead.

Later today, I plan to make a picture album for the whole 2010 year and put together Easter baskets. Then maybe read and make some cookies.

I love rainy Saturdays. :)

What are you doing today?

A to Z Blog challenge: R is for...

2011-04-22T02:46:00.001-05:00

Oooh...we're so close to finishing this challenge I can taste it!

R is for: RWA!

RWA is the Romance Writers of America.

As one of the largest writers associations, Romance Writers of America leverages its influence and credibility to advocate for improving business conditions in the romance publishing industry. Also, RWA promotes the romance genre through outreach programs for librarians and booksellers.

I've been a member since 2005. My membership was actually a Christmas gift given to me by my hubby. I had wanted to join before that but was afraid of investing the money in a membership I wouldn't use or had no business having. But the hubby surprised me and thought it was something I should have if I really wanted to be a writer. It was the first time that I really felt he had taken my interest in writing seriously and he wanted to me to grow and do well with it. What a sweetie. *sniff sniff*

The RWA has been good to me. It's given me lots of resources and writing information and I've met wonderful writing friends through it too.

Although I do belong to my local state chapter and have attended conferences before, this year I'll be attending my first National Conference in NYC this summer. WOO-HOO! I'll actually get to see Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Meg Cabot (among my other writing idols) up close and in person and just... absorb it all.

I JUST registered so I'm very excited!

What about you? Do you belong to any writing organizations?
Do you belong to the RWA? Are you going to Nationals too?

A to Z Blogging challenge: Q is for...

2011-04-21T02:20:00.001-05:00

Hey, all! I went on a little day trip with the family yesterday, but I'm back now and feeling refreshed. (Bought a new dress too!) Bonus!

Anyhew...back to the challenge:

Q is for: Quail egg!

(Yes, you read right.)

I've eaten quail egg.

Raw quail egg.To clarify, it was a quail egg broken on top of a piece of sushi and eaten all together. So it's not like I just cracked a quail egg in my mouth or something. I mean, sheesh! I have some standards!

But what I'm trying to say is that I enjoy trying different kinds of food. Some might even say I have an adventurous tongue. Hmm...that doesn't sound right, but you know what I mean. To prove my point further, here are some other funky things I've eaten:

Snails ** Escargot, really. But snails are snails no matter what you call them. And they're yummy drenched in all that butter and garlic.

Frog Legs **Tastes like chicken. Really!

Raw octopus** It kind of goes with the whole sushi thing, but this was kind of weird because it was so tough to chew.

Ostrich **When I saw this on the menu at a local restaurant, I had to order it. Or more accurately, I had to have my hubby order it so I could try it. It's been a while, but I don't think it tasted like chicken. Isn't that a surprise?

Buffalo** Hey, when in Montana...

Caviar** I had the cheap stuff and the $$ stuff in all its salty goodness.

Oxtail** Just had this when I was in the Bahamas a few days ago. Tasted like veal mixed with gelatin.

Rabbit** Sorry Bugs Bunny.

Alligator** Now this DID taste like chicken!

Foie Gras** Do you actually know what this is? It's the liver of a duck or goose that's been overly fattened up. Is that the correct phrase? Oh well. Gross, yes. But delicious.

Gefilte Fish** Maybe this isn't interesting if you're Jewish, but since I'm not, I found it very interesting-but only somewhat tasty. Maybe I had a bad batch or something.

Cow Brains** Yes. Cow brains. And I'm ashamed to say, I had it more than once in my life and nobody even held a gun to my head. My mom made this a few times when I was growing up. Kind of strange to see a brain soaking in your kitchen sink when you come home from school, but I think you have to in order to devein it properly.

Okay. I'll shut up now since most of you haven't had breakfast yet. :)

Do you like to try new foods? Eat anything funky lately?

A to Z blog Challenge: P is for...

2011-04-19T03:06:00.001-05:00

I could not wait until this letter came up in the alphabet!

Yay! The day has arrived!

P is for: P90x!!

In case you haven't heard (how could you not? I talk about it constantly) I am now a P90x grad and I actually have restarted the program from the beginning. That's right.

I'm BRINGING IT (a P90x term). :-)

Do you even know what P90x is?

Have you seen the infomercials on it on Saturday mornings? I'm telling you P90x is one EXTREME home workout regimen. But oh so good!

Believe me, I am not one of those hardcore workout people. In fact, I am--er, was a bit of a cream puff. (a cute cream puff, though) Before p90x, I occasionally did spin classes. I ran (the most I've ran ever is about 4 miles) and I sometimes went to the gym and took aerobic classes. Just cardio stuff a few times a week. But I was interested in more...body transformation. So when the hubby ordered the DVDs for himself, I knew I was going to be talked into doing it too.

But I'm so glad!

I won't lie. The first week I was sore and in bed by 7 pm every night. LOL (Sad, but true) But then as the weeks progressed it did get easier (sort of...) and I found I could do more and more of the workout. It became (and still is) a bit of love hate relationship.

I hate it, but I love it. (Tony Horton says this himself in the Ab Ripper workout)

The whole idea of the workout is "muscle confusion". So one day, you're working the arms until they fall off with push-ups and chin-ups and the next day you're working the legs with plyometric jumping exercises, and so forth. There's a kempo kick-boxing day and even a yoga day (THE hardest by far and longest clocking in at 90 minutes). But most of the workout tapes are about an hour. You do need a chin-up bar and free weights, which we did invest in, but we figured it's for health reasons so why not?

I've honestly never looked better, which is why I decided to repeat the 13 week workout. I am this close--ll--to buying a bikini this summer. Yes, you read right.

Whether I have the nerve to wear it is another story. LOL

Have you heard of p90x? Do you know anyone who has done it? And more importantly, are you swimsuit ready?

A to Z Blog Challenge: O is for...

2011-04-18T06:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning! This week is spring break week for the kiddo so that's always...fun.

No, kidding. It is fun. :)

Anyhew, speaking of fun, let's get to the letter O.

O is for:

Olivia Newton John!

(Again, seriously)

I completely LOVED Olivia Newton John when I was young. I even belonged to her fan club.

I owned NINE of her albums (most of them were country).

Hers was my very first concert I ever went to (with my dad). He was also a fan. It was the 1980 Physical Tour. I saw it in Philadelphia.

When Grease came out in the movies, I saw it three times that opening weekend. Once with my parents, once with my one older brother, and another with my other older brother. :-) I was only 7 or 8, so I actually question my parents allowing me to see this movie, but a lot the actual story went right over my innocent little head. I just loved the music!

I gave myself bangs and asked for a perm because I wanted to look just like Sandy. (My hair ended up looking more like Gilda Radner's.)

It's funny because I thought she had the best voice evah, and now when I listen to her, I think, "Meh." Still good, but I wonder why I was so gaga. :)

Remember her other movies, Xanadu (another album I owned) and Two of a Kind? I saw both them at least three times too. Like a said, I was a complete ONJ geek (until high school, anyway).

(She still looks great for her age too!)

Were you a member of any fan clubs growing up? What was the first concert you ever went to?

A to Z Blog Challenge: N is for...

2011-04-17T08:57:00.005-05:00

Happy Sunday, all!

Today is the hubby's birthday so this post is going to be quick!

N is for: New Jersey! (seriously)

Few people know that New Jersey is actually called the "garden state" for a real reason and has some of THE best beaches in the country. (And where I happen to be from)

So here's some cool facts for you:

**New Jersey has the highest population density in the U.S. An average 1,030 people per sq. mi., which is 13 times the national average.

**Picturesque Cape May holds the distinction of being the oldest seashore resort in the United States and one of the most unique.

**New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the diner capital of the world. (Hubby actually told me this fact when were dating which I thought was interesting)

**North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world with seven major shopping malls in a 25 sq. mile radius (woo-hoo)

**The light bulb, phonograph (record player), motion picture projector were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park laboratory (you're welcome)

**New Jersey is the only state in the nation which offers child abuse prevention workshops to every public school.

**The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick, in 1869. Rutgers College played Princeton. Rutgers won (my alma mater)

**Famous people from NJ: Jon Bon Jovi, Judy Blume, Jack Nicholson, Frank Sinatra, Meryl Streep, Jon Stewart, and Kelly Ripa (to name a few)

Do you live in the U.S? What state are you from?

A to Z Blog Challenge: M is for...

2011-04-15T02:27:00.001-05:00

Hey, all! It's Friday, so I thought I'd do light and fluffy.

Okay, lighter and fluffier than I normally do.

So, M is for: Movies!

My hubby surfs. My kiddo surfs (the white water, but still...) We live in a beach resort. Thus, we are all excited to see the new Bethany Hamilton movie: Soul Surfer.

'Soul Surfer' is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

The trailer for it is here: Soul Surfer: The Bethany Hamilton Movie Trailer.

(CAUTION: the trailer made me tear up)

Another movie I'm excited to see is the new Jane Eyre. You may not know this but Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite books. Evah. But I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of remakes--especially remakes of classics. So I originally had NO interest in seeing this movie. But yesterday I read an awesome review in my local paper that has totally swayed me. I'm not made of wood, people!

Here's the trailer. See if you can resist.

What about you? Are you looking forward to seeing any new movies?

A to Z Blog Challenge: L is for...

2011-04-14T02:10:00.001-05:00

Almost halfway done this blog challenge! (But who's counting, right?) :-)

Anyhew, today's blog is brought to you by the letter L.

L is for: Links!!

I thought it would be fun to share some links that I've recently saved to my computer this past week so you all can take a little peek into my life.

You know, not to scare anyone, just for fun. :-) So here goes.

This past Saturday, my church held a women's brunch and our topic was on prayer. The women's ministry asked me to speak (AGAIN!) and I used this link to find some good information to use in my talk.

My neighbor's church was raising money for a missionary trip so I bought a Samaritan card. I saved this link to find out more about it and how in the world I can use it.

A writer friend told me about Romance University, so I saved this link and really liked the info I saw there.

My hubby's b-day is coming up. So I actually saved this link on a snore-reduction pillow and almost ordered one for him. But I thought better of it. (I bought something else instead) :-)

So that's my life this past week summed up in links. :)

What about you? Save any weird links recently you'd like to share?

A to Z Blog Challenge: K is for...

2011-04-13T02:53:00.002-05:00

Maybe this word goes along with the whole exercise kick I've been on but I'm loving this vegetable right now, so I have to share.

So K is for: Kale!

(I know. You're probably thinking, "For real, Jennifer?" Yes, for real.) LOL

Did you know that Kale is the mother of all vegetables? That Kale is the "queen of greens"? That Kale is a nutritional powerhouse? And that Kale is one of THE healthiest vegetables on the planet?

Well, it is. So there.

Which is why I have been eating so much of lately. That, and the fact that I think it's so tasty. :-) In fact, I've been craving it a lot. (And no I'm not pregnant). But I have been on a kale kick lately. My friend even gave me a great soup recipe that I've been having almost daily for lunch. The best part of this recipe is that there are no real measurements. You just kind of dump everything together. Bonus!

Vegetable Soup with Kale:

Saute in a soup pan, one small white onion, lots of garlic, a few sticks of celery chopped, a few sticks of carrots chopped, and a few sticks of parsnips chopped in a small amount of olive oil.

Once veggies are softened and garlic browned, add a quart of organic chicken broth and 4 cups of water to the mix. Add one can diced tomatoes with juice. Add one head of fresh cauliflower (cut up) Add one head of kale (cut in small pieces) Let all come to boil. Then cover and lower heat and simmer until all veggies are tender.

Voila! You can add some salt, if you want. And I add LOTS of fresh pepper. I LOVE this soup. I eat it a lot. And it's sooooooooooooo good for you too!

Try it!

Have you ever tried kale? Did you know how healthy it is for you?

A to Z blogging challenge: J is for...

2011-04-12T06:10:00.001-05:00

J is a popular letter in my family. All three of us have names beginning with J.

Thus, J is for: Jennifer!

When I was born Jennifer was THE top name on every baby name list.

And because of that I hated it.

My neighbor was named Jennifer. During my school years, I was one of three (maybe four) Jennifers in each class. Always. It made it kind of difficult to set us apart. So I was known as "tall" Jennifer.

Ugh. Even less original.

I wanted a nickname but I definitely wasn't a Jenny. So people usually just called me "Jen".

But I didn't like Jen any better. So when I was in college and around people who didn't know me as Jen or Jenny--I went back to the full name in an attempt to be original again because a lot of Jennifers never really went with the full name. It's stuck ever since. And then I finally liked my name! (It only took thirty years) LOL

When my daughter was born, I decided to give her a J name too, but one that was a little more unique, so she wouldn't go through what I went through in school. In fact, she is the only one in her ENTIRE school with her name. She's kind of like "Madonna" or "Cher" that way. LOL But she still complains and wants a name that is more common.

So you see, you never can win. :-)

What about you? Do you like your name? Is it very common or is it unique? Do you like your full name or nickname better?

A to Z Blogging Challenge: I is for...

2011-04-11T05:45:00.000-05:00

Hey, all!

Today's word is for my favorite TV show.

Did you guess?

I is for Idol! (American Idol)

I started watching Idol about halfway through season two. But I wasn't always such a fan. When it was first aired, I refused to watch. I saw the previews and thought, "Wow, what a dumb idea for a show."

Oh well. What do I know? LOL

I finally decided to tune in just to see what the hub-bub was all about. Then that was it. I was HOOKED. So when season Three rolled around, I had to watch it from the very beginning all the way through and have never stopped since. Season Four is when I decided to go completely nuts and I actually started voting. PS. I totally rooted for Carrie Underwood from day one.

This year I actually almost stopped watching. I figured Simon and some of the other judges had left, so maybe I should get out on a high note too. But I'm so glad I didn't! This year has to be THE most talented year ever. The singing has been amazing! It gives me goose bumps to see the beginnings of so many careers.

Now, I was worried about the show when Simon left. I always appreciated what he had to say (when he wasn't being rude) but this year's judges really are giving the show such a positive spin that you can't help but feel good yourself. And that's what I'm really loving about the show. It's a kindlier, gentler American Idol this year, which makes it much more fun to watch.

What about you? Do you watch American Idol? What do you think about the new judges? (Are you surprised Pia was voted off)

A to Z Blog Challenge: H is for...

2011-04-10T05:51:00.002-05:00

Hey, everyone! I've had a HECTIC weekend so far--bu that's no my H word today. I'm doing a semi-recycled post on another H word.

So H is for: Heroes!

A few years ago I had taken an online class entitled: “Can this Manuscript Be Saved?” There was a section called the characterization part. That was a section particularly helpful to go over if you’ve ever had a rejection saying they hated your main character or characters, or couldn't relate to them. Good stuff.

Anyhew, the discussion grew to "beta and alpha" heroes and their actions/reactions. Well, the author, Susan Meier, admitted she used distinctions between the two in workshops but that when she writes she doesn’t write alpha or beta—usually a combo or maybe she starts out one way and the character evolves to another.

So I thought, “YES! Hey, me too!"

Which is funny, because I once had an old critique partner say she was “worried about my alpha hero because he waffled beta”. Of course, my first thought when I’d received the critique was, “My hero’s an alpha?”

I had no idea. I hadn't planned it. When I first started writing I didn't even know there were types of heroes!

So what are the differences in heroes?

The Alpha Hero: According to romance author Kate Walker, "The term Alpha comes from the animal kingdom – the Alpha wolf is the leader of the pack. The Boss. He has won his place by strength, courage, fortitude and sheer power. He rules the rest of the pack with the same qualities. He has to, or the pack will not survive – certainly, if the Alpha loses his grip on the rest, someone will rise up against him, defeat him and rule in his place. The other reward of being the Alpha wolf is that he gets the best females – mates with the very best – breeds wonderful cubs. But along with his success and his rewards as Alpha Wolf – he has a lot of responsibilities – he has to protect his own – defend the females and the cubs from invading marauders, make sure he takes them where the hunting is good. That’s an ALPHA.

And the Alpha hero has to have those qualities. He has to be successful- a man of achievement. Independent. A ruler – a man of power. Strong, handsome, vigorous. A leader. In human societies, the signs of success are wealth and power – and so the Alpha hero has to have the outward trappings – those visible signs of success that the world values – money, houses, cars, businesses . . . "

The Beta hero: author Michele R. Bardsley says, "In line with his "best friend" qualities, a beta hero makes a great sudden daddy—he adjusts more easily to than an alpha male. He's also an excellent role model: Women think he's sweet, kids know he'll play catch or tea party, bosses know they can rely on him to get last-minute projects completed, and men know they can trust him with their girlfriends.

Beta heroes need to grow, change, learn. Nice doesn't equal perfect. An easygoing guy who's funny and sweet hides his feelings more effectively and feels pain more deeply than an alpha hero (who will, when angry or upset, stomp around, growl, and hit stuff). A beta hero hides his pain behind a smile, a joke, or a quiet reserve. A beta hero is more likely to walk away from a confrontation or do what he believes the heroine wants than to stand his ground and fight it out. This isn't wimp behavior because he's not afraid for himself, he's afraid for the person he cares about.

The beta hero: © Is kind, responsible, decent © Doesn't enjoy confrontation, but won’t back down on an issue he wants resolved © Is always available to the heroine or to others who need his help © Is an extrovert or an introvert © Is practical, down to earth, assesses situations before making decisions © Has a great sense of humor © Tends to be Mr. Nice Guy/Everyday Joe © Is the kind neighbor, the best friend, the good Samaritan.

Then there's... The Gamma Hero: author Deb Stover defined the Gamma hero this way and said, "A Gamma is... One who doesn't fit the image of the macho Alpha male, or the easygoing Beta either. He's a combination--a mutation?--of both types of man, and makes a hero to die for. One reader suggested Mel Gibson and Sean Connery as actor examples of the "Gamma" hero. That definitely works for me. I'd also like to suggest Tom Selleck, who comes across as almost Beta at times, though still has enough Alpha to make him appeal to readers who prefer a tougher hero. Also Harrison Ford would fall into this description. He's definitely Gamma material in Star Wars!

In books? Susan Elizabeth Phillips takes true Alpha males and captures their tenderness, but doesn't quite change them to Gamma heroes. They're still Alpha males. Jill Barnett's heroes are often of the Gamma variety--tough but tender. Mike Faricy in my Some Like it Hotter is my first Gamma hero. My earlier ones have been Beta all the way. I think he's the one who made me coin a new term to describe him. He's gritty--Alpha--but not completely....

I love the idea of the gamma male. Many readers, while loving a beta male in real life, find them a bit too wimpy in a romance. And, often alpha heroes are too bitter and mean for readers to fall in love with. Some of the listers tried to describe actors who fall into each category, including Alan Alda and Tom Hanks as beta, Bruce Willis and Steven Segal as alpha, and Mel Gibson and Adrian Paul as gamma."

Interesting! I really don’t start off pigeon-holing my heroes when I write, but just based on the kind of stories I write, there is just an natural evolution of personality. But I always think it’s funny when a tough guy finds his soft spot because of that special woman and does things "out of character". But I don't think that makes my heroes Gamma. So far, I've written Beta Heroes all the way. Some may find that kind of hero boring, but I really love them. But, hey, that's just me. :-)

If you're a writer, what kind of heroes do you usually write? If you're a reader, what kind of heroes do like to read about?

A to Z Blogging Challenge: G is for...

2011-04-08T02:49:00.001-05:00

Oh, my gosh. Is this blogging week over yet? Kidding!

Okay. Half kidding.

Anyhew...the fact that I'm scrambling to finish my WIP this month has made me focus on a very important G word.

Therefore, G is for: Goals!!

If you were with me in the beginning of the year, I blogged about my goals (NOT resolutions) but GOALS for the new year.

So let's take a stroll down memory lane all those... three and a half months ago and recap:

My PERSONAL GOAL: This year I took my exercise regime to a whole new level. The hubby and I started doing the P90X workout program at the start of the new year.

Where am I now with that goal? Well, I'm exactly TWO days from finishing the program. Then I'll be a P90 grad. And I'll arm wrestle anyone to prove it! LOL

My PROFESSIONAL GOAL: More D for discipline to get more writing done. Thus, I started the Book In 3 Months writing challenge in Feb. for a new story I'm plotting. My other goal was finish my manuscript Kissing Kendall. Both books I plan to have done and submitted by the end of the year.

Where am I with that? Well, I'm still in the Book in Three Month challenge, hoping to finish Kissing Kendall by the end of this month. Eeep. The other story I was working on I had to stop because of plot problems. But as soon as KK is done, I'll set it aside before editing, and try to work out what I did wrong with the other story. I still plan to finish both and have them submitted before the end of the year. Woot!

I LOVE goals. Have you noticed? :)

I love writing them down and seeing them before me to keep me focused. (I especially love when I reach those goals, but sometimes it doesn't happen) That's okay. Either way, I'm happy to just have the desire to dream.

How about you? Have you achieved any of your goals you've set so far?