And it’s all FREE! Can you say early Christmas shopping!

As a participant in this bloggy give-a-way I will be giving away books, books, books. Now really, what did you think I was giving away! They will be an assortment or parenting and inspirational books in several genres, both once read and new!

The contest is open to everyone in the US (sorry, postage out of the US is too hefty for a non-paid writer!)

So all you have to do is start leaving comments and I’ll announce the winner by Monday Nov. 5th! Here are some of the books that will be included. With my growing list, I think I just might have more than one winner! And stop back and visit often. I get tons of FREE books and pass them on to my readers when I’m finished reading them. I think I have another couple books to giveaway in November.

But for this giveaway it is:

Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer

One Step Over the Border by Stephen Bly

The Battle Belongs to the Lord by Joyce Meyer

Hangman’s Curse by Frank Peretti (Young Adult fiction)

To enter other great prizes visit the Fall Ya’ll Bloggy Giveaway page.

CONTEST CLOSED! WE HAVE OUR WINNERS! 

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, ‘What is it like to be a Christian?’ The coworker replied, ‘It is like being a pumpkin.’ God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.’ This was passed on to me by another pumpkin.

Can I get an Amen?!?

I’ve been tagged by Georgiana, and this looked like a fun trip down memory lane!

In 1997 I was 28, almost 29, and mom to Chris who just turned three, and Joey who was 7 months old. We were finally settled in our new dream home and I was busy trying to figure out how to parent my high-spirited, strong-willed toddler (Now that he’s 13, I’m trying to figure out how to parent my high-spirited, strong-willed teen!) I had shelved my WIP for by then and many years after too exhausted to even think of writing.

I was probably making plans to go on my husband’s annual company trip in January. This year it was to Hawaii, and I still wasn’t decided if I was taking Joey who was still nursing or if I would wean him. I ended up weaning Joey (heck, it was a FREE trip to Hawaii.) It was the first time we left the boys for a week! They were at my mother in laws, and I only worried about them the first day. Then I forgot I was a mom and enjoyed my FREE trip to Hawaii!

In 1987 I was a month shy from 19 and in my sophomore year at college. No longer did I expereince the carefree, magical days of my freshman year, meeting new people and feeling for the first time in my life real joy and excitement about my life. Sophomore year was an incredible challenge for me and my roommate who happened to be the chaplain on my floor. Somehow we took on the responsiblity of helping a friend on the floor who had Cerebal Palsy (when her aid wasn’t around) and it was the most trying time of my life to date. My roommate and I became burdened and burned out by our friend’s physical needs, though it was a tremendous time of blessing and pain.

In 1977 I was almost nine years old and in 4th grade. I was a very shy and insecure child. My dad had been out of the home for 3 years and I really didn’t remember him in the home, though we got to see him on weekends. I remember my classroom, not having great penmanship, being embarrassed about my parents divorce and having the boy I had a crush on say “so what” when the rival girl told him. I remember being in a class play (Tom Sawyer) where I was Ingun Joe and at first we thought he was a SHE. I also remember being checked for lice! YUCK! And I probably got my “bowl” hair cut that year because I remember having the disgusting little critters.

I hated my short hair and swore to never have short hair again. The shortest I’ve gone since then has been to my shoulder.

I can’t remember how many I’m suppose to tag, so I tag

Katherine @ Raising Five

Beck @ Frog and Toad are Still Friends

Paula @ Grace Reign

Darlene Schachts @ CWO

Claudia Mair Burney @ Raggamuffin Diva

And don’t forget to let me know when you post!

Reprint from October 2006 

I wasn’t even going to post on Halloween until I read this post. And I’m not going to get into the pagan history of the “fun” holiday because if you want to get picky about things, even Easter has pagan origins, but I am going to share with you a Godly alternative to pumpkin carving.

The Pumpkin Gospel

Open with prayer and share “Every Halloween, people carve pumpkins to make jack-o-lanterns. We’re going to carve a pumpkin too, but our pumpkin is going to teach us about the Gospel and God’s promise of heaven.

Theme: We become a new creation when Jesus comes into our hearts.

Supplies: Pumpkin, large bowl, newspapers, sharp knife, spoon, candle, matches, Bible

Activity: Cut an opening in the top of the pumpkin and have your kids pull out the seeds and scrape the inside of the pumpkin while you read Matthew 23:25-28 and Revelation 3:20

Ask: How is the stuff we pulled out of the pumpkin like sin in our hearts? (They’re both yucky, sticky…)

How is the way we cleaned out our pumpkin like the way Jesus cleans us out when we confess our sins?(Jesus scoops the yucky stuff out, etc)

Draw a happy face on your pumpkin, then carve it out. When your pumpkin has a happy face read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 2:10

Ask: How have we made this pumpkin a “new creation”?

How do we become new creations when Jesus comes into our hearts?

Share: When Jesus comes into our hearts, we become new creations, just as our pumpkin has become a new creation. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Read aloud: Matthew 5:14-16. Then light a candle and place it inside the pumpkin. Turn off the room lights and have everyone stand or sit so they can see the light coming through the pumpkin’s face.

Discuss how God wants our light to shine before others. Read 2 Cor. 4:6

Ask: How is the way the candle light comes through the pumpkin like the way God wants our light to shine?

This can be a wonderful way to glorify God on this day and olders kids can help read scripture while the younger ones will have fun learning the Gospel in a way that will stick with them forever.

If you do this, please come back and let me know how it went!

Rene Gutteridge is the author of several novels including Ghost Writer, the Boo Series, and the Occupational Hazard novels. She is a published playwright with a decade of experience in writing, directing, and publishing church comdey sketches, but what really amazes me it that she does all this while raising her two children.

Rene’s story of how she broke into the business is amazing and encouraging.

“Not too many years ago I found myself pregnant with my first child, maintaining a drama ministry at my church, and trying to get a handle on the tremendous passion I had inside of me to write. I was seven months pregnant. I was tired of getting all the rejection letters. I was so confused, because I had this passion that I was certain was from God. Yet nothing was happening. Absolutely nothing. Or I would get really close only to fail. I was unsure, anyway, how I was going to balance all the writing time with a new baby.

It was a cold February night, around 3 a.m., when I rose from an already restless sleep. I got down on my knees in the middle of the living room, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. And I said, “I can’t do it any more, Lord. I can’t keep going to the mailbox everyday with my hopes up that there will be a positive letter from a publisher. I can’t keep writing things that nobody will ever see. I’m done. I’m finished with it. If you want me to be a writer, then it’s in Your hands. I know You can make it happen, but I can’t.” I rose, and went to bed…”

To read the rest of her story go to her interview here.

It’s Christmastime in Skary, Indiana, but the holiday season has been hijacked by maverick director Lois Stepaphanopolis as she attempts to bring her horror-ific vision of A Christmas Carol to life. But the holly-decked path from page to stage is a thorny one, as Lois attempts to rally her skeptical cast, including new father Wolfe Boone, and then she learns that her reluctant marketing director, Alfred Tennison, is truly a Christmas Scrooge.

Alfred’s grassroots marketing plan proves more than successful as the buzz builds that Skary should anticipate an overflowing audience for their opening night– but a crucial miscommunication leaves the visiting theatergoers expecting of a very different Christmas production. As chaos ensues, can the actors pull off an improv miracle — and can the Skary community convince their own Scrooge to embrace the true meaning of Christmas?

I will be giving away two copies of Boo Humbug. Just leave your name and fill in your email. If you’re a winner and don’t respond to my email in a week, I will be picking another winner. So go ahead and comment!

Or you can get a jump of your Christmas shopping and buy it online here

or here. 

Other posts on Rene and her books!

Interview with Rene

Snitch Review

I’ve noticed lately (though I’ve known for years) that me and my husband do a lot of talking. Whether it’s a discipline issue with the kids, a scheduling conflict or issues in our marriage we tend to talk first, pray last.

I think it’s because we’re both doers. Praying just doesn’t seem like it does anything, but we know it does. It just doesn’t seem as active as talking and planning and hashing things out.

Recently, I’ve been challenging my husband to pray about it before he comes and talks to me. For example, he thought after ACFW my writing would slow down (maybe I gave him that impression. Okay, I probably said it would.) And compared to pre-conference it has. But he doesn’t see it that way and wanted to talk about it.

I knew what was coming and felt the burning in my chest, but instead of letting my anger rise up, I gave it to God. (What a concept!) And I put my writing in His hands. Then I told my husband that I didn’t want to talk about my writing, but I wanted him to pray about it and let me know what God says. Now, I’m hoping God will tell him to give me more time to write, but I doubt it. But if he catches a glimmer of what writing means to me in his conversation with God, then I’ll come out a winner!

‘Cause right now my husband just doesn’t get this writing thing! Can anyone out there relate?

Matt Bronleewe

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.

Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

IT’S BEEN 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING…PREPARE TO BE ILLUMINATED…
August Adams has failed his family before. He’s sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.

It’s a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.

If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he’ll destroy a national treasure.

The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.

“…this rare breed of suspense thriller combines mysterious hidden clues, secret societies, buried treasure, double agents, and the Knights Templar…if you turned National Treasure into international treasure, traded DaVinci codes for Gutenberg Bibles, married it to Indiana Jones, and added the pacing of 24 you’d be in the neighborhood of Illuminated…on a scale of one to 10, this one goes to 11.”
-Aspiring Retail Magazine

Last week this post by Chip MacGregor got me thinking about marketing my fiction and what makes a reader grab a book off the shelf.

Is it the book itself or is it the story?

According to Allen Arnold, a Senior Vice President and the Publisher of Fiction at Thomas Nelson, Hollywood does a better job at selling the story not the movie.

I agree, publishing houses are still trying to sell books when they should be selling story. Though some are catching on to an old salesmen technique.

I learned it awhile ago when I was a door to door saleswoman, selling books ironically. I didn’t sell expensive, hardcover study manuals. I sold a homework helper and specifically showed them what they needed to see. I sold the sizzle, not the steak because let’s face it a hunk of meat isn’t very appetizing, but once you smell it your mouth waters and you’ve got to have it.

I like what some authors are doing with book trailers and blog tours, but even I have been guilty of posting a stale interview or back cover blurb. What really gets me drooling to read a book is the buzz about the story or characters and even the author. I just picked up Susan Meissners book (and I rarely buy books with the growing stack of freebies) Widows and Orphans for three reasons. It was a mystery, I was curious about the buzz I heard at ACFW and I met her briefly and liked her. So sell me on the story, and I’m more likely to go out an buy it.

What about you? What makes you spend money on books?
Which brings me to another question. How do you like your books?
Hardcover, trade paper, or mass market Fiction? I prefer the mine medium rare, though I’ve been known to buy all, though never a hardcover at full price.

Sorry it took me so long to draw the winners. I’ve been…um…interrupted!

Congrats to:

Beck

e-Mom

Susan Stitch (I don’t have your email so you’ll have to contact me!)
Please send me your address and if I don’t hear from you in a week, I will draw the next name!

It’s been over a month since I attended ACFW in Dallas and though the details are blurring, I want to try and get as much info down as I can.

Friday morning I arrived to breakfast to discover the tables were being hosted by editors and agents. In the past breakfast was more laid back, with agents/editors eating with their own and other attendees not frantically worried about pitching over coffee and danishes.

If I had known the tables were going to be hosted I would have gotten there earlier because there were a few editors/agents I wanted to meet. Instead I navigated the crowded dining room, carring my breakfast plate and ackwardly scanned the tables  for a seat with the desired agent/editor.

But I couldn’t find any.

I circled the room again, with my new goal of finding a friend…or a friendly face.

No luck.

Then I heard my name. Someone down in front. It came from Georgiana sitting at Chip MacGregor’s table, front and center of the auditorium.

Ironically, (or God-ordained) Chip was on that list of “wanted to talk with,” but I didn’t really want to talk with him over clattering breakfast dishes. I took the last seat available. Next to the empty seat designated for him. We all ate and talked and waited for Chip. And waited.

And waited.

Finally he arrived when praise and worship was about to start. He apologized for being late. Breakfast started at 7:45 instead of the usual 8:00 in past conferences. Not wanting to be rude, but also not wanting to hurt my already hurt neck by looking over my shoulder at the Praise and Worship leaders, I turned my chair toward the stage and apologized for having my back to him. He was still eating and didn’t seem to mind. Plus, I had several email conversations with Chip, and he knew I wanted to speak with him. That was just not the time!

The rest of the day was typical workshop attending, chatting with old and new friends and the beginning of information overload. After my 3:30 paid critique, I jumped in the car and headed to my sister’s. I really wanted to go out with some friends and just relax, but I already said I would visit my sister. So I skipped out on two sessions and left around 4:00.

It took me 2 hours to get from Dallas to Fort Worth. Thankfully, I had the GPS system which was one of the reasons I was going back to Ft. Worth. I thought my sister’s sister-in-law might need it, but mainly I thought it was the right thing to do.

After I got there, we had dinner and a nice time, but I have to admit I was watching the clock, anxious to get back for the late night lobby social hour. Two and a half hours later I was back on the road. This time it took me 45 minutes, and before I left my sister’s husband said I didn’t really need to come all this way since I was coming back on Sunday!

Now he tells me!

Anyway, when I got back I tried to sit in on a late night session, but I was past tired so I headed for the lobby where I had a really great conversation with Steve Laube, one of the agents who really liked my One Sheet in the late night chat and who I had an appointment with the next day.

What happened exactly?

That’s another story.

One of many professional photos taken at ACFW!

I had already signed up for the Agent Panel late night chat. I had already had my one sheet. I already email the moderator of the late night chat telling him I was going to submit it to the panel.

When I walked into the packed room, I already had second thoughts.

It was after the agent and editor panel. Agent after agent, editor after editor had just told the assembly what they were looking for.

Bottom line.

A story that moved them.

That’s where my doubts and insecurities began to bubble up. My story wasn’t deep enough to move anyone. It was rather hokey in my opinion. Yet, I said I was going to submit and what better way to get instant feedback from three of the top agents in the CBA.

I walked into the room, stomach in knots, and found a couple of friends feeling the same way. We sat next to each other, handed our one sheets in and waited.

The first review wasn’t so good or the author. They went into detail why they wouldn’t be interested and they gave their opinion tactfully. Next one, same fate. And the next. And the next. My nerves increased with every not so good review.

Then the agents grabbed a one sheet and smiled. They read the title and tag line and the room chuckled.

It was MY one sheet!

Miracles or miracles. They liked the title. They like the tagline. They like the concept. They liked the layout!

To say I was relieved would be an understatement. I was thrilled.

After all my doubts and insecurities. Fears and second guessing, they liked it.

In fact, the agent (whom I had an appointment with later on in the week) said, “I’m meeting with her. Don’t talk to anyone else!”

If the conference had ended right there I think I would have gotten my money’s worth. It’s just the encouragement I needed to know I was on the right track, though as slow as it may be.

They went through about 30 or so other one sheets, ironically liking the ones of the people sitting in my row!

I don’t know if it was luck, grace or talent that caught the attention of the agents. But whatever it was, I’ll take it.

Later in the week I met with two of the three agents. Did they still like my concept? Did they want to represent me?

I’ll save that for next time!

Elisa Mayo is a full-time accountant pursuing my dream of writing and ministering to women. She has a 9-month old daughter and is married to the man who believes in her more than anyone else. In short, she is blessed growing up in a small town in rural Mississippi, she lives just 15 miles from my childhood home. She love animals and have dogs, cats, chickens, cows, and one lone duck! She also enjoy reading and meeting all the wonderful Christian writers the Lord has blessed this industry with.

Synopsis of Let Me Fly (women’s Christian fiction):

Celia Martin struggles with the decision to escape her hometown of Clear Creek and leave behind the ghost of young, lost love while she is pursued by the dangerous, handsome business partner. Her decision to step out on her own, reaching for the fruits of the world’s success, will prove to be a path of heartache. Heartache that leads to redemption once she turns to seek the Lord’s will and lay her past to rest in a shell of forgiveness.

Interview

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

Even in my grade school keepsake book, one of the careers I aspired to have was a writer. Or as I wrote it in that book, AUTHOR. I dabbled in writing from grade school through college, from beginnings of fiction books to children’s book, which I wrote for my younger brother, to songs, and so forth. Finally, fresh out of college, an idea for a fiction book came to me and I began to write. I didn’t get far, just a few chapters and hit a brick wall! Looking back, I know why I hit the brick wall. I knew the Lord was calling me to write a Christian fiction, but at the time I was afraid to. So through a long season of growing in the Lord (six years+) I learned a lot and finally came back to that story, picked it up, and accepted the Lord’s call on my life. From that original start, came the finished book, Let Me Fly. During those six years of having Let Me Fly on hold, I continued to write short stories as I felt led and my husband supported me, maybe never knowing that I would take it this far!

Now, I have a daughter who I can say I am proud for her to read my writing when she’s older because I have the clear conscience that I followed the Lord’s guidance for the book.

How did you get your first “writing break?”

“Writing break”—has that happened yet?? Seriously, my path to the publication of Let Me Fly was nothing short of Spirit-filled. I had not yet completed the book, but had the desire to begin looking for a publisher. I started searching via the internet and was directed by the hand of God to my publisher’s website. I submitted what I had and waited……a few days. (smile) I had an overwhelming desire from the Lord to call and talk with the president of the publishing company. Not being a very brassy person myself, I tried negotiating with the Lord, but the pressure from Him was so strong that I reluctantly agreed to make the call believing the entire time that I would never make it to the president.

I did. The secretary patched me right through (which has never happened before—mind you) to the president and I explained to him that I had recently submitted a manuscript. He told me that they would stop accepting manuscripts for that publication year within a few weeks and probably wouldn’t make it to read mine by the deadline, so my book would probably have to wait at least another year. However, since I made the call, he agreed to pull the manuscript. And the rest is to God’s glory because the book was accepted AND published.

What do you write and why this genre?

I have a longing to be able to inspire women in their relationship with God, each other, and their husbands. I truly believe that the world has skewed God’s definition of what women should be and I yearn for us, as women, to be able to follow his perfect will for our lives, regardless of what the world may have us believe about ourselves.

The heroine in Let Me Fly, Celia Martin, is a perfect example of this as she grapples with measuring her success against the world’s yardstick and yielding to the Lord’s call on her life

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

No, I am still working on my second book, The Mourning of Clear Creek, but hope to finish by Christmas. I am currently seeking an agent and publisher for my children’s book series.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I trust the Lord will accomplish His will through my writing. I cannot know whether my writing is meant to touch one person or millions of people or only me. I only know that regardless of the outcome that it is enough for me when it is enough for Him.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?

I’m still learning! I work full-time and spend every possible moment with my daughter that I can, so no writing takes places until she is asleep. That leaves me about two hours per day to work on writing or promotion. The key that I have found is I always have to ask God what He wants me to do for that day. Otherwise, I’ll end up chasing my own self in a whirlwind of anxiety.

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?

Yes, I do! With God, anything is possible! I exercise on my lunch break at least three times a week. I know that many writers get more written in a shorter time period than I do; however, I do what I can and don’t worry about what I can’t. After I work my eight-hour day, I pick up my daughter from her grandmother’s and head home for cooking supper, play-time, bath-time, and bed-time. Then, it’s time to make the decision about what’s next—writing, research, and promotion. If anything has taken a backseat, it’s my ironing! (GROAN)

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

I feel strongly that my daughter and husband come first. I never want them to begrudge my writing. In my life the Lord is first, followed by my family. While my ministry highlights the Lord’s principles, the raising and keeping of my family also reflects Him—because through my job as a wife/mom the world sees Him. And not only the world, but through my job as a wife/mom, my family sees Him. It’s my choice and when I am eighty I want to know that my family got the best God had for them.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I just go with the flow. Right now I do not feel any pressure to write everyday. I know that I have responsibilities to clean my house, wash clothes, etc. and I do that as I need to. Following the Lord’s call everyday helps to keep me from feeling overwhelmed or defeated.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

For me, that’s the hardest thing! I usually end up having to re-read everything that I have already written, so I can get the feel for where I am in the story.

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

I stop, literally. I take some time to sit and open His word, even if it is just two minutes. Or on my commute, I turn the volume up on K-Love and let the songs minister to me. And sometimes, I turn the volume down, way down, and let Him talk to me. And sometimes, I just talk to Him

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

Sure! I do it because I know my writing will suffer if I am not doing just what He needs me to do. The writing will come, maybe not as quickly as I would like it to, but I trust Him to guide me on this path. After all, He is the one who started all of this.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

Never! These stories did not just come to me. I know that God gave them to me and I cherish that.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Never close a door that He has opened, even if it doesn’t align with your plans. Remember that He can see how your future unfolds and you cannot. Trust Him.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I have met so many wonderful people on this journey who have just blessed my heart. I want to thank them for taking the time to call me, e-mail me, comment on my blogs, etc. because their words were water for my drenched soul. I needed each and every one of them and I thank God each time I hear from them, whether they are fellow writers, readers, moms, or just new friends—I know that God sent them to me.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I know others will be blessed!

Just when I thought I was finished with chapter one. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better. Just when I thought I had finally finished a draft worthy of submission, I get Margie Lawson’s Deep Editing Lectures in my Inbox. She taught an amazing early bird session at ACFW and my head is still reeling from trying to implement just a few of the things she taught us.

Just when I thought I could move on to chapter two, I read her lecture notes and realized there was lots more work to do on chapter one.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rewritten chaper one, but I can come close because most of them are saved in a folder. So I thought it would be fun to show the evolution of chapter one.

Draft 1

As the bright light illuminated the image, I gasped, horrified at my recent discovery. My heart thumped loud enough to raise the pharaohs from their burial tombs, yet I couldn’t pull myself away.

Cringing, I forced my fingers to feel the grooves on the weathered surface.The tiny cracks on the once flawless exterior taunted me, reminding me of its imperfection. The effects of time had spurred on the aging process. I had to accept the fact. Only a professional could restore this relic back to its original condition.

Time to schedule my next botox injection.

Draft 2

I stared into my dressing room mirror and gasped. The bright light illuminating my wrinkles made me seem as old as the relics my husband brought back from the field. I forced my fingers to feel the tiny cracks on my forehead.

Mari, Duggins, you shouldn’t be concerned with my appearance; after all it’s what’s inside that counts, right?

But as hostess of the acclaimed university cable show, Archeology Today, I new I had to compete with a younger generation and at thirty-five the camera lens wouldn’t forgive my obvious signs of aging. Neither would my audience, and I couldn’t afford to lose any more ratings.

Draft 3

Drawing in three cleansing breaths, I sank into the television studio’s interview chair. The warn cushions eased my tension, and for once I didn’t mind the tacky chenille fabric and outdated cranberry color. Everything would work out fine, I told myself. Then why couldn’t I shake the recent confrontation between my colleagues, Professor Peter Kipling and Martin Henderson head of Archeology and my first guest.

I pulled a mirror from my Gucci purse, and I gasped. Great! Just great. Thanks Fellas. I’d have to send them both the Botox bill. I forced my fingers to feel the tiny cracks on my forehead and sighed. The studio lighting accentuated my flaws, making me seem as old as the artifacts my husband brought back from the field.

Mari Duggins, you shouldn’t be so concerned with your appearance; after all it’s what’s inside that counts.

Tell that to the network.

Draft 4

My Gucci heels clicked on the tile counting down the seconds as I rushed toward the campus television studio. The intoxicating aroma of fried pastries wafted off the buffet table, but my resolve held thanks to my churning stomach. I couldn’t even choke down a cardboard-tasting protein bar if I wanted to. I glanced at my watch. My gut tightened. Not again. I couldn’t be late today.

“Don’t think you’ll get away with this, Henderson.” Archeology Professor Peter Kipling stood toe to toe with department Martin Henderson outside of the green room. Their voices carried through the empty hallway.

I bit my lip. What was Peter doing down here? Just what I needed before the biggest show of my career.

Draft 5

My Gucci heels echoed on the worn grey tile counting down the seconds as I rushed through the sun-starved corridor toward the dungeon, otherwise known as the campus television studio. The intoxicating aroma of fried pastries wafted off the buffet table, diabolically located between my dressing room and the green room. As I squeezed by the forbidden fat grams, my resolve held, thanks to my churning stomach. I couldn’t even choke down a cardboard-flavored diet bar if I wanted to. I glanced at my watch. My gut tightened.

Not again. I couldn’t be late today.

Draft 6

When I stepped out of my dressing room into the dark hallway, I should have heard death’s gentle taunting. I should have seen it hovering in the glow of the flickering florescent lighting over my colleagues just beyond the green room. I should have felt its seducing talons.

Instead, I rushed toward the campus television studio, my heels ticking like a time bomb.

Archaeology professor Peter Kipling stood toe to toe with the mammoth department head, Theron Henderson. Personal space, obviously not an issue.

I bit my lip.

What was Peter doing here? Didn’t he have an eight o’clock class?

Draft 7 (After ACFW)

When I stepped out of my dressing room into the dim hallway, I should have heard death’s gentle taunting. I should have seen it hovering in the glow of the flickering lights over my colleagues. I should have felt its seducing talons pulling me closer to the abyss.

Instead, I rushed toward the campus television studio, my heels ticking like a time bomb as I checked my make-up one more time in my compact mirror.

The intoxicating aroma of fried pastries wafted through hall. My mouth watered. Mental note, find the Einstein who put the breakfast buffet between my dressing room and the green room and have him lobotomized.

At thirty-five, I had a hard enough time maintaining my weight to please that mother-in-law of a camera. An impossible feat for anyone over a size two, I know. But my stubborn Sicilian heritage kept me in denial.

I returned the mirror to my purse and glanced at my watch. My chest tightened. 7:48. I couldn’t be late this morning.

Beyond the green room, Archaeology professor Peter Kipling hounded the department head like a stubborn pup challenging the Alpha male.

“Stay away from her.” Peter’s voice barked through the empty hallway.

My shoulders tensed. What was he doing here? Didn’t he have an eight o’clock class?

Current and probably NOT last DRAFT

When I stepped out of my dressing room into the dim hallway, I should have heard death’s gentle taunting. I should have seen it hovering in the glow of the flickering lights. I should have felt its seducing talons pulling me closer to the abyss.

Instead, I rushed through the hall toward the campus television studio, my heels ticking like a time bomb.

As I checked my make-up once more in the compact mirror, an intoxicating aroma of grease-laden pastries consumed every quivering taste bud. At thirty-five, I had a hard enough time maintaining my weight to please that mother-in-law of a camera. An impossible feat for anyone over a size two, I know. But my stubborn Sicilian heritage kept me in denial.

I sipped my nonfat, sugar-free, vanilla latte, but the allure of the forbidden fat grams, assaulted my senses, my desire transcending Eden temptation.

Mental note, find the Einstein who put the breakfast buffet between my dressing room and the green room and have him lobotomized.

Dropping the mirror in my purse, I glanced at my watch. 7.48. My heart lurched, then sprinted along with the rest of me. I couldn’t be late this morning.

Beyond the green room Archaeology Professor Peter Kipling hounded the department head like a stubborn pup challenging the Alpha male. His usually well-groomed, muddy-brown hair, disheveled as if he’d combed it with a trowel.

Tension weighed on my shoulders.

What was Peter doing here? Didn’t he have an eight o’clock class?

So what do you think? Did I make it better or should I just start from scratch, again. Or perhaps you prefer some draft in the middle?

This weekend I’m giving my WIP a rest! Rest is what my brain and spirit needs. Maybe when I’m back from my camping trip I’ll be able to see things more clearly.

Author Bio:
Sandra Glahn, ThM, teaches in the media arts program at Dallas Theological Seminary, where she edits the award-winning magazine Kindred Spirit. The author of six books and co-author of seven others, she is pursuing a PhD in Aesthetic Studies (Arts and Humanities) at the University of Texas at Dallas . She recently released her first solo medical suspense novel, Informed Consent (Cook). She is the co-author of three other such novels, which include the Christy Award finalist, Lethal Harvest.

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

 

I married my husband of twenty-eight years when I was 20. (At the time that didn’t sound as young as it does today!) After sixteen years together, we adopted our daughter, who is now 12.

 

I started writing stories daily in the second grade, but I never aspired to be an occupational writer. (I wanted to be Diana Ross.) Yet years later when my husband and I married and moved from D.C. to Dallas so he could go to grad school, I supported him. At the financial services company where I worked, I had a great boss who believed in discovering employees’ potential and unleashing it. In the early 1980s Dallas’s businesses were booming, and he used a chunk of his development budget to send me to train with a best-selling writing. After that the company created a job for me as publications editor. I spent my days writing feature stories about what employees did off company time. They figured it would build community and morale for folks to know each other better.

 

Eventually, I freelanced for the magazine market, and after some time I wanted to cross over to the Christian market. When the company got sold and relocated, I had to spread my wings and fly on my own. I had no aspirations ever to write a book. The doors just kept opening and I went through them. Only as I look back do I see how God called me. It was the opposite of what we usually expect—that He calls us and we obey. Instead, I tried to make wise decisions along the way, and in retrospect I can see His call on my life.  

 

 

How did you get your first “writing break?”

 

My husband and I had been through three years of infertility followed by a string of early pregnancy losses. I told a publisher that if he’d produce a book on the subject, I’d edit it for free, because at the time there was so little good material for how to work through the marital, emotional, spiritual, ethical crisis. And he asked, “Why don’t you write it yourself?” I about fell over.

 

 

What do you write and why this genre?

 

My experience writing on bioethical topics in the non-fiction genre led me to see how complex many of the issues were. Often we try to solve them in a sound bite, but we really need hours and even days to consider all the possible points of view. The vehicle of story allows me to explore the complexities in a way that shows rather than tells.  

 

 

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

 

I contributed to a forthcoming book, Devotions for Thinking Christians (Zondervan), and also Simple Little Words (Cook) about how sometimes just a phrase or a few words can change a life. For my Coffee Cup Bible Study series, I have a proposal in to write Kona with Jonah and Frappuccino with Philippians. Of course I’m also tossing around an idea for another medical novel, but I try to avoid talking about my stories before I write them. J

 

 

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

 

My tag line is “Thinking That Transforms.” So I try to help people think in a way that causes life change. That involves prodding people on both sides of thorny issues rethink their stereotypes, reprocessing why they believe as they do rather than unthinkingly adopting the party line. For example with False Positive, I wanted readers to reconsider their stereotypes about abortion. Sometimes the life of the mother actually is at stake. But then, not all pro-lifers are clinic-bombing radicals. Many folks on both sides actually want to help women… They might be misguided, but we have to give them credit for wanting to alleviate suffering. So I try to agitate the comfortable. It’s not that I want people to accept middle-of-the-road, compromise positions. Rather, I want them to find common ground, to affirm where they agree, so they can come back to the table and talk again. We can get so polarized, and ultimately that helps no one.

            With the latest novel, Informed Consent, I wanted to explore end-of-life issues, patients’ rights and AIDS, to name a few….  

 

And now for the tough questions…

 

 

How do you balance being a mom, wife, writer, and working?

 

I have to write fewer books than I would like to. And I limit myself to a maximum of two classes per semester (I teach in Dallas Seminary’s media arts program). I also firmly believe in taking a full 24-hour period off every week. I nap and we often watch a movie together or I’ll use that day to cook something difficult, because that’s not work for me. I think it’s good for my daughter to see me do meaningful work. And as she gets older, she can do her own laundry and help contribute more to our household. I don’t feel I suffered for helping my dad pick pears when I was her age—quite the contrary. So sometimes part of parenting time overlaps with work time. The word “balance” suggests one at a time, like juggling balls. But for me the roles are more connected than separate.  

 

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, working, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?

 

Keeping in shape is taking a back seat for the four months of the fall semester. But come December, I plan to work with a trainer for a couple of months. I try to limit myself to speaking only one weekend per month. So yes, I have to set limits. But I think ultimately cutting back like that makes me more productive ultimately, just as pruning pear trees made my dad’s orchard more robust. It forces me to focus on making the best use of my time rather than accepting everything that comes along. My husband and I got a flu shots yesterday and we plan to take our daughter to get one, so I can spend less time at home this winter playing nurse maid and more time as professor/writing. Sometimes it’s that simple.

 

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

 

We wanted four kids, but the Lord had other plans. And having an only child has turned out to be pretty manageable for this writer. We have a fantastic public school system where we live, so I don’t home school. That gives be big chunks of the day during the week to write while my husband’s at work and my daughter’s at school. But even after she arrives home, she practices violin and has some chores to do, so I continue writing for a while after she’s here. Today my husband plans to take her to East Texas antiquing, and because I’m allergic to dust, I plan to stay here. And I’ll write. No, I don’t feel like I’m neglecting her. And tomorrow we’ll rest and play. Sometimes during major deadlines, I hole myself up in my office and my husband handles the primary parenting, but neither of us feel she needs us both present every moment she’s home.

 

Also, two years ago in the sovereignty of God, a wonderful missionary family bought the house six houses down, and their daughter is my daughter’s age. We carpool together both to school and youth group. And when I need to travel on a Friday, she goes there after school for the two hours until my husband can pick her up. They make sure homework gets done. I couldn’t ask for a better set-up. God’s provision is another confirmation of my ministry.

 

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

 

I get frustrated! But I try to remind myself that the more eternal work is often in the interruption. Let me tell you about one of them…For a number of semesters an international student would email me his papers to edit before he turned in seminary assignments. I’d check email at 7 AM and find something he needed by 8:30! The interruption frustrated me, but I did it because I knew how much he needed my help and had nowhere else to turn. Then one year during commencement I was sitting with the DTS faculty watching him get his diploma. Up on stage he received it and then stopped. While everyone watched, he turned to face me in the choir loft. Then he smiled, thrust his diploma toward me in the air as a sign of victory, and then walked off the stage. I imagine the investment in his seminary training was more eternal than whatever I was writing at the time. Today that student has a radio ministry that covers something like forty-two countries!

 

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

 

I go back and re-read the previous two paragraphs of my WIP, and that usually helps me ramp up to where I was when I had to stop. And I also need it especially quiet during those few minutes when I have to refocus.

 

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?

Eat chocolate. Take a hot bath. Cry on my husband’s shoulder. Depends on how stormy the day is!

 

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

 

My weekly Sabbath time helps there. And I do spend some time in the Word most days. Driving time is also good. I listen to the radio less than I used to and instead I may just think and pray.

 

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

 

Make a list. Put it in order. Pray!

 

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

 

Absolutely. I fell down the stairs head first about two years ago and since then I’ve had two hip surgeries to do grafts that’ll put my collar bone back together. I even had a hospital bed at home for a while. I walked with a cane when I could walk at all. And all the deadlines stacked up. I couldn’t do the marketing I wanted to do. But I had no choice. And there’s no point fighting God when you have no choice. I had to set aside writing to heal. That time made me even more committed to weekly rest. That rest serves as a great reminder that God doesn’t need my help in keeping the universe operational.

 

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

 

 Never. To paraphrase Eric Liddell, When I write I feel His pleasure.

 

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

 

I think one of the least quoted verses we need today comes out of 1 Thessalonians 4: “Aspire to lead a quiet life.” Being a mom and being famous and multi-published are generally not possible for most mortals. But you can write for your group of contacts, for the people you influence. I tell my writing students to quit thinking they’ll get paid until they’ve donated at least 30 works somewhere. Most of us have to persevere in obscurity, to be faithful in little over the long haul, before we’re entrusted with much.  

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

 

Annie Dillard says not to hoard or save your best ideas, but to spend them. Don’t save your best stuff for when you make it big. Trust the creative process that if you spend your best now, another even better idea will replace what you used.  

 

Thanks for the opportunity to talk about stuff that’s so important to me!

Thank you for sharing with us today!

Sandi’s website:

http://www.aspire2.com/index.html

or you can go to http://www.aspire2.com/books%20fiction.htm for more on Informed Consent

SCROLL DOWN for INTERVIEW with BRANDILYN and SPECIAL book offer!

Brandilyn Collins

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e…® ” She’s so well known in the industry there’s actually a club for her non-readers. That’s right. The Big Honkin’ Chickens Club (BHCC) members are proud of the fact that they’re too wimpy to read Brandilyn’s intense fiction. Now and then one of them tries. Bribing works pretty well. (Just ask Deb Raney.) Somehow they live to tell the tale.

Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 17th book. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.

She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences. Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith.

Visit her website to read the first chapters of all her books.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Carla stared at the gun and David Thornby—or whatever his name was. Her mind split in two, one side pleading this was some sick joke, the other screaming it was all too real.

“Please. You must have the wrong person. There’s no reason for someone to want me dead. I don’t have any enemies.”

“Then you’d best rethink your friends.”

Realtor Carla Radling shows an “English gentleman” a lakeside estate—and finds herself facing a gun. Who has hired this assassin to kill her, and why?

Forced on the run, Carla must uncover the scathing secrets of her past. Secrets that could destroy some very powerful people…

Brandilyn Collins fans and reviewers are saying Crimson Eve is her best book yet:

“Collins tops herself by creating a suspenseful nonstop thrill ride … Truly the best Christian Fiction suspense title so far this year.” – Library Journal, starred review

“Crimson Eve is Collins at her very best. It left me feeling as if I’d climbed Mount Everest without oxygen … I didn’t think Brandilyn could outdo herself after reading Coral Moon. She did.” –TitleTrakk.com

“I’ve never edited a more tightly crafted, deftly woven, compellingly written book.” –a Crimson Eve editor, with 20 years experience

“This is your best book! I could not stop reading!” – one of many readers with similar responses

Buy Crimson Eve NOW!

Read about Violet Dawn and Coral Moon, books one and two in the Kanner Lake series.

Do you know someone who’s never read a Brandilyn Collins novel? Surely no such person exists. However, should you scrounge up such a friend—someone who enjoys suspense—here’s a special offer from Brandilyn. Be among the first 50 people between now and October 21, 2007 to e-mail her assistant at gayle.brandilyncollins@gmail.com with the person’s name, e-mail address and street address. (Due to exorbitant overseas mailing costs, United States residents only, please).

A signed copy of Crimson Eve will be sent to your friend—free—along with an e-mail from Brandilyn announcing the book is on its way, courtesy of you. (Don’t worry. Brandilyn won’t spam these email addresses. She just wants your friend to know who to thank.) No worries that this story is third in the Kanner Lake series. Each book stands alone. Brandilyn is convinced your friend will so love Crimson Eve, he/she will surely reciprocate with expensive chocolate.

INTERVIEW: 

I’m really excited to have Brandilyn Collins, author of Seatbelt Suspense, for the first time on Portrait of a Writer. Believe it or not she didn’t become an overnight success. Read on and find out how Brandilyn balances writing with motherhood!

How old were your children when you started pursuing publication? When you got your first contract?

My son was 7 and my daughter was newborn when I started learning the craft of fiction. (I was already a professional non-fiction writer, creating marketing materials for clients.) Took me 10 years to sell my first novel.

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?

Now it’s easier. Our daughter just left for college! Before I worked during the day while the kids were in school. At first I didn’t have enough balance. I had to learn to fit all my work into the time the kids were gone, then be available when they were at home. That’s hard at first when you’re suddenly heavily contracted. But it’s of utmost importance.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I write anyway. When you’re contracted and under deadline, that’s just the way it is. You can’t rely on feeling creative or being healthy. You just have to write no matter what’s going on in your life. If it’s family issues, illness or an accident (I’ve had all three), I get back to the computer as soon as possible.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

No. Once He called me specifically to write Christian fiction, that’s what I’ve focused on as far as the career side of my life.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are struggling to find time to write?

If you’re not contracted, just write when you can. And ENJOY the fact that you’re not yet published. It’s all part of the journey. I know we all want to be published—so did I. But the unpublished have the ability to not write when life calls them. Those with deadlines don’t. So enjoy the part of the journey you’re on. And realize that when you do sell your first book, that’s not the end. It’s only the beginning.

Very sound advice and something I’ve been learning over the last couple of years. I’m not in a hurry to get published like I was two years ago. I’m trying to enjoy leisurely the journey before I have to strap on my seatbelt!

Thanks Brandilyn! You’re welcomed back any time!

It was late when I finally arrived at ACFW. I had driven for over five hours and then visited with my sister in Fort Worth at the hospital. After making two treks from the car to the hotel room, I was tired. But not tired enough to change into my Writer…Interrupted T-shirt and head down to the lobby to see who was hanging out.

The lobby was buzzing with conference arrivals and those who had already settled into the lobby social hour. I immediately said hello the edgy inspirational author aka Michelle Sutton, and Meredith Efken who were chatting away. Later I sat down with Meredith to chat for a while. The subject matter escapes me, but it’s the feeling of camaraderie and connection that I remember.

A crowd started to gather around our little area. We were on the couch, but I noticed several others gathered in a semi-circle around a gentleman in a chair. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember Camy Tang, Randy Ingermanson, and Sarah Anne Sumpolec being in the group laughing and talking.

I got up to greet some more friends and when I returned, Meredith had joined the little group. I was fading fast, so I plopped down on the couch next the to man in the chair who was engaged in conversation with the growing group.

Then unexpectedly, he turned to me and asked me my name. He held out his hand, and I shook it and said, “Gina Conroy, and you are?”

The looks and giggles from “the group” surrounding him were memorable. I heard him say Jim something and then someone said, “He’s the key note speaker.” Call me slow… I’d just asked James Scott Bell who he was!!

When I got a good look at him he did look like his picture. I guess it was the location and pose that threw me off.

Jim was a good sport and said something like it being good for his ego! Then Camy bragged on me and my Writer…Interrupted site. Thanks Camy! Surprisingly enough I didn’t get embarrassed and I milked it as a running joke for the rest of the conference. When I would see him in passing I would stick out my hand and say, “And your name is?” He’d shake it and give me a false name.

Like I said in previous posts on this blog. When I’m around other writers, even famous ones, I become a different person. I think I become the person God had designed me all along to be, before the crud and baggage of life crept in. I like the person who I am when I’m around other writers. I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not, I’m just me!

And it feels good!

More fun with James!

I’m not excited about it, but my family is. So we’re heading off for the wilderness in our comfy pop-up camper. I never said I was going to rough it.

We’re meeting friends for the first day and then we’re on our own. Tomorrow night we have to run back home (1 hour away) for play practice and football. I think Grace and I will stay with our friends at the campsite.

I debated whether or not to take my computer, but I think my WIP needs to sit for a while. I’ll be taking my DEEP EDITING notes and a good book or two. That’s it!

I guess I’ll be roughing it after all!

I mentioned in a previous post how the day before I was to attend the ACFW I get a phone call that my sister had a heart attack. It was odd, but I had no concern for my sister’s health, just a peace that everything would be alright.

Still the news posed several obstacles. Thankfully she lived 45 minutes from where the conference was being held so I would be able to see her AND attend the conference. Definitely a God thing.

But transportation was going to be an issue. I was supposed to ride down with a friend in her car, but then how would I get to my sister’s. I didn’t want to drive her big Suburban and I didn’t want to rent a car. So I thought, “How about if I drive?” I offered the idea to a friend, but because of car obligations on Friday night (one of our riding mates committed to drive two other ladies out to dinner Friday night and couldn’t get a hold of them) that wasn’t going to work. My initial reaction was frustration and hurt. I felt my immediate need was much greater than driving people to dinner on Friday night, and though I couldn’t understand the logic in it, I chose not to hold on to my bitterness. I wasn’t excited about the alternative of driving to Dallas alone, but it worked out for the best. I was able to stay even longer at my sisters so all things did work together for good.

On Wednesday morning I left by myself (sniffle). Driving to ACFW with my roommate has been a tradition for three years. It’s the one time we really get to talk and connect about life, family and writing. I missed that driving alone. Maybe that’s one of the reason’s I felt a little disconnected at the conference.

Since I was driving up early and nothing was happening Wednesday night, I decided to drive straight to the hospital in Fort Worth. I was a little sad and disappointed I would miss out on the socializing and dinner outings Wednesday night, but I figured if I left the hospital early enough there’d be plenty of time for hanging out.

When I saw my sister she looke and acted normal, except for the hospital gown. She told me the story of what actually happened and how she learned her right coronary artery was 100% blocked, just like my dads.

Apparently on Monday evening after dinner she felt a lot of pain in her chest. She started to get nauseous and was sweating. The pain was crushing like an elephant was sitting on her chest. Then it passed. She thought it odd and potentially serious, but since it passed she started to get ready for bed. Then it happened again and she was flat on her back with the same symptoms. It passed again. Her husband offered to take her to the hospital, but her daughter was sleeping and she didn’t want to drag her out of bed. (Just like a mom!) So she went through the night with pain in her chest. She wasn’t able to sleep. The next morning after she put her daughter on the bus to school, they went to the heart center and gave her all sorts of tests.

Her EKG, cholesterol, and blood pressure were fine. But her spiked enzymes told the truth. She had a heart attack at 36 years old.

A heart attack at 36. Yes, she was a smoker. Not anymore. If a heart attack at 36 doesn’t help you kick the habit, nothing else will.

I spent some time with her talking and laughing and reminiscing, then I drove to the hotel where I had a unique introduction to James Scott Bell, the conferences Key Note Speaker. But I’ll save that story for tomorrow!

I have a stack of books on my desk, and shelf and other desk and more arriving in the mail daily! So many books, so little time, so where do I start.

Thanks to Katrina, I’m making a list and reading it once and It’s ALL FICTION…except for Amy Grant’s Mosaic.

Nobody by Creston Mapes (in Progress)

Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner

A book by Janet Evanovich (I’ve started one, but it’s slow so I might chuck it and start another)

One of two books by Ross Thomas (to be determined later when I’m not so Lazy)

Now the tough part, choosing from the stack in front of me…

The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck. Can you believe I’ve never read one of her books yet. I have a real aversion to reading books written in present tense first person.

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

This list is subject to change at any moment!

If you’d like to join in visit this post! And look for your chance to win free books!