WORDSMITH WOMAN-- "writing, growing, living for God"

THE LENTEN JOURNEY

2012-02-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

We can learn from the dry seasons in our lives. Some think of Lent as a dry season. A time of solemnity. Some think of a desert as a dry place. Truth is-the desert is really full of life and Lenten season is really full of life.

If we know where to look- in the desert and in our Lenten heart- we find new creations are being birthed all the time. Many little animals and flowers call the desert their home and in the dry patches of our hearts, we can always have a flowing spiritual desert if we direct our minds the right way.

Our little grandson responded to my email in which I had wished him a Happy Valentine's Day and his reply fell on Ash Wednesday. He wished me a "Happy Ash Wednesday." I had to chuckle a little for normally, as I said, Lent is a solemn, dry time for some Christians. When we take the ashes on Ash Wednesday, we don't always feel 'happy.' After some reflection, I decided perhaps Gabe was onto something and that Lent was a time I could proclaim happiness.

The happiest or way coolest thing I could think of about Lent was that Jesus did it for ME. For YOU.

Yes!

Jude

Love

2012-02-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

Love never gives up
Love cares more for others than for self
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have
Love doesn't strut
Doesn't have a swelled head
Doesn't force itself on others
Isn't always me first
Doesn't fly off the handle
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others
Doesn't revel when others grovel
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth
Puts up with anything
Trusts God always
Always looks for the best
Never looks back
Keeps going to the end.

Love never dies...Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

Eugene Peterson, The Message Bible I Cor 13

Happy Day of Love to You!

Jude

I Received the Leibster Award!!

2012-02-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Celia Yeary, romance writer from Texas, bestowed upon me what is called the Leibster Blog Award. In case, you've never heard of this nice award, it's for small blogs (less than 200 members) shouting out with love.

Legend has it that The Liebster Blog Award originated in Germany. Liebster means dearest or beloved, and Liebe is love. The award is meant to encourage readership of small, lovable blogs with fewer than 200 followers.

In accepting the Liebster Blog Award, the recipient agrees to thank the person who gave them the award and link back to that person’s blog and must reveal five snippets about themselves that readers may not already know.

Thanks, friend Celia! Your blog is always inspiring, full of love and things to read and learn from. Readers, find Celia at celiayeary@blogspot.com

Okay here goes the five things folks are least likely to know about me! You asked for it!
I sold tombstone markers. (I really did and found it wasn't a bad way to make a living.)
I was a car hop. (I hopped really fast in those days.)
I wore high heels and a fancy dress to Disneyland. (Was that a mistake. I was young.)
I was addicted to microwave popcorn until I spent $5,000 on dental crowns. (Life is sad.)
I want to go to Siberia. (Sister says I'm crazy, but can't get this out of my mind.)

That's way more than anyone needs to know about me!

The blogs I've listed below all deserve the Liebster Award. They exude love in a million ways. Go blogs.

Crystal L. Miller christianbookscout.blogspot.com Crystal has a way with her blogs. They are nostalgic, they are awesome and they spell love.

Linda McMaken makenwords.blogspot.com You can tell this blog spells love by Linda's projects, her interviews and her interests. She has a wonderfully elegant design to her blog.

Melanie Brashear w/a Joy N. Malik www.ourjourneyhome.net This blog is definitely liebster! Check out family recipes, interviews.

Delia Latham delialatham.blogspot.com "Living the Write Life" Delia hosts so many on her blog, new and established writers, shares her experience and expertise.

Lynette Endicott lynetteendicott.blogspot.com Very deserving of the award.
A writer's writer!

Thanks to each of you for your blogs and all your efforts in our writing world. Let's spread the agape love around this Liebster Day and this Valentine's Day!

Jude

Video Trailer for Joy Restored

2012-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

My Electronic Marketing Foray at the Dixie Cafe!

2012-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

After all was said and done, I'd consider my first foray into electronic marketing a success. At the least, I can say it was very interesting.

Last weekend I went to Pickett County, TN-the setting for Joy Restored, Book One, The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing, and had a 'signing' at the Dixie Cafe in Byrdstown. The Dixie plays a prominent part in my book-the scene of a she-fight, for one thing. Plus, the Dixie is owned by Johnnye and Robert Davidson and Davidson is the name of my heroine.

Anyway, I was allowed to set up a display and given time to talk when the local band had intermission. Told you it was interesting.

Here is my display.

Quaint, huh? I had sent printed media a few weeks ahead which the kind owners displayed around the restaurant. I also, had an announcement in the local paper and on the radio. You can see my banner and the big poster of my book cover. I had 8x10's of my hero and heroine, business cards, postcards and a flyer on my 'freebie.' I also had my new book trailer running.

I order many of my advertising pieces from Vista Print. Make friends with Vista Print, if you haven't already. I love them. www.vistaprint.com

On each table I had post cards and laminated copies of all the blog posts I had done in their local paper for the last few months and I was amazed how many had read them. One guy said he'd even come to our Chanute Girl Breakfast in Indiana when he was in town.

A few other neat things happened, too. A lady invited me back to their Blue Grass Festival to talk about my books, a country gentleman gave me a post card, 108 years old, that had been addressed to a Davidson in Chanute! Of course, Davidsons in Chanute play a big role in Joy Restored! I sold a couple copies of my non fiction book we had just happened in bring along. Always like sales.

Several folk somehow thought I had a print book and wanted to buy that. It was a neat chance to talk about electronic publishing. One lady had a new Kindle; I ask her to make my book her first book ordered.

Don't know how many books, I'll sell from this trip, but it was fun. I came away knowing marketing electronic books is possible with a little imagination. I've still a few other ideas, too!

I was going to talk to school kids, but Jan 15 was a holiday. I should have planned better!

Listen to these words: they are kind of 'ouchie', but Jack Canfield says "To write a book and not market it, is like having a baby and leaving it on someone's door step." Over the top, IMHO, but emphasizes the importance of the job.

Here is the crowd. And, oh, The Cross Brothers Band is terrific!

The trip was fun. Thanks to the Dixie, to Cousins Johnny and Debbie Bilbrey for hosting us and to all who came to the event!

Jude

A Transformative Year of Delight and Discovery

2012-01-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'd like to paraphrase one of my favorite authors words as we start a new year. Sarah Ban Breathnach is such a wordsmith and her Simple Abundance book is a treasure.

A new year. A new start. Waiting for us. Questions to be asked, embraced and loved. Answers for discovery and living in this "transformative year of delight and self discovery." Dare today to dream, because only when we dream can things change. I can become the "curator of my own contentment." I can embrace what my heart tells me. This year I will give way to my most private aspirations and longings which I have kept hidden away. I will leap forward and believe in myself. I will believe in the One who is the Source of my dreams and the One who can make them come true.

Friends, readers and writers, think on these words and make them yours.

Later,

jude

I Wish

2011-12-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

This season I wish each of you enough...
Enough want so you appreciate what you have.
Enough sadness to realize your joy.
Enough sickness to be thankful for your health.
Enough faith and courage for the days ahead.

In the meantime, trust steadily, hope unswervingly, and love extravagantly!

Jude

Christmas Belles of Georgia by Rose Mccauley

2011-12-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Rose's Book

JU: I'd like to welcome, Rose McCauley, today. Rose lives in Kentucky, has a fabulous blog about stories from small towns with huge hearts and does great author posts. I'll let her give us more details soon.

How excited you must be for your first published novella, Rose! You've said the journey has been a long one. Please tell us more, for we all need encouragement in the wait.

Yes, it has been over 10 years since I started to write my first novel, and 9 years since I attended my first ACFW conference and found out how much I had to learn! Of course, I am still learning and hope to do so until the day I die! And if you want to read the whole story of my long journey, check out my blog post of September 22, 2010 when I received my first contract for the book Christmas Belles of Georgia.

JU: You're a wonderful example of perseverance, Rose. How did you arrive at the focus of Nick's Christmas Carol? Where did your inspiration come from?

I have to give Jeanie Smith Cash the credit for coming up with the inspiration to write a book about 4 identical quadruplets, separated at birth who meet again 25 years later! She and the other two authors, Debra Ullrick and Jeri Odell, and I each wrote our own love story of a heroine who was one of the quads. I placed mine in a college setting and a small town since I know those places, Debra placed hers on a ranch since that is what she knows, etc. The quads are identical but they each have their own characteristics and mannerisms.

JU: Wow, what a terrific idea for a novel. Do you have a favorite character in the book? Or even a not so favorite? Any special reasons why?

Of course, I love both Nick and Carol, my two main characters, and my second favorites would be Nick’s aunt and uncle, Molly and Rick, who have had such a good influence on him and Carol. And who are great models of a Christian marriage for all of us.

JU: Sounds good. How was it to write with three other authors? How did the coordination go?

Since I had such lovely authors to work with it was a dream-come-true! We kept in close touch by email and a few phone calls, but we never had any arguments or disagreements. We all wanted to do what we needed to make this story the best possible. I would do a book with any of them again in a heartbeat!

JU: Talk a little about your blog, Rose. I just love what you've done.

First, I want to give a shout out for Gayle DeSalles of www.wordcount.biz who did such a great job of getting my blog to look like what I wanted to convey with that small town feel. I love to read and write stories set in small towns because as my blog logo says they are “small towns with huge hearts.” I grew up in Louisville which is the largest city in KY and then married and moved to a farm with my farmer husband so we had a population of 2 until the kids came along. If you don’t count the cow population! We live about 6 miles from a small town with a population of around 7,000, and that is where I taught school for over twenty years. I think the rural areas of our country are some of the best places for living and raising a family.

JU: My book settings are small towns also. I know what you mean. Do you have any future predictions where publishing is going?

Hmm. If I did we could both get rich, but I really don’t know. Things have changed so much in the 10 years I have been writing, and I think we will be amazed at how different it will be in another ten years! But, I think the basics of people wanting to read good stories that inspire and entertain them will stay the same, so that’s what we need to keep doing.

JU: I like your assessment. What piece of advice helped you as a new writer?

Read a lot and write a lot and don’t give up!

JU: Tell us a tidbit about yourself that we're not likely to know.

I try to watch what I eat most of the time, but I LOVE strawberry gelato and ate it every day when we went to Italy a couple years ago!

JU: Of course, we want to know where to find you and your books. Tell us how.

My book is available at many Christian bookstores like Lifeway, also at Walmart and Sam’s Club, Barnes and Noble, and on cbd.com and amazon.com. My website and blog are my name www.rosemccauley.com and www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com and I invite any of your readers to stop by anytime. And I’m looking forward to your visit to my blog on December 16^th, Jude.

JU: Thank you, Rose McCauley, for visiting. The best to you! Readers, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win Rose's book!

And a big thanks to you, Jude. I loved meeting you at conference this year so I have a picture in my mind when I type your name!

Here's Rose

Barbour Heartsong Author Donna L. Rich

2011-11-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Donna L. Rich

JU: I am so very pleased to welcome author Donna Rich to Wordsmith Woman today. I've known Donna for several years and we've held Indiana ACFW offices together. We've been roommates at conferences and we both share large families. Hello, Donna!

Hi, Jude. Yes, we have had a blast together.

JU: Donna, I want to celebrate the excitement of your debut novel, Tropical Island Vows, just released by Barbour's Heartsong Presents. Catch this cyber hug! Congratulations! This book took a long journey to publication. Tell us how it came about, if you would.

Tropical Island Vows was written several years ago. I had entered it into several contests and received decent, but not stellar, advice from all the contest judges. I discarded the advice I felt was unwarranted and worked on the advice I thought was beneficial. Then, well over a year ago, I retooled it and had my agent send it to Heartsong. I waited a year and hadn’t heard anything. Eventually, I gave up on Heartsong. I went to the Indy ACFW conference in 2010 asking God to show me if He wanted me to share His word through writing or in some other way. You can imagine my surprise when I won the Heartsong contract awarded to first-time authors at the conference.

JU: That is a story to remember! I also love the story of how Les Stobbe became your agent. Care to share that? Any encouragement for those of us who still wait for an agent?

I met Les Stobbe at the Blue Ridge Writers Conference. I had wanted introduce myself since he wrote the curriculum for a writers course I took through CWG, What’s Your Story. He had told a lunch table of nearly all men that he wasn’t interested in representing Christian Romance, so I stepped away and went to a different table. When I attended the ACFW conference in Minneapolis, Les had a couple openings for appointments, so I signed up for a slot. At the time, he wasn’t interested in me, so I went home and spent some time in prayer trying to find out God’s plan in this whole thing. Out of the blue, Les sent me an email, thinking I was someone else. We began a dialogue back and forth and after a series of emails between us, he said he wanted to represent me. So, I give you the three words of advice writers always hear: don’t give up!

JU: Donna, publishing is changing in many ways, but any thoughts on the direction Barbour is going with the eventual discontinuance of Heartsong Presents?

Nothing lasts forever. I think Barbour has to keep up with the times. It has been disheartening for many hopeful authors and those of us who have been working on other offerings for Heartsong. I had just completed another novel and was ready to mail it to my agent when I got word regarding their decision. Nevertheless, I think we’ll see a lot of changes coming in other houses in the near future. I can’t fault Barbour because I feel it’s just a biblical example of pruning in order to bear better fruit. I think Barbour has better days ahead.

JU: Let's talk about your novel-okay? I enjoyed Charlie so well. Well, I enjoyed all the other characters, too, and especially Emily, but Charlie was so authentic to me. How did you get the inspiration for him?

Charlie just evolved. I sat down and started writing, and he came to be. Then, I worked on character sheets (DiAnn Mills has a great one and so does Jeff Gerke) to make him more dimensional, and I surfed the internet for a picture of someone I felt represented Charlie. I did whatever I could to make him have opposite qualities of my heroine. Of course, there’s a little sprinkling of my own wonderful husband in there.

JU: Emily reminded me of you, Donna! What's with her? A touch of reality here?

Emily like me? I wouldn’t mind having the success that she had in her life. I deliberately tried not to make her like me. I like to keep my bad traits secret, LOL! She does have a peppering of character traits from people I know, though. I also brought things into the book that my family would recognize, but no one else would. Emily like me? I don’t think so.

JU: Well, I'll just keep my ideas to myself! What are you working on now? Tell us how we can find you; find how to order Tropical Island Vows.

I have two manuscripts out to various publishers and am waiting to hear back. I’m nearly finished with another historical romance and have the groundwork outlines laid for a series of three trade size historical romances which take place in the early 1700’s. Tropical Island Vows may go eBook, or it may be put into an anthology of other books like it down the road.

JU: Looks as if your future time is laid out! Donna, thanks so much for the interview. Any parting words for writers out there?

Thanks, Jude, for thinking about me. My only parting advice would be: work hard at honing your craft. No matter how good a book may be, there’s always room for improvement. Read about the rules of writing, but don’t get hung up on them. Read as much as you can by fellow authors and have a little confidence in your own abilities.

JU: I like that advice. Donna, as usual, it is great to visit with you. Readers, Donna L. Rich can be found at the following:
www.donnalrich.com or by writing Donna L. Rich, Author Relations, PO Box 721, Uhrichsville, OH 44683. Her book may be ordered from Barbour at WWW.HEARTSONGPRESENTS.COM.

Please leave a comment and your email address to win a copy of Donna's Tropical Island Vows!

It's Here!

2011-11-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

My baby is finally here and it took much longer than nine months to birth! But so worth it! Desert Breeze Publishing released my first novel, Joy Restored on November 15th! I'm still in the clouds. I've already received a wonderful review on Amazon and believe I will just post it here and see if you don't agree!

This wonderful debut novel from Ms. Urbanski (previously published as a non-fiction author) will completely charm you! How I longed to visit the lovely Chanute Crossing while reading this book, but the author does the next best thing by painting such a vivid portrait of the setting and absorbing the reader into the world of her characters. The children of heroine Kate captured my heart immediately, and Seth is the old-fashioned, strong and honorable (yet vulnerable in some ways) romance hero of my dreams. A cast of colorful secondary characters round out this heartwarming novel. It's a sweet and worthwhile journey of faith and love for both Kate and Seth as they each resolve loss from the past, and endure a number of trials along the way. How wonderful to know we'll enjoy a revisit with these characters in the next installment of the series! Grab a blanket and your favorite beverage and settle in for a truly great read.

I told you! Anyway just wanted to let you know my good news. The novel is available from Desert Breeze, www.DesertBreezePublishing.com, the Kindle Store at Amazon (www.amazon.com, B&N Nook Book Section, www.barnes&noble.com or from other online book stores.

I'll be interviewing Barbour author Donna Rich very soon. Visit again.

Jude

Mallard Point, Dale Hollow Lake
Pickett County, TN

LOTS GOING ON!

2011-11-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

A real flurry of activity this fall so far! I am quite excited at the upcoming release of Joy Restored on Nov 15 by Desert Breeze Publishing. This is my ebook debut novel of a series called The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing. The second book is out in June of 2012. So marketing is on my mind!

This week I'm visiting fellow author Shirley Kiger Connolly's very fabulous blog. So drop by and win a chance for a give-a-way of the book. The link is http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com.

I did a devotional for author Delia Latham on her also very fabulous blog. Check her out at http://bookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.com.

LeAnne Hardy designated me as a Versatile Blogger! have to investigate more about this award! http://internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com. It sounds fun.

I've been working on the second book in the series and also just sent off my Jamaican manuscript to an agent for preview. So the fingers have been moving!

Enjoy the Fall.

Jude

K.DAWN BYRD, multi-talented author!

2011-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic

suspense with four books published through Desert Breeze

Publishing. Recently, she tried her hand at young adult fiction and

found she really enjoyed writing this venue. Four new young adult

releases are scheduled for 2012. Three books are part of a new

college-age mystery/romance series, scheduled to release January,

June, and December. The fourth is Shattered Identity, the sequel to

Mistaken Identity, and will release in April.

K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per

week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com, most of which

are signed by the authors. She's also the moderator of the popular

Facebook Christian Fiction Gathering group at

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444.

When not reading or writing, K. Dawn Byrd enjoys spending time

with her husband of 15 years while walking their dogs beside a

gorgeous lake near her home and plotting the next story.

Welcome, Dawn. Tell us a bit about yourself and how long have

you been seriously writing?

Thanks for hosting me! I live with my husband and two crazy

hairless Chinese Crested dogs, an African Gray parrot, and several

aquariums. I enjoy reading, writing, painting and cruising country

roads as a passenger in my husband's Stingray on weekends. I've

been writing seriously for about three years. K.Dawn! THIS is a

story in itself!

What do you like to write? Describe your writing journey.

I like to write everything! Seriously, I've been published in a myriad

of genres...young adult, contemporary romance, historical, and

suspense. I'm hoping to try my hand at paranormal soon. To be able

to do this many types of writing takes one special talent I think.

Know you are thankful. Awesome is all I can say.

What is your new book about? Title?

Here's my cover blurb for This Time for Keeps: India McGuire's peaceful life is shattered when on the night of her engagement to David Richards, she comes face to face with Chase Porter, a long lost love. India must come to terms with her overpowering feelings for Chase and choose between David, the neighbor who says he loves her, and Chase, the man who broke her heart.
Chase's plans of leaving quietly turn to disaster when he finds that it's impossible to disappear without seeing India one last time. Feelings begin to surface that he believed buried forever and he finds himself fighting to win her back even as David struggles to hold onto her.
India longs to follow her heart, but she's been hurt too deeply. Whom will she choose? The neighbor who can provide stability or the man she vowed to love forever, but who may once again heed the call of the open road?

Oh, I hate when this happens, don’t you? Decisions! I wonder which…

Dawn, do you have a favorite character in your book? If so,

what makes that character a favorite? Do you relate?

India, my heroine is my favorite character. She's a strong Christian

woman, but doesn't always realize it. She makes mistakes just like

the rest of us, questions God just like we do, and is simply trying to

live for Him the best she can. Oh! Does this hit home or does this

hit home???? Our spiritual journey can only make sense with

Him.

Please tell us what you want readers to take away from your
book.

The reader take away in this book is about how important it is to

seek God in decisions when it comes to matters of the heart. India

waited until she was almost thirty to get married and wanted to be

married only once and to the love of her life. Her story reminds us

how important it is to choose the right mate. Certainly an

important thing to consider, whether Christian or not. Good to

have novels causing us to think of this.

Where would be your favorite place to travel and why.
My favorite place is Myrtle Beach, SC. My husband and I vacation there twice a year and we love it. He plays golf and I write while sitting on a balcony 19 floors about the ocean. And what a view you have too! Twice a year, girl! Nice husband you have there! Nice wife he has too.

Tell us a crazy or quirky thing you may have done.

I don't normally do crazy things. I'm a pretty serious person most of

the time. I don't much like to shop. I'd rather have things delivered

to my home than beat down the bushes looking for something.

When I can save a few dollars, I always buy on the internet. I love

eBay. I like this reply and it helps to understand why you’re a

great author for our electronic publisher, Desert Breeze.

What would you say to a new writer? Words of advice or

encouragement.

Write because you love it. Don't write for money or fame because

you may never have those things. I'm lucky enough to have a day

job that pays the bills, which means that I don't have to write. I

write simply for the joy of putting words on the page and that's how

it should be. K. Dawn, you’ve accomplished much in your new

writing career and I see the bright rainbow over you! You’re

using the gifts you were given.

How can readers find you and your books?

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg6faoavpGI

Desert Breeze: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-218/This-Time-For-Keeps/Detail.bok

Website: www.kdawnbyrd.com

Blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Young adult blog: www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com

I'm also on Twitter (kdawnbyrd) and Facebook (K Dawn Byrd.) I am the moderator of the Christian Fiction Gathering Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444)

Thanks.

You’re most welcome and my thanks to you for your visit and

story. Many blessings and happy sales. Readers, be sure to

check out This Time for Keeps. Feel free to give K.Dawn comments!

My Debut Novel is Coming!

2011-10-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

I am excited! My first novel releases in just two weeks in electronic format by Desert Breeze Publishing. Love the cover. It is of Mallard Point at Dale hollow Lake in Pickett County, Tennessee, the setting of my book.

Katalina Davidson struggles with why a good God would allow her husband to die so needlessly, leaving her with small children. Determined to rely on her own strength and never again to trust a capricious God, Katalina is bewildered when unusual events draw her to rich and successful Seth Orbin, a widower who has experienced untold personal tragedy, yet whose strong faith is bigger than life to Katalina. She cannot understand such faith much less comprehend the incredible love Seth is willing to give.

Check back later for my interview with K. Dawn Byrd!

Jude

Lisa Mills' Novel, Holding On, Celebrates Childhood Cancer Awareness

2011-09-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

I loved this cover from the moment I saw it. It says so much and most of all it says hold on. Hold on when you don't know what else to do; when the sky seems black. I thought about what it must be like for parents of a child with cancer to have to hold on. Hold on to every bit of hope. That journey has to be hard. Listen as Lisa Mills tells how she came to write this amazing book.

Lisa Mills, welcome to Wordsmith Woman blog! Before we begin to talk about your new book, tell us about the exciting changes which have occurred recently in your life? New everything, huh?

Definitely a big story there! I recently married the man of my dreams! We met through a dating site on the internet (I know, crazy huh?) and from our first date we were finishing each other’s sentences and saying the same thing at the same time and coming up with the same corny punch lines to our own inside jokes. It didn’t take long to realize that our compatibility factor was off the charts. Finding Chad was like finding the other half of my heart...truly a blessing from God. And the best part is, he felt the same. So we walked the aisle and said “I do” in April.

I know about blending families, but any one thing requiring the most challenge?

Right now the biggest challenge is time. We have five kids between us, a seven-year-old, three teens, and a 20-year-old who just moved to college. It seems everyone in the family has a different schedule and someplace to be every night whether that’s work or sports or a school event. We do a lot of driving, and in between there’s meals to prepare, mountains of laundry, and grocery shopping. Lots of groceries!

But I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. Doing life with Chad and the kids is a blessing every day. He’s a wonderful husband and father and we have a batch of really good kids. They all know how to pull together and cooperate so everyone’s needs get met. I love them all and I wouldn’t trade a minute of the busyness.

Sounds like a wonderful life, my friend. Has your new life presented ideas for stories?

I can definitely say my newfound love has proven to me that happy endings still exist. In this world there are so many broken people and broken relationships. It would be easy to become cynical about life and love. But there are still good, solid, God-fearing men (and women) out there who know how to love and to create a great relationship. And I’m incredibly blessed that Chad is a romantic to the core. My readers may see a new tender side to my male characters and a greater depth to the male/female relationships in my books thanks to him.

Romantic to the core? Keep him! You’ve been involved in writing, web site design

a long time haven’t you, Lisa? Give us a synopsis of your writing journey.

I’ve loved writing since I was a child. I remember taking great joy in my fifth grade poetry writing assignments and I had fun with the research papers we did in junior high and high school. But becoming a writer didn’t seem like a practical career choice so I opted to take some accounting classes instead. I became a stay-at-home-mom when my children were small. Eventually, I needed a creative outlet, so I began writing stories while they napped.

I soon realized I was having fun and the stories were developing into novel plots. When my baby was ready for preschool, I enrolled in college writing classes and put her in the pre-K program in the campus daycare center. Over the next three years I earned my Associates Degree in Professional Writing and then promptly got sidetracked. A business venture I was involved in was experiencing problems and I felt it necessary to lay aside my writing dreams to work in the corporate world for a time. It took several years to get the business back on track to where I could extract myself from the day-to-day operations and consider writing again.

But in the process I learned a lot about marketing and web design and running a small business, knowledge I hope will help me in my writing career. God never wastes anything! I was honored to use my marketing and web skills to serve on as the ACFW PR officer for a term and to help ACFW Indiana to get their start. And I had some wonderful opportunities to use my writing skills doing nonfiction. I wrote articles for magazines like “Today’s Christian Woman” and “Brio” which was Focus on the Family’s teen magazine.

My alma mater Bethel College contacted me and asked if I would consider writing the biography of one of their professors, Dr. Jacob Bawa. The man is a modern-day Joseph, rejected and sent away by his own family, but God blessed his path and brought him to power and authority over a nation. He was an inspirational man I was honored to meet and write about.

There were other writing opportunities. Devotions, newspaper articles, professional book reviews, and I contributed several short stories about my special-needs son to anthology collections, hoping to bless and encourage others in my situation.

So it has been a long and winding journey, but I ended up here eventually, writing novels and loving it!

HOLDING ON is about a mother whose child is battling leukemia. Have you personally

had a child with any kind of life threatening illness? You mentioned your special-needs son.

My son seemed healthy at birth, but began experiencing health issues and developmental delays by age six months. He wasn’t gaining weight or doing normal baby things like trying to sit up or even holding up his own head very well. Doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. So we began a journey of four or five years going to nutritionists, physical therapists, and a wide range of specialists, treating his symptoms as best we could and trying to find a cause. Dealing with his medical needs soon became a full-time job for me.

We spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices and hospitals. After an emotionally grueling and medically-expensive couple of years, doctors finally discovered my son had a heart problem and needed open-heart surgery. We drove to a children’s hospital for the procedure. The surgery fixed his heart, but it took several more years for him to fully recover his health, and he still has a few physical delays in his growth. But overall we are very blessed that he is healthy now. He is a remarkable young man that I am very proud of. Walking that journey with him helped me to understand in a small way the emotional roller coaster that parents go through when they have a very sick child and the many struggles a family faces.

How did you come up with the focus of your new book, which is called Holding On?

While my son was recovering from his heart surgery, we spent several days in the ICU alongside families with terminally-ill children. The scenes I witnessed there—an unforgettable mix of suffering, pain, courage, and hope—left a deep imprint on my heart. Many families in that ward were waiting out the final days of their children’s lives. My heart broke for those mothers and fathers. I could only imagine what they were feeling. The sorrow of knowing you only have days left with your child. They wept in the family lounge, exhausted and broken. But then they dried their tears and went back to their little one’s bedside to offer soft words of comfort and smiles full of love, showing so much courage and strength. Life is fragile and love is so precious. I learned a lot about both of those subjects that week.

I wanted to write this book to honor them. And I wanted the book to serve another purpose too. Those families in that hospital ward left such an impression on me. As I saw their tears and heard their sobs and witnessed their suffering, I felt so helpless. Since that day, I’ve wanted to do something to make a difference so maybe other families wouldn’t have to endure that kind of pain. So when I wrote Holding On I decided to donate a percentage of my income from the book to children’s cancer research and charities. Since September is National Children’s Cancer Awareness Month, I’m donating 100% of all money I make on the book to charity. So if readers will buy it, I’ll donate it! Maybe this is a good time to buy Christmas gifts for family and friends, and give the gift of health to some sick children in the process.

As for the book cover, I could not have found a more perfect image to convey the emotion and message of the book! My husband and I had spent a couple of hours discussing the book’s plot and themes and playing with title ideas. After hours of deliberation, we settled on Holding On. My next job was finding cover art for the book. I went to a stock photo site and was browsing pictures, trying various phrases in the search engine to see what I could find. I think the winning phrase was “mother and child holding hands.” The moment I saw this image, it took my breath away. The image of that mother’s hand clinging to her child’s, trying to keep him from slipping away from her ... I knew it was the one. Not only was it a perfect match to the title, but it conveyed the emotion and tone of the book so well. I’m thrilled you like it too, Jude!

I love the cover! As a nurse, I’ve done a lot of pediatric work with these families and

my heart would ache also. Lisa, what do you hope readers take away from your book?

My focus scripture for the book was Romans 8:28 which states that “All things work together for good to them that love God.” I hope that through Danielle’s story readers will see that even in the midst of great pain and suffering, God has a plan for your life and He can use the bad and painful situations to bring about good. When your world is falling apart, that’s a difficult concept to grasp. I know. I’ve been there. But God has a hope and a future planned for you and I, and I wanted to convey that message through my character’s life.

I also hope readers will get a glimpse into the stresses families of special-needs children experience. The emotional ups and downs are grueling. The financial demands can quickly overwhelm. And the calendar becomes dominated with appointments, treatments, and surgeries, so that there is little time for anything else. Families in this situation need our support and assistance. Later this month, you’ll find information on my blog about loving ways friends and family can ease the burdens of a special-needs family.

Is there any particular character in the book that grabbed at your heart? Tell us

about this character.

I relate to Danielle so deeply and on several levels. She’s hurting and broken and so very alone in the world. And she thinks the answer to her pain is to remain fiercely independent, to do everything herself so that no one has the chance to hurt her deeply again. But discovering her son has cancer puts her in a situation she can’t deal with alone. To save him, she needs the people from her past that had hurt and rejected her. Her love for her son compels her to face her fears and confront her tormentors. And through all the dark days of watching her son suffer and dredging up the unhealed wounds of the past, God is working on her behalf to restore what the enemy stole from her.

God works that way sometimes. With those of us who are stubborn, he has to bring us to our knees before He can clear out the obstacles and lead us into His perfect will for our lives. Rumor has it, I may be one of those fiercely independent and stubborn people, so I understood her struggles intimately.

Very well said, Lisa. Did you self-publish or who is your publisher and how can

readers get your book? You’ll actually be giving away a copy on this blog won’t you?

I landed an agent and started submitting this book to publishers about the same time that the economy went south. That was a rough time for unpublished authors. Many publishing houses laid off employees, cut back their releases to the bear minimum, and only worked with their established, top-selling authors in order to get through the crunch.

Despite that fact, I received wonderful feedback from the big publishing houses. “A well-written, compelling story, but we can’t take on a new author right now.” One said they loved the book, but they had other women’s fiction authors and didn’t want to take on more or they’d be competing with themselves for market share. Another stopped me in the hallway at a writing conference and told me, “I read the first 50 pages and they pulled at my heart. I would love to work with you but we are only buying historical.” Still another publisher said they liked the writing and the story line, but they’d bought something similar a couple months back. The replies continued in that vein.

When the dust settled, I had a lot of compliments on my writing and the story, but no contract. I let the manuscript sit until after the wedding, thinking about what to do. I had the choice of tucking it away in my computer banks for five years, then trying to sell it again, or self-publishing. After prayer and consideration, I decided to self-publish the book. I felt like God gave me the story for a purpose, and I didn’t feel right about burying it and giving up on the project.

I am blessed to have a background in design and I’m very comfortable with formatting and technology. I had all the software needed to do the work myself, and the marketing experience to muddle through the promotional aspect. I guess you could say that all those years in corporate America were training and preparation exercises for this moment. (God uses everything!)

So, I dove in head first, and I have no regrets. The feedback from readers has been very rewarding. The story is impacting hearts and lives and I’m able to contribute the funds to a cause I really believe in. It’s been a great experience and I intend to do it again very soon!

The books are available online through most major booksellers. You can find links on my website and blog or below.

I know everyone will want to win the book. Visiting and making a comment puts

their name in the pot doesn’t it?

Yes, leave a comment and you will be entered in the drawing. The book comes in paperback and various eBook formats so I am offering the winner a choice. You techies who love your e-readers can have it your way, and those of you who prefer black and white pages in your hands can get your fix too!

Wonderful. Lisa, what advice do you have for writers or what do you want us to remember most about your visit?

When you think of this blog, I hope you will remember there are children out there who are fighting for their lives. In many cases, the families must depend on the kindness and generosity of people like you and me to help them get the costly care and treatments their children need. And September is the month for raising awareness. I hope you will consider helping.

I know economical times are stressful all around, and not everyone has the funds to buy a book or make a contribution to a pediatric cancer charity. However, you can help by Facebooking, Tweeting, blogging, or emailing family and friends about the subject. You are welcome to link to this blog or my blog and invite people to read what we’ve shared as a way of helping them to understand the need.

It’s easy to think, “Well, I can’t do much and my small effort isn’t going to make any real difference.” As my husband says, “Doing something small is better than doing nothing at all.” If each of us makes an effort, no matter how small, the collective effect becomes something big. So help us spread the word this month about National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and let’s do something big together!

Again, Lisa’s book is available in paperback and eBook formats at

Paperback and Kindle are at AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=holding+on+lisa+mills&x=0&y=0

Various eBook formats can be purchased through Smashwords at:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69612

You can also purchase through iTunes, Nook, Diesel, and Kobo.

Mention your web site, blog for those who want to go there, Lisa.

WEB link: http://www.authorlisamills.com

BLOG link: http://www.authorlisamills.com/blog/

Thank you so very much, Lisa, for coming by this week. This has been a compelling dialogue with a call to action!

Thank you, Jude, so much for having me and giving me the opportunity to invite people to participate in my fundraising campaign! I hope together we can make a difference in the lives of children.

Romance...and a Little Bit o' Texas

2011-09-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Romance...and a little bit o' Texas can only relate to author Celia Yeary. She's Texan through and through. I jut reviewed book One in the Cameron Sister Series. It's called Texas Promise and is my blog for today. I really enjoyed the book. I think you will too.

Texas Promise, The Cameron Sisters Book One, by Celia Yeary

Jo King doesn't believe her new husband is dead. Something rings untrue in the story of the fellow Texas Ranger, Stephen Bailey, sent to relay the message. Jo believes if Dalton were dead, she would have known in her heart. And she doesn't. If fact, she even believes Dalton called out to her in her dreams. Sadly, she knows life will not stop and she must go on. Somehow.

Equally unsettling is Stephen Bailey's persistent romantic pursuit. He's determined to win her emotions and curtail her widowhood, but Jo wants nothing of Ranger Bailey. He disturbs her.

Jo only wants to manage her new, fancy little boutique shop which gives her a measure of happiness and success. She also wants to enjoy her younger sister, True, who's just returned home from a finishing school in the East. Together these two strong women seek their place in Austin, Texas of 1890. Austin has its share of self-righteous tongues waggers, who even chide Jo's too-energetic walk, but the new town is also brimming with bold and ambitious souls, Jo's uncle and State Legislature member, being one. Jo's Uncle Will becomes harbinger of soul- shaking news for Jo.

Compelling twists and turns in the novel, keep your interest. Suspense and juicy elements of surprise make this book a page turner. I never knew what was coming next. Secondary characters and sub plots are well handled.

One big surprise was the return of Jo's husband, Dalton King. After recovering from shock, Jo wants to love her husband as a wife should, but he, after a harrowing experience of survival, is a different man than she married. While Dalton wants to love Jo, he bewilders with irrational behavior, rejection and disrespect. Jo despairs of a marriage with more than just physical desire, which Dalton has down pat.

Ms. Yeary treats us to a grand finale in the story. As I mentioned, Jo's uncle inadvertently becomes responsible for her, and yes, Dalton, embarking on an unbelievable adventure which culminates with Jo finding parts of her past she'd rather have not known and Dalton's finding the real story behind Stephen Bailey's behavior.

In the novel, as with real life, good can come from bad. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of Celia Yeary. She is an excellent writer.

Celia's books are found on Amazon and all her publishers's web sites. You may find her at www.celiayeary.com or on her blog at celiayeary.blogspot.com.

Other Matters:

Just turned in galley proofs for Joy Restored. It was scary to turn loose of those pages, that had become dear to my heart, knowing this is the last go through! Must be done-otherwise no book!

My husband and I donated blood today. It was the first time I was able in a very long time and we joined a lot of others remembering 911. It felt very good to me to be able to give back in this small way.

I'm also remembering September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please be with me next week as author Lisa Mills is a guest and tells us abut her new novel focusing on

families dealing with childhood cancer. Her amazing book is called Holding On. See you then.

Jude

Owning Your Talent

2011-08-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Pickett County, Tennessee

First, I'd like to mention that Joy Malik won a copy of JoAnn's Durgin's Awakening. Congratulations, Joy Malik! I'll pass the information to JoAnn.

Things are happening awfully fast on this end. So fast that I almost completely missed my granddaughter's birthday! Terrible, but can you relate?

Final edits and book cover designs fill even my dreams. Joy Restored is to be released by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. in November and I am so excited. Thrilled for the opportunity to send pre-marketing blog entries to the local newspaper where my book is set, Pickett County, Tennessee. Pickett County Press Editor, Amanda Hill Bond, is a dear. See the beautiful the countryside in picture above.

The words of writer Maya Angelou and of Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance, spoke to me in my present sense of turmoil and I want to share them with you.

Maya says "Each time I write a book, every time I face that yellow pad, the challenge is so great. I have written eleven books, but each time I think, "Uh, oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody and they're going to find me out."

Sarah says "Many of us squander precious natural resources--time, creative energy, emotion--comparing the size of our talents to those of others. Today ask Spirit to call forth your authentic gifts, so that you might know them, acknowledge them, and own them."

I'm currently challenged with plotting the sequel to Joy Restored, but know it will come if I diligently apply my talents. I must own my own talent and do something with it. 'Writing Fright' is like Stage Fright. A little bit is a good thing! There's no reward in playing it safe is there?

Enjoy the day. I've Rose McCauley guest blogging soon. Drop by again.

Hope to see many of you in St. Louis at the ACFW convention.

Jude

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JOANN DURGIN

2011-07-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

JoAnn Durgin

Interview with JoAnn Durgin

* Welcome, today, to JoAnn Durgin, Indiana author with a debut novel. Let's jump right in and talk about your new release, JoAnn! Awakening has been out for how long now-in both ebook and pbook isn't it?

Awakening released in November 2010, in both paperback and e-book versions. It’s been quite a roller coaster of marketing, promotion and guest blogs. Authors strive for years toward publication, but honestly, I had no idea what awaited me on the other side of the spectrum. Some joke and call it the dark side, but being a naturally outgoing person, I embrace the marketing that so many writers shy away from. I understand I’m blessed in that regard, and I believe my sales reflect my efforts. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, and it seems like each day bring some new facet, some new blessing, of publishing I never expected. And that makes it exciting!

*Marketing skill is a gift I do believe! Though this is your debut novel, you have several books on your computer. Right? Give us a mini synopsis of Awakening. Who is your publisher?

I wrote a handful of stand-alone novels before Awakening, and this one was my last manuscript before I put aside my writing for a decade to raise our three children. It’s an interesting story in itself, and you can read about it at my web site www.joanndurgin.com. This is a long series (not even my publisher, Torn Veil Books, knows yet how many books there are!), and they’re all written. The beauty in that is God’s timing, and also that I can go back and add, subtract and foreshadow certain events. Oh, I love it! I have another series lined up right behind it which needs to come after this first series, since the characters (in the fictional town of Wellspring, Louisiana) are involved in a ministry that’s an offshoot of Sam’s TeamWork Missions. The second series in itself is either a brilliant marketing ploy, a bit egocentric, or a combination of both.

*LOL! As my little grandson says-''Massive!" Good for you, JoAnn. Be sure to check out the website. It's ''Massive'' also. That means great, by the way.

Here’s the mini-synopsis of Awakening:

Lexa Clarke signs up for a short-term summer assignment in San Antonio with TeamWork Missions, hoping to make a difference in the world. TeamWork director Sam Lewis has a job to do and can't afford to be distracted by the petite, feisty blonde. But when she tumbles into his arms from the top of a house they’re rebuilding, Sam suspects his life will never be the same. A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. A combustible combination.

*I love this and must say, after reading the book, I can't wait for book two. Where did your inspiration come from for this novel, JoAnn?

Awakening is loosely based on my own love story with my husband, Jim. That in itself makes it the book of my heart. It wasn’t until I was editing it pre-publication that I understood more clearly how many parallels there are between Sam and Lexa’s story and ours. Jim and I met in Texas, and he drove an old, white station wagon like Sam’s “bomb.” We shared a conversation much like Sam and Lexa do on the Riverwalk (Jim doesn’t particularly relish me sharing that part – I call it the infamous Red Lobster date), but instead of running away physically from Jim like Lexa does from Sam, I ran away from Jim emotionally. Jim also departed for awhile, as Sam does in Awakening, but the Lord has a way of working everything out in the marvelous way only He can. As much as anything else, it’s the character traits of Jim that are depicted in Sam, and yes, the stubbornness and feistiness in Lexa are a reflection of yours truly, but I also like to believe I share my heroine’s resourcefulness and resilience.

*Which character captures your heart? Any special reason why?

Well, if I didn’t answer with “Sam” I might be in trouble at home! The goodness, strength of character and deep faith are shared between my hero of Awakening and Jim. Sam becomes a mentor for his TeamWork Missions men, and will always have my heart. Pay close attention when Sam talks about Will – he’s Sam’s look-alike, three-years-younger and two-inches-shorter (as Sam likes to say) brother. Will runs a very close second to Sam in terms of capturing my heart. His character undergoes the most amazing transformation during the course of his story (much later in this series). It’s the book that could be made into a movie…he’s a NASA shuttle commander (that’s why the timeline in this series is so important) and what he does as a testimony to his crew and to show the world Who’s Boss is nothing short of incredible. It makes me cry every single time I read it. Don’t worry, this is me…above all, it’s a romance, and I love happy endings. Will, like Sam, is positively swoon-worthy. Can you tell how real these characters are for me?

*What do you hope readers take from this book?

Everyone comes to faith from a different perspective. We should always be learning and growing as believers in Christ. We need to show His love and compassion as we reach out to others. We all stumble and sometimes fall, but we need to learn to pick ourselves up, dust off the seat of our pants and keep plugging away. Forgiveness, redemption, hope and grace are key themes in all my books.

*Remembering this is so important as believers, isn't it? How long have you written? What is your special genre for writing?

My mom says I’ve been a writer for as long as she can remember. I beg to disagree. First, I was a reader, then I became a writer. In high school, I started to pen short stories, but it wasn’t until I was a young, stay-at-home mom in Philadelphia that I tried penning full-length novels. I loved Nancy Drew books as a girl, so I like a little mystery and adventure in my books. But God first loved us, and nothing thrills me more than a great love story, so that’s my special genre. Nothing is sweeter than that first blush of love, that first kiss. I love this series because I don’t leave these characters as they ride off into the sunset. You see Sam and Lexa grow as a husband and wife team, mentoring other TeamWork volunteers, and you see them all with their own families. Bringing children into the equation brings an entirely new dynamic, but there’s still room for new romances as each book focuses on a new and/or different couple (or even two).

*Introduce your family to us. Do any of them write?

You’ve already “met” my husband, Jim, and he’s an excellent writer. He just doesn’t do it enough. He’s been a full-time pastor, but now he’s a part-time Worship and Music Minister and also works for the local Gannett newspaper affiliate in Louisville, Kentucky. Sarah is 21 and a Ball State University student. She’s working for a counseling center this summer and learning a lot. Chelsea is 18 and just graduated from high school with honors and plans to attend our local extension of Indiana University. Matthew is 15 and currently excited to attend summer church camp. He’s high-functioning autistic with Asperger’s and is one of the smartest, sweetest kids I know. The structures he builds with Lego blocks astound me. He’s transitioning into high school this year. Of the three children, Sarah is the writer. She writes poetry.

*I know you work full time, are a wife and mother, JoAnn. How do you squeeze the writing in? When do you?

It’s a good thing I did a lot of my writing in the last few years. My new writing has slowed down considerably since I received my first contract with Torn Veil last May. Now it’s all about a four-letter word called edit. It’s all part of the process. I’m a very prolific writer once I get going, and I can honestly say I’ve never suffered writer’s block (please don’t hate me for saying that!). I do most of my writing and editing in the evenings and then quite a bit on the weekends. Until late February, I also worked a part-time job at the local performing arts center in Louisville, but something had to give.

*What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a stand-alone book, and right now, I’m at about page 170. I’m pleased, and it’s coming together nicely. It has an element of suspense, but is primarily a romance, based on an aspect of a biblical story I always found fascinating. I’m hoping to perhaps find an agent with this particular manuscript. I’m biding my time, however, and know it’ll happen in God’s timing, like everything else in this wonderful journey. I just need to be patient and wait on Him. He has opened the “right” doors of His choosing so far, and I have no doubt He’ll continue to do the same.

*God has a way doesn't He? Any comments on what some call 'edgy' fiction?

It’s interesting – some consider Awakening edgy, others call it sweet. My book features a key scene where Sam and Lexa share an open and honest discussion about sex before marriage. It’s realistic but also incredibly sweet and tender. Above all, it shows Sam’s respect for Lexa and how he wishes to honor the Lord. Temptation is everywhere, and Christians aren’t immune from it. It’s how we handle it, keeping in mind a godly attitude and perspective that matters. I don’t shy away from issues in today’s world and want to bring that dose of reality into my books. We need to be shining lights (thus my theme verse, Matthew 5:16) and bring hope to a sinful world through our characters. As a reader and an author, I don’t like keeping my hero and heroine apart until the end because it’s “safe.” Working together to face life’s challenges and solving problems is what truly bonds a couple. A reader of mine put it very well in a recent e-mail. She observed that most romances, including Christian ones, focus on the chase and then there’s that moment where something (or someone) breaks them apart. Most often, they don’t get together as a couple again until very near the end of the book. I’m often left feeling as though there should be a follow-up book for the actual romance! It’s the proven formula, but quite simply – and call me a trailblazer – but I aim not to write formulaic romance in that regard.

*Oh, that's a great assessment of life and love. Whom do you greatly admire and why? A favorite book of yours?

I’m assuming you mean a writer. There are so many, but I will say that I have always admired Mark Twain for his humor, sarcasm and wit. One of the funniest books I ever read was Twain’s The Innocents Abroad. It’s a classic, and one I’ve read many times. I try to infuse humor into all my books. There’s enough sadness in the world, and – other than touching a heart for Christ – nothing thrills me more as an author than to make someone smile. I enjoyed writing the witty repartee between Sam and Lexa in Awakening. I like to think it’s an area where my writing voice shines. It keeps the reader on her toes and interested in the dynamics between my hero and heroine (sometimes hidden beneath the surface). There have to be layers to peel away, revelations to make.

*Are you a Christian who writes romance or a Christian romance writer? Any distinction to you?

Honestly, I think it’s all the same. I’m a Christian, and I write romance from a Christian perspective. Let me put it this way: when a reader picks up one of my books, she’ll know she’s not getting a story where God is relegated to the corner. I also try to fill my books with lots of love (different kinds of love, not just between the hero and heroine), in relationships between friends, parents and children and siblings. That’s what life is all about, after all.

*Thanks so much for sharing with us, JoAnn. You've given us a lot to appreciate and to think about. Again, you can find Awakening at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, Barnes & Noble. JoAnn's web site again is www.joanndurgin.com. JOANN IS GIVING AWAY A COPY OF AWAKENING! Leave your comment and your email for your chance to win this terrific book.

Thank you, Jude. I loved sharing with you and your readers! My second book in the series, Second Time Around, releases on or before September 15, 2011, so I hope to be invited back to share about Marc and Natalie’s story. And look for Sam, Lexa and the TeamWork crew, to show up, too.

CALLIGRAPHER PAULA SULLIVAN

2011-07-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'd like to welcome friend and artist, Paula Sullivan, to my blog today. Welcome Paula! Tell us about yourself, Paula. Where were you born? School? Children?

Thanks, Jude, for having me today. I was born and raised in Indiana. Married for 25 years and divorced. Have two wonderful daughters and four precious grandsons, including a set of twins. Graduated from Muncie Central High School. I'm a proud Bearcat!

You're a great calligrapher and I'm wondering how long you've been working at your art? When and how did you begin?

I've been a professional calligrapher, or lettering artist, for 31 years. My love for this art began at age 12 when my Father bought me a book about lettering. I started drawing letters and even designed my own. I spent many years doing posters, signs, quotes, and note cards.

Is there any particular thing which inspired you?

The book on lettering that my Father brought home to me was my impetus, but I'd say my break through or my real passion began once I took a workshop at the Ball State University Museum of Art and learned how to use a lettering pen. This was an improvement over my drawing the letters and coloring them in. I practiced every day for one year, before I accepted any payment for my work.

That is a wonderful story, Paula. I'm sure your Father was pleased. What piece of your work makes you most proud?

There are three actually. The RESOLUTION I lettered for the Minnetrista Cultural Center is one. I also lettered the song, Wind Beneath My Wings, which we placed with both of my parents when they died. Then I lettered a quote found in my sister's pocket upon her untimely death at age 17. Twenty-one years later, I had the opportunity to present this piece to her high school class.

I can see why those pieces would make you proud. Mention some of your clients, Paula. Any commissions?

I've been fortunate enough to be commissioned by the notable Muncie Ball Family, the Muncie Minnetrista Cultural Center, the Pan Am Games, Life Touch Portraits, Ball State University, the Muncie Symphony and the American Red Cross. I've also done work for local businesses, individuals and Tri Kappa Sorority.

How impressive! You also teach calligraphy don't you, Paula? Please tell us about that aspect.

Thank you. Actually, I have taught several years and to over 200 students.

Quite an accomplishment in itself. Paula, how do you fit your art into your daily schedule? I find this is always a challenge.

Well, I do have a 'day job' and have had even two sometimes! I most often find myself fitting my art jobs into the last part of the day. Late at night after family needs are met.

Not unlike most women and mothers with full lives, huh?

No, not at all!

It seems most of us have events in life which challenge us. Can you tell us about one of yours?

The loss of my 17 year-old-sister and the loss of both of my parents impacted my life. Yet through sorrow I found the meaning of joy. So, I've tried hard to spend my life comforting and encouraging others through my work by bringing them from sorrow to joy.

I like that. There's even a favorite Bible verse of mine which fits just what you're saying. In II Cor 1:3-4 it says Praise be to the God …of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received form God.

Where else do you find inspiration for your work and life, Paula?

Through my faith in knowing God. The sorrow and pain in my life have made me lean on God and He in turn has given me the strength to create my work and allowed me to comfort others while I receive the joy of healing in my life.

When I'm doing my art, I'm in a different world, which gives me a feeling of pure joy. I was taught that it is in giving we receive. No matter the circumstances, my passion and dedication to my art have never wavered.

Tell us 'a secret' or something we don't know about you, Paula.

Well, I was in the movie that all Indianans love-The Hoosiers. I did a lettering marathon. For 7.5 hours a day, five days a week for three months, I lettered 9,000 names on photographs for Life Touch. My fingers were numb for a long time!

Whoa! I squirm to think of all that work! You probably couldn't look at a photo after that without pain! I loved the movie Hoosiers. How cool you were in it.

If you could meet any person in history, who would it be and why?

Joyce Meyer, the incredible inspirational speaker and author. She has endured and overcome great odds in her life by knowing God and allowing Him to lead. In turn, she inspires thousands with her strength, wisdom courage and faith.

I agree she does have a powerful message. My sister is a great fan of Joyce Meyer.

Thank you so much for being my guest this week, Paula. Do you have any parting words for us?

I do. I'd like to share my favorite mottos: DON'T POSTPONE JOY and FIND STRENGTH IN THE LOVE THAT SURROUNDS YOU. Thanks for having me, Jude.

You're certainly welcome. Your post is inspirational. Paula can be reached at scribepaula@yahoo.com for questions or more info on her calligraphy.

Before we leave, I want to mention JoAnn Durgin was winner of our recent blog give-a-way. Guest Carole Brown drew JoAnn's name as the winner of her book. JoAnn is an Indiana author from New Albany with a debut release of a Christian romance novel, Awakening. She will be our guest soon.

Please come back! And a very Happy Fourth of July.

Jude

FABULOUS ADDENDUM TO POST ABOUT CAROLE BROWN'S WRITING JOURNEY!

2011-06-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

I just talked to Carole and she is adding a special give away to her blog this week.

A lucky winner will receive either 1 or 3 books! YES! Carole's call on final details. But your visits and comments are needed to win.

What an awesome offer from Carole!

Jude

The Writing Journey of Carole Brown

2011-06-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

Carole Brown

I welcome Carole Brown to Wordsmith Woman today. Hello! Let me tell you a little bit about author Carole Brown of Ohio.

She has published four children’s books used in Christian schools, VBS, and homes. She is a Suspense Zone reviewer, has been an editor and co-editor of many newsletters, has helped to develop advertising brochures, written various magazine articles, and has received several awards for her poems. An experienced blogger, she has over two hundred followers, interviews CBA authors, writes about the industry and networks with others on both her blog and Facebook where she has close to two thousand friends.

She is a 2011 ACFW Genesis finalist in Women’s Fiction.

Carole has a Bachelors Degree in Religious Education; an Associate in Computer Software and has completed several courses in fiction writing.

She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Central Ohio Fiction Writers, Circle of Pens (she was the founder of this group to mentor beginning writers), Sisters of Crime, and The Wannabe Writer’s of West Virginia and Ohio. Carole lives in Ohio with her husband, and has co-labored with her husband in ministry, nationally and internationally.

What a fabulous bio, Carole! I love stories about a writer’s journey. At what point did you know you had to write? Asked another way, why do you write?

I write because I have to; there’s something inside of me calling me to do so. I remember in the sixth grade, our teacher asked us to keep a diary as if we were a cave family. Wish I still had that paper. Later on, in college, when instructors required so many pages of a research paper, I loved it while other students grumbled. A little bit telling, huh?

LOL! That it is, Carole. What’s your work in progress or your latest work about? How did you find the idea for the theme of the story?

I just finished a women’s fiction with touches of suspense and romance. Every novel I write has a certain amount of suspense in it. Can’t keep it out. Smile. My husband gave me the idea after hearing some current events in this country. He also did a good job of pre-editing for me, as far as the plot and story line goes.

I’m gathering this was the book which made you a recent ACFW Genesis finalist. What was it like to know you’d won a big contest?

I was pleased and happy. Of course, I know contests are subjective, but if you’re open, you can learn. I was determined to be satisfied whether I went any farther or not. Even the judge who gave me my lowest score admitted she couldn’t get the story out of her mind. That is saying something.

That certainly does. Carole, what is the hardest thing about being a writer for you? Is your family supportive?

My family is very supportive. My husband writes too—children’s and nonfiction, so he’s had a taste of what is involved. Even my sons enjoy bragging about their mom, the writer.

Well, Carole, you didn’t tell me your hardest thing about writing, but as a fellow writer, I have some idea! I know it takes time and your bio gives a glimpse of how active and committed you are.

What type of genre do you like to write best? Any special reason why?

As I mentioned above: suspense! I’ve always loved suspense books. Loved children’s mystery books, young adult mystery and suspense.

Debbie Macomber in an ACFW keynote address told us to list 5 impossible dreams and believe in them. Do you have a dream you hardly dare to dream yet want badly?

I’ve self published some children’s stories, but my biggest dream is to be published traditionally. I hold on to that, determined to do my part, and try to leave the rest to God.

Hold on to that dream and keep moving forward.

What are you currently reading?

Grow Old With Me by Melinda Evaul; The Prophetess by Linda Rohrbaugh, and Susan Sleeman’s latest LI Suspense, Behind the Badge. I also plan on reading The Scroll by Grant Jeffrey and Alton Gansky soon.

They all sound good. Melinda’s book piqued my interest also. Bet you always have 2-3 books going simultaneously. I’m guilty too.

Where can readers find you or your books, Carole? A blog or website address? My blog address is: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

In closing, Carole, do you have a parting word or message?

As a word of encouragement: we all have discouraging days, but bounce right back up. Never, never give up. Stay open to God’s plan for your life, and stay determined to learn all you can. One favorite quote I love is “Reach for the stars. You may only get the moon, but it’s higher than where you are right now!”

Carole, I like that attitude very much! God does desire good things for His children. I also thank you very much for coming by and talking with us today. Thanks. Clap, clap!

Jude Urbanski

Did You Really Wonder Why Your Book Proposal Wasn't Accepted? You Might Be surprised.

2011-06-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't met Terry Whalin, but I know I will like him when I do. Why? Anyone with a first name beginning with a 'W' has to be a fun person I think. But let me tell you the real reason I like Terry. Terry is about the best friend a writer could have. He is there with his expertise in consulting, writing and offering wisdom to anyone claiming to be a writer or even a wanna be writer. I appreciate him fully. Many thanks to you, Terry, for this post.

Yes, we as writers must do our very best, but it is also good to see 'the inside of things.' Never knew about the mass deletion of submissions. OHHHHHH.

We write because we must and if you're like me , you'll continue to fly. Enjoy Terry's post.

Jude Urbanski

It Won't Fly If You Don't...

By W. Terry Whalin

Hopefully you've heard the saying, "If won't fly, if you don't try." Many writers grow frustrated with the publishing world. They pitch their idea to a series of agents or editors at a conference. Return home and send the follow-up material to those professionals. Then several months down the line, they get rejected and decide, "Guess no one wants to publish my idea."

That is not necessarily the case.

There are many reasons why your book idea was rejected. Some of those reasons have to do with you and your pitch. Yet other reasons have nothing to do with you and everything
to do with timing. Because most agents and editors use carefully worded form rejections which tell you nothing about the specific reason, you are left to guess. Most people speculate that it's something to do with them. Maybe the editor or agent came to the office and got wrapped in some crisis. They could not handle the submissions on their desk so they rejected everything. Yes, they do this routine rejection just to clear off their desk and give themselves some space. It had nothing to do with the author's proposal.

While you think your proposal is unique and different, there are many similar ideas in the marketplace. As an editor or an agent, I've seen those similar ideas come into my mailbox. I already have one of those in the works so I reject the ones that arrive after it. It has nothing to do with the value of that pitch or the writer.

Agents and editors are looking for the right book at the right time and the right place. Your proposal is important and something I can't emphasize enough. You have seconds to make the right impression. It is your responsibility to give your proposal the best possible chance so someone will accept it. How can you improve your chances of acceptance?

First, craft an excellent proposal and sample chapter. I've written many proposals and sample chapters plus I've reviewed thousands of these proposals. It is not simple or easy but it is a skill you can learn. In the last few months, I've invested a great deal of energy to write an online course for writers called Write A Book Proposal. Step-by-step I teach writers how to put together the best possible pitch for their book. The course is unconditionally guaranteed so if it is not right for you, then I will refund your small investment. One of my bestselling novelist friends called my course "a bold new effort." I've not seen anything like it in the publishing world and I'd love for you to consider it. Grow in your knowledge about publishing and proposal creation is my first suggestion.

My second suggestion is to persist. Often writers send their proposal to an editor or two, and then when it is rejected, they decide there is no market for the idea. That is not necessarily true. The writer hasn't found the right connection so they quit trying. Each Monday I look forward to the column from bestselling author Harvey Mackay. While I read the column in my newspaper, I also subscribe to his columns from his website so I receive it a second time via email later in the week. This week, Mackay wrote a column called, If you believe you are sure to succeed. You can follow the link and read the entire column, but notice the first sentence which is a quote from Henry Ford, "Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to." Do you believe your proposal or idea will succeed in the marketplace? Then take steps to make that happen.

Finally you need to persevere looking for the right connection for your idea. Maybe it's not a book but a magazine article. Or maybe it is both a magazine article and a book. Some of my writer friends have a 24 hour rule to handle rejections. If their proposal is turned down, then they give themselves 24 hours to send it back into the marketplace. It's how they persevere and is an example that you can also follow. Do make sure you are using a current name and contact information for that agent or editor. I continue to receive submissions for Howard Publishing (a company that I've not been with for five years and one that has not had that name for seven years). Just the use of this name on the outside of the envelope is a dead giveaway that the writer is using an old resource.

It will not fly if you don't try. It will never sell in your computer or file drawer. You must get it out there. Take action today.

How to Move Books off the Shelves or onto Your Favorite Cyber Site

2011-05-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

My post is long today. So I'm just saying a quick hello with a cyber hug and blessing.

The topic todays deals with how to sell our books. We may write for love, but there's nothing wrong with writing for money! I gained some fresh ideas. Hope you do also.

James Branscum, marketing rep for Tate publishing, (mail to:james@tatepublishing.com) has allowed me to share a wonderful letter from one of Tate’s authors. It deals with marketing, a topic near to a writer’s heart. He says he knows the letter is long, but encourages us to read it. I have quoted most of Mr. Branscum’s words and author Jerry Smith words directly, but paraphrased others. You may find the complete letter at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60799-820-4.

Branscum says selling books in today’s environment is challenging. To be successful, you need to stand out from the crowd. Most of us will have to start small. However, thanks to the internet, small no longer means interviews with just your local small-town paper. There are a number of communities emerging to help people with a platform find an audience.

The biggest and the best is www.helpareporter.com. It used to be a Face Book group called Help a Reporter Out. Their daily HARO emails let you know of reporters looking for sources on certain subjects. If you can speak to the subject and help the reporter, you are establishing yourself as an expert in the field. And how does the reporter establish your credibility? By mentioning your book, of course! Other similar sites include www.pitchrate.com and www.reporterconnection.com. All of these are free- they make their money selling advertisements. There is also a similar free site for radio interviews: www.radioguestlist.com.

If you’re a fiction writer, you might be thinking, “Thanks a lot, James, but this doesn’t apply to me.” Think a little further. You wrote your book for a reason, right? To make some sort of point, right? You’re doing with your story the same thing that nonfiction authors are doing with facts. And if nothing else, you’re a source for writing stories. The more you get your name out, the more likely the press is to start coming to you.

Now for Jerry's article.

“My book titled: "Does God Give Us More Than We Can Bear?" was published and released by Tate, November 10, 2009. The first thing I started doing was to prepare a list of every contact that my wife and I knew all the way back to high school. It took several months to accumulate approximately 300 names and addresses. My book signing at Barnes & Noble was scheduled for January 16, 2010 and we used a friend who was a designer to design my book invitation. During the two hour event, we had about fifty people attend and the store sold sixty books. Zig Ziglar sat at my table and he also signed my book because many people asked him. (Can we say awesome here?)

“The first six months my book was out, I didn't know what to do so I stumbled around a lot but sold about 150 books. However during those six months, I mailed out 1000 pieces of mail around the country. I went on the internet to get various lists of newspapers, TV and radio stations. After six months I had not received one reply. I was getting discouraged and spent a week or so analyzing what to do. Then I started researching the internet for items such as: How to market books, any classes available, coaching clinics and etc. I felt that what I was doing was totally wrong. I was doing what most new authors probably do and that was: "I have written a book and …." I found out that the media could care less and your book would never be read.

Within the next sixty days, I had joined a weekly newsletter for authors, Signed up for an authors coaching clinic-convention, and signed to receive a weekly newsletter, Reporter Connection. This newsletter lists various media around the country looking for articles about practically anything in life and if there is one that applies to your story, you can submit yours.

“At the three-day convention, I learned about what to do, what to say and not say, how to pitch your story, developing hooks for your story, who and who not to contact and that it's not about the quantity of time but the quality of the time you must work each and every day. As one of our instructors, Jack Canfield, author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" told us, “You must make at a minimum of five quality contacts each and every day. And when you make a break through to doing radio interview, you must do as many every week as possible.” That was a major reason for their huge success. Another point that Jack emphasized was that you would have a much greater opportunity for success if you became a public speaker.

“I developed numerous contact letters for different types of media and situations. I watched various shows and listened to radio shows and looked through magazines, only those that had an interest in my type of story. When there was a show that my story could piggy-back, I contacted the show with my letter and story tailored to their show. I learned that the media is only "Interested in what you can do for them." The last four to five months, I have contacted most of the major TV shows and televangelists around the company receiving replies from most of the televangelists. I worked with a speaking coach to identify and construct my speech. Now I have spoken eleven times in four months. I receive many letters from the audience. I network at every speech and sell books.

“Then a couple of months ago, another miracle occurred. I received a call from a lady asking if I was Jerry Smith who wrote the book, "Does God Give Us More Than We Can Bear?" I said yes and she replied, “I am your cousin from Bastrop, La.” The previous week, she had Goggled for her Great Grandfather and Google pulled up my book. The site mentioned my Great Grandfather, the same as hers. She was stunned and ordered my book. She found me to tell me that I had over forty relatives living there. I had never had relatives my entire life and they didn't know about me. All this was made possible because of my book. Now I have been encouraged to try to have my book made into a TV movie. I just contacted a movie agent and a screenwriter.”

-Jerry Smith

Hope this was helpful. Watch for coming blog interviews of JoAnn Durgin, Carole Brown and artist Paula Sullivan.

Don't Get Caught in a Cliche Whatever You Write

2011-05-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today is National Bike to Work Day! Would that we all could. The thought though reminds me when our kids gave us 'Comfort Bikes' for our umm-39th-umm-birthdays. The Comfort Bike really is comfortable. It has upright handlebars, a larger, softer seat and much bigger wheels. A far cry from our racing bikes! Think they were trying to tell us something?

I don't mind getting caught on a Comfort Bike, but do mind when I'm caught in a cliche in my writing. Do you? I recently did a short article on cliches for Jeanne Leach, who teaches a writing class and am reinventing it for this blog. Hope you like it.

Don’t Be Caught in a Cliché Whatever You Write!

Words of wisdom, but how often have you transgressed? Quite a few, if you’re like me. A cliché is over-used words or expressions. Clichés are so popular a National Cliché Day prevails. Writer Laura Hayden says clichés make great books titles, but lousy writing. A Google search gives the topic respect.

Well, what’s so bad about using tried and true words or phrases? Our mothers would probably approve. Our mothers, though, are not writing in our 21^st century, in which good writing etiquette, says no to these sometimes lovely and loved clichés.

If you want a refreshing voice, an agent, a publisher and sales, don’t be caught in a cliché. Sorry, but true. Clichés do not say anything new to our readers. Granted, sometimes only a cliché fits, but, even then, try for words only you, the newbie or the established author, can or would say. Your own voice is what should be heard in your writing.

You may have to sit a long time at your computer to find words only your voice would pen. I know I have. Generally, though, our words and our voices are better than the clichés. Clichés are weak writing. Meaning they’re often the easy fix, rather than hammering out our unique twist and style.

Weak writing is repetition of clichés, euphemisms or pet words. It’s using predictable sequences. I just read and judged a wonderful book for a contest, but if I had to read the word ‘puckered’ one more time, I would rethink my high score. Otherwise, the book was faultless. Just an example of how authors have ‘pet words.’ Search your manuscript for overused words or phrases. Just as we’re taught to search for the ‘ly’ words. Draw from deep within how to say something your special way.

There is a hard fix, enabling us to avoid clichés as well as to improve our writing. That fix involves knowing facts. Facts you’re learning in this course, at conferences and reading on your craft. One hard fix is to monitor use of the words ‘that’ and ‘had.’ The first can generally be eliminated and the second can become a more active verb. I’ve noticed the word ‘the’ can also often be eliminated. These techniques create tighter and cleaner writing. We already know to avoid flowery or purple prose and monitor weak or predictable plots. Of course, show don’t tell, layer your characters and always, always ratchet up the stakes.

We don’t write, we rewrite. But we don’t want to be caught in a cliché whatever we write.

You may find the following links on clichés interesting. ClicheSite.com and elistonwordpro.bizland.com.

Be sure to check out the May releases at my publisher, www.desertbreezepublishing.com. The books sound wonderful. The authors are:

Nike Chillemi- Sanctuary Point Book One: Burning Hearts

Jackie Allen- An Officer and a Gigolo

Kelli Masterson- Almost Home

Kandi Jaynes- August in Montana

JoAnn Carter- Paradox

Compelling excerpts can be read on the website! Awesome covers too.

Quote to remember: Without the incense of heartfelt prayer, even the greatest of cathedrals is dead.

-anonymous

Ties That Bind

2011-05-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

May is friendship month and today I attended a Friendship Luncheon sponsored by Church Women United. I knew little about this organization, but learned it's been instrumental in weighty women's social issues for years and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2012. Its all about ties that bind women together. I really enjoyed the luncheon and program.

Being a writer, I thought about ties that bind my work. In other words, what ties bind a writer's productivity? I'll share an article I wrote last year for Hoosier Ink Blog about this topic. See if you can identify.

Ties That Bind

Recently the San Francisco Chronicle carried the story about the female humpback whale entangled by masses of fishing lines and crab traps. Hundreds of pounds of lines and traps threatened her life and she struggled to stay afloat. Lines pulled and tightened around her body, her tail and her mouth.

A fisherman spotted the distressed whale and radioed an environmental group for help. The group wasted little time diving into the water to try and free her from bondage. They worked hours with curved knives and determination and finally unchained the whale.

When at last freed, the whale swam around in what seemed like joyous circles, but what happened next became a memory never to be forgotten. She swam back to the divers and, one at a time, gently nudged them, pushing them around a little. In her playfulness, it was like she was saying thank you. The diver who cut the lines out of her mouth says he’ll never forget how the whale’s eyes followed his every movement.

An unbelievable, heartwarming story of kindness.

How do we as writers get untangled from ties that bind? What fishing lines or crab traps do we strain against each day?

Let’s have fun with the word BIND.

Are you plagued by the big “B” or Writer’s Block? Is this another word for boredom, bitterness or bewilderment? There’s always a way out of this mire and it varies with writers. Look for the chip in the block and you’ll find the key. Be brutally honest with yourself as to what’s blocking your writing. A sabbatical is sometimes the answer.

Maybe the omnipresent “I” of interference is your binder. Simply put, life gets in the way. You know how it goes. Life happens on the way to the computer. A secret? If you want something done, ask a busy person. Ask the writer mom/dad who works, cares for the kids, car pools, covers the PTA and has a fun hobby. They make things happen. In your eventful life, you can too, with discipline and design.

The “N” stands, of course, for the No of the rejection letter from the agent or the publisher or the contest. After you’ve received a few rejections, even if some are the golden variety, a thick skin is still needed. You learn and continue forward. It’s no surprise rejections are part of writing.

Associate “D” with dreams, understanding well many people have forgotten how to dream. A small note, encouraging me to take time to dream, is stuck on my bathroom mirror. All reminders needed. A lack of dreams binds hard, yet dreams remain essential for writers.

Your assignment is to look for ways to become untangled from the lines or traps that bind you like the whale was bound. Look for divers sent to rescue. They may come in assorted packages.

Care to share a way you’ve become untangled? Or entangled?

CLICHES, PHRASES, WORDS TO AVOID

2011-04-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

My current assignment for a fellow author friend is to write comments about cliches, phrases or words to avoid when writing. I'm sure you know what she wants. I know too, but confess I'm sometimes guilty of using just those.

Sometimes a cliche fits like nothing else. Right? What's so bad about "it broke my heart" or "as different as day and night?" Good words, but they do little to carve out a writer's voice or to sound refreshing. They are lazy writing or "weasel words."

Phrases to avoid are also those requiring little thought from the writer. Purple prose or flowery and ornate sentences once dominated certain writing, but no longer. We're encouraged to write tight and lean. This doesn't mean we can't use 'ly' words. We use them sparingly. Strong and active verbs build compelling sentences.

If I had to pick a single word to avoid, I'd pick the word "that." When you use it, reread and you'll find it can usually be eliminated. Do the test.

After thinking out loud here, I think I can tackle my assignment now!

I'm reading some terrific books for a contest in which I'm judging and will let you know more of them later. Meanwhile, watch for all the May releases by Desert Breeze and for Delia Latham's Kylie's Kiss by WhiteRose Publsihing on April 29th.

Wolfgang W.E. Samuel, author of The German Boy, comes to a local book club soon. Looking forward!

APRIL IS...PROTECTION OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCES...CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

2011-04-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm a writer, a citizen and a mom and want to remember that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I want to remember this because it is near and dear to my heart. Children are our most precious resource, all too often a fact ignored.

Being from Indiana, I am proud former Colts' coach Tony Dungy has become a child abuse advocate and I am also very proud my daughter Julie Federico has also caught the wave.

Julie is a school counselor in Denver, Colorado and is well acquainted with the many facets of child abuse. She recently published, with Tate Publishing, a children's book entitled Some Parts Are Not For Sharing. Her concept is simple yet profound for the early childhood group as she uses two adorable fish in swimsuits to illustrate body safety or those parts not for sharing. She says she wants her book in every family and in every place connected with children and I happen to agree.

Find Julie and her book at www.juliefederico.com, www.tatepublishing.com or www.amazon.com.Let's all do our best to protect and cherish our most important resource-our children.

Tomorrow I'm going to hear agent Amanda Luedeke speak on "Publishing in the Digital Age." Since I have an electronic novel coming this November from Desert Breeze Publishing, I am very interested.

BOOKS NEW AND WONDERFUL

2011-04-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

**I promised myself that by April 1 winter clothes would be put away and color and all things wonderful would abound! I started with the sunshine yellow, forced forsythia and fuzzy pussy willow bouquet at my desk. I also declared April 1 as the debut of my new blog even though a few things still need tidied up.

**The day also means new releases by talented authors of Desert Breeze Publishing. I want to congratulate the five authors. Go to www.desertbreezepublishng.com for excerpts and ordering information of these great books!

   Marked for Murder by Melanie Atkins
   Phoenix Rising by Esther Mitchell
   Summer Love by Linda Swift
   Texas True by Celia Yeary
   The Last Long Journey by Linda Lattimer

**I offer a review of another great author. I just finished Ann Shorey's The Dawn of a Dream and highly recommend it for all, but especially historical romance buffs.

"Even though I had not read the first two books in the Beldon Grove Series, I found The Dawn of a Dream could stand alone. It does, however, make me want to read the prior books. In this book, one woman dared to dream the impossible dream.

I'm a big fan of historical romantic fiction and feel Ann Shorey did a super job with accurate detail in this book. That aspect commanded my respect. She used the senses in such a way I felt I was on that steam locomotive and feeling the grit and smoke. Shorey's vivid descriptions allow insight into a woman's world in the nineteenth century and into current history at that time.
Empathy with the heroine begins immediately and you're in her camp from page one. Perhaps because most of us harbor memories of when we've made honest, but impulsive mistakes also. Enter the handsome military hero and we're certainly hooked. Distance apart proved no lasting barrier to their growing love. Secondary characters also claim your interest.
Heroine Luellen O'Connell had pluck and perseverance in her determination, against many odds, to achieve a teacher's certificate. I enjoyed the classroom scenes with teacher and pupil interaction and cheered Luellen on when fanciful administrators posed hurdles.
If you're looking for an intriguing love story of honor and respect, look no more."

Two parting thoughts. Cast your vote on this blog for the reason you like electronic books. Also leave a comment and your email address for a chance to won a copy of Anne Lamott's book Traveling Mercies.
Thanks for visiting! Be a follower and come back!

Welcome to the Brave New Electronic World! We've gone Digital!

2011-03-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

We knew it was coming and this morning it happened. We had no TV service. No morning news guaranteed to depress.

Weeks ago we were aware we needed to install three digital boxes to our TVs to have continue service. You probably know what I mean. Well, we procrastinated. So my husband has been busy this morning. It's not done yet, but we're closer to the electronic world again. I'm supposed to read final directions before he returns from his meeting.

Made me think of the little talk I'm making Saturday to a writers group. My talk is on electronic publishing and they don't know it, but I shall 'borrow' from the amazing Randy Ingermanson, who made predictions about the brave new world of electronic publishing. Since my debut novel is coming out in November by electronic publisher, Desert Breeze, my interest has heightened. I'll just highlight Randy's electronic forecasting, but the newsletter (July 6, 2010, volume 6, number 7)can be accessed at: http://www.AdvancedFictionWwriting.com/ezine.

Electronic books will surpass print books soon.
Beginners will first publish electronically.
Mid-list authors may do better. If they endorse electronic publishing.
Best-selling authors will profit most.Little harder to forecast. Will best selling authors self pub e-books?
Publishers will no longer accept returns. This prediction is not a certainty, but makes sense.
Agents will stop reading the slush pile. They will check how writers are doing in the e-market.
Publishers will become more profitable, but publish fewer titles. The cream will be writers with strong e-markets or with already proven track records.Publishers will only pick these.
A growing market will exist for freelance editors to ready books for e-publication.

These predictions don't spell the end of print books by any means. They do mean change and it's wise to look at them and plan accordingly.

WRITE for LOVE WRITE for MONEY

2011-03-15T11:38:00.001-07:00

Last week at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana, I heard editor, playwright, and author Chuck Sambuchino speak on 'How to Make it in Writing' or Writing for Love and Writing for Money.

Chuck says most of us find we must write for money to keep on writing for love and that is okay.Below are a few tips he suggested when we are writing those magazine articles or small gigs:

First-think of your local market or start small. After success there, go for bigger markets.
Find topic ideas in all the familiar places: bring a national piece to your local arena; follow up on some previous story; steal from yourself or 'milk' every idea for all the angles.
Keep writing-no matter what you're writing!
Educate yourself: conferences and don't forget all the free options out there.

Chuck's latest book is called How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack, a most unique little book that sheds more light than you may want to know on gnomes.

Other speakers at the conference were James Alexander Thom, historical fiction icon and his wife Dark Rain. One fine duo! Then, newcomer CS Marks with her fantasy elf hunter books is sure to make JK Rowling take notice.

A Few of My Favorite Things!

2011-02-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

I'm looking at my Valentine's Day flowers and must admit they're asking permission to quit their task! I'll throw them out tomorrow, but I have enjoyed them! They've added sparkle and color to these icy, 20 some degree days. They will get me through until the crocus' peak from the ground. Won't be long.

I'm also thinking how much I like my mouse pad that has a wrist rest. Really, there are such things. Same goes for the quirky seat I'm in. It's one of those 'ergonomic' specimens and while my knees rest on one pad and my seat on another pad, I find I do sit straighter. I also have more wiggle potential and that's good for circulation. Check these things out!

Some of my other favorite things are the newsletters or websites that I regularly visit. If you haven't been to any of these, I can vouch for them as being a must for the writer. They are great. Here they are:

Randy Ingermanson: editor@advancedfictionwriting.com

Margie Lawson: margielawson.com

Publishers Weekly: lunch@publisherslunch.com

The Book Page: www.bookpage.com

ACFW: acfw.com

There are so many fantastic and meaty websites, blogs and/or newsletters out there for us as writers. Find 2-3 you like. I'd also add to the list: Writer's Digest Newsletter as well as John Kremer and Terry Whalin's newsletters.

I'm excited about a proposal I'm presenting to a local center. It's a proposal calling for an "Artist in Residence" concept. More details later. Time to get back to work.

Jude

Love Extravagantly-Especially Your BACK STORY!

2011-02-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Love extravagantly everyday, but especially tomorrow as we celebrate our culture's love icon-Valentine's Day. I was just in Hallmark to buy my husband a card and encountered something funny. Nearly all the cards for husbands were gone and this was three days before Feb 14. There were lots and lots of cards left for men to buy us. I turned to the one lone man in the store and said, "Look at this. All the husbands cards are gone." He smiled sheepishly and said "Yeah, we're kinda slow getting our cards."

The clerk at check out reaffirmed him by saying, "Yes, the men will flood in on the day or even the day after if they did forget."

I laughed and reminded my self the important thing was to love extravagantly-as long as the card did get in our hands by the day!

And love is what we're supposed to do to our BACK STORY in our novels. Love it, but love it right. Now, this is a mini-mini on a very important component, but here goes. Back story is, by the way, where our character has been before we meet.

Don't spill the beans all at once in what's called an 'information dump' but tease the scoop out slowly, bit by bit.
As our kids say, "You're on a NEED TO KNOW basis." If reader doesn't need to know, keep it to yourself. If it doesn't move the story along, can it.
Work your back story in via:

Prologue (check with your publisher-they usually have a love-hate attachment to these.)
Deep Point of View or Introspection. Something triggers this remembrance.
Flashbacks. Remember don't stay there too long and connect to present.
Dialogue. One of the best ways, but do it right. Don't just dump here either.

There you have it! Love extravagantly-your Valentine and your back story.

Jude

Formatting Fun

2011-02-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm formatting my novel for my electronic publisher, Desert Breeze and I am learning lots! If I turn on "Non-Print Formatting Characters" tool, I immediately can see lots of formatting errors. I hadn't used this tool before and was astounded at how much it helped. The way to turn this tool on is different for each version of Word, but the keystroke shortcut is Crtl+Shift+8.

Try it and see how it works for you. Every publisher has their own preferences on formatting and the best piece of advice is do not create fancy formatting on your work before you send it in. Be told what is desired.

I called our Northern Minnesota son, who, of course, lives on a lake and who lives to fish. Doesn't everyone in Minnesota live on a lake and like to fish? Anyway, I called to share a bumper sticker I had just seen. It said "Work is for those who do not know how to fish." He liked.

I like the beauty of the almost white-out conditions outside my door. I like snow on cedars, cardinals nestling in their branches, the brash little squirrel. But I'm checking real estate in warmer climates!

Jude

Reinvention

2011-01-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my reinvented blog for 2011! I want this blog to be informative, inspirational, but related to writing. I write stories, usually about women on a life's journey. My writing genre is a combination of women's fiction with inspirational romance elements, which makes for enjoyable reading!

I'm excited about the November release of my first novel by Desert Breeze Publishing. The title is Joy Restored and is a book that's been close to my heart for a long time. I'll post more about the book and an excerpt later.

Recently, I judged in a writing contest and have to say, I learned as much as I offered. If you haven't put your writing 'out there' for a contest yet, why not? You'll be the better for it and you might even be a winner.

Need to know: ABOUT "Book Page". Check it out. www.BOOKPAGE.COM.

Make something happen!
Jude Urbanski