EXTREME KEYBOARDING

The Captive Heart (W. Dale Cramer, 2012) A Stunning, One-of-a-kind Saga

2011-12-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on the second book in author W. Dale Cramer's latest series (The Daughters of Caleb Bender), The Captive Heart. It just arrived last week and I tore right into it. I was not disappointed!

Here's my review:

The Captive Heart continues the story begun in Paradise Valley (2011), in which Amishman Caleb Bender and his family move from Ohio to Mexico in the 1920s to avoid religious persecution. But the troubles they and other settlers face in the beautifully fertile yet rugged new land prove to be a far greater challenge. In the turbulent aftermath of the Mexican Revolution, the cultural climate is unstable. Increasing trouble with roaming bandits causes Caleb to doubt not only the success and happiness of his beloved family in this new land, but his wisdom in bringing them and other families here.

Fresh descriptions throughout paint a vibrant, beautiful setting against the rugged Mexican landscape. In each book, the girls’ unique stories are artfully woven together with the overarching story of Caleb Bender, the father whose desire to honor and trust “Gott” leads him on a journey that shakes his faith and tests his quiet, noble strength. A pacifist by faith, this father faces the unthinkable: threats against the lives of those he loves. How will he respond? How many must be harmed, even lost before it ends? Must he rethink what he has always believed about the value of a man’s life versus a man’s soul?

I loved meeting the characters in Paradise Valley and getting to know them better in this second of the three book series. Miriam takes the lead with her forbidden yet growing love for Domingo, the half-breed Mexican native who works for Caleb. A man of strength and wisdom, Domingo declares that the religion of the Amish “makes no sense,” and that there are many “fences” that forbid a relationship with Miriam, the one he calls “Cualnezqui” or Beautiful One.

Domingo is wonderful character whose honesty, strength and nobility I found intriguing. His desire to understand this Christian “religion” was borne of the troubling fact that it “makes no sense.” The simple truth of the gospel is displayed in the lives of many characters, not so much because of their unusual ways, but by the consistent grace and strength evident in their lives. The daughters each possess a unique, distinct voice, each one displaying their own strength of faith and quiet beauty. One daughter voices simply yet powerfully what it means to be a child of God. I appreciated her simple message that it is not about how we practice our faith or what disciplines it takes to conquer our sinful human nature, but that it is a matter of constant surrender to God.

Knowing Cramer has both a family history (see the award winning Levi's Will) and intimate ties to the Amish community makes the stories and characters that much more fascinating. The backdrop and setting for this series is based on actual events that occurred in his family in the 1920s, making this story especially intriguing. Cramer does a fabulous job weaving a story filled with distinct characters with goals, fears and triumphs we can all can relate to. Despite differences of era, culture, setting, and religious traditions, the characters in this series depict universal joys and pains that resonate with everyone.

You don’t have to be a fan of Amish or “bonnet fiction” to be captivated by Cramer’s Amish works. My husband saw me reading The Captive Heart and teased, “So is there any action in that book?” To which I replied, “Yes, tons!” I’ve decided this series creates a new fiction genre: Amish Action.

The loves, joys, fears, and sufferings of the characters in The Captive Heart are deeply emotive. The romantic threads of Miriam and Rachel as well as the ominous threats and dangers kept me hooked and reading non-stop. This series so far is a well-rounded, rewarding blend of romance, mystery and gripping action. It’s a blend I could easily see played out on the big screen. I eagerly look forward to the third and final book in the series and am already sad this beautiful saga will come to an end.

Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review.

BookingIt: Interview with Debut Author Camille Eide (and winners!)

2011-12-15T01:33:00.000-08:00

I've been a guest on several blogs lately due to the release of Savanna's Gift, my (100% 5 stars!!) Christmas novella, but have been busy making and revising (but not actually doing) Christmas To-Do lists and forgot to share the links here with you.

Here's the latest guest blog spot, a visit with my chocoholic friend Jessica Nelson in which we discuss the deep nature of romance, sticky note inspiration, pursuing your talent, and chocolate:

BookingIt: Interview with Debut Author Camille Eide (and winners!)

More Christmas Romance . . .

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

White Rose Publishing has a sweet treat of a holiday lineup with 12 Christmas Romance novellas specially priced at $1.00 during the month of December. WRP is releasing one of these 12 Christmas titles each day.

Today's release is Polar Bear Plunge by Linda S. Glaz.

Brice Taylor might not be on Aleni Callan's Christmas list, but she finds him under her tree anyway.

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier when war hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understand how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widowed Aleni Callan and her son Tyler, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan, with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Tyler, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And though the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

My Review:
Polar Bear Plunge is a touching story that shows how healing from brokenness and bitterness can often come from the last place we expect, and how God is patient and loving enough to send what or whomever it takes to get our attention. Aleni, a war widow, masks a broken heart by throwing herself into her work and into the care of her young son, with the help of her caring mother-in-law. Brice is the last man on earth she could love, but when forced into spending time with him, Aleni discovers he's not who she thought he was, and is battling wounds of his own. I loved this story, and love seeing how it shows the way God often brings blessing and healing to us in unexpected ways. And the love of nosy, well-meaning relatives never hurts. An intriguing feel good romance for a quick wonderful read anytime, and a special treat for Christmas.

Note: ALL White Rose Holiday Extravaganza books are specially priced at $1.00 thru 12/24

Watch the book trailer: http://ow.ly/7NbBt

Pick up Polar Bear Plunge at: Amazon (Kindle) or White Rose/Pelican Book Group

About Linda:

I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

Get Savanna's Gift Now!

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's HERE!

SAVANNA'S GIFT, a Christmas Romance about rekindled love and second chances, is now available for download from White Rose Publishing: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/savanna-s-gift

or at Amazon for your Kindle at:
http://www.amazon.com/Savannas-Gift-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B006G3YF6K/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that divided them get in the way?

Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson. Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love.

Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

SWEET DEAL: For a limited time SAVANNA'S GIFT is specially priced at just $1.00 through Dec 24, 2011

Praise for Savanna’s Gift:

“Camille Eide’s fiction debut, Savanna’s Gift is an enchanted tale of lost love and second chances. With endearing characters and the smell of cinnamon-scented pinecones in the air, I was swept away in this heart-warming story. Lovely anytime. Perfect for Christmas.”

~Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Broken Wings

More about Camille and her books at: http://www.camilleeide.com/camille.html

Final Drawing for the Christmas Cookie/Book Giveaway

2011-12-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, I got side-tracked again and didn't draw. Doh! Before I do, I just want to remind y'all we had some tasty sounding cookie recipes shared here, so I hope you saw one you'll try. Thanks to everyone for sharing those!

So...today's winner is: Ginny!! Congrats, my friend to the far north!

And for those who didn't win a free copy of SAVANNA'S GIFT, my new Christmas Romance novella, don't be sad. Amazon got a little excited and started selling the Kindle version for $.99, which makes me real happy, since they are honoring the publisher's special holiday price. For all the non-Kindlers, the book is available tomorrow (Dec 3) at the White Rose Publishing site in various other book types.

And speaking of which, there are 11 more Christmas Romances available as part of WRP's Christmas Extravaganza. The 12 books are releasing one a day for twelve days (12 days of Christmas?).

So no matter what kind of eReader you have, a super deal is waiting for you, but only until 12/24.

And . . . if you have no ereader but want to read an eBook (like mine, or those great freebies you can hear about daily by signing up at http://www.vesselproject.com/ ) there are free apps for your pc, phone, iPad, etc. Many eBooks are offered as PDFs, which most PCs will read. So my point? Yes, there's no excuse. Anyone can read an eBook. And at eBook prices (which are often free when you catch the deals) you can really load up your library.

So what are you watiting for? (The commercial to end so you can go back to baking Christmas cookies, right?)

One last plug: Thanks to cool cyber friends, I will be a guest on several blogs over the next few weeks. I may leave a link to them here if you have nothing better to do in the weeks before Christmas but follow me around the web and listen to me talk about Christmas and romance and other stuff. We'll kick it all off at the WordServe Watercooler tomorrow, where I shameless plug my book while launching a discussion about the Humble Artist and Self-Promotion, two seemingly incongruent topics.

So until next time, happy baking, and God bless!

Savanna's Gift Book Trailer

2011-11-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a mini movie for my upcoming Christmas novella. Enjoy!

This Week's Winner Is . . .

2011-11-25T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ooops, I meant to draw earlier today and got side-tracked. Better late than never.Thanks to the excellent name-drawing skills of my handsome hubby, this week's winner of Savanna's Gift is:

Courtney!

We will have one more drawing next Friday Dec 2nd, then the book releases Saturday the 3rd.

Thanks for sharing all the yummy recipes - I can't wait to try these. I hope you're finding a new favorite in the bunch! They all sound delicious & easy, my kinda Christmas cookie!

~Camille

Drumroll... First Winner in the Christmas Romance-Cookie Contest Drawing

2011-11-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

.....And the winner is: Carol Ann! Wooo Hoo!

I use a very technically complex drawing method of putting all the commenters' names in a hat and asking my handsome husband to reach in and pick one. He did a great job and therefore has agreed to be the drawer every week. :-)

Another winner will be drawn next Friday. Please spread the word - post a comment HERE with a Christmas Cookie Recipe (note: those who comment without a recipe are also included, so never fear, you no-sugar, no-bakers, I actually can't eat the cookies either!) And don't be bashful, those recipes are for you to share. And they sound YUMMY! And easy, gotta love that!

We're seeing sprinkles of snow here in NW Oregon, so I gotta go get some groceries and dinner with The Man before we're snowed in. Hmm, sounds like a Christmas Romance I've heard talk of....

Next drawing for Savanna's Gift: Next Friday, Nov 25. See you then!
-Camille

Christmas Cookie Exchange & Christmas Romance

2011-11-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

My first book, Savanna’s Gift, a Christmas novella of rekindled love and second chances, will soon be available for download from White Rose Publishing December 3.
Woo Hoo!!!

So to celebrate Love in the [sugar & spice scented] air, I’m offering a chance for you to sample some mouth-watering holiday treats AND enter a chance to win a free copy of Savanna’s Gift. Because somehow love and sugar and icing just go together. It's not logical, but that's okay. Love isn't logic, it's magic. Trust me.

So how does this cookie thing work, you ask? Thank you. You're so thoughtful, keeping me on task. I knew I liked you.

Leave your favorite Christmas Cookie or Treat Recipe in the comments of THIS POST, and every Friday from now until Dec 2, I will draw a winner to receive a copy of the book. Even if you don’t win, we all “win” by gaining some new holiday treat ideas! Can’t beat that! So check back often for the newest recipes!

And for everyone else who doesn't win a copy, SAVANNA'S GIFT will be available Saturday, December 3 for $1.00 (Special price thru 12/31 only) for your eReader, PC, iPad, iPhone, etc.

Don’t have an eReader? (Warning: silly techno babble follows) You can easily download free software for your PC for most book types like Kindle (Amazon) or Nook (B&N) and these also support some universal ebook file types. My eBook comes in PDF form and may read just fine on your PC or any version of Adobe.

I’m excited and honored to take part in White Rose Publishing’s Christmas Romance Extravaganza. Be sure to grab your copy before the end of December to take advantage of the special low price!

www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/savanna-s-gift

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About the story:
When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will the dream that divided them get in the way?

Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson. Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love.

Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

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About me:

Camille Eide writes contemporary romance and romantic women’s fiction. She lives in Oregon with her incredible husband and is mom to three brilliant college-age kids. She’s grateful for the amazing grace of God, and either in spite of or thanks to that grace, she has a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way. She’s also a church secretary, a bassist, and a passably devoted fan of classic rock, muscle cars, and Jane Austen.

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Praise for Savanna’s Gift:
“Camille Eide’s fiction debut, Savanna’s Gift is an enchanted tale of lost love and second chances. With endearing characters and the smell of cinnamon-scented pinecones in the air, I was swept away in this heart-warming story. Lovely anytime. Perfect for Christmas.” ~Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Broken Wings

"With her trademark zany style, Camille Eide weaves a meaningful, believable romance in Savanna's Gift. Against a beautiful backdrop of a snowy Oregon lodge, she grants her characters wonderful second chances and dreams fulfilled. This is the best novella I've ever read!" ~Christina Berry, Christy-nominated and Carol-award winning author of The Familiar Stranger

"Camille Eide’s seamless writing swept me into this sweet story from the opening page. Savanna’s Gift made me laugh, think, cheer for the characters, and give a sigh of pure satisfaction at the perfect ending. I highly recommend this debut novel from a gifted writer who I’m guessing we’ll see much more of in the future." ~Miralee Ferrell, author of Love Finds You in Sundance, WY—4 1/2 Stars Romantic Times

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DONT FORGET - POST YOUR CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPE HERE as a comment on THIS post. Winners will be drawn each Friday through December 2. Leave your email [name (at) domain (dot) com] so I can contact the winners.

Merry Christmas, God Bless, and Bon Appétit!

Camille Eide, Faith-inspiring Love Stories
http://www.camilleeide.com/

https://www.facebook.com/camille.eide

Coming Soon: Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange & Christmas Romance Drawing

2011-11-12T16:07:00.000-08:00

Imagine with me the whiteness of a wintry blizzard, frosty wind swirling around an elegantly adorned rustic ski lodge, a full view of a pristine white mountain beyond the lodge's deck, snow-laden evergreens surrounding the perfect romantic winter getaway, Celtic carols weaving in and out of sparkling conversations around a crackling fire, the smell of fir and cinnamon and sugar and spices, the glow of thousands of twinkly lights, the magic of Christmas and the whisper of love in the air...

Feeling the love & the flavors of Christmas yet? If not, hang in there. My first book, Savanna’s Gift, launches Dec 3rd with a Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange and a chance for you to win a free copy of the book. So while you wait, start looking through your favorite Christmas Cookie/Treat recipes and get ready to join in the fun!

Peel back the wrapping for a sneak peek at Savanna’s Gift

ACFW Conference: Moses Moments & Can I Get Used To A Built-In Starbucks?

2011-09-27T00:18:00.000-07:00

I attended the 2011 American Christian Writer’s Conference in St. Louis, MO last week and experienced five full days of workshops, appointments with publishers, worship & keynote sessions, friends, and the faithfulness of Jesus. I will list the highlights in a sec, and there were s-e-v-e-r-a-l, but topping this trip was a Moses-style reminder that I serve a faithful God who has a perfect plan and is in complete control of our lives, our futures, and our heart’s desires.

I had a Moses epiphany. Not a splitting the Red Sea or a talking, burning bush, but a moment much like when Moses questioned the Lord about choosing a d-d-d-dork like him to be His spokesman. Moses knew his own weaknesses, his limitations. Now, this knowledge may have come from listening to the negative whisperings of an enemy trying to thwart the mighty work God wanted to do through Moses—makes sense, I guess—or it could have been simply his self-depreciating honesty. Or a combo of both (which can be a bit tricky to decipher, trust me). Did God choose Moses because of his velvety-smooth radio voice and Justin Bieber charisma? Or did God have a plan that included using a weak vessel in order to show His people His provision, power and glory?

(Still working on that one? Hint: they didn’t actually have radios in ancient Egypt.)

If I were as polished and articulate on the spot as I’d like to be, I might quickly forget how utterly wretched and lost we truly are on our own, how completely we depend on the Spirit of God at work in us to do anything. Not just do it right, but great. For Him. Not just when we can’t quite handle the situation without some help, but every moment. He’s the Vine, I am the branch. Apart from Him I can do nothing. So it’s probably a good thing I’m not super cool and charismatic under pressure, because the Lord came through faithfully and answered many prayers to give me confidence and clarity of thought when I needed it most. I was reminded again that when He plants a vision in our heart and soul, He provides the strength, the means, and the ability to carry it out. Brandilyn encouraged me to lay it all down and tell the Lord: I am Yours. This was a priceless lesson reaffirmed, worth the entire trip if I took NOTHING else away from the conference.

And yet I took home so much more.

In spite of the full schedule, I connected with friends from all over the world (waving to my super sweet friend Karen in Australia), and made a few new ones. I was encouraged and prayed over (and I am very grateful to Brandilyn Collins for her prayers and wise words even though she totally screwed up my makeup before an editor appointment by making me cry—what is she, the Barbara Walters of Christendom?? Thanks to this challenging/freeing prayer session, I was so plumfuzzled I couldn't get my room key to let me in so I could fix my makeup until I finally figured out with the help of another writer lady that I'd actually gotten off the elevator on the wrong FLOOR.)

I was also able to encourage and pray for others. I shared my most recent book-in-progress with strangers and saw the spark of recognition in eyes and hands on hearts telling me they were touched by what they heard. I spent time talking with an editor who has read some of my work and who went to astonishing lengths to make sure I knew how exceptional she thinks it is. I gave her a hug for that, but I really wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home with me. That was one of those air-stealing compliments you can’t discount or dismiss as merely gracious courtesy no matter how hard you try.

I had a full-blown blast with my dearest (and farthest!) friends at a cute little New Orleans style seafood place in St Louis. What a rare treat! I am reminded that life may not offer us another chance like that for a long time . . . if ever . . . and am grateful for the time spent in the company of such good friends.

My flight to and from St Louis coincided, coincidentally, with my agent’s flight, allowing me to spend some extra quality time with the amazing, rockin Rachelle Gardner, who was named ACFW’s 2011 Agent of the Year at the conference. Hanging out with her was an unexpected bonus! It gave me a chance to be even more honored and inspired by knowing I have someone of Rachelle’s caliber in my corner.

I was also able to get books signed by two of my fav Christian authors whose stories and styles both entertain and inspire me, another sweet deal of a treat.

You’d think I had my fill of treats after all this, but I was also extremely blessed and honored to come to the conference as a Genesis finalist. One of the many benefits of being a finalist, for me, was the chance to make two new friends and prayer partners, my co-finalists Sally Bradley and Karen Shravemade. Sally was not able to attend, but she continued to serve the conference with her faithful prayers. I was thrilled when I learned Karen could attend all the way from Australia. She was just as lovely, kind-hearted and fun as I’d expected. We were both stunned and pleased to find that being a finalist at the conference increased our opportunities to discuss our work with publishers and we were both invited to submit our entries for a look at possible publication.

This contest taught me to hope someone might actually like my work. I came grateful for that and continued to pray my daily prayer that the final win would go to the finalist who needed it the most. I trust the Lord to know what’s best, to see farther down the road than we can, and to know which of His kids needs a little extra favor in their corner.

That kid, this time, was me. I am honored to have won the 2011 Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction, (I'm right about the 32 minute mark on this video) especially knowing the gracious, talented company I shared. I believe God knows best and sees all the bumps and turns in the publishing roads ahead for me, Sally, and Karen. He gave each of us the heart’s desire to write and get our words out there for others, words to bring glory and honor to Jesus. He will make a way for each of us to fulfill those dreams, I have no doubt.

Now, to finish the book so we can send it to the houses who said they’d like to see it. Prayers much appreciated!

More on Love...

2011-08-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

After chewing on Beth's comment left on my last BLOG POST, I decided to bring the discussion up top. Beth Vogt said, "I've always loved a good romance--one with depth. One where the characters change, where love doesn't come too easily because, hey, I don't think it does. Not real, lasting love anyway."

YES!! I couldn't agree more!

I like stories with depth---romance or otherwise. That's what I hope to achieve with my stories. Beth makes a very good point about love that lasts not coming so easily. Love at first sight is a great idea, but love you have to fight for, love that touches deep places in us despite our fears, love that challenges the lies we believe, love that coaxes us out from behind our facade, love that waits beyond hope, love that meets hidden heart needs, love that feels more like home than any place on earth ever did.....THAT's the stuff of a good love story. In my opinion, of course. :-)

What I believe makes this kind of love possible is the unfailing nature of God's love. Ecclesiastes says a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. Without Christ and his boundless, gracious love as the center strand, I actually find it hard to believe in happily ever after. I also believe that without Christ, humans are destined to fall short no matter how nobly or selflessly we strive. (Because I know we ALL strive to be noble and selfless.)

Do you tire of stories in which people fall too easily in love? The kind of story where two people are getting acquainted over a flat tire or mixup at the dry cleaners and suddenly they can't live without each other? Or on the other end of the romote control, do you gag at overblown melodramas too mushy for even the most hardcore soap fan? Does this turn you off to all love stories? If not, it should!

I aim to write stories that touch places we sometimes forget we have, remind us we still struggle with emptiness or protective shells or fears of loss or whatever it is we've conveniently buried. And while we visit those sealed off places between the pages with a like-minded hero or heroine, we can discover or be reminded that in Christ, there is a Love that Never Fails.

What do you think makes a truly moving, resonating love story? What are some of your favorites and why? (I have a list and I'm not afraid to use it!)

The Power of An Intelligent Love Story . . .

2011-08-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

I've been writing all my life but began pursuing fiction publication few years ago, about the time my kids discovered duct tape can control a fair amount of bleeding, and frozen lasagne is actually not from the devil. I believe in the power of story - after all, Jesus used parables to teach timeless, life-changing, eternally significant truths.

And since God is Love, I find love-stories can be just as timeless and life changing. An intelligent, faith-inspiring romance can offer hope, gently touch a hurting soul, uplift a heavy heart. What an honor and a privilege to be able to use words in such a way!

Though I love the deep-throated grumble of a Harley, muscle cars, and old school rock, I am also a hopeless romantic. If only Jane Austen were around to endorse my books! As a fan of all things Jane, I have a deep appreciation for a romance that goes beyond boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy sweeps girl off her feet to live happily ever after. And those stories are wonderful! But what I love about Jane Austen, in addition to many fine contemporary authors, is the ability to tell a story that highlights things like character, honor, self-sacrifice. The beauty of one noble soul finding another. A meeting that goes beyond attraction to the spirit and the heart.

I suppose Anne Elliot will always be one of my favorite literary characters. (If you aren't into reading classics, I want you to drop whatever you're doing and immediately watch the Hinds/Root version of Persuasion) She was totally dissed by her snobby, shallow family, and yet her quiet character and inner strength were what Captain Wentworth fell in love with all those years ago - and still loved years later, long after hope of winning her was gone.

Oh. Just so you know, I write contemporary faith-inspiring love stories. Historical stories are cool too. I just happen to find plenty to dream up in today's world.

And why not? In our high-tech, uber-enlightened society, don't we still quietly crave honor and nobility? Just because those qualities don't (usually) come galloping up on a horse and whisk away their objects in a flourish of lace and petticoats doesn't mean we don't want them now. We may live in a world full of stessors and pressures, but we can still dream of happily-ever-afters, stories of faithful devotion in a world of heartbreaking insecurities and shallow relationships, stories of love touching souls amidst the complexites of twenty-first century life.

Okay, I confess. Though my stories are contemporary, I did set them in the quiet, slower-paced setting of Central Oregon and added a touch of rolling green Scottish hills, so maybe I cheated just a little. My point is that we can "escape" reality either in the past or the present. But are we really escaping? Or are we simply giving ourselves a break from life's routines and sparking our imaginations, allowing our hearts a few moments to nestle between the pages and feel the pains and joys and fears and victories of someone who could easily be you or me?

Your turn: What value do you place on fiction, and on uplifting, faith-inspiring love stories?

(note: this post's content borrowed from the homepage of my new website)

Peace In The Process

2011-08-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

The Water Cooler is a community for writers to connect and find support, tips and encouragement on the writing & publishing journey.

Today's post (from moi): Peace in the Process. If you are a perfectionist who finds dissatisfaction with your abilities debilitating at times, come on over and take a load off. Really. Give yourself permission.

My New Book Cover!

2011-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

I got to peek at my new book cover today. Isn't it cozy & lovely? Does it make you feel all Christmasy?

I know, too many people are sweltering right now in 112 heat, sorry! Imagine with me the whiteness of a blizzard, the icy wind swirling around a rustic yet elegantly adorned mountain ski lodge, a full view of a pristine white mountain beyond the lodge's deck, snow-laden evergreens surrounding the romantic getaway, Celtic carols weaving in and out of sparkling conversations around a crackling fire, the smell of fir and cinnamon and spices, the glow of thousands of twinkly lights, the magic of Christmas and the whisper of love in the air...

Feeling it yet?

Okay, give it time. By the time the temps come down and the cooler days of fall arrive, you'll be dreaming of a romantic holiday getaway.

When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that once divided them get in the way?

Just before Christmas, Savanna Holt returns to the ski lodge where she once worked hoping to deliver her goddaughter to the child’s grandparents and flee the mountain resort before memories of one special Christmas there reminds her how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life. But Savanna is stunned to discover Luke, the man whose heart she broke three years ago, now manages the resort. Seeing him reminds her of what she lost, but Luke wants no reminders of his hurt. He’s changed, but so has she. When a blizzard traps her at the lodge over Christmas, she sees the forced proximity as a gift from God and is determined to win Luke back. Can she convince Luke she has changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

Savanna's Gift is a Romantic Christmas novella (e-book) from White Rose Publishers. It will be affordably priced and available for your romantic holiday reading in time for Christmas 2011.

Hot New Blog For Writers Launches TOMORROW

2011-08-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, before I forget - I signed my first real writing gig contract last week with White Rose Publishing for a Christmas novella (e-book) called "Savanna's Gift" coming out Christmas 2011. Yay! Can't wait to see the cover. I'll be sure to post the date that book is available.

Also . . .
If you're a writer, chances are you've read Rachelle Gardner's popular blog and gleaned valuable writing and publishing industry advice. Now, the clients of WordServe Literary (Rachelle Gardner and Greg Johnson) team up to bring you the "WordServe Water Cooler" and invite you to join us as we discuss everything writing.

The "WordServe Water Cooler" launches AUGUST 2 with our first post: Tips for Landing an Agent featuring a advice from agented authors on how writers might increase their chances for representation.

We post every weekday on relevant topics such as marketing, publishing, the craft of writing, social media, and anything else that might help fellow writers move forward in their careers.

Consider this your official invitation to hang out with us at the Water Cooler where community is built and where tips and tricks of the trade are shared. Please come and join in the conversation. We’d love to get to know you.

http://wordservewatercooler.com/

Turning the Tables on This Writer...

2011-06-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Since finaling in the American Christian Fiction Writers' 2011 Genesis Contest, a friendly little press release sent to my local paper turned into an article on me. Wow, right? I spend 90% of my time putting words to the page and now I'M on the page. How fun. Be sure to check out the article by local reporter Jim Hart. I had an interesting visit with Jim, getting to know another writer who pens a differnt type of art, but with a similar kind of love for words. Well done, Jim. Thanks!

Check out the story here:

http://www.sandypost.com/features/story_2nd.php?story_id=130809989740325900

Go to ACFW's Genesis page for all the semi-finalists and finalists in this year's contest for "Pre-published" authors. That's what some of us optimists prefer to be called.

By the way, the card I'm smiling at was a sweet note of congrats and encouragement sent to me by my fabulously talented critique partner Emily Hendrickson, Christian Romance author and all-around funny girl. She's the Queen of Banter. She's my Banter Muse. :-)

Not Your Ordinary Amish Novel . . .

2010-12-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

While I am not Amish fiction’s #1 fan, I have read a few Amish titles which I’ve liked, and most particularly, Levi’s Will by Dale Cramer. I’ve waited a long time to get my hands on a new book by Cramer, and I was not disappointed. The saga of the Daughters of Caleb Bender begins with Paradise Valley, a fascinating introduction to the Bender family in the early 1900s. Knowing that Paradise Valley is based on actual events with added details from the author’s own family history made this story especially interesting to me. This book is a heart-tugging look at the life of one Amish family, their faith and unwavering devotion to family, hard work and God. I was drawn into this story and left wanting more.

Caleb Bender is a man of faith, steadfast in his beliefs until the law forces him to make a choice that means uprooting his family and beginning again in a strange new land. Though he is undaunted by a world that challenges his beliefs, he finds himself questioning those beliefs when the lives of his loved ones are on the line and he is forced to choose between love and unwavering obedience.

Caleb’s daughters each possess strengths, hopes, and fears; all of which are realized as they face many dangers and possibilities that come with starting over in a new place far from familiar friends. Cramer weaves the sisters’ stories together in a way that tugs at your heart. In this story, we are introduced to Rachel, Miriam, Emma and others whose disrupted lives will never be the same. Rachel’s story is one of coming of age, but more importantly, of coming into her own. These are strong, well drawn characters who feel like family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved learning about Amish culture. I can’t wait for the second story in the Daughter’s of Caleb Bender saga.

Serving Him in Word and Deed: American Christian Fiction Writers’ Conference, 2010

2010-09-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

On My First ACFW Conference

After being a member of ACFW for 3 ½ years, I finally attended my first ACFW annual conference. What an amazing, intense five days of learning, panic, laughter, and hanging with rarely seen friends. And what a crowd! More than 620 people which—especially at mealtimes—pushed my crowd-o-meter a hair past the Zanex-zone a couple times.

Attending this conference came as a gift from the ACFW Scholarship Committee, to whom I am deeply grateful. I went with the hope of learning some things that would strengthen me as a writer, of gaining new skills and improving on the skills I’ve worked to acquire. I also hoped to connect with writers who have mentored me and who have inspired, entertained or befriended me via email, blogs or their books. There are so many!

I got the connecting with writers thing down about 47 seconds after arriving at the hotel, to the dismay of a couple respected writers. I realize now that letting my enthusiasm bust out all over the first two writers I saw was a mistake. While waiting at the elevator, I saw one of my favorite authors whose books nearly kill me with her wit and style, and another writer with whom I’ve corresponded with for years but have never met. Like a true groupie, I screamed their names as I ran over and attacked them with a hug. Naturally. This is what you do when your dream of meeting people you’ve grown to appreciate becomes a reality. At least, in MY dream. Judging from the freaked out looks on both ladies’ faces, I’m guessing the dream for them was more of a nightmare. I think I even said something about being her biggest fan. This would be short for FANATIC, also known as a person to be avoided regardless the cost to handbag, life and limb. Sorry, girls. I really am. If it makes you feel better, I do learn quickly. At their less than enthusiastic response to my joyful greeting, I reminded myself I would be here for several days and that as a passably intelligent woman, I could pace myself and not frighten anyone further. The fact that both ladies were unable to make eye-contact with me for the remainder of the conference reinforced my first lesson:

1. DON’T attack people you admire upon first encounter, no matter how normal and sincere you truly believe yourself to be. Any hope of reciprocating love WILL be aborted.

Another great lesson I learned from this conference was that although you MUST prepare yourself, your pitch, and your plan as perfectly as possible (& always be alliterative), God has a pretty good plan for you and has a few thoughts of his own on how to best steer your life and career. This is by no means an excuse to hide in your hotel room and wait for your career to come knocking like room service. Which is ridiculously expensive, by the way. Do your homework on the conference and the industry reps attending. Make a plan and follow through, but remember: God is in control and truly knows best. Seek moments of quiet to recognize his leading. Remember that those Spirit-nudges may move you to sit somewhere or speak to someone or (GASP) hug someone you might not have planned on. (Yes. I now know that some hugs should be carefully considered for value vs. risk.)

One of the truly high points of my conference experience came by a ‘chance’ meeting at one of the lunch tables. By Sunday, I had met with editors and spoken to everyone I’d hoped to meet. At lunch, a couple of my friends still wanted to sit at a particular editor or agent’s table. This is in a room of about 100 tables with 620 people ALL trying to sit with someone particular, at tables with teeny name signs you had to be within 4 feet of to be able to read. With about 36 seconds to find it. Since I didn’t need to find a particular table, I took half of the room while my friends took the other half and we scoured the tables until we found the ones they wanted. By then, most of the tables were full. I looked around for a spare seat for myself, anywhere. Right beside me was a table with one seat left. It was the table hosted by an editor I have met and who has spent some time looking at my book for a contest I entered last year. I had hoped to at least say hello to this editor but had not seen her yet, even after 4 days. When she joined us and saw me at her table, she said she was hoping to see me here too, and after lunch, she pulled me aside for a great little chat before she had to run to her appointments. I so enjoyed the time at her table amongst a group of writers to whom she showed genuine interest, and was so blessed by our conversation afterward, that this unexpected meeting made my day. Made my conference, actually.

Another one of the many highlights for me was finally meeting my agent in person. Even if only for a few short moments, I think that kind of face time adds an extra touch of personal connection in a good working relationship. And lemme get one thing straight: I did hug her, but she made the first move. She even gave me chocolate. Dark chocolate.

A special treat for me was taking part in the conference choir. I am still amazed that our choir director, Rachael Phillips, was able to take people with varying abilities from all corners of the nation, pull us together with only a couple of practices, and direct a song that moved and inspired us all. This was a rare and beautiful treat! I praise the Lord for orchestrating something far greater than the sum of our numbers—a sweet collective of the gifts he gave us—and gathering our voices in a way that left us unable to do anything but stand in awe of him.

On How ACFW compares to other Christian writing conferences:

I’ve twice attended another large scale Christian writing conference that encompasses all forms of writing, not just fiction. I loved it! But while I am interested in many types of writing, my primary focus as a writer is Christian fiction. ACFW offers what no other conference does: a smorgasbord of instruction for writers at every level, and a rare opportunity to meet and learn from fellow Christian writers, editors and experts who know the fiction industry. ACFW conferences offer more tools unique to a developing career in Christian fiction than any other conference can, and definitely more than a writer could ever acquire on their own.

I came to this conference with a standing set of personal goals: to become a skillful wordsmith and storyteller, to grow as a communicator, artist and professional, and most of all, to remain true to the specific calling the Lord has placed on me. I was not disappointed. The choices of classes and workshops offered provided a variety of valuable resources for writers at every level, published and not, seasoned and new. I gleaned from every class, even on topics I’ve studied before.

I may never fully recognize the all the benefits I received from attending this conference. And that’s okay. I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn and grow as a writer that I no longer doubt God’s call on me to write or question his lead. He keeps flinging open doors before me, pushing me ahead, making the way clear. Why? And what does he want to say through me? I pray for the courage to dig down deep and let the words flow. I pray that I will hear his voice and sense his nudges, that I will understand what pains and truths, what victories and failures, what fears and joys and longings dwell in my heart that he can use to display his amazing grace. After all . . . 'tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Q: Have you ever attended an ACFW Conference? What did you take away from it?

Book Two and Why NOT Blog Monthly?

2010-09-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo - last post was a month ago, looks like I'm on a roll. Watch out now.

I've got a few things going on, and being the patient, gracious enabler that you are, you'll forgive me for not writing sooner. We dropped our youngest off at college out of state a few weeks ago, and I've been scrambling ever since to get ready to attend the American Christian Fiction Writer's annual conference in Indianapolis. My first ACFW conference, and yeah, I'm excited. And I'm also shedding hair and bleeding internally trying to get ready. There is so much to do. You have to shave, print out snappy looking one-sheets, get banquet heels (eeeek), research the publishing houses attending (again), load your suitcase with chocolate for bribing editors, decide on an Editor Appointment Outfit that says "Look, I'm professional, but I don't take myself too seriously," and is stylish enough to say "Um, yeah, I can be Hip when I need to be," yet is bohemian enough to say "And yet ever the Artist." Piece o cake.

And then there's practicing your Pitch. That's code for Selling Your Baby to Nice But Scary People In Suits. I happen to know that some writers go through the motions of practicing their pitch, yet all the while a little voice inside screams YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME I JUST WANT TO WRITE ALL DAY IN MY PJS AND NOT WORRY ABOUT HAIRY LEGS. Okay, guys, those days are over. If you want some help honing that pitch, check out Susie May Warren's My Book Therapy. There's help.

I decided I should practice my pitch like a cold call. I could go out and strike up a conversation with total strangers and then tell them about my story. See what piques their interest (alarm), where the pitch is clear or not, see if I can be succinct enough to get it out before they blink or duck over to the Tom Clancy aisle. Maybe I could see what kind of interest there would be from a buying audience. I'm sure it's legal. The Public Library in my small town would be a good place to start, don't you think? If I do that, maybe I'll get someone to video it, and maybe add classical music and some cool FX and stick it on YouTube. Or not.

In other news...

With Book One* looking for a publishing home (*Like There's No Tomorrow - a contemporary occasionally humorous love story about a youth counselor and her hunky Scottish pen-pal who fall in love even though her dark secret may destroy him), I've resumed work on my second novel, temporarily titled My Father's House. It's about a tough social worker turned surrogate mom to a messed up bunch of outcast teens who fights to save the group home she's worked so hard to build. Her only hope lies with the last person she'd want help from: A beefy handyman with a guitar, a questionable past and a God he keeps calling Father.

NOW...

If that sounds interesting and you're hoping to get a little sample of how the book begins, you are so in luck. Read on.

* * * * * *

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
Psalm 68:5-6

CHAPTER ONE

The Escalade’s brake lights didn’t even blink.

As the SUV disappeared from sight, Sue Quinn stuffed shaking fists into the pockets of her jeans and bit back a string of words that could have torched every clump of sagebrush in the entire Oregon outback. Drawing a calming breath, she turned her attention to the dark-skinned girl rooted to the bottom step. Sue had no idea what was going through the kid’s mind, but one thing she did know: Juniper Ranch’s newest resident didn’t need to hear what Sue thought of the occupants of the retreating vehicle, the couple who had so proudly signed on as parents and eight months later changed their minds. Like the way people change their minds about a box of cereal in their grocery cart at checkout. Oh, sorry, they’d say to the checker, I guess I don’t want this. Could you put it back?

Sue exhaled and looked the girl over. Cambodian, maybe Vietnamese, about eleven or twelve. She would have to rely on her best guess since the girl’s intake paperwork was probably a maze of lies and inconsistencies.

“Hey, Jasmine, you hungry? Need to use the bathroom?”

The girl stared at the long, empty driveway leading away from Juniper Ranch. The ribbon of dust stirred by the departing Escalade continued to rise and spread slowly, drifting in the noonday sun, bound to settle, eventually, in another place. A matching pair of Barbie-pink suitcases flanked Jasmine’s feet on either side like bookends, gem-shaped price tags still attached. A couple of bags that held everything. And nothing. Much like the beat-up green Samsonite that had once accompanied Sue to more foster homes than she could count.

Sue forced a smile. “All right. Let’s get your stuff inside. We’ll get you all set up in your new room.”

Jasmine turned then, eyes almost level with Sue’s. No shocker there. At five foot two, Sue was long accustomed to meeting pre-teens eye to eye. She studied the lanky girl’s face. Nothing remarkable, a face some would call plain. Wide nose, small eyes. But no abnormalities, no cleft palate, no physical handicap that Sue could perceive. None of the deformities that usually gave Mr. and Mrs. Disenchanted an excuse to terminate an adoption, which further fueled Sue’s suspicions. Once she had a chance to go through Jasmine’s paperwork, she would no doubt find the photo sent by the orphanage to the parents. A photo of a much younger, lighter-skinned, prettier child. The photo they showed off to family, the one that invoked the admiration of friends because they were doing such a charitable thing, bringing an underprivileged child to the US for a better life.

“I no need room.” A frown creased the girl’s brow. “I no . . . I not staying here.”

Sue nodded. How many times had she heard that one? “Well, we can discuss that. Just not here on the front porch. Okay?” She let the question rest on a raised brow.

Jasmine’s frown deepened. Then thick tears pooled, turning her dark eyes glittery.

Oh, little friend, don’t . . . A quiet ache squeezed Sue’s heart. She bent and reached for one of the suitcases. It wasn’t the first time Sue had stood here, a silent witness to the aftermath of a failed adoption. But no matter how many times she’d done it, she couldn’t get used to watching a young heart break on the weathered steps of her front porch.

Sue hoisted the bag and motioned toward the house with a toss of her head. “C’mon in. This way.” She opened the door wide, went inside and kept going. If she hesitated or looked back, it wouldn’t work. Holding her breath, she headed up the staircase, straining to hear. Fourth step. Sixth. Ninth.

The sooner you stop needing them, the sooner you’ll be strong enough to stand on your own.

As the temptation to look back reached a cresting point, she heard light, shuffling footsteps and the soft click of the front door. Sue let out her breath, turned, and gave the rigid girl with the pink suitcase a half-smile.

“C’mon, slowpoke. Follow me.”

* * *

What Do You Mean My Hero Isn't Sexy Enough?

2010-08-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

WordServe Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner hosted me on her blog today. The topic: the Dreaded Revision Letter & the 5 stages of grief. A humorous look at a SO not funny topic.

Check out What Do You Mean My Hero Isn't Sexy Enough? Surviving the Editorial Letter here.

And thanks for stopping by. I'll be back!

CHASING LILACS by Carla Stewart

2010-06-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

CHASING LILACS

That June, right after I finished sixth grade, Norm MacLemore's nephew came to Texas for a visit. Benny Ray Johnson brought home a new Edsel. And Mama tried to take her life for the first time.

This is the beginning of CHASING LILACS, a debut novel by CARLA STEWART. I just finished this last night, I'd read it in a day - couldn't put it down. This is just a powerfully well-written story - it pulled me in immediately. Who doesn't remember being twelve and experiencing the joys and sorrows of that time of life when you felt caught between being a kid and becoming an adult?

The story is set in 1958 Texas. It's not a time or place I've been, but the story paints a sweet picture of simple times past and is full of things I remember as a kid growing up. Carla does an amazing job of keeping the suspense and questions and anticipation mounting. Sweet and poignant with touches of humor. The prose is rhythmic and slightly literary with a lot of truth and wisdom. I loved this story!

Carla tackles a number of issues with grace and dignity, like mental illness and puberty. Though the story is told through the eyes of Sammie, a twelve year old girl, it doesn't feel juvenile at all. Sammie's view of her world is mature and yet realistic for a girl her age and I was drawn immediately to her. As she struggled with the need for answers and reassurance and just to have her normal mama back, Sammie had to come to grips with her needs, who she was, and eventually, when to take a stand for herself. I bonded with the character immediately. These aren't just a kid's struggles, but everyone's. Sammie is truly a hero in every sense. I know she inspired me in ways I never expected.

This story is very beautifully written. With a slightly literary feel and full of nostalgia, CL begins in a quiet sort of introspection and then unfolds smoothly, yet it constantly numbs you with anticipation.

I can't wait for Carla's second book, releasing next year. Keep your eyes open for it! For more information about Carla and her books, visit Carla's Writing Cafe.

Merry Christmas from the Eides!

2009-12-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

We hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well and in good health.

The Eide Scoop: We are feeling a little light this Christmas. Shane (24) recently spent a couple years in Ireland to help plant a church, and a year of ministry training in Phoenix before that. Then last September, he tossed a couple suitcases in the trunk of his Corolla to go on a multi-state road trip, found a job in Dallas, TX, and never came back. We aren’t sure how long he’ll stay in Dallas, but since he told his sister she could have his bedroom, we suspect this latest flight out of the nest is permanent.

It took Janae (17) about 30 minutes to box up the rest of Shane’s stuff, haul it downstairs, and enlist her brother and her BFFs to help repaint the room and move her stuff in. The walls are now aglow with fluorescent dancing silhouettes. In addition to painting and dancing, Janae is wrapping up her senior year at Sandy High with a 3.9gpa, working part-time at a local preschool, preparing herself (and her parents) for college, and hanging with friends. She and her boyfriend Matt run a weekly bible-study fun night called “Jesus Night.” They offer a time of worship, bible study & discussion and games, and finish off with a crazy fun activity as an alternative to the typical teen weekend partying. “Jesus Night” has been a big hit with their high school friends.

Ben (22) is taking time off after his first year of college and is training full time in martial arts. He’s getting really good; he earned his yellow belt last year and will test soon for his green. When he’s not training, he helps out by teaching the kid’s class. Ben is hoping to get into law enforcement, and we think he’s very well suited for it. Ben also keeps the kids in Children’s Church in line and entertained with his puppetry skills, one his many amazing gifts.

Dan continues to use his God-given gifts and do what he does best: to provide for his family and friends in the ways that count the most. He works hard to take care of us all, both materially and spiritually. He not only gives of his time and talents with family, he also works with boys at Royal Rangers, sharing his fatherly wisdom and guidance with the next generation of good men. Dan loves to study the bible, fish, and search on Craig’s list for a killer deal on whatever anyone needs. Dan is the man if you need prayer, a word of sound biblical advice, a fishing buddy, a job, or a car.

Camille is working on adjusting to her baby girl graduating from high school, managing a home and the church office, and being a novelist/writer. She signed with a Christian literary agency last spring on a novel that piqued the interest of a couple Christian publishers, but is currently (still) undergoing revisions. The revising work has been slow going, but this work has been an important learning process. When the novel is finished to her agent’s liking, we will put together a proposal and submit it to publishers. We’ll keep you posted if you want to follow the publishing journey and celebrate with us if we get a contract, or if you’d just like to read the finished product. Camille looks forward to resuming work on her second book soon.

We would like to leave you with this thought for Christmas: This earthly life, from birth to death, is just a prologue, the opening scene of an eternal story in which the ending is only the beginning—a glorious beginning for those who belong to the resplendent Hero.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."[John 8:12]

May Jesus be the Light that shines in every dark place.

Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!

I Could Use That Epidural Right About Now

2009-09-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

I seriously question my mental stability. I’m either slipping into early stages of dementia or I’m just totally lame. I just realized that, aside from vanishing from blogdom for more than 2 months without explanation (my apologies), I somehow failed to announce that I SIGNED WITH A LITERARY AGENT ! ! !

FOUR STINKIN MONTHS ago!

Talk about anti-climaxification.

Let me bring you up to speed: my novel, Love Worth Fire, was one of 3 finaling novels in the Mt Hermon/Zondervan First Novel Competition. I did post about the outcome of that, I’m almost absolutely positive. Though my story did not win the contract for publication, it got the notice of editors and that was an incredible honor.

So that was last April, and at that time, my Prospective Agent had the manuscript but had not finished reading it. I suspect spring fever or that pure thin Rocky Mountain air got her feeling a little extra gutsy because she offered me and my sweet, feel-good love story representation anyway.

Although the novel had shown some promise at Zondervan, she wanted to help get it in the best possible shape before we submit it to publishers. So while she finished her read through and carved out—er compiled notes for revision, I kept busy with stuff like planning novel #2, waiting, getting my motorcycle endorsement and going hog-shopping. (Hey, there are a few exceptions to the no shopping rule.)

At the end of June, I received my first 10 page Editorial Revision Letter which listed (ahem) a bunch of revisions. Not the kind you can knock off with a quick snip, a stitch, slap on a Band-Aid and you’re back in the game, kiddo, but the knock you out with an obscene amount of drugs, blood transfusions, post-op therapy kind.

DON’T get me wrong: this is phenomenal! It’s a tremendous opportunity, a rare gift. It’s just kind of crazy hard. Mainly because my name is Camille and I’m a nose-bleeding perfectionist. We’re not talking about changing Emily’s hair color. We’re talking dig down, get into her skin and feel what she feels, infuse her with my emotions and help you, O wise reader, to feel what she and I feel. All throughout the story. That’s some work.

I won’t bore you with the details of how this never-satisfied perfectionist writer is managing the task. I’ll blog about it more soon and share what the process is teaching me. Not just about writing, but about me and how my demented brain processes this process.

I will say that this task is starting to feel like one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. And to those of you who have also given birth 3 times, I hope that tells you something.

BORN TO RIDE (or at least licensed to . . .)

2009-06-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulate me - I passed my motorcycle endorsement test! WOOHOO!! All three of us passed today, to our collective relief.

Since my husband, son and I took an intense weekend riding course 6 weeks ago and missed passing the skills portion of our test by a measly point or two, we've been practicing to take the test again. After all the time and money and sweat and serious trauma that went into taking this course, (remind me to tell you the story of the unfortunately ripped out rainpants sometime) the pressure to get it right was wearing on us all, and hanging over my swiftly graying head. I haven't felt this kind of on the spot pressure since we had to learn Disco in 8th grade P.E. (Yes, they made us hardcore rockers do it too. NOT pretty.)

This morning as I prayed and tried to mentally prepare for this test, I came across a verse in today's One Year Bible Reading. Psalm 138:3 says,

"As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength."

Oh boy. The Lord is faithful and attentive even when I am not. After I've studied, practiced and done my best to accomplish the task before me, he answers my prayers for help. He sends his peace and his strength, and brings skills or knowledge to my mind when I need it. I am reminded of his goodness and faithfulness. I am strengthened for today, and encouraged for tomorrow.

See what God can do even with the simplest things? And you thought it was just a silly motorcycle test.

Motorcycle Mania Update

2009-05-30T16:33:00.001-07:00

Okay - an update on finding me a new bike: NO way I'm buying a Rebel. They're cute, but about as useful as a Hasbro Big Wheel on the freeway. Actually, they ARE a Hasbro Big Wheel on the freeway.

We've looked at dozens of bikes, spent time and gas driving miles from home, tested, kicked tires, choked, throttled, straddled, kicked some more and found bikes that were either not in great shape, or were too high priced. I was about to give up, but yesterday a long-time-no-see friend callled and said he was selling his 1987 Kawasaki 454 LTD. I tested one of those already and it wasn't in great shape, definitely not worth $1800 asking price. So I didn't have much hope I'd like this 22 year old bike. But my friend's asking price was too good to pass up, so we figured we had to at least look.

Well, this bike may be 'mature', but it's the best running, most well kept bike of all the ones we looked at, and FAR cheaper. It had been garaged since last fall and needed a new battery, which he installed the day we came to look. He rode it once. When we fired it up, that baby idled with the smoothest purr you've ever heard. It is a real sweet bike. And a perfect fit for me in height, weight, straddle width, the works. We said we'd take it. AND our friend said he would deliver it, saving us the headache of strapping it down in the truck (we are not endorsed and are good, law-abiding citizens).

At least he SAID he was going to deliver it . . . He said he and his wife want to take one last ride on it, so he will bring it sometime this weekend. Then, after a little more catching up chit chat, he said, yeah, I'll bring it by first part of next week. Hmm. I'm really hoping he doesn't change his mind. I was bummed that I can't get out there on it this weekend and start practicing for my endorsement test (June 20), but oh well. I'll squeeze in some riding every chance I can.

And I found a great deal on a brand new helmet on craigslist from a guy in my own neighborhood. I'm just about set!

Here's a stock photo of an '87 Kawasaki 454 LTD (Pre-vulcan). It feels sort of poetic, somehow, to be buying a Kawasaki. My first bike (at age 11) was a Kawasaki 100 street/trail bike.

Ah, the memories.

And the ankle burn scars.

~Camille

Harley for Sale. . .

2009-05-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have decided to downsize to a smaller cruiser for now.

Yes.

Go ahead. Say it.

Camille is a big fat weenie.

Wanna buy a gorgeous 883 Sportster? It's quite the loveliest Big V-Twin you'll ever see, always garaged (um....duh). Well maintained, trickle charge feeder, added chrome (screamin Eagle pipes), a snorting, beefy hunka bike. If you mention this blog post when you call, you'll get a super secret special bloggy discount off the price. Asking $4999. What a steal for a Harley!! (here's a link to the craigslist post & photos)

I took it for a spin (that's sort of a you-feminism) on Mother's Day (between Thai lunch and Star Trek movie) and quickly realized aint NO way I'm practicing a tight cone weave with this bike to pass my endorsement test.

If you buy it, know that you will be promoting marital longevity by helping me and Dan be able to ride together, instead of taking turns like a couple of total dorks. This was a 25th anniversary gift, but let me ask you: how lame is it to celebrate a quarter century of togetherness by taking turns riding alone?

Hmm?

In case you're wondering, I'm looking for a Rebel 250 or 450. That's a Honda if you aren't bike savvy. (And if you are bike savvy---Karla---I already know what you think, but you can say it if you want to. Once.) A Honda Rebel is a smaller cruiser style bike that I might actually be able to pick up if I drop it (weighs about half as much as the Sportster) They look like a mini Harley, if that matters to anyone. Metric-heads (people who ride Japanese bikes and don't know any better) say it's the other way around. Hey, I'm no purist and have no desire to get all childish about this. Harley Davidson will always have a place in my heart. Yes, I will miss the rumble. However, I am no longer the fearless/stupid invincible teen who had never heard of high-side crashes and skin grafts.

I am a gwown up.

My mature ego will not suffer if fellow bikers throw the wrong set of finger signals at me because I'm on a metric. It's cool. I made my peace with Japan.

Here's the '02 Harley:

And here's a 1986 Rebel 250:

Care to comment? Gloves off, of course?

My New Novel

2009-04-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

I don't have a title for this one yet, working title is My Father's House. Here is the opening page. I'm cautiously and prayerfully excited about this one.

======================================

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
Psalm 68:5-6

CHAPTER ONE

The Escalade’s brake lights didn’t blink. Not once.

As the sleek new SUV disappeared from sight, Sue Quinn stuffed fists into the pockets of her jeans and bit back a string of words that could have torched every clump of sagebrush in the entire Oregon outback, then turned her attention to the lanky, dark-skinned girl rooted to the bottom step. The kid probably didn’t need to hear what Sue thought of the occupants of the retreating vehicle, the couple who had so proudly signed on as parents and eight months later changed their minds. Like someone changing their mind about a box of cereal in their grocery cart at checkout. Oh, sorry, they’d say to the checker, I guess I don’t want this. Could you put it back?

With a sigh, Sue looked the girl over. Cambodian or maybe Vietnamese, about twelve or thirteen. She would have to rely on her best guess since the girl’s intake paperwork was probably a maze of lies and inconsistencies.

“Well, Jasmine . . . you hungry? Need to use a bathroom?”

The girl continued to stare at the long, empty driveway leading away from Juniper Ranch. The ribbon of dust stirred up by the departing Escalade continued to rise and spread slowly, drifting in the noonday sun, bound to settle, eventually, in another place. A matching pair of Barbie-pink suitcases flanked her feet on either side like bookends, price tags still attached.

Sue blew out a long breath. “All right, let’s get your stuff inside. I’ll give you a hand. We’ll get you all set up in your new room.”

Jasmine turned then, eyes almost level with Sue’s. No surprise there. At five foot even, Sue was long accustomed to meeting the older kids eye to eye. She studied the girl’s face. Nothing remarkable, a face some would call plain. Wide nose, small eyes. But no abnormalities, no cleft palate, no physical handicap that Sue could perceive. None of the deformities that usually gave Mr. and Mrs. Disenchanted an excuse to terminate an adoption, which further fueled Sue’s suspicions. Once she had a chance to go through this kid’s original adoption paperwork, she would no doubt find the photo sent by the orphanage to the parents. A photo of a much younger, lighter-skinned, prettier child. The photo they showed off to family, the one that invoked the admiration of friends because they were doing such a charitable thing, bringing an underprivileged child to the US for a better life.

“I no need room.” A frown creased the girl’s brow. “I no . . . I not staying here.”

Sue nodded. How many times had she heard that one? “Well, we can discuss that. Just not here on the front porch. Okay?” She let the question rest on a raised brow, but gave the girl her infamous, Dead Steady Eye-to-Eye.

Jasmine’s frown deepened. Then the tears pooled, turning the dark eyes glittery.

I hate this part. I really do.

A choice four letter bomb rose, but Sue clamped her lips and instead, drew in a lungful of high desert air, reached down and grabbed one of the bags. She motioned toward the door with her head. “This way.” She pushed through the door and marched inside without waiting for the girl. If she looked back, it wouldn’t work. She started up the staircase without hesitation, holding her breath, straining to hear. Fourth step. Sixth. Ninth.

As the temptation to look back reached a cresting point, she heard light footsteps, the soft click of the front door. Sue let out her breath, turned, and gave the girl with the pink suitcase a half-smile.

“C’mon, slowpoke. Follow me.”

You Just Don't Give Up, Do You?

2009-04-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I attended Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference near Santa Cruz, CA. What a place! Who can spend 5 days in the majestic serenity of age-old redwoods and not come away awed and inspired? I went with a number of goals, but foremost in my mind was to learn if I’d won the Zondervan First Novel contest and receive a publishing contract for my novel, Love Worth Fire.

I am pleased to announce that Susanne Lakin won. I was so blessed to meet Susanne and Katie Vorreiter, and to have a chance to get acquainted with these talented writers with whom I shared the honor of finalist.

God is full of surprises. One surprise came in the form of my major morning track class: Enhancing Your Word of Mouth By Standing On Your Feet, a class on public speaking. But this was no Toastmaster’s or How to Give A Speech Without Wetting Your Pants class. Glenna Salsbury taught us to find our life’s purpose, our mission statement, and learn to present the message burning in our gut with sincerity and passion.

Glenna assigned homework the first day: a 3 minute speech. Over the next 4 days, we would deliver while she and classmates critiqued, and while she continued to teach us. Luckily, I wasn’t called on for a while, because I’d never given a speech before, especially for critique, so the extra days were valuable not only for preparation time, but for gleaning more info on how to and how NOT to.

But the extra days did me no good. Though I worked at it in the soda shoppe in the evenings while Everyone Else had a blast yacking over ice cream, I couldn’t pull the ding-dong thing together. By the last evening of conference, I knew I’d have to bow out of doing my speech in the morning, our last class. But if I copped out, I knew the nagging voices of my 3 adult kids would remind me that if they were in my place, I would encourage them to give it their best and just do it. So I prayed for inspiration and went to bed.

I woke with an idea. In the dark wee hours, my roomie Myla tip-toed in. I shared my speech idea and when I was finished, I heard sniffling. “What?” I asked. “That was really beautiful,” she said, her voice all weepy. “Great. Was that about three minutes long?” “Yes,” she said, still crying.

Alright then.

So I took a shot at it. With NO preparation. Bad idea, especially for someone whose comfort level and skill at speaking to a crowd, on a scale of 1 to 10, comes in at like minus 28. Also bad because we were being critiqued by one of the most gifted professional speakers in the country. I knew there was no way I could scrape together my little message AND remember to do all the things Glenna taught us, so I prayed God would help me get it out with some amount of calm coherence and just bless someone with the message. Sure enough, when I was finished, Glenna pointed out that I’d made the mistake of looking at the floor and out the window, giving the appearance of trying to think up what to say as I spoke. Bingo. Sharp, stylish little cookie. But I expected as much and didn’t mind. The Lord answered my prayer. I could see in the faces of my classmates that what I shared had touched many of them, and for that, I was glad I’d followed through. Good lesson.

Now, if you want to know what my speech was about, get some more coffee and read on.

Have you ever been let down by someone? Amazing what that can do to a kid. When I was four years old, my parents divorced, and not only did my dad leave the scene, he left the country. Hard not to feel abandoned by that when you’re a kid. Hard not to long for Daddy Prince Charming to come back and rescue you from a less than perfect life. Over the next several years, a string of stepdads and wannabe stepdads slithered through my life, and by the time I was 15, I had learned that fathers were nothing more than a bunch of deserting, weak, critical, abusive, self-serving men. I no longer pined for a daddy. Had no use for any more of that, man. Done.

Let me tell you about a guy named R.L. The first time I ever saw this guy, I was about 14, sitting in a pizza parlor with my mom and stepdad. Our meal was interrupted by the loudest, gravelliest voice I’d ever heard. “Hey Tom, how’s it going? Hey Bob, your wife still putting up with you?” No one could escape this guy. I strained to see through the crowd. Some short, barrel-chested man was waving and hollering at everybody in the restaurant like he knew them all. As he came closer, my mom and stepdad shook their heads and kept their eyes on their pizza. “It’s that R.L. Montgomery,” Mom said with a grimace. She and the stepdad worked with R.L, aka Really Loud.

A few years later, when Mom and I were on our own, again, both brand new Christians and trying to start our lives over, again, Mom tells me she’s getting married. Again.

Guess who.

Wonderful. My first thought was to leave my mom and Really Loud to their blessed happy life and go my own way. I was 17 and soooo grown up for my years. I told R.L. I was happy for them and I was moving out. R.L. burst out laughing, a wheezing belly laugh, and he kept on laughing, turning aneurism red. But once he’d composed himself, he somehow talked me into staying a little while.

This guy was a psycho. He’d say things to me like, “HI, HONEY!” “You’re so NEAT.” And, “You’re such a pretty girl.” Great. Another perv. And my favorite, “I SURE LOVE YOU.” Ick. Whatever, man. You don’t need to butter me up, she already married you. You can keep your flattery, I don’t buy it. And I certainly don’t need it. Really, man. Not necessary.

But the guy would NOT stop. No matter how much I stiff-armed this guy, he kept telling me I was pretty. Neat. Special. And that he loved me.

You know, a rock hard heart can only take so much of that.

When I first accepted Christ in my life at age 16, I understood that He accepted me and all that, but I always struggled with the whole Father God thing. He was certainly far away, like in another country. Doing what mattered to him. But loving his kids? Sure—from afar. With a letter once every couple years, the kind with foreign postage and ‘Airmail’ stamped all over.

When Dad’s persistence started to wear down that rock-hard wall protecting my broken heart, I began to not only accept his love, but found myself needing it. And eventually, that persistent love helped me grasp an important truth that had long been missing from my life:

There IS a Father whose love NEVER FAILS.

Do you know this without a doubt? If not, I encourage you to ask Him to show you.

And thanks, Dad. I love you too.

Book Trailer Buzz? What's that?

2009-03-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have a really good excuse for not blogging in 2 weeks . . . I've been busy making this mini wee movie. It's a sample book trailer (think movie preview) for my not quite yet published novel, LOVE WORTH FIRE. Have a look and tell me if you think I should give Michael Landon Jr a call. Or if it makes you want to read the book. Or if it just gives you hives.

Yeah, I'm not sure about book trailers. I mean, it seems like a novel idea, (Yes. That was a pun. Clever of you to notice.) but most reading friends I ask have never heard of or seen one. I don't think readers usually go to a publisher's website looking for something to read. They might go to a favorite author's website, but probably won't think of that when they're jonesing for a juicy good book. And what about the authors they haven't heard of?

Hmm. So how are these teeny trailers supposed to get people interested in a book if they're just hanging out politely on some nice, upstanding website? C'mon you writers: we put great gobs of guts & glory into making these mini movie masterpieces, shouldn't we make sure someone sees them? (And should blogger put a ban on aliterations???)

How can we hitch these babies onto something everyone will see? I wonder if Kindle books can handle video clips. Y'know, like previews that come with your DVDs. Just a thought. The wave of the future, baby. Wax your board and c'mon y'all ---let's ride! Let's brainstorm a way to promo the promo. All serious suggestions will be taken seriously.

Here's my mini wee movie.

(Sound on - for those of you who normally turn off your speakers because of the ding dong alerts that distract you while you're being a very serious writer or some other kind of very serious person.)

~Camille

Mount Hermon: Last Minute Chance To Save $

2009-03-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference, coming up April 3-7 2009, has made a tremendous offer. If you have never been to this conference, and if you register to attend by April 1, and if you mention on your registration form that someone already registered (like me or someone else you know) invited you, you will receive $200 off the price of the conference! The regular cost varies according to your room choice, it ranges from $845 and up, so minus $200 if you take them up on this offer and attend this 5-day conference for $645. This includes EVERYTHING: tuition, materials, accommodations, excellent food, snacks between sessions, and all the editor/agent appointments and high quality workshops, morning tracks and keynote evening sessions you would expect from a professional writer's conference. The morning mentoring tracks are awesome too (10 students-to-1 teacher, intense daily critique sessions) but you need to sign up for those ahead and pay a little extra.

Check out the conference here: http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference/

But even though it’s a professional conference, the atmosphere is casual, serene and inviting. Mt Hermon is a sprawling, secluded campground nestled into a gorgeous redwood forest and includes scenic hiking/running trails. The evening sessions are awesome, beginning with a sweet time of worship (I love it when hundreds of people from various places and backgrounds worship the Lord together . . . makes me think of what it will be like in heaven). The setting is beautiful, peaceful and inspiring! Of course, the company isn't bad either. You'll meet editors, agents and writers from every facet of the media. I made some great friends with whom I still keep in contact. It really is an awesome conference. I came away from it last year full, excited, changed and inspired.

If you sign up, I or the person you mention will get to share in the savings too. If you have never been to Mt Hermon and you register by APRIL 1 and give the name of the person who invited you, that person will also get $200 off our conference cost. I think this is a huge offer on their part, and certainly makes going to a high quality Christian writer's conference more affordable for us all.

Are you up for it? I had the most amazing time last year. I hope you will consider going with such a huge discount being offered. It is well worth the price! Let me know if you decide to go on my invitation. I would love to see you there.

~Camille Eide

I Love It When A God Plan Comes Together. . .

2009-03-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm so thrilled - my writing buddy CARLA STEWART (and her agent) signed a two book deal this week, her first publishing contract. Carla is a phenomenal writer! (I know, I'm the writer this blog is supposed to be about, but I just can't help myself)

I can't wait to get my hands on A Dandelion Day coming out in 2010, and the second (yet untitiled) after that.

One of the things I admire about Carla is her love for the Lord, and her humility. Okay, that's two things. But it's a lovely combo, don't you think? I love it when the Lord gently reminds us that we are in His hands, and that all things work together for the good for those who love Him, whose heart's desire is to follow Him. Carla mentioned on her blog that her apprehensions about the future were stilled by remembering that it was God who brought her this far. I love that, as I need to remind myself this same thing regularly. Her comment reminded me of the story of Peter when Jesus called him out of the boat. Peter lost sight of Who had called him and enabled him to walk on water, and he started to sink. I pray my friend will keep her eyes on Jesus, and I know she will.

And when I mentioned the Peter getting out of the boat thing, Carla told me she had been praying in that exact way---that the Lord would let her step out on the water and keep her eyes on Him. What an amazing God we serve! I love the truths in His word that comfort, guide, and correct us. I love it when He confirms our prayers like this, reminding us that He is listening and is intent on helping us as we step out into the unknown, venture into uncharted waters. I believe that when we aim to use our abilities to glorify God, he will move mountains and quell raging seas to help us succeed. How can you not love that!

That's all, I just wanted to rave a little. :-)

Love Finds You in Last Chance, A Winning Combo

2009-02-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Love Finds You in Last Chance, California, a new release from Summerside Press by Miralee Ferrell. This is an intriguing story about a young, independent woman who finds herself alone and facing the toughest challenge she's ever known.

Whether or not you're a fan of historical fiction, this story tackles the timeless, universally understood struggle of facing the unknown and discovering the need to reach beyond your own strength to succeed, no matter how strong you are. The characters personalities and the setting are real and engaging. The simple beauty of the old west comes to life, a perfect backdrop for a story that weaves a touch of mystery together with a sweet, budding romance. Definitely a winning combination!

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

~Camille (who would probably like the idea of riding horses if she didn't have a Harley.)

Remember That Zondervan/Mt Hermon Contest?

2009-02-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

Ack! I haven't blogged in a while. I've been off pondering deep truths, reading fabulous books, and baking cinnamon rolls.

And processing a most amazing thing.

Remember that publishing contest I entered last fall, the one I had to talk myself into entering? The one that I probably would not have entered if not for the prodding of a coupla writers who, though they are way up to their neatly arched brows in their own business---er, manuscripts, apparently had nothing better to do? The one that I only qualified to enter through a very slim set of 'God is definitely behind this so he must really want me doing this' circumstances?

November 15th was cleaning day. I remember, because for some odd reason, in the middle of cometing the bowl (yes, some of us still use Comet. It's cheap. And yeah, I use bleach too) I decided to check my email. And saw a message saying my sample chapters had semi-finaled in that contest. Woo hoo!

Which meant I needed to breathe and send in the FULL MANUSCRIPT. That's just a mouthful, isn't it? Very dense, those words. For me, when I say them now, I can actually feel the combined weight of all the hours, all those late nights pounding at the keyboard, all those prayers of Please God let me get this right. I've come to appreciate the weight of those words.

So I sent my Full Manuscript off to Zondervan in the mail. And that was that. An amazing feat in itself, because rarely is an unpublished writer invited to send an entire manuscript outside of a professional introduction or a face-to-face meeting at a writing conference. Or a thunderous voice from heaven.

So with my sweet little baby sent and gone, I got to work on my overdue reading pile, tossed around ideas for a new novel, and willed the two months to pass so I could get on with my life and my next book. I would read about the contest finalists soon enough, and was very eager to hear who would win the book publishing contract in case it was someone I knew. Because in case you didn't already know, writers are pretty cool people. Most of them anyway. And Christian writers are by far the coolest.

So. If you've been paying attention and are still interested in this story, you can probably imagine how surprised I was to get a telephone call last week from an editor's assitant telling me my novel is a FINALIST. I think I told her I was shocked at least 3 times. I'm pretty sure she laughed at me. I may have even told her I loved her, but I'm not positive on that. I'm sure she gets that all the time.

There are a small number of finalists (and I'm waiting to see the details posted on the web so I can talk!) So, to the 2 others---you know who you are---Congratulations! I'm pleased, proud and humbled to be counted among you.

Which brings me to . . . winning the Contest. One of the finalists will receive a $10k contract to publish their book. The other two will get to say that Zondervan editors read their book and thought it was good enough to consider publishing.

So I guess this is the part where you, Dear Reader, get to read a sample from each of the finalists, pick your favorite, and text your vote to 1-888-I LOVE CHRISTIAN FICTION.

No. Not really.

In honor of Mt Hermon's 40th anniversary, the winner of the Zondervan publishing contract will be announced at the 2009 Mt Hermon Christian Writer's Conference in April.

And, Lord willing, I'll be there.

DO YOU SMELL SOMETHING?

2009-01-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Irony defines me, and therefore the way I write. Yeah, I’m a walking paradox, and if you’re a Christian, you probably are too. Come on, wipe that look off your face. And that oh-so-slight eyeball roll doesn’t get past me—I’ve lived with teenagers.

Writers want to communicate universal truths to which a good majority of readers can relate via The Story, article, blog, journal entry, sermon, whatever. And Christian writers may aim to communicate biblical truths as well. Either way, what we write often reflects the pile of life’s lessons we’ve learned (via the Hard Way for some of us). So we want to write truth, and we want to write real.

Really? But what if our own truth stinks? How truthful do you get as a communicator? I think that being transparent is important if you want to be relevant, credible. But how wide do we crack the door to our soul, how much of the gunk at the bottom of the barrel do we let out as we pour ourselves onto the page? How transparent should you get as a Christian before you cross the line?

Is there a line?

If you’re a Christian, hopefully you’re walking the road to change, becoming more Christ-like, allowing God’s word to shape your thinking, becoming a biblical thinker with the mind of Christ, growing in grace, perfecting your faith. But we humans will always stink of flesh to some degree. Yes, some of us more than others, depending on whose nose you use, but to God I believe the stink is pretty much the same, sort of like the way every landfill smells the same no matter what or how much it holds.

True Christians strive for speech, thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that are pleasing to God. But we make mistakes. Yes, you do. Admit it. If you tell me you never make mistakes, you’re making one now. And sadly, the world sees this apparent duplicity as hypocritical. Which is an unfair judgment call . . . on those who are truly angelic. But as for me, I have to agree. I often feel like a hypocrite, acting nicer than I actually am.

I was scrubbing a frying pan in the sink the other day (yes, some of us still use this deadly cooking technique). I was focused, as usual. My husband came by and said he was going outside to work on something and I thought, Take your mind off the scrubbing for a second, Camille, and smile—he’s taking care of stuff. So I switched off the scrubber-woman face, turned and smiled at him before he went out the door. He laughed and said, What’s the fake smile for? Yikes! Was it that bad? I guess it was sort of fake because it didn’t come naturally, but it really was well-meant.

If the world thinks Christians are hypocritical, does that mean we should think and behave and speak only as we are naturally inclined? The Bible says to take our thoughts (and subsequently our words and deeds) captive, meaning check them before they run amok, filter them through the Holy Spirit, test them for being God-honoring, then dispense accordingly. Meaning either let them out with any adjustments needed, or cuff ‘em, march them before the throne of Christ and ask him to book ‘em, take them captive, make them his prisoner. (By his power, not mine . . . a lesson I’m still learning.)

We aren’t trying to fool anyone by filtering out the bad behavior and putting on our best. That would be like offering a guest a taste of everything in the fridge, from the moldy to the fresh, afraid that by not offering them the bad stuff too we are lying and saying ALL our food is good. They don’t care what else is in there as long as what you feed them is good.

God created each of us uniquely different from one another for a unique purpose and for his good pleasure. He desires the best for you, wants to see you grow in the mind and likeness of Christ with his help. But you can still be yourself. I mean, you know, keep working at cleaning out the moldy left-overs and please don't offer those to company, but otherwise, keep it real. God likes who you are because he made you. Just be you.

NEW WORD WINNERS FROM THE WASHINGTON POST

2009-01-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. (note that a few numbers are missing, it came to me this way --- I'll assume some were quietly removed because someone got a little too creative and crossed the tasteful line)

The winners are:

1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone (n..): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

6. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it.

9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

12. Karmageddon: It’s when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, and then the Earth explodes, and it’s a serious bummer.

13. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you

15. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

16. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.

17. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

18. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you’re eating.

I thought they were kinda cute. But I'm bummed - I hadn't heard of this contest. In keeping with the spirit of creativity, let's add our own new words to the list. Post your (tasteful) creation in a comment. I'm thinking.

Ten Ways to Open Your Heart to Renewal

2009-01-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Looking to 2009 with hope, thirsting for spiritual refreshing and renewal?

My friend Ginny Jaques, Christian Writer, Teacher and wonderfully wise lady, posted this on her blog today and I'd like to pass it on.

Check out Something About The Joy for her January 1, 2009 post titled Ten Ways to Open Your Heart to Renewal.

Happy New Year! The Best of God's Blessings to you this coming year, and may the Lord surprise you with unexpected treasures as you delight in Him!

~Camille

Year End Report

2008-12-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

I do a little bookkeeping, both professionally and as a volunteer for my local ACFW chapter. In accountant's terms, the final bottom line for the year tells you where you're at, leaving little to debate.

The bottom line on my personal "P&L" for 2008 aint lookin so good.

It's been a great, rough year for me. I've learned a lot, and unfortunately, a lot of what I learned came in typical Camille form: The Hard Way.

As a writer, I have been given much. I've received writing opportunities I hadn't dreamed of, including a scholarship to attend Mt Hermon, invitations to send a manuscript to editors, and a semi-finaling entry in a publishing contest. I've received encouragement from authors, editors, agents, and readers (ahem, thanks Mom). I've received wisdom & help from generous mentors like Mary DeMuth, Randy Ingermanson, Ane Mulligan and many, many others. I've been blessed with a tight-knit critique group that encourages me and pushes me to do better. I've met dozens writers locally, nationally & online who understand this calling and this journey, and who graciously sharpen and cheer one another on as artists and as business professionals. Like winning the lottery, it seemed all this was just handed over to me unearned. What's the catch?

Balance has never been high on my list of strengths. Okay, it's not even ON the list. Imbalance is acceptable when a little off-beat humor is in order, but it tends to be hard on relationships. It can be a relationship killer, actually. For me, with the blessing of writer's groups and new friends and opportunities and newfound craft sharpening tools came a new obsession with all things writing. And when I say obsession, I mean in true Camille form. ALL OR NOTHIN. Which means that over this past year, I have neglected some critical things in my life: my husband, my kids, and my Lord. And the fruit of this folly has become painfully ripe.

This year, as a Wife, Mom & Child of God, I've learned some things, as previously mentioned, The Hard Way. Sorry if getting personal makes you squirm, but if my purpose in life is to communicate, then what I say must be true, though I'll do my best to say it in a way that stings me more than it does you. (Hey, I made a rhyme. Who knew.)

While focused on finishing a novel this year, I pulled away from ministry, functions, friends. I've put spending time on writing/researching/networking over spending time with my husband and kids. I've learned that after doing this for a while, lines of communication break down and walls begin to form. I've also neglected time with the Lord, time in his word and in prayer, and it shows. I've done and said things I shouldn't have, not done and said things I should have, unintentionally hurting people I love, borne out of thoughtlessness or selfishness. That really sucks. Or stinks, more accurately. Like rotting flesh.

I've made some poor decisions this year, some either as a direct or indirect result of the way I've spent my time. But those writing blessings, answered prayers, and opportunities have made it clear to me that the Lord is behind this writing gig. What was He thinking giving this to me? Why would He give such things to someone who can't handle it? It's like dropping a lottery windfall on a spendaholic. Was this a test? If so, I flunked big time.

But this is the way Camille learns life lessons. The Hard Way.

Following the lottery analogy, I'd say I overspent this year's allowance, find myself 'in debt' at year's end.

I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions - I don't see the point of resolving to do something just because you flip a page on your cheesy dollar store calendar. If you need to make changes, why wait until January 1st? There's no more magic in the beginning of a new month/year/century/millenneum than there is in a new day.

But since 2008's bottom line is the starting point for 2009, I can see the red, see where I'm out of balance, see where changes need to be made. I would like to write another novel this year, but I would like to do this with balance, with my family's blessing, and with the Lord's help. This means making some major changes in the way I roll, but I know now that these changes were needed all along. The blessings of this last year put me in a place that forced me to see that I cannot continue to spread myself thin any longer, giving less than my best to those I love most, tossing crumbs and lip-service to God and to my family.

I'm thankful for what God has given and shown me. I'm also very grateful for the grace and forgiveness shown me. And most of all, I am blessed beyond measure by my wonderful family. Dan: thank you your patience, forgiveness, encouragement, support, your sacrifices for your family, your purposeful, steadfast faith---for everything.

Dan, Shane, Ben and Janae, Mom and Dad: I'm sorry I haven't been there. I love you.

Question For YOU

2008-12-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

First off, if you’re a writer and you’re still looking for your ‘voice’. . . STOP!

In response to the question posed in my last blog post, some of my favorite authors, editors and agents generously offered their thoughts on what it takes to develop that essential yet elusive element called author voice. Do yourself a favor and read their comments.

So all this excellent advice has motivated me to get Down and Dirty and really WRITE. Allow what I’ve learned so far to gel, while tossing off the gloves and throwing all sorts of gutsy, inelegant punches.

“So, Camille,” you say, checking your watch. “Did you say you had a question?”

Yeah, I do. I’ve been brainstorming to create a new storyworld, new plot, characters and conflicts for my next novel. But after 10 pages of rambling, it became clear that I have TWO novels. One involves immigrants and would take place in a Depression era setting—a time, people and way of life completely foreign to me requiring MAJOR steepage into research, and the other—a contemporary story set in a fictional town I already know very well featuring a sharp-tongued heroine with a chip on her shoulder. And a growling Fat Boy.

“So, what—you’re saying she’s like YOU?”

Aw, look at you, keeping right up. No. Let’s get one thing clear. I do NOT resemble that chick in any way.

But let’s just say I did. I wonder which story idea would allow me the freedom to write with abandon? The one that would require me to constantly think about idioms, social perceptions, customs both American and of the immigrants, attitudes, lifestyle, and the natural rigors of daily life? Or the story that flows freely and requires no interruption to check every word and every move for accuracy?

“So,” you say with a taut little nod, “you want help deciding which of these stories to work on next?”

Your lips look really tight right now, by the way. Makes you look like a muppet.

I guess if I’m going to ask for help deciding which story to write, I should first state my goal. And I’d do that if I knew what IT was.

Is my goal to work on a story that will give me the freedom to write with abandon and develop my voice? Or is my goal to lay down an intriguing storyworld and build a drama/suspense that reads like a killer box-office hit movie? Which project should I commit to for the next year? Which one is most worth my time and energy?

And not to be forgotten is that most important voice, that of the Master. The Psalmist said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

Yes. Absolutely right. But I’d like to know: is the Lord a Pantser or Plotter??

Still Hearing Voices . . .

2008-12-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

I play bass guitar and learned to train my ears to hear the bass lines in music. It was cool when I discovered the ability to recognize not only lines, but certain artists’ styles. (Sting & Clapton are great for that.) I am now hoping to apply that mysteriously astute part of my little brain to writing.

I am currently working through a sizeable To Be Read pile. I recently finished reading The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m sorry to say I had not read her until now. Her voice hit a chord right from the start (and her first novel!) For some whacked reason, I have a hard time finding books written in a style and voice that interest me. And I KNOW there are tons of really great writers out there—so obviously the problem is with Camille. One author whose voice grabbed me on page one and latched on for the rest of the book was W. Dale Cramer with Summer of Light. So did Sara Gruen with Water For Elephants.

I also just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees, another of those highly acclaimed works I never got around to reading until now. Now Sue Monk Kidd has a smooth, soothing voice and handles touchy, painful topics in a sensitive way. I’m currently reading Lisa Samson’s Embrace Me, and next up is Olson’s Shade, Ingermanson’s Oxygen (again), then Cramer’s Sutter’s Cross and Levi’s Will, and Samson’s Quaker Summer. I await Mary DeMuth's newest series. Right now, I plan to read more of Cramer and Samson in an effort to identify their author voice, especially when each story is told from the view of different characters.

Lisa Samson makes me mad. Her ‘voice’ is confident, knows when and how it may break the rules of writing, and brings such a rich hue to the story. I don’t mean to compare my work to hers (good grief, I may be green, but I’m not stupid) but I can’t help noticing the freedom of speech with which she writes and how glaring a contrast it is to my reserved, rule-strapped little writing voice.

For now. I am an obsessed student of this writing craft and I WILL learn to free my voice, even if it kills me. :)

Maybe all this reading will shed a wee bit of light on the whole “author voice” mystery and help answer the burning question you and I and are dying to ask these authors: how do you, as a writer, keep your wry wit, polished profundity and organic originality intact while following the Rules of Great Writing . . . or at least giving them a reverent nod in passing?

Dare me to ask them?

Hearing Voices

2008-11-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

What is it about an author’s voice and style that allows a loyal reader to read an excerpt of their latest work and be able to identify the author? Not that I can do that, I’m only just beginning to compile a list of my favorite authors. It seems I’m finally coming out from under the rock I’ve been living under since I began having babies back in the ‘80’s, (please don’t tell my children I said they crawled out from under a rock) and am only now discovering authors whose writing voices ‘speak’ to me. A couple of these are:

W. Dale Cramer

Barbara Kingsolver

Susan Meissner

Randy Ingermanson

Sara Gruen

I enjoy these author’s voices, but I sure don’t write anything like them. I’m leery of “branding” my writing any time soon; in fact, after reading Chip MacGregor’s latest post on branding, I’m not too worried about defining my writing brand for quite a while. The only definition I can give my writing at the moment is Nicholas Sparks meets Karen Kingsbury at an off-beat little comedy club. A little more Nicholas than Karen. Gayle Roper read an excerpt and synopsis of my first novel and told me I’d written “an intelligent romance.” I took that as a compliment, although I didn’t actually check to see if she’d meant it as one. So I really haven’t written enough to analyze. Right now, I am enjoying reading and analyzing the work of others.

So there are many more books on my TBR list. These are a few topping the list because I have a feeling I’m going to hit it off with them too:

Lisa Samson

John B. Olson

Michael Snyder

Jamie Langston Turner

My question to you: Do you know these authors and their work, and if so, do you see a pattern to this list? If you are familiar with their work and know of other authors with similar elements of voice and style, I’d love to hear some reading recommendations.

Back To Bloggin

2008-11-24T00:19:00.000-08:00

So apparently, I went ahead and entered that Zondervan/Mt Hermon First Novel Competition after all. How could I NOT enter? I met all the criteria, thanks to a string of strange coincidences. No, you’re right. Not coincidence. I call these convenient convergences of opportunity ‘God-incidents.’ Anyway, imagine a clipped squeal when I took a break from scrubbing toilets last Saturday to peek at my inbox and found a message saying my novel had semi-finaled in the contest and asking me to send the full manuscript. My husband thought I’d seen a spider.

So The Novel is sent and I wait till Feb 1 for finalists to be announced, which means my kids will get their favorite Christmas cookies this year after all. I could be really candid here and tell you what I think my chances of finaling are, but I won’t. A very cool Oklahoman told me recently that there are no odds with God. I could tell you that if I don’t win, I’ve already been blessed by this contest because 1. It forced me to scrape up the nerve to submit and 2. It got me fired up to finish the ding-dong thing on a deadline, which I did. But I won’t tell you that either.

I will say that since The Novel is sent, there is no point working on it at the moment, so I am free to blog again. We may discuss some of the topics covered in my novel, things like loss and grieving, tests of faith, praying for your enemies, and haggis. And possibly beach volleyball. World Peace is always a hot topic here, too. So if you have a preference or suggestion, post away.

Wot? No Blog?

2008-09-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Uhhh....yeah. I meant to tell you. I've been suffering from a severe case of Blogger's Block. The doctor thinks he's got a cure, though. He prescribed Getalife. That should boost production of charming, witty profundity cells where there currently are none.

To be quite honest, I've been putting all my time and energy into polishing up that heartbreaking work of staggering genius (or is it the other way around? I always forget) novel to send off to that agent, that editor and perhaps even that Zondervan/Mt Hermon Contest. More about the contest HERE.

Well....almost all my time. Some of my time is spent goofing off on FaceBook. Other portions of my precious time are spent finding creative ways to avoid cooking dinner, or calling in paramedics when I announce I'm actually cooking dinner and my family passes out.

One Eye on the Rear-View Mirror

2008-07-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself driving down the road with one eye on the road and the other on the rearview mirror? Ever look back and realize you’d come much farther than you thought? Or are you like me—pedal to the metal, straight ahead, never looking back?

The road for me is endless. And though I keep my eye focused on the horizon, I don’t think I’ll ever reach my destination.

I am not an Olympic Gold Medalist Christian, Wife, Mom, Employee, Friend, Musician, Biker, Artist, Teacher, Blogger or Writer. I’m not silver or bronze, either. I’m not even a fairly good . . . any of those. Do I expect myself to be?

YOU BETCHA. Why? NOT A STINKIN CLUE.

So, on the heels of looking for permission to be where I am for now, and seeking patience and active contentment, I am reminded of another compounding issue: how easy it is to forget how far I’ve come.

I received a very touching e-mail from my sister on Mother’s Day last year. It made me cry, which in turn made me want to beat her up. Her email told me how proud she is of me and of how far I’ve come in life in spite of my background, and proud of the kind of person I’d become. Whoa. This was coming from a person who I never thought had much use for me and who I certainly never thought had any respect for the things I was trying to accomplish in my life. We have always had different perspectives, and we didn’t exactly get off on the best foot best as sisters.

When my mom and her dad got married, she was 16, I was 17 and between us, we’d experienced far more than any trusting, emotionally needy girl ought to, ever. By then neither of us had any trust in or expectations of anyone. At all. Probably not even of our selves.

So when I read her note, I was first shocked, then worried that we needed to get her meds checked. She’s not one to give approval lightly, at ALL, so to me, her words carried weight. Not that I don’t value compliments from others . . . I just don’t believe a word of it. But as I sat there trying to focus on the blurry screen through tears (well, I couldn’t see, so maybe she really said “p-o’ed” instead of “proud”) it occurred to me that I had forgotten how far I’d come. Here I am constantly dissatisfied with my current progress as Christian, wife, mom, writer, etc, etc, but forgetting that by the grace of God there has been so much healing, growth and progress in my life up to this point that some would think it a miracle, and me ungrateful. And I guess it would be true.

God had Joshua and his people haul boulders out of the Jordan River and make a memorial, something tangible so they would never forget how God had delivered them.

How could they forget, those ungrateful dolts.

So, to my desire for patience and active contentment, I would like to add a healthy amount of memory. Not too much, but not wiped so clean that I forget where I came from.

And most of all, gratitude.

Thank you, Jesus. It’s only by your sweet grace and endless patience that I am even HERE.

Permission To Be Here . . . For Now

2008-07-03T00:31:00.000-07:00

The other day, I had the colossal nerve to think there are a couple of lines in my current novel that aren't too shabby. This morning, I cracked open Water For Elephants. Incredible, captivating writing, spectacular voice, charming wit, depth & heart.

Wow. After an hour I put it down – I had to get ready for work. Part of me couldn't put it down; part of me couldn't read any more. It's a beautifully crafted, engrossing reminder that my writing sucks.

I nearly broke the mouse punching the close button on my always-open novel document. Then I took a deep breath and heard a little voice saying that NO ONE expects my first novel to be as good as Sara Gruen's third (?) and a NYT bestseller at that.

No one but Camille.

I like---no, love a bar set so high my nose bleeds just squinting to see it. I love an impossible challenge when it comes to writing well. Sara sets the bar high, and I like that. But somewhere in all this straining, bleeding and reaching, I guess I need to look at where I am now and give myself permission to be HERE.

For now.

Habakkuk 2:3 says:
For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. (Amplified)

I will be patient and wait for the day my writing is at its best, but I will wait in earnest---pursuing excellence, writing, studying, honing, reading, listening, receiving instruction and correction and advice, working harder every day to reach that bar.

And I will keep reminding myself that it's okay to be here (while pinching my nostrils and pressing an ice pack to my forehead).

Just wanted to share that. Best of God's blessings to you...wherever you "are."

Camille

Farewell, Our Indian Daughter

2008-06-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Mercy will return home to India this week after spending a year enduring the warped humor and affectionate teasing of The Eide Family. Technically, we were her 'host family', but it seems strange to call it hosting - she's become one of us. Poor kid. Thankfully, Mercy is a very intelligent, fun-loving, easy going girl. She's quick to get a joke and laughs easily when teased or burped on, which is a daily occurence with a brother like Ben around. Especially when she makes her excellent Indian Curry.

We will miss her and her affectionate, bubbly personality, her positive outlook on life, and most of all - besides her cooking - we will miss her laugh. It's sort of a blended laugh/giggle, starts low and rises into a cute little chatter that reminds me of the chipmunks who laugh at Smudge, our fat bunny.

We don't know if we will get to see Mercy in India, or if we'll see her back in the States one day pursuing a career in medicine; we hope to, Lord willing. But one thing we do know: She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized while she was here in America, so we will see her again, if not here, then in heaven. Where the curry won't cause heartburn, and where no matter how much raw garlic Ben eats, he won't be able to burp on Mercy. He'll have to find some other way to torment her.

Bring Out The Blarney Stone, It's Election Year

2008-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Shane, my missionary son, visited THE Blarney castle housing the famous Blarney stone. Shane writes:

It's Blarny Castle in County Cork, about a four hour drive away. It's on the west coast of Ireland. There's a stone at the top of the castle that, according to tradition, you're supposed to kiss. It'll give you 'the gift of gab.' Apparently, that's where you become a very tactful and witty speaker. Winston Churchill kissed it and look how he ended up. I didn't kiss it. I figured I didn't need the gift of gab. (~Shane Eide, Missionary & Novelist)

So I did a great deal of follow up research which took about 2.3 google seconds. The Wise and Almost All-Knowing Wikipedia offers this list of fascinating theories involving the stone:

* the Stone was the stone that Jacob used as a pillow, and was brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah
* the Stone was the pillow used by St. Columba of Iona on his deathbed
* the Stone was the Stone of Ezel, which David hid behind on Jonathan's advice, while fleeing from King Saul, and may have been brought back to Ireland during the Crusades
* the Stone was the rock that Moses struck with his staff to produce water for the Israelites during their flight from Egypt

* in Ireland, the Stone was known as the Lia Fail or "Stone of Destiny", part of the king's throne, with mysterious powers
* the stone's powers were revealed to the McCarthys by a witch who had been saved from drowning

A couple more mildly interesting items to note:

1. According to common legend, the stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone which originally belonged to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone because it was believed to have special powers. One story says an old woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to talk sweetly. He was able to talk anyone into doing things. The stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in a battle. Queen Elizabeth I wanted the Irish chiefs to agree to hold their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, handled her every Royal wish with clever promises keeping loyalty to the Queen without "giving in." Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a lot of Blarney." This is how the story began that if you kiss the blarney stone you will also be able to make clever promises.

2. Apparently, the stone inspired this wee poem:

"There is a stone that whoever kisses,

Oh! he never misses to grow eloquent

'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,
Or become a member of parliament."

~ Francis Sylvester Mahony, who may have actually kissed the stone before he penned this verse.
3. Rumor has it that locals are known to 'relieve' themselves on it. I'm glad to hear my son decided against puckering up to it. Smart lad.

So those who seek the gift of gab may ---with a little gymnastic effort ---kiss the stone.

Now here is where I'm confused. Some define the gift of gab as eloquence or skill at flattery. I always thought the "gift of gab" was the ability to talk much and say little. Maybe it's the same thing?

Shane Sent Me A Castle . . .

2008-05-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

. . . Which is almost as cool as my husband buying me a Harley. #1 Son sent some photos, but no details. I'll have to find out what it is we're looking at and post it later. He said Blarny Castle, but I always thought Blarny was something people say when they don't really know what they're talking about.

Isn't this lovely, though?

I am pressing/nagging him to swim on over next door and scope out Scotland for me, especially the mid-lowland area where my novel is partially set. Do you think I can get him to do it?

Robin Jones Gunn Book Giveaway

2008-05-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

All right, Robin Jones Gunn fans---she has a new Sisterchicks book just released May 20 and she's having a book giveaway. Hop on board if you want a chance to win a copy of "Sisterchicks Go Brit!"

Robin, I hope you send the Sisterchicks to north to Scotland next. Or better yet, send ME!

Go to http://www.robingunn.com/ for details.

My Son Arrived In Ireland

2008-05-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Our son Shane arrived in Gorey, county Wexford yesterday - or the day before - I get jet lag just trying to wrap my head around the time difference. He'll be spending about 6 months there working in the church he helped plant two years ago.

He'll be visiting the Blarny Castle in Cork today, so I'll do the mom thing and get photos from him that I can post here. He saw lots of castles when he lived there before, but didn't get any photos. I guess everyone in Ireland has a castle in their backyard, so there's really nothing novel about it, the same way everyone in Texas has a pool, or everyone in Hollywood has a plastic surgeon.

Pray for the Agape International Church: Shane, Pastor David and others serving in this church would like to develop a solid youth group and leadership for the church before they return to the States in the Fall. They have a heart for youth of Gorey.

And speaking of love, Shane was greeted by two unexpected roomates. He was under the impression he wouldn't be sharing a room, but discovered both beds occupied when he went in to get some sleep. Hamsters. One on each bed. And by the sound of it, not in cages. Shane told us he was able to clear away the wood chips and get some sleep. I hope allergies won't keep the roomies from getting along. Especially the hamsters.

Me & My New Ride

2008-04-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

Here's my bike. I'll have to figure out how to upload the idle.

THIS is one growling beast of a hog.

So is the bike. :)

Oh Happy Day!

2008-04-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when my darling stud of husband of nearly 25 years pulled me out of my writing cave last Sunday in my writing attire including bare feet, and escorted me out the front door. With a silly big grin.

He wanted to show me somethin. But I heard that deep throated V-Twin cruiser rumble and felt the ground pulsate before I rounded the corner of the garage and saw it.

That's right. A Harley. My husband thought I'd dreamed and whined about wanting one long enough. That or he just really loves me and knows this chick gets WAY more excited about an idle you can hear for miles, shiny chrome and black leather than some stuffy old jewelry.

We'll be celebrating our 25th this summer. On the road. If I can figure out a way to get him a matching one. Maybe I'll sell the NOVEL I'm cramming to finish and I can buy him one too.

Thanks, honey. You ROCK!!

Friday Shoppers vs Saturday Shoppers

2008-04-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

I shop for groceries weekly, have to, that’s how the buck rolls. And with a husband and 4 young adult children (16-22) in the house, I’d face mutiny if I didn’t provide a steady supply of food. Of course, the worst they (the big kids, that is) can do is go on strike, which would look pretty much the same as it does now, or abandon ship, which I think is actually the point.

Before becoming a serious writer, I used to grocery shop on Friday mornings, my day off from the day job. But as a writer trying to put out a decent word count, I discovered Fridays offer me a priceless sanctuary: 8 hours of empty house. You can’t buy that, not even with homemade cinnamon rolls. Which I should have known would backfire. duh.

So I’ve started shopping on Saturdays. What a culture shock! I’ve repented of taking my Friday co-shoppers for granted.

On Fridays, I used to pass other single, swift shoppers with carts they’ve also made sure roll straight BEFORE they loaded up, lists in hand, good walking shoes on their feet and a goal in their eyes. These people know what they want, how much they want to spend and how many other stops they can make before the ice cream melts. They bag their groceries quickly, pay and disappear.

Saturdays, when the determined Friday shoppers are doing something productive, I am in the store with co-dependent couples and entire families who obviously don’t drink coffee or anything else that might shake them violently from their stupor and who:

1) don’t realize that the rules of the road could be of benefit in a grocery aisle,

2) don’t seem to notice that there are people waiting on either side of their ‘what do we want for dinner, everyone?’ logjam in the center of an aisle,

3) don’t move at any measurable speed,

4) just discovered there are choices of prices, sizes and brands and pull up a chair to ponder the differences,

5) move slower than a submission in a slush pile,

6) loudly discuss the drama in their lives for everyone else to hear,

7) bring tired, hungry, bored children to the store and ignore the amount of noise they make and where they crawl, stand, sit, play or poop,

8) wait until ALL their groceries have been rung up and paid for before they start bagging them,

9) stare at their cart full of bagged groceries and wonder how they’ll carry all this stuff on the bus home.

Haven’t these people heard of being proactive? Prepared?

Caffeinated?

I marvel at the couples who need to do their shopping together, as though they can’t make a decision, push a cart, or bag it up on their own. And who wait until Saturday, wasting an entire day doomp-de-doomping at a leisurely pace in a place where I want spend no more of my life than is critical to my survival.

Such a waste of time. Isn’t it? Or do some people actually enjoy being together no matter how much they block the aisles? Maybe they just know how to relax. Maybe they really LIKE spending an entire Saturday hanging out in a grocery store together. Maybe I should start bringing my husband and our gang with me to the store.

Maybe . . . then we could discuss our lives and our drama with each other instead of penciling it in on my list of things to do . . .

Back to the Shire from Mt Hermon

2008-03-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

I’m back from Mount Hermon, back to my ordinary world, but, like Frodo, things in the Shire will never be the same.

This conference blessed me in many ways. I connected with people I needed to meet in person, made new friends, learned, gave and received encouragement, laughed, and wept in awe of God's grace.

And then there was that other thing I did not expect.

I won’t go into story mode (this is a blog, not a novel) with the details; I’ll just say that I went to Mt Hermon fully intending to keep my novel to myself and be the late-blooming, knowledge-hungry sponge that I am. I'm not sure how I ended up having my novel requested in full by one house and in part by another two. And I don't know how I ended up sitting next to The Snowflake Guy (also known as the Supreme Dictator for Life) on the flight home and discussing the potential of my work, which he actually mentioned on his blog.

Even though I received manuscript requests and encouraging feedback that I'm still not entirely convinced wasn't a sleep-deprivation induced hallucination, the grand take-away from Mt Hermon---besides the AWESOME Christian writerly people I got to meet in person---was the call to be more than a novelist; to be a communicator. (No keynoter said it; it just came on the breath of one small voice.) I don’t know what variety of forms this will take, but I am excited to see what God will do.

I also came home with a need to finish my novel quickly and very, very, very well.

And I will. And you will want to read it, because you would like an intelligent, faith inspiring love story.

Hello, My Name is Camille, And I'm A Wordaholic

2008-02-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

We met for our local ACFW chapter meeting the other night. I never liked going first when there's a round-the-room intro, I always think of what I should have said after I hear everyone else.

I might have said: Hello--my name is Camille, and I'm a wordaholic.

About a year ago, I was thinking about writing a novel. I'd never heard of acfw, pov, mru, or storyworld or scene and sequel. Goal-Conflict-Disaster was just another name for parenting teens. Definitely never heard of making a novel out of a snowflake. Head hoppers and pantsers could have been slang for the people I quit hanging around after I got saved.

A year ago the thought never entered my mind to quit making homestyle dinners and cleaning toilets, to join a critque group, to spend hours and hours into the night pounding at the keyboard, to sign up for feeds from writing blogs and leave posts everywhere like a puppy in training, to attend writing workshops, to read stacks of books on writing craft, to download a fiction writing course, to think about how to market myself, or to attend a writer's conference. Or to whine to gracious, wise ones for extra help in getting it right. When I look at the bio I am crafting for my upcoming proposal, I see someone who didn't exist a year ago. Pretty weird when I think about it.

I'm counting down the days until the MT HERMON CHRISTIAN WRITER'S CONFERENCE in March. Lately I've been glued to a few pages of a proposal and the first few of my story that keeps shedding skin and emerging a tiny bit tighter each time, and talking about little else besides pre-subbing and morning tracks and elevator pitches and agent panels and the one thing to never include on the business card when you're unpublished. A year ago, this would have been a foreign language. To family and friends, it still is.

I wonder where I'd be today if a year ago someone told me what writing a novel actually takes.

I'd like to think . . . I'd be right here. In a maniacal frenzy to get ready for MT Hermon.

Oh, here's that bio.

Qualifications: Camille has a PhD in Learning Things the Hard Way. She’s acquainted with dysfunction, pain, despair, and the hope that comes from knowing Christ. She’s a cynic saved by grace who simply wants to encourage herself and others to turn that amazing grace around and use it on those other pesky people.

Camille lives with her family in Oregon. She has been relentlessly pursuing the craft of writing. She is an active member of the Oregon Christian Writers, The American Christian Fiction Writers and her local ACFW chapter where she serves on the board of directors. Camille is a member of The Writer’s View2 and other quality Christian online writing communities that encourage and cultivate literary excellence. She meets with a local critique group. Her past writing credits include two published newspaper articles; she also produces church newsletters and scripts used in drama presentations.

Love Worth Fire is her first novel.

Are You an Aspiring Writer?

2008-02-29T09:45:00.001-08:00

If you're an aspiring writer and want to get a writers conference in your inbox, consider joining The Writer View. It's free. It's amazing. And, seriously, you'll learn everything you'd learn at a writer's conference (sans meeting cool people face to face), only you don't have to pay airfare.

How they work: Each Monday and Thursday a panelist poses a question about the publishing industry, the craft of writing, or anything related to the writing journey. These panelists are agents, editors, writers who are well known in the Christian writing industry. Then, panelists and members write posts about the question raised.

It's a moderated loop, so there's no blatant self promotion. Word counts are limited to 250 per post. For beginning to intermediate writers, the group to join is TWV 2. Clickhere <http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/TWV2/> .

For advanced, published writers, join The Writers View. Click here<http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/TheWriters View/> .

You will be asked to fill out an application that you then send to the group's leadership. You'll receive an email letting you know whether you've been accepted.
=======================

I can't begin to tell you how being part of The Writer's View 2 has taken me to a level of writing that I would not have known without it. Between the advice, the encouragement, the examples of true professionals, and the links to excellent, high-quality writing resources, this group is a must!

This is a Blog, Doggonnitt!

2008-01-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

......That means there should be some dog gone blogging going on. And there will be, soon. I'm waiting for Randy Ingermanson to dole out the secrets to Best Blogging Practices Ever ANY MINUTE NOW so we can get this baby rolling in the right direction. No hurry, Randy. Take your time.

In the meantime, here are some things I DO know about the future of this blog. This blog will NOT include:

*photos of my family. Well, maybe one or two of the dog. Jodi's really, really ugly in a hairball, Chewbacca kind of way.

Right: Jodi and her favorite snack.

Left: Jodi in her favorite reading spot.

Not pictured: Jodi stealing lettuce from the bunny's pen. She has a lettuce/carrot/or anything we might give to the rabbit obsession/fetish/addiction.

*meanderings about what we found at a garage sale (Did I mention I HATE SHOPPING, INCLUDING GARAGE SALES?? I know, that cuts out about 85% of the potential EXTREME KEYBOARDING community. Hey, I'm prepared to deal with that).

Right: Although he likes garage sales, I found this priceless treasure at Wendy's in 1980. I don't know if that makes him an antique. You'd never guess to look at him.

*musings about what I saw flattened in the road today. Well, no, I take that back. We might blog about things like that if there is a profound spiritual truth to be gained from it.

*Sports of ANY kind. Except keyboarding.

I want this blog to be something you find worth as much of your time to read as it is my time to provide. Hey, we could kill 2 birds with one bird in the hand.... or one stone is worth two birds in the bush.... Okay, I didn't know I had bird issues. Whatever.

Hey, as far as issues goes.... the only thing the self-help '80s and all that theraputic whining into a journal did for me was make me even more self-absorbed. Let's re-bag the issues and carry 'em around a while. Builds muscle.

And let's have a laugh while we're growing older and forced to get a little more serious. We may end up promoting world peace while we're at it. :)

In the next issue of EXTREME KEYBOARDING: How I Survived My Daughter's First Official Date. Includes an eye-opening lesson learned the hard way on selecting a hair stylist who speaks English and understands what "up-do" means.

Go Ahead. Make My Day.

2007-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

But don't be nice, I'm looking for some feedback by those who are so inclined.

There is something like a back-cover at the bottom of the page, followed by Chapter One.

You can post your comments here.

Thanks!
Camille

ASHBERRY LANE'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

2007-11-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

A special announcement from Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry:

We co-write books about relationships. We are a relationship. We want to dominate the relationship brand. And we want to have at least 500 subscribers to the Ashberry Lane Newsletter by the first of the year. Should we expect you to sign up and work hard at strong-arming your friends to sign up while you get nothing out of the deal? No way!
Compassionate as we are, we've worked up a HUGE new incentive. How better to promote our relational fiction than featuring other fiction that focuses on different types of relationship? Why don't we give our supporters a chance to win EIGHT autographed books? What a great Christmas present that would be! Or what a lot of Christmas shopping done for you!
Without further ado, we present, with a booming voice,

ASHBERRY LANE'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

For the Friend Relationship: Roxanne Henke's After Anne

One of our absolute favorite books. As you watch Olivia and Anne struggle through a difficult challenge, you'll want to be a better friend.

For the Prodigal Relationship: Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me
How many of us have walked away from what our father wanted for us? Or away from our Father? This story will remind you that the you can go home again.

For the Marriage Relationship: Robin Jones Gunn's Wildflowers Wildflowers

Married Genevieve falls in love with the man she least expected could win her heart. It's not who you might think ....

For the Sibling Relationship: Lauraine Snelling's Ruby (Dakotah Treasures #1)

In the first of this frontier series, Ruby must deal with her new "inheritance" while protecting her sister from its influences.

For the Man's Perspective on Relationships: James Scott Bell's Breach of Promise

A heart-rending story of a man trying to keep his family together.

For the Supernatural Relationship: Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir

Don't let the title of this book scare you away. There is no glorification of the demonic, but an enlightened fresh look at what History means.

For the Relationships Gone Bad: Bette Nordberg's Serenity Bay

A truly terrifying story of woman who married Prince Charming and discovered he wasn't.

For the Single Among the Marriage-Minded: Camy Tang's Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1)

You'll laugh. You'll relate. You'll be impressed with this debut novel from up-and-coming author Camy Tang.

EIGHT books. ONE winner. Here are the ways to win:
Current subscriber and previous referrals are already in the hat. Any new subscriber or referral will gain another entry.
Publicize this to your homeys through newsletters: one entry.
Blog about the contest: one entry. (Email us if you need what to post.)
Include it in your Christmas cards: two entries.
Tuck it in the gift bag with the fruitcake you'll be leaving on random doorsteps: five entries.
Subscribe! Spread the word! Flood the blogosphere! Take over the world!

Interview with MIRALEE FERRELL

2007-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is so cool --- my first author interview! Miralee Ferrell's debut novel THE OTHER DAUGHTER just released in October and I can't wait to read it!

Miralee is wrapping up her blog tour tomorrow, sadly, putting this slightly quiet blog at the tail end of the tour.

But if you're visiting here, it's not too late to POST A COMMENT and add your name to the drawing for a FREE COPY of the book. Isn't that easy? I love free stuff, it's right up there on my list with Costco-sized saran wrap that lasts about 12 1/2 years.

I met Miralee at my local Portland chapter of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). At the first meeting I attended, Miralee was showing off - and rightly so - the cover photo for this book and telling us the story behind it. Mind if I tell the story Miralee? I'll get to the normal questions in a sec, even though after 30 days of blog touring, you've probably been asked more questions than Lindsay Lohan in all her court depositions combined.

FIRST, THE STORY BEHIND THE COVER:

Here's a summary of the book, so you'll get an idea about the photo needed:

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer to her trembling legs. "My mama's dead. He's my daddy."

Susanne Carson knew that she could trust the love of her life—her husband, David—until she discovered a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David's daughter. Not that their marriage had ever been perfect—David's decision to embrace the Christian faith had strained their relationship. Susanne may not have agreed with his beliefs, but at least she trusted him.

Had David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wanted Susanne to believe in his God, but believing hadn't done much to keep David out of another woman's arms. As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.

RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK:

The publishers offered Miralee some nice photos for this book, but the girls in the photos just didn't have that poor waif look Miralee had in mind for Brianna, the girl in the story. The pubbers were running out of time (imagine a ticking countdown clock) and options, so Miralee offered to shoot some pics herself.

She grabbed up a kid off the street - not really, she actually borrowed the daughter of a friend who fit Miralee's mental idea of the character - then snagged her some faded jeans and a beat up looking suitcase from the thrift store. Then Miralee, also armed with a camera and a mental idea of the front step of the house in her story, went to another acquaintance with just the right look and set up the shot using their front door.

With literally seconds left on the clock, Miralee handed off her photo. A tense moment of silence followed as the pubbers studied the shot. It was so quiet you could hear the nose hairs whistling in the room. Just a guess. Well, not only did they love her photo, they shot it over to the cool people in the art dept who jazzed it up with some rockin color and special effects, making it "pop", to quote the author/photographer.

WARNING: DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

So, Miralee not only saved the day, she got a chance to bring something that existed only in her imagination to life, something that should be left to trained professionals and should definitely not be attempted by amateurs. Or postal employees.

I had to tell that story - now check out this cover!

Is this an awesome photo, or what? Miralee, you're not only a talented writer, you're a great photographer; just an all around artist. Careful --- you're bordering on being a stinkin overachiever.

Hmmm. What else can we find out about this author? Extreme Keyboarding asked Miralee to share a little about her debutante novel experience.

EK: How did it make you feel to become published?

M: I got my boxes of author copies just few weeks ago, so I’m still floating around and celebrating! My books arrived a few days early, so it was an added surprise and shock to find them sitting on my doorstep when I got home. I came close to crying, but ended up jumping around instead. I called and emailed everyone I knew, and cranked up my level of marketing another notch.

Hmmm, a shocking surprise waiting on your doorstep....I think I'm getting an idea for a story......

EK: What were your most difficult parts to write?

M: The most difficult parts were the revising. I didn't really experience any struggles in the initial writing...it flew from my fingers and mind onto the computer screen as fast as I was able to type. I did the initial rough draft in five weeks, but the revising and editing and additional scenes took several times that long, as I had so much to learn. I found it difficult to tone down a couple of people who needed to be rude and or snotty, but also had to do so in a believable way. My first attempt was very sad....they were straight out of a Grade B movie, LOL!

EK: What else are you working on?

M: I’m working on Past Shadows, the sequel to The Other Daughter, and plan to turn in to my editor in mid November. I’ve also started something new for me, an 1880’s novel set in Washington state…I’m hesitating to say it’s a romance, but it looks like it might be heading that direction. I’m playing around with another idea for a stand-alone women’s contemporary with an unusual twist. I’m hoping to start it as soon as Past Shadows is finished. There could also be a #3 and 4 in this series, and if so, we’ll continue on with the characters we meet in #2, then return to Brianna, the 13 yr old girl who arrives at the Carson’s door…at the age of 23.

EK: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

M: There are two…one in the spiritual realm, one in the natural. The spiritual accomplishment is already getting feedback from readers letting me know the book has touched their life in some way. I’m hoping that type of feedback continues, as that was my goal in writing it. In the natural realm, that a major motion picture company in Hollywood contacted my agent, asking to read my book. They like it and are considering it as a potential family movie. No offer at this time, but it’s being considered.

EK: What have you learned throughout the process of writing, pitching and promoting a novel?

M: I didn't come down the usual path that many writer's come....I started writing Christian fiction just two years ago, when I started The Other Daughter, and didn't belong to any writer's groups, hadn't read a single writing book, didn't have a crit partner, and only had my sister and one other gal who's an editor of E-books, that helped keep me on the path. They both had experience in editing and pointed out many of the mistakes I made...common ones such as Point of View and telling the reader what was happening rather than showing.

Marketing on the other hand, is a joy and very easy for me, as I worked in sales much of my adult life before starting to write. I spend anywhere from 2-4 hrs per day on the computer with marketing...not every day or every month, but that's been the average per day since about two months ago when I began to push hard on marketing The Other Daughter.

What have I learned? That other Christian writer's are some of the most unselfish, caring, giving people on the face of the earth. Instead of competing and trying to cut one another off at the knees, they practically break their necks to help.

I've also learned that if you're not giving God the glory and asking Him to keep your priorities straight, writing will become an albatross around your neck instead of the joyful journey He means it to be. HE is the one who has brought me success in my book by acquiring an agent, then a contract, so quickly, I can claim no credit for that. I've written a summary of my entire journey from start to contract on my website....HE is an amazing God and I write for Him. If I wrote for myself or for the readers, I'd probably have given up by now.

Thanks Miralee! Blessings to you on this journey, and on the success of your next book!

You can read the opening page of this book on her website at

www.miraleeferrell.com

Don’t’ forget to POST A COMMENT (did I say that already?) if you want a chance to win a book.

But if you don’t win the drawing, or you do but you want to give some as gifts for Christmas and there’s no WAY you’re giving up your specially autographed prize, you can find THE OTHER DAUGHTER at these fabulous booksellers:

www.Amazon.com or www.Christianbook.com

I'M GOING TO MT HERMON - 2008!!!!

2007-11-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

HEY! Party with me . . .
I am the humble recipient of a Cecil Murphy Scholarship to attend the

2008 MT HERMON Writer's Conference!!!!

Whoooo Hoooo!!!

CEC MURPHY, YOU ROCK! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity, and your interest in helping those who want to become the best writers they can be!

I am humbled.

I will do my best to make the most of this conference, as promised. Old dogs are NEVER too old to learn . . . and this mutt is passionate about learning how to craft words into art. I can't wait!!!!!!

And congrats to the other scholarship recipients!

Forensics & Faith: The One Most Important Thing

2007-10-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

Forensics & Faith: The One Most Important Thing
The answers to a question that Brandilyn posed on the ACFW loop are posted on her site in the form of a survey. While the numbers may not be scientific, the answers should be of interest to any fiction writer.

Christian Authors ROCK!!

2007-10-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Christian Supply in Portland hosted Christian Fiction Day today for some of our own Oregon authors. What a treat! I got to meet Patricia Rushford, Melanie Dobson, Cindy Hannan, Robin Jones Gunn, Randy Alcorn, Melody Carlson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Bonnie Leon and Leslie Gould.

I spent 2 hours asking some of them about writing and their journey to getting published, and pretty much babbling about myself. What a great bunch, they all nodded, smiled and listened. I found out that Melody Carlson and I own neighboring mounds of dust and sagebrush in Central Oregon. It's good to know there are a few folks who know the best place to hunt sage rats.

I found out where Glenbrooke Oregon REALLY is. (he he he)

I also found out that Bonnie Leon is one cool lady! Check out her story (link to her site on the right). Check out her numerous books for a good read, or check out her "for writers" page for some helpful writing advice. Keep it coming, Bonnie!

It was exciting to talk to these gracious Christian authors. I came away with a couple autographed books and some encouraging words. Hey, it's no small wonder that Christian Fiction is the fastest growing genre in the book market in recent years.

I left feeling ready to press on with my novel, and then remembered all the intelligent questions I forgot to ask. OH WELL. I also remembered with a sense of utter satisfaction how I told Robin Jones Gunn that I 'write like her' (I honestly did) and like that other lady . . . what's her name? Yeah, I 'write like' someone whose name I can't remember. I spit out a few syllables of nonsense and she guessed Karen Kingsbury. Yes! Thank you. That's the one.

(By the way, I didn't actually mean to say I WRITE like Robin or Karen. But, unfortunately, I really have NO CLUE what I meant to say. If I were to actually compare my writing style to anyone, just for the sake of illustration, I'd have to say Nicholas Sparks meets Dennis Miller from Weekend Update.)

DO you ever open your mouth and hear nonsense flowing out freely? Is there a cure for this?

Welcome to my blog!

2007-08-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Since I'm just launching this blog, I welcome comments on what you find here. And on what you'd like to find here. And what you hope you never, ever see.

I might on occasion post on something relevant, like world peace. Or my really funny dog.

For those of you feeling that gnawing urge to write, I'll post about that too.

Humor is one weapon I find helpful in the war against taking ourselves too seriously. But there are serious issues that absolutely must be taken seriously. Together, we will decide exactly what those are and address them with a delicate balance of wit and profound wisdom.

Thanks for stopping by!