Totally Tina

THE AUTHOR INQUISITION

2012-01-27T06:00:00.011-07:00

Welcome to the Author Inquisition. This is when I get to interview authors and kinda pick their author-brains for all the good stuff. Today I have Cindy Williams in the hot seat. Hello Cindy.

Cindy: Hi, Tina

I hope you find the chair comfortable, Cindy. What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

Cindy: Believe in yourself and follow your heart not someone else’s suggestions.

That sounds like really good advice.

Cindy: Yeah. Nobody knows your story like you do.

Yeah, don’t rub it in. Tell me, what’s your favorite activity when you’re not writing?

Cindy: Playing with my family. Playing my harp and reading.

I had a hard time carrying my viola to school—I can’t imagine carrying a harp. Those things are heavy!

So, do you do these when you experience (whispers: writer’s block), or do you do something else?

Cindy: I love doing those things, but when I’m experiencing writer’s block, I write a letter from the character to myself.

Oh. (looks from left to right) You believe your characters are real, then. Like Santa Clause. Well, I hear the price of stamps is going up. Just saying.

Now to the good stuff. Do you snack when you write?

Cindy: No. I’m a purist. I do drink water, but food is too distracting.

I agree. Water caused my computer to short out, and I don’t eat when I write—well, Skittles aren’t food, are they? Or chocolate kisses?—other than that, I just can’t hold food and type. (It goes more like this: eat, type, eat, type, eat …)

I know you’ve published a children’s picture book. Tell me about it—did you go with a traditional publisher, or did you go Indie?

Cindy: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today, is my first book published. My publishing history is a yes to both traditional and indie. The first two printings came out under a small partner publishing that went out of business last year. I created my own LLC called Planet Play Productions and now I own all the rights including the ISBN#.

Wow, that’s ambitious! Are you working on other children’s books, or do you also write in other genres?

Cindy: I break the rules and write in a number of different genres. Children’s Picture books, two more complete, one being illustrated and the other in the query market. Non-fiction: I’m on staff for The Beehive, and have a short story out about my father and Alzheimer’s. I also am looking for a home for a book of essays on mothering. Middle Grade, with a fantasy series sent to both the East and West Coast, fingers crossed. Two YA books in progress write now. Last but not least, I do PR campaigns and write Press Releases, and just received a new calling as a Public Affairs Director of Media in our Stake.

Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Cindy: Black Raspberry ripple.

How do raspberries ripple? And, I thought raspberries were red?

What’s your favorite writer’s memory?

Cindy: When a mother told me that my children’s book was the first book her autistic son ever read alone.

Favorite way to get the word out about your book/s?

Cindy: School visits and book signings.

Where do they put the book signs? Near the school? Haha. Not really. That was just a little writer-joke.

Do you have a book coming out?

Cindy: I have a short story that has been accepted for an anthology on surviving hard things, a middle grade fantasy complete and looking for a home, two children’s picture books in various productions stages and a book on mothering looking for a home.

If so, what is the name, release date, and please share a short blurb. Release dates will be in 2012 and 2013. Here is a blurb from my middle grade fantasy.

Thundertail’s Tale: The Legend is a story about the human and magic worlds colliding in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona when ten-year-old Chase attempts to rescue a dog from death by barbecue at the hands of the creepy school janitor. Instead, Chase frees Sparkin, the only un-shiny dragon and a guardian of the 13 Powerstones that protect the planet. Chase is forced to face his fear of heights and Sparkin, his lack of confidence, in an explosive adventure to escape the evil janitor who is out to rule the world as a member of the sinister Gatekeepers of Shadows. Chase and Sparkin discover a shocking link to the ancient legend of Thundertail, the Greatest Dragon since time out mind, as they battle for their lives and the future of both worlds.

Sounds really good. I hope Chase finds a home soon. (Makes it easier to write him letters.)

You can find Cindy at:

http://www.cindyRwilliams.com

http://www.writersmirror.blogspot.com

http://www.blogsandblurbs.blogspot.com

ENGINEERING A STORY

2012-01-20T06:30:00.001-07:00

In an effort to eventually becoming a published author, I’ve been reading a book called, Story Engineering, Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of successful writing, by Larry Brooks.

I must admit that at first I was a little skeptical, but hey, I’m not published yet so what did I have to lose? I’m not quite finished with it yet, but after I got a little over halfway finished, I couldn’t wait to apply what I knew to a novel I’d been working on.

Story Engineering has been quite helpful, actually.

I learned that in my effort to have the inciting incident right up front—which is what I understood that I should do from reading other books on writing—it set my pacing off. While we (as writers) need to have an interesting and enticing first chapter, it does not need to be the inciting incident.

What the first chapter needs to do most is introduce us to the main character in such a way that we, as readers, will want to invest our time in finding out what happens to him/her.

The things that we (as writers) include in our writing should always have something to do with the novel at hand. In other words, don’t include a scene with the MC (or anyone) having a great day at the amusement park if it has nothing to do with anything. If we want to include the scene at the amusement park, then we need to add something to make it relevant—one of the characters meets someone there, or something happens on one of the rides, etc.

We do need to have the “1^st and 2^nd doors of no return” (so named by James Scott Bell), as well as a midway turning point where the character’s focus changes. As well as a plethora of other little interesting tidbits along the way to set them up and support them.

While I’m no Orson Scott Card or Stephanie Meyer, or JK Rowling, hopefully one day I will find my way into this literary world.

DINNER AND A MOVIE

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's time for another Dinner and a Movie segment. Tonight's movie is a clip of ventriloquist Terry Fator, and Kermit the frog. It's rated G. I hope you enjoy!

What better to follow a ventriloquist than something cheezy? For tonight's dinner, serve up a helping of Crockpot Cheeseburgers although I must disclose, these don't have to go into the crockpot, rather it can be a one-pot meal.
CROCKPOT CHEESEBURGERS
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 TBSP milk
1/2 C chopped onion
1 lg garlic clove, minced
8 hamburger buns
your favorite condiments for hamburgers--pickles, mustard, ketchup, sliced tomatoes etc.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook ground beef w/ minced garlic and onion. Drain off excess fat and transfer to a 3 1/2 - 5 quart crockpot. Add cheese and milk. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 - 7 hours. (My crockpot doesn't cook low enough for this small amount of food that's already pre-cooked, so I have to watch it.) Serve over buns w/ condiments.
NOTE: to use as a one-pot meal, cook beef, garlic, and onion, drain off excess fat. Turn heat to low. Add cheese and milk. Warm until cheese is melted.

THE AUTHOR INQUISITION

2012-01-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Author Inquisition. This is when I get to interview authors and kinda pick their author-brains for all the good stuff. Author Jolene Perry is in the hot seat today. Hello Jolene.

Jolene: Hi, Tina. Thanks for the invite.

Save your thanks for later, Jolene. This is serious business and we’re going to get right to the nitty-gritty of writing success today. What’s your favorite snack when you’re writing?

Jolene: Me, snack? Never!

Come on, I know you’re a snacker, I can see it in your eyes. Spill the beans.

Jolene: Well, I do drink Pellegrino.

That hotsy-totsy carbonated water from Italy?

Jolene: (smiles slyly) The very one.

That’s hardly worth mentioning. Come on, give me more.

Jolene: Okay, okay! You’re relentless. While I’m drinking my Pellegrino, I like to nibble on dark chocolate almonds.

That’s better, but you’re still holding out on me Jolene.

Jolene: (gives exasperated sigh) Potato chips. They’re my weakness. I live and breathe for those crispy slices of potato salted to delightful perfection.

(Nods head in approval) Now we’re getting somewhere. Now that we’re speaking the same language, I can ask a more writerly question like; do you have any writing advice?

Jolene: Don't forget that writing should be FUN :D

Fun? I heard that writing was like opening a vein—how can that be fun? (shuffles papers) Let’s go on to something easier. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Jolene: That's hard—not easy—and completely depends on the weather and my mood. I love to go hiking, love to sew, love to play the guitar, love to take my kids to the museum . . .

(Whispers over shoulder to no one in particular) If that was hard, I don’t know how we’ll finish our interview, but the writing public has a right to know, so I shall persevere.

WARNING: For those of my readers with tender feelings, I advise you to cover your ears.

I’ve got to ask about the four-letter word for every writer. Writer’s block. (Not technically four letters, twelve actually, but two little words that instill terror in every writer nonetheless. Jolene, do you have something that helps?

Jolene: When I'm stumped, I don't write, I run. Works every time.

A running writer? Hmmm.(thrumming fingers on cheek) That almost sounds like science fiction. Or fantasy. What genre do you write?

Jolene: Almost exclusively YA. Within that genre - contemporary, or maybe ever-so-slightly paranormal. I'd LOVE to do a historical, but I'll need to be at a point where I'm ready to really do the research.

Do you have a favorite writer’s memory?

Jolene: My favorite memory is when I hit page 100 on my first novel, and I knew there was a lot of story left to tell, and might actually be able to write a whole book.

And you did write a whole book. Good for you. (claps politely) Who is your publisher?

Jolene: Cedar Fort. And I have an agent now too.

You can’t mention that you have an agent unless you’re willing to tell who he/she is. Are you going to?

Jolene: No. (zipping her lips)

It’s as I thought. What’s the name of your book?

Jolene: The Next Door Boys. It hit bookshelves last month.

I’m assuming that you mean figurative, and not literally. Tell us a little bit about it. Your book, I mean. Tell us a little about your book.

Jolene: The Next Door Boys is about a girl who goes to college after a year home with cancer. She's determined to be independent and to not fall in love. She's half successful.

(Whispers to my computer: Meaning of course that she never learned to become independent.) Poor girl. Some days I don’t feel like being independent either, but that’s a different kind of story altogether. What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Jolene: I’m not much of an ice cream lover.

Sacrilege!!!! Who doesn’t love ice cream?

Jolene: I do love Moose Tracks.

Is that even a flavor of ice cream? It sounds like something you’d find along the trail in the Alaskan wilderness.

Jolene: (Jumps up and runs out the door) THANK YOU TINA!!! She shouts as she disappears down the hallway.

Jolene? Jolene! (Standing up) I still have a few questions.

You can visit Jolene Perry on her blog: www.jolenesbeenwriting.blogspot.com

IN MEMORY OF:

2011-12-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

My aunt recently passed away. Her funeral is tomorrow. She was my mother's last living sister. In my aunts final days, her family said that she often talked with her sisters. They wanted her, I think, to come and join them. She wanted to stay as long as possible with her family. I love you Aunt Leona. Here is a poem that I wrote when my mother passed away.

Life’s Passage

The passage of time it seems

Runs quickly like a day.

Eternity has just begun

When this life ebbs away.

Those we love are missed as

Their journey bids them on.

While others come to greet them

With a new eternal dawn.

Our sorrow turns to joy with

A shining gospel ray.

This knowledge gives us hope

And our grief soon fades away.

Thoughts of ever-after are like

Wings upon the soul.

Then, gratefully we turn to God,

He’s our eternal goal.

COLD RIVER, a book review

2011-12-28T06:00:00.008-07:00

Cold River, by award winning author Liz Adair caught my interest from the first paragraph. Along with an expertly woven tale about love, loss, moving on, and hanging in there when things seem impossible, is a story that is both suspenseful and charming.

Mandy Steenburg, hoping to recover from a bad relationship, banishes herself from her comfortable job in New Mexico to a small Washington town as the school district’s new superintendant. Things start off badly when she arrives late and then realizes that none of the staff wants her there.

Although the town is small and her coworkers hostile, Mandy attracts the areas eligible bachelors like flies to honey—or rather like hillbillies to moonshine.

Vince greets her with large bouquets of daffodils, and a private dinner at his new local winery.

Rael, an accomplished musician and the father of two teens, seems to fit easily into her life.

Grange Timberlain is her first and greatest adversary—Mandy took his job—and he has a chip on his shoulder.

Bouquets of yellow daffodils aren’t enough to ward off the sting of rejection, the ache for family and familiarity, and a desire to runaway home. But just as she thinks she might give up the lease a cute little A-frame she rented and move back to New Mexico, her teen-aged half sister Leesie shows up on her doorstep and announces that she will stay the school year.

It’s nice to have someone to confide in and things begin looking up with her friendly and optimistic sister there. While Many tries to take charge of a school district where no one includes her in the district’s daily business, she learns to take the high school kids’ teasing and practical jokes in stride—including their setting a box of stinkbugs on her doorstep, decorating her car like a huge stinkbug, and knowing that they call her Doctor Stinkbug behind her back.

All kidding aside, it seems that someone wants her out of town and will go to great lengths to scare her away. When Mandy gets a bout of food poisoning, she shrugs it off. When a fire starts at her home, it could be an accident due to faulty wiring. She’s lucky she got out safely. When something happens to her car and it careens off of the road, it seems like one too many coincidences and Mandy finally calls in the local authorities.

Just as the puzzle pieces start fitting together, Mandy finds herself knocked out, and kidnapped. When she escapes and discovers who she thinks is the person operating an illegal still in the area, Mandy runs for her life, and realizes a little too late that she trusted the wrong person.

To purchase your own copy of this book, go to: http://www.amazon.com/Cold-River-Liz-Adair/dp/1599928035/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322625922&sr=8-1

To get to know the author better, follow her on her author's blog: http://sezlizadair.blogspot.com/

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.004-07:00

And the writers were nestled all snug in their beds while dreams of adventure and romance danced in their heads ...

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, that they sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.

Away to the window they flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

What to their wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver that looked like St. Nick, they rushed to their bedstands to write it down quick.

More rapid than eagles their pens heralded his fame. They whistled, and shouted, and called out his name.

They scooped up their manuscripts, took one last call, jumped to the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

To the editor! The publisher! Let's dash away all!

Merry Christmas everyone!

THE GIFT THAT IS REAL

2011-12-16T07:33:00.001-07:00

One of my fondest Christmas memories take me back to chilly nights with my father driving my brother and me around town to look at the lights. Our town had a yearly contest, and some of the houses were adorned with so many lights it took my breath away and lit up my eyes with wonder.

One year we had a snowy jaunt through the forest while searching for the perfect Christmas tree. It took a while because we each had a distinctly different idea on what the best tree should look like, but we finally agreed on one. The tree, so beautiful and just the right size in the forest, was too tall for our small home and needed far too much trimming. It never stood straight underneath our eight-foot ceiling after that, but leaned just a little to the left.

I remember decorating our tree each year with the same colored lights and our traditional ornaments, and hanging long strings of silver tinsel until it shone like a disco ball. When we were done, I’d sneak behind it and play with my Barbies—but I remember so few of the gifts that Santa brought on Christmas morning.

In our home, there was always hot chocolate to warm our insides, homemade cookies to satisfy our sweet tooth, and carols to bring the Christmas spirit. These are the things I remember with fondness. While it’s true that I don’t remember many of my gifts, I shamefully remember the childish yearning for gifts that I never obtained—things so important to a girl’s happiness for only a moment, and then forgotten.

Now that I’m a parent, I understand. Sometimes the object my child wants more than anything else isn’t something that will hold his interest. Even still, I can’t stand to see the longing in his eyes, and I give in to his pleading. Then true to my intuition, a month after Christmas morning the toy is stuffed to the back of the closet and seldom looked at again.

In our world of commercialism, the television often dictates what we, or our children want—the newest, the brightest, and the most technologically advanced. Wouldn’t it be great if the gifts we asked for at Christmastime were really the things we needed? Today I realize that the gifts I received as a child are not remembered because they weren’t needed. They were unimportant to the spirit of Christmas and unimportant to my life.

Each year, Santa is there wearing his red suit and drawing children to him with his bags of peppermint candy. He’s known around the world and instantly recognized by his full, white beard. Why, he’s the man who makes Christmas fun. Naughty or nice, he brings children gifts, and his smiling, friendly eyes reassure them as they stand in long lines while waiting to sit on his lap—but he isn’t real.

However, there is someone else robed in red whose gifts we recognize at Christmas. He is also bearded with friendly eyes—and yes, he is real. His garments, crimson from the blood of the Atonement, brought us the gift of eternal life. Naughty or nice, he came bearing gifts for us all.

On the cold nights of my despair when all seems hopeless, the gift of prayer warms my troubled soul. His unconditional love takes my breath away and fills me with wonder.

When I am tempted to be petty and unforgiving, I need never lean to the left or right, but only to follow his example which helps me stand straight and walk the narrow path.

His holy word lights my mind and teaches me the way. It is through the scriptures that I am taught things that I wouldn’t otherwise know. A favorite hymn brings his spirit during times of hardship and reminds me that he is always near.

When my childish soul fills with yearning, the gifts that are the Savior’s to give are mine for the asking. I need not be wealthy or famous to enjoy, for his gospel is obtainable to even the lowliest of heart. His offering is momentous and remembered throughout all eternity.

“Come unto me.” The Savior pleads for us to follow. With his arms outstretched, he’s desirous that we partake of his bread and his water. He brings us his gospel, his spirit, his sacrifice. They are free to all who want them because he has already paid the price; and the Savior’s gifts, once accepted, bring a lifetime of happiness.

May we each remember the reason for the season as we celebrate it.
Merry Christmas!!!

DINNER AND A MOVIE

2011-12-09T05:30:00.002-07:00

I hope this gets everyone in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy.

In Mesa AZ, there was a landmark Mexican Restaurant where my husband always loved the chiles rellenos. Most places (apparently) seve them with only cheese inside, and Matta's filled them with ground beef. This recipe, although much simpler, is reminscent of Matta's famous dish, and is appreciated especially in the cool winter months.

CHILES RELLENOS BAKE

16 oz of canned whole chilies
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 C grated cheddar cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 C all-purpose flour
1 1/2 C milk
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Tabsco or other hot sauce (use this to taste)
1 C yellow, or Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 13 X 9-inch glass dish.Remove seeds from chilies. Lay half of the chilies flat on the bottom of the dish. In a skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic until meat is well browned. Drain grease. Spoon meat mixture over chilies in casserole dish. Add Cheddar Cheese in an even layer. Place remaining Chilies evenly over cheese. Whisk together eggs, floiiur, milk, salt and Tabasco. Pour mixture over the second layer of chilies. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Remove cover, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serves 8.

THE STAR PROPHECY, by Joan Sowards

2011-12-02T06:00:00.003-07:00

Christmastime is upon us, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by reading a fun book. The Star Prophecy was written by a friend of mine, Joan Sowards. It's a tale about a young Nephite’s quest to find the newborn Savior. However, it’s more than a Christmas story. This is a book that can be read, reread and enjoyed any time of the year. For those readers unfamiliar with the term, Nephite, don't worry, just know that it's a description of a group of people who lived on the American continent in ancient times.

Joan tells the account of Enoch and his friends as though intimately familiar with the era, and weaves her tale through both the Book of Mormon and the New Testament’s scriptural accounts of Christ’s birth in such a way that, as a reader, I was convinced it could have happened just as she told it.

Even though they have largely turned wicked, the Nephites have grown up with the prophecies regarding the Savior’s birth. Young Enoch has always dreamed of returning to Jerusalem to see the baby Jesus in person and he begins his preparations as a poor orphan boy of fifteen. The odds against his leaving the land of Zarahemla, paying for a ship large enough to cross the ocean, and actually making the trek alive, are overwhelming. Enoch has never even sailed a ship.

After four years, Enoch receives word that the ship he commissioned to be built is finished. The shipbuilder Omnihah was trained by Hagoth of old who, it’s recorded in the Book of Mormon, built large ships and took several expeditions across the sea.

Enoch knows that according to Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy, only one year remains before the Savior’s birth, and he prepares for his voyage. Enoch’s mission to find the Savior is not without sacrifice. He leaves the drunkard uncle who raised him, hoping the man will be safe while he’s gone. He leaves the woman he loves, hoping she’ll wait for him, and he sets sail with only a few friends and his faith that the Lord will guide them to Jerusalem and safely back.

Once he and his comrades set sail, Enoch’s little brother nearly drowns while trying to swim to the ship so that he can go with them. Then, they discover a young man accused of murder has stowed away in order to avoid prosecution.

The Star Prophecy is full of interesting details that bring this story to life, such as customs of the time, the foods they ate, and their experiences aboard the ship. As the travelers come to various islands and then to the land of Jerusalem, they and the people are described in such a way that I felt as though I was standing in the distance and watching the story unfold. Enoch’s quest became my quest and I felt his confusion and disappointment when they arrived in Jerusalem only to discover that no one there knew of Christ’s birth.

Through perseverance and talking to those who are lowly of heart, they discover that the Savior has indeed been born, and is in Bethlehem. They wonder, as does their shepherd-guide, why baby Jesus was allowed to be born in such humble circumstances and not a kingly palace, and they are filled with awe and reverence when Mary allows them to hold her Holy child.

As I read this story, I found many parallels between Enoch’s life and the lives we live today. It reaffirmed to me that people, no matter when they’re born, all have similar fears and feelings as we do—that living in a wicked world is perilous no matter the era, and that the opportunity for hazard when we trust the wrong people is an ageless dilemma.

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards is written as an adventure by a young man who just happens to have lived anciently. It isn’t preachy or doctrinal, yet I found that reading it was a profound experience. I highly recomend it as a gift for Christmas, birthdays, or for any occasion where you'd like to say, "I love you" with a good book.

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

2011-11-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

In this economy it is easy to become downtrodden, discouraged, and think that perhaps the Lord has forgotten us.

Life is hard. Sometimes it tests me to my very limit. But I’ve noticed something lately. Everyone struggles with something.

At my work alone, there are two examples. One woman, after her husband was in an accident that left him with brain damage, is the sole provider for her family. Another woman has a similar problem—her husband has developed some type of neurological problem that has left him unable to use his muscles correctly, and he isn't able to work. Her job, that used to be for personal spending money, is now their main support. One woman at my church is struggling while her husband is slowly dying of cancer.

These women are good examples to me. They face each day with courage and a good attitude about life. Whether we like it or not, life was meant to be hard. We were meant to be tested.

In truth, it is easier to develop a bad attitude, become cynical, and to forget the things in our lives that are going well. Developing a grateful heart is much harder. It takes daily—hourly, focusing on the good things in life, and remembering the blessings that we do have.

Husband under employed?—at least he has a job.

Husband doesn’t have a job?—now he can spend more time in the scriptures developing a relationship with Deity, and he can strengthen his relationships at home, develop talents, go to college … sitting at home being bored is a copout.

Health issues in your family?—at least you have a family to love.

Wayward teens driving you nuts?—some families aren’t able to have children.

For any trial, we can if we try, flip it over and turn it into a blessing.

My challenge for the day is to mentally locate the thing that is bringing you the most discouragement, and to flip it over. Turn your trial into a feeling of gratitude and have a happy day.

Happy people live longer so this holiday season remember to have an attitude of gratitude.

FREE BOOK GIVE AWAY!

2011-11-21T07:00:00.003-07:00

Today I’m announcing the winner of a free historical novel, THE ASSASSINATION OF GOVERNOR BOGGS, by Rod Miller.

Thank you to those who participated.

AND THE WINNER IS ….

Joyce DiPastena!!!

I’ll be contacting her by email, and then mail her the novel.

**I thought this was fun, so check back in because I’d like to give another book away in a couple of weeks**

WIN A FREE BOOK!

2011-11-18T06:30:00.006-07:00

For all the historical fiction readers out there, I’m offering a copy of Rod Miller’s novel, The Assassination of Governor Boggs. All you have to do is be/become a follower on my blog, and leave a message explaining why you'd like this book. Don't forget to include your email address so that I can contact you if you win. It's as easy as 1-2-3. Follow my blog. Leave a message saying you'd like to win. Leave your email address. I'll announce the winner on Monday.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

After an attempted assassination, Governor Lilburn Boggs couldn’t prove who’d taken a shot at him, leaving the identity of his assailant a mystery. Twenty-five years later and after the passing of Gov. Boggs, Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open this cold case and find out the truth about the assassin. From Missouri to California and into the heart of the Utah Territory, Detective Pogue relentlessly seeks clues that lead him to the legendary Mormon gunman Porter Rockwell—who still isn’t making things easy for anyone!

Join Detective Pogue as he steps into this hair-raising mystery and tracks down Gov. Boggs’s enemies and friends to a finale you won’t believe.

If you would like a copy of this historical novel, and don't end up winning it, click this link to purchase a copy: http://www.amazon.com/Assassination-Governor-Boggs-Rod-Miller/dp/1599558637/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321563228&sr=8-1

TIME OUT FOR WRITERS

2011-11-11T05:30:00.008-07:00

Some of you may wonder why an artist is presenting at a writers conference--so today I am interviewing author and artist, Deirdra Eden Coppel, who will teach a class at the ANWA writer’s conference coming up in February 2012.

The temptation is to do an Author Inquisition, but I have to be serious once in a while, and the conference is 1st rate. I wouldn't want to give the wrong impression by attaching thumb screws to one of the presenters, now would I? No. Definately not.

Tell me, Deirdra, how long have you been an artist?

Deirdra: I’ve been an artist my whole life. I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t creating something. Granted, I’ve improved over the years as I’ve taken lessons and practiced.

I like to paint just about anything and try out new subjects and styles as well. If I’m painting for a pure creative release, I tend to draw thing that are earthy, mystical, or ethereal in nature. I have a soft spot for drawing eyes, galaxies, and trees.

What is your experience, or particular qualifications for teaching at the conference?

Deirdra: I taught private art lessons for a while, so I’m familiar with just about every art medium out there. I’ve also won a prestigious art award, though to tell you the truth, I think a lot of it was luck because when I looked at the work of the hundreds of other art contestants, they were all superb and any one of them could have won the award.

I started branching out into graphic design in 2001 when I worked for a small publishing house. It was actually out of their desperation that I was asked to format a cover. I was able to learn the complex software in a short time. They liked the cover so much, I had a new job. Word spread quickly and soon I had theaters, authors, and other businesses asking me to give estimates on their projects.
Because of my ability to use diverse mediums and styles, along with keeping my prices competitive, I have created a successful home-based business in this field.

I love working with authors. They are the only ones who cry like a first time mom when you place their new book cover in their arms. And then I start to cry too.

There is a lot of drama when working with an author directly. A lot of times it really is like working with a first time mom in the maternity ward, except women are usually educated about the birth process before they go into labor. LOL.

When an author has their book written and edited and they are ready for a cover or illustrations many of them don’t know what to do. They are nervous about the process, they don’t know what’s involved, how much they should pay for the work, etc.

With publishing becoming more and more independent many authors will have the pleasure of working with an illustrator or graphic designer.

You've done a lot of interesting things. What will you teach at the ANWA conference?

Deirdra: At the ANWA Conference I will speak about the author/artist relationship, what you can expect during this creation process, common mistakes authors and designers make, how to get the best book cover/illustrations for the right price, and about a whole lot of surprises that come up that authors don’t usually think about.

As an author, former publishing art director, illustrator, and graphic designer I will be tailoring this class to a wide audience of authors, publishers, and artists, so you will learn about this important key marketing element from many different angels.

Thanks, Deirdra! I can’t wait.
To register for the conference, click on the Time Out For Writers button on my blog. To learn more about Deirdra and her work, visit either her website or her blog:

www.Knightess.com http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

2011-11-08T06:00:00.004-07:00

Author Joyce DiPastena of JDP News awarded totallytina the lovely blog award. Thanks for thinking of me Joyce!

In order to accept this award, I have to share seven random facts about me. Here they are in no particular order:

[1] I have 7 children and 7 grandchildren.

[2] My favorite TV show is Castle (about an author).

[3] I’ve moved 15 times in the last 35 years.

[4] I strongly dislike moving. Please don’t make me move again!

[5] I really like having a productive garden, but I don’t really like working in the garden. A poor mix, unfortunately.

[6] Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday—there are no gift expectations and there’s lots of food.

[7] My day job is as a one-on-one aide for an autistic kindergartener.

Below is a list of fifteen other lovely blogs. I hope you'll take the time to visit each of them.

1Liz Sez (Liz Adair)

2OF WRITERLY THINGS (Valerie Ipson)

3Notes From the Writing Chair

4Sweet Love (Betsy Love)

5Day Dreamer

6Rebecca Talley

7Why I Get Up

8Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

9Zany G. (Joyce Smith)

10Black Ink

11Krista Darrach

12Lemon Inkwell

14Bonnie Gets a Say

15 Theresa Sneed

DINNER AND A MOVIE

2011-11-04T05:30:00.003-07:00

What can be better than some good-ol Mormon comedy? Put your work away and enjoy the moment. If you like this bit, it's part of a DVD called Latter-day Night Live.

Now on to Dinner. This is a nice fall stew made in a pumpkin. It's got some crazy ingredients, but it's good.
CARBONADA CRIOLLA
1 large pumpkin
melted butter
sugar
2 lg. onions, chopped
4 lg. garlic cloves, minced
olive oil
3 lb. chuck steak, cubed
1 lb. tomatoes, peeled and chopped (canned tomatoes work equally well)
1 TBSP tomato paste
3 1/2 pints beef stock
Boquet garni
1 heaping tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper
2 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 lb white potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 lb raw pumpkin, cut in chunks
2 cans sweet corn (frozen works)
12 canned yellow peach halves, sliced
syrup from canned peaches.

Prepare pumpkin by cutting a lid from the top. Scoop out the inside of pumpkin. Discard the fibers and seeds, and scoop away some of the solid flesh, leaving a sturdy wall of pumpkin, being careful not to pierce it.

Measure out 2 pounds of pumpkin flesh for the stew. Brush the inside with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Replace the lid and set the pumpkin on a baking sheet.

In a large saucepan, cook the onion, garlic, and beef, in a little oil until soft but not browned. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, half the stock, the poquet garni, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until meat is almost cooked (about 1 hour.)

Put the pumpkin shell in the oven at 375 and cook for 30 minutes or longer. Be careful not to collapse the walls.

Add the sweet potato, potato and pumpkin to the saucepan and cover with more stock. Return to a boil and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender, the potatoes are cooked, and the liquid is thickened.

Stir in the corn and peaches and simmer for another 15 minutes. Taste, correcting the seasoning and adding a little of the peach syrup. Remove the bouquet garni and discard. Ladle the stew into the pumpkin an dput back into the oven for 10 - 15 minutes and serve. Serves 6 - 8.

OR: cook all ingredients in a crock pot or dutch oven as directed above, using pumpkin chunks, and omit using the pumpkin shell as a serving pot.

SHOW OR TELL?

2011-10-28T05:40:00.001-07:00

Any writer has probably heard, “show, don’t tell,” a million times. But what, exactly, does it mean? Should we always show, and never tell? The old adage, “too much of a good thing,” can fit easily into the answer.

A little telling once in a while is good, especially when trying to get quickly from one place to another. In a similar fashion walking is good. It’s really great exercise, and the best way to get from room to room in our house. We’d never think of taking the car to get from our bedroom to the kitchen. However, when we need to get to work or to just about any other place, the car is necessary.

Is that totally confusing?

To make it less confusing, I’ll share my pet peeve in telling—“and they kissed. Passionately.” What a let down! Scenes like this need a little more showing. But then, in other instances in our characters’ lives, all we need is a little word or two, especially if it has nothing to do with the plot of the story. For instance, the shower scene in Psycho. It serves a very real purpose in that movie, but if we put our character in the shower and spend a whole scene on it, there had better be a good and compelling reason. If there’s not, but you still want everyone to know that your character showers, then, “he/she showered and dressed,” is perfectly and wonderfully acceptable.

Here are two tips from the book, Self-editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King:

1. Flip through your manuscript without even reading it—just notice the white space. How much of it is there? Do you have any super long paragraphs?

2. If one of your scenes seem to drag, try making the paragraphs shorter.

Of course the perfect blend of show/tell is something you’ll just have to get a feel for with practice. In my novel, Farewell, My Denmark, I had a scene where the MC had wandered away from her parents and other immigrants. The ship’s whistle blew, and she ran back. That’s about as much thought as I gave it in the first draft. But then, after many edits, I stretched the scene out to this:

“How long had I been gone? How could I be so foolish? My parents were probably stricken with grief over my absence. Panic seized my breast. I ran toward our harbor hoping I was not too late to join them.

Unable to get there fast enough while wearing my wooden clogs, I pulled them off knowing I’d have to repair my stockings later, and grabbed them and my skirts up to hasten my arrival.

The horn blasted again. I’d gone too far. I would never make it in time. My lungs burned and my legs threatened to give way, but I ran all the harder. It seemed like an eternity. Had I really passed all these shops or was I lost? I kept running. This had to be the way.

I spotted the Saints ahead and a tear fell from my eye. I wiped it off with the back of my hand and nearly tripped, but I didn’t stop running until I came upon the edge of the crowd. The group was visibly smaller. Here I stopped and bent to catch my breath—it came in large pants and gulps. Sweat dropped from my forehead. My vision blurred, darkening temporarily, and my knees ached.”

I know some folks don’t care for questions in novels, but I ask myself questions all the time, so I feel that they add a touch of realism to novels.

As you can see, my paragraphs are fairly short, and this scene is more interesting than merely saying she ran back to the ship. It adds a little character to my character.

Do you have any tips on show/tell that you'd like to share?

THE AUTHOR INQUISITION

2011-10-21T05:30:00.047-07:00

Welcome to the Author Inquisition. This is when I get to interview authors and kinda pick their author-brains for all the good stuff. Author Margaret Turley is in the hot seat today. Hello Margaret. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable.

Margaret: Hello Tina

So, what good stuff do you have for us? (Drums fingers on table.) How about writing advice—do you have advice for all of us aspiring authors out there?

Margaret: Write Everyday

Well Margaret, I can see that you’re a woman of few words. You must save them for your novels eh? What, then, is your favorite activity when you’re not writing?

Margaret: Reading

I like reading too. I take books to work and read during my lunch break. Of course I’m also eating at the same time.

If you write every day—do the words always flow smoothly? Or, are you like me and occasionally get stumped?

Margaret: When I’m experiencing writer’s block, I do something called, Four Sentence Exercises. It helps me every time.

Wow, that sounds interesting. You should share your tips on that sometime. How about snacks? Do you snack when you write?

Margaret: I snack on anything I don't have to cook.

Pepperoni?

Margaret: No.

Cumquats?

Margaret: No.

How about green eggs and ham?

Margaret: You have to cook the eggs.

Oh, that’s right. So, Cheetos, granola, chips and things like that?

Margaret: What I really like is fruit with granola, or sliced apples or celery sticks with peanut butter. Instead of soda, I drink about a gallon of water a day.

I like to drink water too, but I don’t get near a gallon a day. How many books do you have published?

Margaret: Four

Do you have any others coming out soon?

Margaret: I have two different manuscripts being evaluated by agents, and a revision of my novel, Save the Child, will be out with new cover the beginning of 2012.

That is so exciting! Can you please share a short blurb about them?

Margaret: The first one is called, Legend of Circle Stone. It’s a Middle-Grade Fantasy set in the Superstition Mountains. The second manuscript is, The Light, and it’s a compilation of several short stories based on New Testament Scripture. Then in February I'll be pitching a middle-grade historical fiction series based on the Book of Mormon at the ANWA conference. First in the series is about the Stripling Warriors.

Historical fiction and fantasy are my two favorite genres—along with romance. Blend a little romance with the historical or the fantasy, and I’m in heaven—literarily-speaking, of course.
I just had an idea … you don’t need to cook ice cream. Do you like ice cream?

Margaret: My all-time favorite is vanilla with toppings!

Mmmmm! My favorite vanilla with toppings is Dairy Queen’s waffle bowl with strawberries drizzled with chocolate-shell sauce and topped with whipped cream … (eyes closing, picturing that yummy waffle bowl and dreaming of the last time I ate one.)

Margaret: Tina? Tina! Are you still there???

Oh, right. Back to the inquisition. Do you have a favorite writer’s memory?

Margaret: I love having someone tell me that what I wrote made a difference to them.

Yes, that is especially nice. I see you online a lot. Do you have a favorite way to get the word out about your books?

Margaret: I like to use social media. This includes blogs, twitter, Facebook, Linked-In and others.

When I was a kid, I used to watch that cartoon, Twitter and Sylvesty. It was about a canary and a cat, and as I remember, it was pretty funny.
Margaret: You mean Tweety and Sylvester.

Oh, yeah, that’s right. Well, Margaret, it’s been nice talking to you, but I have a DQ strawberry waffle bowl calling my name.

Margaret: Thanks for having me. I think an ice cream sounds good right about now. I think I’ll have one too.

Before we head out the door to DQ, can you please give us your blogs and other ways to get a hold of you?
Margaret: Sure thing. I'm involved in several things as you can tell.

http://margaretlarsen.com/blog - author interviews, book reviews and articles on writing and writing events.

http://margaretturley.com/blog - cancer, alternative healthcare, children's welfare and health, and occasional book reviews on related topics.

I have two twitter accounts: @WritersCanFight and @MargaretLarsenT

Personal Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1214321721

WritersUnitetoFightCancer Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Writers-Unite-to-Fight-Cancer/108878272532346

Linked-In: personal http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Linked-In: Writers Unite to Fight Cancer Group http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Writers-Unite-Fight-Cancer-3102952?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

WRITERS CONFERENCE

2011-10-14T04:40:00.004-07:00

is the theme of the February 2012 ANWA-sponsored writer’s conference. With me today is one of the presenters scheduled for the event; multi-published author (and one of my personal favorite’s) Joyce DiPastena.

Hello, Joyce. Thanks for coming on my blog. I’m so excited! I’ve read Loyalty’s Web probably five times, and Illuminations of the Heart nearly that many. If any of my readers aren’t familiar with Joyce’s books, let me just mention that they are full of adventure, danger, and romance. If you like Robin Hood or King Arthur, you will love Joyce’s books.

Joyce: Wow! Thank you, Tina, and thanks for inviting me on your blog.

I understand that you have another book coming out?

Joyce: Yes. It’s called Dangerous Favor, and I should have copies to sell at the conference.

So, give us the elevator pitch.

Joyce: Mathilde de Riavelle has one chance to find and marry a man with the wealth and connections to help her prove her father innocent of an accusation of theft. Etienne de Brielle, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but he is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. Alas, when he tricks her into granting him her favor, a sleek white ribbon, for a tournament, she becomes convinced that he is only out to seduce her. Can Etienne convince Mathilde that he is the true hero of her dreams in time to save her from a nightmare from her past?

Ooo, I’ll be one of the first ones standing in line. Let’s talk now about your class at the writer’s conference. What is the name of your class?

Joyce: It’s called, Breathing Life Into Historical Research.

I don’t write medieval stories. Will this class work for me?

Joyce: Yes. Knowing how to research, and how much of it to put in your novel can be useful in any genre. Whether you are working on a historical romance, mystery, YA, grade fiction, or straight adult historical fiction, my class on Breathing Life into Historical Research will help you do just that. Here’s a little blurb to describe what we’re going to do.

“Just the facts, ma’am”, may work for Dragnet, but not for your historical novel. No matter how fascinating those facts may be to you, the author, stopping your story cold to share them in loving detail with your reader is a sure fire formula for triggering reader skimming at best, page skipping at worst. How much detail is too much? And how can you persuade a reader to stick around to love those details with you?

This is not a class on how to do historical research, although we will touch upon that subject. Our goal will be how to take historical facts once you have discovered them and weave them into a story in such a way that they live and breathe for the reader. This will be a hands-on class, so bring pen and paper or laptop or your favorite mode of transcription at writers’ conferences. Class members will be given sets of facts from which to write an in-class scene with the techniques discussed. Already working on a historical novel? Bring your own set of research facts to practice with. Just want to listen and learn from others? Lurkers welcome, too!

This sounds great! I know I’ll be there. Thank you so much for coming.

Joyce: I’ll see you there, and thanks for letting me come.

If any of my cyber-friends want to improve their writing skills as well as mingle with agents, publishers, and authors like Joyce, Time Out For Writers will have something for both novices and seasoned authors. Follow the link below to learn more about the conference or to sign up. I hope to see you there!

http://anwa-lds.com/2012conference.html

MEMORIES TAKE ME HOME

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

Can you remember the sweet smell of cotton candy--does it take you back to the State Fair as a kid?
Smells are like that. We can be going along, doing fine, and then with one familiar smell, we're taking a trip down memory lane. Our other senses can do the same thing.

The sound of a train's whistle takes me back to my childhood. (I wanted to be a hobo as a kid.)

The taste of a good ice cream reminds me of my dad--he used to make ice cream regularly. He made fudge at Christmastime, and now that he's gone, these are precious memories for me.

So, how can we use our senses in our writing? Try to heighten our senses with exercize. (It's not as bad as it sounds.)

My husband loves to people-watch--airports, restaurants--anywhere there's people--and this is a good exercize. Close your eyes and listen. (See how easy this is?) Pay attention to what you hear. Open your eyes--what do you see? Pretend to be on one of those reality chef shows and eat something blindfolded. Savor it. Can you pick out several of the ingredients? The salty, the sweet, the textures? Pay attention to it all.

Write down your impressions; the things you see; the flavors you pick out of a recipe. The more often we exercize our senses, the better able we'll be able to access them when we're writing.

DINNER AND A MOVIE

2011-10-07T04:00:00.007-07:00

If you're having a bad day, this should cheer you up. Sit down for a moment and enjoy a good bit of comedy. It's rated G.

Now on to dinner. This is one of my favorites. Notice that the lasagna noodles are not pre-cooked. This concept also works with traditional lasanga. Just remember to add the boiling water.
Chicken Lasagna
1C. cottage cheese
3 oz. cream cheese, softened and cut up
1 (103/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1C. loose pack frozen cut broccoli
1/3 C. sliced celery
¼ C. milk
1 tsp minced dried onion
¼ tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp ground sage
6 lasagna noodles
1 C. cooked ground turkey
½ C. shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 C. boiling water

In mixing bowl, stir together cottage cheese and cream cheese; set aside. In another mixing bowl, combine soup, broccoli, celery, milk, dried onion, oregano, sage and cooked turkey; set aside. Spoon a small amount of soup mixture into the bottom of a greased 10x6x2-inch baking dish, then place in 2 uncooked lasagna noodles. Layer with half the cottage cheese mixture and 1/3 soup mix. Repeat layers of noodles, cottage cheese, and soup/turkey. Top with remaining noodles, and remaining soup/turkey mix. Sprinkle with cheese. Slowly pour boiling water into dish around entire inside edge. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350 for 60 – 65 minutes or until noodles are soft. Let stand, covered for 10 minutes. Serves 6.

**This can also be cooked in the microwave. Use microwave-safe plastic covering. Cook approximately 20 minutes--or until noodles are soft.

THE OUTER EDGE OF HEAVEN, A Love Story written by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

2011-10-03T04:00:00.002-07:00

Charlie Evans agrees to spend the summer in Montana with her best friend Fo at his uncle’s ranch in order to strategically avoid her parents and their insistence that she attend law school and marry a man they handpicked—divorce attorney Christopher Elroy. Who marries a divorce attorney?

THE OUTER EDGE OF HEAVEN, A Love Story written by Jaclyn M. Hawkes caught my attention from the very first paragraph. It’s full of fun, friendship, family drama, romance, and even a dash of suspense.

Under the big skies of Montana, Charlie finds a home with the Langston family. Working as their nanny, Charlie is able to do things with the younger Langston children that she always wished her mother would have done with her—plant and tend a garden, watch Charlotte’s Web etc. Even though she also teaches them to clean up after themselves and be respectful, the children adore her.

Not only does Charlie love the children, she develops a special relationship with Luke, the second oldest son. He loves her too, but that doesn’t mean they’ll end up together. Luke is used to sacrificing what he wants for what he feels is best for others. And he is sure that Charlie wants to go to Utah and attend law school. He is also sure that his asking her to stay is another form of manipulation and he knows that Charlie is tired of people (her parents) trying to manipulate her.

Charlie’s parents are always on the fight trying to get their daughter to do what they feel is best for her. All through the book, I wondered if Charlie would go to law school for her parents, or if she would finally be firm with them. (She’s a return missionary, and has a bachelor’s degree.)

It’s here in Montana where the locals seldom think to lock a door that Charlie is attacked and barely escapes with her virtue. The man is caught and sent to jail, but as is often the case, he makes bail the next day and is released. Charlie gets a restraining order, but her stalker doesn’t back off.

Hawkes portrays beautifully dysfunctional families—first with Charlie and her parents—and again with the Langstons. That’s one of the endearing qualities of this story. Although the characters are all members of the Mormon Church, their lives are far from perfect.

This is one story that I’d highly recommend if you want a fun and relaxing getaway.
Go here to get your copy: http://www.amazon.com/Outer-Edge-Heaven-Jaclyn-Hawkes/dp/0615517773/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316547646&sr=1-1

WRITERS CONFERENCE!!!!

2011-10-01T08:29:00.018-07:00

                       20th Annual ANWA
                       Writers Conference
                  February 23 - 25, 2012
                                                       www.ANWA-LDS.com


Registration opens October 1, for the 20th annual ANWA Writers Conference Time Out for Writers, February 23-25, 2012 at the Mesa Hilton Hotel. Space is limited -register early.

The first 20 people to register for the full conference AND book their Mesa, Hilton Hotel room will be eligible to have breakfast Saturday morning with an agent, editor or author on the faculty.

Also, Thursday night's workshops on Query Letters and Pitches or the Critique Camp are FREE if you register for the full conference AND book your Mesa, Hilton Hotel room. (Hotel discount available for Conference attendees.)

A variety of classes for beginning to advanced writers are available, including Writing Basics, Dialog, Characters , Plot, Family History, Romance, Fantasy, Non-Fiction, Adult, YA, and Middle Grade.

Faculty:
~ Anita Mumm of Nelson Literary Agency
~ Lisa Mangum of Deseret Book
~Joshua Perkey of the Ensign
~Linda Radke, President of Five Star Publications
~Million-book selling author, Janette Rallison
~Award winning authors, Donna Hatch and Joyce DiPastena.
~Well known children's author, Conrad Storad                                                                         ~ Sara Fujimura covers essays and magazine writing
~Journalist, Brent Whiting                                                                                                   ~Music Writer, Sandra Hendrickson
~ Illustrator/author Deirdra Coppel                                                                                         ~Copy Writing with Matt Peterson.
~More faculty members listed soon.
Pitch opportunities with editors and agents available.

FIRST TIME EVER, ANWA is hosting the BOB Writing Contest. BOB stands for "Beginning of Book", for all attendees. Rules: First 500 words, manuscripts must be non-published and not under contract at time of submission. "Clean" submissions only. Enter as many manuscripts as you wish. Winners announced at lunch on Saturday. All entrants receive comments and feedback from the judges. See details on registration page as of October 1st.

Another new opportunity this conference: The Meet & Greet Friday Evening with the editors, agents and authors will ALSO include bookstore owners and managers scheduling book events for their stores with authors who attend the conference.

Wait! Yet another new first: "Story Time" During Friday's lunch, attendees will have the unique opportunity to listen to authors read 10 minutes of their story. Authors will be newly published ANWA authors, faculty authors and other ANWA authors. Books will be signed then too.

Questions about the Conference, contact ANWA Event Co-Chairs, Cindy or Patti at                      anwa-events@anwa-lds.com
Hilton Hotel Discounts: 1-800-544-5866 CODE: ANWA or American Night Writers

                1011 W. Holmes Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210

To register beginning October 1, go to: http://anwa-lds.com/2012conference.html
Questions about ANWA go to:   http://anwa-lds.com

AUTHOR CHAT WITH ANNA DELC

2011-09-27T04:00:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, I occasionally interview authors on my blog. Today, I'm visiting with Anna delC, a multi-published author with a new book coming out soon.

Thank you so much for bringing me to visit your blog, Tina. It is always a pleasure to be with your friends.

I’m glad to have you. Please tell us about your new book.

It is called Emerine’s Nightmare and is for children. The protagonist is a boy that is persecuted by dark fairies. They have killed his parents and now it’s his turn.

What other characters are in this book?

Humans, fairy boys & girls and the son of the Sun God.

Why a fairy book?

It was a challenge I gave myself. I never read a book with fairies and wondered if I could write one. So I read one story on the internet and wrote Amerine - Fairy Princess. That is what this story was originally called.

Really how interesting. Why change the main character from a girl to a boy?

I changed my mind when I went to a class and we were told that there was a shortage of boys’ books on the market. That gave me the idea to turn her into a boy. It was a lot of work but it turned out well.

Who should read Emerine’s Nightmare?

Children from 6-years-old up. Especially boys…I double dare you!!!

Is it true you received an award for this book already?

Yes. When it was “Amerine - Fairy Princess” it won second place in a short story contest. Then when I changed it to a boy protagonist and it became “Fairy Prince” it won first place in a first page contest.

So, it started as a short story and developed into what you now have?

Yes, from Amerine Fairy - Princess (2500 words) to Emerine’s Nightmare (12615 words.)

How is Emerine’s Nightmare different from your other published books?

It has a boy protagonist and the theme is darker than I am accustomed to. This Halloween-y tale really breaks the mold.

Since we are on that topic of broken molds, do you plan to break any other molds?

Yes. There is a shortage of boys’ books especially between 4th – 7th graders and I want to try my hand at helping fill that void.

Do you have anything in mind?

I just finished the rough draft of the first of a new series for boys called “The Intergalactic PI.” Then it will come the title of that book “In the case of …”

Can you tell us more?

It is about an 11-year-old boy who is a genius and his parents don’t know it. He is so bored with the pretence of his normal life that he decides to have an alternate life. His genius helps him create an almost human robot and the two of them travel the galaxies investigating crime.

Sounds like fun! But what about your Elf series? Are you done with them?

No. My elf series is to close to my heart and, like I have said before, there are 7 books in that series. The next stand-alone book, the fifth in that series, is called “The Royal Elf of Abalon.”

When will we see it on the market?

It is in the editing process right now and will come out about April of next year.

How wonderful. Elfs books, fairy books and now intergalactic books--it seems like you have something for everyone’s taste.

I hope so. It is so fun to write that I can’t help it. And I do appreciate your time and that of your readers.

Well, Anna, it's time to let everyone know where they can find copies of your books, and thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for having me, Tina.

As for the books, here are the links:

Emerine’s book in Kindle (only $3.99):

http://ning.it/qRC9la

Barnes and Noble (only $3.99):

http://ning.it/rcD6p4

Ebook (only $2.00):

Http://www.annadelc.com

THE RESULTS ARE IN!!!

2011-09-25T04:00:00.006-07:00

With 54 comments and people joining my blog, I’m pleased to announce the winner of a $10 Target Gift card.
Before I announce the winner, I want to thank you all for participating. I’m so pleased with all of your support, and I wish I could give you all a gift card--alas, it isn't possible.

So, without further adieu ...

Drum roll please …da dum, da dum, da dum ... and the winner is ...

Wendy Hansen!

come on down and get your prize.

(Not really. I’ll email her privately and get her address.)

But really, thanks everyone for stopping by.

Best regards, Tina Scott

2011-09-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the September Blog Hop! Celebrate the beginning of fall with me and my blogger friends by hopping around, visiting our sites, and entering our contests! There are no limits - you can enter the contest on every blog. With over 40 blogs participating, that's over 40 prizes you could win. Just click on the links below to move on to the next blog. On my blog, you can win … A $10. Gift Card from TARGET

Would you like to win this prize? You just need to do two things.1. Become a follower of this blog.2. Leave me a comment in the trail and tell me why you'd like to win this prize. That's it! You are now entered. The contest ends on Saturday night, September 24th, at midnight MST, and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter. Please either leave your e-mail address in the comment trail or make sure it's visible through your profile so I can contact you to tell you that you're the lucky winner. Now go visit my other friends ... September Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author2. Joyce DiPastena3. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer4. Mandi Slack5. Michael D. Young6. Six Mixed Reviews7. Pam Williams8. Laurie Lewis9. Kristy Tate10. Marilyn Yarbrough11. Stacy Coles12. Kristie Ballard13. Lynn Parsons14. Pushing Past the Pounds15. Sheila Staley16. cindy Hogan

17. Jamie Thompson18. Jaclyn Weist19. Cathy Witbeck20. Secret Sisters Mysteries21. Tamera Westhoff22. Tina Scott23. Lynnea Mortensen24. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan25. Jeanette A. Fratto26. Bonnie Harris27. Melissa Lemon28. Mary Ann Dennis29. Stephanie Black30. Jane Still31. Janice 32. Laura Bastian

33. Tamara Bordon34. Betsy Love35. Maria Hoagland36. Amber Robertson37. Debbie Davis38. 39. Christy Monson40. Carolyn Frank41. Rebecca Birkin42. Melissa Cunningham43. Emily L. Moir44. Ronda Hinrichsen45. Lisa Asanuma46. Joan Sowards47. Jordan McCollum48. Diane Stringam Tolley

Learn more about September Blog Hop here.Get The Code

ADVICE FOR AUTHORS

2011-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

How do writers get their ideas?
Mine come in various ways--but usually they're presented to me when I'm in certain situations--meaning the basic idea jumps into my head and then it's up to me to flesh out the idea and turn it into a full story. Here is what another author has to say:

Joel Strangis, author of Grandfather's Rock, as quoted in Story Sparkers (by Debbie Dadey & Marcia Thornton Jones).

"The ideas are in you--they are around you--but you have to listen. Sit down, turn off the television, turn off the radio, turn off the CD player. Now listen--who did you meet today? Yesterday? What did you do? Start writing. Ideas will come--if you will listen.

When I sit down at my computer, the first thing I do is play a game for five to ten minutes (no more) to separate my writing from the rest of my day. This helps me concentrate and open me up for ideas."

It sounds like great advice. I know that personally, I can't write with music on or any of the above distractions.
Happy writing!

THE KISS OF A STRANGER, by Sarah M. Eden

2011-09-12T05:36:00.001-07:00

Sarah M. Eden’s books are as clever and quirky as she is herself, and The Kiss of a Stranger does not disappoint.

After Crispin inherits his family money and gains his father’s old and prestigious title of Lord Cavratt, the young women of society begin chasing him mercilessly. One in particular, a Miss Cynthia Bower, under the encouragement of her mother, tests Crispin beyond his limits of gentlemanly behavior.

She had practically thrown herself under his horse on a number of occasions, lost control of her own horse, and managed to be at every social event he attended. Yet, her practiced coyness and blushes did nothing but annoy. These kinds of “man hunts” did nothing for Crispin over the years except make him cynical and wary of female attentions—they were all false.

The Kiss of a Stranger starts with one such “accidental” meeting between Miss Bower and Lord Cavratt. She manages to find and pursue him to an out of the way country inn. Her insistence that they’ve been seen together in society often enough that people are talking about them, and that he needs to declare himself, makes his blood boil—but when she insinuates that the only reason he hasn’t yet kissed her is due to a lack in ability—well, that sends him over the edge of reason.

Rather than kiss Miss Bower as she clearly wants, Crispin looks around the gardens for another woman to display his “talents” on. Seeing a poorly dressed young woman standing nearby, and assuming she is a servant girl, he marches over to her and kisses her fervently.

He is not some innocent young pup, and is surprised at how the kiss affects him. Nonetheless, girl’s abusive uncle sees this one kiss and insists that Crispin marry his niece, Catherine, instantly.

While Crispin and Catherine try to show society that they are indeed happily married, they fall deeper and deeper in love, but neither believes that the other feels the same. Unfortunately, the gossiping socialites don’t believe it for a minute either, and young damsels and their mothers continue to come calling on Crispin, while under their breath they insult Catherine and reinforce her insecurities.

Although it will ruin her socially, Catherine refuses to stay married to a man who doesn’t love her. She knows that eventually Crispin will become angry and bitter, like her uncle.

Crispin gave up on the idea of true love years ago, after being thrust into society’s insincere and money-grubbing hands, and thus he doesn’t understand these feelings he has for her.

As Crispin and Catherine both try to figure out their marriage before an annulment makes the idea too late, her uncle learns that he gets a greater inheritance if Catherine is not married, and starts trying to force her to come back home with him.

I won’t give away the ending, but the whole book is fun and exciting, and worth every minute.

FROM REJECTION TO REJUVINATION

2011-09-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

I’m not going to lie, when my last book was rejected—again, I kind of lost my fire. No one wants to publish my novels? Why, oh why, then, am I writing them? It takes tons of time to write a novel. It takes thinking of the idea—writing the rough draft of your idea—being as honest as you can with yourself while critiquing your rough draft.

It takes getting up the nerve to let someone else read your novel that, by this time, you think is pure literary genius. Then, when you get their critique back, you discover that your manuscript is NOT literary genius. So, you get out your computer and make more and more changes.

By then, you’ve gone with your inspiration, you’ve taken advice, you’ve checked and re-checked your grammar, you’ve read several books on how to write books and tried your best to make sure that your novel has structure, a definite beginning, a middle, and a super-exciting climactic ending—and that each chapter starts and ends in an interesting way. Then, thinking that this time you really do have it, by Jove, you hunt down another critiquer or two.

I’ve been in this editing cycle for seven years now (on this particular novel), so you can see why the air in my author-balloon kinda fizzled out.

After a month or so of pouting, I just cannot let it go. I AM AN AUTHOR. I AM AN AUTHOR. I AM AN AUTHOR. This is how I know—even though I have not found a traditional publisher, I still want to write. I still need to finish my stories. What if I died tomorrow and all I left behind was five unfinished stories? The thought sickens me.

And so I write.

One of my cyber-buddies, Christine Bryant has inadvertently helped me in this process as she is going through her own journey. She has decided to go “Indie”. I’d never heard the term before, but I like it. I will try one more time (with this particular novel) to find a traditional publisher, after that, I’m going Indie—or independent. Yeah, baby!!!

ALL THAT WAS PROMISED, by Vickie Hall

2011-08-19T05:30:00.002-07:00

All That Was Promised, by Vickie Hall, is set in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales during 1847 when a Mormon missionary is first noticed by Reverend Richard Kenyon. After a rock hits Ben Lachlan on the head, Richard takes him home and listens raptly to Ben’s message of the restored gospel. Questions he’d always had, yet dared not voice, are answered, and Richard wants to be baptized right away.

Richard’s wife, Leah, watches with horror as her husband embraces this strange religion and renounces his ministry. He’s always been a minister, a man of God; this was how he supported them. But, when Leah’s sister, Clair, and her husband, Samuel, hear of Richard’s interest in the new religion, they trust Richard’s judgment and also investigate. Leah doesn’t know how things will ever be right again, until she reluctantly takes her troubles to the Lord.

When Richard is called as the new Branch President, he and Leah are given many promises in return for their sacrifices and dedication—the main one that Leah is interested in is the promise of family. She’s lost several babies and the couple long for a family of their own.

All That Was Promised is a tale of conversions, miracles, and the persecutions that seemed to follow the early Saints. It shows with great clarity the blessings that can be ours if we follow the Lord—as well as what can happen when we listen to the wrong voice.

Robert Kenyon (Richard’s brother), married Abigail for wealth and connections. She does set him with the right people; but at what cost? They quit attending Richard’s congregation and connect themselves with the affluent minister on the other side of town. Abigail responds to Robert’s lack of love by taking her frustrations out on their daughter, Amelia.

With each passing day, Robert hates his wife more and more. He hates what she does to him and he especially hates how she treats Amelia. He responds by drinking, and by lashing out at Abigail, but does nothing to help his daughter. He has already started drinking more than is normal or polite when John Morgan comes to town spreading his lies about the Mormons and encouraging the locals’ violent response to their neighbor’s conversions. Before long, Robert is convinced that he must do the unthinkable—pay to have his brother killed in order to save the Kenyon name.

All That Was Promised is told through many points of view, and Vickie Hall takes us from one to the other seamlessly and skillfully. She writes with knowledge of Wales during the 1800’s, and I was pulled into their lives and trials, and easily envisioned their town and the surrounding countryside. The story is compelling and heartfelt—and it made me appreciate the easiness of my life. The multiple viewpoints help to round out the story, and give the reader an eagle-eye view of the hard life these early Saints led. Good job, Vickie Hall!

(I was given a copy of All That Was Promised to review. This in no way influenced my review.)

If you’re interested in purchasing your own copy, click on this link for the novel: http://www.amazon.com/All-That-Promised-Vickie-Hall/dp/1599554798/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310103800&sr=8-1

Learn more about Vickie Hall at her author’s site: http://www.vickiehall.com

Or go to Vickie’s blog: http://www.authorvickiehall.blogspot.com

THE WEATHER IS FINE. NOT.

2011-08-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Good Grief!!! Did you know it was hot in Arizona? I mean, I knew it was hot, but still ... It's a different kind of hot when you're outside standing in it instead of sitting in the livingroom writing. I started a new job as an Instructional Assistant (teacher's aide) last week. I get to be a crossing guard from 7am to 7:45. I must say that I was a little nervous about that since I'd never done it before, but come to find out ... Everyone loves the crossing guard!!! So, even though I'm standing outside, the weather's not too bad that early in the morning, and everyone is friendly.

Morning recess in 45 minutes (for me). The grades come out at different times so that the older kids don't pick on the younger ones. Good idea. It's hotter at 10am, for sure, but not as hot as noon. That's right. Noon. Each grade is only at lunch recess for about 20 minutes, but me and a couple of other aides are outside the full hour and fifteen minutes of lunch recess. They're out there playing tag football, basketball, jumping rope, and chasing around the playground like it's only 80 degrees outside. I'm standing in the shade getting hotter and hotter, and hotter.

It will be an exciting year (if I live through the heat) and I am excited to work with the kids and to get to know them. When I get to be inside, I help three different teachers, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 6th grade. Ya just gotta love elementary school!

TRISTI PINKSTON'S NEW BOOK IS OUT!!!

2011-07-31T00:17:00.001-07:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

MY BABY!

2011-07-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

We often refer to our writing as “our babies.” When the story is new and fresh—we’re in love with the idea, and so excited for its arrival. We nurture our story just like a newborn—coming back to it often—fussing over it. Changing the little dear when it stinks. And telling everyone, “Hey, I’m writing this book!”

My Historical Romance novel, Farewell, My Denmark, was recently rejected by the publisher I’d submitted it to. This baby of mine has been with me so long, it’s grown into an adult (so to speak). I still love it. I still think she’s beautiful. We’ve come a long way together. This is my first (literary) child, and I could never throw her in the drawer of unfulfilled dreams. As my talent has grown, I’ve pulled this baby out and rewritten it. So needless to say, this is at least the fifth complete rewrite. My baby’s not the same anymore, and I dare say she’s turned into a beautiful story. Special thanks go to the dozens of critiquers I’ve had over the years who have helped with the process by giving me suggestions while still maintaining my belief in my beautiful baby, and also by helping me to grow as a writer.

Looking back on her infancy, I can see that my literary baby was originally rough, and perhaps not a beautiful baby, but she’s grown now and as beautiful as ever (in my eyes). This is why the rejection hurt. Stung like a slap in the face. I’ve been pouting over it for a good week now and I finally feel better.

I haven’t sworn off of writing, and I haven’t sworn not to try again. This story deserves to be told, but in the meantime I’ve been illustrating a children’s picture book that I wrote ten years ago and have wanted to illustrate myself but have been too afraid to try. I figured now was the time, and I must say that so far things are going well. I’m a third of the way finished (I started with the easiest pictures first), and encouraged to go all the way.

Jake

Now, the full reason for this baby-analogy—Well, I’ve got two new grandbabies this summer, and I just have to show them off. They’re adorable, and straight from heaven!

Maelie

Three generations born on the same day.

SUMMER FUN

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

It’s about this time in the summer—smack in the middle of it—when things started to melt down when my kids were younger. They were tired of the little activities I’d planned. The Parks & Rec classes were over. It was too hot to go outside. They were bored. I was tired of the television on all the time.

In memory of the good old days, I’m posting two recipes that are sure to entertain even the most bored, the most hot, most grouchy kid. I recommend both of these recipes as family activities. There’s just nothing better than playing play dough or flarp with your kids on a hot summer day.

FLARP

What is this stuff? It’s a gooey wad of fun.

8oz. white glue (like Elmers)

1C. water

1C. warm water

1 ½ tsp borax powder

Tempura paint.

Pour glue into a large bowl. Add the water and blend. Add paint and mix well. Set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the Borax and the warm water until the Borax is dissolved. Then, slowly pour it into the glue mixture, stirring continually for 2 minutes.

Kneed with hands until smooth and stretchy.

NOTE: Make sure you’re not doing this over the carpet or with your best china. Who would do that, right?

PLAY DOUGH

1C. flour

½ C. salt

2 tsp. cream of tarter

1 TBSP vegetable oil

1C water

Thoroughly mix all ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a ball.

If you want colored play dough, add a few drops of food coloring into it while it’s liquid.

Cool and store in a zip bag or Tupperware-type container—NOT—cool and play with it for several hours while making snakes, cubes, snow men, bowls, pancakes, elephants etc.

THE FLAG STILL WAVES

2011-07-04T00:10:00.003-07:00

written by James R. Schultz of Mesa AZ

Independence is a gift

But yet a price is paid;

Many crosses dot the earth

From war’s cruel charade.

The flag has offered millions hope,

It gives new life to some;

Many from across the sea

Have to our nation come.

Our heroes’ sacrifices

Are lessons that are taught;

The flag that waves so proudly

Our brave men’s blood has bought.

That flag that stands for freedom

Has paid a frightful cost;

War, that evil master,

Demands a holocaust.

Though battles raged around it,

The flag still bravely flies;

A tribute to the living

With hope that never dies.

Memories of those heroes

Begin to slowly fade;

But we must never lose the hope

That their sacrifices made.

The towns and cities one and all

Must always sense the pride,

Of being an American

And thank those who have died.

To those who lie in hallowed graves,

We bow our heads and pray;

We can enjoy our freedom

For the flag still waves today.

Those soldier boys are sleeping,

They’ve found Eternal rest;

No more battles to be fought,

They gave their very best.

The taps have sounded softly,

The mourners walk away;

The flag still is flying,

It’s Independence Day.

TALENTS, TRIALS, and HCA

2011-06-29T07:30:00.002-07:00

“The Life, It is like a voyage to some known point.—I stand at the rudder, I have chosen my path—but God rules the storm and the sea. He may direct it otherwise; and then, happen what may, it will be the best for me … My life will be the best illustration of all my work.” Hans Christian Andersen, The True Story of My Life. 1847

I grew up listening to and reading Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, and watching Danny Kaye portray him in movies, so I have a special regard for him. And I am part Danish, after all.

His life wasn’t easy. His father and best support died while Hans was still young. His mother was an alcoholic. He grew up very poor, and he wasn’t handsome. He never married, and had no family.

Yet, though he had no born-in opportunities such as family wealth, he achieved a lot during his lifetime. A friend paid for his schooling, yet there he was abused by his schoolmaster. He was a poor student, and told by some of his teachers that he should never take up writing. Through all of his discouragements and setbacks, he took his measly talent that the Lord had given him and traded it in for ten through hard work and perseverance.

When I get discouraged, I have to remember that life isn’t easy for everyone except me. Life is meant to be challenging, full of trials, and other lovely experiences. Will we (meaning me) turn our Ugly Duckling into a beautiful swan? Will we multiply our talents? Doing this requires the purging and purifying fire of life. That’s why the above quote from Hans Christian Andersen hits a chord with me. I stand at the rudder, I know where I want to go and what I want to do with my life, but God rules the storm and the sea, and He might direct me otherwise.

At the HCA museum, Odense Denmark
They act out his stories here.

Also on the grounds of the HCA museum

WRITING ON THE STONE

2011-06-22T08:41:00.008-07:00

It’s all Greek to me, no wait … Is it Vikingish? Of course the Vikings knew how to interpret their writing, but I haven’t a clue. I took this picture at the Viking Museum (grounds) in Ribe, Denmark. (I heard it from a good source that the Viking Chieftan is explaining the elements of writing to his clan.)

This is just a little example that it doesn’t matter how good the directions are if you can’t read them. With today’s technology, we can sometimes be overwhelmed with good information. And, even though it might all be good, it’s seldom the same, and we have to decide which is best and what pertains to us and our situation.

It’s the same with writing.

We want to write something, but what? How do we go about it? The answer to these questions are as different as our various situations. One person’s path to good writing is not the same as another person’s. We’re all different.

One thing that is widely recommended is to attend writer’s conferences. Here lies another problem. So many classes, so little time, and then it’s always information overload. How to process all that great information? I’ve never been very good at that.

It has taken years of attending conferences and hearing similar things told over and over again for it to finally sift down into my brain. Of course if I had a Master's Degree in English, I'd have learned a lot of this in school. Nonetheless, conferences put people together who have the same goal and who have similar experiences. Everyone's experiences and excitement charge the air with synergy. WE CAN WRITE! WE WILL WRITE! Published or not, WE ARE AUTHORS!

One of the best classes I took at last May’s LDStorymakers Conference was Tristi Pinkston’s class on blogging. I was able to come home and immediately apply what I’d learned to my blog (although it is still a work in progress).

Another really good help to my writing this year was through attending the ANWA writer’s conference in Phoenix this past February. Agent Kelly Mortimer gave a huge handout of things agents and editors hate to see in writing. This list has helped me immensely because I don't have to depend on my memory.

My ANWA writer's group also helps because they give me help a little at a time. I can go back to my story and utilize their suggestions right away.

So, what are the foundations for a good story? Plot; the taking of a MAIN CHARACTER through a myriad of activities, experiencing life full on, and coming through the story a better person and having achieved his/her goal. Structure goes hand in hand with plot, because a story can have all the elements of plot and still miss the mark if it isn't structured well. There should be a hook at the beginning of each chapter, a cliff-hanger at the end of each chapter, a character arc, a black moment where the MC thinks all is lost, and then the rainbow at the end.

The Vikings forged their way through history. We can too. Just like the picture below shows the foundational stones for several large Viking buildings, we need our foundation (for anything) before we can build on it.

FIGHTING CANCER

2011-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have a request from Tristi Pinkston to publish this post from Cheri about her friend with cancer:

My friend, Rebecca White, is 35 years old and has breast cancer. She got her diagnosis May 11th. She had a mastectomy May 13th. Three days later, she went back to the doctor to have the bandages removed. She confessed, almost in a whisper, that she just wasn't ready to see under the bandages.

Rebecca is an amazing, strong person. She's so skilled in all those craft-type things that leave me with glue on my fingers and glitter in my hair. She has a happy marriage and three great kids age 10 and under. Rebecca could be me. She could be your sister, your friend, your mother. She could be you. You can meet her and get to know her on her blog, http://allaboutthewhites.blogspot.com/

Cancer can strike anyone at any time. It's not an old person's disease anymore. It strikes children, mothers; anyone. Soon Rebecca will start her chemotherapy. We're all optimistic for a positive outcome, but cancer surgeries and treatments do not come cheaply. Since she won't let me shave my head, I've decided to show my support for Rebecca in other ways.

This is more than taking her meals and taking her kids to and from church. I wanted to take it a step further.

I'm donating all my book sales income through August 31st to help Rebecca and her family pay their medical expenses. This is something they need, and in order to make it the most effective I need all the help I can get. And this is why I'm appealing to everyone I can. My book sales don't just mean the royalties from selling print copies of The Peasant Queen (which, incidentally, is on LDS Living's Summer Reading List), but also all income from my two e-books--The Wild Queen and my short story, Ghost Bride.

It's so easy. All you have to do is purchase depending on your interests and ability to help. The Wild Queen and Ghost Bride can be found at http://www.smashwords.com/, which not only offers the e-books for every e-reader including simply your home computer, but also offers the highest revenues.

Printed copies of The Peasant Queen can be found, or ordered, at your local bookstores. You can also find it online at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Peasant-Queen-Cheri-Chesley/dp/159955416X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306344382&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Peasant-Queen/Cheri-Chesley/e/9781599554167/?itm=2&USRI=the+peasant+queen+by+cheri+chesley

And Borders: http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?type=0&catalogId=10001&simple=1&defaultSearchView=List&keyword=the+peasant+queen+by+cheri+chesley&LogData=[search%3A+14%2Cparse%3A+89]&searchData={productId%3Anull%2Csku%3Anull%2Ctype%3A0%2Csort%3Anull%2CcurrPage%3A1%2CresultsPerPage%3A25%2CsimpleSearch%3Atrue%2Cnavigation%3A0%2CmoreValue%3Anull%2CcoverView%3Afalse%2Curl%3Arpp%3D25%26view%3D2%26all_search%3Dthe%2Bpeasant%2Bqueen%2Bby%2Bcheri%2Bchesley%26type%3D0%26nav%3D0%26simple%3Dtrue%2Cterms%3A{all_search%3Dthe+peasant+queen+by+cheri+chesley}}&storeId=13551&sku=159955416X&ddkey=http:SearchResults

Amazon and Barnes and Noble also offer each book for the Kindle or Nook, respectively.

Thank you in advance for your help, and happy reading!

Blog post: http://cherichesley.blogspot.com/2011/05/easiest-way-to-give.html

A BOOK IN 45 DAYS OR LESS?

2011-06-10T07:46:00.001-07:00

I’ve been moving this past month (it seems as though I’ve spent my whole life moving—I’m weary.) Nonetheless, I’ve found some delightful treasures among it all, parts of my past that I hadn’t remembered. Among the dreariness and never-ending-ness of it all, I’m happy to unpack boxes that have been in storage for a year, and to also see my paintings on the wall—I didn’t paint all of them, but their presence there means I’m home.Among the things I’ve found is a five-page handout titled, 45 Days or Less to the Completion of Your Book.

Some of the information is good, however the premise that a novice writer can follow this outline and write a publish-worthy book, is flawed. There are things in a good novel that can’t be learned, or taught, in five pages.

My art teacher, James Farrah, said: “People come to one or two classes and they want to paint well, and it just doesn’t happen. It takes years of practice.”

There are some (in the writing world) who have had their years of practice before ever going to the computer with the intent of writing a book, people like Conrad Storad who is/was a degreed professor at ASU. I was so immersed in “mommy world” that it has taken me significantly longer.

Although I sometimes dream of being a recluse writer (Nim’s Island comes to mind. Ah yes, a tropical island with almost everything I need on it, with a computer and Internet service to send for other supplies), my eternal goal, however, is substantially different. I’m a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and many other things. So, although being a world famous published author is fairly high on my personal list, I still need to take care that I spend enough time with my husband and family.

I’m not sure how men do it. They spend 8 – 10 – 12 hours away from home five days a week for their work. If I spent that amount of time on my writing, the whole house would collapse.
The 45 DoLTCoYB gives me hope. It says to spend two hours a day, six days a week while following the three R’s of writing. I can do that.

The Three R’s:
Reserve time to write (it doesn’t have to be the same time each day. Just make getting it a priority)
Remove all distractions (this is the hardest one for me)
Relax (take deep breaths, close eyes, allow the muse full access to your right brain)

TICKON

2011-06-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

While we were in Denmark, my sister and I were taken (by our bed and breakfast host) to Tranekaer Castle. He thought it would be an interesting place for us to visit while he worked on his cabin on Langeland (one of Denmark's many islands).

He dropped us off in the parking lot and bid us well. We didn't really know what we were looking at. The castle was great, but not opened to visitors. We were supposed to walk around the grounds. My sister had broken her toe and by the time we got inside the garden, she was ready to go back. And then it started raining.

We kept on however, and came across an outdoor natural art museum (of sorts). This is what our friend wanted us to see. Tranekaer International Centre for Art and Nature. After slipping in the mud a couple of times, we came across the piece of art shown above. It's called: Between the copper beech and the oak, by Alfio Bonanno. It was my favorite.

Although we didn't stay there nearly as long as we would have if we knew where we were going (we didn't quite understand the map), it was a pretty great find and not something that most tourists would see. We loved it.

The moral of my story is: Sometimes in our life and in our writing, it's a good thing to break away from our schedule. Who knows what delightful or interesting treasure we might discover if we allow ourselves the freedom to do so? Have our characters lived a rich enough life? Have we made the most of their story?

Sometimes, if we follow one suggestion, it can lead us to a cornucopia of new experiences.

ESCALATING SCENE IN DENMARK

2011-05-26T12:41:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a scene takes an unexpected twist.

Imagine being a tourist in a foreign country, taking a walk through a public park, and taking pictures of everything in sight--birds--a group of school children--the ocean--a campground in an unexpected place. Very benign and peaceful.

The scene became somewhat comical when we (my sister and I) came upon two women just wrapping up from their nude sunbathing session (to the right of this photo). They were not the Victoria's Secret type of model, but rather the Lane Bryant type. Luckily we weren't exposed to too much. My sister and I got a good laugh out of it, and they didn't pay any attention to us at all.

Public nudity isn't outlawed in Denmark--they do have all nude public bathhouses there. We just didn't expect it at the park. My sister and I hapily kept our clothes on, and for the most part visited places where others did too.

Denmark and Blogs

2011-05-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

What do they have to do with each other? Who knows? Except my new background picture was taken in Denmark. To celebrate Memorial Day weekend,and summer, I've included it. Summer is here. Slow down. Relax. Except of course when it comes to our writing goals.
Our characters can never relax. They need to be doing something interesting to move that plot along. However, sometimes even seemingly laid-back things (like camping) can move the plot along in an interesting way.
Does your character accidentally start a campfire on a no-burn day? (Arizona campers know what I'm talking about.) Does someone from the forest service come along? Does the fire get out of control? Does your camper get shot?
It's interesting that something so ordinary as camping can set the stage for either a romance, or a thriller, or even an action-based story. But each scene needs to count for something. Even though it starts out ordinary, we should decide what this has to do with the life of our main character. If the answer is nothing, maybe it isn't such a great scene after all. What can we do to add a little extra spice to one of our scenes that seem overly bland?

WHITNEY AWARDS GALA

2011-05-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

At the Whitney Awards Gala this past Saturday several outstanding authors were given special recognition in their genre. Today however, I wanted to mention the OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Award that went to RICK WALTON.

I met him years ago at a week-long writing workshop. He is nice, friendly, and unassuming for someone who has published over 80 books. I have only six or seven of his picture books in my bookshelf, but I love each one. They’re classic and fun-filled tales such as: Bertie Was A Watchdog, about a midget dog who saved the day; Bullfrog Pops! Is a crazy western about a hungry bullfrog. The book has a surprise each time you turn the page; Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin is about a haunted pumpkin; and Suddenly Alligator, is an adverbial tale that’s full of fun. The man is a creative genius.
I hadn’t known who was getting this award when I bought tickets for the gala, but I was sure glad I was there to cheer him on.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award went to SUSAN EVANS MCCLOUD, who I don’t know and have never met, but who gave us the wonderful hymn, “Lord, I would Follow Thee” and, “As Zion’s Youth in Latter Days.”

Susan's biography and numerous achievements are listed in Wikipedia.
Susan magnified her calling as a writer and poet while raising her family—something that’s not easy to do. Finding that fine line is hard; the line between total absorption in the creative process and spending enough time with your husband and children to make them feel important and appreciated.
For the first sixteen years of my married life, I was totally absorbed in motherhood, and it wasn’t until years after that when my desire to write was re-born. It’s been a gradual process for me, the emergence from total motherhood to wife-mother-writer-hopeful author. I look up to people like Susan and Rick, people who knew their talent and calling in life from the very beginning and not only made it work, but made it look easy.

TAKEN BY STORM, by Angela Morrison

2011-04-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Leesie is a seventeen-year-old Mormon girl who lives in a small farming community in Washington State. She’s known as the Ice Queen by her classmates because of her moral values—meaning she won’t have sex with the popular boy in school—the one who pinches her butt and tries to grope her whenever he can. The boys in school have made a game of it, and Lessie is anxious for high school to end so she no longer has to deal with him. She dreams of being admitted into BYU and moving far away.

Michael is an only child who, after his parents died in a tragic scuba-diving accident, is filled with guilt so thick he can barely breathe. He ends up in the same little farming community and is living with his grandmother. All Michael wants is to feel again, to go scuba-diving and discover the accident was a horrible nightmare, to be normal, and have his life back. He goes through the motions of life while under the influence of anti-depressants, but when his prescription runs out, he has to learn to cope on his own.

It’s on a high school field trip that he finally meets Leesie—the girl that stares at him in class. She’s not as aggressive as the girls he’s used to. Michael surprises himself by talking to her and being anxious for their next visit.

While Leesie is trying to befriend Michael, she breaks almost all of her rules. Those rules—the no dating outside of her faith, no French kissing, no making out—the rules that earned her the Ice Queen status. Michael has different values than Leesie, meaning that sex before marriage is not a big deal, he’s done it dozens of times. This rule is barely hanging by a thread, and we (the reader) wonder if Leesie will do this one last thing to prove to Michael that she loves him.

Death, grieving, friendship, respect—Morrison deals with a lot of heavy subjects in this novel, but she does it with finesse. Will Michel learn to respect Leesie and her values, or will she sacrifice everything she’s worked and longed for? This is the underlying question that is sustained throughout the novel.

TAKEN BY STORM is like no other book that I’ve read. For one, it’s written in first person, present tense. We get to know Leesie through her poetry as well as through her chatspot correspondence to a friend. The story also evolves through Michael’s dive-log entries.

TAKEN BY STORM is a good novel to read if you’re a dating teen or a twenty-something in a life-consuming relationship. It isn’t preachy by any means, but it clearly shows that mutual respect is important in a relationship, and though we love someone it doesn’t mean they’ll make us happy. Circumstances change, people change, and if we truly love someone, we’ll help them accomplish their dreams.

FRUITY TUNA SANDWICH

2011-04-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

It’s been forever since I posted a recipe. And, now that the weather is getting nice and warm, I figured it’s time for some creative sandwiches. Imagine that. I have the perfect recipe to share.

The “It tastes too good to be canned tuna” tuna sandwich.

That’s right. I fooled my husband. He thought it was a chicken salad sandwich. I didn’t do it on purpose. I was just desperate for a tuna sandwich that didn’t give me that miserable tuna-salad-sandwich-heartburn. I found this recipe online, either on cooks.com or allrecipies.com. It sounded delicious, and it is. Okay, enough hype, here’s the recipe:

Fruity Tuna Sandwich
2 TBSP lemon juice
1 tsp curry powder
½ C. lemon yogurt
12 oz solid white tuna—drained
1 ½ C seedless red grapes, cut in half
1 celery stalk, diced
¼ C. chopped dates
2 TBSP red onion, minced
2 TBSP slivered almonds, toasted

Toast the almonds first, then while they’re cooling, cut the grapes in half, dice the celery, mince the onions, and I always chop the chopped dates into slightly smaller pieces. Add it all into a bowl and stir.

If you want a something healthier than a sandwich—use 6 large lettuce leaves and make Fruity Tuna Lettuce Wraps instead.

My family all loved this and had no idea it was tuna. When I made it for my three-year-old granddaughter, I cut the grapes into fourths just to be sure she didn’t choke on them.

Anna del C. Dye, author of Curse of the Elfs

2011-04-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

Anna, you have a new book out. Can you share the back cover introduction with us?

When an Immortal race ceases to be immortal, woe to the land. Ancient legend tells of elfs crossing paths with a dying wizard named Zoltan. The Old Sorcerer’s unrepentant deeds had caused the wizarding school to chastise him severely. On his deathbed Zoltan asked the elfs for help. Losing patience in his delirium, he cursed them. Now, the immortal elfin race is slowly, but surely dying.
Their only hope lies in a servant of kings who must learn to love the elfs before he will attempt to save them. But no one, elf or mankind, has ever heard of this man. Can the healer be found before their race is gone forever?

It sounds interesting, what was your inspiration?
It is inspired by the last movie of Tolkien’s, Lord of the Rings. I wanted to know more about the character’s lives and couldn’t find enough. My husband said, “Why don’t you write your own.” I answered, “Yah right!” But his answer haunted me and in three days I had the draft of The Elf and the Princess in my mind. When I told him the story he came back with a laptop and told me to write it. The rest is history.

Anna has led an interesting life. She was born in Valparaiso, Chile. After meeting Rodney, a native of Idaho, in her hometown, Anna traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve and married him two weeks later. Their love story, Why Him? was published by Covenant in the book entitled Tender Mercies. Anna and Rodney reside in Taylorsville, Utah and are the parents of three princes and a princess.

Anna is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. One of her short stories entitled, Amerine—Fairy Princess, won an award in the Oquirrh Writers contest. The first book in her new YA Romance Series entitled, A Kingdom By The Sea, also won an award. Anna’s works also include The Silent Warrior Trilogy, the beginning saga of her YA Elf Series.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Never give up!!! Join a writer's chapter close to you right now, and learn the craft from them.

Do you have a particular goal you aim to achieve with your writing?
To take people to a wonderful world where they can forget reality’s cold hand and safely enjoy fantasy. Life is tough and we need something to help us make it more fun and worth living. Fantasy is the way I choose to do it.

I understand that you have some really great battle scenes. How did you learn to describe them so well?
We found a medieval sword fighting class at the local high school and my husband and I took it. My husband liked it so much he has taken it for a few years now and has even earned two different belts with the clan.

Anna has three other books out.
The Silent Warrior Trilogy
Book 1 - The Elf and the Princess
Book 2 - Trouble in the Elf City
Book 3 - Elfs in a conquered Realm

To purchase a copy of Anna’s books, go to:
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.annadelc.com

Anna, thanks for the interview.
Thank you for this opportunity to visit with you and your friends.

PERSPECTIVE

2011-03-14T15:38:00.001-07:00

It’s interesting how perspective works its way into our lives. For instance, a family can each take something different away from the same movie. My daughter turned on Finding Nemo the other day. I said, “This is a movie about a parent’s love, and how they’ll do anything for their kids—even chase them across the ocean.”
My husband agreed, but my daughter (17) heartily disagreed. “No it’s not! It’s about a fish with an overprotective parent.”
I’ve watched movies with my husband and had the same experience. Each of us relates to, or sympathizes with a different person in a movie. And that’s a good thing. If there are several characters that different people can each relate to, it makes the movie more successful.
So, on to writing: Does our novel only have one well written character? Does it have a well written MC and antagonist? Does the MC have a well written friend?
This is my thought: it’s really hard to write a good main character and to show his/her emotions and growth throughout a novel. Then, add to that the difficulty of writing a story with several well written characters.
Is this why the Harry Potter series was so successful? It has Harry—the underdog. Ron—the well-meaning best friend. Hermione—the know-it-all overachiever. There are the stuck up kids at school that everyone can relate to because every school has them, and an assortment of bad guys to keep things exciting.
More recently, there’s the Twilight series. Bella—pretty, but socially awkward. Her dad—loves his daughter, but doesn’t quite know how to act around her. The mom—ditzy and loveable, but totally into her own life. The Cullens—an eclectic family that each arrived at their “vegetarian” status through different life-experiences and cling together with fierce loyalty. Edward—good looking, smart, kind—would do anything for Bella. And Jacob—also good looking, smart, and kind—but who won’t do anything for Bella, except love her.
There are other examples where people read one book and they’re hooked with characters that come alive on the page. We don’t just see the main character’s “Sunday self” we get to see them at their best and at their worst, and how they interact with the others.
All I’m saying is: Does my most recent manuscript have a plethora of well-rounded characters like these novels do? Now I’m going to need to pay attention to this little detail while I’m editing.

THE MARK

2011-03-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

written by M.R. Bunderson is an Urban Fantasy with a little mystery and a little romance—it’s an enjoyable read, and perfect for the tween in your life. I got this book at the Storymakers’ conference last year, and it’s the only one I bought where I wasn’t able find the author and get her autograph.
The story starts with main character, Tori, using a biology magnifying glass and noticing that the small birthmark on her hand is actually a microscopic design of some sort. Her best friend, Shae, doesn’t see anything more than a brown spot even with the magnifying glass.
The mystery deepens when Tori and Shae double date with Shae’s boyfriend and his best bud, Eric, from out of town. When Eric takes Tori’s hand to help her into the car, she feels a wave of strong emotions that takes her back to a place she doesn’t remember ever being, except she has never felt more at home than at that mysterious place.
They find out that Amanda, a girl who goes to Tori’s high school, can also share feelings and memories with them. There are five kids total, four of them were stolen from their homes as infants or small children and adopted into relatively stable homes in America.
Together, they discover all the things they have in common—extremely good eyesight, the same lavender-colored eyes, they’re unusually healthy and none have ever been sick, and they each have a mark similar to Tori’s. They also discover their various extra talents—Tori can enter and share memories with the others, Eric feels when danger is near and desires to protect.
As they search for clues to their identity, and wonder if they’re a rejected scientific experiment or if they’re children of Atlantis, they meet two people from their homeland. Sebastian is their age, and has the ability to seek out others of their race, and has come to help guide them home. Marco is willing to kill in order to keep them from knowing the truth about their lives, and is willing at all costs to keep them from returning to their homeland.
If there’s a sequel, I’ll definitely want to read it. Kudos go to M.R. Bunderson for a well-written and fun to read novel.

LOGLINES

2011-02-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

In a moment of delirium, I signed up for an agent-pitch at the ANWA writers' conference. It must have been delirium that made me think I could sit face-to-face with an agent and talk coherently about my work.

It's one thing to write enticing loglines for your novel, it's another thing all together to remember it when someone asks about your book. However, in anticipation of the conferoence and the agent pitch looming in my near future,I have written a logline for each of my novels.

You think I'm a gifted writer? You want to read more? Why, yes, I happen to have copies of all five of my novels here in my purse.--This is the way a writer dreams--it's the way I do, anyway.
Here are my loglines. I'd love a comment on what you think.

Farewell, My Denmark:
A Danish convert reluctantly joins the 1863 Mormon pilgrimage to America. She gets more adventure than she bargains for when thieves catch her searching for stolen heirlooms, and she fears she may not live long enough to open her heart to love.

My Sweet Danish Rose:
When her family immigrates to America, a Danish girl stays to care for her aging aunt, but is left on her own when the aunt is sent to the poor house. In order to escape the home of the tyrant who has taken her in, she must decide whether or not to forsake her religion for love.

The Almost Missionary:
A young man sets out on his mission hoping, but not believing that he can defy his family genetics and be a successful missionary. It isn’t until after his father’s heart attack, and he almost goes home early, that he learns what it means to be the Lord’s servant.

Fairy Dust:
A menopausal woman wakes to discover she has fairy wings and a fairy mission to perform. She must master the art of flying, solve the fairies dilemma, battle pixies, deal with a hateful neighbor, and turn her family into believers—all while keeping the house clean and having dinner ready on time each night.

East of Eden, a ghost story:
A young man has a strong attraction to a beautiful ghost who haunts him. It’s through recurring dreams that he’s his great-grandfather, a man who was involved in Arizona’s biggest unsolved gold heist, that he learns the identity of the spirit and gains the strength to battle the demons in his own life.

The Upside of Down, by Rebecca Talley

2011-02-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

One of my multi-published author friends, Rebecca Talley, recently had another book published. This is the back cover blurb for, The Upside of Down:

“Hmmm,” the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, “What does that mean?”
“You do know you’re pregnant, right?”
Her breath caught in her throat. “Excuse me?”
“You’re pregnant.”
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. “I’m what?”
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she’s going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn’t what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.
Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

Rebecca, tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Santa Barbara, CA. I attended, and graduated from, BYU where I met my husband. He was the FHE “dad” and I was the FHE “mom.” We have been happily married for over 25 years and are the parents of 10 wonderfully creative and multi-talented children. We live in rural CO on a small ranch with a dog, cats, a spoiled horse, and a herd of goats. It took me a bit to adjust to the rural lifestyle after growing up in southern CA, but I love living in the country.
Your newest novel, THE UPSIDE OF DOWN, was released in January. What was the inspiration for this novel?

While I was watching the new version of Cheaper by the Dozen, I thought it would be fun to write a similar story set in an LDS household. Since I have a large family, I drew from many of my own experiences to create my characters and establish the storyline. I had lots of fun writing it, especially as I relived some of the funny things that have happened in our family.
What do you hope people take away from THE UPSIDE OF DOWN?

I hope people realize that no matter who we are, none of us is spiritually invincible. We all need to rely on the Lord, in good times and in bad. No matter how desperate a situation may seem, the Lord can lighten our load if we’ll turn to Him. The atonement is for all of us. And, even in the midst of trials, we can have peace.
I also hope people will learn something from my book about Down syndrome and realize that underneath it all, we’re all children of God and we all deserve love and respect, no matter our chromosome count.
Where can we purchase THE UPSIDE OF DOWN?

Amazon carries it and it should arrive in LDS Bookstores soon.
You can learn more about Rebecca at www.rebeccatalley.com and www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com and www.theupsideofdown2.blogspot.com
Thank you, Rebecca, for the interview.

THE TAGLINE

2011-02-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

The ANWA writer’s conference is fast approaching. I signed up for a pitch session with agent Kelly Mortimer. YIKES! It didn’t affect me when I signed up—I’d done one before—years before. Years before I knew enough to be nervous.
Before (that first time when I had a finished manuscript that I thought was perfect—but it wasn’t) all I did was bring a first chapter and eagerly answer questions like a kindergartener proving to her teacher that she knew her ABC’s. HA!
On the eve of my last rejection, it’s been all I could do to keep my head above water. Chanting, “I am an author, I am an author” had started losing its effectiveness, so I had to call on author and friend, Jennifer Griffith to help cheer me on. Hearing someone who has been there, and done that cheer me on, “You are an author. You can do it” has a much sweeter ring to it.
Okay, so I’m recommitted and refocused. But now, I hear the buzz—“Have a tagline!” What? I’d never heard of a tagline before—what was one and why should I care? At first, I thought a tagline was a jazzy 50-words-or-less book description. An elevator pitch.
No problem. I’m an award-winning writer. I can do this. But, no sooner had I gotten my nifty 50-words-or-less elevator pitch, I learned that a tagline was 15-words-or-less. BIG PROBLEM!!! I was having a hard time figuring out why I needed a tagline. After all, the agent wasn’t going to sit there and count my words when I spewed them to her. Would she put a red mark across my name if I gave her a 20-word tagline? I couldn’t imagine it would happen.
I’m one of those people who are annoyingly curious. I have a hard time doing something if I don’t understand the reason behind it. Just because everyone else is doing it isn’t good enough. I was the same way with piano lessons. Today I got up and decided to do a bit of research on the tagline so that I could get motivated to listen to those who were telling me I needed one. And, guess what??? I DO need a tagline.
Think of it as a super-hook. Short and succinct—and full of power-words. For anyone wishing they knew why they need a tagline, go to Kathryne Kennedy’s blog and read what she has to say on the subject.

NO MATTER HOW PRETTY IT’S WRAPPED—REJECTION STINKS

2011-01-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

Last week, I took my two youngest kids to Peralta Trail at the base of the Superstition Mountain. I figured that no native Arizonian should live their life without hiking it.

Then I looked on the website—it’s a 4.5 mile hike—uphill. Gulp!

(Who knew the back of the Superstition was so interesting???)
Writing a novel and getting it published is like this. You have a goal—it seems like a good goal—and then halfway into it, you’re worn to a frazzle and don’t know if you’ll live through the experience. Can I make it to the top?

(There is no end in sight.)
Yes. I was rejected today. They said my manuscript was beautifully written and encouraged me to get it published—by someone else. My road to publication is like walking uphill in the desert over a bunch of rocks and along the edge of a cliff—one setback after another.

(Looking back when we're only an hour into the hike. Do you see the parking lot? Exactly!)
We’d walked a mile and I was already tired, and hot, and my legs were wobbly, and I wondered if anything could be worth all this effort. Had I packed enough water? Would I collapse and need air-evacuated out?

(This is interesting. My daughter had enough energy to climb it.)

(This is me--I had to take another break. Notice I'm wearing red so I'll be spotted easily just in case the air-evac helicopter is called.)

Then, two twenty-somethings sprinted past us. “Show-off!” Yes, I smiled and moved out of their way, but I was jealous and wishing that I could have ever-in-my-life ran up a hill. [This is also like my publishing career. Some authors have sprinted right past me and gotten their novels published easily.]
In truth, this was my first ever 10-mile hike uphill (I swear the 4.5 statistics are wrong on this one), so I’m pleased that I made it at all.

(The end is somewhere past there. We've already had 50 people pass us--including people older than me by ten years.)

Three-quarters of the way up, I was seriously re-evaluating things. This wasn’t fun—why was I doing it? “You can do it. You’re almost there,” a stranger said. “You’ll be glad you did. It’s beautiful at the top.”

(Still looking back, and wondering which is worse--going forward or going back.)

Okay then. This little boost of encouragement by someone I’d never met, gave me the incentive to go all the way to the top. [My writing friends are like this. They keep encouraging me. I keep improving my skills and one day I'll be at the top (published).]
It was a beautiful view. What made it even more glorious is that I hadn’t given up. I had endured to the end (well, other than still needing to hike back down).

(I've never seen Weaver's Needle from this side--or this close up.)

(These are pretty interesting rocks. I'm really glad I came.)
But yesterday someone asked about the hieroglyphics. What hieroglyphics? I hadn’t seen any.

(My kids have the energy to climb them. I don't.)

(We met my grandson and his Scout Troop at the top.)
My grandson asked if we’d seen the cave. What cave? I hadn’t seen a cave.

Sometimes I’m so focused on my goal that I forget to enjoy the scenery along the way--but the stuff I did see was pretty amazing.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

2011-01-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

This is me and my family. Not to brag, but aren't we good looking?!

I was barely able to get my kids to hold still long enough for this photo.

My son and his son got to come to AZ for a visit after the New Year and before the spring session of school. We had a great visit and I love, love, love getting to visit my little grandson. He’s so sweet.
We got to have a family reunion with all of our kids, most of their spouses, and all of our grandkids.

All of my grandkids fit on one little sofa. Cody feels awkward being the very oldest of the group. He's a one of a kind grandkid and wants to be considered as one of the kids, and not one of the grandkids. What can ya do???

We had Costa Vida, Hawaiian Haystacks, Tacos, homemade cheesecake (my son made this treat and we slurped it down in one sitting), apple pie and ice cream. We played Mafia and found out that some of us are really good at thinking of creative ways for people to die.

At Papago Park in Tempe, we had a picnic and had a marshmallow-shooting war. Great times! Several people gathered a safe distance away and watched us. Good thing was, the marshmallows were biodegradable, and the ducks and birds liked them.

The Hole in the Rock at Papago Park.

The Hole on top of The Hole in the Rock.

THE STAR PROPHECY, by Joan Sowards

2011-01-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'M PART OF A BLOG TOUR FOR THE STAR PROPHECY BY JOAN. IT'S A GREAT BOOK, CHECK MY PREVIOUS REVIEW AND THEN ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF YOUR OWN.

The adventure begins with the blog tour
for
The Star
Prophecy by Joan Sowards

We will be giving away

THREE copies of The Star
Prophecy.

It's easy to enter.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why
you're excited to read The Star
Prophecy. Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or
facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an
additional entry.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on January 28.

*****
You are crazy. No Nephite has ever
returned.

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to
Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law
mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to
his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah,
Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of
Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ
would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set
sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of
the Messiah.

The Star Prophacy is a surprising
story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his
friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the
Christ child.

January 10
I Am A Reader, Not A
Writer

January 11
Totally Tina

January 12
Peggy Urry

January 13
Tangled Words and Dreams

January 14
Kaylee Baldwin

January 17
Of Writerly Things

January 18
Writers Mirror

January 19
Bonnie Gets a Say

January 20
The Blessing of Family
Life

January 21
Anna del C. Dye's Blog
Renee S. Clark

SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL

2011-01-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is a funny video that I got off of JM Tohline's blog. I hope you enjoy it. My wish is for a publishable new year for all of my cyber friends who desire to be authors.

THE STAR PROPHECY, by Joan Sowards

2010-12-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards is a tale about a young Nephite’s quest to find the newborn Savior. However, it’s more than a Christmas story. This is a book that can be read, reread and enjoyed any time of the year. Mrs. Sowards tells the account of Enoch and his friends as though intimately familiar with the era, and weaves her tale through both the Book of Mormon and the New Testament’s scriptural accounts of Christ’s birth in such a way that, as a reader, I was convinced it could have happened just as she told it.

Even though they have largely turned wicked, the Nephites have grown up with the prophecies regarding the Savior’s birth. Young Enoch has always dreamed of returning to Jerusalem to see the baby Jesus in person and he begins his preparations as a poor orphan boy of fifteen. The odds against his leaving the land of Zarahemla, paying for a ship large enough to cross the ocean, and actually making the trek alive, are overwhelming. Enoch has never even sailed a ship.

After four years, Enoch receives word that the ship he commissioned to be built is finished. The shipbuilder Omnihah was trained by Hagoth of old who, it’s recorded in the Book of Mormon, built large ships and took several expeditions across the sea.

Enoch knows that according to Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy, only one year remains before the Savior’s birth, and he prepares for his voyage. Enoch’s mission to find the Savior is not without sacrifice. He leaves the drunkard uncle who raised him, hoping the man will be safe while he’s gone. He leaves the woman he loves, hoping she’ll wait for him, and he sets sail with only a few friends and his faith that the Lord will guide them to Jerusalem and safely back.

Once he and his comrades set sail, Enoch’s little brother nearly drowns while trying to swim to the ship so that he can go with them. Then, they discover a young man accused of murder has stowed away in order to avoid prosecution.

The Star Prophecy is full of interesting details that bring this story to life, such as customs of the time, the foods they ate, and their experiences aboard the ship. As the travelers come to various islands and then to the land of Jerusalem, they and the people are described in such a way that I felt as though I was standing in the distance and watching the story unfold. Enoch’s quest became my quest and I felt his confusion and disappointment when they arrived in Jerusalem only to discover that no one there knew of Christ’s birth.

Through perseverance and talking to those who are lowly of heart, they discover that the Savior has indeed been born, and is in Bethlehem. They wonder, as does their shepherd-guide, why baby Jesus was allowed to be born in such humble circumstances and not a kingly palace, and they are filled with awe and reverence when Mary allows them to hold her Holy child.

As I read this story, I found many parallels between Enoch’s life and the lives we live today. It reaffirmed to me that people, no matter when they’re born, all have similar fears and feelings as we do—that living in a wicked world is perilous no matter the era, and that the opportunity for hazard when we trust the wrong people is an ageless dilemma.

The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards is written as an adventure by a young man who just happens to have lived anciently. It isn’t preachy, or doctrinal, yet I found that reading it was a profound experience. I highly recomend it as a gift for Christmas, birthdays, or for any occasion where you'd like to say, "I love you" with a good book.

HOMEMADE SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

2010-12-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

One of my first Christmas memories is of my dad making fudge. He did it every year, and we had fresh pecans in it from our trees in the yard. So, it's only natural that I also celebrate Christmas by making sweet treats to share. Just writing this blog post makes me want to run to the kitchen and make a batch of fudge.

However, this post is not about fudge. It’s about Sweetened Condensed Milk. It’s kind of pricey, and sometimes a recipe calls for it, and we don’t have any on hand. That’s when this recipe comes in handy. It's easy and inexpensive. Merry Christmas!

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

1 C. instant non-fat dry milk powder

¾ C. sugar

1/3 C. hot water

3 TBSP melted butter or margarine

Dissolve the sugar in the water and let cool. (I’ve found that the water cools off too soon, making it difficult for the sugar to dissolve properly. If this happened, put it in the microwave for several seconds until the sugar dissolves. I do this in a glass measuring cup. Add the powdered milk, the sugar mixture, and the melted butter to a blender and blend to liquefy. Approximately 20 seconds.

CHRISTMAS MOVIES

2010-12-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I love about the month of December is all of the holiday movies. For some reason, I just love watching the girl get the guy and then kiss under the mistletoe. I’m not particularly fond of the tear-jerkers (in movies or books), and some Christmas movies are just too ridiculous (a recent movie with talking dogs in it comes to mind. Yuck!) But a lot of them are really fun to watch.

I enjoy The Miracle on Elm Street, in all its varieties. Then there’s this one Christmas movie (don’t remember the name of it) where the MC works at the mall as a perfume sales-woman. She’s in a stale relationship with a guy that’s more worried about his plans for the future than actually living for the day. She puts a wish-list in Santa’s mailbox—and they start coming true.

One of my other favorites is Christmas in Handcuffs with Melissa Joan Heart. She’s in her twenties and still single and working at a junky café. This is the year that she finally has a boyfriend to take to her parent’s Family-Christmas-Hideaway. It involves several days in a secluded cabin with siblings, parents, and an eccentric grandma. No cell phones allowed. The day the MC is to leave for the hideaway, everything in her life goes wrong—she accidentally fries her hair while trying to perm it—she missed the job interview her dad set up for her—her boss threatens to fire her—and her boyfriend breaks up with her in the café.

She goes berserk! No one can hardly blame her at that point. And when the next guy comes in the door, she kidnaps him at gunpoint with a display gun of her bosses, hauls him to the retreat, and says he’s her boyfriend. It’s pretty clever, actually. Not that I approve of kidnapping, of course—but I think Ms. Heart does crazy better than anyone I know.

If you’re the type of person who gets the doldrums during Christmas holiday, I’d suggest either Christmas in Handcuffs—watching someone go berserk on TV can really make our sometimes crazy lives seem so, so normal. The other Christmas movie that I absolutely love is Elf. I am not a Will Ferrell fan, but every time I watch this movie, I laugh out loud. And I love Ed Asner as Santa Clause.

So, if I seem distracted during the Christmas holiday, you can figure that I’m either busy with Christmas celebrations, unwinding with a fun Christmas flick, or reading a great book.

May the Lord’s blessings be upon us all as we prepare to celebrate His birth.

THE STAR PROPHECY, by Joan Sowards

2010-11-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

My friend, Joan Sowards has another book coming out. It's called, "The Star Prophecy." I have both of her other books, and have reviewed them here, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this latest novel.
The Star Prophecy is making its debut in LDS bookstores in time for Christmas gift-giving.
Here's the back-cover blurb:
“You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned.”
Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch’s dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of the long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously—the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and Nephi the prophet.
Five years previously, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that “five years more cometh” and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream—to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ Child.

Joan, tell us how you came up with the idea for The Star Prophecy .
When my daughter Kristy gave me the premise for this novel, I felt electrifying tingles come over me, the ideas began to flow and I wrote the first draft in three months--an incredible experience!The main character, whose quest it is to find the infant Messiah, is named Enoch after my nephew, a beautiful, bright child, who passed away at the age of four.
When did you start to write and how long did it take you get published?
I have been writing novels for over fifteen years. A friend invited me to ANWA (The American Night Writers Association.) I've learned so much about writing through ANWA.

Kerry Blair lived in my ward back then. She'd edit my chapters and I tried to learn the rules behind her changes. I learned a lot from her, too. (During that time, she wrote her own first novel and sent it to Covenant. They excepted it within two weeks.) Gotta love her!

How did you break into publishing?
I admit it was luck. I was in the right place at the right time. An editor suggested I send Walnut Springs Press my novel The Star Prophecy--so I did. I pestered editor Linda Prince every few months asking if she had read it. After the eight month, she asked if I had an LDS romance and that she needed one right away. I sent Haunts Haven and she liked it! Chocolate Roses was published next. I was surprised when WSP came back and said they were ready to publish the Star Prophecy since it had been two years since I submitted it.

What are you working on now?
I'm writing a story about a recent ASU college grad who takes a summer journalist job in a seaside village in Oregon. The working title is Clairvoyance. I love the characters.

Joan is also talented musically and composes music. Do you write with music playing? If so, is the music likely to be songs with lyrics or only instrumentals?
I have too much music going on in my head as it is, so I have to have it quiet so I can think above it.

What has surprised you about being a published author?
As soon as Haunts Haven hit the stores, I was expected to promote it and myself. I've never felt comfortable with that.
What do you like to do when you aren't writing?
I'm a family history addict. I love to sew, and write music (http://joansowards.com/) My adorable grandchildren take a lot of my time, and I love being with my husband.

What was the most usual way you came up with a story idea? What made you to think, ‘hey, I could make that into a story?’
My daughter came home from Institute class with the premise for The Star Prophecy. I loved it! It is about Nephite young men setting sail to find the Christ Child.

Several years ago, Jeni Grossman taught a class at an ANWA conference and handed out feature newspaper articles with big photos and told us to ask ourselves "What if…" I got an article about haunted inns of Southern Arizona and asked myself, "What if a young woman inherited one of these inns, not knowing it was haunted?" Haunts Haven blossomed from there.

I wanted to write a modern Jane Eyre tale, and after a lot of thought, I wrote Chocolate Roses.

What advice would you give aspiring writers today?
Don't give up. Be ready for when you are "in the right place at the right time." Learn the craft of writing and be open for critiquing. There's a lot to be learned from other writers.

Thank you for the Interview, Joan.
Follow her blog at:

http://joansowards.blogspot.com/

As all bloggers know, there is joy in getting comments!

TRUE MIRACLES WITH GENEALOGY, Author Interview with Anne Bradshaw

2010-11-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to get to interview Ann Bradshaw about her new book, True Miracles with Genealogy. It sounds like an inspiring book that would also make a great holiday gift.

What is your current book and how would you describe it?

I actually have two new books out, but the one I'm concentrating on right now is "True Miracles with Genealogy~Help from Beyond the Veil." Compiling it was an amazing experience.

"True Miracles" is a collection of inspiring research stories, spiritual moments as help comes from beyond the veil. It is unique, comforting, and powerful. Each account can't help but touch hearts as readers come to the heady realization that there really is a world of spirits.

How and when did you gather stories for this book?

I put out requests for stories on many social websites, including Facebook. Genealogists from all over the USA and from other countries responded. It amazed me to read so many unusual experiences—to learn of the many different ways researchers received the help they needed.

I'm sure my book contains only a tiny portion of the vast number of stories that go unrecorded every year—even every day—throughout the world. As someone says in the book, "Heaven is only a whisper away." It really is that close, but most times in the busy hours of our life, we're not in tune, or not ready to listen and act.

Is there a website for "True Miracles with Genealogy?"
Yes, I created a website at http://www.truemiracleswithgenealogy.com to further the book's purpose of sharing research stories. I hope many readers will send in their experiences. I realize it's unusual for most people to have more than one or two genealogy miracles in a lifetime—and many have none—but treasuring and sharing these events is so worthwhile.

The website is also home to the book's reviews. These are under the Book Review tab, top of the page.

Where can readers purchase this book?
It's available in both paperback and electronic form. I deliberately kept the price low so more can afford to enjoy it. The Kindle and Nook eBook versions are only $2.99. I hope local bookstores will soon make it available. The book is on many Internet sites. Below are sample links. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download free software for your computer, phone, iTouch, iPad, and more on Amazon at http://amzn.to/4nck80 .
Amazon's CreateSpace $8.99, shipping $3.61 https://www.createspace.com/3477323

Amazon $8.99, shipping $3.99 http://amzn.to/9IenR5

Kindle eBook $2.99 http://amzn.to/cqZX9P

What other genres do you write?
I’ve tried my hand at several—YA mystery suspense (my other new book is titled "DINGO"), adult fiction, poetry, non-Fiction, and screenwriting.

How do you handle life interruptions?
Interruptions are good breaks for me. If I type too long, I get neck and shoulder pain, so I welcome a change of pace—unless I’m in the middle of something that’s going particularly well, or coming to an end—then I grit my teeth and hit “save.” And I usually scribble down whatever thought was passing through my mind at the time, because I'm sure to forget it later.

What else do you do besides writing?
My hobbies include vegetable and herb gardening, photography, and getting lost in great books. I’m a lousy cook, but we have to eat. Years ago in England, we reared goats, chickens, and bees, and I really enjoyed those times. As for travel, if it weren’t for children and grandchildren spread around the country, I’d be perfectly happy staying home. Travel seems such a huge, uncomfortable thing these days, but, like eating, it has to be done.

What have been some of your most successful work habits as a writer?

Probably my most successful habit is the ability to stay focused. And I'm happy to change a manuscript if it means a better story. Growing a thick skin against rejection was a tough one for me, because rejection feeds self-doubt. It never gets any easier to read, "Thanks for your manuscript, but . . .” However, these days I'm doing better at shrugging it off and battling on.

Do you believe there is any "magic" formula to being published?

I’d love to know it if there is one. Sometimes, it seems more like good luck, striking the market at the right time, and combining that with huge marketing efforts.

ENGLISH TRIFLE, by Josi S. Kilpack

2010-11-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

I’d heard about Lemon Tart by a colleague—she loved it. So, when I had the opportunity, I bought English Trifle and had it signed by the author. It is worth the hoopla. Think Murder She Wrote, where an extremely curious, yet charming older woman noses around looking up clues to discover ‘who done it.’ I haven’t read Lemon Tart yet, and Mrs. Kilpack has another culinary mystery, Devil’s Food Cake, but I’m confidant they’re both as entertaining. As an extra bonus, set within the pages of this cozy mystery are several hand-written recipes that Sadie collects during her extended stay in England.

It was a surprise to Sadie Hoffmiller’s daughter, Breanna to discover that the man she loves is in line to be the tenth Earl of Garnett in his home country of England, and after mother and daughter spend their holiday touring England while Liam cares for his father, Breanna realizes that she has no desire to live the life of an aristocrat.

It’s while they’re waiting for their ride back to the London airport, and thinking that the staff is a little too anxious to have them leave that Sadie and Breanna discover a dead man skewered to the wall behind the draperies in the sitting room.

The extremely wealthy are nearly untouchable no matter what part of the world they’re from. So it is in England, and it’s a crazy romp around English aristocracy when Sadie and Breanna call the police. Extremely hesitant to believe that the Earl’s estate could be the place of a murder, the police are even more hesitant to investigate when Lord Austin Melcalfe (who’s been caring for the estate) tells them that the women were merely pulling a prank.

It doesn’t look so good for Sadie and Breanna when, instead of sending a homicide detective, a recorder who collects facts appears—and the body’s been moved. Without a body, could there have been a murder? Except no one can explain the absence of John Henry. Lord Melcalfe and Liam keep arranging for the Americans to go home, and sequestering them to their assigned room. This doesn’t sit well with Sadie. She knows that with a little cooperation and charm, she can solve the murder by herself.

Saying the butler did it is cliché, so Sadie knows it wasn’t him—but all the staff knows more than they’re telling the inspector. When the cook, who doesn’t know how to cook, tells Sadie too much, she is surreptitiously sent to London on holiday.

Austin (Lord Melcalfe) is Sadie’s prime suspect—he’s arrogant, hateful, and he encourages the staff to hold back on telling the truth. Plus, he’s a little too curious about the order of inheritance. But, even though Sadie never discovers a motive for Liam to commit the murder, he keeps doing things that put him on her suspect list.

Mrs. Kilpack expertly weaves the clues in a story that keeps the reader guessing—was it Liam—or Austin—or the butler. Sadie finds evidence to incriminate each of them, and is disturbed to discover the many secrets her own daughter is keeping—but when she finds herself locked in the room where vegetables are kept cold, Sadie doesn’t know if she’ll live to discover the killers true identity.

GOD, FAMILY, SELF

2010-11-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you might die of frustration? That one more dirty dish—one more bed to make might just send you over the edge? The mundane things of life are so, so mundane! This quandary brings me to two of my aunts, who I’ve referred to over and over through the years—one kept a fairly tidy house and spilt dirt from the potted plant (by my young son) seemed like a fairly big embarrassment as she fussed around to get it cleaned up. My other aunt had a laundry room with a mountain of clean clothes piled in it and every time one of the kids wanted something clean they’d get it from the pile and iron it. Messes weren’t a big deal. Her house was also reasonably clean, but it was a place that welcomed children.

So, a prophet of the Lord has asked us to get back to the basics—God—family—self. Does that mean I don’t have to waste time cleaning up anymore??? Please? Oh the luxury of having a maid! It’s something I’ve dreamed about (not literally, but figuratively). But I don’t have and will never have a maid. Bummer.

Back to the basics—does that mean I should quit writing and focus on church and family things? That would be ignoring SELF, and would certainly classify as hiding my talent in the dirt. One apostle said, “If we put God first, everything else falls into place.” This advice is actually very helpful for me.

When we pray for guidance in balancing our efforts we will gain the help and perspective we need. Even so, I find that I am continually having to scale back. My parents were both collectors of things, and thus I’m a collector by nature. Instead of collecting THINGS, I collect THINGS TO DO. Pretty soon, I’ve got things to do scattered everywhere and my life is too cluttered. I’ve got to scale back.

I know from experience that we CAN be trying to develop too many talents at one time, and we CAN have too high of expectations for the perennially dusty home. These things, though good, can bring a mountain of frustration and give us less time for temple attendance, less time to read the scriptures. How do we keep from continually tipping the scales?

WHY COMPUTERS SOMETIMES CRASH! By Dr. Seuss

2010-11-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was at a restaurant a while back that had this little ditty included in a newsletter. Who knew that Dr. Seuss had a computer? Anyway, I think it's cute and I hope you get a chuckle out of it, too.

If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port, and the bus is interrupted at a very last resort, and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort, then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.

If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash, and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash, and your theta is corrupted cause the index doesn't hash, then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash!

If the label on the cable on the table at your house, says the network is connected to the button on your mouse, but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol, that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall.....

And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of guass, so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse; then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang, 'cuz sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang.

When the copy on your floppy's getting sloppy in the disk, and the macro code instructions is causing unnecessary risk, then you'll have to flash the memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM, and then quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!

THE BLACK MOTH, by Georgette Heyer

2010-10-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

For a person unlearned in the ways and dialogue of Regency England, it is amazing to me that I might attempt the task of reading The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer. However, the novel came highly recommended by Joyce DiPastena, so I decided to give it a read. (Of course she has more knowledge and experience in this era.)

Reading this novel reminded me of past trips to Europe, where you ask a question, the local gives the answer (or directions as unfortunately was sometimes the case), and though both parties spoke quite simply there has been an absolute miscommunication.

While reading The Black Moth, I had several ‘scratching my head’ moments where I wondered what in the world they were going on about. Of course finding yourself lost or experiencing a language barrier is much less frightening in a novel, because all you’ve got to do is read over the confusing passage a couple of times, and then read on. You eventually clue in.

I learned a few things about the era, such as many of the wealthy were carted from place to place by “chair.” My mind conjures up the image of Cleopatra riding on a shaded platform mounted on two large poles and carried by strong men—and I speculate that this was probably the first taxi.

At the risk of sounding thick-headed, I must confess that I got to page 100 before deciding absolutely what the plot was about and what the Black Moth had to do with anything. Since I had only just read The Scarlet Pimpernel, I thought the Black Moth was going to be some type of spy. I was wrong.

The book was engaging though a trifle too full of French phrases, but only once was I tempted to use the Internet language translator.

So, here’s the skinny on The Black Moth:

At a time when a man’s honor was paramount, Jack Carstares—heir to his family’s fortune and the title of earl, is accused of cheating. Disgraced, he leaves the country for six years rather than deny it and accuse his younger brother, Richard. Richard would have confessed a hundred times over the past years if it weren’t for his lovely bride, Lavinia. To admit his dastardly deed will also disgrace her—and she will have no part of it. Lavinia threatens to leave him should he confess.

Jack knows he can never go back home and take up his title and honor without betraying his beloved brother. However, yearning for home, Jack finally comes back to England under mask and poses part time as a country gentleman, and employs himself as a thieving highwayman. When he comes upon a different type of highway robbery—one where a beautiful young lady’s virtue is at stake, Jack makes no hesitation in coming to her rescue, and nearly losing his life in the process.

The lovely Diana and her aunt nurse Jack back to health and Diana and Jack fall in love. Unfortunately, Jack believes that marrying her would selfishly bring dishonor to her and her household because of his “spotty” past.

While the first of the book is paced rather slow, taking its time introducing characters and giving us a feel of the era, the last half of the book is paced a little faster as we begin to wonder—will Richard ever confess he was the cheater—will his wife Lavinia stay or will she leave him and marry another—will Jack and Diana get their happy ending—or will the Black Moth succeed in yet another kidnapping, and gain her hand in marriage.

Although the novel as a whole is quite engaging, it was wrapped up rather quickly. One thing I’ve noticed is that authors during Ms. Heyer’s era liked to wrap things up quickly at the end, whereas nowadays authors spend more time on the “Ahh” moment in the end. Nevertheless, it was a good read and I would read another of Georgette Heyer’s books.

TODAY IS FRIENDLY FRIDAY!

2010-10-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

And I’m a guest on Christine Bryant’s blog http://christinebryant.blogspot.com/ It’s on her blog that I first divulge my secret identity as the tree whisperer. Haha. Not really, but I did climb trees as a girl.

For those who visit me here, I’m including a yummy recipe for caramel apple dip.

It’s finally fall in Arizona with (at least temporarily) the chilly weather that we wait for all year long. It’s time for apple pie, apple cakes, caramel apples, candy apples—and apple pancakes with apple syrup. I had them for breakfast this morning. YUM! Nothing says autumn like apples. And, as they say, “An apple a day …”

My son-in-law has this great recipe for apple-dipping caramel. I’ve made it several times, and my kids lick the bowl clean. It makes a great FHE dessert.

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

1 can of Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk

1 C. light Karo (if all you have is the dark, it’s equally good in this recipe, I’ve tried it)

2 C. brown sugar

2 sticks of real butter

Mix ingredients together in a medium-sized pot, and melt over medium heat. Bring just to a simmer. Enjoy!

CULINARY DISASTER!

2010-10-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the television show, Hell’s Kitchen, I decided to make risotto. I’d never had it before, never even been to a restaurant where it was on the menu. But at every season of Hell’s Kitchen, they make risotto. It must be good.

I got curious, so I did an Internet search and found a risotto recipe using dried tomato and fresh basil—two ingredients that I happened to have on hand. The recipe called for white wine, but since I’m not an alcohol drinker, I substituted white grape juice and added a tablespoon of vinegar.

Another Internet site explained the importance of warming the liquids before adding them. Making risotto didn’t look hard at all, and it wasn’t hard, actually. When the rice started looking like it might be done (I didn’t want the mushy risotto that makes Gordon Ramsey so angry), I tasted it. It was good.

One of the main flavor ingredients in risotto—and a constant in all the recipes I looked up—is parmesan cheese. Still, a cup seemed like an awful lot. I added about 2/3 cup instead, and the full recipe of dried tomato and basil.

The smell almost choked me! Dog vomit. (I’ve had a lot of recent experience with this, so I know.) Short grain rice isn’t cheap, however. Neither were the other ingredients—over a quart of chicken stock, the cheese, and the fresh basil and dried tomato—and I’d spent over a half hour making it.

I tasted it—almost like it smelled. Unfortunate. The kids ate it and said it wasn’t that bad, but there were still leftovers the next day. Brave soul that I was, or desperate, I added more chicken stock and luckily it helped. But I still won’t make that particular recipe again; too many bad memories of the first time.

What went wrong? I’m pretty sure it was my choice of parmesan cheese. It was the kind they sell in a jar already grated into dust-like bits. I have enough of the short grain rice to make another batch, and I will. I’ll just use a different recipe, and less parmesan. I can always add more if needs be, but once it’s stirred in, there’s no going back. Maybe I’ll try to find a recipe for the kind of green risotto that Gordon Ramsey makes (unless it’s green because of green olives).

When you try new recipes, they can’t all be wonderful. Right?

The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy

2010-10-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

I had never read The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, but recently did so at the recommendation of my friend, Joyce DiPastena. It is set during revolutionary France and is a compelling read from the very first sentence. And, as a teaser, here is the first sentence: “A surging, seething, murmuring crowd of beings that are human only in name, for to the eye and ear they seem naught but savage creatures, animated by vile passions and by the lust of vengeance and of hate.”

Since this book is a classic, there are a few differences between it and contemporary novels. The publisher made full use of the paper with only quarter inch to eighth of an inch margins. The type is small (think scripture-sized font) possibly size 10.

The novel is written with a European flare and spelling, and there are occasional words that were spelled differently back then—today, for instance is spelled to-day, realize is spelled realise, and for me, there is a general overuse of commas that is sometimes confusing.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read and all I could think about is what was going to happen next. While I was making dinner, I had to check on poor Marguerite and see exactly how she was doing for a page or two until the timer chimed. While writing my own novel, Marguerite’s awful dilemma ticked at the back of my head until I took a break from writing to see if she would survive her latest ordeal.

It’s not that I didn’t guess what was going to happen before it did, because I did guess correctly more often than not. However, with a good novel the joy is in the journey. And as long as you’re reading, there’s still the uncertainty of how they (the main characters) will arrive to the end of their story.

Unfortunately, I must dare to admit right here that I was slightly disappointed in the last chapter. The baroness had gone into great detail showing us Marguerite’s emotions and motivations throughout the novel, until this last chapter where it is all wrapped up neatly in narrative that seems to say, “That’s all folks!” And, having enjoyed the novel immensely until then, was definitely not ready for a summarized ending.

Warm Fuzzies for All

2010-10-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

My husband and I were on our way to the temple today and the radio was turned to a talk show. They asked the question: “What does your spouse do that really bugs you?” I'll share two of them. One guy blew his nose in the shower—now that’s pretty gross! Another guy liked to cook in the nude—whether a bbq outside, or cereal in the house. The wife was fearful that the neighbors would complain (and rightly so).

This evening, we had the missionaries over for dinner. After we’d finished eating, my husband went to the kitchen and was cleaning up. I’m thinking: “Why don’t you quit worrying about the kitchen, and come and visit with the missionaries?” Anyway, after the missionaries were done sharing their message with us and challenging us to place a Book of Mormon this week, my husband says, “I’ve made you guys a plate.”

So, while I was wondering why he didn’t come sit down, my husband was making a “to go” meal for the missionaries. Very thoughtful, don’t you think?

To tie this all together, my thought was this: We (meaning people in general) spend far too much time rehashing in our minds the things that our loved ones do that irritate us, and far too little time feeling grateful for the blessing they are in our lives.

If any of you have a nice story to share—something that your spouse does that you really love, please share. I’d love to hear your story.

The Actor and the Housewife, by Shannon Hale

2010-10-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

It was exciting for me to hear about The Actor and the Housewife, by Shannon Hale—a story about a Mormon housewife, mainly because I had been told repeatedly that national publishers will not publish novels with LDS main characters.

Shannon Hale busted the myth and has laid the groundwork for us all. Thank you!

Although The Actor and the Housewife is a comedy, it’s more than fluff, and it comes with my WARNING: there are several poignant moments. (Meaning you may cry. I did.)

Hale delves quite expertly into LDS family relationships and encourages the reader to question what is truth. Is it okay for married people to have best friends of the opposite sex? Can it even happen without one or the other falling in love with that friend? What kinds of activities are acceptable for this type of friendship without putting the marriage in jeopardy?

We can feel nonreligious Felix’s pain when he attends a ward dinner with the Jack family. We can sympathize with Becky when she’s feeling oh-so-awkward at a cast party. We can understand handsome-movie-star-Felix’s confusion as he becomes increasingly attracted to Becky, a Utah-Mormon-mother-of-four.

There are plenty of times when this friendship works as easy as breathing, but there are numerous times when we as readers worry, worry, worry about the depth of their friendship—Will Becky cross the lines and allow it to turn into something more?

So, how does a sexy-supermodel-wife cope with (or even process) her husband’s growing attraction and emotional connection to a poorly dressed, frumpy Mormon mother—especially when this actor refuses to have children of his own? The answer is sometimes quite graciously and other times not so well at all.

And, how does even the most secure husband deal with his wife becoming LIVER (Love-like Intensity Via Emotional Rapport) to a sexy-heartthrob movie star? The answer to that is also: sometimes quite graciously, and other times not so well at all. After time, he accepts his wife’s friendship but this is only because of his ironclad belief in his wife’s ultimate fidelity.

Becky’s meeting Felix (the actor that she’s drooled over for several years) is purely coincidence, as is their second and third meeting—and due to the fact that they’re both staying at the same hotel. Although he’s wary of meeting anyone (apparently he’s tired of all the adoring fans, and would like a little privacy), Becky is quick-witted and keeps up with his banter, never once fawning over his celebrity.

So, although she’s big with child, he’s intrigued. Becky becomes his link to reality. She keeps him grounded and loves to poke fun at his looks, stardom, accent—you name it. This is something that his sexy-supermodel-wife couldn’t do for him or even understand. Becky fills a void in his life.

The void that Felix fills for Becky is that of her high school chum, Augie. She missed the free flowing banter they had—until Felix. He is able to draw Becky away from all things mundane and makes her feel special in a way that neither her husband nor her children can.

This is a book full of serendipity and what-ifs, and Hale takes us on an amazing roller coaster ride while answering each question with sensitivity and wit. Although the book would be rated PG at most, the subject matter: will two LIVER’s keep their friendship without becoming lovers, might make some readers nervous.

As for me? I’m going to find her other books at the library and read them all. I’ve included a link to her blog so that if you’d like, you can see her cute new twins. http://oinks.squeetus.com/ Congrats Shannon Hale on their safe arrival!

Tristi Pinkston, Author. Making Friends Monday

2010-09-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Tristi Pinkston is one of my dearest cyber-friends (meaning that I’ve only just briefly met her in person and that she probably only knows me by the picture on my blog and on Facebook). I know her as an amazingly kind person, and also as the author of Agent in Old Lace (I’ve reviewed it on a past blog).

She has a new book out, Secret Sisters, that I haven’t had the pleasure of reading yet. I’m trying to save my pennies so that I can attend the LDStorymakers Conference in May and then purchase a signed copy.

Tristi Pinkston and pre-published author, Tina Scott

Making Friends Monday is Tristi’s idea, and on October 4th, she will post a blog about me. Like I said, she is amazingly kind, and even though she has five published novels, she is genuine and approachable and at the last conference we had our picture taken together. (I’m not a stalker, I promise.)

Tristi Pinkston has been blogging since 2006. On her main blog, (http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/) she covers everything from writing tips and the life of a published author to kid funnies, spiritual thoughts, and embarrassing moments. She also has a weight loss blog, one for writing challenges, another for her fictional characters … and she lost count of how many others she has. You can find the links for them on her sidebar.

Tristi is the author of five published novels and a whole kit ‘n caboodle of unpublished novels. Right now she’s focusing on cozy mysteries, although she has written historical fiction in the past and plans to write more in that genre. She works as a freelance editor and a virtual book tour coordinator. She loves taking long naps, being charmingly annoying, and watching good movies. She’s a Mormon, a homeschooler, a Cubmaster, and most of the time, a headless chicken.

Thanks for playing along, and hopefully, this will bring us all much fun, merriment, and new friends!! Tristi

Tristi and I have enough in common to be friends in real life (still not a stalker)—we’re both Mormon, I served in the Cub Scouting program for approximately 13 years, I love a good movie, and a good book—and my children say that I’m charmingly annoying (minus the charm).
Check out Tristi’s blog if you can, she’s a great gal.

Pretzel Jell-O Salad

2010-09-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn’t get my last couple of salad recipes posted before getting sidetracked. Here is the jell-o salad recipe that I promised weeks ago. It’s oh so delicious!

Pretzel Jell-O Salad

Ingredients list:

Pretzels
Margarine
Sugar
Cream cheese
2 C. Cool Whip
2 small boxes of strawberry-flavored Jell-O
1 3/4 C. Boiling water
16-oz tub of sweetened, frozen strawberries

Mix together in a 9x13” pan:

2 C. lightly crushed pretzels. I used the stick pretzels, but any plain-flavored shape will do.
¾ C. melted margarine
3 TBSP sugar
Bake at 325 for 8 minutes or until margarine is bubbly.
Allow to cool.

Pretzel crust just out of the oven.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together:

softened, 8-oz cream cheese
2/3 C. sugar
2 C. Cool Whip
Spread over cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate until firm.

Cool Whip and cream cheese layer.

Dissolve both packages of strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Add the (still frozen) sweetened strawberries. Stir until the strawberries thaw. Refrigerate until the mixture is slightly thickened. Pour over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until Jell-O is firm--several hours.

Serve and enjoy!

Young Women's Medallion for Madison Platt

2010-09-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Before we moved, my daughter had the priviledge of participating in the young women's project.

A Part of Me

2010-09-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

My last two children are passing through the portal and into adulthood.
It hurts.
My daughter--my youngest child, was recently asked to model for a store in Safford, AZ. I've written a poem that awkwardly describes my feelings.

A part of me
Applauds my children’s first steps

A part of me
Rejoices as they learn new things

A part of me
Lives for each accomplishment

A part of me
Is proud because they’re so smart

A part of me
Aches
As they grow independent
Ready to face the world on their own

Another part of me
Swells
That I am whole because
My children are always and forever

A part of me.

A Tender Mercy

2010-09-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

That’s what Sunday was for me. I must admit that I’ve been quite discouraged as of late—bogged down with things. You know how it is, or maybe you don’t.

Anyway, I went to Sunday School with my niece, and the instructor was a teacher like none other. He gave the most magnificent lesson on talents and how they were gifts from God, and how He expects us to use them—and to improve them.

I already knew this, and yet his words hit me like a hammer.

How will we feel at the end of our life when we’re asked what we did with God’s gifts? Will we have been too busy with things to have developed them properly—will we have taken the time to know what our gifts and talents are (what talents? I don’t have any talents)—or will we be pleased with our report?

For me, it seems I’m always walking a fine line—I don’t want to be overly involved in personal pursuits at the expense of my family—nor do I want to ignore my talents and do nothing but take care of my family, though I do love them enough to do just that. I feel the line and I don’t want to cross it, but when I look around, I feel that others are achieving more. So, I wonder if I’m just giving myself excuses.

So, as a person who struggles to give myself permission to explore my talents and improve them, his message was like a dewdrop from heaven resting on my tongue.

Memories of My Dog Roxy

2010-09-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

In Memory of Roxy Scott 1996—2010

Roxy at home.

Roxy came to our home as a two-year-old adult. She was an outside dog, but due to her sweet nature and my husband’s spoiling she soon became an indoor dog.

an upside down Roxy

I think her original owners named her Roxy because she loved to eat rocks. This is no lie. If we caught her doing it, she would spit them out when we told her to.

When she was younger, she would get on our trampoline either to rest or to run around it and chase flies.

Roxy sleeping with her favorite toy.

When someone rang our doorbell, Roxy would knock us over in her attempt to get to the door first—not because she wanted to protect us, but because she wanted to see who was there and have them pet her.

Roxy felt like one of us.

Roxy was a good-natured dog and allowed all kinds of silliness at her expense—we buried her up to her head in the sand once and she waited patiently until we were done—my husband played hide-and-seek with her and she loved it—she loved chasing the laser light.

She wasn’t forgiving with small dogs—but after we babysat my daughter’s dog for ten days, Roxy went around the house looking for her.

Roxy loved chasing cats, and if she didn’t want to eat something, all we had to do is say, “Here kitty, kitty” and she would eat it up.

Roxy is a man's best friend.

“When my husband would say, “What’s that?” Roxy would jump up from a sound sleep and race to the door to protect us from some unseen evil.

She did have her faults, but she had a big heart and tonight our house feels awfully empty.

Roxy's helping dig the hole.

Half way buried and still patient.

Up to her neck in sand.

Roxy loved to lounge on her back.

Knives Sharpened Here

2010-09-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

I’ve got a drawer full of knives—most of them have lived out their lives in various stages of dullness. Having wanted sharp knives for years, I’ve received an assortment of knife sharpeners for Christmas and other gift-giving holidays. But, although I’ve tried and tried, those dang knives remain dull. Am I holding them at the wrong angle when sharpening? What’s up?

In the quest to own a knife sharp enough to cut a tomato, I have purchased or had purchased for me (gift-giving holidays), a few fairly expensive knives. Even expensive knives are only sharp for so long. Then, along with their less expensive cousins, they get dull.

Imagine my delight then, when driving home from the grocery store, we spotted a man standing outside of his truck in a vacant lot. The sign said, “knives sharpened here.” WooHoo!!! We came home and decided which knives we should sharpen, and at only $3 a knife, I now own some sharp knives.

I feel like a pro! I never knew what I was missing! Not only can I slice a tomato, but I can chop!!! I can also slice skinny slices of carrot, celery or onion. I am now master chef in a functional home-kitchen.

You want some carrot sticks? Here, let me do that for you. Need to slice an onion? I’ve got your back.

Who knew that having sharp tools made the job so much easier? Well, I did really, but now I'm living the dream!

Fruited Spinach Salad

2010-09-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lest you think that all I eat is spinach in one form or another, I’ll tell you right now that is absolutely not true. I’ve had this recipe for ages, and the other day I was perusing my recipe book and came across it. It is similar to the spinach salad that I’ve already posted, and yet so different.

Also, my advice is that if you’re tired of only spinach in the salad, this recipe is also good with a mixture of lettuces such as red leaf lettuce.

Although I seldom use it, I have a case of raspberry jam in the pantry, and this was my incentive to try this recipe. However, mine is full of seeds so I took the trouble to warm the jam and strain the seeds out. (I know, I know. I need to get over it and get a life.)

Fruited Spinach Salad

1 (11oz) can of mandarin oranges

¼ C olive or vegetable oil (I used canola)3 TBSP raspberry jam or spreadable fruit

1 TBSP red wine vinegar

1 (10 oz) pkg fresh spinach, torn

1 red apple, chopped

1 C chopped pecans, toasted.

Drain oranges, reserving ½ C juice. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine oil, jam, vinegar and reserved juice; shake well. In a large salad bowl, toss oranges, spinach, apple and pecans. Serve with the dressing. (Yield 6-8 servings)

Also, if you try this salad and like it (or even if you don’t) I’d love to hear about it.

**Stay tuned next week for a yummy jello salad that my family made me promise to serve on Thanksgiving day.**