Sherrinda Ketch

Stimulating Creativity

2011-09-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

I've got tips for stimulating creativity at my new blog home....

www.sherrindaketch.wordpress.com

Moving to Wordpress

2011-09-17T21:54:00.000-05:00

After much deliberation, I have decided to move my blog to Wordpress. I've had trouble with Blogger and keep hearing the praises of Wordpress, so I am making the move. If you have put my address into a Blog Reader, you will need to change my address. Sorry about that. You can find me at:

http://sherrindaketch.wordpress.com/

Best Hobbies for Writers

2011-09-13T06:20:00.000-05:00

I've got a fun post up over at The Writer's Alley today. I'm talking about some great hobbies for writers. Some are a little tongue-in-cheek, but a few are really useful to writers. Check it out...

The Writer's Alley

Monday Again...and PINTEREST!!!!

2011-09-12T01:00:00.001-05:00

I wish we could have Mondays off. Don't you think three day weekends would help the world in general? We would all be more rested and in better spirits. Less war. Less strife. A happier you. A happier me. I love to dream big.

I chopped my hair off. I mean really chopped it good. I think it is rather cute....kinda sassy, if I do say so myself. It is a little shorter than what I thought I wanted, but I like it. It's easy, which is a plus. What I find funny is all the people that don't say a word about the change. I always wonder if they can't find anything good to say about it, so they keep their mouth shut! Funny, huh?

So have you heard about Pinterest? It is an interesting site, though I'm not sure the real purpose of it, other than it is like a visual bookmarking site. What you do is add a little button to your internet toolbar and when you see something you like while you are surfing the net, you "pin it". You have these little "corkboards" on your Pinterest page and you add interesting or cool things to your categories. I have categories like...Photos that move me, Travel Dreams, DIY Crafts, Artsy stuff, Cool Clothes, etc...

Here is a look at my DIY Crafty Things category up close. The cool thing is that it will link to the internet page that you "pinned it" from. That way you can go back to the page to get the directions for the craft. There is a stream of other people's pins and you can repin anything you see that you like. You can follow other people that you like or get your friends to join.

Yes, I need another online thing to do like I need a hole in my head, but this is really neat. I've found some DIY Crafts that I am going to do for Christmas presents!

So what new cool thing have you come across lately?

A Labor Day Winner

2011-09-05T18:48:00.000-05:00

What a blessed Labor Day. Seriously, after sixty-seven 100+ degree days this summer, today's high of 82 was a bit of heaven. It was so cool this morning that we got out in the garage and cleaned it out. We had so many boxes from our move last year that we hadn't gone through and there was only a path through the garage. A coworker gave me two shelving units and we got organized. Now we can even park a car in the garage!

I started a movie, but fell asleep. I suppose that's okay, given it is a holiday, but it sure makes me feel lazy.

Lazy is okay once in awhile, but when you forget to draw a winner for Kaye Dacus's book, Ransome's Quest, well, that is NOT a good thing! So without further ado, the winner of Kaye's book is:

Jodie Wolfe

Congratulations! I will be emailing you to get your snail mail address!

Review & Giveaway: Ransome's Quest by Kaye Dacus

2011-08-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

About Ransome's Question:

The pirate El Salvador has haunted the waters of the Caribbean for almost ten years. When he snatched Charlotte Ransome, it was a case of mistaken identity. Now Charlotte’s brother, whose reputation in battle is the stuff of legend, is searching for him with a dogged determination. But another rumor has reached El Salvador’s ears: Julia Ransome has been kidnapped by the man feared by all other pirates—the pirate known only as Shaw. The violent and blood-thirsty savage from whom El Salvador was trying to protect her.

When word reaches William of Julia’s disappearance, his heart is torn—he cannot abandon the search for his sister, yet he must also rescue Julia. Ned Cochrane offers a solution: Ned will continue the search for Charlotte while William goes after Julia. William’s quest will lead him to a greater understanding of faith and love as he must accept help from sworn enemy and have faith that Julia’s life is in God’s hands.

My thoughts:

Ransome's Quest is a swashbuckling, high adventure with plenty of action and high intensity scenes that sweep you into a world of danger and intrigue upon the high seas. Seriously, this book was a lot of fun and kept me turning the page with gripping kidnappings and naval battles. One thing Kaye Dacus can do is write authentic battle scenes. She has the verbage down and knows her ships! I was swept away into another world and felt as if I could taste the salty air.

Another thing I loved in this book were the villains. First we have El Salvador, who is a surprising gentleman aboard his pirate ship, and then we have Shaw, as evil and unwholesome a character as I've ever come by. These two made for great contrasts and added depth to the story.

Kaye's use of secondary characters made the story fun for me. I loved Declan, El Salvador's first mate. In fact, it sure would be nice to have another book featuring him. *hint, hint* The ship hands were interesting characters and very visual. I felt like they were friends.

I think if I had one thing about the book that wasn't as top notch as Kaye's other books was that it was not quite as romantic as her others. I suppose it had to do with the fact that both heroines already had their hero at the very beginning of the book. Of course, I love to read romance where the characters grow in their love for one another, so maybe that is why this one fell a little flat for me. Otherwise, this book is a great read and thoroughly enjoyable. It would make for one awesome movie, to be sure!

Check out Kaye's other books at her website HERE.

Because I love Kaye and her books so much, and because it's my birthday, I am giving away a copy of Ransome's Quest to a lucky commenter! Please leave your spam-free email in the comment section. ie: sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com. A winner will be drawn Sunday, September 2, 2011.

*Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Oh Yeah...The Secondary Character

2011-08-30T05:55:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging over at The Writer's Alley today about secondary characters. Stop by for a peek into The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass to see what he says about secondary characters.

My Secret Challenge

2011-08-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

I've challenged myself to do something during the month of September. I thought I would share it, but I've decided not to, mainly because I am so afraid I'll fail. It is something I've attempted before without success. A part of me thinks I'll jinx myself if I say it out loud. So mum's the word until I've accomplished what I've set out to do.

October 1st I will share my accomplishment IF I really did get it done. If not, then I'm hoping everyone has forgotten about this silly secret challenge.

Wednesday Review: Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

2011-08-24T01:00:00.002-05:00

Overview: When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

My Review:

Swashbuckling adventure. Breath-taking romance. Dreamy Hero. Fiesty Heroine. Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie has it all. This fast paced adventure kept me turning the page and caused me to lose some sleep, but it was worth it.

Jamie Carie takes a strong-willed, beautiful woman and puts her on a ship with a heart-wounded captain, setting the stage for some flying sparks and interesting dialogue. These two are immediately drawn to one another and yet, struggling with their past and their future, they put up barriers. The way Carie builds their relationship is believable and I was thoroughly routing for both of them.

There are plenty of villains to keep the conflict going, and Carie kept raising the stakes with every scene. Such adventure and such drama! And all the while, the romance builds. I loved this book and will definitely be purchasing more of Carie's books.

*With thanks to B&H Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.*

* Book releases September 1, 2011.*

Estrogen Minority

2011-08-22T02:00:00.001-05:00

I am now the minority in my house. The lone female - all because we dropped off our daughter off at the University of Texas in Austin. She is in the oldest and smallest dorm on campus, but I betcha anything it has the biggest rooms. Her dorm room is huge, with a lot of room to move around. The floors are hardwood and there is a built in dresser and shelves.

She is on the top floor...4th story, and there is no elevator. I carried a bag up those stairs and decided I better stay up there and start getting the bed looking good. Besides, it was like 105 degrees outside. I didn't want to keel over and embarrass my daughter, right?

She didn't want us to stay and help her get things put away, so after we got her bedding on the bed, we hugged goodbye (I only got teary eyed.) and headed for the car. It was only when I got to the car that I really broke down. It didn't last too long, and I had gummy bears to ease the pain.

She is doing great. She is happy. She called Sunday afternoon and shared about the church she visited, which makes my heart full. She is a good girl and I am so very proud of her. She is starting her own journey, and I know she will glorify God in whatever she puts her hand to.

I'm so thankful God has allowed me the privilege of being her mother. She is special.

My First Writing Event

2011-08-15T01:00:00.001-05:00

I had a first. I went to my first writing "event" Saturday. My friend from church, Ava, who just finished her first book, heard about an ACFW chapter here in our area that meets once a month. I'd heard of them, but had been too intimidated to go by myself. She wanted to go and I jumped at the chance to go with her.

We met at La Hacienda Ranch at 11:00 a.m. and were welcomed with open arms by the DFW Ready Writers group. They were warm, friendly, and very helpful. Lena Nelson Dooley is a member and she presented on the topic of Layering. Extremely interesting, that woman!

I will definitely be going back, because it is good for me. It is good for me to step out. It's good to challenge myself. And it is even better to come away inspired.

Thanks, Ava! I love you, friend!

Lawsuit Over eBook Pricing

2011-08-12T06:21:00.000-05:00

And so it begins. With the vast new territory to explore in the eBook industry, it was just a matter of time before lawsuits came into play. According to GalleyCat's article HERE, a consumer rights firm called Hagen Bermans is suing Apple and six other big publishers saying that the agency model for eBook pricing is in violation of the Sherman Act (again, see GalleyCat's article for a little more about this).

Evidently, sometimes eBooks are being sold for a higher price than their hardback/softback counterparts. Granted, you would think that an eBook would be cheaper. No paper, no ink, to copy setting, to overhead, etc...

What do you think? Should eBooks be cheaper than paper copies? Should we have rules to enforce this kind of pricing?

Wednesday Review: Out of Control by Mary Connealy

2011-08-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

I love Mary Connealy. And I really love her books. They are so funny, so fast paced, and so romantic. What's not to love about an earth-shattering kiss in complete darkness, down in the depths of a cavern? Mary knows how to write strong, independent women and strong, but vulnerable men. And Out of Control is as good as it comes.

About the book: Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys studying the fossils and formations in the magnificent cave near her father's house. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to climb out.

Rafe Kincaid is a man used to being in control--of himself, his brothers, and his family's ranch. The last thing he expects is to find a woman trapped in the cavern on his land--or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known. But when their developing relationship threatens a reconciliation with his brothers, will Rafe have to choose between his family and this new love that could heal his troubled heart and secure his happiness?

My thoughts: I like how Mary Connealy takes a setting and makes it almost a character in itself. The cavern plays in heavy in this book, and breathes life into each and every chapter. And then we have the other characters: Julia, who finds the need to spend her time exploring the cavern: Rafe, who had a harrowing episode with his brothers in the cavern: a wild man who lives in the cavern; an insane man intent on hunting down Julia to find treasure her father supposedly stole; and a pregnant woman ready to give birth. What a varied list of characters! This is the reason Mary keeps me turning the page. The characters are unique, kirky, and real.

Rafe and Julia have such great chemistry, and from the very first chapter we see the sparks fly. There's some wonderful romantic scenes, and a couple of breathtaking kisses that Mary does so well. I love the humor, the misunderstanding, the vulnerability, and the sweetest of their times together.

If you like to read about cowboys and the women they love, you will love this book. It is the first in the Kinkaid Brides series by Bethany House. Look out...there's more brothers that need a wife!

Check out the trailer:

Find out more about Mary Connealy HERE.
You can purchase Out of Control HERE.

* I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Meeting an Online Friend Face To Face

2011-08-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

Today was a special day for me. I had lunch with fellow writer and Alley Cat, Angie Dicken, and let me tell you...she is cool. Not only does she have four kids, like me, but two of her kids share the same names as two of MY kids! We both have a Thomas and a Caleb. How about that? We also have three boys and one girl. Cool, huh?

Angie is beautiful and smart. She's easy to talk to and I really enjoyed talking "shop" with her, talking about our projects and throwing out ideas. It's strange that someone that I have never met, someone who I've never spent time with, could encourage me like she did. It was good for my writer's soul to get to be with her.

Thank you, Angie, for taking the time to meet me for lunch! I loved it!

A Look At Return To Me, The Movie

2011-08-02T06:35:00.000-05:00

It's Blockbuster Week at The Writer's Alley and I'm talking about the movie Return to Me, with David Duchovny and Minnie Drive. Hilarious and beautiful movie, with some great insights into writing. Check it out at...

The Writer's Alley

Reading, Reading, Reading

2011-08-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

I've been reading alot this summer and I have loved everything I've read. The problem is I'm behind on my reviews. So today I am giving you a glance at the books I've read and then hopefully I can spit some of these great reviews out over the next week or two.

I love summer reading! So what have you been reading?

Settling In

2011-07-29T15:11:00.000-05:00

I'm settling in at my new job and am finding that I love it. It is easier than my other job, less stressful and a slower work pace. Very nice, indeed. I am missing my friends from my previous job, especially Beverly, one of my best friends, but the people at my new job are really nice and have made me feel welcome.

What is nice is that I come home not completely drained. I am getting the itch back. The itch to create. So I've been reading a couple of books on writing. What, you say? You aren't writing? You are reading about writing? Well, maybe I am procrastinating a bit, but it's been so long since I've really written that I feel the need to refresh myself on the craft. I'm still a newbie, you know.

But my mind is whirling with an idea, and I'm excited about letting it stew. This sounds so familiar, doesn't it? I keep talking about it, but not doing it. Anyone else ever get stuck in this pattern?

JUST DO IT!

Hot Hot Days of Romance

2011-07-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

I'm posting about romantic tension at The Writer's Alley today. Stop by and share your favorite books or movies that are loaded with romantic tension.

The Crown of Eden & The Devil's Mouth-Book Giveaway!

2011-07-11T06:42:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that my father has finally published his books in ebook format. These two medieval fantasy novels, formerly published by Thomas Nelson and now out of print, are newly available as e-books on Amazon.com. For some reason the cover image for The Devil's Mouth does not display properly on Amazon. That is being fixed, but you can see it in its true form below. (My dad, previously the Art Director at Word, now Thomas Nelson, designed and painted the covers.)

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The Crown of Eden

A beautiful young princess is betrothed by her father to an unknown prince in another land. When she meets the prince, she finds him spoiled, decadent, and filled with an inner darkness that makes him unfit to rule. At the same time, a young and powerful blacksmith’s son finds himself reluctantly embroiled in a great quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy he does not understand. He falls in love with a beautiful maiden who hides a tragic secret she cannot reveal. He finds that to wed her will undo the ancient prophecy and forever doom the empire of the Seven Kingdoms. The paths of the princess and the blacksmith cross, and both must choose whether to pursue their own hopes for happiness or bring a great evil upon the land.

Price: $5.99

Buy at Amazon

The Devil's Mouth

This sequel to The Crown of Eden takes the reader back to the mythical world of the Seven Kingdoms with a compelling medieval story of freedom, justice, and forbidden love.

When political conspirators murder his father, Prince Lanson of Lochlaund flees for his life. He becomes the chivalrous protector of a beautiful tavern maid who is hiding from the moral condemnation of the powerful Lochlaund Kirk, a religious establishment ruled by a lecherous bishop which has a stranglehold on the kingdom. Ultimately Lanson must decide whether to give the woman over to the kirk's legalistic justice or defy the kirk and save her life by wedding her—a choice which could lead to a holy war that would destroy either the kingdom or the kirk.

Price: $5.99

Buy at Amazon

What readers and reviewers have said about the originally published print edition of The Crown of Eden:

“Put Tom Williams up there with C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. His first book is a ‘great’ of the fantasy world.” —The Houston Chronicle

“Magnificent language, stunning imagery, and compelling symbolism . . . worthy of the most critical reader.” —Ellen Gunderson Traylor, author of Song of Abraham

“We are privileged to enjoy Tom’s skill with a story.” —Max Lucado

“Tom Williams has written a Tolkien-like fantasy in The Crown of Eden.” —Chicago Sun-Times

“Williams’s tale of the ongoing struggle between light and darkness carries a strong moral and religious message that makes this high fantasy adventure a good choice for libraries in search of Christian-oriented fantasy.” —Library Journal

“Williams delivers a romantic tale examining such topics as fate, free will, and the power of good and evil. Both fantasy and romance readers will enjoy this first adventure in the Seven Kingdoms Chronicles series.” —CBA Marketplace

“A masterfully told fantasy comparable both in style and wisdom to the works of George Macdonald, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien. The book is filled with spiritual truths and deals with a number of challenging issues on an allegorical level. It is a book to be read slowly, and to be savored.” —Christian Library Journal

“If you like fantasy, it will completely gratify your expectations. Brilliantly written!” —Emily Alger on Suite101.com

“My wife and I were overwhelmed by this book. I don’t know when I have enjoyed anything so much. Warning: once you start it you will find it hard to stop. I let several things go and read it over a couple of days. It’s a fine piece of work.” —Dr. Thomas A. Langford, Late Dean of the Graduate School, Texas Technological University

“An intriguing fantasy of love and adventure that takes place in a world of hidden identities, secret motivations, and the unfolding of a divine prophecy.” —Joseph Bentz, author of A Son Comes Home

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Because I am so excited about these books, I am giving away a copy of The Crown of Eden to a lucky commenter. I will send the winner a "gift" from Amazon in ebook form. Please leave your spam-free email address to be entered for the random drawing, which will be held Sunday, June 17. Contest is open in the US and void where prohibited.Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is drawn from a non--biased third party, Random.org.

Review: Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

2011-07-06T01:00:00.006-05:00

Hope Springs Anew

2011-07-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

I've just come out of a blessed week and am starting on a new adventure. Tomorrow I begin a new job. Yes! I applied for and was offered a position as an Administrative Secretary in the Curriculum & Instruction Department in the school district I already work for. It is a large increase in salary for me and is such a blessing... I can't even begin to put into words what this means for my family. It was a God thing.

Adding to my joy of new employment, we were given a van. A nice van. A big conversion van. Some of you may have seen my tweets about our car curse and have heard me talk about our four cars (I've got 2 driving teens in the house.) breaking down and going into the shop. Some of the repairs were very costly. And one car, well, it is no more. A sweet, generous family at church just bought a new van and graciously gave us their older one. I will now have a car that I can get to my new job in. We were wondering how we were going to juggle transportation. Doesn't God have great timing?

So today I am resting on my last day of summer, since this new job is year round and I begin tomorrow. No more summers off for me, but that is okay. I am praying that it is less stressful and that I will be able to wrap my brain around writing again.

You see, these blessings have given my hope. There is a spring to my step, and flutter in my heart. I have hope that things are looking up for me and my family. I've seen God at work this week and I am blessed. Hope springs anew.

May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 115:15

Traveling Queen

2011-06-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm back. I know you didn't know I was gone, because I don't like the world to know my family and I are away from the house. Let's see, since the second week of June, I've been to Houston to take my daughter to see her boyfriend graduate; Austin, to drop off my daughter for orientations at The University of Texas; and then to Granbury, to take care of my mother after her surgery.(She is doing great, btw)

I am so glad to have the summer off work to be able to do all this travelling, but I am ready to be home. I'm ready to read, watch all the seasons of LOST (I've never seen the last season.), and try to get my nerve up to start a new story.

I haven't written in so long...I'm rather scared. I know more now and it is rather paralyzing. Yeah, I've said all this before and you can roll your eyes. I'm rolling my eyes. What is it about me that can't just sit down and write for the enjoyment of writing? I know what I need to do. Just write. Just write a story. And another. And another. Writing more than one manuscript will be the best tool to equip me to write.

So, if I don't stop by your blogs as much, if I don't blog as much, if I don't tweet as much, maybe I am just writing.

Do Your Characters Need Therapy?

2011-06-14T02:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever developed a character, given them a unique backstory, only to wonder how they would react in certain situations? Have you wondered how certain personalities act when obstacles litter their path? Well, I have the perfect resource for you!

Your characters just might need some "couch time" with Jeannie Campbell, The Character Therapist. She has an amazing website that offers a variety of resources to help you develop your characters into realistic, believable people. Here's how Jeannie can help aspiring writer's....

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

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

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

Have I piqued your curiosity? Think your characters might benefit from some couch time?

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

Writing Breaks - Yay or Nay?

2011-05-24T06:06:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about taking about taking a break from your writing at The Writer's Alley. Stop by and post your thoughts on whether that is a good or a bad idea.

The Writer's Alley

Once Upon A Time & Smash

2011-05-23T01:00:00.047-05:00

ABC and NBC have shows coming out in the fall that I am looking forward to. ABC's Once Upon A Time meshes fairy tale and real life, giving us fabulous sets,great special effects, and gorgeous costumes. Who doesn't love a fairy tale?

Here's what ABC has to say about it:

From the inventive minds of Lost executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide.
And they all lived happily ever after – or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She's a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who's been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything starts to change. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma's help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming's missing daughter. According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen's curse, which trapped the fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Of course Emma doesn't believe a word, but when she brings Henry back to Storybrooke, she finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for Henry, she decides to stay for a while, but she soon suspects that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It's a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close… where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don't remember who they once were. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, but for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell.

And take a look at the cast:

Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret
Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan
Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold
Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina
Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham

Jared Gilmore as Henry
Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe
Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie

Check out this cool trailer for Once Upon A Time:

Now doesn't that look like fun?

NBC has a new show coming in the fall called Smash. Here's what NBC has to say about it:

There's nothing more exciting than the opening night of a hit Broadway musical, except maybe what happens getting there. While Wicked and The Lion King pack audiences in on the Great White Way, Julia and Tom, a successful songwriting team played by Debra Messing and Christian Borle, begin work on a new musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. When a tenacious producer (Anjelica Houston) jumps aboard, so begins the difficult task of casting the silver screen icon.

Ivy Lynn, a tough Broadway veteran, seems like the obvious choice. But enter Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee), a young girl from Iowa with a dream of making it on Broadway who walks in and blows everyone away. So who will get the part and begin a journey that will change their lives? It's an age-old story, but a star just might be born once again.

While everyone is consumed with putting the show together, real life has a tendency of getting in the way. Julia and her husband are in the middle of a complicated adoption; the producer's husband begins divorce proceedings which could threaten the finances of the show; and the brilliant but womanizing director could derail everything if he puts the young star in a compromising position. This will be a rollercoaster ride that culminates on opening night when the audience gets to determine whether or not the show is a smash!

In the era of The Voice and Glee, executive producers Steven Spielberg and Craig Zadan & Neil Meron (producers of Chicago and Hairspray), and songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray), bring you the blood, sweat, and tears of the making of a Broadway musical.

The cast of Smash:

Debra MessingJulia
Christian BorleTom
Katharine McPheeKaren
Jack DavenportDerek
Megan HiltyIvy

Jaime CeperoEllis
Anjelica HustonEileen
Raza JaffreyDev
Brian d'Arcy JamesFrank

Credits

Executive Producer/WriterTheresa Rebeck (Law & Order: Criminal Intent)
Executive ProducersSteven Spielberg, Justin Falvey (United States of Tara, Terra Nova), Darryl Frank (United States of Tara, Terra Nova), Craig Zadan (Chicago, Hairspray), Neil Meron (Chicago, Hairspray)
Executive Producers/Original SongsScott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Hairspray)

DirectorMichael Mayer (American Idiot, Spring Awakening)
StudioUniversal Media Studios DreamWorks Television

Don't these look good? Or are you more of a drama crime solving kind of show person?

Winner of Breath of Angel

2011-05-22T20:59:00.000-05:00

Using a random generator, the winner of Breath of Angel is....

Courtney

Congratulations! I will email you to get your snail mail address. Enjoy!

Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley Review & Giveaway

2011-05-18T01:00:00.002-05:00

Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley was an interesting read. This young adult fantasy is about a young priestess, Melaia, who is thrown into a life of angels, malevolents, and shapeshifters. Previously fabled tales become reality, and she is thrust into the destiny she was born to follow.

I liked the story world of this book and was instantly caught up in the the opening scene. There were many characters and I got confused every now and then by the constant movement of the characters throughout the story. I bogged down in the middle of the book, but the story picked up toward the end and once again, I was caught up in the plot.

I think anyone who enjoys fantasy would enjoy this tale. It has adventure and danger, with a hint of romance, and it came to a satisfying conclusion.

Back Cover:
Melaia, a young priestess, witnesses the gruesome murder of an emaciated stranger in the temple courtyard. Just after she discovers wings on the stranger, the murderer arrives at the temple. Having committed the fatal act as a hawk, he now appears as a man. What Melaia has known only through song and story has suddenly been given flesh. Angels. Shape-shifters. Myths and stories... until now.

Melaia finds herself in the middle of a blood feud between two immortal brothers who destroyed the stairway to heaven, stranding angels in the earthly realm. When the feud turns violent and Melaia becomes a target, she finds refuge with a band of wandering angels who are attempting to restore the stairway. But restoration is impossible without the repayment of an ancient debt, the "breath of angel, blood of man," a payment that involves Melaia's heart, soul, and destiny.

This book will be released on June 21, 2011.

Leave your spam-free email in the comment section for a chance to win Breath of Angel.

**This copy is an advanced reader copy(uncorrected proof) and has a crease in the cover.**
***I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.***

My Senior, My Daughter

2011-05-16T01:00:00.008-05:00

I've got another senior this year, my daughter. I've got three big boys...all over 6 foot...and then this beautiful 5'6" daughter who is such a delight. She is gifted with such life and energy...a special glow and vitality that lights up the room when she is in it. She makes my heart smile.

She is ready to leave the nest--more than ready, actually. And while I know this is a part of life and she is a capable young woman, I am really going to miss her. It is going to be quiet around the house, with just the one son left at home. Poor guy, he's got three more years before he flies the coop.

So as I gather pictures for a special Graduation Sunday display, I reminisce about her life and the blessing that she is, praying over her and hoping she will clearly see the path God has laid out for her in the coming years.

Here are a few pictures from Graduation Sunday at our church yesterday. They had the three graduates come forward and receive a Bible. Then our elders/advisory board laid hands on them and prayed over them. Afterward, a reception was held in their honor with a huge pot luck dinner. Good times.

I'm just a little proud, to say the least, and so very grateful to God for having the honor of being her mother.

Interview & Book Giveaway with Kaye Dacus!

2011-05-10T05:46:00.000-05:00

I'm interviewing Kaye Dacus today at The Writer's Alley. Stop by for a chance to win her newest release, The Art of Romance!

I Yeild...It's Time

2011-05-09T02:00:00.003-05:00

It is time to take control of my life. After a visit with my doctor, I am embarking on a new journey of creating a healthier me. Yes, I've got to lose weight, but it is more than that. I need to get strong, get active, and get healthy--mind, body, and soul.

As I was absorbing the enormity of my task, I read Lisa Jordan's blog where she talked about joining SparkPeople and the huge help it was to her. I immediately hopped over to SparkPeople and was blown away by the site. It is a huge community of people working their way to good health.

SparkPeople has incredible tools to aid you on the weight loss journey. The site is free and they have a nutritional tracker, an exercise tracker, plus over 200,000 recipes to peruse as you plan meals. They track your weight and count your calories according to the meals you list in the Meal Planner. It also tracks different nutritional values, such as calcium, sodium, fats, fibers, etc... There are also forums and discussion boards, as well as member pages to visit where you can read many inspiring success stories.

I'm not delusional. This site is not a going to be a miracle plan for losing weight. But it looks to be a great tool for those who need some guidance.

What have you found to be the best tool for losing weight and getting healthy?

***Stop by The Writer's Alley tomorrow where I will interview Kaye Dacus and give away a copy of her new release, The Art of Romance. It is such a good book and you don't want to miss the chance to get your hands on it!***

Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy

2011-04-29T02:00:00.000-05:00

Mary Connealy brands us with another hootin' and hollerin' romance, making us squeal for more. Deep Trouble is a story about Gabe Lasley, a wandering cowboy intent on forgetting his love for a married woman, and Shannon Dysart, an adventuress looking for a city of gold to honor her father's name.

Right from the start, Connealy takes us on a fast paced, grand adventure. I say that tongue-in-cheek because a good portion of this story takes place in the Grand Canyon. The majestic beauty of the setting is brought to life as Shannon and Gabe travel into the heart of the canyon, in search of a lost city of gold. Due to unusual circumstances, they are accompanied by a grumbling preacher and a Dineh (Navajo) Indian couple who make the journey extremely interesting.

It isn't long before they realize they are being hunted by a group of greedy gold diggers who know about Shannon's treasure map and want it for themselves. In a race for the gold through a dangerous, stifling hot land, Shannon and Gabe's feelings for each other grow...though they are obviously attracted to each other from the very first. (Way to go, Mary!)

Adding to the drama and tension, Connealy brings in Shannon's intended groom from out East. He's come to take her home and make her settle down with him. Connealy also brings in Gabe's brother, who brings his sister-in-law (who has a crush on Gabe). They know Gabe's in some kind of trouble and come to help him out. Add those characters in the mix and you get a wild and crazy ride.

There is so much tension and action in this book, it kept me turning the page until the very end. Connealy has a knack for opening strong and ending each chapter with a hook that won't let go. Her romance is sizzling and the humor is uber-Connealy-funny. I loved it!

This book is due out on Monday, May 1. Don't miss it!

*I received a galley copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus

2011-04-27T01:00:00.013-05:00

I loved The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus. I mean, I really loved it. I read a lot of books, but this book was one of those that I kept thinking about after I turned the last page. I loved it because the characters were real and I was able to forget I was reading and just live in the story world. When a book can transport me like that...well, that makes it a five-star read for me.

Here's the back cover copy:

Sassy Evans and Perty Bradley are determined to get their older grandchildren married off, but when twenty-eight-year-old Dylan comes home after being fired from his teaching position because of the betrayal of his ex-girlfriend, Perty knows her grandson has more important issues to deal with.

Sassy understands her friend's issues with timing, but she also sees so many ways in which Dylan would be the perfect match for her thirty-four-year-old granddaughter Caylor. With his record of acclaimed paintings and Caylor's best selling novels, they could compliment each other's talents and provide each other support and encouragement. And there's no denying the spark of attraction between the English professor with the untamed red hair and the painter with the unusual tattoos.

But neither grandmother realizes the secrets both Caylor and Dylan are keeping from each other. Will pain and embarrassment from the past keep Caylor and Dylan apart, or will the develop the courage to be truthful with each other and discover the true art of romance?

My thoughts:

I loved the theme of forgiveness and acceptance throughout the book. Dylan had some issues in his past that had him building up walls, struggling to forgive himself for things done. The author made Dylan so real to me that my heart just ached for him. I wanted to help enfold him into God's peace and give him assurance that God knows and accepts him no matter what. It was beautiful to see his gradual acceptance of himself.

Caylor was a unique character in looks and had a great personality. Extremely tall and self-assured, she seemed to radiate life and confidence. I think the thing I liked about Caylor was her acceptance. While she longed for romance in her life, she accepted her place helping care for her grandmother. She was accepting of others whose lifestyle was unlike her own. She was accepting of other's faults and past life, choosing to see them as God's handiwork...a work in progress.

I think Kaye Dacus does such a great job with character building. She weaves in dialogue that gives us such a sense of who the characters are without telling us about them. The romantic tension is tangible and made my heart skip a bit in places. She has created a great cast of secondary characters that adds depth and texture to the story. There's the grandmothers, the friends, Dylan's brothers, his mom and dad, and then some coworkers. I think one of my favorite scenes is with Dylan and his brothers. Their camaraderie made my heart smile and had me wondering if there might be a future series planned with them.

One of the unique things about the book is the seven year age difference between Caylor and Dylan...with Caylor being the older one. You don't see that often and I love how Kaye made it seem natural. You are aware of it, but it never seems awkward.

Anyone whose heart longs for others to find healing from their past will enjoy reading this compelling story. The Art of Romance is full of hope and longing fulfilled. It is a story of the bloom of love in the midst of healing and discovery.

The Art of Romance is a keeper and I can't say enough good things about it. So far it's my favorite of Kaye Dacus's library of work. It is set to release May 1, so order your copy now!

You can connect with Kaye Dacus here:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER

To learn more about Kaye Dacus's books and where to find them go HERE.

*I was provided a digital copy of The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus , published by Barbour Books through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not obligated to write a positive review .

Naming Your Characters

2011-04-26T05:20:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about the importance of naming your characters correctly at The Writer's Alley today. Stop by and share your most unique character names.

The Afterglow

2011-04-25T01:00:00.002-05:00

Today there is a glow. A glow from a day celebrating my Lord's resurrection. There is a special warmth and energy that comes from Easter Sunday; people wearing their finery, families reuniting, smiles and laughter abounding. The preacher delivers an inspiring message, the songs sung are full of joy, and communion takes on special meaning. We ride the high, coming home to food, family, and egg hunts, and our hearts are full of peace and love.

What I love is the Monday Afterglow. The small stirring of hope and expectancy that lingers like a mist caressing the landscape on a cool morning. It's almost as if life becomes luminous, taking on a sheen of viability--strong and tangible. It's as if God's finger leaves its imprint in every moment of my day. It makes me feel close to God and makes me want to live on purpose...with passion.

I love the afterglow of Easter.

What do you love best about Easter?

**If the comment section isn't working, you can tweet me a comment, if you like. http://twitter.com/sherrinda

Disconnected

2011-04-18T01:00:00.002-05:00

I've been forced offline and I'm having some withdrawals. The power cord to my laptop got chewed up by my dog. (He's okay, btw.) But being the cheap people that we are, we ordered one online for just a fraction of the cost of one in the store. BUT...I have to wait. I am expecting it Tuesday.

Annnd, my phone has quirked out on me. I can receive calls, but the touch screen doesn't do a thing. Nada. Zip. So I am going to Best Buy tomorrow and get me a phone. It is amazing how accustomed we become to being connected. I hate knowing I cannot get a hold of my kids immediately. I hate knowing they can't call me.

And being away from my online friends....well, I miss you all. It is funny, but my first thought was that I will have more time to write. Silly me. My computer still doesn't have power. I can't access my WIP, because I haven't saved it on my zip drive yet. Silly me. Really....silly, silly me. (What if it is not my power cord and my computer can't be opened up????)

So this post is a bunch of nothing. Just me enjoying my hubby's computer and going through my 122 emails and saying hi to my friends. Now I will go back to reading some good books.

What do you do when you get disconnected from your gadgets?

Affirmation Station

2011-04-11T06:13:00.000-05:00

I got a phone call Friday. I was away from my desk at the elementary school office where I work when I heard my cell phone ring. I ran to my desk and looked at the number. Long distance with no name. Since I only had one bar of "signal", I ran out of the office and out the front doors, praying I'd get to answer before it quit ringing. Success! It was the Genesis Historical Romance Contest Coordinator calling to let me know I was a semi-finalist.

I squealed before she got finished. Kinda embarrassing. I even jumped into the air, which would have been really embarrassing if a parent had showed up and seen my display. But that would have been okay. Celebrating is a good thing. But the best thing about a contest win is the affirmation.

Affirmation: The assertion that something exists or is true.

So often we question our calling to write. Are we real writers? Do we have what it takes? Is what we put on paper drivel? Are we like those American Idol contestants who think they can sing, but really can't?

But really, we don't need a contest win to tell us we are on the right track. God is our Affirmation Station. He is the one we get our worth from. He is the one whose opinion really matters. If He has called you, He will send you little affirmations along the way...

You get a note in the mail from an online friend, encouraging you in your writing. Someone leaves a comment on your blog, thanking you for what you had to say that day. You finish a chapter and feel God's pleasure in it--you know it is good.

While a contest win is great affirmation, it's not the ultimate affirmation. Judging is subjective and the next round of judges may hate my writing. You just never know. Many go on to make the SALE without finaling in a contest. Katie Ganshert's post today speaks of this very thing.

For those of you who didn't final, check out The Writer's Alley for some Post-Contest Blues C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.

And for those of you who did final, check out tomorrow's post at The Writer's Alley for a tongue-in-cheek checklist for celebrating your semi-final.

How have you been affirmed lately? It doesn't have to be writing related!

Final Four Widow

2011-04-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

I've been a Final Four Widow since Friday. My husband's brother got 5 tickets to the Final Four Competition and he took his father, two brothers (my husband is one), and his son. The package included the two games Saturday night, days at the Bracket World (not sure what that is...games, previews, things to do, etc), and then of course, the big Championship game last night.

So what have I done? I went out Friday night with my female inlaws/FF widows! We rode the train to downtown Dallas (West End) and ate at a nice steak house called The Butcher Shop. Saturday I woke up at 9 a.m., watched a movie in bed, went and got a pedicure, shopped for prom dresses with my daughter, then watched a movie in bed.

Now, here's the bad... I got in my car at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning to go to singing practice and my car was dead. Yep. So I went inside, woke up my "happy" teens, and made them take me to practice. I tried to jump it, but couldn't find where to open up the hood to my daughter's car! Grrr... Then today, my daughter calls me right before 4 p.m. saying that there were tons of bugs crawling out of the vent in the bathroom.

Sigh....

I have never been more glad to just be renting, because when I got home and looked at the bugs, I knew they were termites. Ugh...they were coming out the bathroom vent and the vent in the living room. When I got to looking around, there were those little dirt clods (evidence of termites) on the wall in the hall, the hall bathroom, my bathroom and my closet! I found some raid and sprayed ALL the vents and got to cleaning. So far, I they aren't coming out anymore.

I'm thankful my husband has had such a great time, but he's got his work cut out for him once he gets home!

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

2011-03-23T01:00:00.002-05:00

I won A Billion Reasons Why on Kristin Billerbeck's blog and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was a fast paced, with fun, witty dialogue, and had a dreamy hero...my kind of romance.

Here's the back cover copy:
Katie McKenna leads a perfect life. She has a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiance, Dexter. She can think of a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter. He's everything she wants in a husband.

And then in walks Luc DeForges, her bold, breathtaking ex-boyfriend. Only now he's a millionaire. And he wants her to go home to New Orleans to sing for a friend's wedding. As his date.

But Katie made up her mind about Luc eight years ago, when she fled their hometown after a very public breakup. Yet there's still a magnetism between them she can't deny.

Katie thought her predictable relationship with Dexter would be the bedrock of a lasting, Christian marriage. But what if there's more? What if God's desire for her is a heart full of life? And what if that's what Luc has offered all along?

My thoughts:
I love a strong, take charge type of guy, and Luc DeForges is just that! He is dreamy and goes after Katie with such determination, she doesn't really stand a chance. But she tries...oh yes, she does! There is a lot of romantic tension in this story and the snappy dialogue between Katie and Luc is so much fun.There are great secondary characters, such as Katie's mom, that adds a lot of flavor to the book.

I think what I loved about this book is the theme of living life real. Sometimes we shove who God made us to be in a little box, thinking that we should be this or that instead. Sometimes who we think we should be is not the best that God made us to be. Sometimes real, vibrant life is lived out when we let ourselves be who God made us to be.

A billion Reasons Why is a fun read, that will make you smile and heave a sigh at the end.

Spring Break Has Sprung

2011-03-21T01:00:00.015-05:00

Today I am back at work, probably inundated with new students to register for school. After any holiday or at the end of a term, we lose students and we gain students, making my job extremely busy. The problem with being busy today is that my brain will not be working like it should. It will be sluggish. That's what happens after a break.

But what a great Spring Break it was. We bought a brand new couch on Monday! What makes this special is 1) We were given money to buy a couch, and 2) It was the second new furniture purchase we have ever made! I know, you saying, What? Your kidding, right? You see, when you are in the ministry, you don't have a lot of extra money, and people know that, so they give you things. That is a huge blessing in our lives, truly, but it makes it oh-so-special when we can purchase something of our choosing. Here is a picture of the couch we chose.

The second best thing about Spring Break is that I got to sit on my new couch with my laptop and write. I critiqued, I wrote, I edited, and I blogged. Yes, I even changed my blog layout...in case you hadn't noticed. The other was getting to busy for me. I got more done than I expected, which makes my heart smile.

The third best thing about Spring Break was I got to watch movies. My husband and I began Downton Abbey, which is excellent. March Madness has gotten in the way, and I am threatening to continue the series without my husband. I watched some chick flicks...The Switch, Morning Glory, and Life As We Know It. All good. (Well, The Switch was just so-so.)

And the fourth best thing about Spring Break is I got to read. There's nothing like reading in bed late at night, knowing you don't have to get up early. There's also nothing like reading in bed until 10 or 11 in the morning. So indulgent. Let's see...I read Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy (a galley copy on my Kindle from NetGalley.com) Very good, and my review will come out later in April, before the book is released. I then I started several other books. I am reading them all at once, so I haven't finished any of them. I am reading Plan B by Pete Wilson, The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke, and The Glory of Green by Judy Christie. All very good, so far.

That was the extent of my Spring Break. I didn't go anywhere, since I didn't have a car, and that was fine by me!

What did YOU do for Spring Break? Or what are your plans if you haven't had your Spring Break yet?

Paperback Sales Takes A 30% Nosedive

2011-03-18T01:00:00.006-05:00

I just read on GalleyCat that the adult mass market paperback book sales dropped almost 31% in January 2011 when compared to January 2010. Hardback sales dropped around 11%. It went on to say that total book sales dropped by 1.9%, totally $805.7 million. They have a total breakdown of the sales here.

Also at GalleyCat, eBook sales were up 115.8%. That is a jump from $32.4 million to $69.9 million. It stated that there has been an increase in sales in the past nine years since the Association of American Publishing has been tracking it. You can read the breakdown of the sales here.

I find it extremely interesting. I don't know what it means for the future of publishing, but I do know that ePublishing will be a part of the future, for sure. I'm sure it opens up many avenues for publishing, even for big name traditional publishers.

I would think that without having to purchase paper, printing ink, and all that traditional publishing entails, these publishers could take on more clients and get more books out. It probably means smaller advances, cheaper ebooks, and smaller sales, but maybe the trade off is people buying more books. Hey, it's cheaper and they can get it instantly!

What do you think about it?

Selecting Dorms and Letting Go

2011-03-07T06:11:00.000-06:00

University of Texas Longhorns

My daughter and I went to Austin Friday to look at the University of Texas. She was recently accepted into their Studio Art Program. (Yay--I am so proud!) Friday we looked at dormitories and Saturday we went to Open House at the Fine Arts Building.

So when it comes to picking dormitories, my daughter and I differ on what is important. She liked the feel of the biggest dormitory that housed 3,000 students. It felt like an airport concourse, with fast food and shops on the first floor. There were people break dancing, people playing music, people studying...you name it. It was alive. It had energy. She could overlook the fact that it was run down and stunk.

I preferred the dorm that was clean and less busy, with a private or shared bathroom as opposed to the community bath. These dorms are mostly coed with guys and girls sharing floors, though they have separate community bathrooms. I know she liked the energy of the big one, but I think after awhile, she will get tired of the noise and energy and will want a quiet place to retreat.

So what are we going to do? Compromise, of course! While I don't like the coed dorms, the only women's dorm is on the opposite side of the campus...and this campus is 40 acres big. (Yes, my legs and hips STILL hurt from all the walking this weekend!) There are 3 smaller dorms near the big one she likes, so we are looking into those. They are coed, but are smaller, only housing 200-300. It still makes me nervous though.

There comes a time when you have to let go. You have to trust that you have done your best in raising your child and they know right from wrong and will follow in the path you have set them upon. One day they leave and their life is out of your protective hands.

It reminded me of writing our stories. We can hang on to them, editing them, perfecting them, making them shine, but we have to let them go at some point, trusting that God will direct them in the way they should go. Of course, our stories don't have a will of their own, but we still have to entrust them to God and let Him make our work flourish. He is the one that establishes the work of our hands.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

The Promises She Keeps

2011-02-25T21:09:00.000-06:00

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy is a fascinating book and one that I mulled over for several days after I read it. It is a beautifully woven tale of three separate lives converging together throughout an intricate plot. Promise, the talented young singer, wants to be famous and leave her mark on the world before she dies. Porta is an aging witch and art dealer who is looking for immortality. Chase is the autistic man whose focus in life is to draw trees and give them out in love. When Promise survives several crazy accidents, Porta believes she holds the key to immortality. But Chase's visions gives him insight and he becomes Promise's savior in the midst of obsession and insanity.

The prose in this book is lyrical and beautifully soothing. I love how Erin Healy wove in biblical truth and allegory throughout the pages, and I was struck by sheer creativity of the story. It is not my normal style of book, but I loved it! It gripped me from the very first page and kept me turning the page.

The Back Cover:
Promise, a talented young singer with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging sorceress and art collector in search of immortality.

When Promise inexplicably survies a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that she may hold the key to eternal life.

Enter Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and fascinates her with his mysterious visions and drawings.

Soon, all are plunged into a confrontation over the mystery and the cost of someting even greater than eternal life...eternal love.

Revision Land

2011-02-21T01:00:00.001-06:00

I have to say that culling out my google reader afforded me more time to work on my editing this past week. I've redone the first part of my contemporary/speculative and am working on a synopsis. I've also been daydreaming about a new story, the regency idea I had, and am getting excited about that one.

The extra time has been nice, but I have to admit I have had some withdrawals. Weird, huh? I kept wanting to just waste time. Procrastinate. Do anything other than write or edit. I wonder why that is? Here I am, making time to do something creative, and I am hedging about it.

But I am getting over that weirdness and am getting back into the groove. I am soooo loving it!

Do you find that it is hard to get back into the groove of writing after you've been away from it?

Love At First Glance

2011-02-15T06:13:00.000-06:00

Ah, the first look of love. The heart pounding, breath catching look at your heart's destined love. Come read excerpts of a couple of my favorite Love At First Glance scenes! It's all about love at...

The Writer's Alley

Blogging VS Writing

2011-02-14T01:00:00.016-06:00

I know I have been vocal in my confusion and wishy-washy writing plans. Well, I'm going to continue to share my struggles. Many of you may have read Jody Hedlund's post Friday, and I do believe I was the inspiration for the post. I could be wrong about that, but if it wasn't me, then it might as well have been. I've jumped in too soon. I've let the internet and writer's networking take over my time and energy. I've given in to the race for publication before I am ready, not being able to let go of my first manuscript, and not developing the skills needed to be successful.

You see, I am a young writer. I have completed one manuscript, and have written half of another. I never finished editing the first, because it was beyond my capabilities at the time. I have carried shame about that, especially since won first place in the TBL contest last year. I mean, what writer doesn't edit? If I cannot make myself edit, how can I call myself a writer?

I started a new story and got half-way through it, but wasn't loving the genre as much. Contemporary is easier in some ways, but was harder for me to keep the tension up. So I decided to go back to historical and try that, all the while trying to keep up a blog, visit other people's blogs, and read books. I remember how I could devour books in one sitting...for pleasure! I miss that.

I work a full time job and am a pastor's wife, so my time is limited. I have spent so much time on blogs that it has sucked me dry writing-wise. I am struggling to do it all, and I am failing. I've been so bummed about all of it, that writing hasn't even been fun! Imagine!

So, I am taking the pressure off. I am scaling way back. I will post on Mondays and I will post at The Writer's Alley on every other Tuesday. I will also be pulling back on my blog reading. I am so sorry to everyone who I can't get to, but at this time in my life, I need to feed my inner writer.

I need time. Time to be creative. Time to let the words flow. Time to learn to edit without pressure to be perfect. Time to become a real writer.

* Tomorrow at The Writer's Alley, I am talking about the First Glance of Love. You know, the moment that a person sets eyes on their destined love. The heart pounding, breath-stealing glance. Stop by tomorrow for a look at two of my favorite First Glance scenes from Lynn Kurland and Jenny B Jones.

Save The Date by Jenny B Jones

2011-02-09T01:00:00.008-06:00

Former NFL star Alex Sinclair is a man who has it all--except the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancee in return for the money she desperately needs.

Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy will find her heart on the line--and maybe even her life. When God asks Alex and Lucy to scrap their playbook and follow his rules, will they finally say, "I do"?

MY THOUGHTS:
This is by far one of the sassiest, fun books I've read in awhile. Jenny B. Jones is known for her YA books, but this women's contemporary romance will set her firmly as a great romance author, for young and old.

When Lucy's funding is pulled from Saving Grace, her non-profit home for girls coming out of the foster care system, she makes a deal with Alex, an ex-pro-football player making a bid for a seat in Congress. He agrees to pay off her mortgage in return for helping erase his playboy image by becoming his fake fiance.

Alex's ratings in the polls up with Lucy by his side and he is intrigued by this clutzy girl who seems immune to his charms. It's not long before he seeks out her companionship and the feel of her hand in his. Of course, Lucy sees the vulnerable man behind his tough, powerful demeanor and soon finds herself in the same boat as all those cheerleader types who swoon in his presence.

Many obstacles are thrown in their way, including Lucy's ex-boyfriend, a secret grandmother, and a kidnapped brother. There are so many great twists and turns in this book, and Jenny does a masterful job of weaving in serious issues along with the hilarity that she does so well.

I love the snappy dialogue, hip fashion, and secondary characters that made me laugh out loud. And I especially loved the underlying theme that says: yes, we are good enough. We may see ourselves through the eyes of others and what they may think of us, but in God's eyes, we are incredible people and deserving of love.

If you like fun, fast paced, witty romance, then you will love this one! It's definitely going on my "Favorites" shelf.

*** Netgalley.com and the publisher provided a galley copy of Save The Date in return for my honest review.

Historical or Contemporary Fiction?

2011-02-07T01:00:00.003-06:00

After many people told me I looked sick yesterday at church, I gave in and went to the doctor. It was what I thought. I sinus infection. No fever, but just plain miserable. So...I got a steroid shot - those sting, by the way - an antibiotic, and an icky bubble-gum flavored syrup for congestion and coughing.

Today, I am better. I thought I was achy because I laid on the couch reading, watching movies, and writing during our unheard-of-four-snow-days-in-a-row week! But no, I was really sick. I'm glad I had the snow days to rest and recover, but I'm hoping the state gives us a waiver so that we don't have to make up that many days! Wishful thinking maybe, but I can hope.

During my time off, I started submitting my speculative contemporary romance to the big ACFW crit loop and have gotten some pretty good feedback. So... I think I'll continue working on it and maybe enter it in a contest to see how it fares. I saw that some contests had speculative genres open. (Interesting, huh?) I am still dreaming and plotting out my regency and hope to start that one in the near future. I better get busy!

Entering both my historical and contemporary writing into the crit loop has been eye opening. I've gotten way more feed back - and quicker feedback - on my contemporary, rather than my historical. I've really been amazed at the difference!

Do you think more people prefer contemporary over historical? What do you think?

A Writer's Snow Days

2011-02-03T01:00:00.001-06:00

We've had this strange weather in Texas, closing down schools for four straight days! My area has been covered in white ice...not snow...but ice. People, Texans do NOT know how to drive or even function properly with any white covering the ground. Seriously, it is like the world has shut down.

So what have I done? I haven't written anything, except for blog posts. I have, however, been researching for my next story. I have read some Regency books and historical books, and I have watched some luscious Regency movies. Jane Austen, anyone? Yes, indeed. All in the name of research.

It has been heaven to be a slug on the couch, with either a book or Kindle in hand. I have the remote nearby to watch movies when my eyes tire of the printed page. What a great week it has been, despite my little world coming to a stop around me.

So tell me, how do YOU spend your snow days?

I leave you with a cartoon page of how my teens are faring this week:

Sharpshooter In Petticoats by Mary Connealy

2011-02-02T01:00:00.001-06:00

Mandy McClellen Grey, has become the focus of a feud thanks to her husband, who made this mess and then died. Far from home, Mandy, the best little rifle woman in the west, has resigned herself to a lonely life under siege rather than call for help and endanger her family.

Tom Linscott is fed up with waiting for Mandy who should have had the sense to come to him as soon as she finished burying her worthless husband. In fact he'd've come fast enough to dig the hole if she'd've sent for him. He goes to round up his little woman and buys into a heap of trouble from a whole clan of outlaws.

Between Mandy's deadly skill with her rifle, her determination to not bring trouble down on someone she loves, and an ever growing crowd of varmints who want to bury everyone named Grey—and anyone who sides with them, Tom may not survive getting himself hitched.

My thoughts:

Mary Connealy writes such adventurous and fun stories that suck me in from the get-go. She is so good at starting off her books with action that hooks me fast and keeps me turning the page throughout the book.

There are many characters from her previous books in Sharpshooter, which I enjoyed seeing again, and Mary's ability to weave these characters in while staying focused on the main plot is truly amazing.

Both Mandy and Tom are stubborn people who butt heads from the very beginning of the story, but their chemistry together is sizzling and makes for some great scenes! Sigh...I love a strong hero who can be gentle in his dealings with the woman he loves.

This is another great book from Mary Connealy and you won't be disappointed! Well, maybe disappointed in that it is the last in this series, but I'm sure she has upcoming books that

will knock our boots off!

You can purchase Sharpshooter in Petticoats HERE.

*This galley book was provided by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for posting my honest review of the book.

Are You A Research Guru?

2011-02-01T12:57:00.000-06:00

Come share your research tips at The Writer's Alley today! I am talking about research and some ways to do it.

The Writer's Alley

What's A Beta Reader?

2011-01-31T01:00:00.005-06:00

I keep hearing about beta beaders and wondered what the difference was between a beta reader and a critique partner. So after much googling, I didn't find a whole lot of difference.

Beta Reader:

A beta reader is someone who agrees to look over a piece of fiction for spelling, grammar, characterization, and continuity errors. Unlike a true editor, a beta reader is typically unpaid, and he or she sees the work at a very rough state. Many authors like to use beta readers to improve the quality of their work before they submit it for professional editing and critique, and betareaders are usually profusely thanked in acknowledgments, in recognition of the time and energy which they invested in the work. (according to http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-beta-reader.htm)

A beta reader (also spelled betareader, or shortened to beta) is a person who reads a written work, generally fiction, with what has been described[1] as "a critical eye, with the aim of improving grammar, spelling, characterization, and general style of a story prior to its release to the general public." (according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_reader)

Critiquer:

Peer critique, a specialized form of critique, is the common practice of writers reviewing and providing constructive criticism of each other's work. Most fiction writers use some form of peer critique as part of their process of writing. (according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_critique)

Hhhmmm, sounds like the same thing. So is it? I have no idea. What do you think? Is there a difference?

Doing Your Research

2011-01-28T07:04:00.001-06:00

Research. Either you love it or you hate it. I kinda like it, even though I am always itching to just start my story and forget about learning more about the era or town or whatever is going to make my story "real" to readers.

I love romance and found early in my twenties that the regency era provided great romance with a closed door policy...for the most part. Of course, that was twenty years ago and regencies are opening that door wide. Now that CBA is selling more of that era, I've been a happy camper, reading a genre I love AND having a spiritual element to it.

So I'm going to write one. I think it will a perfect setting for a story I had originally thought would make a good contemporary.

But first the research. While I have read tons of regencies, I need to research about the time in history. Of course there is the library, but the internet is also a great place to poke around, finding little gems of history.

So tell me, how do YOU research? What are your favorite tools? Favorite books? Favorite places to find the information you need?

The Common Trait of Published Writers

2011-01-24T01:00:00.001-06:00

The past year has been full of great news for a few on my online novelist friends. Keli Gwyn got an agent and then sold this past week! Jody Hedlund had sold and had her first book release this past fall. Katie Ganshert got an agent and she has exciting news today on her blog! These wonderful ladies are very talented, and I've discovered they all share a similar trait.

SELF-DISCIPLINE

Keli is an extremely organized person who can stay on top of two blogs, writing, editing, critiquing, reviewing, and encouraging other writers in their quest for publication. Katie works a full time job as a teacher, has a young toddler to chase after, and yet gets up at 4 a.m. every morning to write her stories. Talk about discipline! And Jody...well, Jody is a mother of five children, whom she home schools. She juggles teaching, an incredible blog, and keeping a home for her family. I've also noticed that these young ladies are slender--another testament to their self-control.

Writing is hard work. It takes super-human effort to not only write a book, but edit it and edit it again...and again. It takes discipline, determination, and perseverance.

This doesn't bode well for me.

I am not a disciplined person. I can be focused, but it is on one thing at a time. I may focus on my blog. I may focus on critiquing. I may focus on Facebook. I may focus on keeping the house straight...well, not really for any length of time. I can focus-but to the exclusion of all else. And when I think something is beyond my ability, then I procrastinate and avoid that something like it was the plague.

And therein lies the problem. I think editing my book is beyond my capability. But I'll never be a writer if I can't edit. I know...just do it, you say. I know, I know. You are right. I should. And I am trying, in that I joined a large crit group. It is just slow going, and having to crit other's work while working on mine (and working full time) is overwhelming.

So I've begun praying 2 Timothy 1:7.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

God's Spirit works inside of us, giving up power. Giving us love. Giving us self-discipline! Yes! There is hope. There is encouragement in those words for those of us who are not naturally wired that way. We can overcome. We can live in that power, that love, that self-discipline.

Are you one of those lucky people who are naturally blessed with the propensity toward self-discipline or do you find yourself lacking in that area?

Stories Dripping Red

2011-01-21T06:19:00.000-06:00

I've been critiquing alot this week and find that it is not always easy. Sometimes I don't find much to offer and then other times, there are so many problems, I cannot figure out how to make it better. Usually I love the story and can see the potential it has, but I hate marking someone's story in red.

There's something about taking someone's "baby" and telling them the baby needs work that makes my heart sad...and even a little fearful. Sometimes I think the baby is underdeveloped. It's undernourished. It needs some vitamins to make it stronger. But to tell a parent that, well, it's a frightful thing. I try to mix encouragement with the correction, but so often I fear that I have overdone it.

Don't we want to know what is wrong with our "babies" so we can do everything in our power to help it grow? I think I do, but when I get my baby back all bleeding with red, I wonder. I sometimes feel rejected. Hopeless. I can't be a mother to my story. Why was I thinking I can birth a story?

Then I eat some chocolate and I am alright. I fix my baby and keep praying over it, hoping with God's grace it will fly the coop, finding a new home on someone's bookshelf.

Do you writer's out there have trouble critiquing other's work? How do you balance the good and the bad?

****Winner of Lady In Waiting by Susan Meisnner is MAUREEN! Congratulations!****

The Wednesday Review: Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders

2011-01-19T01:00:00.001-06:00

I read two books on my anniversary trip and one of them was Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders. And what a delightful read it was! I downloaded it onto my Kindle, and read it in bed with the fire crackling in the fireplace nearby while a gentle rain fell onto the tin roof. Great ambiance for reading this great romance.

Back Cover Copy:

With a broken-down truck, miles to go and little money, single mother Melanie Hunter needs help. It comes in the handsome form of rancher Gabe Davidson. He'll pay for the three-week repair job and provide lodging for her and her boy--if she'll take coordinating the town barbecue off his busy hands. Melanie accepts, figuring she'll soon be on her way to her new life. But as she gets to know the kind townspeople--and the hardworking cowboy her son adores--she realizes she's found home. Now if only her Rocky Mountain hero will ask her to stay.

My Thoughts:

I have to say, I thought Gabe was breathtaking. He is a tough cowboy with a soft underbelly, who has a way with kids. Of course, as a mom, Melanie is drawn to such a handsome, caring guy who takes her son under his wing, spending precious time with him and becoming a hero in his eyes. Or should I say, a hero in her eyes too! There were some great romantic scenes, including one at the kitchen sink, involving a knife and a fish. Very unique and oh-so-sigh-worthy! There is great tension between Gabe and Melanie, and I am so glad I got to read their story. And...Gabe has two brothers who, I am hoping, need their own story! I am certainly looking forward to more books from this wonderful author!

Critiquing At The Writer's Alley

2011-01-18T01:00:00.009-06:00

I'm talking about critiquing over at The Writer's Alley today. Stop by and share about your critiquing journey.

Digital World

2011-01-17T01:00:00.002-06:00

I had such an odd experience yesterday when I powered up my Kindle in church to read my Bible. Earlier, I had downloaded the new 2010 version of the NIV translation (only 9.99 on Amazon) and after spending a little time figuring out how to maneuver through the book, I was able to read along with the pastor. Okay, that sounded weird. He's my husband and I really don't like calling him the pastor. Hey, I live with the guy.

I felt really strange pulling the slim eReader out of its cute little case and clicking through the pages. It almost felt fake. Maybe fake is not the right word. It just felt plain weird...and I was self-conscious. But I've decided I need to get over my feelings, because you know what?

We live in a digital world.

We live in an age where we can check email in the car, read books by flipping our fingers across a screen, and pay our bills on our phones. We are connected to the world by those little WIFI waves in the air.

I stumbled upon a site called Netgalley. You can sign up and request galley books to review for free...if you have an eReader. There are many publishers listed and there are hundreds of books to choose from. True, I can't do giveaways with those digital books, but it is a nice option to have.

Are you ready for this techno age? Are you connected? Are you prepared for the changes to come? I'm sure you've heard all the turmoil and fear regarding the publishing world and its future. What will ebooks do to traditional publishing? Do you care? Does it matter?

Lady In Waiting by Susan Meissner: Review & Giveaway

2011-01-12T21:07:00.003-06:00

This is my first reading of Susan Meissner's work and it definitely won't be my last. While I don't normally enjoy books written in first person, this book was able to transport me deep into the lives of two very special women, living lives five centuries apart.

Having been left by her husband of twenty-two years, Jane Lindsey focuses on running her aunt's antique shop. Her love of old things sustains her through the twist her life's path has taken. She stumbles upon an old 16th century ring engraved with her name, and immediately feels a kinship with the one who had worn it before. She looks into the ring's past, bringing speculation that stirs her soul.

We are given a glimpse into the life of Lady Jane Grey through the eyes of her dress maker, Lucy Day. Faced with a life amid political and religious turmoil, Lady Jane struggles with the wants of her heart and duty to her parents. Eventually, she faces the heavy mantel of duty to the crown.

I was drawn into the lives of these women and loved the theme of choices. Each felt they had no choices in life, and yet, as they struggled through the trials of their lives, they both learned about themselves and the choices they had made in the past, as well as the choices facing them.

This was truly a beautifully crafted book, full of lovely prose, and interwoven with interesting history. It's a must read for any historical fiction lover.

Back Cover:

Content in her comfortable marriage of twenty-two years, Jane Lindsay had never expected to watch her husband, Brad, pack his belongings and walk out the door of their Manhattan home. But when it happens, she feels powerless to stop him, and the course of events that follow Brad's departure.

Jane finds an old ring in a box of relics from a British jumble sale and discovers a Latin inscription in the band along with just one recognizable word: Jane. Feeling an instant connection to the mysterious ring bearing her namesake, Jane begins a journey to learn more about the ring--and perhaps about herself.

In the sixteenth-century, Lucy Day becomes the dressmaker to Lady Jane Grey, an innocent young woman whose fate seems to be controlled by a dangerous political and religious climate, one threatening to deny her true love and pursuit of her own interests.

As the stories of both Janes dovetail through the journey of one ring, it becomes clear that each woman has far more influence over her life than she once imagined. It all comes down to the choices each makes despite the realities they face.

For a sneak peak look at the first chapter of Lady in Waiting, go HERE.

*****

You can purchase this book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christianbook.com.

*****

To rank my review at Blogging for Books, go HERE.

*** I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

***For a chance to win a copy of this book, please leave a comment along with your email address. U.S. citizens only. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for stopping by. Drawing for Lady in Waiting will be held on January 21st.

Anniversary Trip

2011-01-12T06:19:00.000-06:00

I've been away on an anniversary trip to Fredericksburg, a small German town in the middle of the big state of Texas. It's my 26th anniversary, and it was nice to get away. We left the kids home alone--no grandparent to cook for them and make sure they get home before curfew. Were we brave? Or just stupid?

My kids did fine... from what they've told me. They ate all the food I cooked up and spent all the money we left. The house was even clean when we got home. Amazing, I know!

So while they were home alone (and let me just tell you, they are 20, 18, and 15--not little ones in diapers), we had fun walking the streets, shopping, eating, and napping. Yes, it was a good mixture of fun and rest. Just what I was needing!

View from balcony

We stayed in an old livery stable that had been converted into a bed and breakfast. It was rustic, but nice. Big bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, small kitchen, double fireplace...it was nice!

So that's why I've been away. Now I'm back and will have some book reviews to put up. (I read two books on the trip!) Hhhhmm, maybe I'll even do another giveaway.

I love dart guns!

Has anyone been to an interesting place? Stayed in unique lodgings?

The Great Edit Race

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's not really a race, but it sounded like a catchy title. Editing is going to be one of my passions for this month...and the next, I'm afraid. Passionate is My One Word for the new year (see my post on it HERE) and I am jumping in with both feet, or maybe head first, tackling the thing I have feared and procrastinated about in 2010.

It's rather embarrassing to admit that I let a whole year go by without finishing editing my novel, my first book, the book that won first place in a contest. Completely embarrassing. So why am I sharing this shameful tidbit? Because I am conquering my fear and passionately moving forward into what God has allowed me love. (No, NOT editing, but writing!)

I am writing a new story and keeping the creative juices flowing there, but am now going to edit my heart out on my first story. In order to do this, I have signed up for the Critique Pool at ACFW. Hopefully, I can gain some help and get my story whipped into shape. I have a wonderful friend who is critiquing it now, but we are both so busy, it is too much to ask her to do more. (She is the best at crits, taking my story deeper and adding such texture to it!) I pray that the help I receive from others will be as beneficial.

This is my main goal for the year: to edit my novel and get it into shape by the time ACFW Conference rolls around. Yes, I am planning on attending this year, Lord willing.

What are your goals for your writing this year?

Sherrinda

No More Resolutions, Just One Word

2010-12-31T02:00:00.032-06:00

I've always hated New Year's Resolutions--mainly because I rarely ever follow through with them. So when I heard of this website myoneword on a Seekerville blog post, I knew I had stumbled upon something that I could wrap my brain around.

Here's what My One Word says about itself:

Every New Year we hope this will finally be the year that things will change. We make promises about the new person we're going to become, pledging to get a grip on our finances, get in shape, become a better parent, spouse, even a nicer human being! But there’s one problem: our resolutions seldom work. The busy pace of life gets the better of us, and suddenly, the year is over with little to no personal growth having occurred in our lives.

“My One Word” is an experiment designed to move you beyond the past and look ahead. The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD. This process provides clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. One word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future. So, we invite you to join us and pick one word in 2011.

Brilliant! One word to be the lens through which I view myself, my goals, my life. How simple. Is it too simple? I don't know, but I aim to give it a try.

The word that I've been chewing on and praying about is:

Passionate

Definition: having, compelled by, or ruled by intense emotion or strong feeling
Synonyms: excitable, emotional, impulsive, zealous. ardent,impassioned, excited, fervent, warm, enthusiastic, earnest,glowing, burning, fiery; animated

I feel like I have been living in a bubble for the past few years. A bubble that has been impenetrable and inescapable. I have gone through the motions of life, numb and unresponsive. And I don't want to live that way anymore.

I've become lax in all areas of my life, not really caring about excellence in anything, and I want to change that. In everything I do, I want to passionately do my best, working as if for the Lord.

I want to be passionate about life. I want to be passionate for the little things. Passionate for God and His Word, delving deep and feeling His presence with me daily. Passionate for my family, spending time with them and keeping a clean home for their comfort. Passionate for my work, even though it is not my favorite thing, and be a good and conscientious worker. Passionate for my health, taking care of it by eating right and moving more. Passionate for writing, doing it for pleasure and not to prove something. Passionate for people, choosing to initiate relationships, developing close, spiritual ties.

My verse for 2011:
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Colossians 3:17 (The Message)

Cheers to a New Year full of passion and love!

Dancing In The Rain

2010-12-24T03:00:00.003-06:00

by Pink Preppy Lilly Lover

I went to my great-uncle's funeral yesterday and it was a sweet celebration of a life lived in love. Love for family, love for friends, and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. While I came home thankful for the victory of this life, I was struck by my lack of passion for Christ.

I've grown up knowing and loving Jesus all my life, but there are ebbs and flows to faith and I have ridden them high and low. I've lived a blessed life--almost idyllic really, and never faced any kind of testing until about 5 years ago. And I haven't been the same since.

Battling church issues, the start of a new ministry, losing much of what I had always relied upon in the material world--all in obedience to God's call on our life--caused me to question God. I've wondered at His leading. I've wondered why. I figured that it's okay since Job did it. He questioned, but in the end God spoke and plainly stated that He is Lord. He gives and takes. He is God. Period.

I have come to rest in the knowledge of God's sovereignty, because I firmly believe that He is a God of Love and He will never let me go through anything that He won't see me through. Though the deepest part of me knows that, I still struggle over lacking that deep passion for Him like I used to have. And I miss it so.

I have a daily quiet time, but it is like a dry creek bed, cracked and desperate for water. I write in a prayer journal, but it reads like a daily planner rather than the reflections of His Word's power working in my life. I sit in silence, waiting to hear for the One and Only, but I wait until distracted by my daily list of things to do, or the laptop sitting nearby.

Reflecting on my great-uncle's life has put things in perspective and I believe it is now time for action on my part. It is time to fall prostrate at the feet of my Lord and beg for His presence. It is time to lift up praises to my Savior. It is time to surrender. Completely. Unrestrained.

It's time and I am ready. And maybe, just maybe, my humbug life will transform into a life of freedom. I won't wait out the storm, I will dance in the rain. And there will come a time when the clouds will break and the sun will shine through, bringing a rainbow of hope and healing. Until then, I dance, reveling in the 'reign' of God washing over me.

Merry Christmas and may God bless us, one and all.

Winner of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

2010-12-24T01:00:00.002-06:00

Using a random generator, the winner of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul is:

Ariel

Congratulations! I know you will enjoy it!

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball Review & Giveaway

2010-12-20T08:29:00.003-06:00

A hint of magic stirs the embers of romance into flame with this sweet love story by Donita K. Paul. When "Bah-Humbug" Cora searches for a book in the mysterious book store on Sage Street, she stumbles upon her handsome and serious-workaholic boss, Simon. Both purchase books which contain tickets to a Christmas Ball.

Through a series of strange events and 'coincidences', Cora is thrown together with Simon's family, including his sweet Down-syndrome sister, Sandy. Between the bookstore proprietors and Sandy playing matchmaker, Cora and Simon have no chance but be drawn together.

It's only when Cora's sister shows up that things turn sour. She wrecks havoc on Cora's life and brings mistrust into everyone's lives. Can their faith get them through the turmoil of the season with Cora's sister involved? Will Christmas magic do it's thing and bring to opposite personalities together?

If you like a sweet romance, then this one is for you. It reminds me of those Hallmark movies where a little magic brings love and happy endings for a special couple. Perfect for the holiday season. You will come away with a sigh and a little smile on your face.

To read the first chapter, follow this LINK to a PDF file of the first chapter.

I am giving a copy of this book away, so leave a comment along with your spam-free email address (sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) com). You will not be entered if your email is not given. Drawing will be held Friday, December 24. Merry Christmas!

*Waterbrook Multnomah provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

Regifting At Your Own Risk

2010-12-13T01:00:00.001-06:00

I went to a party last night where you regifted something you have been given, or you brought something nice from your home to give to someone else. What was interesting was someone opened up a present that I had bought for a different party last week! Someone regifted a gift that I bought. It made me feel...weird.

At first I was kinda sad that someone didn't like what I had bought for the party, but then I realized something. Not everyone has the same taste as me. And not everyone needs--or wants--the same things as I do. It is just a matter of taste and/or a matter of need.

It got me to thinking about books and how subjective reviews can be. I have read scathing reviews about books that I absolutely loved. And I have also read glowing reviews of books that I thought were duds. So often it is a matter of personal taste. What we like and what we don't like.

This gives me hope that someday when I get ready to put my stuff out there, there will be somebody who will like what I write--eventually. Some won't like it, of course, but at some point, someone might like my story and possibly give me a chance. Who knows? It's a nice thought though.

Do you regift? Does it bother you to think that someone has regifted something you have given them?

December Time Stealer

2010-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

We all love Christmas, but many of us don't care for the busyness of December. There are parties to attend, parties to plan, presents to shop for, presents to wrap. There are basketball games (if you have tall sons like me), concessions to sell at, and tournaments to drive to. There are cookies to bake, candy to make, stockings to stuff, and houses to decorate. It's a busy time.

So when to you find time to write? If you work outside the home like me, you either get up a little early or stay up a little late. But with life so busy, my energy lags and I want to do neither. I think sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to not be quite as productive as we would really like.

It's okay to only write 500 or 250 words instead of our 1000 a day plan. It's okay to edit only a few pages instead of a chapter a day. Give yourselves some slack. It's only for a season, and January will come before you know it and present you with time to rest and recharge. Your fingers will fly across the keyboard with all the renewed energy!

Enjoy the season of God's love and gift of His Son.

Road Trip

2010-12-03T01:00:00.001-06:00

I'm going on my first road trip with my daughter today. We are going to Houston to see friends and I am excited. Not only do I get to spend some fun time with my daughter, I get to see a special friend of mine. This friend is one who can make me laugh like no other, and I'm hoping to get a start on six-pack abs with all the abdominal exercise I'm sure to get giggling and belly laughing.

I got an email from my friend and she is so excited I'm coming that she booked us pedicures! Ah, sweet indulgence. She wanted to know what kind of snacks I like and told me to bring comfy jammies for late night talks. I get to go to church with her and see friends I haven't seen in so long. It will be a piece of heaven, I'm sure.

There's something special about reconnecting. Remembering the nuances of another's personality. Recollecting memories shared. Rekindling the friendship. I was thinking about this as I opened up my first manuscript that I had set aside this summer. I haven't finished revising it--embarrassing to admit--and grew tired of it. But after pulling it out, I felt the old love returning. That whisper of familiarity called me close and breathed in a longing to see this story to completion, edits and all.

I am hoping to begin edits soon and get it ready to enter into the land of rejection. It's part of the journey and I'm getting ready for that next bend in the journey.

What have you been rekindling lately?

Operation: Encourage Casey Herringshaw

2010-12-02T05:52:00.002-06:00

It is Pay It Forward time! I have a dear online friend and fellow Alley Cat who has encouraged, supported, and taught me so much. I'd like to honor her and give a shout out to Casey Herringshaw.

Casey is an encourager and on her blog Operation: Encourage An Author she ministers to authors by highlighting their work and praying over them. What a ministry!

Her personal blog, Writing For Christ is about her journey in writing and life and gives voice to the wonderful person she is. Of course, she is a contributor at The Writer's Alley and has much to offer regarding the craft of writing. She is wise beyond her years.

If you've been touched in anyway by Casey, encouraged by her, learned from her, or just think she's the cutest thing ever, please leave a comment and let her know.

Casey, I love you and think you are God's beautiful handmaiden, sent to do His work with grace and beauty. Thank you for sharing your gift of encouragement to so many and being a tool for God's kingdom.

Sherrinda

What I Learned From NaNoWriMo

2010-11-29T01:00:00.005-06:00

NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, will end tomorrow at midnight. While many are having celebratory posts about winning with the awesome word count of 50,000, I am not celebrating in that way. I am celebrating the fact that, with the exception of two days, I wrote every day. It may have only been 200 words, but I sat down and wrote. That's huge for me, and that's worth celebrating.

As of today, I have written 30,012 words. That's about 1000 words a day, which is what Mary Connealy aims for daily. I'm in great company, aren't I? But more than that, I have learned a few things during this NaNoWriMo month.

November is the worst month for literary abandon. Seriously, whoever decided that NaNoWriMo should be during the month of Thanksgiving was crazy. Between baking, family time, and napping, it really dipped into my writing time.
I write best in the mornings. While this is a good thing to find out, it's also a bad thing. It's good to know that I am clear headed in the mornings and the word count grows exponentially, but it's bad in that I have to get up at 4:30 a.m. in order to write for an hour and get a quiet time with the Lord. (I work full time and have to be at work at 7:15 a.m.) Now that in itself is not too bad, but the problem comes when I get home and am like a zombie, trying to put food on the table and do laundry while wearing some heavy duty Cranky Pants. Trying to be creative is almost impossible.
I need a detailed outline in order to write fast. I had worked on my plot for my NaNo story and had the major Acts and the basic goals and conflicts ready. But I floundered when it came to fleshing it out on a day to day basis. I had to spend time to think of upcoming scenes in order for my fingers to fly over the keyboard and get them on the screen.
I have a very loud internal editor. Very loud. I could be writing away, happy to be getting the words down, when all of a sudden a loud, snarky voice told me it was all drivel. I had plot holes. I had missing characters. I had no setting description. I had -ly adverbs. Blah, blah, blah... I tried using ear muffs...not helpful.
I am too old to stay up late and write. I used to stay up late, well past midnight, lost in another world between the pages of a great book. But no more. I conk out before 11 p.m. every night. Actually, 10:30 p.m. is doing good these days. No, if I'm going to write, it's gotta be before 10 p.m. (and my writing is not as good as my morning writing.)
NaNo is a great tool to get you back in a writing routine. There's nothing like accountability to keep you on track, and there's nothing like doing something for 30 days to get you in a good routine.

So there is my NaNo Adventure for 2010. I'm glad I tried it, and I am proud of myself for getting as far as I did. It's another step on my writing journey, and an interesting one at that!

What goals have you set for yourself that you have met recently? Or have failed, but are happy with anyway?

Another Top Ten List For Writers

2010-11-23T04:59:00.000-06:00

My post at The Writer's Alley is a Top Ten List of ways to increase your word count during the holidays. Check it out and add to the list. I'd love to get some new ideas.

The Writer's Alley

Writing Woes & NaNo Foes

2010-11-22T01:00:00.015-06:00

My 2 sisters, being silly carving the turkey a few years ago!

I really shouldn't have used such a downer title, because there are good things going on in my writing life. But...I am woefully behind on my NaNo goal. We are talking 10,000 words behind. It will be near to impossible for me to accomplish the 50,000 word goal by December 1, but I'm okay with that.

For me, NaNo was about jumping in and getting back into the habit of writing every day. To find a good schedule for me as a full time working mother. I've missed two days all month and have written about 25,000 words so far. That's not too shabby.

I like my WIP, but am seeing that I have skimped on the story. I've been writing fast and leaving out good details, good character development, and good setting description. And I totally left out a minor character that was going to introduce some good conflict later on. Yikes! Yeah, I can go back and fix it all, but I sure wish it wasn't going to be so difficult to do so.

All in all, I am okay with everything. I'm doing Thanksgiving at my house for the first time this week. We are talking just my family. My oldest son and his wife, plus her mother, are coming. Also my second son who lives part time in a neighboring town. I get to do the cooking. I get to be....SHERRINDA IN CHARGE! Squeee...I'm excited.

But that means more work for me and less writing time. But again, that's okay. I tend to be a rule follower and really want to win NaNo, but I'm ignoring the Pharisaical-rule loving-tendency and am just going with the flow. I'm writing every day and that is AWESOME!

Will any of you be writing during the holidays? If so, how are you going to manage it?

Happy Thanksgiving! May you have as much fun with your family as I have with mine! (Pay no attention to my goofy sisters from a couple of Thanksgivings ago in the picture above. They are such fun, even after all these years!)

Winners & NaNo-ing

2010-11-12T05:26:00.000-06:00

So it's Friday and this week has been difficult to get good word count in. I think the time change has factored in, in that I am so tired at night and then get up really early. I haven't caught up in my sleep, I suppose. I've had things to do several nights this week, which has also contributed to my lack of word count, but you know, sometimes life is just more important than words on a page.

Below I've listed the winner of Second Chance Brides by Vicki McDough, but really, there are two winners this week. I feel like I am a winner for having written EVERY day for the past two weeks. That is huge for me and a habit I've been wanting...needing...to develop for quite some time. That's the real reason I joined NaNo--to get into a good habit of daily writing. Thirty days to make a good habit, right? Well NaNo, you are my inspiration this month. Thanks for giving me success in The Daily Write.

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

Winner of Vicki McDonough's Second Chance Bride is:

Pegg

Congratulations!

Second Chance Brides Review & Giveaway

2010-11-08T01:00:00.002-06:00

Second Chance Brides by Vicki McDonough is a lovely sweet romance that picks up where The Anonymous Bride left off. Shannon O'Neal and Leah Bennett are stranded in Lookout, Texas after they came as mail order brides for the same man...the Marshall. The Marshall has chosen and married Rachel, a woman from his past, leaving Shannon and Leah without a husband and no where to go.

Ordered by the Marshall to pay for the ladies room and board, the Corbett brothers organize Saturday socials to provide opportunity for the ladies to meet and marry nice gentlemen. Sometimes plans go according to plan, and then, sometimes they don't.

Vicki McDonough writes a delightful tale of love's journey and the importance of trusting God. She weaves in conflict and romantic tension beautifully, and takes you to a satisfying end.

If you would like a chance to get your hands of this book, please leave your name and email address to be entered for the drawing. Winner will be announced Friday, November 12.
***Void where prohibited. Only U.S. citizens may enter. (sorry)

NaNo Update

2010-11-05T01:00:00.001-05:00

I was hoping to have a book review to share with you, along with a giveaway, but alas...it was not to be. Not with NaNo upon me. I have been reading a chapter every night, so maybe Monday I will have it for you. (Second Chance Brides by Vicki McDonough)

Now for my NaNo Update: I've been getting up early, like 4-4:30 a.m. early, and it is really hard. I am so sleepy by 8 p.m. that it is difficult to function. I've been writing every day, but haven't always met my daily count. I took a comp day Wednesday and wrote about 2500 words. Not a whole lot really, considering I had the whole day, but I did some ground work that took up time. I began using yWriter to help me organize my WIP and am really liking it and it's features. It took me awhile to figure it out, but once I did, I got excited. I think it's going to keep me accountable.

I haven't reached my word count in order to stay current, but I am hoping this weekend will prove beneficial. No Halloween or Fall Fest to keep me away from the laptop.

As for my current word count, look to the right at my NaNo Word Counter to see how far I've come. I'd post it here, but I'm about to write some more and it wouldn't be accurate by the time you read this.

Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!

And It Begins...

2010-11-01T01:00:00.004-05:00

Today is the start of NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month. The month of writing 50,000 words. The month of insanity. By the time you read this, I will have already begun my NaNo Journey. My plan is to get up at 4:00 a.m. every morning to accomplish the necessary 1667 words per day. We shall see if I can keep that schedule in place.

You see, I am aging, and I find that I really need a good nights sleep to function in the "nice" zone. Too little sleep and the cranky pants come out. So...here's to going to bed early and keeping a smile on my face.

Don't be expecting any great blog posts, because it will most likely be updates on my progress. My ups and downs. My plot surprises and writer's block (gasp...surely not!). My success, for sure! Check out my Word Count Widget in the side bar to check my progress.

Wish me luck! (and alot of stamina and energy!)

***Update: I wrote 1766 words this morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel good, da-na-na-na-na-na-na...like I knew that I would, da-na-na-na-na-na-na!!! So good! Now, to keep that good feel all day when I konk out this afternoon. Oh wait...I've got tons of candy to keep me on a sugar high. Just kidding. ;)

What Is Your WPH? (words per hour)

2010-10-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

Writer's Cramp

I've been reading From The Inside...Out - discover...create...and publish the novel in you! by Susan May Warren & Rachel Hauck, hoping that I will grasp the whole writing thing before NaNoWriMo next week. May I just say that this workbook is FABULOUS! I think what I like about it is that she takes you through a journey of questions to help you discover what you need to know your characters and plot your book. The questions get you thinking and spur the imagination. Perfect for a beginner writer like me.

Now, she wrote something that kinda floored me, and I wanted to know what your experience is. Here it is:

Let's assume you have 12 weeks to write a 30-chapter book, with approximately 3000 words per chapter. That's 1500 words per scene. That's thirty minutes a page.

Granted, she said not everyone will write at that pace. Some may be faster, some may be slower. I know there are people on Twitter who do the 1000 words per hour challenge and are successful at it (search #1k1hr on Twitter to see who's doing it). But I want to know what YOU do. What is your usual verbiage per hour? What is your WPM?

Check This Out....

2010-10-26T06:03:00.000-05:00

1992

Romance covers...you gotta love 'em. This cover is just plain weird. First, her position in the tree...can we say OUT OF PROPORTION? Then look at the hero's expression. Is that fear? Really...doesn't that just make you want to pick this book up and read it?

I didn't think so.

I've got book covers through the ages posted over at The Writer's Alley today. It took me HOURS to put it together, so go take a look and tell which is your favorite. (Personally, I like the one with the floating heads around the heroine.)

Plot In Your Face

2010-10-22T06:11:00.000-05:00

As I made the decision to do NaNoWriMo and began plotting, I have been bombarded with great posts on plotting. So I thought I would share these great posts for you to peruse and glean from.

Kaye Dacus: Look What @Sherrinda Made Me Do
A look into Kaye's storyboarding/plotting while she is furiously trying to meet a deadline.

Erica Vetsch: Plotting and Pages
A look into Erica's plotting techniques.

Julia Reffner: Storyboarding for "Plodders" & "Mist Flyers", Storyboarding Part I
Great look into the benefits of storyboarding.

Cindy Wilson: Writing With A Formula (even if you are not a plotter)
A great tool for figuring out your story's main plot.

There are the fun posts I found this week on plotting. I also purchased My Book Therapy's book, From the Inside Out...discover, create, & publish the novel in you. It is a great tool and very simplistic, and has worksheets to help you think through your story in the development stages. So far, I love this book! I'm hoping it helps this next week as I get this plotting finished for NaNo.

Have a Happy Weekend!

I've Jumped Into Insanity

2010-10-18T01:00:00.001-05:00

I closed my eyes and jumped over the edge. The edge of insanity. I have joined the thousands who have signed up to participate in National Novel Writing Month, affectionately known as NaNoWriMo. And if you don't already know, November is the month of this blessed insanity.

Yes, I know I work full time; and yes, I know Thanksgiving is a part of the month. But I need a jump start and I thought the challenge of getting 50,000 words written in a month was a perfect way to get going. There is a slight problem in that you have to start from scratch, and I have already written eight pages on my new story. I think I may re-write it at the beginning of November to be in compliance. Do you think that will be okay?

So now, I am working on getting a better outline. (I know, Kaye, I need to quit that and just write, but I think I need to do this....this kick in the backside!) I need some structure so that I can just write and not get stuck thinking of where to go next.

Is anyone else participating? Need a NaNo Buddy? My user name is Sherrinda, so look me up and add me! Or click on the NaNo Badge. It should link you to my NaNo Page.

Life As We Know It - The Movie!

2010-10-15T01:00:00.005-05:00

Yesterday my coworker and I left work and saw the movie, Life As We Know It. It had been a long day and thought to reward ourselves for holding our snarkiness down to a humane level. And may I say that this movie was a great movie to go to with a girlfriend and unwind.

Katherine Heigel and Josh Duhamel have such great chemistry in this movie and their obvious love for little Sophie is the glue that binds them together.

I found myself analyzing this movie and comparing it to the the Three Act Structure. There is the obvious inciting incident, clear obstacles, and then a major black moment. I'd share them with you, but I'm sure you are all going to see the movie, so I won't spoil it for you!

It really helped me in my own new story. I've thought alot about the black moment and seeing it so clearly in the movie today showed me how to go about it.

And Kaye...I have started my story! I haven't written as much as I have wanted, but I've started and am 2000 words in. (which was a personal goal of mine...to write 2000 words a week.)

So go have fun this weekend. Catch a movie and write a page or two on your novel. You will be guaranteed a fabulous time if you do a little of both.

Accomplishing Goals

2010-10-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

Goals are a funny thing to me. Sometimes I make goals and am fired up to meet those goals. Other times I make goals and fritter away my time and energy on other things and seem to avoid my goals like the plague. I haven't figured out what the difference is yet, but I will.

Last week I made huge goals for myself. Huge for me, that is. My goal at work was to finish inputting all the data from the registration papers (from August). I know it's been six weeks and you probably wonder why it's not done, but when you factor a continual flow of kids coming in and moving out of the school, plus other urgent jobs of mine like report cards, finding dropouts, etc., you get behind in other things. Well I'm happy to say that I met my goal and it feels GREAT. So great that I took Friday off, which allowed me to accomplish another goal of mine.

I was able to write on my new story. So I only got five pages done, but it's a start and sometimes that is the hardest part of the whole book...just getting started. I've now set a weekly goal of 2000 words. I know, it's not a lofty goal, but working full time doesn't give me a lot of extra energy in the evenings.

So I'm praying that I can stick to my goal and not avoid it. I can do it. I can. I will. And I will report in at a later date.

Are any of you out there goal setters? Do goals work for you?

Winner of Love Remains

2010-10-05T05:59:00.000-05:00

The winner of Love Remains by Kaye Dacus is:

Janna

Congratulations! I know you will love the book as much as I did!

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

I'm posting today at The Writer's Alley about the Inner Sanctum. What is the sacred place of creativity?

Black Moments

2010-10-04T01:00:00.004-05:00

I'm working on a synopsis for my next project, a speculative piece of fiction. I've taken Camy Tang's class on the Synopsis, so I know what to do, yet I am struggling with finding the black moment. You know, the main conflict that throws the main character under the bus. The conflict that takes the hero or heroine to the crossroads where they question, ponder and come to a new knowledge about themselves and their situation.

So why am I struggling? I don't know. Sometimes it's hard to be mean to my characters. In my last book my heroine was beaten (she was dressed as a boy and well, it's medieval times and people brawled back then!) so I suppose I don't really have trouble being mean. But in the contemporary world, you don't always have the physical brutality of earlier eras. You have the politically correct, sanitized world of the 21st century.

Since it's speculative, there is a bit of magic in it (not witches or anything like that), so with that thrown in, it gives a different spin on things for me and it is difficult to spin a plot that weaves the spiritual thread in with the "magical" element. I'm mulling things over and trying out different catastrophic plot points to see what works and what doesn't. So far the "doesn't" is winning out over the "does", but I'll keep trying.

BECAUSE...I am ready to start a new story. This is the week...I feel it. And if it doesn't come to me by the weekend, I'm starting anyway.

Who else has trouble with conflict in their story? Any black moment surprises?

Kindle Time!

2010-10-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

I am now the extremely proud owner of a Kindle! I know I've shared about my Kindle fund, a collection of dollar bills from my birthday and the Amazon gift cards I've earned while searching the internet through Swagbucks. But I ended up not using my Kindle fund, and here's why:

Tuesday I got to work at 7:15 a.m. and got a migraine at 7:45 a.m. I thought I could take a migraine pill and muddle through the day, but by 8 a.m. I knew there was no way I could stay upright for long. I went home, took some migraine and nausea medicine, and slept until 2:30 p.m. I would have slept longer, but the doorbell rang. I tried to clear my head and went to answer the door, only to find a small Amazon box on my door.

I knew I had not ordered any books, because I was saving my Amazon money for my Kindle. I opened the box and my jaw fell slack. Yes! It was a Kindle! What in the world? Who would have sent me a Kindle? I pulled out the packing slip and in the small print at the bottom was a note from my sweet niece. She sent me a belated birthday present! Now she is a law student at Pepperdine, so I know she can't have much money, yet she gave anyway.

She is a giver. A generous soul who gives out of love. I am so incredibly humbled and so incredibly blessed!

AND SOOOOO EXCITED!

I have been perusing the free books on Amazon and to my delight have found many classics such as Jane Austen's novels. Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Sense & Sensibility...sigh. Plus, Amazon does free promotional books ever now and then. I was able to download Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart. Even Cami Tang had a free download several months ago that I downloaded for my PC in anticipation of my Kindle.

The Kindle is lightweight and easy to hold. The page looks just like the page of a book...no glare, no back light to hurt the eyes. It is marvelous!

The thought of holding what amounts to a library in my hands is just awesome. It's mind boggling!

And I'm going to be hard pressed to make myself sit in my chair to write instead of pulling out this little doo-dad and read to my heart's content.

So who has an eReader? Who loves it? Who hates it? Who wants one? Who doesn't?

Love Remains by Kaye Dacus: Review & Giveaway!

2010-09-27T06:04:00.000-05:00

Get a group of matchmaking grandmothers together and you get a some fun, romantic stories! Love Remains is the first book in The Matchmakers series, and Kaye Dacus doesn't disappoint with this one.

Delving into parental verbal abuse, long lost love, and investigations of fraud, Dacus gives us a thoughtful, as well as delightful, look into the lives of Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson. Torn apart a decade ago by forces beyond their control, Zarah and Bobby meet unexpectedly at a church singles function. Even after such a long time, feelings are still raw for both of them and Dacus does a brilliant job in slowly bringing them through a journey of re-discovery of one another. Throw in the conflict of Bobby investigating her and her company for fraud, and you've got great tension and turmoil!

I especially loved Dacus jumping into Bobby's feelings as he struggled with his growing love and his investigation of her. BRILLIANT KAYE! It was good to see older singles who have built great careers still have the feelings of their first loves. It made it so much more romantic, in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the rest of the series!

Back Cover:

Zarah Mitchell, who's worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic preservation Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she's built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson--her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago.

Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennesse Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Commission.

When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother's not-so-subtle setup as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud.

Zarah, at her grandmother's suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he's been investigating her, will she be able to forgive him a second time?

Because I love to share good books, I am giving away a copy of Love Remains. To be considered for the drawing you must give me your spam-free email address in the comment section. Drawing will be held and announced Sunday, October 3. Due to legalities, only US citizens may enter.

To see Kaye's other books, go HERE.
Kaye's website: http://www.kayedacus.com

***This book was given to me for review and my honest opinion.***

Procrasti-Pants

2010-09-24T01:00:00.003-05:00

I found a new pair of pants and I've been wearing them for a few weeks now. The Procrasti-Pants. Yes, I've been procrastinating and am getting so frustrated, I could just scream. Actually, my Cranky Pants are wanting to be worn over the Procrasti-Pants, but I am really trying to keep them stuffed in the closet.

I took the month of August off due to massive work hours and moving into a new home. Now that I am settled and ready to jump into a new story, I am doing everything in my power to avoid it.

Whyyyyyy?????????????

Really. Why? Why? Why?

Well, I have a feeling I have found the problem. A sweet friend of mine gave me Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont, and I am loving it. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Perfectionism. Listen to what Lamont says about it:

Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a sh**** first draft.....Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force. Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up.

I think the problem is that I don't want to write a messy book. My first one didn't have much of a detailed plot and there are some major issues with it--so much that I can't bring myself to finish editing it. It is too much work, according to my perfectist's mind. (Don't worry...I will edit it one day soon, but I want to start something new first.)

I want this next book to be less work in the editing phase, so I want to really get it plotted out and know where the story is going. But I think this may be my problem. I am not allowing myself to write a bunch of drivel, but sometimes drivel is needed to find the gem. Sometimes the great story is in the midst of the pile of mess that you have created.

I'm thinking I need to have a basic plot, know the 3 acts, the disasters and black moment, and just let loose. Maybe that will get me going.

I'm still finding it difficult to find "My Writing Time". It's time to try some different times and what really works for me. Is early better? 4:30am is really early, but maybe that is best for me. Or maybe 9-10 pm. Could that be the sacred hour? I don't know...we shall see.

So what kind of pants are you wearing these days? Happy Pants? Productive Pants? Cranky Pants? Or the dreaded Procrasti-Pants?

P.S. By the way, I posted about my Three Country Dream Vacation at The Writer's Alley today...complete with pictures!

Layering VS Subplots

2010-09-21T05:46:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about Layering and Subplots today at The Writer's Alley.

I'm going to show my ignorance. Ha!

Mind Bender Friday

2010-09-17T01:00:00.005-05:00

What do you post about on a day when the biggest conference for Christian writers is beginning? Do you post about how jealous you are? Do you make your post into a pity party? Do you not post at all since most of your readership is most likely at the conference?

Since I need to bend my mind away from the TripleP (personal pity party), I decided to post my Hi-Lo. Hi-Lo is something we do at the dinner table at my house. Everyone goes around the table and says what the highlight of their day was and the low point of their day. It makes for great conversation starters when those teens don't want to talk. So here is my Hi-Lo for the week.

Low: My 7 month old puppy, Titus, had his little surgery yesterday. I dropped him off at a place that does low cost neutering and I...along with about 20 other people...left our precious pets in the hands of doctors that would give them stitches and a plastic cone collar to wear.....FOR A WEEK! He has been bumping into furniture and whimpering because he can't get to his food bowl very well. Poor baby. I am hoping this helps calm him a bit and eases some of his aggression that he has shown lately.

High: We have had car trouble and I have had to bum rides or walk home from work. A neighbor across the street stopped by and said a lady at his church couldn't drive anymore and wants to give her car away. Did we want it? God used a complete stranger to bless us in a great need that we had. He never ceases to amaze me with His grace and mercy...and His perfect timing!

And now, for your enjoyment...The Cone of Shame from UP!

Interview & Book Giveaway With Debut Author Jody Hedlund!

2010-09-14T01:00:00.002-05:00

Oh yes! Today is the day! I'm interviewing debut author Jody Hedlund at....

The Writer's Alley

Stop by to find out more about this up and coming author and enter for a chance to win a copy of your debut book, The Preacher's Bride!

Beginning the Character Sketch

2010-09-13T01:00:00.018-05:00

This is the week I begin to work on my new story. I've been thinking about this story for a couple of months now, but am not ready to share my storyline. But I will share with you who I have chosen for my main characters.

Here is Emilie, the heroine of my story. She is an art teacher at a middle school. She is cute, a little sassy, but doesn't think she has what it takes to get a boyfriend. She's an artsy kind of girl, a little odd, and is not one to follow the crowd. She is her own person, not afraid to be different. She is strong and independent, and that seems to scare off most guys. She is going to be fun to write, I think.

And here is my hero, Mark. I think I tried to use this actor for the hero in my medieval, but he wasn't manly enough. I ended up using Tom Welling for my medieval. But Ashton is perfect for what I have in mind for this story. He is handsome, cocky, a little stuck on himself, but fun loving. He is the new coach at the middle school where Emilie works and thinks he's "all that". A total opposite of what Emilie looks for in a guy.

I'm trying something new and I know this is another story that won't get published...at least in CBA. Unless I go with something like Marcher Lord Press. It is a paranormal story. Not about vampires, werewolves, or witches. It has to do with a special magic object that could grant my heroine her deepest desire...or cause great havoc in her life--which, of course, it does. Lots and lots of turmoil and catastrophes and fun. I am excited about this story and hope it is good practice for me in writing a contemporary.

I've started my character sketches in my One Note Program and have pasted lots of pictures of my two main characters, but I have a lot of thinking to do to deepen my characters. I only have about 1/10th of my sketching done, but hope as I fill out more of it, I will learn more about each one. To me, this is the fun part of writing. The daydreaming....sigh.

How do you learn about your characters? What processes do you employ to sketch out your characters?

*******SPECIAL ALERT*********
I am interviewing Jody Hedlund tomorrow at The Writer's Alley! She is such an interesting person and you will love learning more about her and her debut book, The Preacher's Bride. Annnddddd, she is giving away a copy to a lucky commenter! Stop by tomorrow for a chance to get a copy!

Are You A Giver?

2010-09-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

Last week was my birthday and I was not a giver. I was the receiver. We all love receiving gifts, don't we? I received a pedicure from my oldest son and his wife. See the pretty flowers? I loved having my feet pampered, but cringed with embarrassment when the petite woman took my foot in hand and said, "UGH". I replied with a hopeful smile, "Big tip!" She nodded happily and I relaxed in the massage chair, hoping I was not the subject of her fast talking and silly laughter with her friend next to her.

What is it about people that makes them want to give a gift, even when they need their money for other things? I found a card by my bedside table and my heart swelled with emotion as I recognized the creativity of my sweet daughter. I've put up a blurry picture of it. She crafted a card to look like a Kindle and inside was a pocket with a $20 bill in it. You see, I have a Kindle fund and I am 2/3's to my goal. Money is hard to come by for my daughter, so after a babysitting job she had extra cash and promptly gave some to me for my birthday. It makes her happy to give.

Are you a giver? Do you give of your money? Your time? Your expertise? I have found many givers in the writing community. I've had offers to critique my work, guest post a blog, and even brainstorm a bit. These writers are givers.

I often don't give like that because I don't feel qualified to offer my services. But is that really a prerequisite for giving? Shouldn't we want to give because we have received so much? There is always someone less experienced who could use some encouragement and guidance. We all were beginners once, weren't we?

How has someone given to you? How have you given back?

Top Ten Ideas for Wordlessness

2010-09-07T01:00:00.002-05:00

I've got a TOP TEN List over at The Writer's Alley for all you writers who battle wordlessness.

Character Birthdays: Necessary or Not?

2010-08-31T05:52:00.000-05:00

I'm discussing character birthdays over at The Writer's Alley today. So stop by and put your two cents in.

Life is slowing down for me and I'm so excited. August was...well, not fun. And I love fun. This will be my last week off from blogging and writing. Starting next week I will be blogging on Mondays and Fridays here, and on Tuesdays at The Writer's Alley.

My life has returned.

Update on Me.

2010-08-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm tired, but things are going better than I expected. I worked 56 hours last week and amazingly, I have gotten quite a bit done. I wonder if it could be due to the fact that I asked God for supernatural ability to get my work accomplished. I knew trying to move next week, along with the long hours at work, would be impossible for me to accomplish. At least on my own. I love it when God shows Himself faithful and answers my wimpy pleas for help.

This week is a repeat of last week, working long hours and packing every night, but I hope to have the same great success that I did last week. Go God!!!!

I'm talking about the scary business of ghostwriting over at The Writer's Alley today. Stop back and tell me what your think about it.

Party at The Alley!

2010-08-03T01:00:00.001-05:00

There's a party at The Writer's Alley today! Join in the fun!

The Writer's Alley

And Now It Begins...

2010-08-02T01:00:00.006-05:00

Today is my first day back to work. I work in an elementary school as a registrar/attendance clerk, and August is my nightmare month. Today I will get my bearings, check emails, and get organized for registration. Tuesday I have a day long district meeting where I will be told all the new things for the year. Then Wednesday registration starts. We do PreK and Kindergarten on Wednesday and Thursday so that I can start entering them into the system. It takes me about 15 minutes per student to get all the data entered. Times that by 65 PreK students and 100-120 Kindergarteners, plus another 100+ other new students 1-5th, and you have 10 hour days, 6 days a week. Yep.

That, in and of itself, is difficult, but coupled with the fact that we are going to be moving in August, well....I'm a little overwhelmed. We are downsizing and so I am having to really cull through our stuff and get rid of many decorative items, furniture, etc. It is such a good thing to simplify, but what a job it is to actually do it.

Oh, did I mention that school starts August 23? Yes, indeed. So.....

I am going to take a break blogging for the month of August. I will blog at The Writer's Alley on Tuesdays, but I just don't think I can handle much more. I do have a couple of book reviews that I've scheduled, but other than that, I must let go and focus on getting my little family all settled.

So if you think about it, say a little prayer for me during this time. I know my family would appreciate it. I know I'm praying that I can keep my Cranky Pants stuffed in the closet. ;)

P.S. I am being featured today on Kaye Dacus's blog in her Writer's Window Monday Feature. Stop by for a peak.
Sherrinda

When God Whispers...

2010-07-30T01:00:00.002-05:00

The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

He whispered. God whispered and I heard.

There is something beautiful about the Creator of the heavens and Earth connecting with you. Interacting with you. Giving you affirmation. It is a humbling thing.

I have been plagued with doubts and paralyzed with fear in regards to my writing. I had convinced myself that my manuscript was rubbish. It's my first. Of course it is the stink of the world. It is riddled with beginner mistakes: passive beyond belief, little description, POV issues. You name it, it's there. I was so frozen with fear that I quit editing it. I gave up.

And then God whispered.

He allowed me to have the humbling privilege of winning first place in the historical category of the Touch By Love Contest, put on by the Faith, Hope, & Love Chapter of RWA. I admit to being completely blown away. I was just so honored to have finaled. I know that sounds so trite, but it is completely true.

I felt as if God pushed back the hair from my face, leaned in close, and whispered, "I believe in you."

What greater motivation do I need to put fingers to the keyboard, my behind in the chair, and just write the stories He's placed in my heart?

Thank you, Father, for your sweet whispers of love. May I be mindful of your whispers in the wind and be willing to step out in faith to do what you have encouraged me to do. I love you so.