So It Appears

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been interviewed by Cara Putman for Christian Fiction Online Magazine's January issue:
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/buzz_acfw.html

And by pure coincidence, a short fiction piece requested long ago by the editor also appears in the January issue. It's terribly tongue-in-cheek (and not at ALL biographical) but was fun to write.

http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/cookiejar.html

It's fun wading in new waters!

Pull Up a Chair

I'm getting reacquainted with my chair. Granted, it took a horrible, nasty, no-good, terrible, did I say nasty head and chest cold to make me buddy up to it again. We'd been incommunicado for a while.

This photo isn't my chair, but it evokes the feeling I get sitting in it in front of a fire in our fireplace. Warmth. Coziness. Comfort. 

I took to my chair a couple of days ago and got all my Christmas cards written. I thought I'd be kind to the postal system and not mail them until AFTER Christmas.

My chair was the setting for writing a radio script and the outlines for two speaking projects.

And I broke through a barrier in my latest novel.

I like this chair. Starve a cold; feed a fever. Hate the cold; love the chair it forces on you!

English 107

I was honored in the fall of 1970 to "test out" of English 101, 103, and 105 and move right into English 107 my first semester at Moody Bible Institute. That landed me under the care of Professor Helen Needham. Day Two of the semester--or was it Day One?--I realized the honor came with a price tag. Miss Needham ran a tight ship and brooked no excuses. She demanded excellence and pried out of us things we didn't even know we could do with words.

She lit a fire in me, a passion to use words for God's glory, to sculpt them and poke at them with a stick until they woke up. She urged words out of me, and wouldn't allow me to miss the deeper meanings in poetry, great literature, and the Word.

I sat under her teaching just those two semesters. I sit even now under the influence of what she planted in me and coaxed out of me.

Yesterday, the Moody Alumni News brought word that she died in May of 2007. A year and a half ago. At the age of 98. Today, I'm in mourning.

But I'm celebrating her life. And I'm grateful for the intricacy of God's plan that dictated I would walk into a classroom and find her waiting there.

Count Your Blessings

Construction workers are losing their jobs. As are auto workers. And teachers. And Walmart employees. And publishing company department heads.

Baby Boomers are mourning the loss of hard-earned retirement funds they'll now never see.

Young people are not on the cusp of the American Dream. They're experiencing foreclosure and bankruptcy.

If surveyed, who would answer, "No, this economic downturn hasn't affected our family or friends at all"?

The snowglobe of our security has been shaken again. This time by the economy. How do we respond? How do we carry ourselves until the snow settles?

When I asked the Lord that question today in regard to friends of ours who are struggling, the answer came, "Count your blessings."

"Yes, Lord, but it looks really, really bad for--"

"Count your blessings."

"You mean, the fact that we still have food, even if it isn't fancy. And we still have a roof overhead, even if it isn't ideal? And we still have clothes to wear, even if they've seen too many trips through the washing machine...and that we still have a washing machine?"

"It's a start."

I wondered where that old song--"Count Your Blessings"--originated. Was it written during the Great Depression? Wouldn't that be cool?

But no. It was written in 1897. As I researched, I found a great quote about that song, which became a favorite of its time and has moved those who sing it for more than a century now, through all kinds of upturns, downturns, and plateaus.

"'In South London," a reporter of the time wrote, "the men sing it, the boys whistle it, and the women rock their babies to sleep on this hymn.'" During the great revival in Wales it was one of the hymns sung at every service along with such Welsh favorites as "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" and "O That Will be Glory."

Is it time to revisit the hymn...and the sentiment?

Aww! I'm Blessed!

My dear friend, constant encourager, and website designer, Angie Arndt nominated this blog for a Butterfly Award.

The rules of the award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 10 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

So, I'm pleased to nominate these beautiful blogs:

Mary Pierce’s http://www.laughlady.com/
Mary DeMuth’s http://www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com/
Heather Cox’s http://mommymonk.blogspot.com/
Dawn Kinzer’s From Dawn til Dusk http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com/
Annette Irby’s http://annetteirby.blogspot.com/
Katy McKenna’s http://www.fallible.com/
Brandilyn Collins’ http://www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/
Sharon Hinck’s http://www.sharonswriting.blogspot.com/
Michelle Rayburn’s http://www.michellerayburn.com/ (blog coming soon...just know it'll be good!)
Lena Nelson Dooley http://www.lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

These wonderful women have had an impact on my life. It's a joy to honor them in this small way.

The Perpetual Smile

Praising the Perpetual Smile-Giver today for granting me a contract for my debut novel! I'm excited and blessed and conscious that joy can be overwhelming.

I've also recently signed with Wendy Lawton from the Books & Such Literary Agency.

One Scripture in particular carries new meaning for me lately:

"Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over."

Thanks for walking beside me in this incredible journey.

*Not the real cover. Just one I made up.

Thanksgiving My Way

How different would our Thanksgiving table look if I didn't have to worry about pleasing the tastes of my children, grandchildren, and husband?

Besides the non-negotiables like elegantly bronzed roast turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes and a lovely assortment of pie (mostly pecan), I'd definitely serve oyster chestnut stuffing. And braised brussel sprouts. Creamed spinach. Pickled beets. Date nut bread. Butternut squash. Hot crab dip. Sweet potatoes. Lobster bisque. Scalloped corn (they like corn, just not the scalloped part). Antipasto (sounds like Thanksgiving food, doesn't it?).

What would your table hold if you didn't have to worry about pleasing any other person's palate? Seriously. I'd like to know.

How sad would my table look if it wasn't surrounded by a bunch of noisy, boisterous, darling, demanding, picky eaters????

If it were up to the grandkids, we'd eat chicken nuggets and fun fruits on Thanksgiving Day.

I wonder if I could sneak an oyster/cauliflower/asparagus/pickled beet/turkey pizza past them.

Food fetishes aside, I'll embrace those darlings and thank God for letting me watch them grow.

For Your Christmas Wish List

A guitar came between us when I first connected face-to-face with Christy Barritt. We'd communicated about an article of mine that appeared on her award-winning website, http://www.willwrite4food.com/. But our face-to-face came when we both served in the worship band for the American Christian Fiction Writers' annual conference in Dallas in 2006 (was it 2005 or 2006?). The guitar? I admired it. She played it. Beautifully. With a warm and genuine heart of worship.

Observing her talent and her heart, I presumed I might like what she wrote. I do! Christy skillfully blends tangled mysteries, tangled faith, heavy subjects, and lighthearted humor in a way few can pull off.

Christy Barritt is the author of the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series (Kregel Publishers), which includes Hazardous Duty and Suspicious Minds. The series follows the life of Gabby St. Claire, a crime-scene cleaner who likes to stick her nose into police business. She says that if books that "are a cross between CSI and Monk/Psych interest you, you'll want to check out the Squeaky Clean Series."

She's agreed to answer a few questions that crossed my mind. My hope is that getting to know her better will send you to your bookstore or favorite online shop to order her books. Great items to include on your Christmas wish list!

Christy, from your website, I know that you majored in communications and psychology in college and that you worked at a Christian publishing house for two and a half years after college. You also enjoyed a short jaunt in the independent Christian music field. How did those varied experiences specifically prepare you to be a novelist? Yes, grammar and spelling, insights, a knowledge of the industry. Can you think of two or three specific lessons that equipped you well for what you do now?

It really helped me to be on the other side of the editor’s desk. When I worked at the Christian publishing house, it was my job to do the initial reject of manuscripts, so I know all about that—from both sides now! Something else that equipped me was that when I used to travel with my band, we often stayed with people from whatever venue we were playing at. I really loved that—seeing how other people live, what life is like in their town, what the dynamics of their church is. I know those experiences have helped me today because I had the opportunity to be a true student of people. Also, I’ve always hung out with all kinds of people, which I think helps to vary my experiences.

Was making the choice to write an easy one for you? Or did you wrestle with concerns about family income, time constraints, success and failure? If so, how did the Lord nurse you through those concerns?

My father became ill while I was working at the Christian publishing house and I had an importance choice to make. I ended up moving back home so I could be near him. The decision wasn’t easy but it propelled me to start writing again. I’d put my own desire to write on the back burner for quite a while. Writing helped me to get through the difficult time of watching my father decline and decline until finally he went to Heaven and met Jesus. When I felt the call in my life to write, I knew I didn’t have any choice but to do so. There have definitely been moments of difficulty, moments where I wanted to give up, where I wondered if I was talented enough to do this job. I still have those moments, to be honest! But time and time again, God whispers for me to trust him. I had to get to the point in my life where I was willing to trust him, even if it meant giving up writing. When I could truly say that, then my focus became much clearer.

Many new writers are surprised to learn how long is the process from the seed of a novel idea until it reaches the bookstore shelves. What was your experience?

With Hazardous Duty, the original idea came to me after I read that there were people who actually cleaned crime scenes as a career. I had no idea! I immediately realized that that career would be excellent for a protagonist in a mystery novel. I wrote the book, submitted it and had several requests for some revisions and then to resubmit. Finally, Kregel offered me a contract. That was right before the ACFW conference in 2005. I started writing the book in 2004. The book released November 2006. That’s actually kind of quick turn around time for some publishing houses!

How did your writing life change when your son, Eli, was born...beyond the obvious schedule challenges?

To say my schedule changed a lot would be an understatement. LOL. My schedule changed and it continues to change at each new phase. My son is at this phase where he doesn’t want to take naps now, so I’m facing a new challenge… When Eli, who’s now two, was born, I went from writing full-time (not for a full-time pay, mind you) to writing two days a week. Now those two days include my work for the newspaper and the articles I still freelance for a couple of publications. I *used* to write while he took naps, but now the little guy is being stubborn and wanting to be with mommy *all* the time. Which is sweet. A little draining, but sweet. I try and wake up early to write. What’s really worked for me is this: when I know someone is going out of town, I ask if I can housesit for them for the weekend. Then, with my husband’s blessing, of course, I pack up and “move out of the house” for a couple of days. I dedicate that time to write furiously—no TV or email or anything else. This has really worked for me—and it’s free!

Your giftedness for the genre you're now writing is clear. Do you have other types of books you'd like to tackle in the future? Something radically different from romantic comedic mysteries?

I actually never planned to write romantic comedic mysteries, believe it or not! I just started writing Gabby’s story and that’s what the book turned into! I really do love suspense—the edge of your seat stuff. I also have a CIA series that I wrote several years back that’s kind of adventurous and fun. We’ll see!

What creature comforts do you draw around you when you write?

Coca-cola and chips. And I wonder why my hips are getting bigger.

What part does worship play in your writing preparation?

I’m also a part-time worship leader at my church. I gave this up for awhile after Eli was born but now I’m doing it again. I really missed it when I quit because music and worship is such a huge part of my life. Worship helps put things in perspective for me. It calms me and gets my focus on the Creator of all good things. I’m constantly talking to God through worship.

What comes first for you--the plot idea, the characters, a stirring scene, a title, an opening line...?

It would depend on the book, to be honest. Each one has varied. For Hazardous Duty, the idea to use a crime-scene cleaner as a protagonist was the initial spark. The idea for another book, The Good Girl (unpubbed), was sparked when I was house-sitting for my brother in Minnesota. The house was old and kind of creepy. I kept hearing these weird noises, like someone opening the backyard gate in the middle of the night. The next morning, the gate really was open! I had this character that had been floating around in my mind for awhile and suddenly I realized she was meant to be house-sitting in a creepy old house where weird things like gates opening in the middle of the night happened! That’s what sparked that book.

As a young mom, you've no doubt discovered tips and tricks for managing a home, a young child, a meaningful marriage, service to your church, and your personal life as well as your writing career. Right? In what areas do you feel you've latched onto a good system? What helpful hints do you have to offer other writers?

I always tell people who make excuses about not having time to write that if I can do it, they can do it. Seriously. I lead worship at church, write for the newspaper, write for other publications, write my books, market my books and, most importantly, I’m the mother of a two-year-old and wife of Scott. The only way I can honestly say I get that all done is by God’s grace, that I’m right where he wants me to be and he gives me the strength and “multiplies my hours.” I try to have a low maintenance lifestyle, and that helps. I don’t worry about my house looking picture perfect—though I do like for it to be clean. I always make sure I clean when my son is with me and can help. I’m not a member of a lot of clubs or extracurricular activities. I don’t fuss over getting my nails done. My hair is no longer highlighted so I don’t have to worry about getting my roots touched up. I never buy clothes I have to iron. I also plan out each week pretty meticulously. I write down everything that needs to get done and then schedule a time for it. Communication with your spouse helps also. If he and I aren’t in sync, then everything is out of sync.

We haven't talked yet about your latest book in the series--Suspicious Minds. Great cover. Great story. A large cast of lovable, interesting characters. Describe for us how you keep the "funny" in their mystery-solving antics?

The “funny” just grew naturally out of the characters. They’re so just so real to me that I can hear their constant dialogue in my head. I’d be sitting somewhere, doing something else, when suddenly they’d start talking to me and I’d crack up. Which other people thought was weird, of course. I think the “funny” in the Squeaky Clean series comes entirely from the characters. If I’d picked a different character to be my crime scene cleaner, the story could have been much darker, sadder, gorier.

Any editor would applaud your ability to weave faith issues organically in your stories. Does that flow naturally as you write or do you work at making it appear seamless?

I’m glad you used the word “organic” because I use that a lot to describe my writing. I try to make issues grow naturally out of the characters. I don’t want to write a “sermon in disguise.” Every faith issue is there because that’s what the characters demanded, not because I choose to put it there.

My opinion is that your books are a perfect choice for people who want an entertaining break from the stresses of life but who don't have time for fluff. That may sound contradictory, but I'm impressed that your books give the illusion of pure fun while presenting meaningful faith and relationship principles...like a luscious dessert that you find out later is full of nutrients. Who are you hoping will read "Suspicious Minds"?

One thing I’ve loved hearing from my readers is that my books are ones they can share with their friends who don’t know Christ. That’s totally where my heart is! I believe in being in a light in the darkness… but a lot of times, as Christians, we tend to try and be lights in an already lit room. I want Christians to read and enjoy my books, but I also have a heart for reaching those who need hope.

Do you have any closing thoughts for readers and writers? Is there one thing you've always wished an interviewer would ask you?

Thank you so much, Cynthia, for taking the time to do this interview. Great questions! Is there one thing I’ve always wished an interviewer would ask me? Hm…. You know? I can’t think of anything! Thanks again!

Find her on the web at:
http://www.christybarritt.com/
www.myspace.com/christybarritt
http://www.faithchicks.com/

Ten Tips for Surviving Economic Downturns

1. Make meals out of the things already in your pantry or freezer. Let’s see, hamburger, frozen peaches, and marshmallow fluff. Yum.
2. Stop dusting. It will extend the life of your dust rags and your furniture.
3. Stop vacuuming. See point 2.
4. Use natural elements in place of expensive decorations for holidays. Pine boughs, leaves, pieces of blown semi tires from the side of the road.
5. Invite menopausal women to share your home. It’ll cut down on your heating bill in winter.
6. Rather than buy new books, pull your old college textbooks out of the attic. What fun! And they’re already paid for…most of them.
7. Downsize. Wear only one mitten or glove at a time. Switch. Twice as much life!
8. Train your dog to pull a rotary lawn mower.
9. Give new life to old kitchen cabinets. Elmer’s Glue and Popsicle sticks. Need I say more?
10. Tip from a friend. You can still entertain. Take your guests to Sam’s Club and load them up on food samples.

The Snap of a Salute

I sang for a funeral today that left me grateful and speechless.

Just before the casket lid was closed, a band of veterans from the local VFW unit filed forward to pay their respects. I doubt any of the men were younger than 70. (All the young ones are still off fighting somewhere). Their military steps were sluggish and halting. One by one they strode to the casket, then saluted the US flag folded into a thick triangle.

Pride still rang from their snappy salutes, though their cataract eyes had seen more battles post-war than during active duty. I watched the bent backs struggle to stand erect for their salutes. One frail man, his hat and jacket well-decorated with reminders of his service to his country, raised his hand, but his salute was a limp wave. Sincere, but lacking strength. He'd given it all away--for his country, his family, his community...

I owe that man a debt of gratitude. Tomorrow I'll say "thank you" by voting.

Today I say it by thanking the Lord for those willing to serve.

Introducing a New Author

Today, it's my privilege to share a brief interview with an exuberant personality and a hard-working, dedicated writer who is enjoying the wonder of seeing her first novel in print. Welcome, Michelle Sutton.

Michelle, you’ve built a reputation as the go-to person writing “edgy inspirational” novels. Would you care to share the thought process that moved you in that direction rather than, say, “nail-biting inspirational fiction” or “soothing” or “laugh-a-minute”?

I’d say it has a lot to do with the fact that I work with hurting people for my career, not to mention that I have always been the kind of person who wants to dig deeper.

Your debut novel –It’s Not About Me—has been instrumental in helping launch a new publishing house—Sheaf House. How has that role challenged you? How has it energized you?

In some ways it’s scary and a huge responsibility. The other authors are just as capable as I am and have a great product to sell, but I want to pull my weight, too. And YA is hot now. I joke with Joan and tell her I want to be the Karen Kingsbury of Sheaf House and make her millions. J One can dream, yes?

You and Bonnie Calhoun form the publishing and editorial hearts of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. How do your magazine editing assignments dovetail with your novel pursuits? What have you learned in your editing responsibilities that has had an impact on your own fiction?

None of it really dovetails. I see it as a separate entity. How CFOM impacts my own fiction is it takes up the majority of my free time. Ironically, I will probably make more money every year from my job as CFOM Editor in Chief than I ever will as an author. So why do I keep writing fiction? The love of it, pure and simple. I want people to read my stories.

According to early reports or what you’ve heard from reviewers, describe a reader’s approach to your book when first picking it up compared to his or her feeling when the reading experience is over.

People tell me they expect something fairly edgy, but I still manage to shock them a bit. By books end I get a lot of “Can’t wait for the sequel” comments, which is gratifying.

I’ve heard that your book often makes a splash at booksignings, surprising book store owners with the exceptionally enthusiastic response of their customers. Is it the book’s subject matter, your contagious enthusiasm, or a clever marketing plan?

I think it probably has a lot to do with my personality. I am a people person and not afraid to strike up a conversation with people in stores. J That helps a lot. So does advertising and word of mouth.

Your book is of interest to a wide range of fans, but describe your typical reader. Young, unmarried? Young, married? Middle-aged? Churched? Unchurched?

I have no typical reader. Though my target market is 16 -23, my youngest “fan” is 9 and my oldest is 81. Even the older folks say they remember being young and enjoyed going back in time in the story. However, I have sold many copies to the unchurched. This mainly happens at booksignings. It’s a huge risk for me to promote a book that people may find too “Christian” for them, and a bit scary, too, but I’m willing to risk it.

Even this early in your debut novel’s life, you’ve earned the honor of a four-star review in Romantic Times magazine in the inspirational category. Blog readers want to know—how loudly did you scream when you heard the news?

I expressed more of a huge sigh of relief. I was worried it wouldn’t do as well. So the sound a made was a huge WHEW!

Have you had a defining moment as a writer?

If you mean like when I knew I was cut out for this biz, I’d say it was when published authors kept asking me to send them more chapters.

How has writing changed or deepened your faith?

It has humbled me in many ways, yet I still fight pride and other nasty temptations like wanting people to notice me, etc. I wish I didn’t struggle, but it’s hard not to want to be revered as an author. Being content as a nobody is a pretty big challenge for me. But I want to believe that I am not doing this for the accolades but simply because I love to write and I want people to read my stories.

How did writing It’s Not About Me affect your understanding of the needs of the human heart and the depths of God’s grace?

It hasn’t expanded things much, but maybe deepened them a tad. I’ve always been a deep and introspective thinker and so pondering the human heart is just something I do.

Give us an “elevator pitch” for your next novel.

A young woman is pregnant after passing out at a party and she has no idea who the father is. Her best friend, a handsome single man, wants to marry her so she will keep her child. Will two hearts with such different agendas ever become one, or are they destined to remain “just friends.”

Some blog readers will want to know more details about your writing life and this project in particular. Which of your websites or blogs is the best one for them to connect with that information?

I have a blog that I post on in addition to my website. The address is http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com

Thanks for sharing your time and your insights with us, Michelle. Do you have anything you’d like to add in closing?

Nope. But I’d love to hear your thoughts on my story if you get a chance to read it.

The Gift of Progress

No matter what our field of interest--writing, painting, music, motocross, restoring homes, restoring cars, teaching--progress is key to our enthusiasm while we endure the often long wait or the tedium of daily chores or the setbacks.

Finaling in the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers' 2008 Genesis Contest in Women's Fiction felt like progress. The competition was stiff and the judging considers carefully the "publishability" of the entries.

So you can imagine what an honor it was to be named one of three to PLACE in the Women's Fiction category at the awards banquet for ACFW! My project--They Almost Always Come Home--took second place.

May all who placed in the Genesis Contest of the ACFW Book of the Year contest be blessed, take courage, and first find their fulfillment in Him then their books in Barnes and Noble!

Book of the Year Winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place):

Debut Author - Sushi for One? by Camy Tang, Zondervan
Bayou Justice by Robin Caroll
In Between by Jenny B. Jones

Contemporary Novella - Finally Home by Deborah Raney, Barbour Publishing
Moonlight & Mistletoe by Carrie Turansky
Remaking of Moe McKenna by Gloria Clover

Historical Novella - Love Notes in Love Letters Anthology by Mary Davis, Barbour Publishing
Beyond the Memories by DiAnn Mills
The Spinster & The Tycoon by Vickie McDonough

Lits - Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh, Multnomah Books
Sushi for One? by Camy Tang
Tie: One Little Secret by Allison Bottke & The Book of Jane by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt

Long Contemporary - Within This Circle by Deborah Raney, Steeple Hill Books
Like Always by Robert Elmer
Autumn Blue by Karen Harter

Long Historical - Tie: Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky, RiverOak
Where Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Bethany House
Tie: Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake & Then Came Hope by Louise Gouge
Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist

Mystery - Your Chariot Awaits by Lorena McCourtney, Thomas Nelson
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn
Sticks And Stones by Susan Meissner

Short Contemporary - The Heart of Grace by Linda Goodnight, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Heart of the Family by Margaret Daley
Wedded Bliss by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Short Contemporary Suspense - Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
Pursuit of Justice by Pamela Tracy
Tie: Nowhere to Hide by Debby Giusti & Her Christmas Protector by Terri Reed

Short Historical - Tie: Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman & Barbour/Heartsong PresentsGolden Days by Mary Connealy, Barbour/Heartsong Presents
A Wealth Beyond Riches by Vickie McDonough
A Time to Keep by Kelly Eileen Hake

Speculative - The Restorer’s Son by Sharon Hinck, NavPress
Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee
DragonFire by Donita Paul

Suspense - Black Ice by Linda Hall, WaterBrook Press
Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins
Abomination by Colleen Coble

Women’s Fiction - Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney, Howard Books/Simon & Schuster
Watercolored Pearls by Stacy Hawkins Adams
A Promise To Remember by Kathryn Cushman

Young Adult - In Between by Jenny B. Jones, NavPress
Sara Jane: Liberty’s Torch by Eleanor Clark
Saving Sailor by Renee Riva

GENESIS CONTEST

Chick lit, Mom lit, Lady lit Category:
1st: Erica Vetsch, Pam On Rye
2nd: Lynda Schab, Mind Over Madi
3rd: Tiffany Kinerson, Stand On My Own Two Hands

Contemporary Fiction Category:
1st: Dan Case, The Voice
2nd: Christina Berry, Undiscovered
3rd: Jim Rubart, Book of Days

Contemporary Romance Category:
1st: Annalisa Daughety, Love is a Battlefield
2nd: Kathleen Haynes, The Quarterback Club
3rd: Cara Slaughter, Joanna's Treasure

Historical Fiction Category:
1st: Mona Hodgson, A Thimble's Worth
2nd: Rachel Moore, A Trail of Waves
3rd: Lori Benton, Trouble The Water

Historical Romance Category:
1st: Patty Smith Hall, Flights of Freedom
2nd: Karen Witemeyer, Cloud by Day
3rd: Erica Vetsch, Marriage Masquerade

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category:
1st: Jane Thornton, Menace
2nd Donna Alice Patton, Wrestling Demons
3rd: Janice Olson, Don't Look Back

Romantic Suspense Category:
1st: Jenness Walker, Deja Vu
2nd: Dani Pettrey, Quest
3rd (tie): Kelly Ann Riley, A Cowboy's Prayer
3rd (tie): Jane Thornton, Be Anxious

Science Fiction/Fantasy/Allegory Category:
1st: Chawna Schroeder, Metamorphosis
2nd: Lynda K. Arndt, The Song of Blood and Stone
3rd: Valerie Comer, The Girl Who Cried Squid

Women's Fiction Category:
1st: Heather Goodman, 50 Things To Do Before I Turn 30
2nd: Cynthia Ruchti, They Almost Always Come Home
3rd: Kristian Tolle, When Autumn Comes

Young Adult Category:
1st: Carla Stewart, An Unexpected Journey
2nd: Stefanie Morris, The Dragon of Delarest
3rd: Kasey L. Heinly, Broken Glass

May the Lord use these projects for His glory!

My Mercies

I've landed on a Scripture verse and a concept that won't let me go. Just a small thought, one would presume. But as rich as a Paula Deen buttercream frosting.

IF my goal in life is to become more like Christ, to grow to act more and more like the Lord would in any given circumstance...

And IF that means acting as He would and speaking as He would and reacting to stresses as He would...

And IF I claim that's what I desire...

then what do I do with verses like the one from Lamentations that tells us, "His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness"?

Are MY mercies new every morning? Is MY faithfulness great as opposed to just run-of-the-mill?

Is the batch of kindness I show my family and friends and church family fresh every morning? A full, renewed supply ready for any challenge?

You can see why I'm stuck here. Thinking, thinking...

Not Food Anymore

I knew it was inevitable. Sooner or later I'd have to clean the fridge.

You understand, though, that the conditions have to be just right for that task. The garbage can must not be more than half full and the dishwasher must be completely empty to hold all the freshly emptied but riper than a big city garbage truck plastic containers.

If for some reason I don't return from the conference next week, I don't want my funeral conversation to center around the unmentionables...or rather, undistinguishables...I left in my refrigerator for my poor widow to deal with.

So, today was the day.

One of the reasons I despise the job is because I really do hate to throw away food. I'm growing more frugal as I linger with my husband. But the good news is the impetus that got me through the task without guilt. Some of it wasn't food anymore. Technically.

I recognized applesauce under the colorful patchwork of mold. I knew that the one item was a meat product at one time--from the sheen. But several things in zipped bags had morphed from solid to liquid form and who but God Almighty knows their origin. (Don't tell me it hasn't happened to you).

My guilt lifted as I tossed away things that were no longer food and therefore no longer a waste to dispose of.

And that got me thinking.

Are there things in my life that are no longer fun, so I can throw them away without guilt? Like sewing my own clothes? (Okay, I gave that up in the 90s). Crafts? Canning enough harvest produce for the whole neighborhood? Planting a garden of vegetables my husband won't eat?

Some I've already given up but retained a little reminder of guilt. But why feel guilty if it wasn't truly fun anymore?

What if it isn't productive anymore? Or meaningful? Or necessary? Or satisfying?

Can it be tossed without guilt?

Yes, with two exceptions. Love and commitment. Doesn't matter if they're no longer fun, productive, overtly meaningful, or perpetually satisfying. They're not disposable or discardable.

They are, however, redeemable.

Unlike the pool of what I think used to be a leftover burger.

He Knows My Name

If you're intrigued by the idea of meeting some of your favorite Christian authors and letting them know how much their words have meant to your personal enjoyment of this life and growth in your walk of faith, you might want to know the names of those participating in the joint booksigning at the Mall of America on September 20th.

The Lord knows these authors by name. Now you do too.


Event Details
What: Booksigning and Author Panels at the Mall of America Who: 127 Christian novelists Where: Best Buy and Sears Rotundas and connecting hallway When: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008 Why: To meet your favorite Christian authors.
Participating Authors
Tamera Alexander
Jennifer AlLee
A.K. Arenz
Diane Ashley
Karen Ball
Janet Lee Barton
James Scott Bell
Joseph Bentz
Terri Blackstock
Robin Caroll
Patricia PacJac Carroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Eleanor Clark
Debra Clopton
Gloria Clover
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Lyn Cote
Kathryn Cushman
Margaret Daley
KM Daughters
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Brandt Dodson
Lena Nelson Dooley
Cecelia Dowdy
Sharon Dunn
Wanda Dyson
Lynette Eason
Meredith Efken
Leanna Ellis
Sharon Ewell Foster
Miralee Ferrell
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Jonathan Friesen
Rhonda Gibson
Terri Gillespie
Debby Giusti
Beth Goddard
Cathy Gohlke
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Rachel Hauck
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Sharon Hinck
Joan Hochstetler
Steven Hunt
Angela Hunt
Denise Hunter
Annette Irby
Jennifer Johnson
Jenny B. Jones
Golden Keyes Parsons
Deb Kinnard
Julie Klassen
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Patti Lacy
Maureen Lang
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Michelle Levigne
Sherri L. Lewis
Elizabeth Ludwig
Christine Lynxwiler
Richard L. Mabry
Sharlene MacLaren
Gail Martin
Debby Mayne
Vickie McDonough
Andrew McGuire
Susan Meissner
Becky Melby
Dana Mentink
Amber Miller
Judith Miller
Sara Mills
Siri Mitchell
Nancy Moser
Janelle Mowery
Elizabeth Musser
Mark Mynheir
Jill Nelson
Mae Nunn
John Olson
Donita K. Paul
Trish Perry
Marta Perry
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Paul Robertson
John Robinson
Martha Rogers
Cynthia Ruchti
Gail Sattler
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Shelley Shephard Gray
Virginia Smith
Lynette Sowell
Candice Speare
Kathryn Springer
Denice Stewart
Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice Thompson
Cindy Thomson
Missy Tippens
Carrie Turansky
ML Tyndall
Amy Wallace
Susan May Warren
Linda Wichman
Beth Wiseman
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

What has HE gotten me into now?

I can't remember the last time I was bored. Oh, wait. It might have been when, in an attempt to share "quality time" together, I sat beside my husband while he watched something less than riveting on the History channel, or ESPN, or TVLand.

But other than that, I'm rarely bored. I attribute that wonder to a God about whom the psalmist (with a little help from the people at Tyndale) wrote, "The godly person's life is exciting!"

The things He gets me into sometimes! Flying across the country. Sharing devotional thoughts with a banquet room full of hundreds of Christian fiction authors, agents, and editors. Teaching others to write well! Amazing. (Did I tell you about the time I shared an airplane with Mohammed Ali?).

Within a few days, I'll be part of the 2008 national American Christian Fiction Writers' conference in Minneapolis. I'll have the privilege of serving on the worship team, reporting on a couple of the many workshops for the online ezine, and directing the conference choir. I'll suffer through the awards banquet, waiting to hear if one of my fiction projects is granted a "Parting the Red Sea" miracle to rise higher than the awesome Women's Fiction Finalist position it now occupies.

And, I'll take part in the massive booksigning at the Mall of America on the 20th. A hundred and twenty or more incredible Christian fiction novelists...and me. I'll have my pen ready to sign any copies of Cup of Comfort for Writers, in which I have a story.

I also plan to spend a great deal of that time marveling at the things the Lord gets me into.

It pays to read the fine print. When I committed my life to Him, I wasn't aware of the "Hang onto your seatbelt, girl!" clause.


MASSIVE BOOKSIGNING!!!
Over 100 Christian Novelists in One Place
(and did we mention it’s free?)
S A T U R D A Y , S E P T E M B E R 2 0
is your chance to meet over 100 Christian novelists at the Mall of America!
1:00—3:00pm
best-selling and award-winning authors like
Angela Hunt, James Scott Bell, Rene Gutteridge,
Deborah Raney, Tamera Alexander, Judith Miller,
Nancy Moser, Brandt Dodson,
and numerous others will be at Mall of America. Author panel discussions
will be held simultaneously in the Best Buy® and Bloomingdale’s Court.
ENTRY TO THE BOOKSIGNING IS FREE.
The Barnes & Noble inside the mall will be carrying books by those authors
present at the signing, so you can purchase your books that day!
For more information, call Cara Putman, ACFW Publicist, at
(765) 418-3427 or email pr@acfw.com.

Bypass Surgery

A little tidbit to chew on:

"The risks involved in bypassing God's plan would make the most confident medical malpractice insurance lawyer tremble. Odds of survival? Too low to calculate."

We insist that we're not turning our backs on God's Plan A, just...well...taking a shortcut. Saving a little time. Bypassing the construction zone.

Is it worth the risk?

"...Turn not aside after (in other words, do not bypass the Truth in favor of) vain and worthless things which cannot profit or deliver you, for they are empty and futile." --I Samuel 12:21 (Amplified Bible)

One Small Letter

One small letter. What a difference! One little s.

Here, all along, I didn't realize the Lord promised to lead me through the wildernesses--the deserts--of life. I thought He meant to lead me through all the desserts!

I've been doing my best.

Small things. One little letter. Big difference.

Here's the next offering from the Challendar Calendar:

"Do you really have time to wander around in the desert of disobedience and confusion for forty years or more, rather than simply choosing to do things God's way the FIRST TIME? Disobedience and disappointment are flip sides of the same coin. As are obedience and peace."

Joshua 5:6, NIV--"The Israelites had wandered about in the desert forty years...because they had not obeyed the Lord."

(And if you're in the mood for a lighthearted look at the issue of desserts and their consequences, check out my column in ACFW's Afictionado ezine this month: http://www.acfw.com/ezine/cgi-bin/aug08.pl?record=5 )

Blessings as you journey on.

Running Parallel

Another tidbit of thought.

There is no such thing as a path that runs parallel to God's will. Every path that is not His will runs contrary to it...with no on-ramps.

"Lord, You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11, NIV

Did you ever notice that sometimes the words that dig deepest into the flesh of your heart are the ones you wrote?

I cleaned the office this week. Had to. New shelves meant all the junk from the old ones had to go somewhere. Thank the Lord for a ruthless mood. It gave me permission to throw things I'd hoarded without the advantage of wisdom.

Cleaning unearths debris, but it also unearths gems we'd forgotten about, lost, or don't even remember creating.

Years ago, the radio ministry for which I write produced a Challendar Calendar--a twenty-one day calendar of challenging thoughts. Twenty-one days--the length of time it takes to establish a new habit...or make a weighty decision.I know I wrote what the calendar challenged, but reading them now--with the perspective of years--the entries stirred me to consider them seriously for my own life.

For the next stretch of time here on this blog, I'll share a tidbit from the Challendar Calendar. The lessons might only be meant for my eyes and heart. Or they may be meaningful to you, too.

We're in this together.

Day 1--If you entertain an unwise, ungodly, or God-doubting thought, you are in essence welcoming an ill-mannered guest who will leave his messes strewn all over the halls of your life, take advantage of you in a thousand ways, stain and ruin what you once held precious...a guest who may never leave.

"Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Proverbs 2:11, NIV