Writing to Distraction

Sticky Note: Ralph Waldo Emerson

2012-02-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

A Colonial Christmas Party

2011-12-12T03:19:00.002-05:00

Please join me today at Colonial Quills for a Colonial Christmas Celebration!

Sneak Peek

2011-12-05T15:33:00.001-05:00

At last, my debut novel has gone to print! It will release through the Heartsong Presents book club in January 2012 and be available through trade markets (Amazon, CBD, etc.) in June. I'm excited to give you a sneak peek at the beautiful cover that Barbour created. I cannot tell you how pleased I am as they took into consideration my suggestions and really captured the protagonist's essence.

The Shadow Catcher’s Daughter
Colorado/New Mexico, 1875

Eliana Van Horn aims to make her mark by joining her father as his photography assistant on an expedition to survey and document the placement of a marker at the intersection of four southwest boundaries. Living in the shadows of his native heritage, a half-Navajo guide, Yiska Wilcox, is thrown off course when The Shadow Catcher’s Daughter opens up the uncharted territory of his heart. As they travel through dangerous terrain in New Mexico and overcome barriers of culture, faith, ideals, and secrets that they both keep, they at last discover common ground and stake a chance on love.

The Shadow Catcher’s Daughter is book 1 in the Love in Four Corners series. Book 2, Pride's Fall by Darlene Franklin and Book 3, Almost Arizona by Susan Page Davis

Season of Blessings

2011-12-02T02:53:00.000-05:00

"All that we behold is full
of blessings."
~William Wordsworth

I have so much to be thankful for! I know that Thanksgiving has past, and here we are at the beginning of December already, but I want to back track a bit as I am still enjoying the afterglow of my 50th birthday celebration (Nov. 16th). So if you'll allow me to reminisce, here's how I celebrated during my birthday season of blessings. . .

First of all I enjoyed a wonderful two week long road trip with my Mom in August to celebrate our 50th and 70th birthdays. It was such a special time to spend together and we did so many things including visiting lots of family. I got a ton of research done to boot. It was one of the grandest times of my life!

Our amazing "Birthday Dinner" at the Riverwalk Restaurant
in Yorktown, VA. Tillapia Fillet & Baked Sea Scallops
wrapped in parchment paper.

Then at the end of October my husband and I went to a Third Day concert. They also had Tenth Avenue North and Trevor Morgan with them and it was an amazing show and time of worship. We came out afterwards to a flurry of huge snowflakes, the first fall of the season! So beautiful!

Then came time for my actual birthday. I was blessed with tons of wishes and gifts including the beautiful flowers from a special friend. My husband got me an awesome "author, author" charm bracelet and he and my sons gave me a Kindle Fire! Woo!

And one very sweet moment at the end of a long day on my birthday was when my sons sang me a duet of Happy Birthday, which made this mother cry.

And now, my 50th year, I look forward to a new career as a published author of two books, with two more to follow the next year. I have lots to celebrate big and small in this season, and in all.

"Seeing our Father in everything makes life one long thanksgiving and gives a rest of heart." ~ Hannah Whitall Smith.

Jubilee!

2011-11-16T04:19:00.001-05:00

What a year this has been! So much going on between juggling sickness (I just got over pneumonia, thus my absence once again) and loads of deadlines for my two publishers ~ bio sheets, book cover design sheets, edits/revisions, final edits (galleys) and a host of other activities. Today I am celebrating...me! It's my 50th birthday! Wow, did I really just write that? Those are a few words I'd like to edit! Actually, life is very good and I'm very content, humbled, and excited beyond belief that I have three books scheduled for release in 2012-2013.

It's been such a whirlwind that I haven't even had time to order my photos from my head shots that I had taken this summer by my talented cousin, Kristen LaValley Walters. So here I am, what do you think? Any of the pics are available in varying finishes and these haven't even had their final touches yet.

So with all this talk about edits and polishing and all of the hard work that I've been doing this year ~ my year of preparation as I've been calling it ~ I hope to spend time in my 50th year, my Jubilee year, and ask the Lord to do a little polishing of me personally and to refine my relationship with Him. So follow along, I will try to be more consistent in my posting. I'm so grateful for you all!

Her Own Prison

2011-10-23T18:42:00.000-04:00

At last my dear friends, I return to my much neglected blog. Thank you for your patience while I have been rather indisposed of late. I've been sequestered in a prison of my own making and hardly seen the light of day, or so it seems.

My first priority was to finish my manuscript for my novella, Carving a Future (Barbour). This is the first story in the Colonial Courtships anthology featuring the four Ingersoll brothers in Glassenbury, CT, 1752. Happy am I to say that I completed my task, or it would have been the gallows for me!

My local writers conference occurred in the midst of this writing, though I had hoped to be done with my manuscript by then, I was not. The conference was a pleasant diversion, but it did require much of my time as I was one of the conference planners. I'll be posting soon on that wonderful day that I shared with two of my favorite authors, Susan Page Davis and Ruth Axtell Morren.

During this time, I've also submitted two synopses to my agent for potential inclusion in a series, and am very hopeful about these! We also communicated about my writing goals. Did you ever notice how similar the word "goal" and "gaol", the old fashioned way of spelling jail are? There must be something to that, methinks.

At the end of this came the copy edits for my January release, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter (Heartsong Presents), and a request for description for the book cover. Now that is fun!

I am also beginning to write my next novel, A Design for Love, for Abingdon's Quilts of Love series. My story is set in Boston, MA, 1770. And though I keep myself in chains to my writing, it is where I want to be.

I promise, I really have been keeping out of trouble! Although, I've been trying to manage all this amidst headaches and an entrapped nerve in my neck and back. I'll blame that on the stocks (pictured above at Colonial Williamsburg), they are a tad uncomfortable you know.

And thus is the work of an author, I am finding, not always comfortable, challenging me to my limits, it seems. But it is what I have chosen, and what God has chosen for me. So, lest you think I am complaining, I am not. I am ever so grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy, and endure, this life of mine that has changed and is changing me.

“Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage.”

Sticky Notes: Deadlines

2011-09-27T01:33:00.001-04:00

The ultimate inspiration is the deadline. ~ Nolan Bushnell

I'm writing under deadline. Pray for me. LOL! No, really!
See you when I come out of my cave.

Friday's Fortune

2011-09-23T07:01:00.001-04:00

Today on my occasionally featured Friday's Fortune you'll find some great tips boster your writing and marketing techniques.

Donna Brennan shares Ways to Make Your Writing Stonger.

Mike Hyatt explains How to use Twitter to Sell Your New Book.

Literary Agent Steve Laube found a few useful tools that help check repetitive phrases and words in your writing in his post Every Word Counts.

Blog Haul: New Old Books!

2011-09-21T19:57:00.005-04:00

I recently went on a little online shopping spree to obtain some much needed — and desired — research books on the Colonial America. So here is a "blog haul" of some of my spectacular new finds from eBay. Old books, but new for me! So please indulge me while I show you my new toys.

"Wear the old coat and buy the new book."
~ Austin Phelps

Home Life in Colonial Days by Alice Morse Earle. Mrs. Earle was an author from the 19th century wrote many books on historical times, especially the colonial period most likely in an effort to preserve the history of the unique culture of the day. I first came across her original books that are non-copyrighted, transcribed and available online (Google Books and elsewhere). This 470 page 1974 reprinting of her 1898 book was only $2.

What can I say? Aren't they beautiful! These two volumes of Men, Women & Manners in Colonial Times by Sydney George Fisher, published in 1897 at the original price of $1.50 each, are in amazing condition with silver-gilt embossed covers, deckled edges, and tissue covered lithographs. Although I unintentionally purchased Vol. 2 at the cost of $21, I luckily found Vol. 1 for only $1.99 and am now delighted to have this rare set, having obtained it for about $23.

I wish I could hear authentic language from the colonial period and translate that into my writing, especially the dialect of the area of my setting. I would like to write in such a fashion, not solely, as it surely would be far too cumbersome to read, but sprinkled judiciously for effect. But since they did not have devices to make recordings back then I must rely on the language itself, and being a wordsmith I have discovered these tools — glossaries of Colonial English.

Colonial American English by Richard M. Lederer, Jr., published in 1985, is a much sought after tome filled with words and phrases that were used in America from 1608 - 1783. This may be the only books on this topic, this particular period (at least that I could find), and thus some of them went for up to $218. Since I've long considered trying to obtain this book, my purchase price of $27.99 was a bargain.

You may wonder why I invested in A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. I promise you, the term vulgar denotes unsophisticated rather than, well, raunchy. This is an edited version (1992) of English Capt. Francis Grose's infamous 1785 collection of common and slang used in the 18th century. Who knows, I might find some interesting words to use for a lower class or unsavory story character. And all for $2.99.

So there you have it . . . well, almost . . . I do have one book I cannot show you lest I give away my secret plot for a forthcoming series that I'm developing. I know, I'm so mean.

Have you found any book treasures lately? Ever?

I'd Rather be Writing

2011-09-14T00:00:00.006-04:00

I've only been home for a few weeks now and already I'm getting into trouble. Tonight I ventured into the kitchen to bake 7 dozen cookies that supplied for the Under the Son concert at my church this Saturday. We are expecting about 1,000 people at this outdoor event and the food folks put out a call for 150 dozen cookies. Yikes! I answered the call . . . against my better judgement.

Although I can write HTML and plot stories in my sleep, you should just name me "Keep her out of the kitchen Carla" as I have a ridiculously difficult time managing myself in that dreaded room. But the need was so great I decided to lend a hand this time, even if cooking isn't my forte. Both my sons are excellent cooks are employed as such, the gift must have skipped a generation. My Mom was a home economics teacher for years (while they still taught that in school). I do have a few specialties. But baking cookies, not so much. I'd rather decorate them.

Emergency call to Mom. "The cookies are flat, they spread out over the whole cookie sheet. Was it because I sifted the flour and it didn't call for that?" What was I thinking? Part of my problem is getting too creative and not sticking with the recipe, which my mother is a stickler for. (Always listen to Mom!) After adding some more flour and then refrigerating the dough I gave it another shot, with almost the same result. My squarish looking cookies didn't look too bad once they were cut away from each other and cooling, but they are not your typical round cookie for sure. At least I didn't burn them . . . not all of them anyway.

As I said, I do have a handle on a few recipes and I tend to stick to what I know. My family doesn't have to wonder why I serve them the same foods over and over again (though they never really get the exact same version every time). But as I tend to shy away from the kitchen and am more comfortable with pen in hand, I have generally learned to decline areas of service where I'm not gifted. But there are those times that we are compelled to help and I do so with good intentions. But this exercise reminds me that I do need to stay on task and get back to completing my novella as I'm writing on deadline. And truly, I'd rather be writing!

What are some of your gifts and talents? Do you stick to the areas where you are gifted or do you serve in any capacity? How do you feel about that?

We'll Never Forget

2011-09-11T03:21:00.004-04:00

"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It's a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It's also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend-even a friend whose name it never knew. "
- President George W. Bush,
December 11, 2001

Some of us use our words to express our grief and feelings.
And sometimes there are no words...but His.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Digging up Character Names

2011-09-09T14:50:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been around of late, those headaches are still plaguing me. Still planning to share more about my trip. But today I'm posting at Colonial Quills today on resources to help find names for characters in your stories. I hope you'll stop by and see me there.

Digging up Character Names

Petticoats, Quilts, and Comforters

2011-08-27T03:02:00.006-04:00

A week before my road trip, I scurried around putting together a short proposal for Abingdon Press's Quilts of Love series. I was very excited of the prospect of inclusion in this series and set to research for a colonial period quilting theme. Less than three weeks later my agent notified me that it was accepted!

I received the good news email on the evening of the first anniversary of my step-dad's passing. Seems like my book projects come with highs and lows, the bitter and the sweet. Within moments of reading the email, and before I even had a chance to tell anyone my head felt like it was about to explode and started throbbing most intensely. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and they suspected life threatening conditions and possible need for a neurosurgeon. After testing and bringing my symptoms under control it was determined that it must have been a strange variation of migraine combined with the intense high blood pressure. Apparently the news was too much for me! Now home, I've followed up with my doctor and am on Prednisone, yet again, and feeling much better. But the good news I received right before this episode was like a promise from the Lord that He still had work ahead for me.

So, without further ado . . .

A Design for Love (Whole-cloth Quilt)
Boston, Massachusetts, 1770

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton, comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.

Tailor at the Margaret Hunter Shop,
Colonial Williamsburg

It was much fun seeing the display of beautiful quilts, like the whole-cloth quilt pictured above. I also was able to ask about quilted petticoats at the milliner and mantua-maker's shop (Margaret Hunter's Shop) at Colonial Williamsburg and view the exhibits on colonial dress at the Dewitt Walace Decorative Arts Museum on Fashion Accessories from Head to Toe.

This lovely work bag (circa 1760-80) caught my attention as something that my quilter might own or acquire, and the period is perfect for my story. It is equipped with special compartments and pin cushion sides and I believe worn tied about the waist.

As a memento of my trip I brought home a pretty Kate McCrostie quilted placemat as a reminder of all the pretty things I saw and for the hope I had in my heart to write the story swirling about in my head.

This talk about quilting makes me also think of comfortors and the comfort I received from my joyful vacation, wonderful news, and God's watchcare over me during my time of grieving and illness makes me ever mindful that "our comfort is abundant through Christ." (2 Cor. 1:5)

Back from my journey!

2011-08-26T04:58:00.000-04:00

Carla's Mom (Joyce Buckley), Carla, and Carrie Fancet Pagels

I'm back from my trip! Join me over to Colonial Quills as I share some of my adventures. More to follow!

Road Trip

2011-08-08T01:37:00.002-04:00

I'm heading out for a couple of weeks on a road trip with my Mom. I've never been further west than Mississippi so this is a grand adventure. This special trip overlaps the first anniversary of my Dad's passing, such a difficult season that we went through last year. But this time it will be filled with celebration. In fact, this Mom and Daughter outing will commemorate our big birthdays. Mom will be 70 in September, and I will be, oh, dear, 50 in November. This trip will include time to write, research, and even visit a writer friend. My itinerary includes: Photoshoot & Family Visits (MA). Family wedding (OH). Creation Museum (KY). Colonial Williamsburg & Visits with Writer Friends (VA). Family Visits (MA). Home again (ME) to finish writing Colonial Courtships.

See you when I return!

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine

Writing Under Difficulties

2011-08-07T01:11:00.002-04:00

Have you ever written under great difficulties?

I sure have. Sometimes I liken the life of a writer to that of a mailman. "Come rain, come snow, come hail or

Laptop of the 1890's!

sleet, the postman always delivers." And authors do, too. Many writers I know have endured terrible difficulties under which they had to press on. Last year at this time was such a time for me during the last days of my step-father's life I was writing my novel, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter. After Dad died I had 4 weeks remaining to complete it. My publisher graciously allowed me 2 extra weeks. And by the grace of God I completed it. There have been other difficulties I have worked through (health issues, family responsibilities, personal challenges, etc.) as many of you have. One thing I have determined — writing is not for the faint of heart.

Here are some excerpts from past times that testify to this fact. I hope you enjoy.

Writing Under Difficulties
From The Author, Volume 1, The Writer Pub. Co., 1889

In a recent Belford's Magazine, Virginia Sharpe Patterson writes feelingly on the "Disadvantages of Women Writers." The special disadvantages that she mentions are the time and the place. As a usual thing, the male author, when the spirit moves him to write, retires to his study, where no one is allowed to interrupt him during the hours of work, and where he has a desk fitted up with all the labor-saving devices so temptingly set forth by the contributors to The Wrter. The female author, on the other hand, when seized by an inspiration, cannot seclude herself alone with her books and her rolling-top desk. It is more than likely that she is in the kitchen baking bread, which cannot be left to take care of itself. With doughy hands she takes the pencil, happily left by the grocer's clerk, and in a stolen moment indites a sonnet on the unstamped side of a paper bag; or she is in the nursery, rocking the cradle with her foot and trying to compose her thoughts and amuse the children, while an old atlas on her knee serves her as a desk. Even the more fortunate woman, one who does not have to bake the bread or guard the nursery, has interruptions that never come to the man. She may even have a room to write in and every convenience around her, but she cannot deny herself to the cook who has some important household question to ask, or to the maid who is going to the market, and comes to her for final instructions. One would think that the spinster might be spared the interruptions so annoying to the mother of a family, yet even she may have a little niece who makes constant and seemingly unavoidable demands upon her attention.

There have been men, however, who have written under disadvantageous circumstances. I do not speak of war correspondents, who have written columns of description with a drumhead for a desk, and the bullets flying past their ears, for they are journalists, and journalists are expected to accomplish miracles. But books have been written, and great books, too, under any but favorable circumstances. Johnson wrote "Rasselas" with his mother's body lying in the house, in order to raise money to defray the funeral expenses. Goldsmith wrote his plays with the sheriff's officer knocking at his door — a serious interruption to one's thoughts, I should say. Bunyan wrote his immortal "Pilgrim's Progress " in prison, where he may have had quiet enough, but must also have had jarring interruptions of various kinds, and a lack of writing materials. If we read the biographies of most of the writers of the eighteenth and earlier centuries, we will find they did their best work under the most unfavorable circumstances. It is only in the nineteenth century that authors have had uninterrupted hours for work, like other business men, and have had such advantages as may arise from the use of typewriting machines, stenographers, stylographic pens, various colored inks, pigeon-holed desks, and writing-pads. —" The Lounger" in The Critic.

Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed, 1918

A 19th Century Take on Women Writing Literature

2011-08-04T18:43:00.006-04:00

'Writing is like flirting: if you can't do it, nobody can teach you; and if you do it, nobody can stop you.' So says the heroine of a contemporary novel, and I am bound to say that I agree with her.

So states Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler, the author of an 1905 article in The Writer, a popular Boston literary magazine which commenced publication in 1882 and is still being produced. I get such a kick out of reading old writings — illuminating society of past times, yet sometimes resonating with the thoughts we have today.

As the article continues I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did for both advice and humor.

To those who feel that they cannot write now, but some day hope they will, I can only give the celebrated advice of Punch "to persons about to marry"— "Don't." If you feel that you can help writing, by all means do help writing, and turn your thoughts and your wishes in another direction.

"Mute, inglorious Miltons," believe me, are very rare birds indeed. As a rule genius — like murder — "will out." I fear I have not much patience with those people who are convinced that they could have done some great thing if circumstances had been different. Circumstances have very little to do with the question. These persons could have done some great thing if they themselves had been different, I admit; but that is the only "if" they can lawfully plead.

A few years ago it was the fashion for every girl to play the piano, whether she could or whether she could n't. Valuable hours of her never-to-be-recovered learning time were wasted on the acquisition of songs she could never sing, and the practicing of pieces she could never play. Which of us does not remember the breathy voice and the wooden touch of the compulsory songsters and pianists of our youth? Now it is just as much the fashion for every girl to write. Literature has taken the place of music as the modish art. Not to have written a book has become as unpardonable as not to have learnt the five-finger exercises used to be. And everybody seems to consider it a question of will rather than of capacity.

People are constantly saying to me: "Now that you have taken to writing, I think I must." They have not the slightest intention of being uncomplimentary — or even humorous. To them it is the same as saying: "Now that you have let off fires, I must," or "Now that you have taken to the cheese diet, I shall." On the whole, they meant it as a compliment in the shape of that imitation which is synonymous with flattery. But that they couldn't do such a simple thing as write a book never enters their heads.

Yet the writing of books is by no means as easy as it appears — and most especially is it not easy for women. Because a woman's nervous system is more highly strung than a man's, creative work takes much more out of her than it takes out of a man, and all women who wish to write should first consider the cost. Sheridan said that "easy writing makes hard reading" — only he put it a little more forcefully than that; and he knew what he was talking about. Therefore, to all those who wish to write because they think it an easy ascent to wealth and fame — I repeat the advice, Don't.

But supposing that you can no more help writing than you can help breathing — that you must write whether anybody will read or not— then to you I will give another and a more lengthy word of advice.

First, I would remind you that this is no light task you are undertaking, and I would urge you to give your whole attention to the matter in hand, writing nothing but the very best that it is in you to write.

People sometimes say to me, "I just dashed off that little thing quite easily; it is no trouble to me to write." And I have no difficulty in believing them — after I have read it.

In order to write, you must first read: for it is only by studying past masters in style that you can form a good one of your own.

Then in writing fiction you must be careful to differentiate between a narrative and a story. The difference is not easy to define. Beginners and amateurs rarely see it — but it is enormous all the same. A narrative is a mere string of events, leading nowhere and culminating in nothing; a story is a complete thing in itself, in which every character and every event lead up to one final end or climax.

In a well-written story every incident has its bearing, every character its purpose. Real life, however eventful, except in very rare instances, is narrative rather than story; and that is why plots given by amateurs out of their experience are so very rarely of any use to professional story tellers. They would make most thrilling and interesting newspaper paragraphs, but they are useless as plots for a novel.

I remember the late Mrs. Lynn Linton once saying to me that it is difficult for an author to know how much to say and how much to leave unsaid. Of course, to you who are writing the book every detail about your characters is clear, but your public only know as much as you choose to tell them, and it is very difficult for you, the author, to tell them enough to enable them fully to grasp every situation, and yet not to overstate things — not to pile up the agony too much nor to rub the comedy too much in. You must not take it for granted that they are acquainted with circumstances which have occurred only in your own imagination, nor, in the other hand, must you repeat and dwell upon details as you would in imparting elementary knowledge to an infant school.

If you wish to be effective in literature you must learn the art of putting yourself in another person's place, not only in that of your characters, but also of your readers. You must remember that you will be read by various people in various moods, and you must endeavor to say nothing that will grate on any one of them.

Finally, there is a general idea afloat that a woman's literary success makes against her domestic usefulness — that she cannot adorn both the hearth and the bookcase, or wield the poker as well as the pen. Why not? She has two hands, therefore why cannot she hold both pen and poker at the same time, using each, as she thinks fit? It is this idea which induces many a girl who is bored by "the trivial round, the common task," to fly to literature and to make up her mind to write. Let her write a book if she can—and must, but let her remember that doing the one is no excuse for leaving the other undone.

Writing a book will in no wise absolve you from fulfilling your heme duties. To say that you would rather be literary than domestic seems to me as absurd as to say that you would rather have roast fowl than fine weather, or a Liberal Government than a blue serge gown. There is no alternative, no reason why the same woman should not be both — or neither.

But to every woman who has indeed the gift of writing books I say, go on and prosper. She holds in her hand the key to an earthly paradise. I bid her to turn now and again from the dusty highways of life into the delightful byways of fairyland, taking, if possible, others in with her; not, be it understood, thereby unfitting herself for the daily duties of that dreary road, but rather strengthening and refreshing both herself and her companions for the due continuance of that journey, so that they may all go on their way rejoicing.

Make a Way

2011-08-03T02:07:00.005-04:00

Make a Way by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (Streams in the Desert)

"I will make all my mountains a way" (Isa.49:11).

God will make obstacles serve His purpose. We all have mountains in our lives. There are people and things that threaten to bar our progress in the Divine life. Those heavy claims, that uncongenial occupation, that thorn in the flesh, that daily cross--we think that if only these were removed we might live purer, tenderer, holier lives; and often we pray for their removal.

"Oh, fools, and slow of heart!" These are the very conditions of achievement; they have been put into our lives as the means to the very graces and virtues for which we have been praying so long. Thou hast prayed for patience through long years, but there is something that tries thee beyond endurance; thou hast fled from it, evaded it, accounted it an unsurmountable obstacle to the desired attainment, and supposed that its removal would secure thy immediate deliverance and victory.

Not so! Thou wouldest gain only the cessation of temptations to impatience. But this would not be patience. Patience can be acquired only through just such trials as now seem unbearable.
Go back; submit thyself. Claim to be a partaker in the patience of Jesus. Meet thy trials in Him. There is nothing in life which harasses and annoys that may not become subservient to the highest ends. They are His mountains. He puts them there. We know that God will not fail to keep His promise. "God understandeth the way thereof and knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven"; and when we come to the foot of the mountains, we shall find the way.--Christ in Isaiah, by Meyer

"The meaning of trial is not only to test worthiness, but to increase it; as the oak is not only tested by the storm, but toughened by them."

A Bend in the Road

2011-07-30T05:08:00.004-04:00

Silverton, Colorado. A scene like one found in
The Shadow Catcher's Daughter.

After many years of trekking through the wilderness climbing toward the goal of publication I at last found myself reaching the summit. My debut novel was set to release in January 2012. Many of you have heard the announcement that came last week that Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents line is closing December 2011. Yes, my first book was set to release the following month.

Heartsong Presents operated its line for twenty years and almost 1,000 books, blessing many readers and authors alike. So the news shot through the internet world like wildfire. I received this news directly from my publisher while I was finishing up the content revisions that they sent me and had to press on because those of us who were under contract were asked to do so. Although they will not print my single title, they may publish it in e-book format and/or as an anthology with the two other books in the series (Love in Four Corners), but that will not be at least until 2013 and there is no guarantee.

Naturally, I am very disappointed that The Shadow Catcher's Daughter has hit this road block. But I prefer to think of it as a bend in the road. As I continue to press on to completion (copy edits, etc.) with an uncertain destination, I'm reminded of the many times that I've had to keep moving forward under similar circumstances. If I allow my doubts and fears and other discouraging thoughts to assail me I have no chance of discovery along the path nor the potential opportunity that may await. I believe there is a plan for this book and the timing has been at God's discretion all along. So, I'm going to trust him for it. And even though I cannot see what is around the corner, I know I am on the right path. I'll continue on this journey through the struggles and the joys.

I do look forward to May 2012 when Carving a Future, my novella in Colonial Courtships will be released. So my debut, although not a full novel, will come a little later. As for now I am busy writing the novella and getting a few proposals ready to submit. Moving forward with hope not in my expectation, but in God's plan.

"In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps."
Proverbs 19:9

Window to the Past

2011-07-29T05:23:00.000-04:00

Please join me at Colonial Quills for my Tools of the Trade post on
Historical Societies: Window to the Past.

Two Lenses

2011-07-27T02:27:00.002-04:00

When I was 18 it seemed pretty grim to me for a time. My left leg became paralyzed due to a post knee surgery complication. I had the privilege of hearing Joni Eareckson Tada speak. Her books were also an inspiration and encouragement to me. Miraculously for me, the nerve damage I had was healed a year later. I literally had to learn to walk all over again. I'd like to share this devotional reading with you, written by Joni, and hope it will encourage you, whatever pain or trial you may be facing today.

By Joni Eareckson Tada

"Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to His children."
Lamentations 3:23-33

The Lord took no pleasure in my broken neck. Like any father who has compassion on his children, it pained his heart to see me hurt. Yet at the same time, it pleased the Lord to permit my accident. My spinal cord injury was something he sovereignly designed in and for his good pleasure. God's ways are so much higher than ours; He has the capacity to look at the world through two lenses -- through a narrow lens and a wide angle one. When God looks at a painful event through a narrow lens, He sees the tragedy for what it is. He is deeply grieved. In Ezekiel 18:32 He says, "I take no pleasure in the death of anyone." God feels the sting in His chest when a child dies of cancer or a husband is killed in an accident. However, when God looks at that same event through His wide angle lens, He sees the tragedy in relation to everything leading up to it,as well as flowing out from it. He sees a mosaic stretching into eternity -- it is this mosaic with all its parts, both good and evil, which brings Him delight.In the span of a single verse, the Bible asserts "the Lord brings grief," yet "He does not willingly bring... grief." God tried this out on Himself. He willed the death of his own Son, but He took no delight in it. God saw how Jesus' death would demonstrate His incomprehensible mercy, as well as bring His people to glory. God often wills what He despises because -- and only because -- He has a wide angle view on the world.

Lord, too often I have only a narrow-lens view of my world -- give me your perspective and may I rejoice in the beautiful mosaic I will one day understand.

What does your life look like?

Sticky Notes: Laura Ingalls Wildler

2011-07-25T04:15:00.000-04:00

"It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong."

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder, who's first book was published at age 65.

Getting into the Groove Again

2011-07-16T22:02:00.000-04:00

I've had to take it rather slow and easy lately because of my health. But now its time to get busy.

Things on my agenda include:

Planning the MFCW conference for October 8th. So excited that Susan Page Davis will be our speaker and both she and Ruth Axtell Morren will be conducting workshops. Oh, and I'm doing a workshop, too!

Critiquing some chapters for my crit partner Susan Page Davis on her novel which is the 3rd novel in our Love in Four Corners series with Darlene Franklin (bk 2) and moi (bk 1).

Finishing up my revisions for my publisher on said bk 1, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter.

Catching up on Website projects for a surgeon and several authors.

Baking Snickerdoodles. Yes, I confess.

Planning my vacation for next month. Road trip!

Now a few fun things. This cartoon pic of me, really looks nothing like me except the dress is my favorite color. You can MadMenYourself, too if you wish. It's a great way to waste time.

Here's an awesome video about developing your pitch for an agent or editor. It's a real hoot, but I promise you'll learn something from it if you pay attention!

What are you doing in the groove?

What Are You Hiding?

2011-07-11T18:21:00.004-04:00

When the drawer lower draw on our stove got off its track I couldn't get it on straight. I asked my huz to assist and he had to take it completely out to get it to work. But before it put it back he pulled out a trove of objects that set me laughing out loud. Along with the dust bunnies, out came 4 kitty toy balls, and fourteen, yes fourteen!, plastic hot roller clips that I have been missing. I immediately new who the culprit was . . . our cat Dasha! I had long wondered what she did with them, they just seemed to disappear. I had caught her in the act on occasion actually stealing them and then batting them around the floor. I didn't do much about it, until they had all but disappeared. I figured they would turn up eventually, but they have been long gone until today. I really don't know what the fascination is. Reminds me about my former mother-in-law's cat who used to wake her up every morning by pulling her curlers out of her hair!

So, I left them out for a while to see what she'd do with her stash, although I can't say with certainty whether see hid them intentionally or just couldn't retrieve them. Regardless, her reaction to them having been discovered was a little surprising. She just kind of looked at everything overwhelmed. She started playing with one of the balls, but never touched her beloved curler clips.

The episode make me think about the things I hide. Words, sometimes. I've hoarded special words and phrases or ideas that I want to use in my writing, not sure if I should use them with this project or save them for another. I hid my writing away for years, not wanting anyone to see a word I wrote and if they discovered something before I was ready I panicked. Then when I take out my stash of notebooks full of my writing I am overwhelmed with what to do with them, where they fit into my current publishing plans, if at all. Hiding my words, my writing, has been a problem for me in the past. I'm still a little shy about it, but I have been finding my courage over the years through blogging, and taking the risk of putting my words out there for public viewing. It has really built my confidence. So I'm going to take a lesson from Dasha and ignore the dust bunnies, disregard the imitation/insignificant toys, and just play with the real thing/what has true merit. Most importantly not hide my words, or hide behind them anymore.

Do you hide your words, your writing? What do you do to help build your writing confidence? Is there anything in your stash of writing that can be pulled out and shared with others? What are you waiting for?

By the way, CLICK HERE to see Dasha's little story about A Writer's Life.

A New Chapter

2011-07-07T18:41:00.002-04:00

As a fiction author, I know that every chapter in a book doesn't necessarily tie things up into a neat little package nor begin with a smooth transition. Instead they end and begin with hooks that generate enough interest to entice the reader to continue on with the story. Similarly, the chapters of our lives often end and begin with more questions than answers. Some things change. Some remain the same. And there are many unknowns. It can be a time of celebration, a time to grieve, a time to move on, a time for setting new goals.

Over the past three weeks I've been recovering from pneumonia. It has been a horrible ordeal and I'm glad that I'm finally better. I can breathe. I also can take a deep cleansing breath as I move on to the next stage of my life, leaving behind the part-time job that I've held for the past four years. I enjoyed working for Literacy Volunteers, an excellent organization that helps adults improve their literacy skills. But over the past year or more it was becoming increasingly more difficult to manage because of my chronic migraines. At the same time I went through my step-dad's terminal illness and death, and have experienced the hard work and joy of making progress with my literary career, and also continued with occasional freelance website development projects. Over the past six months I have been wearing more hats than I was comfortable with and my author activities have become increasingly more demanding. It was all so chaotic and felt overwhelming at times, and totally went against my grain as someone who is a planner and likes a more peaceful life. So as I considered transitioning away from some of my tasks I've sought to define where my time and energy would be best spent.

Now I'm happy to say that I'm officially writing full-time which to me means that is where my primary focus remains. This is my time of preparation for my books that will release next year and there is so much to do. I'm also continuing to do freelance work as a website developer and graphic designer, as I have had increased opportunity to continue with that work. I also plan to revamp my own online presence through my website and create promotional materials.

My opening hook for this new chapter includes my questions about how best to prioritize my projects and reorganize my life. I also will attempt to find some answers to some of my health issues. So I prayerfully devote this exciting new time to the Lord and seek his leading in the story He is telling of my life.

What is happening in the current chapter of your life? Are you at the beginning, middle, end?

Drafting the Declaration of Independence

2011-07-02T20:06:00.001-04:00

Every literary work starts in draft, even the greatest of them. On June 11, 1776 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee to draft a document that would severe the colonies ties from Great Britain. King George III had forced the colonies to pay taxes without representation in Parliament and had sent troops to quell signs of rebellion, yet repeated attempts by the colonists to resolve the crisis peacefully were fruitless.

The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The document was crafted by Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer. Jefferson's rough draft was presented to Franklin and Adams for correction, prior to committee. Eighty-six changes were made to his draft, but one of the most important edits was when Jefferson changed "subjects" to "citizens", thus obliterating the term "subjects" from the colonist's vocabulary.

The final version of the document was officially adopted on July 4th and went to print that very afternoon. By the next morning copies were on their way to all thirteen states by horseback . On July 5th the German Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote became the new nations's first newspaper to announce that the Declaration had been adopted and on July 6th, the first newspaper print edition of the full text appeared in the Philadelphia Evening Post.

The Declaration of Independence has since become our nation's most cherished symbol of liberty.

Rough Draft

Drafting the Documents

5 Obscure Facts About The Declaration of Independence

Colonial Americans Observing Independence Day At Colonial Quills

2011-07-01T12:44:00.000-04:00

Today I'm posting at Colonial Quills on
Colonial Americans Observing Independence Day.

I hope you'll join me there!

Emotional Stages of Writing a Novel

2011-06-27T01:52:00.003-04:00

This video cracks me up! It is so true to form, I almost thought someone had intruded a dream of mine. Sometimes I have a few of these emotions going on at the same time be it overlapping stages or simultaneous projects.

One: The Idea
Two: Euphoria
Three: Reality
Four: Triumph
Five: Editing

The Editing stage on my first novel, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter, was quite an experience for me and included whittling it down by 5,000 words. But I did it thanks to the help of my fantastic critique partners and series collaborators Darlene Franklin and Susan Page Davis. I've now received my content edits from my publisher (Heartsong Presents/Barbour Publishing) and have more to consider. I'm so grateful for the the critiques the first time around as they certainly had an influence on what I now have on my desk. This isn't my favorite part of the process for certain, but having another set of eyes helping me groom this work is necessary to make it shine.

I'm also in the Reality stage of other projects that I'm working on writing proposals for. This is the tricky part. I've already established my ideas, done extensive research, and written several chapters. But then comes the hard part for this mostly seat of the pants writer...to write a synopsis of the full novel. And how do we do that if I haven't written the story yet my brain protests! So I have to take my beginning, and pull those thoughts of future chapters into some assemblance of order and begin to summarize them. It is like sizing up a huge mountain to see how I will scale it. Of course, the Reality stage also encompasses the actual hard work of writing the chapters and usually sets in about chapter 5 for me, but this planning stage is part of the strategy of getting it done. Referring to my synopsis keeps me on track so I'm glad that I've done it, and have found that it doesn't restrict my creativity, rather grounds it.

The Idea. Always ideas. I am forever tucking them away, jotting them down so I don't lose them, and saving for when I have time to develop them. And lately, I've had opportunities to submit based on an already developed concepts. One sample chapter for consideration based on 12 page guidelines, and two premises for novella proposals.

Euphoria and Triumph are akin to one another, but Triumph so much more satisfying. Although, as Euphoria urges me forward to give those ideas wings, once its all done I revisit Euphoria again with a grand celebration!

Rinse. Repeat.

What's your favorite stage of the novel writing process (or apply it to other writing projects)? You least favorite stage? What stage are you on now?

Sticky Notes: Commas

2011-06-23T23:57:00.003-04:00

"I have spent most of the day putting in a comma and the rest of the day taking it out."
— Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Two New Blogs

2011-06-21T08:31:00.001-04:00

I'd like to mention two new blogs that I helped develop recently for my dear cousin and a friend.

Menagerie is a collection of original poetry, recipes, Pro Flash gaming reviews, photography, giveaways and much more. Enjoy!

Good Life Marketplace provides a directory of blogs and websites from around the world. Their colorful and economical ads are a great way to get noticed on the web. Check them out!

From a reluctant reader to a published author

2011-06-17T11:05:00.012-04:00

I used to have a hard time reading fiction because I always had my own stories swirling around in my head. So I stuck to non-fiction as I enjoyed reading for information more than for entertainment. I did like listening to my husband talk about the fiction he was reading like Frank Peretti's Piercing the Darkness, etc. and sometimes he would read passages aloud, which I enjoyed. He started reading George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin and C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia to our boys when they were very small, and they loved it! They also enjoyed a children's version of John Bunyon's Pilgrim's Progress (The Little Pilgrim's Progress). These stories captivated me and I began weaving tales of my own for our sons while I convalesced after several surgeries that kept me bed ridden for weeks on end. My little boys snuggled up with me and I read them the tales I wrote. When I was better we continued to enjoy them and sometimes we would act them out. They were enchanted. I still have this series of stories and have long wanted to get them published. In fact, that is when I started dreaming of the possibility of becoming a published author. When my sons were older, the early stories we read were enjoyed again as they have reread some of them, attended an amazing play of Pilgrim's Progress, and have seen The Chronicle's of Narnia on the big screen. But what amazes me is fond memories they hold, we all hold, of the stories I wrote for them.

A dozen years ago I borrowed a copy of Christian fiction from the library of my mother's church, Catherine Palmer's Finders Keepers. The Victorian house on the cover captured my attention since I have an interest in architecture and home design. I brought it home and was swept away into a wonderful new world and have been hooked on Christian fiction novels ever since. Catherine Palmer remains one of my favorites!

After reading the sequel to Finder's Keepers (Hide and Seek), I borrowed Lori Wick's historical series, The English Garden, set in regency England. Thus, my entrance into the realm of historical fiction.

As I read these books I imagined writing stories like these of my own. It wasn't long before I started to write historical fiction for myself. Since then I've filled dozens of notebooks full of my stories. Although early on I had explored the publishing market for my children's stories, I never moved forward because I lacked the confidence to do anything with my writing. I knew absolutely nothing about the craft of writing, especially fiction for adults. I was in the habit of writing freely to get my ideas down on paper, mostly in narrative form. Then I started toying with dialogue as I had seen in the novels I read. Reading fiction was the only education I had on how to write it. Then one day I discovered some websites that talked about how to write fiction. I also found author websites and began to learn more about them and how they got their start in publishing. I couldn't afford to purchase writing books, but I absorbed everything I could learn from the internet. These were my first steps toward pursuing my goal of becoming published.

My book!

Since then, I have worked hard at networking and have joined the national organization for Christian writers, American Christian Fiction Authors, joined a local writing group in my state, and have and attended writing conferences. I've continued to work on my craft making a habit of learning something new every day. I've met authors on line and in person, found a writing mentor, and joined a critique group, and writing loops online, and have learned about the publishing industry. And, of course, I have continued to write, and write, and write...and am happy to say that now I know how to write correctly! This year I signed with a literary agent, have signed two book contracts, and continue to work on other projects. After all of these years I look forward to my first novel releasing in January 2012 and my second in May 2012. So that's my story of how I went from a reluctant reader to becoming a published author!

Literacy in Colonial Times

2011-06-15T15:03:00.001-04:00

I'm posting over at Colonial Quills today on Literacy in Colonial Times.
I hope you'll join me there!

Writer's Tool Box

2011-06-10T12:29:00.000-04:00

Every writer has a few special tools of the trade that help us in our writing and research endeavors. Here are a few of mine. . .

One of my new favs is EverNote. I heard about it on former Thomas Nelson Publishing CEO Mike Hyatt's Intentional Leadership blog where he has a series of articles on how to use EverNote. EverNote is a free download similar to Microsoft's OneNote. No more scribbling endless wordpad notes to self containing research notes, resources, links, research, and brainstorming ideas I'm gathering. Now I just open EverNote and scribble it down and it's all in one place. You can organize it anyway. And it automatically saves everything. Quick and easy!

Story Toolz has several useful tools for writers, but my favorite is their Progress Meter. You can set it up to track your word count and show the meter on your blog or personal home page if you like. It's a cool way to keep track of your writing goals and even share them with others if you'd like.

This is rather basic, but I cannot live with out my dictionary and thesaurus. The one I use, seems almost daily, is Dictionary.com. The dictionary provides definitions, word origin and history (helpful for historical writers), and sample usage. The thesaurus provides a comprehensive list of synonyms and antonyms. There is also a Visual Thesaurus feature which diagrams a network of alternative words. Another feature of the site is the reference area which gives few encylopedia entries of the word in question. Dictionary.com can be accessed online and you can also download their tool bar for easy access.

When I'm away from my Microsoft Word where I do most of my writing, but still have access to the internet I use Word Count Tool to keep track of how many words I'm writing. There is also word count software you can download with a free trial, but to register you must pay an annual fee. It might be worth it if you do not have access to the internet.

Another one of my favorite resources is Google Books. It is priceless! And very helpful for finding little know historical detail. Today at Colonial Quills, author and expert researcher Laurie Alice Eakes shares how to get the most from Google Books.

What are some of the helpful writing tools that you use?

Meg Cabot On Writing

2011-06-07T23:50:00.000-04:00

Friday's Fortune: Reports from World of Publishing

2011-06-03T02:33:00.018-04:00

Today I'm sharing some of the hidden treasure that I've found in my recent travels around the net. These treasures include new discoveries about the world of publishing.

Literary Agent Mary Keeley of the Books and Such Literary Agency reports observations from the publishing industry in The Changing World of Publishing.

My own Literary Agent Chip MacGregor, President of MacGregor Literary sites ten things that he noticed at this year's Book Expo America in Blogging from BEA.

At Seekerville, Author Cara Putnam interviews Katie Bond of Thomas Nelson Publishing who shares valuable secrets on book Publicity and Promotion.

Attention to Detail in Miniature

2011-06-02T16:33:00.002-04:00

As writers we carefully craft our words. This requires much creativity and diligence. As we chisel away at our prose, another artist uses crafts the pencil itself into another form of creativity.

Artis Dalton J. Paul Getty has a unique gift of creating miniature sculptures with pencils. The attention to detail, patience, and perseverance this incredible art form requires is hard to comprehend. His tools: tiny blades and needles. To spare his eyes he only works an hour or so per day and the completion of one sculpture may take one or two years to complete.

Just amazing, isn't it? You are, too. Let's use our own creativity and take a lesson from Mr. Getty to pace ourselves and persevere as we artfully craft our words in our own medium and allow our own original details reveal a beautiful and unique piece of art.

Storybook Reunion

2011-05-28T03:12:00.010-04:00

This is the weekend of my 5th wedding anniversary. So I thought I'd celebrate by sharing it with all of you! At the time of the wedding I had a wedding website up, but now I'll just have to just give you a glimpse of our special day and of our storybook reunion.

It only seems like yesterday, but 5 years ago on May 27th I reunited in marriage with my first husband, the father of our two sons, to whom I had been divorced from for 12 years. Our first marriage lasted not quite 10 years and had we remained married would have celebrated 27 years on May 19th. We felt our new marriage deserved a new day. This day not only marked our remarriage, but our family reuniting.

A Page is Turned

The statement read by our pastor gives you a glimpse into our story.

"We have gathered together to witness the reconciliation of Brad and Carla as they enter into a new covenant of marriage. It was 22 years ago this month that they first wed, and although hopes were dashed and new paths found, somehow in God’s providence He saw fit to reunite them. It is their desire to honor God and celebrate this sacred moment with you, their loved ones.

They bring the fullness of their hearts, as a treasure and gift from God, to share with one another and bind together in the commitment of marriage. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for restoring their relationship, which was made possible only by God’s grace and the power of his forgiveness –
a relationship built on the firm foundation of Christ, of friendship, respect and love."

We were married underneath a chuppah that Brad built for us, which symbolized the covering of God's grace and our "New Covenant" marriage. I carried a worship tabret instead of flowers and on it, written in Hebrew, I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. We had Lily of the Valley everywhere which signified "the return of happiness" as is the special meaning of the flower. And we exchanged beautiful Lapis Lazuli rings.

Our sons, 18 & 19 at the time, were thrilled about our reunion and gladly stood up with their Dad as his best men. My mom stood with me, just as she has through many seasons of my life.

My gown is tucked away in my closet, but I brought it out to show you! It was reminiscent of a Victorian fashion to give a nod to our first wedding which had a Victorian theme. I had even printed "1859 newspapers" for each of the guests. This time, my writing was shared through the message I wrote on a new covenant which our pastor delivered for us.

My wedding gown (click to enlarge)

Here are some wedding photos if you'd like to take a peek. I fear I don't look my best as I had a migraine that day and had recently gone off of a round of Prednisone. But nothing was going to keep me down that day and my heart was soaring!

PICTURES

God Blessed the Broken Road

Sticky Notes: Sir John Harrington

2011-05-22T17:19:00.003-04:00

“The readers and the hearers like my books, But yet some writers cannot them digest; But what care I? For when I make a feast I would my guests should praise it, not the cooks.” ~ Sir John Harrington (1561-1612)

Side note: Also inventor of the flush toilet. ;)

The Sound of Writing

2011-05-18T18:14:00.012-04:00

Click, click, click.

Tap, tap, tap.

Ching.

The sound that I hear while I'm writing, typing on my keyboard, is like music to my ears. Like a sweet symphony playing in the background to my creative muse. Yet, I tune it out as it plays softly and focus instead on the words speaking to me from somewhere deep inside me.

Some of my favorite sounds in life are to hear are the river running behind my house, the laughter of my children, the beating of my husband's heart. Listening to these things evokes a story in itself. Serenity. Joy. Oneness.

Bringing the element of sound into our writing can enhance it greatly, whether it is non-fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, or fiction. Sound is a sense that most of us can relate to. The absence of sound can also speak volumes.

The boom of fireworks.
Resounding hoofbeats.
A gun's report.
A shrill answer.
An echo.
The rush of waterfalls.
A child's whimper.
Wind chimes.
Scratching on the door.
Pattering of rain on a roof.
A growl.
A judges gavel.
Shallow breathing.
The howl of wind.
Thunder.
Tree frogs.
The humming of a lullaby.
A low whistle.
Words uttered beneath one's breath.
Word's left unspoken.

Is it near or far? Fading? Growing closer? Reverberating? Haunting? Singing? Imagined?

Some sounds incite varying connotations for the individual. Remember the click. click. click. tap. tap. tap. ching. that I mentioned above? To me these very sounds evoke a different era. The click of my keyboard. The harder tap of a an old typewriter. The ching of a carriage return. A what? A faint and brisk patter - the sound of texting. Sounds are also cliche. The whistle of a train tells us that it is coming in to the station. That beeping sound tells us that a truck is backing up. Drip. Drip. A leaky faucet. Cooing is coming from a baby. The rattling lungs of imminent death. The wedding march. Drumming fingers. The turn of a page. You get the picture. The word picture. One cannot paint sound, but we can write it.

Liz Curtis Higgs shared a great example that illustrates how effective this can be. It's simply genious.

"The distant hoofbeats were growing louder."

Instantly I know that a horse, perhaps horse and rider, are coming nearer. I'm curious, anticipating, and right there. It's not only an inspiring piece of prose, it is an excellent hook.

So you can see how the use of sound can enrich our writing. It can help establish setting. It can give clues to emotion. Give distinct traits to a personality. And bring our writing to life!

What are your own favorite sounds? How do you use the sense of sound in your writing? Can you share a favorite passage of writing that uses sound in a creative way?

Here are some great sound videos on you tube to inspire you.

Weathering the Storms

2011-05-16T21:53:00.010-04:00

1881 Snowstorm, Minnesota

So many storms everywhere reaping havoc all over the world. It can be a little overwhelming just to hear about it, never mind the unfortunate souls who must live through these experiences.

We all have our own personal storms of life to deal with and sometimes they can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling isolated and in our turmoil. There is much truth in that we alone have our unique experiences, but it is also true that others have endured, or are enduring, similar tumults.

Storms often have devastating consequences and sometimes lead to further disaster or difficulties, such as an earthquake setting off a tsunami. A heavy season of snow or rain storms creating flooding. A wrong decision for which we have to deal with the consequences. For me, how snow and rain storms trigger my migraines and joint paint. Almost losing my father, losing my step-father. My husband being laid off, still. Things that can set us reeling.

With inner storms or conflicts I find it's important to do everything within our ability to not let a situation escalate. To respond to strife without letting fear be our master. To allow a storm die down and not make it worse. To promote peace. To heal. But often our human nature prompts us to go to extremes and answer anxious situations with anxious answers. When instead of responding to a situation we react, with fear. And instead of taking an assertive approach, we become aggressive.

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:19

Yet sometimes in emergencies an aggressive response is needed. Releasing the floodgates in one area to help curtail more widespread disaster in another, like they've had to do on the Mississippi River. But what about the repercussions from this? The homes and farm land it will damage? The effect the damage to agriculture will have on the economy? There is seldom an easy answer. Times like these require a great deal of wisdom.

I have a fascination with weather phenomenon. My mother was a science teacher and I'm plain curious, what can I say? One of my favorite books that I own is a 2001 reissue of Historic Storms of New England by Sidney Pearley, originally written in 1891. It's official title is Historic storms of New England. Its gales, hurricanes, tornadoes, showers with thunder and lightning, great snow storms, rains, freshets, floods, droughts, cold winters, hot summers, avalanches, earthquakes, dark days, comets, aurora-borealis, phenomena in the heavens, wrecks along the coast, with incidents and anecdotes, amusing and pathetic. The amusing and the pathetic part gets me and I can only imagine this description snuck in because from the writer's vantage point some of the accounts are rather strange. I know that this reader finds many of them to be peculiar accounts when looking back in time from a more modern, sophisticated, and educated perspective. Yet this book has given me some extraordinary insights into the lives of the people in early New England who lived through many storms and how they experienced them. The way they did was often dictated by what they knew and believed during that period of history. And often much different than how we experience them now. But there are also core emotions, etc. that remain the same as ours today.

1755 Earthquake, Boston, MA

When writing fiction conflict is key. It is important to continually raise the stakes. Conflict comes from not only external circumstances, but from the internal conflict that the characters experience: emotional, mental, spiritual. There is much we can learn from our own storms of every sort and bring that to our writing desk. We can also learn from others and the past. Or from the ingenuity of those who survived the Great Snow Storm of 1888 ("The White Hurricaine") who as a result developed the first subway system in the U.S. in Boston, MA. But what of the then residents of the Northeast who had grown complacent about the great threat of earthquakes (a danger to a subway), as 17th and 18th century New England had been a major area of seismic activity such as in the Great Earthquake of 1755. Time has a way of healing our recollections, our conflicts, our storms.

But we do learn. How to fight wildfires. Anticipate spring freshets. Deal with post disaster stress. Lend a helping hand. Offer hope. Share a word of peace. Go on. Find our center in Christ so when circumstances change we are not shaken.

How do you handle conflict in your writing? Is writing healing to you during times of conflict? What storms are you weathering?

Meandering through the Maine Woods

2011-05-11T02:09:00.003-04:00

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." ~ Henry Van Dyke

The weekend before Mother's Day I had a wonderful opportunity to wander through the woods of Maine on an historical tour sponsored by the Windham, Maine Historical Society. The day's events began at the society's museum with a lecture on the gunpowder mills that manufactured 25% of the powder (6,500 pounds per day) for the Union Army during the Civil War. We toured some of the society's museum buildings and then we ventured toward the ruins of the Gambo Gunpowder Mills for a hike of several miles on the preserved land trust.

There is nothing that I'd rather do on a sunny, spring day (one of the first!) in Maine than be in the woods, learn about history, and let my imagination take flight. And I spent the day with my research pal, Mom!

Maurice Whitten, the 87 year old professor and author of the book The Gunpowder Mills of Maine joined us for the tour and provided many fascinating facts from his many years of research on the topic. I told him how his research was inspiring me to perhaps write a novel with this as the setting.

Located on the Presumscot River, an outlet of Portland Harbor in Windham and Gorham, Maine, the gunpowder mills began manufacturing in 1817 and closed operations in 1907.

Now all that is left is a memory of the thriving mills where 48 employees died over the years in explosions working at their dangerous vocation.

Navigation through the area was through a system of man made canals and trails. Centuries later the area provides a beautiful location for hiking and exploring the stone foundation ruins.

One of the mills that ground the powder, called the Wheel Mill, as it once appeared. Now, all that remains.

As I trod along the ancient paths it gave me an appreciation for the hardships that these folks endured as they worked in such rural conditions, supporting their families and serving their country in their own way. Some of them heroes who died at their job.

Lori Benton at Past Perfect blogged last week about her own excursion into the woods that gave her story inspiration as she journeyed along. She said,

"It gives me the feeling that this story exists already, somewhere in my soul.
Like a vein of ore hidden beneath common old rock . . ."

I couldn't agree with her more.

Related Links:
An Explosive Lesson on the Civil War

What inspires your creativity?

New Blog! Colonial Quills

2011-05-09T05:08:00.000-04:00

You are invited to join me today at a new blog that celebrates Colonial American Christian Fiction. Colonial Quills is a group effort of an online group of writers who have joined together to help promote this wonderful sub-genre of historical fiction. I am so honored to be included in this passionate and supportive group. Come along and meet some of my favorite authors and make some new friends. This blog is for readers, writers, and history buffs alike! We are launching the blog with a tea party and some special surprises!

Follow me there >>

Do you "Like" your Favorite Authors?

2011-05-05T17:46:00.004-04:00

We all have favorite authors that we just love! But do you "like" them?

Here are some easy ways to support your favorite authors, simply by "liking" them. But first I'd like to start with how authors can help us to "like" them.

Authors:

Help us "like" you by providing a link to your Amazon listing on your websites and blogs. Make sure you've gone over your book listings and include several tags. The more tags a book has, the earlier it will show up when a search is done for that genre (tag).

Be sure you have an Author page set up with links to your online sites.

Create a Facebook fan page so we can "like" you there!

Readers:

1) Click on your favorite author's Amazon's book links or locate them on your own.
Example:

http://www.amazon.com/Brides-Bonneterre-Trilogy-Kaye-Dacus/dp/1616262206/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_10

2) Underneath book title is a LIKE button. Click on it.

3) Go to the Author's Amazon Page and LIKE it too.

4) Scroll down Book's Amazon page past the reviews and you will see a section titled TAGS CUSTOMERS ASSOCIATE WITH THIS PRODUCT. Now click the tags you consider relevant.

5) Go to cbd.com and like your favorite author's books there, too. You can probably do similarly on other book seller sites.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?action=Search&Ntk=multiple.series&Nso=1&Ns=product.published_date&Ntt=Brides%20of%20Bonneterre

Also, if you read an blog review of your favorites it's always nice to retweet the post address and share it on facebook.

A little love . . . "like" . . . goes a long way!

Royal Wedding Hats - Fascinating Fascinators

2011-04-29T14:21:00.006-04:00

I just couldn't resist posting about this! As hats were required to be worn by the ladies at the Royal Wedding, there was a showcase of some extraordinary, dare I say bizarre, headpieces to gander at. This type of millinery is called a "fascinator" and there were many fascinating fascinators on display. Many of them had a flair that were difficult for many of us Americans to comprehend. Art? Origami? Well, we can give them much credit for their creativity. Festive indeed!

And here the princesses adorned hats for another occasion...

I love the butterflies, by I don't think I'd be caught dead
wearing a flock of them on my head.

If Marie Antoinette were a guest she might have donned this...

Did you have a favorite? Share a link if you wish.

Here's a blog post you will surely enjoy - Hat's Oh, My!

Thanks so much for visiting!
I hope you enjoyed this post as I have enjoyed your visits!
I've had thousands view this post already.
I'd love it if you would follow my blog and/or on facebook!

Cheers!

Sticky Notes: Charles Colton

2011-04-26T10:00:00.002-04:00

"Many books require no thought from those who read them, and for a very simple reason; they made no such demand upon those who wrote them."

~ Charles Caleb Colton (1780-1832)

Promise of the Resurrection

2011-04-23T06:09:00.006-04:00

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection,

not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.

~Martin Luther

The Hope of Eternal Life

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
1 Peter 1: 3-5

Considering the Resurrection

2011-04-22T12:43:00.005-04:00

If my thoughts were more profound I would share them here. As it is, I am sometimes overwhelmed by the simplicity of the gospel, yet awed by the complexities that it contains. This is one of those times. So I offer a few words of others for reflection on the resurrection.

“Christianity is not merely a religion that was marketed well with just the right political spin by gifted writers. It is a living, breathing, ongoing conversation between God, humanity and all creation empowered by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
(William J. Carl, Living Pulpit, March 1998, p.6)
"Some religions, both ancient and modern, require no historical basis, for they depend upon ideas rather than events. Christianity is not one of these.” (A Short Life of Christ by E. F. Harrison, 1968)

“In examining the evidence of the Christian religion, it is essential to the discovery of truth that we bring to the investigation a mind freed, as far as possible, from existing prejudice, and open to conviction.”
Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853)

“Jesus Christ alive from the dead is the answer to all the broken dreams, the collapsed hopes of your life and mine, the pressures that we feel from day to day, the sense of our failure and the inability to perform as we would like to perform.”
(Ray Stedman, The Living Hope, March 1976)

Evidence for Christ and His Resurrection

Oprah goes Colonial

2011-04-22T00:35:00.004-04:00

I'd love to do something like this for novel research!

No phones. No toilets. Oprah and her best friend, Gayle King, go back to the 17th century on PBS's reality show Colonial House. What did they get themselves into?

Oprah Goes Colonial

PBS Colonial House

Words Matter

2011-04-19T17:12:00.000-04:00

This video has a profound impact on the power of words. The rearranging or restating your message can have the ability to bring about a better response from the reader. Have a stronger effect. Broaden the audience. Have a lasting impression.

In fiction and non-fiction alike we see this concept when we revise our content. It is also useful for persuasive letter writing and writing grants. For advertising and marketing endeavors. No doubt, the woman in the video was a writer or in advertising.

The blind man had a message, simply put:
"I'm blind. Please help."
He stated a fact and what he wanted. The message that he felt helpless. People may have felt helpless also, that a small contribution would not make much difference for him.

The woman's revision stated:
"It's a beautiful day and I can't see it."
The new message drew the reader into the man's experience where they could contrast it with their own. It solicited something tangible that they could do to make an immediate difference in the man's life. While many folks were out enjoying their own beautiful day, he is restricted. Perhaps they could ease his burden with their generosity and make his day some how, in some way, more beautiful. And it made their day more beautiful as well.

This campaign applies to all, writers and conversationalists. Change your words. Change the world.

Colonial Fiction: Patriot's Day

2011-04-18T12:59:00.042-04:00

Today, in honor of Patriot's Day I'd like to talk a little bit about the growing genre of Colonial Fiction. Often times the novels I'm working on play out like a movie in my head. And like many novelists, I like to imagine what it would have been like to be transported to that historical time and place to see what it was like then and imagine my characters there.

I went online to see if I could find some video of historical reenacting events in honor of Patriot's Day and found these that were uploaded within moments of my search. It made me wish I could be there. Seeing these scenes takes me back to a former time and spurs my imagination!

The true history of colonial times (1607-1750) is a tremendous inspiration for fiction. We discuss this growing genre on the Colonial Fiction Writers email loop that I belong to. It is becoming an ever popular sub-genre of historical fiction, I believe, because of the times we are living in today cause us to reflect on our great nation's past. It's beginnings. Looking to the past to gain perspectives on the present, and future. During trying times we tend to become nostalgic.

As for me, I enjoy looking to the past partly because my ancestors played a significant role in our country as some of the first settlers in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. My current work, for which I'm writing a proposal takes place in colonial Massachusetts. Next May, my second book, Carving a Future will be out in a 4-in-1 collection entitled Colonial Courtships.

And I love to read colonial fiction so here is a list of some of the great books from this intriguing era!

Early American Inspirational Fiction: (updated 4/24)

Mark Ammerman - Cross and Tomahawk series, 1750’s (2005. River Oak)
Barbara Blythe - Fire Dragon's Angel, 1676 (2010, White Rose)
T. Davis Bunn, Isabella Bunn - Heirs of Acadia series (2005, Bethany)
T. Davis Bunn, Janette Oke - Song of Acadia series (2002, Bethany)
Jamie Carie – The Duchess and the Dragon, early 1800’s (2008, B & H); Wind Dancer, (2010, B & H); Angel’s Den, 1808, (2008, B & H)
Carla Capshaw - The Duke's Redemption (2010, Steeple Hill)
Dorothy Clark - Beauty for Ashes, 1820 Philadelphia (2004, Steeple Hill); Joy for Mourning, 1822 Philadelphia (2005, Steeple Hill)
Elaine Cooper - Road to Deer Run (2010, iUniverse)
Dianna Crawford - The Reardon Brothers series (2002, Tyndale), Reardon Valley series (2003, Tyndale)
Susan Page Davis - Return to Love, A New Joy, Abiding Peace (White Mountain Brides), 1689-1696 New Hampshire (2009, Barbour), The Prisoner's Wife (2008, Barbour)
Lena Nelson Dooley - Pirates Prize (2006, Barbour), 1805 Spanish West Florida
Laurie Alice Eakes - The Glassblower (2009, Barbour), Lady in the Mist (2011, Revell)
Darlene Franklin - Beacon of Love, 1815 Rhode Island (2009, Barbour), The Prodigal Patriot, 1816 Vermont (2010, Barbour), Bridge to Love, 1777 Vermont (2010, Barbour)
Laura Frantz - The Frontiersman’s Daughter (2009, Revell), Courting Morrow Little (2010, Revell)
April Gardner - Wounded Spirits, 1813 Mississippi Territory (2010, Vinspire)
Rita Gerlach - Surrender the Wind (2009, Abingdon)
Deeanne Gist - A Bride Most Begrudging, 1643 (2005, Bethany)
Louise M. Gouge - Thine Enemy, 1775 East Florida Colony (2009, Steeple Hill); The Captain's Lady, 1776 (2010, Steeple Hill), At the Captain's Command (2011, Steeple Hill)
J.M. Hochstetler - Daughter of Liberty (2004); Native Son (2005); Wind of the Spirit, 1770’s Ohio Territory (American Patriot series) (2009)
Gloria Waldron Hukle – Manhattan: Seeds of the Big Apple, Threads: An American Tapestry, 16^th/17^th century New York (2009, Author House)
Angela Elwell Hunt - Keepers of the Ring series (2000)
Amber Stockton - Promises, Promises; Quills & Promises; Deceptive Promises (Liberty's Promise), 1739-1774 Pennsylvania (2008, Barbour)
Kathleen Kent - The Heretic's Daughter, 1695 Massachusetts Bay Colony (2008, Reagan Arthur); Wolves of Andover, 1600’s Massachusetts Bay Colony (2010, Reagan Arthur)
Susan Meissner -The Shape of Mercy, subplot 1692 Massachusetts Bay Colony (2008, Wa terbrook)
Siri Mitchell - Love's Pursuit, 1640’s Massachusetts Bay Colony (2009)
Gilbert Morris - House of Winslow series, 1620-1798 (1990, Bethany); The Liberty Bell series (2000, Bethany); Spirit of Appalachia series (2002, Bethany)
Nancy Moser - Washington's Lady, 1770’s (2008, Bethany)
Golden Keyes Parsons - Where Hearts are Free (2010, Thomas Nelson)
Marlo Schalesky - The Winds of Freedom series (2001)
Kay Marshall Strom - The Triumph of Grace (book 3, Grace in Africa trilogy), 1793 South Carolina (2011, Abingdon)
Mary Lu Tyndall – The Red Siren, The Blue Enchantress, The Raven Saint (Charles Towne Belles trilogy) (2010, Barbour); Surrender the Heart, 1810 Baltimore (2010, Barbour); Surrender the Night, 1812 Baltimore (2011, Barbour)

Forthcoming -

2011:
Rosslyn Elliott – Fairer than Morning (Sadler’s Legacy trilogy), 1825 Ohio and Pennsylvania (5/11, Thomas Nelson)
Laura Frantz - The Colonial's Lady, 1779 Kentucky (8/11, Revell)
Mary Lu Tyndall - Surrender the Dawn (Surrender to Destiny trilogy), 1814 Baltimore (8/11, Barbour)
Margaret Daley - From This Day Forward , 1816 Charleston (9/11, Summerside)
Roseanna White - Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland (12/11, Summerside)

2012:
Eakes/Griffin/Taylor/Welborn - Highland Crossings, 1740-1815 North Carolina (1/12)
Jennifer Hudson Taylor - New Garden's Hope (Quakers of New Garden novella), 1808 Greensborough, NC (2/12)
Siri Mitchell - The Messenger, 1778 Philadelphia (2012)
Eakes/Gade/Stockton/Richardson - Colonial Courtships, 1752-62 Connecticut River (5/12)
MaryLu Tyndall – Veil of Pearls, 1811 Charleston (6/12)
Laura Frantz - The Ballantyne Legacy, book 1, 1785 Pennsylvania (9/12, Revell)

2013/14:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor - The Forbidden Conquest (9/13) Scotland to the Carolinas 1760; The War Woman (2/14) North Carolina 1780; Imperfect Pieces (9/14) Lake Erie, Ohio 1813

Can you add to this list of Colonial Fiction? What are some of your favorite colonial reads?

Sticky Notes: Madeleine L'Engle

2011-04-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

We are encouraged only to do that which we can be successful in. But things are accomplished only by our risk of failure. Writers will never do anything beyond the first thing unless they risk growing.

~ Madeleine L'Engle

Do you have a Lemonade Story?

2011-04-13T11:26:00.000-04:00

Lemonade Anyone?

Former Publisher Don Jacobson is collecting (and paying for) lemonade stories--real-life stories about the sour twists of life that are followed with sweet surprises of encouragement and inspiration. The Gunshot Wound That Saved My Life is Don's true lemonade story.

The former owner of Multnomah Publishers is on a mission to collect “lemonade” stories, a play on the old saying “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”—or, as Don puts it, “Lemonade happens!” By his definition, lemonade stories are real-life stories about when life takes a sour twist but is followed with a sweet surprise. To borrow the words of Paul Harvey, a lemonade story tells the rest of the story.

Through personal experience, Don knows a little something about lemonade himself; The Gunshot Wound That Saved My Life is Don’s true lemonade story. In November 1980, after suffering a near-fatal gunshot wound in his side, he lay in the bitter cold for eleven hours before anyone found him. Miracle upon miracle saved Don’s life that day—from the friends who were led to search for him, to the fog that lifted at just the right time for a helicopter transport, to an on-call doctor who specialized in treating his type of injury. After spending nine days in critical condition and nearly a month in rehab, Don left the hospital a discouraged man, no longer able to physically provide for his family. But his story wasn’t over. God used the accident to get Don’s attention in a big way, and it would change the course of his life.

Don’s new project, God Makes Lemonade™, was born of his realization that everyone has a lemonade story. Some are more dramatic than others, but each has the power to transform lives. The book-in-process is aimed at collecting real-life lemonade stories through an interactive website and Facebook page. Readers can visit God Makes Lemonade to submit their account of a difficult circumstance and the lemonade that came from it. "God Makes Lemonade™" is due for release September 2011.

Each accepted story is paid $250. See website for details: http://www.godmakeslemonade.com

Ultimate Blog Party 2011 Winners

2011-04-09T00:20:00.002-04:00

I'd like to thank all of you who visited the 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party 2011 giveaway here at Writing to Distraction. It was nice to make some new friends, visit with current friends and hear some of your own precious memories. If you missed my post about how I used poetry to preserve memories as a keepsake of my son's when they were little, please visit my post Recording Precious Memories.

Congratulations to the 3 winners, chosen at random through the ever-reliable random.org. I'd like to encourage you all to visit them on line to give their great blogs a boost and get to know these fantastic ladies!

Lynne of Patterson's Poetry , Lynne's Favorite Recipes, and the founder of The Hope Post: Chronic Illness Support Group on Facebook. Lynne is the winner of the Heartstrings for Mothers book and stationery set.

Chauny of Chauny Writes a Writer, Encourager, and Motivator. Writes Self Help works that motivate and Inspire! Chauny won the pet scrapbooking supplies!

Groovy of Groovy's Ruminations a writer's always fascinating thoughts and ramblings of one very groovy homeschool mom. Sher (Groovy) won a journal in her choice of colors, pink or blue.

Thanks for all the fun!!!

Book Addiction Justified

2011-04-07T19:23:00.004-04:00

Today I'm taking a turn around the Regency Era. I'm working on a proposal for a book series set in this delectable time period. I've already written the first chapters of the first novel of the series. And over the past few days have been inspired to plot one of the successive novels. Today I received a box of books I ordered set in this period. I love it when books arrive in my mailbox - it feels like I'm receiving a gift, albiet to myself! I endeavor to enjoy all of the books I ordered for that sake alone, but they will also be of great use to me.

Georgette Heyer's Regency World by Jennifer Kloester is "The definitive guide for all fans of Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, and the glittering Regency period" and will be of great use for my research. I also have been investigating Regency novels old and new for research material and inspiration. The Bluestocking on His Knee by Regina Scott (Zebra, 1999) and Mandy Goff's The Blackmailed Bride (Steeple Hill, 2011) struck my fancy.

Of course, I'm already well read in the Regencies of Ruth Axtell Morren, Catherine Palmer, Kaye Dacus, Julie Klassen, and others. Oh, and I would be remiss to neglect our dear Miss Austen. And as a side note, the not nearly enough Regency movies I am sure to watch over again for the umpteenth time.

To round off my book purchase, I bought a copy of Noah Lukeman's The Plot Thickens. As I am a firm believer that one should always continue growing in the craft of writing, whatever genre you choose.

What genre is your favorite? And what historical period to you enjoy most?
For me, you must already know that my favorite genre is fiction and I am smitten with the historical periods in range from the 17th through the 19th centuries.

Lucy Writes a Novel

2011-04-05T21:05:00.005-04:00

"A writer's words are sacred." - Lucy Ricardo

Here's something that really tickled my funny bone! I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. I love Lucy!

Lucy takes it upon herself to write a novel titled "Real Gone With the Wind." Ricky, Fred , and Ethel are none too pleased to find that Lucy has based her main characters on them ("Nicky Nicardo," "Ethel Nurtz," "Fred Nurtz"). They try to burn the manuscript, to no avail. Then, much to everyone's amazement, a publisher evinces interest in Lucy's masterpiece ~ or at least that's how it seems to the euphoric Lucy. However, things don't quite turn out as expected.

Ethel: What are you writing about?
Lucy: I’m writing about things I know.
Ethel: That won’t be a novel that will be a short story.

Ethel: [Fred enters] Why don’t you find out what makes him tick? He creaks a little, too.

Lucy: Ricky, that’s what writers do. They take the truth and twist it a little.
Fred: Well, if your novel doesn’t sell, you can always get a job making pretzels.

Sticky Notes: The Act of Writing

2011-04-05T06:07:00.001-04:00

The act of writing is simple in and of itself, but the endless possibilities it offers are what makes it so compelling. It's a yielding art, conforming itself to whatever niche--large or small--we wish to give it in our lives.

~ Nava Atlas

Ultimate Blog Party: Recording Precious Memories

2011-04-03T22:45:00.016-04:00

To help celebrate the 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party 2011 I thought I'd share some precious memories with you of when my sons were young. I'm also giving away THREE prizes!

When my boys were little I wrote a few poems to journal what they were like at that particular age and what my priorities were as their Mom. Now I look back and have sweet reminiscences and wished the years hadn’t passed by so quickly. I am so glad I did, as now they are 24 and almost 23. Perhaps this will encourage you to jot down some of the memories of your own little ones or the special children in your life.

MAKE precious MEMORIES

SPEND a quantity of quality TIME

CELEBRATE special occasions,
and EVERYDAY occasions

TREASURE every MOMENT

Justin Bradford (1992)

Brandon Michael (1993)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While He’s Still Two (Brandon 2yrs. old)

Looking for bugs.

Now is the time to get things done . . .

sit on a blanket

in the warm sun.

Laugh at the monkeys

on a trip to the zoo -

Enjoying precious moments while he’s still two.

Now is the time to discover books . . .

Sesamee Street,

bulldozers,

how a bug looks.

Sow seeds of laughter,

learn how to pray,

learn his own language,

And cuddle my little one at the end of the day.

On the slide at the zoo!

Later there’ll be time

to talk on the phone,

read my own book,

have time alone.

Organize closets,

and polish the copper

so it looks new -

Later on . . . when he’s not still two.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While He’s Still Small (Brandon 3-4 yrs. old)

Feeding his bulldozer obsession.

Now is the time to get things done . . .

Make new friends

with wee little ones.

Build stuff with Legos,

making green bread -

boys will be boys;

teach him how to share his toys.

Learning good manners,

little sticker charts.

Do craft projects and have lots of fun.

Now is the time to do things our own special way -

Read favorite stories

His favorite "Piggy" puppet!

and then read them again,

line things all up

so they all look the same.

Sit upside down,

reciting his numbers,

Kisses times two

goodnight prayers.

Count all the blessings at the end of the day.

Caught a big one!

Later there will be time . . .

for adult conversation,

taking a bath,

eating hot meals.

As for keeping the house neat

and sorting my stuff,

time right now there isn’t enough.

Yet, these moments are precious

I wouldn’t trade them at all;

These things will come later . . . when he’s not so small.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Boy Only Three (Justin 3 yrs. old)

Now is the time to get things done . . .

consider the lilies

with my little one.

Admire the moon

and the fish of the sea -

Share the adventures of a boy only three.

Now is the time to learn something new -

crafts for children,

making costumes.

To cherish the sparkle

Fishing like Dad and Grampa.

of his eyes so blue.

Dinosuar puzzles,

A B C’s,

Bible verses for him and for me.

Later there’ll be time to do my own thing,

maybe write a book -

something inspiring.

Arrange some flowers,

do something for me -

Later on . . . when he’s not only three.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dubbing him a knight.
Sir Justin Jumps Alot

A Boy Just Four (Justin 4 yrs. old)

Now is the time to get things done . . .

wade in the water,

sit in the sun;

squish my toes

in the mud by the door -

Explore the world of a boy just four.

Now is the time to study books,

flowers,

snails,

how a cloud looks;

to ponder “up”,

where God sleeps at night,

And why mosquitoes take such bites.

First Lobster "Up in Maine"

Later there’ll be time

to sew and clean,

paint the hall

that soft new green;

to make new drapes,

refinish the floor -

Later on . . . when’s he’s not just four.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mom’s turn . . .

Now They Are Grown (Reflections of a Mother)

Now is the time to consider what’s done . . .

Affirm the good choices

of my two sons.

Now young men -

responsible,

driven,

they are finding their way.

faithful sons,

best friends,

loyal brothers.

So hard to believe

how time has passed.

Living and working out on their own.

The Lord lent them to me, now they are grown.

Now is the time for a mother to ponder. . .

Recall motherhood years

of blessed wonder.

Pour through pictures

happy memories I greet;

Cherishing memories,

so very sweet.

Hold in my heart

with a sense of pride -

Nurturing spirits,

shaping character,

maturing steps,

Every drop of love . . . hoping all will abide.

At last I have time to do my own thing . . .

Read favorite books,

talk on the phone,

spend time writing,

enjoy time alone.

Organize keepsakes,

reminisce over tea -

Give up the guilt;

free to be me.

Persue my own aspirations,

reach for my dreams -

After all of these years, I’ve many many it seems.

Now is the time, I’ve plenty to spare . . .

So I remind my sons that I’ll always care.

Occasional guidance,

wisdom for the way,

these things remain devoted to prayer.

One thing they learned

that no matter how old,

a secure place remains

in the heart of their mother.

Yes, now my little boys

have flown from my nest.

And later is here . . . I am so blessed!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY PRIZES

To celebrate with 5 Minutes for Mom

I'm offering prizes to three winners who comment
on this post from now until April 8th.
(Chosen with Random.org.)

To be eligible to win please share one precious thing about a special little one you know: a favorite toy, a quirkly little thing they do, something funny they said, something that warms your heart and will warm mine and those who read the comments. And you can also share something about a pet, if you wish!

Extra entries for those who sign up to follow my blog (or already do), follow me on facebook, follow me on twitter, retweet this post, repost this on facebook. INCLUDE THESE IN YOUR COMMENT.
{When tweeting use hash tag #UBP11}

That's a lot of chances to win!

All entrants must include their email addy as such: myname [at] mymail [dot] com

And now for the prizes . . .

PRIZE 1

Postcards with verses/quotes about mothering,
"Heartstrings" inspirational book and book mark -
enclosed in a beautiful book box.

PRIZE 2

Scrapbooking stickers and papers for
your family pets!

PRIZE 3

A journal to write down your special memories!
Your choice, pink or blue.

Thank you for visiting! I do hope to see you again!

Be sure to drop by 5 Minutes for Mom for more of
the Ultimate Blog Party 2011!

Stained Glass Heart

2011-04-01T19:18:00.003-04:00

As a soon to be published fiction author preparing for her career I've been taking time to consider my vision, my mission.

As a storyteller I long to share the stories of my heart. In doing so, I bring much of my self to them. But there is another story on my heart that is aching to be told. This is God's story in my own life. Yet, it is not my story, but His-story. I am living His story as written on the tablet of my heart through the circumstances of my life and my response to His leading.

I am amazed how that even in the midst of the stuff of my life — the chaos, the pain, the sorrow — that I have found purpose and the divine directing of my path. I learned early on that He does not waste our sorrows and that has given me hope to weather the storms, travel the beaten path, to turn the page because the story is not yet over.

I often think of my life as like a stained glass window. Thinking of it in all its intricacy, fashioned by a Master artisan, with purpose, and beauty to be shared. Divine somehow, not because of me, but because of the Master's plan. So many times it has come crashing down, broken into pieces. Broken dreams, broken life. I wondered how anything of purpose could come of such fragments — tiny pieces of broken glass that once revealed a perfect picture. And then something amazing happened, and happened again. The Lord took those seemingly meaningless shards and recreated a new design. It was not the same as before, yet all the pieces were used, not one of them wasted. The restoration process has been a huge part of the story of my life. My heart's desires have been redeemed, though not always, and seldom, in the way I had expected. But I've learned to let my expectation be from Him. The Master Storyteller, the Master Artisan of my life.

As I put on paper the words of my heart in hopes to encourage and bless others, I am an inadequate scrivener. My voice is also inept like Moses, yet I speak in obedience when called to do so. Not my words, but His. So I pray.

"My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer."
~ Psalm 45:1

But it is He who equips and provides the opportunity to share words "aptly spoken". This mosaic heart of mine is yearning to share my voice, by pen or tongue, if simply to touch one heart. One life. For Him.

Over the past few years I find themes burned into my stained glass heart, some which I've been already blessed to be able to share to various women's groups. And as I further prepare for this aspect of ministry, as God allows, I've learned about a fantastic training opportunity for speakers, writers, and women in ministry. The She Speaks Conference by Proverbs 31 Ministries is about women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God. Ann Voscamp, author of One Thousand Gifts, is graciously offering a scholarship opportunity on her website, A Holy Experience, for those interested in a applying.

"For I am full of words,
and the spirit within me compels me."

~ Job 32:18

Would you consider following my blog to keep up with my journey? I have three books that will be coming out over the next two years and have lots of great news to share. Bless you for stopping by. And my you follow that precious path the Lord has layed out for you.

Friday's Fortune: Remote Places

2011-04-01T10:42:00.003-04:00

Today's Friday's Fortune takes us to remote places:

Ruth Ann Dell from South Africa shares a fresh view on characterisation using the resources around her to weave stories with: Banana Leaf Characters

From the Inkwell Inpsirations archive I found a fantastic post that takes you Around the World in 80+ Books by Gina Welborn which features an outstanding list of international fiction. The original post was written in Oct. 2010 so there may be some new books added, but it is surely worth the view!

International Christian Writers is a group featuring authors from across the globe who write fiction with a foreign flair.

Preview of my First Book Cover: Colonial Courtships

2011-03-31T15:40:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited to share with you the very first book cover I've had, designed for one of my upcoming books. Colonial Courtships is due out in May 2012 and features my novella Carving a Future. It was so much fun to give input to the cover designers, and they even used the model that I picked. This cover shows the inside of the inn which is prominent in the story. This cover will be used in Barbour's catalog, but there may be yet a few minor adjustments made before a final version is released. I can't tell you how I looked forward to seeing my first book cover! It makes it all seem more real. Soon I will be submitting the input for the design my The Shadow Catcher's Daughter and look forward to seeing what they do with that as well.

Colonial Courtships

Historical Romance Novella Collection
by: Carla Olson Gade, Amber Stockton, Laurie Alice Eakes, Lisa Karon Richardson
May 2012 - Under contract
Barbour Publishing

Collection Summary: Set during the years 1752-1762, Colonial Courtships features the four Ingersoll brothers who reside in Glassenbury, Connecticut with their widowed mother at their family hostelry, The Red Griffin Inn. In Carving a Future, eldest son Nathaniel Ingersoll has worked many years toward his dream of becoming a master ship figurehead carver, but then he risks all to save Constance Starling, who arrives on the Connecticut coast too ill for anyone to accept her indenture. Trading Hearts tells the tale of Jonathan Ingersoll who makes a way for himself as a merchant trader and meets Clara Marie Preston working in her father’s inn, but competition and animosity from her brother put his career at risk and his chances at love on a low scale. Over a Barrel is the story of baker Gideon Ingersoll, after years of fighting alongside the British on the frontier wants peace, not the love and adventure thrust upon him when he finds a child in one of his flour barrels and Sarah Carter, the girl’s mother, claiming they were abducted. Impressed by Love is about the youngest son, Alden Ingersoll, who is press ganged into tending a British naval captain, and his only goal is to get back to his medical practice and patients, until he catches sight of the captain’s fetching niece, Phoebe Carlisle. Will adventure thwart the brothers' plans or set them on a course of love?

My Novella: Carving a Future (1752): Ship figurehead carver Nathaniel Ingersoll has apprenticed for many years under his Uncle Phineas and hopes to become a master ship carver in his own right. Constance Starling was spirited away from England to the Connecticut coast as an indentured servant, arriving too ill for anyone to accept her. When Nathaniel takes pity on her, he purchases her contract. Has he jeopardized the future he has worked so hard to achieve for the welfare of a weakly servant?

Imagination Box

2011-03-30T03:08:00.002-04:00

I'm doing some spring organizing and decided to finally do something nice for all my crafty stuff and office supplies. So I thought I'd show you the before, and after of my piles.

Have you ever heard of a "haul". From what I hear that's when a fashionista hauls out their shopping finds and tells all about it. Well, I found some very inexpensive pretty storage boxes at my favorite store, T. J. Maxx, and decided I'd show you my project: an over-haul of my very old and ugly craft cart.

I have a nice new cabinet for my closetless writing studio where I can finally tuck my things away instead of having piles around and this is where I'll tuck my boxes, my "imagination boxes" away. Though the cabinet isn't yet assembled, it will be soon. Then I can move on to my larger task of organizing my writing studio! Of course this was just one part of the project, but it feels so go to have it done. I'm good at micro-managing and procrastinating on the big stuff. But it gives me some inspiration and enthusiasm to go forward. Kind of like writing that special scene that you pulled from your imagination box.


Ribbon, scrapbooking papers, rubber stamps & inks


Supplies: paints, brushes, drawing tools, tape, glue sticks, etc. Stamps: rubber stamps, inks, embossing powder Scrap papers: scrapbooking papers, cutouts, cards, small albums


Of course, Dasha, has to get in the middle of things!

Crafty embellishments, floral wire, unfinished projects!

Ta! Da!

I know...you're wondering if I tossed anything away? Not very much. It all seemed to fit into the boxes nice and tidy once it was arranged properly.

What's going on in your imagination box?

HAPPY COLONIAL NEW YEAR!

2011-03-28T00:26:00.001-04:00

When I'm writing a story, I pay particular attention to days and dates and often refer to calendars of that time figuring out my story timeline. My Colonial Courtships novella takes place in the year 1752, which was a remarkable year in history, for it was the first year that America began using the Gregorian calendar. So though I'm a wee bit late on this, I want to wish you all a HAPPY COLONIAL NEW YEAR!

260 years ago - March 25, 1751 - was the last first day of the new year in the Julian calendar. The following January 1 marked the first day of 1752 under the Gregorian calendar (and incidentally, Betsy Ross's birthday). 11 days were also omitted from the calendar that September. So both 1751 and 1752 were short years. The reason March 25th had been used as the first day of the year is because it coincides with the equinox when the length of day and night are equal, also the Feast of the Annunciation. But in accordance with the 1750 act of Parliment, England and its colonies were required to change calendars in 1752. Sometimes in research you may find a reference to a date such as February 1, 1701/02. This refers to "old style" and "new style" dating. To compensate for the discrepency between the solar year and the Julian calendar and to be in sinc with most of Europe who had already made the change, the King ordered the 11 days to be wiped from September. The missing days created havoc for many, but workers were required to get paid for all 30 days of the month, although they did not exist. In fact, this is when "paid leave" came into being.

A waste of time to pay so much attention to this type of detail (pun intended)? Well, it depends on the importance and relevance of dates in the story, which may be particularly useful in historical fiction. If I say they are celebrating New Year's Day in the year 1750, it surely won't fall between Christmas and Twelfth Night. In fact, spring would be on its way.

1752 Calendar Change

Sticky Notes: L. M. Montgomery

2011-03-27T01:53:00.000-04:00

"I cannot remember a time when I was not writing, or when I did not mean to be an author. To write has always been my central purpose around which every effort and hope and ambition of my life has grouped itself."
- Lucy Maud Montgomery

Mainely Me

2011-03-25T02:35:00.008-04:00

Today I just thought I'd share a little stuff about life with me here in Maine. Spring is trying ever so hard to show itself. Even as the snow melts, more is still falling. It usually takes a while before springtime arrives. They say Maine has 5 season, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Mud. We are deep in mud season now and I've been trying to muddle through with an increase in my migraines and daily nausea. But I'm finding some nice things to enjoy and celebrate. My stepdaughter from my previous marriage had a new baby girl last week. My niece turned 14 a few days ago. And yesterday my oldest son, Justin, turned 24 and in 2 short months our other son, Brandon, will be 23. I'm suddenly feeling very old, although I'm still 49 and holding.

Right before we left town to go our for Justin's birthday dinner he noticed deer in the field behind our house. They were grazing where the snow had melted. I'm sure they came out to graze since no doubt little food was available to them during our long snowy winter. My heart raced with excitement since I love to photograph wildlife when I can catch a glimpse. We used to have a huge heard run behind the house we lived at a few years ago and I used to snap photos right from my office window. Today I ran to my bedroom in the back of the house and took some pics right from there. I think the one in the center is a young antlerless buck. I got the does to perk up by intentionally making a little noise. Other than that I've learned to remain very still and quiet on my indoor photo hunts.

Yes, now I'm sure of it. An antlerless buck. That's how I tend to think of my sons. They are young men now. Finding their way in the wilderness of life. And quite bravely I might add.

But how did they go from this . . . to this, so quickly?

We enjoyed a nice birthday Chinese buffet and then my sons spent the remainder of the evening together with friends. Since we had to leave our home in the boonies to get to this restaurant, near the only decent shopping area around, my husband, mom, and I made our way over to Barnes and Noble. In the Christian section I spied many of my favorite author friends books! Laura Frantz's The Frontiersman's Daughter was there, as was Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes right in the vacinity of where my published book will belong someday. I found that my book will be displayed alphabetically right beside Ann Gabhart and just before Deeanne Gist. What can I say? I just couldn't resist checking!

Back to the mainstream book area. I can now confirm with all certainty that there indeed is NOTHING new under the sun. My great "original idea" that I'll be submitting a proposal for in just a few months almost jumped off the shelves at me. My heart sank. Seriously. Who writes fiction about lobsters in Maine? When I read the back copy I discovered that even the heroine had the same last name as mine! Astonished, I informed my mom and husband that the author must have used the same research sources as I to come up with that name. Well, I'm still going forward with my idea since mine is a historical romance and the other is a contemporary novel. But if my book sells and I meet up with the author for a book signing at The Maine Lobster Festival I'll have a claw to pick with her. Jesting, you know. Even so, we had a great time looking at new titles, talking books, oohing and ahhing at the beautiful covers, and maybe even getting a little inspiration.

So that's what's going on in my neck of the woods. How are things where you are?

Colonial Research Trip in Maine

2011-03-19T07:24:00.011-04:00

Me in front of lobster traps on the pier.

One of the highlights of my long Maine winter was my recent research trip to the Kittery, Maine area. The trip included attending the Dressing a Colonial Lady presentation in S. Berwick in the evening. But during the day I enjoyed a fascinating time traversing around the southern tip of Maine with the companionship of my mother. The area boasts some of the oldest towns in the state, as the area was first settled in the early 1600's by some of our ancestors. I had long desired to explore the area for research for my family history which also includes writing research as I hope to someday tell the fascinating tales of some of my prominent ancestors.

If not for the Dressing a Colonial Lady event by the Old Berwick
Historical Society I doubt that I would have even thought of exploring a Maine coastal area in the dead of winter. It's just not something you do. Although Maine in the summer is blossoming with tourists and many attractions, most places are shut up tight from October until June. But the peculiar timing of our trip did provide an interesting perspective of the quiet trails and pretty shores of the state which was once part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Here is a slide show of the first part of our journey in Kittery Point, Maine. This is the area that my ancestors who first came to the province of Maine sailed into and settled. I was so impressed with the rich 17th and 18th century history of the area. . .and the houses! Two colonial mansions you will see I was quite impressed with and would have loved to been able to tour. The Sir William Pepperell House and Lady Pepperrell House. Several of my ancestors married into the Pepperrell family and may in fact have been married in either of these homes. Most of the photos are mine, but I've include a few extras to show the lighthouses, fort, and original homes for reference. The maps (click to enlarge) will give you an idea the coastline area that we visited.

To see information on the photos please click here.
You may also enlarge for full screen viewing and click in the upper right corner
for the historical information about these places.

Much anticipated was our next stomping ground - the town of Eliot, ME, once part of Kittery and originally called Sturgeon Creek of Pisquataqua Plantation. This was the place that my ancestors Nicholas and son Charles Frost came to in 1636. I have a great interest in Charles as he was a very significant member of this early settlement in the Province of Maine. He was Major and Commander-in-Chief of the Maine militia, a judge of the common pleas court, justice of the peace, and more. This Charles Frost is the father of my ninth great-grandmother, Lydia, whose tale I would like to tell someday, including her perspective of her father's great feats. Poets Robert Frost and John Whittier Greenleaf both mentioned this ancestor of theirs in their writing as well.

Maj. Charles Frost and the Indians held a great rivalry through the years commencing when his mother and sister were taken captive and murdered. He was 16 years old at the time and killed two Indians including a chief in the battle to rescue them. There were many more encounters with his enemy through the years, and he became known as the Great Indian Fighter. He was hated by the Indians for the capture of some of them which resulted in their being sold into slavery in Barbados. On July 4, 1697, 47 years later to the day, the Indians got their final revenge when they ambushed him while he was on his way home from church with his family and others. The place of his murder is marked at "Ambush Rock". I really wanted to see this place, get a sense of where my ancestors lived, and to find the historic marker. But, being Maine in February it was completely covered in snow.

The area is called Frost's Hill and there were two Frost garrison houses there. One belonged to Maj. Frost an is now gone, and another was built by his son, Lt. Charles Frost. All the garrisons there were connected by pathways through the woods. Lt. Frost's garrison was commissioned by the town to be built in the early 1700's and this is the one that we discovered on his homestead. This Lt. Frost, the brother of my grandmother Lydia, was married to Sir. William Pepperell's niece. I cannot describe how thrilled I was to step on the same ground where my ancestors treaded. I was literally up to my thighs in snow as I tromped around the old garrison taking photographs.

Next we proceeded to S. Berwick where the presentation was held. We'll have to wait until spring for our next field trip to learn about the Jewett family of S. Berwick, as in Maine author Sarah Orne Jewett whose grandfather is a shared ancestor. The beautiful family homes are open to the public, but, lo, not in the winter.
After all of our gallivanting around, our excursion brought us to Fogarty's Restaurant for lobster before we proceeded to our evening event which was the perfect ending to our day. Oh! Almost forgot to mention the cheesecake for dessert!

Lobster Stew (That's mine!)

Lobster Roll with Sweet Potatoe Fries

Thankful for such a successful research trip on a mild winter day, we returned back to my mom's where I'd spend the night and then continue north. The next morning I awoke to another blizzard and I had to dig out before I could go home the following day. (The snow plow guy did most of the work, but I still had my fair share!) Even with the long winters, with all of the history here I'm so glad to live in Maine!

Thanks for reading this lengthy post, half the fun is in the sharing!

Friday's Fortune

2011-03-18T02:30:00.003-04:00

Oi, there maties! There's a great deal of buried treasure out there. So, I'm starting a new feature called Friday's Fortune where I'll be bringing you some of the bounty that I've discovered from navigating around the net. In my book, treasure is worth more when you share it. Enjoy!

Treasure. . .

Buring Writing Beneath the Research by Carol Garvin ~ "There’s something about research that is addictive. There is always just one more reference to check; one more page to read; one more website to discover and devour. . ."

Priceless. . .

Eternity in an Hour by Latayne Scott at She Reads ~ "Not only does the finished product of a book reflect the way God has enabled an author to write, the book itself illustrates the relationship between time (the realm of where we live) and eternity (where God lives). . ."

Heroes!

Heroes: Body, Mind, Heart, and Soul by Pepper Basham at Writer's Alley ~ "I know, I know – there are some great posts in cyberspace about the perfect hero. But I want to examine . . . A few heroes from novels and what makes them heroic. . ."

What We Learn

2011-03-14T21:13:00.004-04:00

"It is not so important to know everything as to appreciate what we learn."
— Hannah Moore
(1745-1833)

My Story...

2011-02-26T06:40:00.024-05:00


The Lord will work out His plans for my Life. Psalm 138:8

I received a package the other day from my sister-in-law. A precious bit of sunshine from Florida to Maine. When I began to open the surprise package I had no idea how it would warm my heart. Enclosed was this journal with a beautiful letter congratulating me on my book contracts. The verse is so perfect and I have to tell you how the letter brought me tears of joy. She shared how she has seen me endure sacrifices and winding roads, the valleys and the mountains, dead ends and how by following God He has worked out His plan for me. How precious to hear the heartfelt words as she shared her wishes, prayers, and love for me, her brother and our sons.

My brother has shared his congratulations not only with warm and affirming words, but in his own special way with this t-shirt ... Gotta love it!

It is a true blessing indeed to have the support of those dear to us. To hear the words "I proud of you."And to know the Lord has a story, a plan for our lives, when we trust in Him! I hope you, too, will always keep that thought, that truth, close to your heart.

Today I'm going to be featured at Keli Gwyn's blog, Romance Writers on a Journey. She interviewed me once before and now will ask me about my first sale! I invite you to join us there to read my story about how I got contracted. Commenters will be eligible to win a copy of my forthcoming releases! See you there!

Saturday Special: Carla Olson Gade Sold!

Special times

2011-02-23T13:15:00.006-05:00

This is Cody, my Mom's faithful companion (Cocker-Golden).

Sorry that I disappeared on you again. I had a few horrendous days of website work that I had to tend to. Two complex medical sites at once! Everything else had to come to a screeching halt. And then I spent the weekend with my Mom and her doggie, Cody. Last week was a tough one for my Mom with her first Valentine's Day alone without my step-Dad. Then Saturday was their anniversary (it would have been 34 years). Sunday was marked 6 months since Dad went to Heaven.

I didn't want her to be alone so we had a girl's weekend. I brought her some pretty pink tulips and we watched movies and went out to eat twice!

So again, sorry for being MIA, especially in the midst of my Valentine's giveaway which I'm extending to this Sunday. All commenters get a chance to win a journal and chocolate. There will be 2 winners!

I'm going back to Mom's this afternoon and spend another couple of days with her. She will be joining me on a research trip to the Kittery, Maine area. She lives about 1 1/2 hrs south from me, and our destination is about another 1 1/2 hrs further south. I'm so excited because our day trip will include genealogy research AND writing research. A book that I hope to write someday involves some of my ancestors who were famous first settlers of Maine. In the evening we will be going to a presentation sponsored by the S. Berwick historical society, "Dressing a Colonial Lady" with historical reenactor Mary Spencer. And I plan to tell you all about it!

My Mom's been busy taking inventory of all her novels, creating spreadsheets and such. She reads as much as I do and we often share books. It's rather fun having a friend to discuss novels with! She's thinking of selling some of them on ebay. I used to do that to earn new book money, but lately I just keep stacking my shelves.

P.S. The first one to name that novel (face up) that's in the dog picture above you get an extra entry in my giveaway!

What do you do with the books you've read? Do you keep them, share them, sell them?

Valentine from above!

2011-02-14T21:14:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my blogging and facebook friends!! I just had to tell you about the sweet treat I received today! My heart is overflowing.

I mentioned that my second contract was on its way and I received it today, on Valentine's Day! But not only that, there was a small error in my other contract regarding my legal name and pen name, so I needed to re-sign the first contract. I received them both today in my email inbox and printed them off and signed them immediately. It was a double blessing to hold two contracts (one for each of my books) in my hands at the same time. I almost keeled over from the excitement!

This was quite a special treat for me this Valentine's Day. I count it as a special gift from my Heavenly Father, the Lover of my Soul. He sure knows how to romance this writer's heart.

To celebrate here's a little chocolate shaped like a book. I hear chocolate is good for the heart. Oh, that's dark chocolate? Well, I know from personal experience that milk chocolate is just as good for any gal's heart! Enjoy!

Chocolate Book available in mass quantities at Choconet.

Writing Historical Romance: Historical Accuracy

2011-02-13T22:20:00.006-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day I thought I'd share a some posts this week about writing historical romance. So be sure to come by again and don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY (see above). To write romance with historical accuracy requires a good knowledge of certain elements that will be woven into your story. I've listed some guidelines that I use to help keep my writing on track in this regard with a few examples included in the bullet points.

1) Historical Era - It's important to have a general understanding of the historical period that you are writing about. What were some of the important world events and who were some notable figures of the time, and mores specific in your setting. Discern what general elements of history affect your novel as a whole.

Consider periods of war, famine, industry, etc. that may impact your story.
There are many sources to obtain historical accuracy and it is important to verify your facts. Wiki is good, but not a true encyclopedia. First hand accounts are excellent, but sometimes have the stuff of legend. Period costume dramas and historical novels can be a great source of inspiration, but sometimes have factual error.

2) Setting - Know what makes your specific setting unique. What was the area like during your time period (population, statehood, industry, etc.)? What type of language was used, daily life, customs, dress?

In Colonial New England a woman could ride through the countryside unescorted.
In Puritan times a woman could be fined for wearing an expensive scarf unless it was proven that her family could afford. For many centuries, a man in a shirt without a waistcoat was considered in his undergarments.

3) Communication - In addition to understanding the language used in your setting and by your particular characters it's important to understand the acceptable communication between genders at the time. Can a man and a woman speak in public? What language was appropriate to pass between a male and female. How did they address one another at certain stages of their relationship? What words and phrases were in use at the time?

In Victorian times a lady might communicate with the language of her fan.
Intimate body parts in days gone by were seldom mentioned between the sexes, including limbs.

4) Interaction - The acceptable interaction between genders is also important to take into consideration. Are the couple's meetings mostly at public events? When are personal calls permitted? Are chaperones required? Under what circumstances might the couple be found alone?

In mid to late Victorian times it was not proper for a woman to greet a man on a sidewalk without an introduction by another party. There was also certain etiquette to consider when paying a call to one of the opposite gender.
The exchange of a handshake may not be considered a proper greeting in a particular region (Gaskell's North & South).

5) Customs - Courtship and marriage have had their own customs through the ages, sometimes more lenient in rural areas or among a lower social class. How involved was the family involved in making a match? What restrictions might prohibit a relationship? At what age or circumstance is marriage allowed? Is love a factor in this courtship or marriage? What qualities were considered attractive during the time period?

In Colonial times a man might use a courting mirror to propose to his beloved. In early colonial times (17th century) the ceremony was not performed by a minister since marriage was considered a civil union and vows were sometimes forged over an anvil. Bundling was done in colonial New England, but not in the mid or southern colonies (faux pas in The Patriot).
A widower with children was often expected to remarry as soon as possible after the death of a spouse, while a widow may have to wait until her required mourning period were over.

Given these general ingredients to lend to the authenticity of writing historical romance there are other factors that can be infused into a story to make it interesting and non-cliche. When plotting I often look at the typical traditions and circumstances and ask myself a few questions:

How can I make an archaic tradition be considered romantic to the reader?
What non-typical situation or setting could challenge this custom and lend to the story's interest, irony, or romantic element?
What typical or non-typical circumstances do I wish the couple to meet, grow their relationship, acknowledge their love, find obtacles to their relationship, and cement their relationship?

Here are some links for your perusal:

Courtship in Early America
Courtship & Marriage in the 18th Century (Colonial Williamsburg)
Courtship, Sex, and the Single Colonist (Colonial Williamsburg)
Colonial Love & Marriage (17th century America puritans and colonists)
Bundling
Regency Wedding: White Wedding Dress
Notes on Education, Marriage, Status of Women (Pemberly)

Courting the Victorian Woman Marriage in the Victorian Era

What are some of your favorite romance novels with authentic historical detail?

It's Official: First Book Contract

2011-02-10T22:54:00.003-05:00

The moment that I've been waiting for finally arrived, I received my very first book contract. This contract is for my novella Carving a Future in Colonial Courtships which will be released in May 2012. It took me days to get up the courage to finally sign the thing believe it or not. I was so thrilled to get it, but it was such an important moment for me I was a bundle of nerves. Silly, I know.

Although I had the news of two promised contracts, I was reserving my full celebration until I had paper in hand. And my second contract, for The Shadow Catcher's Daughter (releasing Jan. 2012), is in the mail . Exciting times!

To celebrate my officially becoming a published author my husband took me out to eat to our favorite Chinese restaurant. It was a fun evening venturing out in big snow storm. He also got me an external hard drive for my computer. Much needed. It's pretty and practical!

This is a wonderful season in my life. I'm doubly blessed! The Shadow Catcher's Daughter is complete and I will soon get the editor's revisions. But the real work is ahead...I need to finish writing Carving a Future. One chapter down, about nine more to go!

Bears, Blizzards, and Books

2011-02-03T16:06:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for BEARing with me during my busy January. During this time I've done a lot of writing—two new colonial era pieces—and website design—two medical websites in HTML. I thought of you all often and am excited to sharing some of news now that I'm coming out of my hibernation.

As with many places around the country, Maine has been bombarded with so much snow. We had another double BLIZZARD this week. Today, as always, the day after a storm, it is beautiful with blue skies and the sun is glittering off the snow like tiny diamonds! I've been snuggly and warm in my writing room. My fingers and my keyboard have a fine tuned relationship and are almost one I fear.

I submitted the first BOOK proposal that I ever prepared by myself after gathering a group of authors for a novella collection. I sent this off January 11th and in record time—January 30th—I was notified that Colonial Courtships had sold! My collaborators on this project are Laurie Alice Eakes, Amber Stockton, and Lisa Karon Richardson. This makes TWO books that I'll have released in 2012 with Barbour Publishing. I'm doubly blessed! My debut novel, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter, will be released in January and now Carving a Future will be released in May. I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it!

Again, my dear blogging buddies, thank you so much for your good thoughts and prayers that have supported and encouraged me during my busy season.

"Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath,
for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me."
~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Up to my Ears

2011-01-20T23:55:00.002-05:00

I'm up to my ears in writing, website work, and my regular job. Enough is enough. My goal is to remove two of these items from the list (guess which one stays!), but I'm in an extremely hectic transition right now. Hopefully I won't drown in all this busyness.

So, what are you up to?

Starting the year off Write!

2011-01-11T18:40:00.002-05:00

January 5, 2010 - Invited to participate in a group proposal, for one of a 3 book set with my friends Susan Page Davis and Darlene Franklin for my first novel.

January 11, 2011 - Wrote a proposal (first one I wrote myself) for a novella with my four team members Amber Stockton, Laurie Alice Eakes, and Karon Richardson and sent it off today.

January 2012 - My first novel will be released!

January 2013 - ?

Best and Worst Writing Memories of 2010

2010-12-31T10:23:00.006-05:00

We were all served with some good and not so good things throughout the year. So here's a dozen of my best and worst writing memories from 2010. When you're done reading mine, please share yours (writing or otherwise). And may the New Year be your best year ever!

Best: Joined first critique group.
Worst: Had to nix a precious passage.

Best: Wrote a short memoir piece about my husband's and my love story, now a keepsake.
Worst: Wrote my step-dad's obituary, though it was a blessing to do so.

Best: First book deal!
Worst: Rejection of the memoir piece that I submitted for an inspirational collection.

Best: Obtained a literary agent.
Worst: My agent stopped blogging.

Best: Entered my first and only writing contest.
Worst: Didn't fair as well as I hoped, though not bad.

Best: Interviewed at Romance Writer's on the Journey.
Worst:

Best: Connected with more authors and made valuable relationships.
Worst: Wished I'd done so sooner!

Best: Met and shared a room a conference with my long-time favorite author, Ruth Axtell Morren.
Worst: My local writing mentor and friend, Susan Page Davis moved away.

Best: Attended two small conferences and taught two writer's workshops.
Worst: Didn't get to go the ACFW conference.

Best: Favorite books read (always gives me writing inspiration)
A 3-way tie: Courting Morrow Little (Frantz), The Silent Governess (Klassen), The Preacher's Bride (Hedlund)
Worst: I didn't read as many books this year.

Best: Became a better writer.
Worst: There's always room for improvement!

Best: Met some of my writing goals.
Worst: Didn't meet some of my writing goals, but that's OK, I took a different path.

What are some of your best and worst writing memories from 2010?

For Unto Us

2010-12-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Christmas - a timeless story

2010-12-25T02:30:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all glorious Christmas blessings in Christ Jesus!

Winding down . . .

2010-12-22T04:59:00.001-05:00

Be careful,
for writing books is endless,
and much study wears you out.
Ecclesiastes 12:12

So, as I wind down to the end of the year, I've also been contemplating gaining vision for the year ahead.

Problem.

I've been having a bad spell over the past several weeks with my migraines. On my in between times (when my head clears) I try to think. To read. To research. It's distracting. And healing. I just lost my cat last week after a 2 month long ordeal, and you may recall that I'm still grieving the loss of my Step-dad who's only been gone for 4 months. And our family is still grieving the loss of my cousin who was murdered, along with several others, in January. So in general I'm just trying to heal. But I am trying.

Here's what I have been enjoying. . .

Some family research. That always inspires me. And exhausts me. I managed to write a few special posts as tributes.

Reading a few short books. Heartsong Presents novels are only 50,000, but the authors are so talented. I've been enjoying Vicki McDonough's N. Dakota Brides.

I've found a few writing projects. After Christmas I'll be working on a novella collection with three other authors. Something short and fun. Been doing some research in colonial New England. Can't tell you much more than that. Also, I plan to submit a few short devotions. Here' are a few helpful links from the experts on writing devotionals.

Cec Murphy
Donna Shepherd
Nancy Robinson Masters

So, Christmas. Is it really just a few days away? Have you had a chance to write at all through the holidays? Do you write a family newsletter? Send out cards?

Stick Notes: William Blake

2010-12-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.
~ William Blake (1757-1827)

Care to discuss this quote and how it pertains to our writing??

Jane Austen

2010-12-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

I would be remiss if failed to mention the anniversary of Jane Austen's birthday today. I kid you not, a few minutes past midnight I suddenly got a desire to write something about Jane. And then I realized, it was her birthday. My heart remembered, or at least my subconscious did, strangely enough.

So celebrate I will! It only comes once a year, you know. Though I do believe for the multitude of Jane Austen fans who have been inspired by her life and writings celebrate continually.

There is a fabulous blog tour going on today, and since I was a little late coming to the party, I didn't sign up, though I hope you will enjoy attending. (Click on the image above.) There are lots of prizes and great blog entries to enjoy!

I wrote a post on my genealogy blog, Relatively Speaking wondering am I Related to Jane Austen?

Last year I blogged A Writer Celebrates the 234th Birthday of Jane Austen where you can read about her influence in my life.

I'd like to point out Bethany House's Insight Edition of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I have a copy of Sense and Sensibility that I have enjoyed. With a foreward by one of my favorite authors, Julie Klassen, Christy award winner for The Silent Governess,

Jane Austen's first published novel explores the question of what drives your life: your heart or your head? The Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, are as different as sisters can be. Serious Elinor lives by reason and thoughtfulness while her younger sister, Marianne, only follows her passions. But in questions of love, they learn neither the heart nor head alone will lead them to happiness. Filled with romance, Austen's brilliant wit, and rich characterization, this is a celebration of sisterly love and the need for family--no matter how different they might be from us.

The classic tale is enhanced with the sprinkling of interesting trivian, humorous insight, and meaningful inspiration throughout.

Enjoy celebrating our beloved Jane!

Writing a Family History

2010-12-15T12:37:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been spending time researching and writing down my family history at my genealogy blog, Relatively Speaking. I've been recording my family history online for the past three years and researching my genealogy for many more.

I plan to write some posts on how to go about writing your family history in narrative form, so stay tuned. And someday, I plan to write historical fiction based on the lives of three particular ancestors who have fascinating stories to tell.

But for now, I stick to writing pure fact. It's been therapeutic for me as of late, as I'm still grieving the loss of my Step-dad and have an intense longing for family who live far from me. Connecting with them, sharing oral histories and me writing them down, has done this heart good.

I'd be thrilled if you'd stop over to Relatively Speaking. I have not only my own family history there, but genealogy tips, resources, and some articles, poems, etc. There's even some famous authors in my family tree - and I share some Christmas poems of one of them (John Greenleaf Whittier).

Have you ever considered writing or blogging about your family history?

Sticky Notes: John Greenleaf Whittier

2010-12-13T15:36:00.000-05:00

“The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts.”

John Greenleaf Whittier quotes (American Writer, 1807-1892)

More About my Upcoming Novel

2010-12-09T20:03:00.001-05:00

Some of you have been wanting to know more about the novel that I wrote. So I thought I tell you a little bit about it.

The Shadow Catcher's Daughter (formerly titled Sunlight and Shadows) is my contribution to a 3 book set about romance in the Four Corners (CO, UT, AZ, NM). This historical romance is set in 1875 in Colorado and New Mexico Territories during the surveying expedition of the four corners, which will mark the quadripoint where all four states/territories meet.

Eliana Van Horn has assisted her renowned father with his photography for years. When he is asked by the U.S. Land Grant Office to be the official Photographer for a government survey of Four Corners, he insists that his assistant be allowed to accompany him. Eliana's own heritage shines a light on her own self discovery on this grand adventure.

Yiska Wilcox, is hired on as the Guide for the Four Corners survey expedition. Son of a mountaineer and a Navajo woman, he lives and breathes the freedom of the great southwest. When he meets Eliana he soon discovers that his heart is not as free as he thought, he has been living in the shadows of his past and longs to understand who he really is. (Yaska is Navajo for "after the night has passed".)

Eliana and Yiska are worlds apart, but are they willing to stake a chance on love?

Celebrating my Book Deal!

2010-11-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

I have so much to be thankful for and could hardly wait to share the great news with you!

I've been offered a book deal for my novel,
The Shadow Catcher's Daughter!

Although I did make an announcement on facebook, I wanted to wait a bit to post any of the details until after I talked to my new literary agent, Chip MacGregor. My historical romance novel will be published by Barbour's Heartsong Presents and is set to release in January 2012. Although that's still over a year away, the timing is perfect due to the relevance to the book's theme which I'll share more about in the future. I've been blessed to partner on this project with Darlene Franklin and Susan Page Davis. Each of us have written a book for this three book collection, tentatively titled "Love in Four Corners".

It's taken many years of perseverance and prayer, writing and learning craft of writing as well as about the publishing industry. So, when I received the email that I was promised a contract it was surreal. I'd always wondered how I'd respond to such news. Would I jump for joy, dance around my living room, fall on my knees? I probably did all of that, but what I did the most was cry. I'm one of those stoic New Englanders and tears don't flow easily for me, although I'm very sentimental at heart. The tears just wouldn't stop flowing from the late afternoon until I went to sleep that night. I guess it was all the pent up hopes and dreams, finally releasing. I was also still freshly grieving the passing of my Step-dad (who gave much research advice as I wrote the book) so emotion was right there waiting for the floodgates to burst. So cleansing and wonderful. . .happy tears.

I'm so blessed and honored to finally have this opportunity and am thrilled to be able to share it with you all who have encouraged and prayed for me along the way!

So You Want to Write a Novel

2010-11-28T13:49:00.000-05:00

Writing to Distraction

Sticky Note: Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Colonial Christmas Party

Sneak Peek

Season of Blessings

"All that we behold is full of blessings." ~William Wordsworth

Jubilee!

Her Own Prison

“Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage.”

Sticky Notes: Deadlines

Friday's Fortune

Blog Haul: New Old Books!

I'd Rather be Writing

We'll Never Forget

Digging up Character Names

Petticoats, Quilts, and Comforters

Back from my journey!

Road Trip

Writing Under Difficulties

A 19th Century Take on Women Writing Literature

Make a Way

A Bend in the Road

Window to the Past

Two Lenses

Sticky Notes: Laura Ingalls Wildler

Getting into the Groove Again

What Are You Hiding?

A New Chapter

Drafting the Declaration of Independence

Colonial Americans Observing Independence Day At Colonial Quills

Emotional Stages of Writing a Novel

Sticky Notes: Commas

Two New Blogs

From a reluctant reader to a published author

Literacy in Colonial Times

Writer's Tool Box

Meg Cabot On Writing

Friday's Fortune: Reports from World of Publishing

Attention to Detail in Miniature

Storybook Reunion

Sticky Notes: Sir John Harrington

The Sound of Writing

Weathering the Storms

Meandering through the Maine Woods

New Blog! Colonial Quills

Do you "Like" your Favorite Authors?

Royal Wedding Hats - Fascinating Fascinators

Sticky Notes: Charles Colton

Promise of the Resurrection

Considering the Resurrection

Oprah goes Colonial

Words Matter

Colonial Fiction: Patriot's Day

Sticky Notes: Madeleine L'Engle

Do you have a Lemonade Story?

Ultimate Blog Party 2011 Winners

Book Addiction Justified

Lucy Writes a Novel

Ethel: What are you writing about? Lucy: I’m writing about things I know. Ethel: That won’t be a novel that will be a short story.

Sticky Notes: The Act of Writing

Ultimate Blog Party: Recording Precious Memories

Stained Glass Heart

Friday's Fortune: Remote Places

Preview of my First Book Cover: Colonial Courtships

Colonial Courtships

Imagination Box

HAPPY COLONIAL NEW YEAR!

Sticky Notes: L. M. Montgomery

Mainely Me

Colonial Research Trip in Maine

Friday's Fortune

What We Learn

My Story...

Special times

Valentine from above!

Writing Historical Romance: Historical Accuracy

It's Official: First Book Contract

Bears, Blizzards, and Books

Up to my Ears

Starting the year off Write!

"All that we behold is full
of blessings."
~William Wordsworth

Ethel: What are you writing about?
Lucy: I’m writing about things I know.
Ethel: That won’t be a novel that will be a short story.