Category Archives: THIS AND THAT

Good News–and a request!

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Yay!!  Just to let you know, I just finished the ending of CHRYSALIS. I think you’ll like the ending.

The story ended up being 10 chapters–so it’s definitely a short story rather than a novel or a novella. But that was on purpose. Since I’m putting the whole story up on my blog, it couldn’t be full-length.

As the story winds down, let me share a little about the process I use as I write. When a story is finished, normally I put it aside for a few weeks. When I’m fresh, then I go back to work on a second draft.

During the second draft, I’ll make corrections, add in description and more sensory detail. Sensory detail is about using all the senses including touch and smell  to make the story come to life. It’s the sensory detail that puts the reader in the middle of the action.

It’s the second draft where I spend more time developing the spiritual plot as well. I’ve already developed it somewhat in the first draft, but it still needs fleshing out.

Now that I know who the characters are-good guys and bad–they might have more to tell me as I go through the 2nd and 3rd drafts of the story.

As I said that’s my normal process. Whether I do that or not with this story, I’m not sure. I’ll Just have to wait and see what happens. My goal is that I’d like to do that and then offer the story for free here on my website, but I do have other commitments to think about as well.

Anyway, to my request.

I can’t say that I’m happy with the title of the story–CHRYSALIS. Now that the story is more than half over, maybe you have a better idea for a title, something that would at least hint to the suspense part of the story.

Any ideas?

The next chapter will be out soon.

UNTIL NEXT TIME… God Bless and Good Reading!

SEPTEMBER 11-Another Day That Will Live In Infamy!

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For me images of September 11,2001—the plane hitting the second tower—firefighters rushing in the buildings—panicked people jumping from the buildings—the bright orange flames along with the smoke and rubble—the people running through the streets— still evoke a pit in my stomach and tears to fight back.

I’m sure that’s the case for many of you as well.

But just as that first day of infamy, December 7, means less and less each year as those who lived through it decrease, so the same will happen with 9/11.  It’s hard to believe that twelve years have already passed. That means those children going into middle school or junior high have no real memory of that awful day.

When I decided to write about this, I wanted to write something profound that would inspire all who read it to be a better American. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind as I pondered what wonderfully, awe-inspiring words to write.

Instead, I’ll share my memories of that day and the days following the terrorist attack. Days when I remembered just how much I loved my country in spite of that fact that it’s not perfect.

Days when Americans came together in a way that I’d never experienced in my lifetime. After all, I’m a baby boomer who lived through Viet Nam. A war that polarized our country. A war where we are only now recognizing and honoring the heroes of that time. So to see Americans come together in love and support of one another and their country was an awesome sight for this cynical baby boomer.

Days when I was so proud to be an American as story after story came out of the heroes who ran into the building to save fellow Americans. Some of them came back out but not all. Stories of how people helped each other because it was the right thing to do.

Days when Americans fell to their knees in prayer.

Days when the spark of patriotism was relit and the embers are still felt today.

Days when we all remembered that the country we are blessed to live in is still a country worth dying for.

Days that showed me and the world that America was still home of the brave.

Please take a moment to reflect on that day. Please take a moment to honor those who died that day. Please take a moment to pray for those who lost someone they loved that day.

I hopeyou’lll take the time to share their thoughts, memories, and insights from that day as well.

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A Devotion About Scat? Really!

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So, a friend of mine asked me to write a series of 5 devotions for her this week. She volunteers at Wilderness Camp each year.  She’s in charge of the girls who attend. It’s up to her to create activities each day as well as devotions and a slew of other responsibilities. I am not a Wilderness Camp type of woman–just ask my husband. But I do like to write devotions so I volunteered to do that for her.

And  it’s quite an exercise in creativity to do so.

Here were here five topics relating to the activities she created for the camp:

Surviving

Animal Skins

Animal Tracks

Scat

Butterflies

Butterflies and survival were fairly easy to find Bible verses and write a devotion, but the other three? Really? How am I to write a devotion for SCAT. Well, I managed and when my friend picked them up she seemed happy with them. But sometimes, I have to wonder how my brain works!

God Bless & Good Reading!

PS. If you’d like to read the SCAT devotion, check it out at www.PowerUpWithGod.com  and let me know what you think of it.

Are Mystery Novels An Endangered Species?

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I love to read mystery and suspense novels as well as to write them. Lately, I’m sensing a problem with the genre.  TECHNOLOGY! Will technology be the end of the good old-fashioned mystery novel? I hope not, but it certainly means changes are  coming.

I’ve been working on updating one of my older books (SERENITY SPRINGS, OHIO)  so that it can be released as an e-book. I was shocked to see how current technology made for some sticky rewrites from the original story manuscript.

Cell phones alone can change the whole dynamic of the story. I had one scene where one of the characters was needed to help in a hostage situation. In the original story, it took up almost complete chapter as police were alerted and hunted for the man. The tension built–will they or won’t they find him in time to save the hostages?

But as I read the scene, I realized the man would have a cell phone.  So that tense scene morphed into a few sentences of picking up a phone and waiting for the man to answer it. Sigh–not nearly as tense or exciting!

So, instant communication definitely changes the way mystery/suspense novels are written, but that’s just the beginning. What about all the technology available to the forensic labs? And the computer geeks? If you watch CSI, NCIS, Bones, or a variety of TV shows, it looks as if crimes are solved by scientists–not by the police or an amateur sleuth?

I admit it!  I’m intimidated by all the crime-solving technology available. I almost feel as if I need to go back to college and take a class on forensics or several classes not to mention some computer hacking classes before I write my next novel.

So, are mystery novels an endangered species or not? My gut says NOT.  Crimes are committed by people (real or characters) and no matter how much science can help there will always be the human element. That human element is where we writers will find our stories.

On the other hand, maybe I’ll start writing stories set in the sixties or seventies.

Life was a lot simpler back then–and so was writing!

 

SerenitySpringsCOVER_72M

 

NOTE:  To celebrate the release of SERENITY SPRINGS, OHIO as an e-book, I’m giving away a copy. Be sure to leave a comment if you want to win the e-book! Winner will be picked on June 17! Here’s a bit about the story:

Murder shatters the peace and tranquility of the idyllic village of Serenity Springs.

It appears to be an open and shut case to Chief of Police, Matthew Travis. A troubled teenager at the scene covered in blood with the murder weapon in his hand is arrested.

Unfortunately, as Matthew ties up loose ends, his once open and shut case begins to unravel as he discovers more suspects with better motives.

What is Christian Fiction?

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I’m a writer of Christian Fiction so it’s in my best interest to promote Christian Fiction as a genre and not just my books. But like so many, you may not completely understand what the genre includes. There are a lot of misconceptions about Christian Fiction.

Many people think Christian Fiction means sweet romances or Amish stories. But that’s only the beginning of what’s available. Do you prefer science fiction; fantasy; suspense; romantic suspense; horror; or literary fiction? As far as I know any genre other than erotica can be found under the umbrella term of Christian Fiction.

Another myth about Christian Fiction is that they are all evangelistic in nature, meaning that the writer’s goal is to convert the reader to Christianity.  There are some that are and they are wonderful books but that’s not the only style out there. Most Christian Fiction books today are written from a Christian worldview.

What’s that mean? It means the spiritual message is more subtle but still there. It’s not an in your face sermon but a sermon shown by the characters thoughts, choices, and actions. Much like real life!

When I started becoming more serious in my Christian faith, I knew my writing needed to change, but the truth was I didn’t have much of an understanding of Christian Fiction. But as a reader and writer of mysteries and suspense novels, I had tired of all the bad language and unnecessary sex scenes that can be found in mainstream books.  For me, my books have clean language, no explicit sex scenes, and characters who are at different points on their spiritual journey. Again, like real life. But my real focus when I write is to write an exciting story that my readers will enjoy.

I am almost positive some of my Jewish and/or nonreligious friends haven’t read my books because they are “Christian” fiction. But I don’t believe my books would offend them. My goal in writing is to entertain my readers, not preach to them. And that’s true for the great majority of writers in the Christian fiction genre.

If you’re looking for more Christian fiction novels, a great resource is http://www.fictionfinder.com/. It’s a free service but you do have to register. You can search a specific genre and find books that match what you like to read.

What’s your thoughts about the genre of Christian Fiction? Should they stick to the more traditional stories or is it a good thing that Christian writers are stretching their wings?

 

The Human Spirit Endures

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If I pitched a story where the heroine had been kidnapped and held hostage with two other women for more than ten years, my editor would tell me it was too far-fetched and unbelievable. And yet yesterday three women escaped from a house in a well-populated area of Cleveland after being held captive for years.

Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry, and Michelle Knight have been missing for 8, 9, and 12 years respectively. Not many details are available yet, but we do know the three have been held captive in a house by three brothers and that one of them has a young child.

When I was telling my husband what had happened, it was through tears. He asked me why I was crying. They were tears of happiness and joy for the women being alive and safe. but also tears for what they must have endured. U can’t even imagine what they’ve experienced during their time in captivity.

It would seem to be too much to handle.  Yet as we’ve seen from others who have faced similar situations, most of them not only survive, but find a way to thrive after their ordeal. The human spirit can endure much! Unfortunately, so many of us believe that’s not true. When the bad times come (and they will) so many of us falter and fall apart. That may be OK for a moment, but we need to pick ourselves up and continue with life.

Life is precious and we should cherish it- in spite of the difficulties that life throws at us.

Not many of us will be held captive for years, but we will all face challenges, illnesses, or  tragedies of some sort. Some of us will let them defeat us, but others will face the challenge head on. Which will you be?

My thoughts and prayers are with each of these young women as they face a new future. May they not let their past dictate the quality of their future.

LIL’S LIFE LESSONS:

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

It’s April Fool’s Day!  And that day will forever be etched in my mind, at least for now. Because I can, I’m going to take a few moments to reflect on that anniversary.

A year ago I woke up on this date and my life was fairly normal–a few challenges but nothing I couldn’t handle. By the end of the day, my life had forever changed!  I didn’t actually know that then, but I know it now!

FIRST LESSON:  APPRECIATE AND ENJOY THE PRESENT-WE DON’T KNOW THE FUTURE.

It started with a funny little tingle in my lips. As I ate my spaghetti later that day, I was messier than normal (and that’s pretty messy!).  I went to the mirror and it looked a little odd, but hubby said he couldn’t see a problem! Within two days, we both saw the problem. I had no movement on the left side of face– my lips, my eyes, or my forehead.  It ended up being Bell’s Palsy which is an inflammation of the facial nerve that causes partial or complete paralysis of that side of the face.

I am a speech pathologist in my day job so no lip movement was sort of a big deal for me. But some of the doctors assured me that most people regain use of most of their facial muscles back but it could take up to a year. And looking in a mirror didn’t make me happy either–everything sagged and was crooked.

One of my family doctors insisted I get an MRI–just to be safe!

I thought it was unnecessary but I followed doctor’s orders–something I’m not always prone to do!

Turns out I was wrong.  The MRI showed I had two brain tumors. Yeah, it was quite the surprise since I had no symptoms. Suddenly, I was feeling blessed that I had developed Bell’s Palsy.  What often appears a “problem” actually becomes a blessing as you go through it.

SECOND LESSON:  GOD’S WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS BUT HIS WAY IS THE BEST WAY!

The tumors are called schwannomas and almost always benign, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause problems so ignoring them isn’t an options. My schwannomas are wrapped around my auditory nerve, which means they caused a hearing loss. Traditional surgery would leave me completely deaf so that is always the last resort with these tumors. Instead I had Gamma Knife Surgery which is actually a very powerful radiation treatment. I had the treatment in August and life continued as normal except for the fact I didn’t have a job anymore–and not by my choice! Education cutbacks!s

Financially, it wasn’t a problem. The problem was me. Everyone wants to retire on their own terms, I suppose. I kept telling myself I wasn’t too upset or depressed  about it, but the truth was I was more upset than I realized at the time. I found a private student to work with as well as some subbing for a nearby district. The problem–the subbing made me crazy!  I had no peace about it. Every morning, I’d wait for the phone to ring–when it did I’d be irritated. NO PEACE! And no peace translated no creativity in my writing life.

NO PEACE! I recognized it as a nudge from God.  But…. the extra money was good… but it got me out of the house…. but it made me feel useful… but…. but….  I don’t like feeling anxious and not having peace and joy so I told them I wouldn’t be able to sub any longer.  Within a week, my life had changed again–and not for the better!

One moment I was sitting alone watching TV and the next moment (literally) it was as if a sound bomb had gone off in my head or my house–I wasn’t sure which!  After about 45 seconds, I knew what it was!  COMPLICATIONS!  I’d been warned and I knew what to do. I immediately started taking the emergency steroid pack I’d been given–in case!  As soon as that dose was finished, I was given a much stronger steroid to continue with.

The complications from the steroids were bad!!  I was sleeping anywhere from 2-4 hours a night. Most days I was only able to a do an hour or so of writitng-related work, but couldn’t actually do much writing.  After that, it was a matter of naps, sitting, watching TV. Most days I didn’t bother to get dressed. One thing for sure, there was no way I would have been able to continue working–as an employee or as a sub.

LESSON THREE: GOD REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT HE’S DOING!

During this horrible time, I really was grateful that I didn’t have the stress of having a job to worry about. God knew what he was doing when He insisted I quit subbing or even worrying about finding another job.

Oddly enough, from a spiritual point of view, I was OK. I felt at peace and I can’t say I fel joyful–I was too sick and miserable for that, but I was at peace. I did a lot of praying during this time. Mostly for patience to endure and for better health, of course. But mostly, my prayers were telling God that I trusted HIM. The doctor finally started to take me off the steroids and I started feeling better.

Until….more complications!! More complications meant more steroids!  I admit I fell apart for a while but then I remembered LESSONS ONE, TWO, AND THREE, kept praying and kept trusting GOD!

That was about six weeks ago and in fact, this last time on the steroids was much easier and much less disruptive to my life, even though it was the exact same dosage as last time. I slept better, started creating stories again, and finished the final edits on two different books!  Not bad for a woman with brain tumors! And more good news–the first brain tumor has died!

I don’t know what the future holds for me–but then again, nobody does! We only think we know what’s going to happen tomorrow or even in the next five minutes. The plan is to wait six months and then we’ll start treatment for the second tumor.

I can truthfully say I’m NOT  glad I got the tumors. I hate my tumors–and rightfully so!  But I am glad that my faith, my dependence on God, my relationship with God has grown during this past year.  So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

 

FIRST LESSON:  APPRECIATE AND ENJOY THE PRESENT–WE DON’T KNOW THE FUTURE!

SECOND LESSON:  GOD’S WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS BUT HIS WAY IS THE BEST WAY!

LESSON THREE: GOD REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT HE’S DOING!

Internet Overload?

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I don’t really have much to say, but I feel like I’ve been ignoring Tiaras & Tennis Shoes for way too long. And since I am a writer I should be able to find something to talk about, right?

So, let’s talk about writing.

I love to write stories, but it seems in the current times, that’s not enough. We have to blog, market, twitter, and don’t forget FB updates to name only a few of the ways to keep writing.

It seems as if more and more of my time, energy, not to mention creative efforts are being sucked away from my stories and into the Internet.

What’s your thoughts about that?
Do you feel all the crazy attention being focused on building an Internet presence is worth it or a time waster? I’d love to hear what you have to say about that.

God Bless & Good Reading!

THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

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Today’s post is part of an ongoing blog hop called THE NEXT BIG THING. The purpose is to talk about the NEXT project you’re working on rather than promoting a book already published. At the end of the post you will find the next blogs in the blog hop. Check them out now and next week when the post the answers to the questions.
What is the working title of your book?
BETRAYED.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Actually, it’s the second in my Sisters By Choice series. The first was DECEPTION. This is a follow-up story with one of the characters from DECEPTION.
What genre does your book fall under?
Romantic suspense with more emphasis on the suspense but still plenty of romance as well.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Angelina Jolie would be great for Maria. For her love interest, I’m seeing Richard Gere or Mark Harmon.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
All a terrified mother wants to do is give her daughter a happy normal childhood, but the nightmare
isn’t over–her dead husband just called from the grave
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My publisher is HarbourLight Books, a division of Pelican Books.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It took longer than it should. I ended up with a 3-month writer’s block in the middle of writing it.  Along with that my husband had a triple by-pass–maybe that’s where the writer’s block came from. Either way, I would say it took about 7 months–much longer than normal.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Maria is the wife of the terrorist from DECEPTION. As I wrote Deception, I kept wondering what kind of woman would be married to a terrorist and that was the beginning of the story.
The next stop on THE NEXT BIG THINK blog hop is Terri Nightswonger and you can find her blog at:   http://terrinighswonger.blogspot.com/  Don’t forget to stop there next week!
God Bless and Good Reading!

Does God Care About the SUPER BOWL?

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I am NOT a sports fan or sports nut. Of course, I love my Cleveland teams—win or lose. Good thing, since they mostly lose….. but that’s a story for another day.

From Little League games up through the pros, you will see teams on the field or in the locker room, on their knees praying. That always made me wonder…does God pick sides in sports?

Mmmm…

I don’t know the answer to that question, but I suspect not. But that doesn’t mean God doesn’t care about the game, the players, and everyone else involved. We know he cares about the smallest details of our lives.

So what does God care about when it comes to sports in general and the Super Bowl?  Of course, He cares about the physical and spiritual well-being of all involved, but I think there’s a few other things.

INTEGRITY is the first thing that comes to mind. In this days when we get disappointed time after time by our athletic heroes, (can someone say Lance Armstrong?), it’s a wonderful thing when athletes live the principles they speak of (can someone say Tim Tebow?)

EXCELLENCE at whatever we do. Whether an athlete, a teacher, or a parent, God honors those who choose to live a life of excellence. That doesn’t mean being the best or never making a mistake. It means doing the best you can with what you have.

ATTITUDES are important to God. Come Sunday, a team will win and a team will lose. The attitude in which we do either makes a difference to those around us. We can’t choose our circumstances, but we can choose how to react to them.

So, it seems there are still lessons to be learned from sports. What about you? Besides integrity, excellence, and attitudes, what other lessons can we learn?