FEATURED BOOK: THE HEART'S SONG BY WINNIE GRIGGS

Widower Graham Lockwood hasn't stepped foot in church since he lost his family. So he can't possibly say yes to his new neighbor's request that he lead the handbell choir. But widowed mother Reeny Landry is so hopeful—and her fatherless children so in need—that Graham agrees to help. Suddenly, the man who closed himself off is coming out of his shell. And he finds himself acting the father figure to Reeny's sweet mute daughter and loner son. But going from neighbor to husband is another matter altogether. Until a loving family teaches Graham to hear the heart's song.

Editor Blogs on Harlequin

Wow, Terri Reed here, my editor blogged on the Harlequin blog about the upcoming continuity series for Love Inspired. I wrote book two and will hit the shelves in August. This series is set in Alaska, with plenty of mystery running through all the books as well as tender love stories. This book was so much fun to write. And I have to say I love all the covers. They are so bright and vibrant. And you will recognize several names in the line of authors!

http://harlequinblog.com/

Summer by Leann Harris

Summer means different things to people all over the country. When I lived in Colorado, summers were wonderful days, filled with outside activities of playing and swimming and having fun.

When the family moved to Houston, summer was brutal. Hot, humid, sucking the life out of kids and they retreated indoors. Now, I'll be honest, it depends on what part of Texas you live in. North Texas and the panhandle, summers aren't quite the killer that they are in south Texas--that is most of the time. This summer is turning out to be a killer. We're going to be counting how many days we'll be over 100 degrees. I think the record was 1981 when we went for over 50 days over 100. And believe me, you can tell the difference between 100 and 103.

Summers are killers. Winter are wonderful, but then we've paid for our easy winters.

Lessons from the cricket's chorus...

I'm sitting here in my living room, in the dark, my laptop open on the couch, trying to decide what to blog about for my post tomorrow (well, really, today - I'm writing this the night before. Yesterday. But it's right now. Confused yet?) and I can't even think of a topic because the crickets in the backyard are so stinkin' loud.

The air conditioner just kicked on, yet I still hear the crickets.

It's not so much an annoying sound just a constant one, and when you're trying to concentrate on something (like blogging!) it can quickly become annoying.

How often in life do we let the buzz of the world distract us? I know this is just a blog post and eventually the crickets will hush and if I really wanted to I could drown them out with the TV or something, but...I'm reveling in the lesson.

With our writing, our goals, our hobbies, our dreams, our families - are you guilty of letting the constant, busy hummmm of the world knock you off focus from what you know is right? Are you easily sidetracked by the lure of temptation, the promise of procrastination, or the convincing chatter of "you should do this" or "that" instead?

Today, try to take a moment to drown out the chirping of the world and listen to the still small voice inside you know you can trust. What is it about your story, your novel, your job, your children that you KNOW you should do, but thus far haven't found the courage to take the step because of fear of failure, fear of rejeciton, fear of gossip, etc.

Kick those crickets to the side and tune your ears to the voice of the Lord and the instincts He gave you!! =)

Buzz, buzz. They're still out there. But softer this time.

Preparing for Change

Terri Reed here, My daughter is going away for the summer to be a camp counselor. "Just preparing you for college, Mom," she says to me. Like I really wanted to hear that!
But change is inevitable. Some change is good. Like the change in weather. Or the change of a hairstyle.
Some change is hard to cope with. Like children leaving the nest.
Okay so I'm not quite there yet, but its coming. Fast. Two more years of high school and then off she goes. I'll still have my son at home, thankfully. But I will miss my daughter. She wants to go to art school in London. Yikes!
How do you prepare for your child to leave home? Any tips and suggestions? I've got two years to prepare myself. But that leaving looms like a dark cloud on the horizon.

I've Got the Vacation Bible School Blues

Tonight began my church's Vacation Bible School. This is my son's third year attending. It's a memory I have of childhood, and isn't it funny, but the best part of my memory is that for that one week of church, we were allowed to have cookies and kool-aid in the classroom.

Wow. I tried to get Mikey to tell me what he enjoyed most tonight, but it was almost nine as we drove back home and a combination of fatigue and pure five-year-old stubbornness prevented him from answering. I do know he enjoys it, though, because I check on him. I peek in while he's playing games, I stand in the back and listen as he sings, I watch when it's his turn to walk his kool-aid carefully to his seat.

Okay, and here's the pure Mommy of a boy moment. I try not to chuckle when I hear him singing, "If you're farting and you know it, clap your hands." Hmmm, if I tried to put that in one of my LI books, would I get to keep it?

What are your personal memories, or do you - like me - have a child who changes the words.

Heroine Interview from The Pastor Takes a Wife

Interview with the heroine from The Pastor Takes a Wife by Anna Schmidt:

1. MEGAN OSBOURNE, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I am a single mom, raising a daughter in a small Wisconsin town. My daughter’s father was the town football hero who denied paternity when I got pregnant our senior year in high school. Now my daughter is in high school and I worry a lot about her.

2. What do you do for fun? Actually my work is fun. I help a friend manage a bed and breakfast and it’s always fun meeting new people and making sure they enjoy their stay.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? Anything that puts me in the spotlight – I was the topic of town gossip for far too long and these days I just want to live quietly and raise my daughter.

4. What are you afraid of most in life? That I will be a bad mother.

5. What do you want out of life? My daughter’s happiness.

6. What is the most important thing to you? My daughter.

7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read? I like to read stories about strong women who face tough choices in their lives and find a way over and around them.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? One thing? You’re kidding, right? No. Okay. I would go to college and get a degree.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? No pets.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? Sometimes I think the answer to that would be that I would go back to before I got pregnant but that isn’t true because I wouldn’t have my beautiful daughter. The truth is that I have no desire to look back – only forward.

FEATURED BOOK: THE PASTOR TAKES A WIFE BY ANNA SCHMIDT

Everyone in Singing Springs, Wisconsin, is talking about the handsome new pastor. Except single mother Megan Osbourne. With a checkered past, she knows not to speculate about others. Or think for one dreamy minute that Jeb Matthews would even notice her. Yet there she is, telling him about her life and not feeling judged. Soon she's even helping him set up a church youth center and becoming more a part of the community than ever. And when Jeb slowly opens up to her about why he gave up his former life, she hopes the pastor will soon take a loving wife—her.

Strapping in the Babies

My granddaughter is the subject of many conversations that I have these days. My husband and I just finished watching her for nearly two weeks while her mom and dad went on a vacation. What a fun time!

But things are different today than they were when my kids were babies and toddlers. Everything has multiple straps that must be buckled and tightened. Every one of them is different, and sometimes, I feel as though I ought to have an instruction manual in order to figure out how they work.

The high chair we have is easy. There are just two side straps that buckle into the one the goes between the legs. It is much easier than the one she has at home, since it also has arm straps. Then we had the stroller. Once Grandpa and I figured out how to unfold it, we had arm straps, that hooked together with the one in the center. It was like putting together a puzzle to get all the parts in the right places. Thirdly, we had to figure out how to buckle all of the parts of the car seat. The little silver things that went into the center piece were hiding from us, but I knew they all had to connect. Finally, the topper came on Sunday morning when we couldn't figure out how to get the car seat out of my car and transfer it to a larger car for our trip to church. We wound up taking two cars because we were going to be very late for church if we wasted any more time trying to figure it out. Next time, I will watch while they install the seat, so I'll know how to take it out.

At least when I took her to the beach, the only thing that required a strap was her hat.





Do you have any interesting stories about keeping kids strapped into various chairs, car seats or strollers?

A Crooked and Twisty Road

THE ROAD TO PUBLICATION HAS MANY TWISTS AND TURNS
By Margaret Daley

I sold my first book in 1980 and thought I was set (for life). Back then there was no RWA or ACFW, and I didn’t really know the realities for writers and the publishing industry. It is amazing how naïve I was. Selling my second book was a struggle. By the time I sold my fourth one, I thought I was getting into a rhythm that would keep on going like the Energizer Bunny. Another naïve thought of mine. When I hit my twentieth book, I hit a brick wall. I didn’t sell anything for eight years. I could have given up and almost did several times but something kept me going. Then in 1996 I sold a book that started my road back to publication. In 2000 I sold to Steeple Hill Love Inspired and found the Christian fiction market, which was a perfect fit for me. If I had given up during that eight years, I wouldn’t have gone on to sell forty-six more book. My tip to others is don’t give up even during those downturns if you truly want to be a writer.

I couldn't resist putting up this photo I took when I was in San Francisco two years ago. Talk about a crooked street! It was a series of switchbacks--like my writing career.

The long hot summer is here--Lenora Worth

Hi. I don't know about where you are, but down South, it's hot. It seems to me I used to have these lazy easy summers. But now, I'm more busy than ever. So the heat takes it toll with running here and there, juggling several tasks and trying to keep up with life in general. But I try not to complain because I prefer summer to winter any day.

Our garden is back in shape with magnolias and wisteria blooming, lilies smelling so sweet and hibiscus plants popping with dark pink and creamy salmon flowers. The pool is just refreshing enough to take your breath away. So come on down and join us. We'll whip up some iced tea or lemonade, slice you a piece of pound cake and add some ice cream and strawberries and you can kick off your flip-flops and dangle your toes in the water. The big oak trees will bring shade and the soft breeze will tickle your sweaty neck. And I have lots of books, so brow the bookshelves all over the house, dust one off and sit back in a lounge chair and escape. Isn't that what summer is all about? Even if it's just in your imagination.

The picture of my lilies is special to me. I named each lily after some of the long-time launch authors of Steeple Hill--Marta Perry, Lyn Cote, Irene Brand, Lois Richer, Kate Welsh, Carol Steward, Gail Martin and Patt Marr. I hope I didn't leave anyone out. They are my treasured friends and like a wonderful summer day, they energize and refresh me.

Now that we've had a little retreat, it's back to work for me. Sigh. I'll go and write about summer while I enjoy the air conditioner. Hope you have a great one.

A New Face

I am excited to join this group of authors as the newest member of the group. In Jan 2011 my first LI will be out. This will be the first story that I've written that is a straight romance. There are no dead bodies in this book while there were in all my other stories.

I've written suspense up to last year. I saw an article in our local newspaper about equine therapy and how it is used with returning Iraq veterans who have lost a limb. When I proposed the story to my editor, she loved it. I was nervous, but that book was one of the easiest books I've ever written. Sometimes authors have a special story that's just dropped into their heads and hearts. Second Chance Ranch was that for me. The characters spoke to me, and they kept their share of secrets until they were ready to share them with me.

I also felt God's hand making a path. It was a joy to write. I hope others will enjoy reading it. I've also included a picture of some of the Irises in my garden just to say hello.

How to Write a Novel in Ten Easy Steps

Allie here. I’m busy putting the finishing touches on my Alaskan historical, and life has forced me to do a lot of writing in public places lately. Which means lots of people have stared at the two-inch-thick stack of papers in front of me and asked me what I’m doing. Which leads to the “I’m an author,” conversation, which leads to the inevitable, “Where do you get your ideas?” question.

I always give the same answer: “I don’t really know. I’m afraid if I thought about it too much I’d ruin the wonder of it.” It’s usually then that I get the “you’re one of those crazy artsy people, aren’t you?” looks, as if fiction should be more scientific. As if you could craft a magazine article entitled “How to Write a Novel in Ten Easy Steps.”

So I got to thinking....

Allie Pleiter’s How to Write a Novel in Ten Easy Steps:

1. Gather chocolate, coffee, a fussy laptop, and about 200 hours of uninterrupted peace. Start typing.
2. Dream up the woman every one of us would like to be. Then give her a few flaws so we still like her, because we can be a catty bunch and we’ll get mean if she’s perfect. Type until you break a nail. Get manicure before going on to Step 3.
3. Discover what she loves most, and then figure out a way to put it all in jeopardy. Replenish supply of chocolate and refuse any familial offers to consider decaf.
4. Dream up the man we all wish we married--mentally, physically, spiritually, and maybe even financially--and ensure he says the perfect thing at the right moment. Then mess him up a bit because every woman still holds to the fantasy that she can fix her man. At this point you will probably be typing faster, so keep your manicurist’s number handy.
5. Have a creative crisis. Throw manuscript across the room in fit of terror that your talent has somehow left the building and the book police will take away your future once they figure out the fraud you really are. Eat any chocolate you may have left.
6. Project aforementioned crisis onto your characters. Figure out the highest cost she’ll pay to reach her goal and then double it. Uncover the last thing in the world your hero wants to do and force him to do it--repeatedly. Make sure, however, to do all this between scenes of unspeakable tenderness and things so romantic they’d barely ever happen in real life.
7. Let your heroine and hero discover their love. Cry so hard your family members (and perhaps your pets) show concern for your perspective. Show spouse where the number of pizza delivery service is because doing something so mundane as feeding the family can’t compete with true love.
8. Have a family crisis. Every author worth her salt has one per book, often several. Really, how would we know what real life is if it didn’t keep sticking its nasty nose into our writing lives?
9. Type until every one of your nails is in hideous condition and the “e” is worn off your keyboard. Make your hero a better man because of your heroine’s love. Let your heroine be forever changed by the love of her man. Resolve their problems in ways that have you reaching for tissues every ten minutes.
10. Type “The End.” Consume much chocolate and more coffee, dance around the house in your sweatpants because who has time for laundry? Make sure your printer breaks just as you need to print it out--this is every author’s badge of honor.
11. Ha! You thought we could stop at ten? Start all over again, kiddos, now we need to revise.....

If you want to see how well this system works, check out my novella Bluegrass Easter in the March release, Easter Promises.

Learning to fly

Kim Watters here. As I walked into my office the other day, I noticed a baby bird on the patio. Even though I don't particularly like birds--a childhood nightmare that would take too long to explain here--this poor thing was kind of cute. I sure hope Mama was around to teach Junior how to fly because the snakes have come out of hybernation and are on the slither.

A few hours later as I'm sitting at my desk, I see Mama bird has decided to show up to take care of Junior. In between processing our daily accounting functions, I see Mama flapping her wings and hopping away. Junior is trying to mimic her. It's so cute to see the struggle and how many times Junior spread his wings. It reminds me of being a writer.

In the beginning we struggled to learn the craft. Each passing day or moment, we honed it, like Junior was trying to do with his wings. A little hop--a paragraph, a bigger jump--a chapter. Then hopefully flight--or a book. And each time, we had our own cheering section in our family, friends or critique group--or in Junior's case--Mama bird.

Flash forward to the next day. Junior is still on the ground, having survived the night, but he's not looking very good. He hasn't learned to fly yet and Mama bird is gone. Not knowing anything about how to take care of him, it's time to call in some help.

I believe at every point in our career, we all need some sort of reinforcement, whether its in the form of a class, workshop or editorial/agent input. Occasionally, I take classes to refresh or improve my knowledge. I also have a critique group, two final readers and a wonderful editor to help me along.

Junior has the local Bird Lady. She swoops down (drives up) and takes Junior home in the hopes of saving him. Is she successful? I don't know. I couldn't bring myself to call and find out since I'd become attached to poor Junior.

As I sit here at my desk again a few days later, I hear a bird chirp. I'd like to think it's Junior, but even if it's not, I know that whichever bird made that sound had his own struggles while he learned to fly. You will, too. The path of a writer isn't easy.
How do you now if you'll be successful? First of all, learn to fly--or finish the book. Don't be afraid to spread your wings and learn new things because the reward is well worth the struggle it took to get there.

Amazing Grace: Songs that inspire...

Hello from Lisa Mondello. I've been known to cry buckets when a beautiful song comes on the radio. Today I didn't cry buckets, but I did tear up when I flipped through the stations and Amazing Grace was played. I love that song and hated that when the song was done, I didn't find out who had sung this particular version. I think I'll be checking out iTunes.com later to see if I can find it.

It got me thinking of other inspirational songs that are my favorites. One that has stuck with me my whole life is Let There Be Peace on Earth. I still get choked up when I hear that one. Another favorite that one of my best friends from college say for my wedding is Ave Maria. (Bucket alert on that one.) It doesn't really matter who sings it. It's just a beautiful song.

Truth be known, I could go on an on about songs that are inspirational. Lest you think I can't be trusted with a Maytag commercial, don't worry. It's just the inspirational songs that make me weep. What about you? What is your favorite inspirational song or artist?

FEATURED BOOK: HOMETOWN PRINCESS BY LENORA WORTH

All Cari Duncan has ever wanted is family. Yet her late father chose his new young wife's children over Cari. Surprised—and hopeful—when he bequeaths her the old house she grew up in, Cari moves to Knotwood Mountain, Georgia. But she and her stepmother clash the minute she arrives. How can Cari make a fresh start in the small town? The handsome businessman next door, who happens to be the most eligible bachelor, claims to know exactly how. But following Rick Adams's time-tested advice means opening her heart…to faith, family and her very own Prince Charming!

the real Valerie Hansen

The cover you see to the right is from my new, June release, THE DOCTOR'S NEWFOUND FAMILY. I love this artwork, don't you?

The historical Love Inspired is set in 1856 San Francisco.

It will be my last book in 2010 but I already have some scheduled for 2011 so I've been busy, as usual.

Now for a serious warning.

I usually use this forum to discuss my work. In this case, however, I need to warn all my friends and loyal readers that there is someone on Facebook who is pretending to be me. This imposter even took a picture from my website to try to fool everyone. THIS IS NOT ME. I DO NOT USE FACEBOOK. I'm presently working to have the imposter removed but the process is apparently very slow. I just wanted everyone to know what was happening so they wouldn't be fooled.

Other than that, everything in my life is fine so I can't really complain. I wrote this in the morning but won't post it till nearly midnight on Thursday so I don't forget my special Friday again! Yes, I have a lot on my mind and sometimes do goof. Anyone who knows me will not be surprised!

Blessings,

Valerie Hansen/ Val Whisenand

Vacation Time!

Janet mentioned vacation earlier this week. Which made me realize just how close that time is getting! This is the last week of school for our county, so soon the kids will be home and my schedule will go haywire. :)

I've learned the best plan is to get up early in the morning while the kids sleep in. That's my peaceful concentration time. The older my son and daughter get, the later that wake-up time is! So maybe my schedule won't be too off track while I'm revising the book I'm currently working on--A Family for Faith (coming out in April 2011).

We plan to go to the beach later this summer. We love to go to Orange Beach, Alabama (near Gulf Shores). It's gorgeous! I believe I shared this photo last year after our trip. Of course, we'll be praying that the oil spill is contained as soon as possible. It breaks my heart to think of the damage it's caused and could keep causing.

What about you? I'd love to hear what y'all do for fun or to get away.

A Light-hearted Moment

Linda Goodnight is unable to post today: think end of school year combined with a tornado. So, to maybe help keep the juices flowing, I went to Inkgirl's site and grabbed a cartoon. Go ahead, smile.

A Grateful Man Who Loves His Wife

All this month on my blog, Strong Women Brave Stories, I'm giving authors and readers a chance to honor the special women in their lives, past and present.

Today Author Harry Kraus, a medical missionary to Kenya, honors his wife:

His tribute begins:"Sisters, imagine your response if your husband came home one day and said, “Let’s move to Africa.”
Would you be scared? Angry at your husband? Angry at God?..."

To read the rest, drop by my blog

Harry is the best-selling author of The Six Liter Club--

"In 1983, Camille Weller becomes the first black female doctor at Medical College of Virginia. During her first day on the job, she manages to save a patient who lost six liters of blood---enlisting her in a prestigious surgeons "club." But will flashbacks from her childhood in the Congo paralyze her work---and her faith?"

For more about Harry Kraus and his books, visit his website

Missing in Action in Disneyland

This is Janet Tronstad on vacation in Southern California (where I live, but generally work). Today and tomorrow I'm at Disneyland and a resort (great swimming pool and hot tub). My little niece and nephew are here too and so very excited. I sometimes envy them their ability to be so excited about things -- the one part of childhood I think we all miss. When was the last time you were that excited?

FEATURED BOOK: A DAUGHTER'S LEGACY BY VIRGINIA SMITH

To receive her inheritance and make peace with her late mother, Kelli Jackson must abide by the woman's will. Even though it means working as a zookeeper for six months—with animals that terrify her. How can she possibly explain her fears—and her past—to her handsome boss, Jason Andover? The glimpses of kindness—and painful secrets—she sees in his eyes slowly have her sharing everything. But then she makes a startling discovery—one that may tear them apart forever. Unless she can return the gift of love he's given her.

5 Essentials for Lifelong Intimacy

Terri Reed here. I wanted to recommend a book to you all that I recently found buried behind several other books on my bookshelf. I remember reading this book and taking the wise words to heart.

5 Essentials for Lifelong Intimacy by Dr. James Dobson

This is a small easy to read book packed with a valuable and relevant message about marriage. Dobson goes deeply into the 5 Essentials.

Essential #1 A Christ-centered Home

Essential #2 A Lifelong Commitment

Essential #3 A Deep and Abiding Trust

Essential #4 A Willingness to Communicate

Essential #5 An Understanding of Love

http://http//www.amazon.com/Essentials-Lifelong-Intimacy-Home-Counts/dp/1590523776

May flowers...

This month, it seems May missed the memo and is bringing more showers than flowers. The floods in Tennessee, the oil spill in the gulf...it's been a pretty bad month in an environmental sense.

But God is still God, and He's still in control!

That is the only hope we have.

Sometimes in our personal life, it seems things are complete chaos. We have floods of tears instead of blooms of laughter. Our daily lives are filled with sticky oil instead of fresh water. But Jesus said He is the living water, and whoever comes to Him will never thirst.

Are you experiencing a storm or peaceful seas today? In your personal life? In your writing life? Maybe your life is sunshine and roses but you're hurting for a friend whose life is incredibly dark and sticky right now. Or maybe you're the one hoping for a ray of light to break the storm clouds, waiting for the endless waters to reside.

I've been on both sides recently, and it's hard. But my hope is in Christ!

As the people in Tennessee are discovering, there is a massive clean up required after every storm. The sun might be out and the waters might be drying up, but there's a damage in the wake. Is your heart hurting from the flood? Do you have wounds that still need to heal? Jesus is there.

Springtime isn't always pleasant. With the beautiful blooms comes threats of tornados. But the seasons always change. I'm hoping this is a season of relief and peace for you. But if it's not, don't wilt inside yourself. Come to the One who controls the waves and instructed the flowers how to grow. He cares for you!

Sometimes, when times are hard, it's good to read and get away, escape a little from our daily trials. This isn't a shameless plug for my publishe'rs novels, but an honest truth. Christian fiction can inspire, encourage, and uplift you. So if you're looking for some encouragement, why not pick up a couple of Love Inspired novels and see if God works in your life in a new way?

And hang in there. Remember, the next season is coming. =)

Precious Words

Pamela Tracy here. My son is five. With five, comes lots of maturity (yes, I'm smiling). The day he turned five, a mere three months ago, he took me by the hand and led me to his bathroom so we could remove all the toys from the tub because "I'm five now."

Yesterday, Mother's Day, I climbed out of bed and headed for the kitchen. After a minute, I heard Mikey's door open and he joined me. Poking his head around the refrigerator, he said, "Happy Mother's Day." I looked in my own bedroom to see if Daddy was up to prompt Mikey in this greeting. Nope. My son, age five, remembered on his own. Wow.

Last Thursday, his little pre-school had a mother's tea (last year I really messed up and thought it was a tea). As we sat at a table in a gym, watching the video chronicaling he and his classmates school year, I opened the Mother's Day card he'd made me for. The card started sentences and Mikey's teachers had filled in how he finished them. Here they are. Mikey's responses are in bold.

My mom looks best after she gets a hair cut.

My mom likes to make breakfast and lunch.

My mom always says we have to go to school.

My mom likes to play trains with me.

Precious words, eh?

Hero Interview for Wife Wanted in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

Interview with the hero from Wife Wanted in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad:

1. Conrad Nelson, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I was afraid you were going to ask that. The truth is I’ve led a reserved life. I don’t go sky-diving or anything like that. I always figured there was nothing wrong with being a steady kind of guy until Katrina Britton drove into my service station. She shook up my life and I didn’t know what had happened. I felt like I was sky-diving without a parachute.

2. What do you do for fun? Does it sound boring to admit I like to put engines together? Cars and farm equipment both. Piece by piece, it’s like a puzzle. Maybe we should say it that way – I have fun doing puzzles.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? Well, you can tell by the title of the book about me that I’ve put off looking for a wife until my uncle decided he needed to do it for me.

4. What are you afraid of most in life? Wow, that’s getting a little personal. Not that I mind. I’m trying to be more open about my feelings. It’s no secret anymore anyway. I’m terrified of losing someone I love. That’s why it was hard for me to love in the first place.

5. What do you want out of life? That’s easy. The reason I moved to Dry Creek was because I wanted a home, a place where I could walk down the street and know almost everyone walking toward me.

6. What is the most important thing to you? God. Love. Family. I know those are the usual things for people. I just hadn’t known how hard it would be to find all three.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book? I’m not too much of a reader. Mostly, I read repair manuals. Katrina is trying to get me interested in some suspense books though and I’ve picked up a few I like. In fact, Margaret,I have one of yours.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’ve changed so much since meeting my Katrina that I can’t even think of making any more changes right now.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I don’t have pets, but I do have a fine collection of garden gnomes. Do they count?

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I’m pretty content right where I am.

FEATURED BOOK: WIFE WANTED IN DRY CREEK BY JANET TRONSTAD

Thanks to his uncle posting a prayer request in the church bulletin, all of Dry Creek, Montana, thinks Conrad Nelson wants a wife. A busy mechanic, Conrad is doing just fine on his own. But then the very woman he described as the perfect wife drives into his life. Katrina Britton is in town only temporarily to care for her young nephews—and the worry in her pretty green eyes has him keeping his distance. Until even Dry Creek's confirmed bachelor realizes they're each other's answered prayers

Spring in the Desert

This is Merrillee reporting in after a trip to Tucson, Arizona. The desert air is dry, and this Florida gal certainly noticed, as every part of my body was chapped. I was slathering on lotion and lip balm at every turn. This year has been an unusual weather year for many parts of the country. The desert has had more rain than usual, so the area although not green like Florida is greener than usual. I took a few photos of the some of the vegetation in the area. Many of the cacti were in bloom. Enjoy spring in the desert.











What unusual weather have you had this year?

Research

Pat Davids here.
I almost missed posting today. Goodness, how time gets away from me. I'm deep in new research and I'm having a ball. I'm going to an alpaca farm tomorrow. That's a new one on me. I've only read about these cute camel-like animals. I'm hoping to gather some good pictures and stories I can use in my new book.

I've done a lot of research over the years. It gives me an excuse to travel. I've toured the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard at Fort Riley, KS. (A cavarly reinactment unit)I've spent the day with a small town sheriff. I've helped burn a pasture in the Flint Hills, and stayed at a seaside B&B in Maine all in the name of sharing my experiences with readers through my books instead of making you watch home movies. I've even visited the Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson Kansas but I haven't found a way to work that into a story yet.

What are some of the things you enjoy about doing research? One thing I love is dragging my family or a friend along with me. What are some of you pet peeves? I always think of one more question when I'm on my way home.
Pat

Conference last weekend

Last weekend I went to Oklahoma Writers Federation's conference in Oklahoma City. The picture is myself and Vickie McDonough at the booksigning at the conference with friends, Myra, Lisa and Erin.

I had a great time seeing old and new friends. Some of the things I learned were to have a platform (a brand), to have an Internet presence and if possible to become a speaker. Yes, you must write a great book, but promoting yourself is becoming more and more important as publishers cut back in promoting individual authors, especially if you are just starting out.

So what are some things you've done that have been successful in promoting your books? Not successful? If you are a reader, what has caught your attention?

Roses and regrets--Lenora Worth

Hi. My miniature rose bush is blooming. It's really a running rose and the brutal winter seemed to make it want to grow and grow. It's gorgeous right now. The previous owner of our house left a huge statue in the yard of two women from ancient days, caring water jugs. I've always called this statue "Ruth and Naomi", because the women are walking and laughing. They seem to be sharing a secret that no one else can hear.

I love my Ruth and Naomi statue. The running roses love it, too. They cling to the two women and circle them in an embrace of roses. I've often stared at the the two, wondering what trials they suffered, what secrets they share. Their smiles are lovely but a bit naughty, as if to say "We'd love to tell you but we can't." I wonder if they've cried together and shared heartache and regrets at times, too. I always feel better, knowing Ruth and Naomi are surrounded by beautiful, tiny red roses. After all, what women doesn't love roses? But the important thing I know about these two is that God's love is all around them as they journey along a dusty road, and promise to always stay near each other. That brings me comfort when I have to come back inside and work while they frolic in my garden. Do you have garden stories or a favorite garden ornament that brings you joy? And do you have a favorite friend you can share both laughter and regrets with? I hope so.

Joining In Is a Good Thing by Debra Clopton

Hi Everyone Debra Clopton here posting late !!!! Wow God has been busy in my life. But even so there are moments where I can get discouraged...maybe its just me but I don't think so :) Life is just built that way. WE have ups and we have downs. THANK goodness for a wonderful church family who can lift you up, give you things to get involved in, be there for you when you need them and you be there when they need you.

I urge each of you if you don't have a church family that you find one. Don't just go on Sunday and leave, but jump in and get involved with the people--claim it for your own and you will be amazed at how it will bless you!!! But also how you can bless others. I spent yesterday with about 40 youth playing volleyball in the horse arena at our church (Cowboy Church of Leon County) and there is just no way not to feel uplifted after that!!! Yes I'm using a few exclamation marks cuz I'm excited :) If that wasn't enough to get my "happy" going then I stayed and went to the women's Bible study after that...yes I had to rinse off outside at the faucet because I was really covered in sand but the ladies still let me come. It was awesome. SO the moral here is don't let a bad moment, a bad morning, or any other thing Satan throws your way discourage you from joining in at your local church. Someone there needs you and you need them. Hey, and if any of you are in the Centerville area on Saturday May 15 stop by our church for a benefit we are having for Willie Perry one of the dear men in our cowboy band who is fighting lung cancer. Its going to be a great day of music, a roping of some sort--check out Cowboy Church of Leon County's facebook page to get all the details. There will be many silent auction baskets and some great BBQ. I'm just sayin...come have some fun--and do a good deed at the same time :)

Also, keep your eyes posted the 2nd book of my Men Of Mule Hollow series hits the shelves June 1 COWBOY FOR KEEPS I hope you grab a copy and enjoy !

Until next time, live, laugh and seek God with all your heart!

Debra Clopton :)

Hero Interview for The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight

Hero Interview from The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight:

1. Sloan Hawkins, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

My job is a lot more interesting than I am. But the good citizens of Redemption, particularly the gossips and the cops, always seemed to find me fascinating. That’s why I don’t live there anymore. I’m sure they’d be disappointed to discover I didn’t turn out quite as bad as they expected.

2. What do you do for fun?

My Aunt Lydia took me in when I was a kid, so when I can, I take her on trips. Anywhere she wants to go. I get a kick out of doing things for her.

I’m pretty fond of zipping around on my Harley, too, especially if it riles someone I don’t particularly like.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Going back to my hometown. The memories there are all bad, except for Aunt Lydia. Well, and for Annie, too, the only other person that ever gave me hope. But that ended badly like everything else so I stay clear.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

You’re joking, right? I’m a security expert. I’m not afraid of anything on a professional level, but it scares me to death to think about losing Aunt Lydia. The woman’s a saint for putting up with my bad attitude and giving me a home when I was nothing but a troubled kid bound for nowhere.

5. What do you want out of life?

I want to find my mother. She ran off with some trucker when I was eleven. Anyway, that’s what I was told. I want to know where she went and why she didn’t take me along. She still owes me a fishing trip.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

My reputation as one of the best security experts in the world. I worked hard to build that company. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I’d stayed in Redemption, if I’d married Annie and had kids. But life didn’t work out that way thanks to Annie’s dad, so I’m married to my business now.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

I like a little intrigue to keep my mind sharp. International espionage, that sort of thing.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn’t be the son of Redemption’s most reviled criminal. In my case, the sins of the father were visited on the son. People couldn’t forget. When they looked at me, they saw Clayton Hawkins and expected me to be like him.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pets. I travel a lot.


10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

It’s a toss-up between two times. I’d like to go back to that last night with my mother. I know I could have convinced her to take me along where ever she went. But I’d also like to go back to high school and the last year with Annie. That was the happiest time I can remember. Ever.

FEATURED BOOK: THE WEDDING GARDEN BY LINDA GOODNIGHT

"Are you my dad?"

The young boy's question shocks Sloan Hawkins. Until Sloan realizes he is this child's father. Years ago, the former bad boy was run out of Redemption, Oklahoma, where, ironically, he was thought unredeemable. The only people who believed in him were his beloved aunt and Annie Markham, the girl he loved and left behind. Now Sloan is back to face his past and help keep his aunt's cherished garden thriving. But when he discovers his secret child—and that single mother Annie never stopped loving him—he's determined that a wedding will take place in the garden nurtured by faith and love.

The “new black”?

You hear a lot about “the black moment” in romance. That point where all seems lost and you can’t imagine how you’ll get from here to the happy ending. The place where the guy realizes his true heroic nature, where the heroine discovers she’s stronger than she ever knew. The moment we all reach for the chocolate and tissues...

Black moments happen in real life...their reality is what makes the best stories true and powerful. And when my teenage son was diagnosed with cancer last month, I got my own personal black moment. Like in every one of our stories you’ve ever read, life sort of exploded. And imploded. Lots of things expanded beyond my capacity to cope, while other things boiled down to the truest of essentials. It was a great lesson in life, friendship, family. People came out of the woodwork to support my son and our entire family. I’m glad to have my children--who are just really putting “feet on their faith,”--see the Body of Christ doing what it’s supposed to do. And not just deacons wielding casseroles (although we’ve had that, too)--we’ve had grace and mercy and compassion extended to us in spectacular amounts. Folks showing up in hospital elevators just when we needed companionship. Phone calls coming at perfect moments. Complete strangers all over the country praying for my son. We saw legions of heroes in action on our behalf.

Still, in all this, I could not shut off the storyteller inside me. During those long days in the hospital, I discovered what I most needed was not my knitting (I actually reached a point where I couldn’t knit--who knew I could get to that place??) or chocolate or coffee, but visitors. Companions to tell the story of what was happening to our family. Because story is how I make sense of life, how I put it in a context that has any hope of making sense for me. Story connects, remembers, explains, and explores when facts are too hard to handle.

My son is expected to make a full recovery. Hodgkins Lymphoma is highly treatable and highly curable, even if chemo is a long uphill journey for someone so young (or anyone, for that matter). But oh, the story he will have as a survivor! The story we will have as a family! I could fill twelve books already.

So here’s where I climb onto my soapbox. If you’re reading this, do two things:

1) Donate blood. My son’s used dozens of units already, will use dozens more before he's done, and we’re deeply grateful for every soul who shared their blood with our precious child--or any precious body in danger and in need.

2) Donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Whether or not you think fast food is a good thing, I’m here to tell you the Ronald McDonald House was the most blessed thing in our lives for many of those long nights. There’s a little box underneath nearly every McDonald’s drive-thru window, so don’t just throw your change in there next time you grab a Big Mac, toss in a a couple of bucks in honor of my little hero. Or support any children’s hospital near you--miracles happen inside those walls.

Because I can, I will

The other day as I was driving to make our bank deposits for work, I spotted a wallet in the middle of the road. Needing to get to the bank and not quite certain what I saw, I kept driving. On my way back 30 minutes later, it was still there and now that I'd slowed down, it certainly was a wallet. So, being the consciencious person that I am, I pulled over, ran into the street and picked it up. I'm actually surprised that no one beat me to it since it had been there a while. Just goes to show you people really don't pay attention while driving.

So now I have a wallet full of stuff. The young man who owned it sure had a lot of credit cards and bank information in there, but no contact information. (note to readers-put at least a phone number inside your wallet) Rummaging through everything, I finally found a business card with a banker's name on it. Bingo. I made the call, told the gentleman where the wallet would be and where Sean could pick it up when he managed to get a hold of him.

Okay, now my writer's mind kicked in and I wondered for a bit if there was a more sinister reason. And now, would I be an accomplice to something I knew nothing about? Hmm. I may have to write a story about this one day. Fortunately, Sean came to pick it up so I'd worried for nothing. He'd left it on top of his car when he drove off after getting gas.

Why did I do it? As a Christian I could do no less. Because I can and I will do it again and because I've been in that position before when I was Sean's age but I wasn't so lucky to get everything back. And some day I hope that Sean or someone else pays it forward when I or anyone in my family lose their wallets or something else as equally important. What choice would you make?

Mark Your Calendar

Hello from Lisa Mondello. I'm in the middle of a deadline for my 3/11 book In a Doctor's Arms but I wanted to take a moment to share with you the excitement at seeing my new cover for my October 2010 book Fresh-Start Family. I know it seems like a tease since I can't show you the cover just yet. (I promise I will as soon as I get the okay.) But I can give you the back cover blurb that goes with the book. I'm really excited about this story and hope you'll mark your calendar for October 2010 when my first Love Inspired Romance, Fresh-Start Family, is released.

Fresh-Start Family by Lisa Mondello

October 2010 Love Inspired Romance

"Please, It's A Matter Of Life And Death!"

Civilian life is a strain for war hero Tom Garrison, but he's an expert at emergencies. And he puts his training to good use helping his lovely neighbor, single mom Jenna Atkins, and her sick son, Brian. Tom thinks he can rescue the family and walk away, but he's in for a big surprise. Despite his efforts, Jenna and Brian capture his heart--just as he captures theirs. Both Jenna and Tom have reason to be wary of letting anyone close. Can they overcome the past to give this family a fresh start at love?

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello

Heroine Interview from Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St. Amant

Interview with the heroine from Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St. Amant:

1. Samantha, tell me the most interesting thing about you. Well, first of all, it’s Sam. ::grin:: And I think something that might surprise people is that I skipped my senior prom several years ago to help my dad with the birthing of a foal. Sometimes, horses are just easier to be around. Less judgmental, you know?

2. What do you do for fun? I don’t have a lot of time for fun these days, but thankfully being around horses IS fun, even though it’s also hard work. I guess if I had some actual free time, I’d like to just sit out in a lawn chair in the sun with my favorite cowboy hat and a big glass of lemonade, and just sit and enjoy the view of my family farm.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? I used to put off mucking out the horses’ stalls, but now, manure isn’t a big thing. Trust me, there are worse issues in life.

4. What are you afraid of most in life? Forgetting my family’s legacy. My dad died before His time. ::pauses:: Well, I guess that’s debatable, since I know God is in control of life and death, and who am I to decide what time that is? But you know what I mean. I don’t want my father’s life to be wasted. He made some mistakes, but he was—is—my hero. My biggest goal is carrying on his legacy—for me, my mom, and for future generations.

5. What do you want out of life? I’d like to get married one day. Have kids, teach them how to ride like my dad taught me. Carry on the traditions that I still hold dear today. But who has time for dating when you’re trying to save a ranch?

6. What is the most important thing to you? Finding a way to save my father’s ranch. He put all of his sweat, money, and time into our family farm. I’m determined to keep it ours, no matter what anyone thinks—and that’s including all those bankers who refuse to give me a loan. ::glares::

7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read? I’m not a big reader, but I do try to read my Bible in the mornings before starting chores. And wow, that’s early!

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ::Shrugs:: I don’t know. A lot. Nothing. ::blushes:: This is a hard question. Maybe, uh, my stubbornness? That’s what my best friend Kate would say, anyway. Haha!

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I have a lot of pets, most of them about 16 plus hands high and furry. Living on a ranch gives you instant pets—which means instant friends. I think me and Wildfire have a special bond, though. I love all the horses in the stables, but Wildfire’s my bud. We’ve been through a lot.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? The day my dad died in the rodeo. I’d try to talk him out of riding that bull. But if he was here today, he’d probably talk me out of riding a bull too, like I’m planning to do in a few weeks. Hmm. Maybe sometimes we just need to go with our gut and forget about the fear. Forget about the possibilities of something going wrong and just go for our goal, you know? ::hesitates:: But maybe that’s what he did. And look how that turned out...Um, no offense, but is this interview over yet? I’ve got a rodeo to prepare for—before I talk myself out of it.

FEATURED BOOK: RODEO SWEETHEARTS BY BETSY ST. AMANT

To save her family ranch—and her father's legacy—Samantha Jenson reluctantly runs a dude ranch on the financially strapped property. Among the greenhorn tourists in stiff jeans and shiny cowboy boots: handsome businessman Ethan Ames. Ethan makes Sam remember her own dreams—of love and marriage. But surely he'll ride out of her life—in his fancy car—when his vacation is over. Until she learns that Ethan isn't on vacation at all. He has a very big secret. One that just might destroy her dreams of being his rodeo sweetheart…forever

Sharing a Recipe--Missy Tippens

Missy, here. I wanted to do something different today. I recently watched Alton Brown on the Food Network in an episode of his show, Good Eats, where his mother and mother-in-law (in doll form) battled it out over which type of dumplings to make--the southern rolled out and cut ones ("hard" as my family calls them) or the northern drop dumplings ("fluffy" as we call them). It was a cute show. And it inspired me to try something different. So I decided to try making the northern type--which we prefer anyway! But this was the big time. I wasn't going to be using Bisquick to make a dough to drop into broth. No, I was making them from scratch! :)

Also, everytime I make chicken and dumplings, my family tells me to lose the chicken and just make more dumplings. So this time, I got a big box of chicken broth and used that. (Not a piece of meat to ruin their meal of starch.) :)

So here's the recipe as I made it. (For the original, click here.)

A large box of chicken broth plus some water to bring it to about 8 cups. Heat to simmering. (or use the broth from cooking your chicken.)
3 Tbs. butter
1/2 c flour
2 large eggs at room temp
1/2 tsp. salt

Put 1/2 c of the broth, the butter and a 1/2 ts salt in a saucepan, bring to a boil. Once it boils, add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon, about 1 minute.

Then decrease heat to low and keep stirring until the mixture forms a ball and is no longer sticky, about 3 minutes. (Note, this didn't happen for me. It never formed a nice ball like it did for Alton.)
Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix on low speed for 5 minutes with electric hand mixer. Beat until cool.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing in the first before adding the second.
Transfer dough to a gallon size ziplock baggie. Cut off one corner so it's about a quarter-size opening.

Squeeze out 1 inch of the mixture, then snip off with kitchen scissors right into the simmering broth. Repeat until empty. Cook, covered (without stirring!) about 8-10 minutes. Turn off heat. If you're using chicken, add back in now. Wait 2-3 minutes before serving.

Though my process didn't go quite like Alton's, the dumplings were yummy. And cute! And honestly, they were more like hard dumplings in my opinion, not fluffy like I was expecting.

I hope you enjoy. How do you make your dumpings? Northern or southern?? :)

Missy

The Wedding Garden

A few years ago my brother married in a lovely garden setting in Atlanta. The harp played, the vocalist’s sweet soprano soared over the gathering, and tender vows were exchanged under a floral arbor. And then, right in the middle of all that romance, a cop car wailed past, sirens blasting. I have to tell you, everyone in the place cracked up. We’re a crazy bunch, but that’s our favorite memory about the wedding. Well, except for the chocolate table.

Now, I’ve told all that to set you up for THE WEDDING GARDEN, the second book in my Redemption River series, which releases any day now. This is one of my personal favorites, with an edgy, reformed bad boy, a couple of secrets I hope will surprise you, a cast of colorful townspeople, and a dose of southern charm. Hope you like it, too.

Are there any wedding gardens in your past?

Tell Someone--Happy Mother's Day--Lyn Cote

Lyn Cote here!--Isn't this a cute postcard? Last year I sent out about 25. I hope to send out double that this year. With your help!

Here's the deal-- I celebrate Mother's Day all the month of May on my personal blog: Strong Women, Brave Stories I call it MEGA May. One of the specials that month is my offer to send a postcard to any woman who has been special in your life--a mom, sister, mother in law, best friend, teacher.
The card reads:

Happy Mother's Day from Author Lyn Cote--
Someone who loves you, asked me to send you these loving wishes!

On the back it reads: This wish comes to you from __________________.

I'd like to fill your name into that blank line on the back of the card. If you'd like someone special to receive this postcard by Mother's day, send me an email at l(dot)cote(at)juno(dot)com Give me the person's name and their mailing address.

I ABSOLUTELY PROMISE YOU THAT I WILL NEVER GIVE OUT ANYBODY'S EMAIL OR MAILING ADDRESS TO ANYBODY or any company--MY GUARANTEE.

So who would you like to honor this Mother's Day? Let me know ASAP! The wind's a blowing!

A Tired Cat Makes a Great Story

This is Janet Tronstad checking in with everyone. Did you get a chance to read the incredible story of a cat named Charles who made the 1300 mile trip from Albuquerque to Chicago? He had run away when his owner, Robin, was away volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. Charles had been staying with a friend of Robin's and, for whatever reason, took off. Robin was heartbroken when she heard about it. After eight months, she had given up hope of seeing Charles again. Then she got a call from the animal control folks in Chicago saying they had picked up Charles and found the microchip embedded between his shoulder blades. AT first, Robin felt joy at knowing where Charles was -- then she realized she could not afford to go to Chicago to get him.

So far, Charles's story is playing out in classic story form. Problem - hope - hope dashed - more problems.

Then came the true black moment. If no one picked Charles up, he would be euthanized.

Finally, the hero enters the story. An Albuquerque resident, on his way to Chicago to a wedding, offeredf to bring Charles back with him.

This is a story that could inspire a book. I tend to like a book that is based on some event like this - how about you? Do any books come to mind that were inspired by real events?

Hero Interview for the novella by Arlene James in A Mother's Gift

Interview with the hero from the novella by Arlene James in A Mother’s Gift:

1. Joel, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I wish I could see your face when I say this, but then that’s the thing. I’m blind. Lost my sight in an explosion in Iraq. Since I’m studying law now, I’m set to be the only blind attorney in my hometown of Lawton, Oklahoma.

2. What do you do for fun?

Jogging. I love to run, love being out-of-doors. I get on that track at the park and just let it rip. That’s where I feel the most free, the most me.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Well, as a former Marine, I’m a big believer in getting it done, whatever it is, but I have to admit that I sometimes dread meeting up with old friends. If they haven’t heard about my blindness, they are invariably shocked, and if they have, they invariably feel guilty because they can still see. I don’t feel that way. I know God has a reason for this, and I’m okay with it. Now. Wasn’t always the case.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Getting lost. I can manage quite well in familiar territory, and that is an ever-expanding area, thankfully, but it’s so easy to get disoriented in a strange place. Thank God for cell phones!

5. What do you want out of life?

The same thing that every man like me wants: a family of my own, wife, kids, career, a home, the works. And I want to fulfill whatever purpose God has for me in this because I know in my heart of hearts that He has one. I’m blind for a reason, and I’m cool with that; I just want to live out that reason to the best of my ability.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

I’m alive. Not everyone who was there that day is. That’s the most important thing. I have a life, and I intend to live it completely right up to the instant God finally calls me home.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

I haven’t learned Braille, so technically, I “listen” to books. I’ve always liked the legal thrillers—big surprise, right?--but it’s all about the studies just now, you know?

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Duh. Don’t mean to laugh, but it is rather obvious.

I probably ought to say that I’d be a better son or brother or something like that, but the truth is that if I could change things, I’d have my eyesight back. That’s just human, I think. On the other hand, I’m willing to do this any way that God wants it done. Believe me, I worked hard to be able to say that.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

Nope, no pet, but I may take on a seeing-eye dog soon. I’ve always loved animals, and let’s face it, I could use the assistance, especially when I go onto campus. Right now, I’m studying on-line, but eventually I’ll have to walk the hallowed halls of law school, and that time is coming soon.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

Oh, I’d go back to that day, years ago, when my mom pointed out a certain girl to me, and this time I wouldn’t turn away.

This time I’d walk over, introduce myself and say, “Our moms are best friends, you know, and you’re just as pretty as they’ve been telling me you are.”

Maybe it wouldn’t change anything. I mean, I was already on my way to boot camp and she had a boyfriend, but you never know, do you? That face, that pretty face, has been in my head all this time. I see it constantly in my mind’s eye.

Could be worse, right? Believe me, considering all that I’ve seen, it could be much worse.

Heroine Interview from Her Forever Family by Mae Nunn

Interview with the heroine from Her Forever Family by Mae Nunn:

1. Doctor Alison Stone, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I grew up in an abusive home. When I was twelve my father killed my mother during a fit of alcoholic rage. That ultimately sent my two younger siblings and me into foster care until we were legally adults. The interesting part is that I put myself through college to become a psychotherapist so I could help other kids who were also victims of violent homes.

2. What do you do for fun?
For fun I’m a volunteer with West Texas Rescue in San Angelo, Texas. I get to hang from the bottom of a Bell Helicopter by a “long line” and be dropped into canyons to recover people who’ve been trapped or stranded. I specialize in rock climbing and repelling.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Billing my clients! I have huge student loans to pay off but I just hate to take money for what I love doing; helping kids in trouble.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I guess I’m most afraid of being totally alone. God created us to be in relationship with Him so by nature we are intended to share our lives , our joys and our sorrows with one another.

5. What do you want out of life?
A family that no one can ever take away from me.

6. What is the most important thing to you?
Security. Financial security is nice, but I mean the kind of security that comes from having peace in your heart as you go through your day and when you lie down to sleep at night. That kind of security can come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
I mostly read trade journals so I can keep up with the latest on treatment for anxiety and OCD. When I travel I like to take along one of those great Love Inspired novels.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My thunder thighs! I shouldn’t complain, because having muscular legs helps me climb better. I accepted years ago that I’d never be a skinny Minnie like the girls in the magazines but it’s still difficult not to look in the mirror and be critical of my body.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
Simba is my best friend and my pride and joy. She’s a full-blooded Rhodesian Ridgeback. She’s a registered working dog and she accompanies me everywhere.


10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I would go back to the day before my father killed my mother and find a way to stop him. That was my dream when I was a kid. Today I understand that it was always in God’s hands and He had a plan for me even though there was such terrible tragedy early in my life.

God is good, all the time!

My best,
Ali

S is for Spring!

To me, Spring is a season of "new".

New blooms, new buds, new grass, new leaves, new chances and opportunities. For some reason, even though winter is technically the beginning of the calendar year, Spring really inspires me to get started. And not just with Spring cleaning, but with my writing and other personal goals!

This Spring has already been super busy and its not over yet! I've got multiple writing projects going on, I started freelancing for our local Forum newspaper, I have two speaking events between now and June, I'm celebrating and promoting my April 1st book release of RODEO SWEETHEART, I started a part time job outside of the home, trying to help fill the gaps while my husband continues to search for a full time job, and my sister's first baby is due in May. I'm about to be aunt, and nothing screams "new" like a sweet little newborn! I can't wait, and neither can she. (and apparently, neither can the baby. my sister was in the hospital last week for early contractions, but is home now on bedrest hoping the little one can "bake" a few more weeks!)

What about you? Does Spring kick-start something in your brain that makes you to go-go-go? Or is just another season (that makes you sneeze!)