An Unlikely Match Interview

How exciting to have Asher Chatam, the hero from AN UNLIKELY MATCH, by Arlene James a June, 2011, release from Love Inspired Romance.

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

It has to be soccer related. I'm the youth soccer commissioner in Buffalo Creek, Texas, and I once thought I'd play professionally. I attended college on a soccer scholarship, but an injury forced me to focus my efforts elsewhere, which is how I wound up an attorney.

2. What do you do for fun?

Soccer. I play, plan, coach or watch soccer whenever I have downtime. Oh, and jogging. I love a good run. Guess you can tell I'm a bit of a fitness nut.

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

Laundry. I'm not the sort to put off things, really. In my experience that just exacerbates the problem, but I don't see the point in doing the laundry unless the closet or dresser is empty. Plus, I know I'm going to mess something up when I do it. Typical guy, I guess.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Failing to do my best, especially when it's a matter of time. I just don't always have the time to devote to things. That's a real problem with people and relationships. People deserve time, and I just don't always have it. I try to make time for family, but it's not easy, and I always feel a little guilty about that.

5. What do you want out of life?

I want to excel at what I do, whether it's law or coaching or whatever. I guess that's why I've avoided personal relationships. I don't have the time to be a good friend, etc.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

My reputation is important to me. As an attorney, my reputation is everything. It's even more important because I'm an espousing Christian. Too many people think of attorneys as shysters, and I absolutely want to avoid anything that seems the least bit shady or improper. That's another reason I don't date much.

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

I don't really read for entertainment. Just don't have the time. Also, I read so much for my work that reading isn't the first thing that comes to mind when I have some downtime. I guess my favorite type of book, though, would be the old classics. You know, Shakespeare to Twain, with a little Aristotle and Socrates thrown in.

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

I get that I'm a bit uptight, and I'd really like to change that, but I do serious work. I have to think how my actions and reactions may impact my work, which is ultimately for the good of others. If that makes me a little cautious, well, God will have to do something about that. I can't seem to.

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

No pet. I don't have time for a pet. I barely have time for people, so it wouldn't be responsible of me to have a pet.

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

I guess I'd go back to college and do some things different there. I'd not do some things and definitely do some things that I didn't the first time. Maybe I could save myself and others some heartache. For instance, I wouldn't try to be the hero of every game and injure myself. And I either wouldn't get married or I'd give her more time so she wouldn't divorce me. Maybe I'd have a more normal life then, something besides work and soccer. I see these guys who have been married for years at my age and are dads now, while I'm just their kids' soccer coach or just the league commissioner. Ah, well, the law is rewarding work, and I'm good at it. And I do still have the soccer. I just wish…but never mind that. God knows what's best.

Ask Elnora--Are Christian Romance Novels bad for us?? Lenora Worth

Hello, my lovelies. Elnora has had a good week. I can see the end of the tunnel on the work in progress. It's all downhill from here. Whew. I'm pushing through the black moment and into my happily-ever-after. And we do still believe in happily-ever-after, don't we? Let's be honest, when we read a love story and reach the end, we HOPE the couple will be happy for a long, long time, right? But we leave them at a good place. We can't predict what will happen the day after we close the book.

But we can hope. Elnora so believes in hope, faith, and love. If we don't hope that a couple will make it, then alas, all is lost. When I married my dear Big Daddy right out of high school, I was scared and unsure of my future. But I HOPED that we'd make our marriage work. That doesn't mean every day was like a fairy tale with flowers blooming and animals chirping and following Elnora around the house. No prince put a shoe on my foot. No, darlings. My prince went to work in the car factory and came home tired and smelling of industrial paint. My prince made sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads. And in return, I tried to be the princess he could admire. I grew strong and found my own style and ... I followed my own dreams so I wouldn't have to be so dependent on him for the things only I could make happen. I followed my dreams, but I was settled in reality--the reality of a marriage with ups and downs and all sorts of adventures. So I ask, dear darling people, is it so very bad for women to read Christian fiction? Or are we as smart and capable as Elnora believes us to be? Are we smart enough to know that novels are good clean fun (but the real world is still there when we reach The End?) I believe Christian women are smart enough to know ... in a happy marriage a prince can sometimes seem like a frog and a princess can easily turn into a diva, but we love each other, flaws and all. Most of the women I know have no illusions about life and what is required of them. They love their husbands and their families and ... they have the fairy tale, they accept the adventures, good and bad. They have someone to love, they have faith, and they have hope ... always. And they have these values even if things in real life go terribly wrong.

Please, someone tell me I'm not wrong? 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 states: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

That is why we write love stories. How can that be bad for anyone?

New Kid on the Block: Kit Wilkinson!

Missy, here. You may have seen Kit Wilkinson's name as an author writing for LI Suspense. But in July, she has her very first Love Inspired Romance coming out, Mom in the Making. So I thought I'd feature her as our New Kid on the Block this week. I did a fun interview with Kit...

-Was it difficult to write a straight romance without the suspense element?

Surprisingly, no! And I really enjoyed using the extra "space" to develop the characters. In a suspense, there's SO much to cram in the plot that it's difficult to study character and not lose story momentum. In the romance, I didn't have to worry about that. It was kind of nice :-)

--What's one thing we may not know about you?

I lived in Europe for most of my twenties, in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was definitely a defining time of my life. I studied at the university there, taught English classes and traveled some. It was a fabulous experience. I'm very ready to go back for a visit!!! (um...I'm hoping my parents are reading this and are moved to buy me a ticket )

--What do you plan to write next?

Right now, I am writing an Amish suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. This is a story about an Amish raised police detective who is asked to go back to his hometown to solve a murder--a sort of prodigal son story. I'm having a great time writing this. I find the Amish culture fascinating, so I have enjoyed the research (including a trip to Lancaster). 

--School's almost out! What's your favorite summer activity? Favorite ice cream flavor?

The BEACH! I don't know if that's an activity but that is my favorite part of summer. No doubt. We have a great place just two hours away and I hope to spend LOTS of time there as soon as school's out. I love to walk, run, read, and play with my kids there. And I love how tired we are at the end of the day. I also have a great place to write there and get a lot of work done, so that's nice too.  

I like cookie dough ice cream best, but honestly I'm not a huge ice cream fan. I'd rather skip the ice cream and eat more cake!!! 

******

Kit Wilkinson is a former Ph.D. student who once wrote discussions on the medieval feminine voice. She now prefers weaving stories of romance and redemption. Her first inspirational manuscript won the prestigious RWA Golden Heart and sold to Harlequin.

Besides writing, she loves hanging out with friends and family, cooking for lots of people, and spending time in the sun. She, her two children and one extremely energetic Border Collie live in central Virginia.

The End!

Linda Goodnight here, pounding away toward a June 1 deadline and the final installment of the five book series, Redemption River. Hanging out in this small town with Popbottle Jones, GI Jack and a cast of broken spirits who discover hope and healing has been a fulfilling experience. The books have been good to me, garnering two RITA finalists and a Booksellers’ Best final this year, and readers have written beautiful letters about the way the stories have impacted them. So, it is with bittersweet feelings that I cross the bridge to Redemption one last time and bring this series to a close. Of course, book four won’t be out until Christmas and book five is scheduled for next spring, so they will still be around for a while. Still, I'll miss my daily visits.


Has there ever been a series that you especially loved and were sorry to see end?

Would You Help a Child? Author Brenda Novak Wants to Know

Today I'm keeping track of something good. Every year Author Brenda Novak sponsors an online auction to benefit Diabetes Research. Since I have a son with this disease this cause is very close to my heart. If you click the photo below of Brenda, a new window will open with the auction.




Every year I donate a gift basket with something I've knitted and some of my books. Last year a person paid ove $80 for an afghan and 4 of my books. That really made me smile. Here is the link to my gift basket in case you'd like to bid on it. See what I knit this year in the photo above.

Also here's a link to 14 inspirational autographed books to go to the highest bidder. Some of the Craftie Ladies are on the list! Check out Missy Tippens' at http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2168958


Let us know if you find something you like enough to bid on. And Craftie Ladies, if you have donated an item, let us know here too.

Don't miss this Chance to Help a Child!

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Rooting for Characters

I recently attended a writing workshop about rooting for characters. The workshop brought lots of questions to my mind as I tried to think of myself in terms of a reader and not a writer. Listening to the workshop presenter's talk made me realize that no matter how wonderful the plot is, if I don't care about the characters in the story, I really don't want to finish the book. How about you? What makes a character sympathetic and makes you want to root for them to reach their goal?

Do you like powerful and attractive characters? Or do you like characters that are down on their luck? Would you like a character that has a physical or mental handicap? What makes you care about the characters in a book? What kind of characters do you like to read about? Tell us about a character that you've read about recently who stands out in your mind. Why did that character resonate with you?

Ask Elnora--Why do we love the beach?? Lenora Worth

Darlings, this will be a quick post. Elnora is lounging on pure white sand by a blue ocean. And maybe flirting with the cabana boy just a bit. I will try to tear myself away to check in and make sure everyone is behaving while I enjoy a little rest and relaxation. But that begs the question--Why do women love the beach so much? And why do men seem to think it's the most boring thing on God's green earth?

Discuss amongst yourself and I'll be back to see what you're saying. Right now, I need to check on my tan and find something fruity and refreshing to drink.

Wish you were here!

Leigh Bale Talks About Weddings & Funerals

You all know my daughter is getting married next month. With a new book out this month (The Forest Ranger’s Promise), another book coming out in November (The Forest Ranger’s Husband), and meeting my deadlines for the third book, life is beyond hectic. The wedding invitations are ready to mail out, the party favors are prepared, and the wedding dress is “almost” finished.

And then last week ended up being horrible when my dear Aunt Shirley died. It was expected. She’d been fighting ovarian cancer for several years now. And really, it was a blessing because of the intense suffering she was going through, but it was so hard to let go. I dedicated my second book to Aunt Shirley as the bravest fighter in the ring. Because that’s what you have to become when you’re fighting cancer. A prize fighter.

I am awed by both my aunt and my mother’s courage. These two women were very dear sisters. Orphaned at the tender ages of six and four, they had come to depend upon one another all their lives. My mother was right by my aunt’s side and vice versa.

My own sister is flying in for my daughter’s wedding. I haven't seen her in almost six years. And I can’t wait. I want to wrap my arms around her and hold tight. I feel the same about my daughter, mother, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Believe me, I’m crazy about the men in my life too. But right now, I’m particularly grateful for the strong, loving women in my family who help me be a better person. Who never give up on me despite my flaws. Who love and support me unconditionally.

So I hope today that you’ll all call your siblings, hug your parents, do something kind for your children, or just tell them each that you love them. Don’t wait. Do it now. And God bless cancer victims worldwide.

iPhone Calendar

Terri Reed here, keeping track of my daily obligations has been made easier with my iPhone's calendar. I used to write everything on my wall calendar that I have hanging next to my desk. Now all my appointments and daily to-do's go on the iPhone. At a glance I can see what I need to do for the day, the week and the month. I love the alarm feature. Key point though, make sure the phones not on vibrate!

I imagine that my hero in my upcoming July release, The Innocent Witness, used his iPhone calendar often. He's a smart guy.

Meet Jenny, from Australia!

Yes, the title of this blog is "Meet Jenny, from Australia." BUT, the photo is "Jenny in Hawaii". AND the blog is coming to you from aCraftie Ladie in America. Isn't the Internet wonderful? Anyhook, we craftie ladies love our readers. So today, we're honoring one.

Go ahead, sit back and enjoy.

Welcome, Jenny! Tell us a little about yourself.
Firstly thanks for having me this is a first for me and it is exciting and scary. I am an Aussie who lives in a small country town. When I say small its about 5,000 people. I am a cricket fanatic (A sport Aussies love as does Cheryl Wyatt). I am single and currently studying the diploma of business administration and am finding it quite challenging. I was a carer for my elderly mother for so many years and when she went into care full time I started studying and have been finding out what freedom really is after so many years as a carer. I am an avid reader and have a tbr list of probably over 500 but I am not game to count but more than one bookcase full of unread books. I enjoy traveling also and hope to do so more once I get employment.

What are you three favorite books (I know, hard to narrow it down). Tell us, what spiraled them to the top of your list? What did the author do that won you over?
This is an extremely hard question. Can I include a series if I can Jeanette Oke's Canadian West series is what got me back into reading back in the late eighties I hadn't read that much for several years and the first book then the rest of the series had me hooked and I haven't looked back since. What did she do to win me over she made me fall in love with Canada and mounties, I wanted to meet a mountie like the one in the series. Second I would have to say the House of Winslow series by Gilbert Morris, What can I say I love his writings, I love how he weaves history in the story and tells the story of what happened in history along with his story. I really cant narrow his books down to just one book. 3rd this is hard but I am going to say Carla Capshaws The Gladiator the book gave me a new appreciation of the early day Christians and their dedication to Christ. They knew at any stage they could be killed for there faith. It helps knowing Carla is such a lovely lady.

What are you reading today?
I am reading Small Town Moms by Janet Tronstad and Deb Clopton.

Do you write, also? If so, tell us what you’re working on?
No not a writer I don't have the talent to write but I do love to read and support authors.

Besides the Craftie Ladies, tell us two or three other Blogs you like to visit and why.
I visit Seekerville most days http://seekerville.blogspot.com, Kaye Dacus http://kayedacus.com/ and International Christian fiction Writers http://internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com/ to name a few. My bookmarks have many blogs booked marked.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I have a blog where I post reviews and have a Getting to know you feature each Thursday which I introduce authors to readers. I am always looking for more authors to feature and this year I am trying to introduce some Australian authors to my readers.

Also thank you for having me on your blog. I do love Love inspired books all three genres.

Jenny,
Thanks so much for being our Monday’s Main Character. Here's a link to Jenny's blog.

http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results

Instant Daddy Interview

How exciting to have Jessie Chandler, the heroine from Instant Daddy, by Carol Voss, a May, 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1. Jessie, tell me the most interesting thing about you. I think the most interesting thing about me is that I adopted my twin sister’s baby boy.

2. What do you do for fun? I play with my adorable 18-month-old & work on my little apartment to get it ready to move into, and I do volunteer work at church.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? I don’t date.

4. What are you afraid of most in life? My biggest fear is losing people I love.

5. What do you want out of life? I want to provide a safe, secure and loving environment for my son, Jake.

6. What is the most important thing to you? Jake, of course. And my family and friends.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book? I read decorating books, cook books (I own a diner), child-rearing books and, of course, I read lots of children’s books to Jake. He especially loves books about Thomas, the toy engine.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would be the strong, capable woman I was before the car accident that nearly claimed my life.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? No pets yet. I see a dog in the future though.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? If I didn’t have Jake in my life now, I would want to go back to the happy time before the accident robbed me of my ability to have children and, consequently, my fiancé.

FEATURED BOOK: INSTAND DADDY BY CAROL VOSS

The toddler in Jessica Chandler's arms is Dr. Peter Sheridan's spitting image. Down to the auburn hair, dark brown eyes, cleft chin—and small birthmark on his jaw. Peter had no idea he had a child. Or that the baby's mother passed on, and his son was being raised by her twin sister, Jessie. A workaholic with few personal ties, Peter has no clue how to be a father. Though Jessie fears he'll take the boy away, she's willing to show Peter how to be there for his son. But can she open her heart to this instant daddy, as well?

Ask Elnora--About Packing for a Trip????? Lenora Worth

I'm in a rush today, my darlings. That's because I'm in Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference. Elnora will be doing two workshops. One today after lunch (when everyone will be extremely sleepy)and one early Saturday morning (when Elnora will be extremely sleepy.) But I will make sure my two or three attendees get a bang for their buck. I can certainly tell fellow writers what NOT to do. But right now, I'm exhausted. Packing? Why is it so bothersome? Why can't I just walk into my closet and grab a few outfits and one--yes, one--pair of shoes and be happy?

Elnora just isn't wired that way. Oh no, I have to try on this with that and tie this scarf around that blouse and ... decide which shoes and jewelry to wear and maybe I do need a different pair of shoes for each day. A different string of pearls for each day, too. In the end, I usually have more shoes than outfits and days to wear them. But ... that's just me. This is a three day conference. And one day on the road Sunday. So far, I've packed five pairs of shoes. And I'll have one pair on my feet. I haven't even considered purses yet!!!

My back hurts and I think I'm getting a headache. I am highly allergic to packing!
I need a ladies maid. I also need a housekeeper and a chef, too. But alas, I don't think I'll have any of those things in the near future.

But enough about my needs. I must get back to the conference. I might actually learn how to write a book. Meanwhile, discuss amongst yourself--Why is packing for a trip so tedious???? And if you have questions, ask away. I'm sure my Love Inspired sisters will be happy to talk to you about packing. Or maybe some of you out there have a system that I can use. Y'all might even give me a few pointers. I'll check back later, I promise. Right now I have to decide which shoes to wear today!

The Kiss

I loved watching the royal wedding of Kate and William. My favorite part was the kiss. Okay, I'm a romance writer. I should say that. It is expected. What I loved about the wedding is the sense of hope. Two young people in love (and I think they are in love) and ready to start a life together. Their story is a romance. I could have written it. Any romance writer could have.

So what makes a good kiss in a book or movie or real life?

Tribute to Mom by Leann Harris

Since it is so close to Mother's Day, I wanted to share a funny story with y'all. My mother and grandmother at one time tried to color their hair. Now both mom and grandmother have dark hair, so when grandmother decided to dye her hair to rid it of the gray, she turned her hair orange. Not a mute orange, but a bright neon orange. She called my mother hysterical. What could she do? Between laughs, mom advised her to go to the beauty shop and have the pros dye it black.

After grandma's experience, you'd think mom might have an idea that her hair wouldn't take color well. But no. She tried having her hair streaked with silver. What mom got was ugly mustard color. She wasn't a happy camper when she came home from the beauty salon. But mom lived with it until it grew out.

As you can see, my mother is a nurse. I will tell you she had the gift of nursing and every patient she ever had adored her. She is an amazing woman...who shouldn't dye her hair.

Over at the eharlqeuin site, there are more stories. Lyn Cote is leading it today. Check it out.
http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/love-inspired/humorous-family-stories-lyn-cote

Characters Wanted: Debra Clopton

Hi--Debra Clopton here! Seems like its been forever since I posted. I'm glad to be here today on Main Character Monday. I love, love, love creating main characters. I spend a lot of time trying to come up with main characters with quirks and problems that interest me. I love watching people and getting inspiration from variety of sources to roll into a character. In March Love Inspired rereleased my first two books THE TROUBLE WITH LACY BROWN and AND BABY MAKES FIVE. I still remember when I was coming up with those characters. Lacy Brown was a character that was so full of life and loved the Lord with all of her heart. When I created her I just went over the top on making her full of joy while also making her flawed in that her vivacious spirit that drew me to her was also what got her in trouble all the time.

When I created Lilly Tipps for the And Baby Makes Five I had her being raised by three man hating grandmas and her best friend was Samantha the donkey. :) It was such fun and 20 books later I'm still working on trying to make my main characters and secondary characters characters that interest me and you. On that same note, I enjoy watching TV shows with quirky characters, like Monk, and The Closer oh and I can't forget about Castle! Love those shows. Do you have any characters from books or from movies or TV that you love? I'd love to hear about them. Until next time live, laugh and seek God with all your heart. Debra Clopton

The Forest Ranger's Promise Interview

How exciting to have _ Melanie McAllister the heroine from The Forest Ranger’s Promise_a May 2011 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

I can make the best pickle pie in three counties! Seriously. I suppose running a sheep ranch is also one of the most interesting things about me. It’s a tough profession for a woman, but it’s all I’ve ever known. Opal Ranch has been in my family for four generations. But I always wanted to go to college too. I’d like to study science. In high school, I got pretty good grades in math and science. I just never got the chance to go on to college. I married quite young after high school, had a child, and then my husband died in an accident. I find a lot of solitude in my work, but there are days when I’d love to find the time and resources to branch out and see what else I could do. The ranch is so much a part of me, but it’s not my identity. I’m going to take an online course next fall and see how I do. It’s been a long time since I did homework. Wish me luck!

2. What do you do for fun?

Hunt nightcrawlers at midnight. My daughter and I like to go fishing now and then. But we haven’t had much fun over the past few years. First, my husband had a substance abuse problem, but I’d rather not talk about that. After he passed away, I was always working so hard just to keep us going. But I must say I absolutely love watching my daughter play soccer. She’s really good. And fast. And after a game, we love to go get ice cream cones at the drive in, if it’s open. (The town we live in is quite small, so the drive in only opens up during the summer tourist season.) If it’s not open yet, I take us home and make us ice cream cones. We sit outside on the back porch and watch the sunset. Remember my home is called Opal Ranch, with good reason. White and gold-colored mountains surround the valley where I live. It’s so beautiful watching the sun set light up the sky with red and orange clouds.

I also love feeding the dogie (orphan) lambs with my daughter, Anne. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun. The baby lambs are so voracious to latch onto the bottles that they almost knock you down. Their little tails move so quick that they look like a whirling dervish. So cute and fuzzy!

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

Mucking out stalls. Yuck! What can I say? It’s a dirty job.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Losing my ability to think and act for myself. Before his death, my husband kept me pretty much under his thumb. After he died, I never wanted to marry again. I wanted to be able to do what I thought was right without being belittled or abused in any way. Then I met a very special man who taught me that real love is when you put other people’s needs before your own. I never thought I’d meet someone like Scott. He loves me unconditionally. And he’s taught me what real love is. Now I’m not afraid anymore.

5. What do you want out of life?

To be a beauty pageant queen. Yeah, right!

Seriously, I want to raise my daughter to be a good, righteous young woman. To be loved and to give love in return. To work and serve my family and the Lord in any way I can.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

Chocolate. Okay, okay. Maybe that’s the second most important thing. The first would have to be my family. I know it might sound cliché, but I’ve faced losing everything in my life. My home, livelihood, husband and child. And that kind of situation really puts perspective on things. I can honestly say I don’t care where I have to live as long as I can be safe with my family. And being able to live at Opal Ranch is just icing on my cake. It is the Garden of Eden for me. No prettier place on earth.

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

Are you kidding? I love to read! I enjoy books on the Presidents of the United States. I have a really good memory and can name each president, who his vice president was, and who they ran against. Odd, I know. But there it is anyway.

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

I wish I had softer hands. I also wish I weren’t such a pessimist. I worry too much. I always think the worst thing is going to happen. Maybe that’s because so many bad things have happened in my life. But now, I have a chance to change all of that. I don’t think life will ever be easy, but the Lord has strengthened and blessed me to be able to face whatever comes.

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

I have hundreds of pets! Sheep, horses, and a few cows. But they really aren’t pets. I have a black and white border collie with droopy ears named Bob, because he has a bobbed tail. He’s the best sheep dog I’ve ever seen. Gentle, quiet, and he does his work with very few commands. He’s getting old now, but he’s my good friend.

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

I’d like to visit Norway during the time of King Harald Fairhair. Not to stay, mind you. But just to visit. I love history and am curious about what kind of man King Harald must have been to unite ancient Norway for the first time under one king. This would have also been during the time of Rollo, the First Duke of Normandy. I’d like to ask him why he started raiding his own Norse people along the Vik and got outlawed from Norway. I have my own ideas on why he did it, but I’d like to ask him…if he would take off my head first. :)

FEATURED BOOK: THE FOREST RANGER'S PROMISE BY LEIGH BALE

Managing a Wyoming sheep ranch and a feisty little girl isn't easy for widow Melanie McAllister. The last thing she needs is yet another forest ranger to stir up trouble for the ranchers. But when she meets single dad Scott Ennison and his daughter, she realizes there's something special about this ranger. Scott has vowed to protect the land and the ranchers his predecessors have alienated in the past. Yet no one wants to trust him—except courageous Melanie. Together they'll prove that a rancher and a ranger can become neighbors, friends…maybe even a family.

Ask Elnora--About Weddings?????

Did someone get married today? Wait, let Elnora get her tea and pastries. I do believe there was a very important event this morning. Early this morning. Very, very early in Colonist time. But thankfully, we have about eight million news outlets covering the Royal Wedding (why is that always in CAPS???) so Elnora won't have to miss her beauty sleep or any detail of this grand affair. Sigh. Don't you just love a wedding?

While I got married in a private ceremony wearing a Gunny Sack dress (remember those back in the seventies--yes, Elnora was a flower child), I've always loved weddings. And I cry like a big bawling baby at weddings. We have several questions to consider this morning (early this morning) regarding Kate and Wills and weddings in general.

1. Why do we love weddings so much?
2. Why do we love a prince and his princess so much??
3. Why do we still believe in fairy tales even though reality isn't so pretty?
And 4. Did anyone get a look at her shoes????

My darlings, it's all about lasting love and happiness. It's about being hopeful in a world where jaded people are tired and weary and skeptical and cynical. I still believe in love and hope and happily ever after and I don't care if it starches the queen's knickers!! So, let's discuss. Or rather, someone start the discussion while Elnora find the Community Dark coffee and pours herself a big mug. Not very ladylike but then did I mention it's rather early for me??

Allie Pleiter on What the Breadmaker Taught Me

I tried banana bread in my automatic bread-maker this morning.  I found a recipe on the internet, followed the instructions to the letter...until the part where I had to tell my machine to skip the kneading and rising functions.

It won't.

My machine insists on going through those cycles no matter which buttons I press.  I'm committed, however, because the batter's in there and I still hold out hope that this could end well.  I'm an optimist by nature, and I want my house to smell like baking banana bread even if I can't eat the results.  I'm hoping I can, but I'm thinking this poor batter will be so mauled by the time it bakes that I'll have a banana brick instead of banana bread.

There's a lesson here for us writers.  Especially those of us struggling through revisions at the moment.  Our impulse is to beat the words to death, to knead them, sit on them, stir them up endlessly in the pursuit of excellence.  Yet, sometimes they just need to be mixed up a bit and slipped gently into the oven.  Every writer I know has re-written a book to death, or at least within an inch of its life.  Not always to the best results.

It's fear, I think.  Fear we don't have the talent we used to (or weren't sure we had in the first place).  We can't bring ourselves to trust the process, God's gift of words, and the strength of the story.  So, if you are an aspiring writer and you can't stop kneading your story today, or there's something you can't bring yourself to turn in to that editor, contest, or crit partner, learn from my bread-maker:  Go.  Back off, step back, and realize that it might just be done and ready to bake.

Like Arthur William Radford said, "half of art is knowing when to stop."

As for the banana bread?  Give me a few hours and I'll let you know.

Bid On Me

Kim Watters here....Come bid on me. I wanted to tell you about an awesome opportunity to help find a cure for Junvenile Diabetes. Brenda Novak does an auction each year in May and there are many wonderful items to bid on. I've included my offering below.

I know some of our other lovely and talented Craftie authors have donated items as well so check us out.

I'm auctioning off a gift bag. Included in this tote bag is an autographed copy of On Wings of Love, a sterling silver and Marcasite necklace, a candle and candle holder, a heart paperweight, a picture frame, a mirror, a decorative charm, a pen and calendar.

http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2154316

To check out the regualr auction, click here

http://www.brendanovak.com/auction.shtml

Easing back into the week...

Hello from Lisa Mondello. If you're like me, you're coming down from your sugar high from all that Easter chocolate and candy the Easter bunny left. I spent the morning nursing my coffee and staring at my computer screen.

Hopefully you were in better shape than me! But I do hope that all you enjoyed your Easter Sunday and that it was filled with wonderful food and the company of family and good friends. Many blessings to you!

Lisa Mondello

http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com

From Us to You

Ask Elnora--It's Good Friday--so tell us something good!

My precious people, today is Good Friday. What a special day for all of us. There are so many bad things going on in the world today, we sometimes become overwhelmed with helplessness. But Elnora knows we're not helpless! I went with a few friends to see the movie "The Grace Card" this week. Powerful story about hatred and racism and a griefing family. But if you change the race card to the grace card, you have a whole new world. The grace card says "I promise to pray for you everyday. Ask for your forgiveness, grant you the same and be your friend always." It's that simple. We can all extend grace to someone else, especially today when the world needs a little grace.

So tell me--What is good about your life? What blessings can you share on this special holy day? Me, I am blessed to have Big Daddy, my darling husband who puts up with the many moods of Elnora (and Lenora), and I have two beautiful grown children who continue to surprise and amaze me (even on days when they make my hair gray!!!) I have roof over my head and flowers in my garden and friends to laugh and cry with. Friends such as all of you. And I know that no matter what, God loves me and gives me His grace. Oh, and I have shoes and books, of course!!! But that's enough about me. I want to know what's good in your life?

New Kid on the Block

Missy, here. I'd like to welcome new kid Ginny Aiken, who's not actually new to Love Inspired (she's had LI suspense novels published) but is new to Love Inspired Romance. Her first LI, The Daddy Surprise, will be out in June.


Ginny, congrats on your upcoming LI! Can you tell us titles of the books you've published with Love Inspired Suspense?

Mixed up With The Mob

Mistaken For The Mob

Married to The Mob

Danger in a Small Town

Suspicion

Someone To Love

All of them are LI Suspense, and the first three were the most fun to write of all I've written, while the other three were definitely the most challenging because of the subject matter. I love both series.

Can you tell us a blurb about The Daddy Surprise?

I can't beat the back cover copy on the absolutely gorgeous cover of The Daddy Surprise! Here it is:

Matthew "Ryder" Lyndon has just learned he's the father of a five-year-old girl. A girl who suddenly appears in his life with her mother, Lucie Adams--and Lucie is everything Ryder remembers. Beautiful, sun-washed, a free spirit who made him smile. But she'd trampled his heart with her sudden disappearance six years ago. Coming face-to-face with each other again, both Ryder and Lucie are reminded of what they once shared. Now God has given him an unexpected blessing in their daughter. After all this time, can Ryder find a place for them in his life?

Sounds like a great story! What's your favorite vacation spot?

Vacation? You've got to be kidding! What's a vacation??? Four college educations have put vacations in a distant category. These days, my favorite vacation is time with my two little grandsons...wherever they might be.

Grandkids are enough fun to call a vacation! :) What's something people may not know about you?

That English isn't my native language! Believe me, in spite of my lack of foreign accent and my totally American education, sentence structure has at times been a massive challenge.

Ginny, thanks so much for giving us a sneak peek! We'll be looking forward to your new book. I guess book club subscribers will get it this month! :)


***********
A former newspaper reporter, Ginny Aiken lives in northwestern Indiana with her husband of thirty-four years, their three dogs, and her husband's miniature parrot--yes, his parrot. Ginny was born in Havana, Cuba, and was raised in Valencia and Caracas, Venezuela. An avid reader, she wrote her first book at the age of fifteen but burned it when she turned a 'mature' sixteen. University in Europe, college in northwestern Pennsylvania, and four sons followed. In the hope of retaining some sanity amid all that testosterone, she turned to writing and still works at the hardest job she'll ever love--except raising those four guys. When Ginny's not writing, she's reading, knitting, embroidering counted cross-stitch, or playing with her two gorgeous grandsons.

What's Special About Easter?

Linda Goodnight here. Easter is coming up this Sunday. Of all the holy days, to me Resurrection Day is the most special, the most significant. Jesus gave himself as the sacrificial lamb that we might live. Wow! That moves me just to type it.

Every year, I look for ways, beyond our beautiful Easter Church services, to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with more honor and zeal. For instance, last year, we made Resurrection eggs for our new daughter to learn the Easter Story. In turn, she decorated the living room wall with Easter art and made this egg wreath.

So I thought I’d ask:

What special things do you do to prepare for and celebrate Easter? (And can I steal your ideas? lol)

Lyn Cote here-Are Men Romantic?

Lyn Cote here--keeping track today about one of the many differences between men and women. How romantic are each of the sexes?

Click the link below and you'll watch a 1.02 minute video. It's a clip from the old comedy, FRIENDS. I never watched the show much, but this is so exactly on target.

http://youtu.be/iGoC8FTLKSI

Now compare that video with this one.


How do you explain the contrast between the first and second videos?

Why is one man bereft of romance and the other filled with it to overflowing?

Any ideas? We romance writers want, no NEED to know!

Here's an excerpt from my latest romance, Daddy in the Making. I think this is a very romantic scene. Tell me what you think?

To set up the scene, my hero is a vet and with the help of my heroine he has just rescued a litter of orphaned kittens.
***
Inside, Jeannie stood across from Jake, with the high examining table between them. One by one, he gently lifted out the kittens. He examined their teeth, ears, prodded their abdomens, and gave them distemper shots. All the while, he murmured to them. All the while Jeannie pressed her lips tightly together to hold it all in—all her sadness, her loss, and her loneliness. She and Carrie had been orphaned too and left defenseless in this harsh world.

When Jeannie had placed the last kitten back into the box, she turned away, trying to hide the tears that could no longer be held back. Trying to stop them.

"Jeannie, oh, Jeannie," Jake said and within two steps, she found herself in his arms. "Don't cry."

Jake folded Jeannie into his arms and against him. Jeannie--soft and warm and fragrant, with the subtle scent of lilacs.

"I'm sorry. I'll stop--" But then a sob erupted, ripping the peace of the quiet clinic.

"This is about more than just these poor kittens." His unexpected observation slipped out, but he judged it to be true. "What's wrong, Jeannie?" I can't bear to see you cry. Let me make it right.

"It's just all the orphans in this sad world. I know how that feels--I was one," she whispered.

Me, too. He'd never put this into words. But he had been orphaned too. At least, that was how he'd always felt. A lump in his chest, he tugged Jeannie even closer. "I'm here," he said simply.
***
So are men naturally romantic? And do you agree that my scene is romantic?--Lyn