Ready for RWA

Missy Tippens, here. Thank you for all the excitement for yesterday's post. It's been a huge thrill and honor to be nominated for a RITA®. It's made getting ready for this year's Romance Writers of America national conference that much more exciting.

I've been busy picking out dresses to take with me, especially for the RITA and Golden Heart awards ceremony. Also for the big party Harlequin throws for their authors every year. Not to mention the shoes and jewelry! I'm just glad the conference is in Atlanta this year so I don't have to fly. I can take as much luggage as I need. :)

When I went to pick out my dress for the awards ceremony, I took my daughter with me. She's sixteen and very honest with me. Needless to say, she had no qualms telling me when something didn't look good! So when I fell in love with THE dress, I was relieved when she approved...provided I wore a body shaper underneath! LOL

Gotta love teenagers and how they keep us humble. :)

I thought I'd share my dress with you today. I adore the color (the close up is truer to color) and satiny fabric. You can all picture me in it next Saturday night (the 19th). Just be sure to picture me all cinched in and "shaped." <grin>

RITA Watch: A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens

Debby Giusti here!

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing Missy Tippens' delightful story, A House Full of Hope, which is a 2013 RITA finalist in the Inspirational Category. Missy is one of our own Craftie Ladies, and we're so proud of her accomplishments. 

Congrats, Missy, on the well-deserved recognition for your wonderful story! 

Since we're talking about the fictional worlds that authors create, let's slip into our imaginations to chat with Missy's book...

Can you tell us when you were born? 

I was born in 2011 and was released into the world February, 2012. 

Where was your place of birth? 

The small fictional town of Corinthia, Georgia. 

Do you have any brothers and sisters? 

I do! A Family for Faith (2011) and Georgia Sweethearts (2013), so I'm the middle child of the Faith, Hope and Love series. It's not an official Love Inspired series, but it's how my author thinks of us. As a family. 

What do you think made you a RITA finalist? 

I think readers could relate to the theme of forgiveness (offering and receiving it). I also think readers loved the four precious children in the story. Oh, and the naughty dog! 

A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE

By Missy Tippens

Before becoming a Christian, Mark Ryker ran with a bad crowd and broke hearts. Including his father’s. Now a successful businessman, Mark has come home to Corinthia, Georgia, to make amends. But no one will forgive him. So when the widowed mother of four renting his dad’s run-down house needs help fixing up the place, Mark gets to work. Pretty Hannah Hughes and her sweet kids have him longing to be part of the clan, but Hannah isn’t ready to let go of the past. Still, they are working together on a house full of hope—and that’s all Mark needs.
Click here to get your copy.

Debby again...

A House Full of Hope is a heartwarming story that hooks the reader from the very beginning. I couldn't put the book down and was rooting for Hannah and Mark at every turn as they struggled to overcome the issues in their past. More than anything, I wanted them to have a Happily Ever After. Missy is an accomplished author who never disappoints her readers. If you're looking for a touching story about forgiveness and redemption, read A House Full of Hope. 

Got letters?

Got letters? You know, the old fashioned paper and pencil kind of letters? I do. In fact, it's the reason I pay for a post office box. Most of the time, this receptacle is jammed with junk mail intended for the previous owner. There’s the nice man who has apparently invested with Charles Schwab on occasion. Another has purchased meat through the mail which I didn’t even know was possible, and one woman landed on the American Girl catalog mailing list. So why pay for the privilege of throwing these things away? Because every few weeks a letter appears in my p.o. box, decorated with stickers. It’s a handwritten letter, usually four pages in length, from my dear friend Patsy, whom I have never met. Patsy began corresponding with me after reading one of my books. No, she doesn’t Facebook and no, she has no Twitter account or email. Patsy is one of the ladies who write me letters because that is how they interact with the world. Old fashioned? Yes. A slow form of correspondence? Absolutely, but each and every word is a precious blessing to me. Did I mention that Patsy prays for me, this darling 86 year old woman whose picture adorns my fridge? Yep, Patsy prays for me and my family and in my book, that’s priceless. Do you ever write or receive letters? Do share.

Vacation Ideas Anyone?

Linda Goodnight here, on the topic of summer vacations. As a writer I use trips as both leisure and business, researching as I go. You just never know what little town, curvy road, or snippet of conversation will ignite a story idea. In May I took my first “across the pond” trip to Ireland. (I'm not a great photographer but you can see a few photos here.)

 

 Now, I’m gearing up to take the family…somewhere. I keep thinking of that song, “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina. We can’t decide, though we love mountains and haven’t seen any of the Appalachian chain. I’m thinking the Blue Ridge in N. Carolina. My husband wants to see Kentucky. As you might guess, we like remote, off the tourist track sites. And hopefully one of these will stir up some great new settings for future books!

Where are you going/did you go on vacation this year? Any suggestions for me as to scenic places to visit?

 

Writers, have you ever gotten a story idea from a vacation spot? Tell all! 

Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a free copy of Linda's current release, BABY IN HIS ARMS, either digital or print. If you are outside of the U.S., you can still enter for the digital version! Drawing to be held on Friday.

Baby In HIs Arms Interview

 How exciting to have Creed Carter, the hero from  BABY IN HIS ARMS by Linda Goodnight, a  July, 2013, release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

I don’t know how interesting I am to anyone else, but I’m a helicopter pilot and to me, flying is the most interesting thing in the world. I love it. Nowhere else I’d rather be than up in the sky, close to my Maker, showing tourists the gorgeous scenery in the Ozarks.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Fly. Tinker with my chopper. Talk to buddies who are also pilots. Go to air shows. Yeah, I’m a flight junkie. But I also have a great family-Dad, Mom, and Grandma-and we spend a lot of time together. Dad and I do the father-son thing, fishing, pounding nails, man stuff. My dad is my hero.

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

Medical check-ups, though they are a requirement of both my military career and my commercial piloting.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Developing some illness that that would keep me from flying. Now, that’s scary stuff and it happens to pilots more often than we like to remember.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

My family. You thought I was going to say flying, didn’t you? I’d give up anything for my family. Someday I want a family like the one I grew up in. Lately, I’ve been thinking about that quite a bit. You see, there’s this baby I discovered one morning when I went into church to pray before work. A foster mom, Haley Blanchard took the baby. Temporarily. I don’t like that word. And I think Haley’s a little flakey. Kind of a hippy, artsy type. Babies need a permanent home. Grandma says I might be projecting my own birth situation into this one. I don’t know. Maybe. But I feel something for that little pink bundle.

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

Sure, when I have time. Mostly nonfiction history and military.

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

The blood that runs in my veins would also run in my Mom and Dad. Not that I have issues about being adopted. I don’t. I’m the most content guy you’ll meet.

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

No pets. Maybe someday when I settle down and have a family, I’ll get a big, slobbery dog to grow up with my kids.

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

Okay, this is deep-seated and I don’t like to discuss it because like I said, I’m a happy man, glad to be part of the family that raised me.  But once in a while I think I’d like to know what happened with my birth mother and why she gave me up. And then again, maybe not. Some things are better left alone.

FEATURED BOOK: Baby In His Arms by Linda Goodnight

A Newborn Surprise

Helicopter pilot Creed Carter can't believe his eyes—someone's left a baby on the church altar. When this perfect little girl is temporarily turned over to Haley Blanchard, Creed is skeptical. The auburn-haired foster mother in flowing skirts is pretty, yet definitely not his type. But the more time Creed spends with Haley, the more he appreciates her style and her fierce commitment to her foster kids. To his surprise, he's falling for her—and for baby Rose. But when a crisis strikes, can Creed convince Haley to face her worst fear and trust what's in her heart?

RITA finalist: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Welcome, The Wedding Dress and thank you for interviewing with us today. The Craftie Ladies always enjoy having new books stop by to talk with us.

To get started, can you tell us when you were born?

April 2012

And where were you born?

I was born in Florida in the imagination of award-winning author Rachel Hauck.

Do you have any brothers and sisters?

I have fourteen siblings who are younger than me and one who is newer. Her name is Once Upon a Prince. She actually arrived after I won a cool award from Romantic Times Magazine.

What do you think made you a RITA finalist?

I think I’m RITA material because I’m really more than one story. I’m present day, Charlotte. I’m historical, Emily. There’s the nailbiting dilemma in Emily’s story – will she pick the right guy. And there’s angst in Charlotte’s story – will Charlotte wise up and/or should she wise up. Then, sandwiched between these two heroines are Hillary and Mary Grace. You’ll have to read the book to find out more.

Now can you tell our readers a little more about yourself?

Sure. Here's my back cover copy:

Four brides. One Dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift . . . and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress…or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte discovers a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new—shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed.”

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the timeless beauty of finding true love.

Thank you for being with us today, The Wedding Dress. And congratulations on being a Rita Finalist.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th to all our readers! May you have a blessed day with family and friends celebrating our country.

Missy Tippens

Happy 4th of July, everyone! I hope you have a blessed day with family and friends, celebrating this special day for our country and the freedoms we all share!

Janet Lee Barton

Happy 4th of July. Hope your family enjoys the freedom to celebrate. Thanks to all the military heroes who help keep America the land of the free.

Pamela Tracy

I wish we could celebrate the 4th of July every day of the year!! But since we can't, I want to take today and give a shout out to all our military men and women and say, "THANK YOU!" and Happy 4th of July!!!

Rhonda Gibson

I would like to wish all a Happy Fourth of July. May your day be filled with joy and thankfulness as you celebrate the birth of the United States.

Barbara Phinney

Wishing you a happy Independence Day--lots of ice pops, watermelon, fireworks and fun.

Lacy Williams

To our U.S. readers, I wish you a happy 4th of July. I am deeply grateful to the men (and women) who fought for our country's independence more than 200 years ago and those service men and women who continue to fight to preserve that freedom. To our Canadian readers, a belated happy Canada Day (July 1st).

Christine Johnson

Happy Fourth of July! And many thanks to the men and women in our armed services, and to the families at home who support them.

Roxanne Rustand


Happy Independence Day! Amid the fireworks, BBQ's and summer heat, I pray you all stay safe and be blessed as we celebrate our country's historic beginning.
From Terri Reed

Honoring all our freedom fighters with this quote from my favorite modern statesman, Ronald Reagan: "Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." Happy Independence Day to everyone, but especially to those "making a difference".

Linda Goodnight

Wishing everyone a happy Independence Day, full of celebrating the freedoms, rights, and liberties that make the United States of America such a wonderful country to live in. And for those of you living other places around the globe, may you all have a wonderful day as well, being grateful for the country God has place you in.

Naomi Rawlings

Happy birthday, America. I’m so thankful for our freedoms. Have a wonderful day as you celebrate our fabulous country.

Merrillee Whren

Happy Fourth of July! How grateful I am for good men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom.

Leigh Bale

Happy Fourth of July and a special thank you to all our brave men and women in uniform who sacrifice so we can remain "The Home of the Free and Land of the Brave!" You're heroes in my book! God bless the USA!

Debby Giusti

To all who serve and have served this country (including my grandfather and my dad), you're all heroes! No words of thanks will ever be enough, but I'll say them anyway. THANK YOU! God bless the USA!

Lynette Eason

I love celebrating the birth of our country. We wouldn't be a country without the men and women who have fought to preserve the U.S.A. Thank you!

Margaret Daley

Have a wonderful 4th of July. Remember all those men and women who've given their lives for our freedom.

Leann Harris

What will you do to celebrate Independence Day?

Louise M. Gouge here, waving my flag to celebrate my country.

 

During this Independence Day week, while enjoying hot dogs and fireworks, we all should be setting aside time to remember what our Founding Fathers did for us on July 4, 1776. So many people I talk to haven’t even read the Declaration of Independence or haven’t since high school. To read the entire text, click on the hyperlink. As you’ll easily see, this is NOT a dusty, old, out-of-date document!

As a college English instructor, I have my students read this great document every semester. They are often surprised to see how wisely Thomas Jefferson and his fellow authors set out their arguments against the British king, George III, giving all the reasons the colonies were severing their ties with England and her despotic ruler.

When I read the document aloud in class, rare is the time when I don’t get choked up reading the last few lines: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” This was not an idle comment or “finish with a flourish” conclusion. The signers did throw everything into the fight. Some of them did lose their lives. Some did lose their fortunes. But none of the signers lost their sacred honor throughout the entire Revolutionary War. As a result, we have a nation that affords us more freedoms and opportunities than any other nation in history.

Many things are happening in the United States today that cause concern. All the more reason for you to read the Declaration so you can see why our founders risked everything to create this nation. Then consider your part in maintaining our freedoms.

May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Visit my website at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com for an opportunity to win a copy of my July 2013 release, A Lady of Quality.

God Bless America

It’s a prayer, an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938 and what Dad used to sing when he was fixing things to refrain from using words he didn’t want young children to hear. Unfortunately, many Americans don’t feel blessed these days, even those of us who are.

Jamie Glasser, the heroine of my July Love Inspired Romance is one of those who doesn’t feel blessed—not any more. She’s lost her husband to the war in Afghanistan, lost her faith to her grief and had to go back to work full time, leaving her less time with her three children. To top it off her teenage son keeps getting in trouble. And her son’s high school guidance counselor, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Eli Payton, isn’t helping on any of those fronts, even though he thinks he is.

We’ve all experienced some of Jamie’s feelings of not being blessed. But despite our country’s flaws, the United States still offers us may freedoms and opportunities that many other people around the world can only dream of. We are blessed to be Americans.

As Independence Day approaches, what blessings are you counting?

Lone Star Protector Interview

Today we're welcoming Kaitlin Mathers, the heroine of Lone Star Protector written by Lenora Worth a June release by Love Inspired Suspense. 

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.   

1.  Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I’m a K-9 trainer and one day when I was leaving work, I was held at gun point by a masked man. Captain Slade McNeal’s K-9 partner Rio was taken months ago and we’ve all been trying to help find him. I think the man who tried to kidnap me is the one who took Rio.

2.  So, during the book you met Slade McNeal).  Tell us a bit about him.  What was your first impression?  When did you know it was love?   Well, the man saved my life. My first impression of him was this instant awareness but he shouted “Stay Away.” We’re good friends and I’ve even babysat his adorable son Caleb. But Captain McNeal should be called Captain McSteel. He’s that hard to read and very tough.

3.  What strengths/skills do you have?  What is your greatest weakness?  I’m good at my job. I love my animals and I love helping the police department. My weakness must be courage since I trained to be a police officer but found my joy in being a K-9 trainer. I might go back out on the street one day but I have to find the courage to take that step.  

4.  What scares you? See above. I wanted to be a police officer after my mother was killed by a drug addict. She was a veterinarian and she was working late with a sick animal. The man came looking for drugs and murdered her. I couldn’t save her but I’m helping to train these amazing animals and that makes me feel like I’m saving other people. 

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’m kind of impulsive and determined. I don’t pull any punches. I’ve tried to help Slade with Caleb. Slade can’t see that his son is still traumatized from his mother’s death in a car that exploded. Slade blames himself but he doesn’t know how to help his son. I’m getting way off topic but that’s my line of thinking. If I could change one thing about myself, it probably would be that I need to trust in God’s plan for my life.

6.  Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? My faith has always been strong. It helped me after my mother died. But my trust is weak. I need to trust in the Lord and try not to be in control all the time.

7.  Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Strong and solid. Slade and I go through the worst and we both come out stronger. I think I’ll be okay on that trust thing if I can have him and Caleb and our K-9 partners in my life. God is good.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story.  Tell us why this scripture is significant. “Curse be he who smiteth his neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say Amen.”—Dueteronomy 27:24  Since someone in this town is hiding a lot o secrets, this verse shows how we must come together to find that person. He’s hurting our town and threating our families. I want justice and this time, I’ll go after it myself.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? I’d be a strawberry shortcake. Good strong dough with fruit and whipped cream, to show my many facets J I love ice cream too but … I don’t melt.

FEATURED BOOK:LONE STAR PROTECTOR by Lenora Worth

Keeping Watch

When dog trainer Kaitlin Mathers is attacked, Texas K-9 Unit captain Slade McNeal is determined to keep her—and what's left of his family—safe from harm. But soon Slade realizes nothing's safe, including his dogs, his son or the beautiful woman who's opening his heart. When Slade realizes the enemy might be closer than he ever dreamed possible, he vows to see justice served. But can he save Kaitlin before it's too late to tell her he loves her?

RITA Watch: The Soldier's Wife by Cheryl Reavis

Welcome, The Soldier’s Wife and thank you for interviewing with us today. The Craftie Ladies always enjoy having new books stop by to talk with us.

To get started, can you tell us when you were born?

August 1, 2012

And where were you born?

I was born in North Carolina in the imagination of award-winning author Cheryl Reavis. 

Then, it’s not too surprising that your story is set in North Carolina. Do you have any brothers and sisters?

I have a houseful of siblings, with another one An Unexpected Wife due in July from Love Inspired Historicals.

What do you think made you a RITA finalist?

My emotional pull. I’m one of those stories that hits you in the heart. And it doesn’t hurt that I’m set in an interesting time period — the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War — and my main characters are a Union soldier and a Southern was widow. Not to mention my vivid descriptions of my Blue Ridge Mountains setting.

I have to agree. You certainly pulled on my heart strings. I’m a bit of a Civil War buff, so I’ve read a lot of stories set in that time period, and you’re right up there on my favorites list.  Now can you tell our readers a little more about yourself?

Sure. Here's my back cover copy:

"Promise Me You'll Help Her."

Former Union soldier Jeremiah "Jack" Murphy should never have given his word to a dying man, especially a Rebel. But now he feels honor-bound to carry the message to the man's young bride. Besides, with false charges following him, Jack needs somewhere to turn. After he fulfills his promise, perhaps the North Carolina mountains can give this weary soldier some shelter. Yet when he meets beautiful widow Sayer Garth, leaving is the last thing on Jack's mind. Sayer, and her young sisters-in-law, need help that Jack is more than willing to provide. If only he could be certain that his presence-and his secrets-won't put them all at risk….

Thank you for being with us today, The Soldier’s Wife. And congratulations on being a Rita Finalist. You must be thrilled!

RITA Watch: BETRAYAL by Robin Lee Hatcher

Welcome to RITA Watch! Today we'll meet BETRAYAL by Robin Lee Hatcher, an inspiring historical romance novel.

1. Where were you born?
   I hail from the state of Wyoming. Wyoming is a state filled with beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, valleys and handsome cowboys.

2. Do you have brothers and sisters?
    I have an older sister, BELONGING. She was born on August 16, 2011.

My "mom" is also expecting a new book, BELOVED, on September 24, 2013.

3. What do you think made you a RITA finalist?
    My hero, Hugh, and my heroine, Julia, who are both carrying deep wounds from their pasts. They find in each other and their faith the healing they need. Their story tugs at the heartstrings of any reader.

Here's a blurb from BETRAYAL.

It's the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.
Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she's going to have to trust someone if she's to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband's half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?
The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God's love no matter the circumstances.

To learn more about the book or the author, visit  

http://www.robinleehatcher.com/

THE MEANING OF A NAME

By Debbie Kaufman

I firmly believe that the meaning of a name is very significant. When you think about it, most of us put a lot of time into picking names. If you're a parent did you choose and discard lots of names before settling on just the right one? If you own your own business, did agonize over the perfect name to call it? What about what you've named your pets over the years?

Admittedly, a lot of folks "just knew" what to call their offspring, their business, their pet. For me, names are hard and should be chosen with great care. My fascination with names started when I looked up the meaning of my own, Deborah, after learning that my dear Aunt Charlotte and not my parents picked it out.

Deborah: Literally, my name means "bee" in Hebrew. In the Book of Judges, Deborah was a prophetess who led the Israelites in defeating the Canaanites. She was the fourth judge and the only female judge mentioned. She's described as a warrior, counselor, and wife. (The original "have it all" woman!)

Wow, that's a lot to live up to.

When it came to choosing my children's names, I gave it a lot of thought and always researched the meaning before my husband and I decided on one. The most frustrating "naming" was my second child, although it was also the easiest. In a day when ultrasounds weren't always so clear, we left for the hospital with me in labor and no name chosen for either sex. Oh, I'd tried, but I couldn't get my husband to spend any time discussing possibilities. So, on the hour drive from our rural home to the hospital, I turned to him between contractions and asked (sweetly, as I remember it...)"Can we discuss names NOW?" To my shock, he answered, "God told me his name is David Charles." Boy was I relieved when the baby did turn out to be a boy!

As an author, I believe that what I name my characters is critical. Sometimes I just know the name, like Mary and William in my first book, The Doctor's Mission. William was definitely that protector that his name implies and Mary originally was that "sea of sorrows" but later she was the beloved, the alternate meaning. In Journey of Hope (Jan 2014), dedicated missionary Anna is definitely "full of grace," especially when it comes to forgiving the unforgivable. Stewart, the hero who lost his faith, is definitely the "Guardian of the House," as he tries to provide for and protect those he loves.

How about you? What does your name mean? Do you have a favorite name? When you read (or write) does the character name have to "fit?" Or perhaps you have a funny naming story that you can share?

If you aren't sure of the meaning of your name, try HERE for the history of your name, or HERE for a basic meaning. For more about Debbie, visit her WEBSITE or connect with her on FACEBOOK or TWITTER

On Babies

Sandra Orchard here.

The past few weeks have been a wild and wonderful whirlwind for me. I joined the police.

Oops, how did that photo get in there. I mean I had a new book release.

As many of you know, my "big" book, Deadly Devotion, released June 1st. Unlike my Love Inspired Suspense, the romance in Deadly Devotion will arc over the three book series—Port Aster Secrets—while each book is a standalone mystery.

If you enjoy fast-paced whodunits and/or herbal teas and remedies, I hope you’ll check it out. I happen to think it’s pretty good, but I might be a little biased. 

Many readers have asked me if I’m still writing for LIS as well. The answer is a resounding yes. I love writing these books!

That’s partly why this month has been so crazy. Along with celebrating Deadly Devotion’s release with a blog tour and book signings and speaking engagements etc., book 2 in the series was due June 1st, and my next LIS manuscript is due in 3 days, and edits for book 2 have landed, and they want chapter one of Book 3 and then there's Art Fact Sheets for LIS and #gasping for air# attending the Write!Canada conference, and, and…

Did I mention I expect to be a grandma again any day now?!!!

Do you know where the stork is that brings my new baby brother or sister?

Our newest little boy or girl is one day overdue, not that I’m complaining as I told my daughter I wanted to get all my edits done before she gave birth. But…she’s not happy with me! I’m supposed to hurry up and get done already. #grin#

So…if I suddenly go AWOL today and leave comments unanswered, you’ll know why, but…I’ll pop back in later and post the baby pic!

Your Turn: Any baby stories of your own to share?


GIVEAWAY:
Have you heard of The Book Club Network? The facilitators describe it as place where people can "feel safe, have fun, share hearts and embrace, Finding Hope through fellowship in reading groups." Membership is free. And until June 30th my publisher is giving away 5 copies of Deadly Devotion in the discussion we're having in the "Revell" group. You must sign in and join the group to leave a comment to enter. We're having a lively discussion. I hope you'll join us!

Memories--Leann Harris

When I picked up the Metro section of the newspaper today, there was a picture that resembled a page from an old high-school year book.  What caught my attention was the hair-dos.  1943. (Of course the dos from my high school year book shall remain unmentioned.)  Anyway, how they did that thing with the top of their hair is a mystery. (The link will take you to the pics.)  Then I read the article.  It was their 70th anniversary reunion.  Every male knew what they'd do upon graduation--go into the service, Army, Navy, Marine, Merchant Marines.  Some of the men showed up for graduation in their uniforms.  It touched my heart.

Also, there was among the seniors a intense 'live in the moment attitude', because the world was crumbling around them.  That had to be hard.  Of course when I was in high school, Viet Nam was raging, and men prayed for a high draft number.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20130622-adamsons-class-of-1943-recalls-high-school-fun-amid-uncertainty-of-world-war-ii.ece

The article made me stop and think.  There is so much more to life than our little slice.

Plain Admirer Interview

How exciting to have Joann Yoder the heroine from Plain Admirer by Patricia Davids, a June, 2013 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

            Most people find it interesting that I'm Amish.

2.  What do you do for fun?

            Ah, fishing is my passion. I get my pole and head to the lake every chance I get.

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

            Not much. I do what needs doing. The only thing I dread lately is riding to work with Roman Weaver. I get so flustered around that man.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

            I'm afraid I'll never have a home of my own. Since my parents died, I've been shuffled between the homes of my three brothers. Four months with one and then on to the next home. I've come to hate it.

5.  What do you want out of life?

            I want what every Amish woman wants. To serve God and to raise a family with a man I love.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

            My faith is the most important thing. Without God, nothing is possible.

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

            Do I read books? You are talking to a dyed-in-the-wool bookworm. I read everything. I work at an Amish printing company. I'm surrounded by reading material. My favorite things to read are books and articles about nature and fishing. Did I mention I love to fish?

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

            It's vain, I know, but I'd like to be prettier. Does that make me a silly spinster? I guess it does.

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

            No pets. I do have a horse to pull my buggy, but he is a working animal.

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

            Goodness, such strange questions. I imagine I'd like to go back to when I was a child. Life was full of possibilities then. Now, I'm old enough to know that not all dreams come true.