Please come on over and read the article I've posted about writing historical fiction. You may find it enlightening. :)
Also, leave a comment over there and you'll be entered to win a FREE autographed book.
See you there!
JUST THE WRITE CHARISMA
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Galveston, Oh, Galveston...
Funny, but we actually listened to the song Galveston by Glen Campbell as my writing pal, Jeri Odell, and I cruised in our rented Corolla down Seawall Boulevard on Galveston Island. We were there researching two future projects before our writers’ retreat. Jeri and I had our own bedrooms at A Victorian Inn, not far from The Strand, which is Galveston’s historic district.
As we toured the different shops, Jeri and I heard one account after another about Hurricane Ike and its devastation to the island. Ike didn’t get the same media attention that Katrina did and yet the hurricane packed just as much punch! Marcy, who is a partner in the bed-and-breakfast business, said that flood waters rose to the Inn’s front porch, destroying her apartment below. Thanks to faith-based groups, and others, the Inn has been nearly completely restored.
One almost feels like she stepped back in time as she enters the 3-story mansion. The bed-and-breakfast is decorated with an assortment of Victorian pieces and the home’s polished woodwork boasts the handiwork of a bygone era. I found the carved staircase particularly ornate and handsome. The parlor welcomed guests and at the end of the foyer, there stood a built-in, sunny nook in which one might play checkers.
Jeri and I took a day and cruised from one end of Galveston to the other, noting the evidence of Ike’s deadly path even 3 years later. But the worst was when we took the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula. It seems only an eerie, brown shadow of its former self. Click here to see pictures of the before and after.
On the brighter side, Jeri and I found some time to enjoy the sun, wind, and sand. I knew I had better savor it. While I was gone approximately 15 inches of snow fell in my backyard, here in Wisconsin.
One almost feels like she stepped back in time as she enters the 3-story mansion. The bed-and-breakfast is decorated with an assortment of Victorian pieces and the home’s polished woodwork boasts the handiwork of a bygone era. I found the carved staircase particularly ornate and handsome. The parlor welcomed guests and at the end of the foyer, there stood a built-in, sunny nook in which one might play checkers.
Jeri and I took a day and cruised from one end of Galveston to the other, noting the evidence of Ike’s deadly path even 3 years later. But the worst was when we took the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula. It seems only an eerie, brown shadow of its former self. Click here to see pictures of the before and after.
On the brighter side, Jeri and I found some time to enjoy the sun, wind, and sand. I knew I had better savor it. While I was gone approximately 15 inches of snow fell in my backyard, here in Wisconsin. Friday, February 18, 2011
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE
Leaving On A Jet Plane…
Except I know when I’ll be back again.
Tomorrow before 6:00am my flight to Texas will take off. I’m attending a writers’ retreat there. In attendance will be some of the CBA’s most gifted writers and I feel privileged to be spending time with them. My intention had been to grill these successful writers on their marketing strategies. You see, that’s an excruciating thing for me – marketing myself and my books.
However, in the last couple of weeks, God showed me a remarkable fact: I don’t have to be number one. In fact, I’m NOT number one. Sad that I'm a slow learner and have to experience this lesson over and over. *sigh*
Even so, I am important to Him and He wants to use me to further His heavenly kingdom. Perhaps I’m the sower of the Lord’s precious seed. Maybe I'll water what has already been sown in the hearts of my readers. In either event, I didn’t begin writing and publishing in the Christian market to become a star. I dedicated the past 20 years to writing stories and nonfiction pieces that honor the Savior, Jesus Christ.
So, now, back to my writers’ retreat. What I hope to accomplish this week is: 1) relax and pray; 2) write 2 ½ chapters on my WIP (work in progress), after all, this is a writers' retreat and writers write; 3) interview some of the authors in attendance and feature them on this blog in coming months. Stay tuned.
I’ll be sure to report back and let you know how it all plays out.
Except I know when I’ll be back again.
Tomorrow before 6:00am my flight to Texas will take off. I’m attending a writers’ retreat there. In attendance will be some of the CBA’s most gifted writers and I feel privileged to be spending time with them. My intention had been to grill these successful writers on their marketing strategies. You see, that’s an excruciating thing for me – marketing myself and my books.
However, in the last couple of weeks, God showed me a remarkable fact: I don’t have to be number one. In fact, I’m NOT number one. Sad that I'm a slow learner and have to experience this lesson over and over. *sigh*
Even so, I am important to Him and He wants to use me to further His heavenly kingdom. Perhaps I’m the sower of the Lord’s precious seed. Maybe I'll water what has already been sown in the hearts of my readers. In either event, I didn’t begin writing and publishing in the Christian market to become a star. I dedicated the past 20 years to writing stories and nonfiction pieces that honor the Savior, Jesus Christ.
So, now, back to my writers’ retreat. What I hope to accomplish this week is: 1) relax and pray; 2) write 2 ½ chapters on my WIP (work in progress), after all, this is a writers' retreat and writers write; 3) interview some of the authors in attendance and feature them on this blog in coming months. Stay tuned.
I’ll be sure to report back and let you know how it all plays out.
Monday, February 14, 2011
LOVE IS IN THE AIR-- and on the pages of my books!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
As a romance writer, this is my day! So which of my books do I think has the most romance?
You know what? Always A Bridesmaid comes to mind. While the story is not kissy-face or heavy on the sexual tension, there’s plenty of chemistry going on between my characters, Luke and Melody.
The books was first published by Heartsong Presents, then again in Wisconsin Weddings, a 3-in-1 collection from Barbour Publishing.
Click here to find the book
Click here to find the story collection
I welcome my readers’ comments. Which of my books (OOP or current releases) do you think is the most romantic?
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