If Mom Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy!

Ain't that the truth!!!!!!!!!
It isn't often I get to use the same grammer on my blog that I speak. So this is a good day for me. I am also happy to introduce Mary Byers and make you aware of her books and resources.

Mary Byers, author of The S.O.S. for PMS: Practical Help and Relief for Moms and Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof offers two resources that directly address the frustrations many moms are experiencing today!

If you are a wife or mother and especially if you work at home, how you live affects more than just you - your family rides the same roller coaster every inch of the way (only without the cramps!). Mary Byers is an author and national speaker who is dedicated to helping women live and work more fully. With humor and insight, Mary challenges readers to take control of their circumstances, to become more confident in the roles that they play, and to discover new energy for the things that are important to them.

The S.O.S. for PMS

Throughout S.O.S. for PMS, Mary explores an often frustrating topic, the symptoms of PMS, and offers practical advice and encouragement for mothers. Readers will find comfort in the stories shared by other moms, realizing that they are not alone in their struggles with PMS.With this book, you will find suggestions designed to inspire healthier lifestyles, relationships, and daily choices for all women.

Mary Byers offers mothers encouragement, help, and camaraderie as she shares:

* women's stories-the good, bad, and the hopeful
* overlooked symptoms and how to manage them
* foods and activities to avoid or indulge in
* God's first aid for stress, depression, and anxiety
* a call for help-how husbands can come to the aid of their wives

Making Work at Home Work

In Making Work at Home Work, Mary shows moms how to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set without sacrificing their families. It covers important topics such as developing a successful business philosophy, balancing time between work and family, setting realistic goals, and handling the challenges of being both "Mommy" and "CEO" while running a profitable home-based business. In addition to including her own experiences, author Mary Byers profiles real moms with home-based businesses who offer their hard-won advice.

What people are saying...

"Making Work at Home Work is a must-have for anyone contemplating working from home, or anyone who is already working from home, but who wants to make things run a little more smoothly and make sure all their business-bases are covered!" Wendy - WAHM & blogger

"Inside Making Work at Home Work you will find practical tips and useful advice. The information is easy to follow and realistic. This is a fabulous book for any mom already working from home - whether you are just starting out or have been doing it for years. It covers everything!" Karla - Modern Media Mom

"Friends, SOS for PMS is a wonderfully helpful and practical and hopeful book. If you suffer from PMS or have a friend who does, GET THIS BOOK!." Tricia Goyer - Author/Speaker

"I opened SOS for PMS on Monday and started reading... and it was like I wrote this book.. the stories of the ladies.. it was like reading about my own emotions... splattered across a page... just raw and real. I started crying in the doctors office (which by the way leads to weird looks)... I wasn't expecting to read about someone else going through issues like myself." Amy - blogger

Help the millions of work at home, PMS moms and the people that live with them by reading these books and Spreading the Word by sharing these great resources.

For more information visit MaryByers.com

How to Learn from Rejection by Karin Beery

Two years ago I sat down and wrote my first novel. It only took six weeks. I did some edits, then sent it to friends to read. They gave much positive feedback that I knew it was time to query.

The whole experience went so quickly, and so easily, that I knew someone would respond. Sure enough, in the first week an editor requested a partial! That's when I knew I was meant to write.

But a week later the same editor told me 'no thanks'. Unfazed and determined, I queried more editors and agents.

Rejection, rejection, rejection.

What??

I sought counsel from more experienced (i.e. published) writers. Go to conferences. Read books. Enter contests. I did it all. Then I waited for someone to notice me.

Yeah, right.

At the conferences my introverted self surfaced. It took so much effort to remain calm in the midst of published writers that I had very little courage left for the agents and editors.

Then my contest results came back, and I wasn't enough close to finaling in any of them. Some of the judges' comments were hard to accept, but they all found flaws.
I read best-selling novels and craft books. Each one pointed out more of my inadequacies.

Every day my confidence and desire waned. Soon I was doubting why I was writing and if I even wanted to continue doing it.

During all of this I had been looking for freelance work (someone had suggested it). One glorious day I got an email from an online arts magazine in California. Though I had no experience, and no bylines, the editor decided to let me submit. She didn't make promises, but agreed to see if she could use anything..

You've never seen anyone so excited to get such a non-commitment!

It wasn't a fiction job, but it was a chance to write, so I took it.

The magazine eventually ran five of my articles. That led to a part-time job at a weekly newspaper, which led to another part-time job with another weekly paper. My confidence increased!

With my non-fiction career taking off, I decided to hit the fiction again. I picked up my original manuscript – and cringed.

Two years prior it had been a masterpiece, but after months of conferences, reading, and studying, the errors jumped off the page and smacked me in the face. My writing was terrible!

My first reaction was to quit. I felt justified in it – I had the evidence of my bad writing in my hands!

But then I got a check in the mail for one of my articles. A mere $30 for my efforts, but also proof that I could write, even if it was non-fiction.

I picked up the manuscript again. This time when I saw the mistakes, they applauded me. If I could identify them, that meant I had learned something. If I had learned enough to recognize my faults, then I could change them. There was hope!

I decided to try the fiction market again, but on a smaller scale. I submitted two short stories to an online magazine.

Rejection...and suggestions! The editor liked my story, but thought it could be better. She suggested, I changed. Suggestions, changes. Suggestions, changes. After the third submission...

Acceptance!

I called everyone and did my happy dance. The website can't pay me, but I don't care. It's not about the money – it's about the validation.

I can write fiction! The process has taken longer than I expected, but I'm doing it!
If you're frustrated with your writing experiences, take a break. Try something different – write an article or a devotional or a poem. But keep learning, and keep practicing while you do it. Don't let a few rejections get in your way. If you want to write and are willing to put in the time and effort, it can happen.

Good luck!

Winner of Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel

A day late in posting the results of the "Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel?", brought to you by Joy in the Journey and author Vicki Moss. My computer was tied up yesterday with tech support.

Up and running once again in time to announce the winner who found 8 albino squirrels hiding in cyberspace was Patricia Goldbach.

Thanks again to everyone who played, and especially to all the bloggers who so generously agreed to help and make the search a lot of fun. A special thank you to Vicki Moss whose Writer Rat inspired the whole thing.

Patricia, please email your address so we can get your prizes to you.

Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel?

Welcome back to Joy in the Journey and Part II of Writer Rat by Vicki Moss. Last week we read about how Vicki's first encounter with an albino squirrel sparked her imagination to write. Please enjoy Part II of the story. Don't forget to enter the contest "Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel?" at the end of the post.

Hurry! The winner will be announced Monday, September 21st.

Writer Rat by Vicki Moss
I filed the picture away. One day, I would write a picture book about
that squirrel.

After the encounter, I said on different occasions, “God, what kind of
story would you have me write about your albino rat with a bushy tail?
You created him. You tell /me./”

I waited.

Nothing came.

For fourteen years I waited on God.

I wrote other stories.

I waited on God.

The squirrel story refused to come. Until I thought about giving that
critter some redeeming qualities. I looked at God’s creature through new
eyes – a different light. What if I made him a good guy instead of a
flea ridden plague carrier? What if instead of being different - a freak
- he was really /unique?/

What if I made him a hero?

Instead of wearing a white hat, he /was/ the white hat.

Now this writing business was becoming fun.

What if I made him – lovable in some way?

And I was reminded of Mark 10:21 “Jesus looked at him and loved him.”

Only when I manifested love for the freakishness of an albino rat with a
bushy tail would his story shine forth. Then one morning, it came as
stories sometimes do in the shadowy time between sleep and wakefulness.
It was a story about a south of the border outcast who lived in a
fantasy world where he could be his own hero. Some days he rocketed like
a Russian astronaut. Some days he posed as a Chinese sky-diver. Some
days he pistol-gripped a sabre and wore a cape as one of the three
French Musketeers. And then one day something changed. A
once-in-a-life-time snow fell and the plot thickened. He was no longer
the odd-kid-out. He blended in with the landscape at last. He spread his
cape to become a hero.

The story was written. I titled it “All For One and One For All.”

Then, procrastination set in like gel on souse meat.

Two years later, after the story had dry marinated in a drawer, I dusted
off the manuscript and entered it in the July 2009 Alabama Conclave
writing contest. They were a serious bunch - writers who held
conferences on the University of Alabama campus. I knew if they gave an
award, I was on the right track.

The story was awarded honorable mention. Not first place, but not shabby
either. Elated, I said, “Thanks for the story God. You rock, you reign!”

“But fourteen years from the time you snapped the picture until the
story was written…egads!” I heard wannabe writers wail. “And it’s still
not even published!”

Yes. And I was still relishing each joyful revelation along the revision
journey. At one crossroads along the path, I was reminded that like
Simon Peter, I could sometimes be a rat too.

I thought back on my first meeting with that albino critter. What if I’d
thought of a squirrel as only a flea-ridden rat with a bushy tail?

What if I’d never mailed the story in?

What if I’d tried to quiet those ideas and voices in my head.

She’s crazy. She hears voices in her head.

Nah, she’s a writer.

As a writer, I’d been given a gift from God. My gift required being
nurtured, watered, exercised, and the hard part – tested.

With testing came rejection. And with me, angst rode in on rejection
like a demon riding a fast Kentucky thoroughbred.

I reminded the wannabes that Margaret Mitchell took eleven years to
write /Gone With the Wind/ in a time without computers. It was her
masterpiece.

It took only one good story to change the world. For instance – the
Bible written over centuries by many inspired authors who penned a hook
of a beginning, a racing middle, and a dynamite raising-the-dead ending.
Some of it written during a time when carving on stone was the original
form of texting. Okay, maybe the begats slowed the pacing down some and
would have been boring twitter but they were still important to the plot.

So, I spelled it out. Writing for me was a lot like being an outcast.
There was a lot of
R = rejection

A = angst

T = testing

No matter how I looked at it, it still smelled of rat. But what if I
threw on some fluff? Now, that’s when the joy wafted through.

I deduced I might never write a masterpiece, but I could always be a
unique writer rat with a bushy tale.

Bio – Vicki H. Moss is an award winning writer who’s poetry and many
stories have been published in magazines. With a two time award winning
YA novel waiting for the right publisher, she’s presently working on
Christian romance novels and a couple of women’s nonfiction. To find out
more about her work, go to www.livingwaterfiction
and hang out awhile.

This is your last chance to search for the albino squirrel. Follow these links to see where the squirrel is hiding in cyberspace. Email the list of blogs where you found the squirrel to me. Entrants who find at least 8 squirrels will be entered to win a $15 Amazon.com gift card and a can of mixed nuts.

Happy Hunting!

http://www.wisdomwalk.wordpress.com
http://www.buuklvr81.blogspot.com
http://www.Daneymoco.blogspot.com
http://www.sandirog.blogspot.com
http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
http://www.byelizabeth.blogspot.com
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com
http://www.carlaspathways.wordpress.com
http://www.youcanwriteanovel.blogspot.com
http://www.pennyspicks.blogspot.com http://www.sallyhanan.wordpress.com http://www.lionheartedkat.com
http://www.thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com http://www.midsnovelidea.blogspot.com
http://www.midspointofview.blogspot.com
http://www.lisalickel.com/cgi-bin/blog
http://www.ebussey.blogspot.com
http://www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com
http://www.livingwaterfiction.com
http://www.sftlm.blogspot.com
http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com
http://www.marionmarchetto.com
http://www.livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com
http://www.wordsharpeners.wordpress.com
http://www.encouragementjourney.blogspot.com

Writing Fiction that Matters by Kathi Macias

Lovely Friday to everyone. Today I am happy to welcome Kathi Macias, the author of over 30 books to Joy in the Journey. Kathi has generously written a post about the importance of writing what matters. Fiction that matters. There are a lot of misconceptions about Christian fiction, much like Christian Rock, I suppose. But Kathi is here to set us straight. Or at least give us something to think about.

Take it away, Kathi.

Writing Fiction that Matters by Kathi Macias

One of the most common questions we writers hear is, “Where do you get your ideas?” Getting ideas really isn’t a problem—at least not for me or most authors I know. The problem is sorting through all the ideas and deciding which ones to pursue. For me that means asking myself which ideas really matter in light of eternity.

If any of you have ever done work-for-hire writing projects or assignment-type writing for magazines or newspapers, as I have, you know that you can do well on any given topic if it’s part of your job. That’s not the same as having a passion for it. When I tackle an assignment that I need to complete to get my paycheck, I do the best job I can, get it in on time, and then move on to something else. But when I’m working on a project—book, article, short story, whatever—with a subject I’m passionate about, I tackle it with much more enthusiasm.

I’ve heard criticism, particularly in Christian circles, about fiction being “fluffy” or irrelevant. At times that may be a valid observation, but more often than not that criticism is coming from someone who hasn’t read Christian fiction in awhile and has no idea how many relevant topics are tackled in these well-crafted stories. For instance, my next four novels, the “Extreme Devotion” series, is loosely based on the true life stories of modern-day martyrs of the faith in other countries. A stand-alone historical novel that I co-authored with Susan Wales for Abingdon Press and that releases in October 2010 vividly portrays the life (and death) of many who came to Christ during the horrific persecutions of the third century. And those are just a fraction of today’s novels that deal with vital, life-changing topics.

When I hear criticism of Christian fiction, I always remind the critics that Jesus was a storyteller. He used fiction to make His points with His listeners, and He was well received. However, He didn’t tell those stories just to entertain His listeners, but rather to challenge and/or educate them. That’s an important distinction, one I keep in mind when sorting through my many story ideas to decide which ones are worth pursuing. I want to entertain, yes, but for a purpose—to educate and challenge my readers to grow in their faith and love for the Lord.

My most recent novel, My Son John, deals with a powerful topic—that of unconditional love and forgiveness in the midst of the most horrific of circumstances. Though my readers constantly tell me “I couldn’t put it down,” meaning I did my job as a writer in holding their attention throughout the book, they also tell me they were in tears by the time they finished reading. Many are moved to go to someone and extend forgiveness for something they thought they would never be able to resolve. And that humbles me beyond words.

Fiction matters, folks—as does nonfiction, and anything else we do in the name of Jesus. We are here for a purpose, which is to preach the Gospel and bring people to Christ, to fulfill the Great Commission by discipling new believers, and above all to worship and glorify God. How exciting that God has given us writers the ability and privilege of doing that through the written word!

***Kathi Macias is the award-winning author of thirty books and the host of an international blogtalkradio show called “Write the Vision.” A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley. You can learn more about her at her website

The Search Begins for the Albino Squirrel

Finally! What we've all been waiting for. Some amazing friends of mine have hidden an elusive albino squirrel on their blogs. Your job, fearless hunter, is to follow the trail below to these blogs to find as many albino squirrels as you can.

Simply visit each of the blogs listed. Find the albino squirrel posted somewhere on the blogs, and send the list of where you found them to me. This picture of the squirrel doesn't count.) Each entrant who finds at least 8 squirrels will be entered in a drawing to win a $15 Amazon gift card and a can of mixed nuts.

Because of different countries' regulations, we regrettfully restrict the contest to entrants living in the U.S. only. Sorry.

Here's the list of blogs in no particular order:

http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com
http://www.sandirog.blogspot.com
http://www.thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com
http://www.midsnovelidea.blogspot.com
http://www.midspointofview.blogspot.com
http://www.ebussey.blogspot.com
http://www.wisdomwalk.wordpress.com
http://www.Daneymoco.blogspot.com
http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
http://www.lionheartedkat.com
http://www.sftlm.blogspot.com
http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com
http://www.marionmarchetto.com
http://www.livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com
http://www.lisalickel.com/cgi-bin/blog
http://www.wordsharpeners.wordpress.com
http://www.encouragementjourney.blogspot.com
http://www.pennyspicks.blogspot.com
http://www.buuklvr81.blogspot.com
http://www.carlaspathways.wordpress.com
http://www.sallyhanan.wordpress.com
http://www.byelizabeth.blogspot.com
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com
http://www.youcanwriteanovel.blogspot.co http://www.livingwaterfiction.com m
http://www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com

Happy Hunting!

The Premeir Christian Fiction Conference

STANDING FIRM...MOVING FORWARD

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

DENVER, COLORADO
SEPTEMBER 17 - 20, 2009

Bestselling authors, publishing industry representatives, and newcomers to Christian fiction writing will gather in Denver at the American Christian Fiction Writer’s annual conference September 17-20 to compare notes, learn from each other, and encourage one another in the pursuit of publishing goals.

This year’s conference theme , Standing Firm…Moving Forward, will especially inspire the full range of talent and dreams in the ever-changing publishing world today.

This amazing conference will feature representatives from major publishing houses like B & H, Guideposts, Zondervan, Harvest House, Barbour, Steeple Hill, Summerside Press, Bethany House, Waterbrook Multnomah, Marcher Lord Press, Tyndale House, and Thomas Nelson, and top literary agents who will meet with writers and identify promising proposals from both new and veteran novelists. Conferees will have access to publishing panels, professional critiques, and customized workshops based on skills and interests.

The keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber, who has more than 100 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Learn more about the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference by visiting www.acfw.com. Click on the left sidebar on Annual Conference.

How to write a query letter that gets noticed

Last week our guest host Lisa Lickel talked with us about the nuts and bolts of submitting to editors...the part of the business most writers dread more than tax season.

Before an editor ever sees the beautiful prose you've penned, they will read your query letter. I once saw a query letter from an aspiring writer which basically read; To whom it may concern, here's my stuff. Hope you'll publish it.

If you submit a query letter like that, you've just branded yourself as a rank amateur and it isn't likely they will read one sentence of your beautiful submission. Lisa can explain what you should and should not do better than me, so I'll give her the floor.

Welcome back, Lisa, and welcome back, readers, to Part II of The Nuts and Bolts of Submission.

What should you spend the most time and effort on? Your first impression, of course, which will be the first thing the prospective editor sees. That will most likely be the greeting of your query. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get the name right. Don’t laugh. It happens. All the time. If you were a busy editor, how far would you read if five hundred random people sent you letters begging for the chance to fill one slot in your schedule? How would you start to sort that out? Think about it. Ditch spell-check after the first pass and read everything out loud, including the punctuation. And then have someone else look at it, too.

Remember: everyone has an opinion about what works and what doesn’t. Listen to a lot of people, read a lot of information and then do what you think is the best to showcase your efforts and make the publisher say “yes! I want to work with this.” You have thirty seconds to make a positive impression. Go!

Rule number one and foremost: Do what you’re asked to do.

Double check the requirements. Are you submitting electronically? Does the editor want an attachment or a message in the body of the e-mail? Is there a form from the website to use? Do they want queries by mail? Check the dates. Many companies offer only certain windows of opportunity during the year. Make sure you read all of the guidelines found on the website, the preferred method of checking the most current information. Unfortunately, many companies do not accept unsolicited queries. It won’t get you anywhere to try and send one, anyway. Some editors keep files that last a long time. I recently learned that one such editor could recall at a click the last material sent to him by my agent a couple of years earlier. Do not annoy them.

Query/query letters

Query, of course, means to ask. The publisher wants you to ask them if your project is a good fit for them. This is your first impression. You might be asked to submit a simple query of a paragraph or so on line, or you might be asked to submit a query letter. These letters almost exclusively are limited to one page. If you have a paragraph to make your case, use succinct language to outline your project in a couple of sentences; one sentence about why it fits the publication and one or two sentences about why you’re writing this particular item. This is good practice for any time someone asks you what your book is about, anyway, so you might as well see what you can do.

A whole page query letter will seem like a feast after trying the paragraph query. The whole page, of course, includes the industry standard format of header, body of letter, signature. Don’t make it look too crowded. “Industry standard” asks you to use a font like Times New Roman, 12 point and one-inch margins. No odd type face. Black lettering. White paper. Cheaters will be caught. Bleary-eyed editors can tell ¾-inch margins or 10 or 11 point font in an instant. Some care. Don’t give them any excuse to toss your letter unread. This format holds whether you submit electronically or through the mail. A letter is a letter. One page is one page, no matter how much room you think you have in the body of an e-mail.

Header: You name and address
Name of Publication
Name and address of enquiring party – and make the effort to use a name, unless specifically directed to enquire of the particular department
Date
Salutation
Body of letter: probably about three paragraphs. In general, how to make your case would include the above information, just expanded. I usually use up a sentence thanking the editor for looking at this query.

Do include:

-Nature of your project, including the final word count (Now here’s where I have to say to beginning writers – please don’t submit stuff before you have it finished. It’s jut a bad idea. And yes, I have experience with this.). Pretend you’re looking him or her in the eye, and they’ve just asked you what your (book) is about. Answer in three-four sentences. Pitch one project at a time, even if you have a drawerful of finished manuscripts burning a hole in your roof.

-Who you are and your reason for tackling this project. The range for this paragraph is enormous. Just sticking with the facts is always best.

Do not make any statements about what you think the scope of your project will be – that’s their vision. Do not bring up the fact that your writing group or your brother who works in marketing for the local newspaper thinks your work is the cat’s meow. Do not compare your work to the big guns – although….some editors will tell you they like to know if you think you write like Jodi Picoult or Ted Dekker…it’s a tough call. You could probably be safe by sticking with genre instead of name dropping. Are you in any national organizations? Professional organizations? What’s your day job and does it have anything to do with your potential audience. This paragraph will mostly be a personality test and a potential marketing platform. Portray the best and most real “you” there is. If you’re a shy flower, ask someone else to describe your strengths and use some of those concrete descriptions. Again, you have three to five sentences. Bullet points take up room, but can be useful. Make them count.

Your third paragraph will probably be house-keeping stuff, like letting the editor know that you know who they are. Some general sentence about a recent release or article that affected you can sometimes be helpful if it’s not too smarmy. A little repeated thanks. Let them know when you can be reached. Let them know you’re a hard worker and willing to do what it takes to be successful without sounding like you’re mealy, begging or groveling or… well, you know. Probably not a good time to mention that drawerful of rejections. Be professional, be courteous. Courteous professionals do not sully the discussion by bringing up money or contracts. They don’t even ask questions.

A good story at a good time will usually get a look. If your query is denied, don’t burn bridges. No follow-ups, no arguing or you-hurt-my-feelings or you-could-not-possibly-have-read-or-understand-me e-mails. Jerry Jenkins, in his thick-skinned critique workshops, says with the proposal you don’t get to argue your case face-to-face, so make the most of your words and presentation to the editor.

Reasons for rejection: It might not have been a good day for the editor. The company might have accepted something just like yours. You had a couple of typos. Your message went astray. The story (gasp) could use work. The publishing schedule is really full.

Keep trying. Keep growing and learning. Most people have stories about how many rejections they got before their work was accepted. Even Mark Twain and Charles Dickens started out self publishing. Not that you should, but really, getting a few dozen denials is character-building. You can always roll your eyes at anyone who had it too easy.

Okay? Clear as mud?

Questions?

Practice!

"Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel?"

Dear Readers, we are about to embark on an exciting search for an albino squirrel. Read Part One of the following story by Vicki Moss. After the story you will find details about a contest we will start next week called "Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel?"

By next Saturday when we post the second part of Vicki's story, you will have all the necessary components you need to search for the albino squirrel. The entrant who tracks down the squirrel hidden somewhere in cyberspace will win a $15 Amazon gift card and a can of mixed nuts.

Well, enough from me. On to the story with more details about the contest following.

WRITER RAT

by

Vicki H. Moss

Eating lunch one day beneath an oak tree at Vine Street Market, an
assertive squirrel crept closer to the table I shared with my friend
Suzanne.

“Shoo-getaway!” growled Suzanne as she stomped her foot at the encroacher.

The varmint refused to back off. With a that-turkey-sandwich-is-mine
look mirrored back through dark beady eyes, he jumped a half foot closer.

Suzanne shrieked and stomped again. The squirrel retreated and hung
upside down from gray bark to glare at us.

“What’s the big deal?” I asked. “It’s just a squirrel.”

I’d grown up with a flying squirrel living in my brother’s pocket and a
forever escaping hamster named Ambrose who could be found in my
brother’s dirty clothes pile.

Suzanne shivered with disgust. “A squirrel is nothing more than a rat
with a fluffy tail. They’re nasty and they give me the creeps!”

Wow. After that, I never looked at my mother’s squirrel and dumplings
the same. Suzanne was right. They were also a home for fleas. Rats had
been known to carry infected fleas harboring bubonic plague. I’d just
never before pondered a squirrel’s downside.

Later, while on vacation in Beaufort, South Carolina with my mother and
girls, I spotted an albino squirrel. Cool! A squirrel with pink eyes. I
threw the stick shift in park. I grabbed the camera I always kept on
hand for cute and extraordinary Kodak moments.

“Sit still.” I eased the car door shut.

Mother adjusted her glasses. “It’s just a squirrel.”

“I know – a rat with a fluffy tail.”

“It’s just hanging on a tree!” said my observant ten-year-old daughter.

“Yeah,” piped my eight-year-old with the bobbing ponytail.

She squinted. “He’s not even doing anything special.”

“Look closer, gang,” I said, my mouth near drooling from anticipation. I
whispered, “He’s albino.”

At first glance, everyone failed to recognize that this rat with a
fluffy tail was extraordinary. White instead of gray. There was a story
somewhere in this freak of nature. For he had to be a freak because he
was different, right?

Bio – Vicki H. Moss is an award winning writer who’s poetry and many
stories have been published in magazines. With a two time award winning
YA novel waiting for the right publisher, she’s presently working on
Christian romance novels and a couple of women’s nonfiction. To find out
more about her work, go to www.livingwaterfiction and hang out awhile.

As for "Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel?", next week I will give you a list of blogs to search for the same Albino Squirrel you see pictured here. Visit each of the blogs listed to see if the squirrel is hidden somewhere in one of that blog's current posts. Send me a list of every blog where you find the albino squirrel. The entrant who finds all the squirrels will be the winner. As I'm sure there will be multiple winners, Vicki and I will utilize the scientific method of drawing the winning name from a hat.

Because of different countries' regulations, we regrettfully restrict the contest to entrants living in the U.S. only. Sorry. Now don't forget to check back next week for a list of blogs where the squirrel may be hiding.

Boys are Boy-sterous

Today is my first Friday Fun Day here at Joy in the Journey. Fridays are reserved for fun stuff like book reviews, author interviews, contests, even character interviews. Today I am excited to welcome Jean Blackmer, author of Boy-sterous Living. I grew up in an all female household, so I have to admit I was a little intimdated when I brought my son home from the hospital in 1984. It might've been helpful to have a head's up on what to expect.

Thanks to Jean and Boy-sterous Living, families can learn to celebrate their loud and rowdy life with sons.

"A fun read with a fresh perspective on raising boys!"
- Dennis Rainey, Family Life

"In my years of mothering, I've found the most sound and practical advice comes from other mothers who understand my challenges. Jean understands boys! In her uniquely personal, humorous and insightful style, she tells parents of boys what they need to know."
- Carol Kuykendall, speaker and author of several books including "Five Simple Ways to Grow a Great Family."

"I highly recomend this book to every woman who wants to understand boys."
- Rick Johnson, author of "Better Dads, Stronger Sons"

"Life with boys is part mystery, part comedy, and all adventure! Jean Blackmer equips parents to understand the mystery, laugh at the comedy, and buckle in for the adventure."
- Carla Foote, director of media and executive editor of "MomSense Magazine", MOPS International

Boy-sterous Living

Celebrating Your Loud and Rowdy Life with Sons

Raising boys isn't easy. Life with them is loud. If it's quiet, they're probably up to something. Boys are messy, competitive, fearless, and proud. Living with them pretty much guarantees that you're in for an adventure.

As the only female in a house with three sons, a husband, and two male dogs, Jean Blackmer has learned a lot about living with boys. She knows that as a mom it isn't always easy to communicate and connect with these creatures of noise and energy. Everyday, they force you to live in a world where bugs are cool, safety is an afterthought, and "talking is torture."

In Boy-sterous Living, Jean shares a few of the priceless stories and laugh-out-loud lessons that she and her boys have experienced over the years. With humorous insight and practical advice, she offers encouragement and ideas to help both mothers and fathers impact and shape the lives of their sons. From understanding their love of sports to overcoming the superman complex, Jean shows moms how to find joy and contentment in everyday life by celebrating the laughter, passion, noise, and endless energy boys bring to our lives.

Additonal resources include:

* Thoughtful questions to help parents explore their views on raising sons
* Bible verses to help parents apply God's truth to the trials and joys of raising a family
* Suggestions for more information on several topic and issues related to parenting boys


Beacon Hill Press, 192 pages.

Meet Jean!

Jean is currently the Publishing Manager for MOPS International and she's been free-lance writing for 16 years. She has been published in a variety of local and national publications, including: Guideposts, MomSense, Today's Christian Woman, Christian Parenting Today, American Girl, Proverbs 31 Woman, Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul, Chicken Soup Cookbook for the Busy Mom's Soul, Focus on the Family's Teen Phases, Guideposts Miracle Series, and others.

She also co-authored her first book, Where Women Walked: Powerful True Stories of Women's Perseverance and God's Provision. (Tyndale/Focus on the Family, 2004) This book was nominated for a Gold Medallion Award.

Jean graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a Bachelor's (1987) and a Master's (1992) degree in Journalism. She lives in Boulder with her husband Zane; three boys, Josh, Jordan, and Jake.


Find out more about Jean here!

Inspiration at your Local Library

I once met a writer who told me he doesn’t read—never has, never will. I can’t wrap my head around that concept. Writers are readers, right? At least that’s what I’ve always heard. It’s definitely been my experience. I believe for the vast majority of us, our first love will always be reading. If you weren’t practically addicted to the written word, it’s unlikely you would’ve ever been compelled to write when you were a kid and no one but your mother pretended you had a knack for it.

Today is Thursday, my Tips and Tricks Day to get the old creative juices flowing. I’ve been at this a while so I’ve found a trick or two that usually works for me. The point of Thursdays is to share those tricks, and hopefully learn a few myself. If you are a writer—or any type of self-starting, disciplined, ambitious individual—feel free to share here. I can always use a kick in the pants.

Few things motivate me more than a trip to the library. The smells, the sounds, the harsh lights— all work on my senses the moment I shove through the heavy glass door and step across the threshold. I typically head for the section of books in which I write. But sometimes I bypass the new releases and suspense sections and take a detour down an aisle I don’t normally go.

I am never disappointed, even if I don’t find a book I want to read. As I walk along the aisles, scanning titles with my eyes and my fingers, I drink up the images the books generate. I imagine an author bent over a keyboard, bleeding and sweating her burden onto the page, and knowing full well the reader must never realize how difficult it was to create that one perfectly written scene. I feel her pain, her frustration. I’ve been there a thousand times myself. And I’ll be there a thousand times a thousand more before it’s over.

Regardless of what books I see that day, which ones I load into my tote bag, I return home with a renewed sense of purpose; of excitement that I have a story in my head that won’t let me rest until it’s finished.

Not long ago, a reader paid me the highest compliment a writer can receive. “But it comes easy for you, Teresa. You don’t have to struggle to get your words onto the page.”

If she only knew. It’s always tough. Sometimes I think it gets tougher with every book. Every word, every sentence, every scene, every character takes a little piece of me. But isn’t that the point? Isn’t that why I sit down at my computer every morning and open up a file? Or open a vein as someone once said.

The next time you need inspiration or wonder if there’s really any point in writing when there are already so many doing it and doing it well, take a trip to your local library. If you are truly meant to write, if you have a message inside you, you will leave inspired and motivated and anxious to get back in front of your computer and give another piece of yourself to your work and the world.

My Surrendered Heart

Wednesdays are now Words of Encouragemet Day

My first guest host is Sharlene MacLaren. Anyone who has ever met Shar, live and in color or only online like me, knows she has a huge heart and love for others and God. Please read what Shar has to say. I hope it will encourage you like it did for me.

MY SURRENDERED HEART
By Sharlene MacLaren

Over the years, many have asked, “What’s it like to be a writer?” In fact, I get the gamut of comments and questions—everything from, “How does anybody write a one-inch thick book when I can barely write a one-paragraph Email?” to “How long does it take to write a book?” to “Have you always been a writer?” to “How in the world do you come up with all those ideas?”

Great questions! Each one gets a different answer, of course, but my overall response is that God Himself planted in my mind and soul an earnest desire to write, and I truly experienced a “calling on my life” – probably in much the same way a minister or missionary or any church worker might experience. And because of that calling, He is the one who ultimately equips me with the tools I need to complete the task.

Have I always written? Interestingly, no. I am 60-years-old, but I didn’t complete my first full manuscript till the “well-seasoned” age of 52. Why? Well, in short, many things in life impassion me—my spiritual walk with Christ, my darling husband, daughters, grandchildren, music, reading, traveling, and, until retiring from 31 years of teaching in 2003, my career! I did not know I had room for one more passion, but God did! And in the year 2000, He began to plant a seed.

It started with a dream that I’d written a book. I, of course, shoved it aside as silly. A book. Imagine me writing a book. Yes, I’d always been a creative writer in school, my essays and term papers usually earning me ‘A’ grades, and I had dabbled in scribbling off foolish high school romances back in 11th and 12th grades. But then college came, then marriage, and children, a career in education, my involvement in church activities, a vocal music ministry. And the list continues. Plainly put, writing was the very last thing on my mind.

So, why ever would I dream I’d written a book? But then it recurred at least two or three times more, the same dream. – I had written a book. – I recalled having earlier asked God to show me what He would have me do with the second half of my life once I finally did decide to retire from teaching, and pleading that He would lead me into an area in which I could make a difference in the lives of others. I wanted my life to count, to touch hearts for eternity. Was it possible He wanted me to attempt writing an entire novel? And if I did, what would it even be about? Again, I prayed. And this time my prayer was, “Lord, I am willing to travel the path You set out for me. Take me out of the equation and simply work in and through my spirit. I surrender all.”

And that was the key! My surrendered heart. One sunny summer day in the year 2000, I sat down at my computer and began to write, and let me tell you, the ideas literally poured from my brain, down through my arms, and onto that keyboard! And my brand-spankin’ new passion came into existence!

Did I immediately find a publisher? Absolutely not. Timing is everything, namely, God’s timing. I had much to learn in this new realm I found myself – writing seminars and conferences to attend, books to read on the craft itself, not to mention mountains of information to gather about the writing/publishing industry. And then it still took years before I reached a point of readiness and my books found a home in the wonderful place known as Whitaker House.

I think if I have learned anything on this journey, it is this: God is simply NOT done with us until He says so. Oh, how He loves a willing heart, no matter our age or stage in life. If you put yourself out there and say, “God, I would love for You to take my life and use it in a way that can be effective for Your kingdom—and will bring You honor and glory,” well, He doesn’t take that lightly. No, He is right on that prayer!

Whether you are an office assistant, a daycare provider, a banker, a contractor, a stay-at-home mom, a single parent, a factory worker, or a mail carrier—whatever your pursuit in life, God has plans that go beyond your imaginings. He is always looking for “harvest workers”. I challenge you to pray the prayer of surrender—and then watch what He does to fulfill His purpose in your life.

A surrendered life equals one exciting adventure!

The Nuts and Bolts of Submission

Welcome to the launch of my redesigned Joy in the Journey. The purpose of Joy in the Journey is still to chronicle my journey from obscurity to New York Times bestselling author. Mondays are the day I'm most looking forward to. It is Roll up Your Sleeves Day, a reminder I desperately need.

So to kick off our first Roll up Your Sleeves Day, let me welcome Lisa Lickel to Joy in the Journey. Lisa will share a workshop with us in three parts from the Wisconsin Writers connect day coming up October 17.

Welcome, Lisa, and thank you for sharing your expertise.

The Nuts and Bolts of Submission by Lisa Lickel

For beginners--Part I

Nuts and bolts are integral to the framework upholding your final product. In our case, “final product” is that published article, devotional, short story, novel, novella, play, joke, greeting card, poem, song…okay, whatever you’ve written. As in any building endeavor, there are directions to follow in order for the completed structure to stand strong. Publishers already know this. That’s why they’ve developed a particular strategy to weed out the chaff from the wheat. Besides publisher’s guidelines found most often of websites, the Writer’s Market is an invaluable tool that includes lots of advice.

Remember, a publisher can’t say “no” if you don’t submit. They can’t say “yes” either.

So, a few rules:

Start the submission process with a completed project.

Do your homework. Make sure your work fits the publication

Follow guidelines exactly. Seek the publisher’s submission guidelines and do what they say.

Really. Do what they say – no more, no less.

Have patience. Be professional. Be polite. Don’t burn your bridges.

Submissions have a lot of variance according to individual publishing house rules. Let me reiterate: A LOT! You must be very careful to follow something called “guidelines” which we’ll get to. But there are some basic underlying documents to prepare and keep on hand that can be adjusted as needed. Even if you don’t use each document, it’s still good practice to prepare. The preparation will help you understand and bond with your project. Enthusiasm is important when pitching your project, both verbally and in writing. For most written work, you’ll put together a “submission packet” which will probably include some or all of the following:

Query/ or query letter

Cover letter

Synopsis which will include a hook or theme or log line

Writing sample, which will usually be the first few chapters or completed piece for shorter items

If needed/available: Resume, Clips, for non-fiction or marketable information about yourself

Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope if sending by land

Only the above items should be included, and only on industry standard supplies in industry standard format. Keep in mind, though, that different companies have different requirements. You may be asked to include a resume or fill out extensive information about yourself and your goals and experience.

What not to use or include:

Fancy stationery of any kind
Perfume or scent
Gifts of any kind
Voice messages
Revelations from God or anyone else
Threats
Promises
Underwear or any other personal items (one CBA agent recently revealed that he had received such an item included with a proposal and considered the sender “nuts”)

Thanks again, Lisa, for sharing. I never would've thought some of these things would be an issue with aspiring writers. I look forward to next Monday and Part II of The Nuts and Bolts of Submission.

Please join me Monday, September 7th in launching the redesigned Joy in the Journey. This blog is about enjoying whatever stage of the journey you are in. In my case it's a writing journey, but I hope anyone will find something here they like. I’ve changed the schedule, enlisted the help of some great writing friends, and am hosting my first contest—with prizes—so please join in the fun.

Monday is Roll up Your Sleeves Day, and I'm pleased to have guest host Lisa Lickel here for the next three Mondays. She will share from her workshop at Wisconsin Writers Connect Day called The Nuts and Bolts of Submission. Please stop by Monday and welcome Lisa to Joy in the Journey.

Stop in every day next week to see what's happening. Don't forget to play the game which begins on Saturday, September 12.

If you are a writer and would like to share your writing journey or some of the nuggets of wisdom you've picked up along the way, please submit to become a guest blogger. Writers at any level will be considered, as long as you are working toward writing as a career and not just a hobby. Joy in the Journey has a Christian world view. While your writing doesn't need to, I reserve the right to reject anything readers may deem inappropriate.

My schedule beginning September 7th is as follows:

Monday——Roll up your sleeves Day—Instructional and/or motivational posts on everything from how to create characters to inspiring the muse.

Wednesday——Encouraging words—We all need a little encouragement from time to time. Encourager extraordinaire Sharlene MacLaren, author of the Daughters of Jacob Kane series, has generously written something for us on Wednesday. I would love to see more encouraging, inspiring words from the rest of you. Nothing is too short or too long.

Tricks & Treats Thursday——Thursday is the day to get those creative juices pumping. From writing prompts to dyed in the wool tricks to get moving and keep those keyboard keys humming.

Friday Fun Days——interviews, book reviews, contests. If you would like your book featured, let me know. We can interview your heroine, discuss your writing journey, or whatever you think readers might like to know about you.

Saturday Smorgasbord——The name says it all. Who knows what might happen on Saturdays. The first Saturday in September we will be on the search for an albino squirrel courtesy of Vicki Moss. I would love to get other bloggers involved in the search. Vicki and I plan to blitz the web with announcements and sightings. Please join in the fun.

Okay, that's it. If you're a reader, aspiring writer, published novelist, or anywhere in between, there is something here for you. If you have questions you'd like addressed or want to know more about me, writing in general, or pet adoption, just ask. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does, or I'll just make something up.

See you on Monday.

Countdown to Revamp

Tension in building. It's nearly time for the unveiling of a redesigned Joy in the Journey.

Okay, only the content is getting an overhaul. I redid the template a few weeks ago. If I'd been more marketing savvy I would've saved that for Monday as well. Sigh. Hindsight, I suppose.

Regardless, I hope you are as excited as I am. Sadly, I am also exhausted. Not only am I re-planning the blog, I'm hosting a contest, "Where in the World is the Albino Sprirrel" and it's turned out to be a major undertaking. Not to mention all the time it has taken from my writing career.

BTW, if you're a blogger and would like to participate in hiding any albino squirrels on your blog, contact me. If you plan to play the game, I'll give more details later. Suffice it to say, it'll be simple, painless, a lot of fun, and oh yeah, prizes, there will be prizes.

Hope you will join us for the grand unveiling on Monday. I'm so excited. Talk to you soon.

Looking for bloggers

The first order of business for revamping Joy in the Journey next week is to recruit some ambitious bloggers who want to have a little fun. Vicki Moss and I are hosting a "Where in the World is the Albino Squirrel" game here. Participating in the squirrel hunt is easy and playing the game is even easier.

All I need is some willing to hide this easily downloadable picture of the Albino Squirrel somewhere on your blog the week of September 12th thru the 19th. If you are willing to play, please email me. Not all bloggers will be asked to hide the squirrel. Entrants will have to visit each blog in search of the squirrel.

Even if the squirrel isn't hidden on your blog, you will get visitors. This will give you an opportunity to reach new readers who might see something they like while visiting your blog.

Come on. What have you got to lose? It will be a lot of fun for everyone. You can even play yourself and maybe will our fabulous prizes; a $15 Amazon gift card and a can of mixed nuts. What can be sweeter?!

Contact me right away and let me put you on the schedule.

Sunflower Serenade

I am happy to celebrate with all of you the release of Sunflower Serenade, the latest release in Tricia Goyer's wildly popular Home to Heather Creek series.

From the heart of the author:

Dear Reader, Here in Montana we have a yearly event that everyone loves to attend. Folks make sure they're back from vacation for it. Every summer people clear off their calendars, dig out their checkbooks, put on their best pants and head to the county fair.

I was so excited to be able to bring this rural tradition to life in the pages of Sunflower Serenade. While this book is a work of fiction, parts of the story are based on my own family's experiences, such as pig wrestling rodeo going, and attending summer concerts by well-known country music stars.

My all time favorite memory of the fair has to be taking my two-year-old son to see the sheep exhibits. I'll never forget his wide eyed gaze as the sheep's nose nearly touched his. Now that Nathan is fifteen, that moment is a precious memory, one I treasure and replay in my mind every time the fair rolls around.

Enjoy your trip to the county fair through the pages of Sunflower Serenade. See you there!

Tricia Goyer

About the Home to Heather Creek series: Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.


Charlotte is uncertain about her ability to care for three grandchildren who are not thrilled to give up the beach and sunshine for snow and farm chores! But she sees a chance to make amends and will do whatever it takes to keep her fragile family together. Feel the courage, strength and commitment of this family as their lives unfold in the Home to Heather Creek series.



Click to buy books. The books come in a series and you can order those at the link. However, if you just want to order Every Sunrise you must call the customer service number (1-800-431-2344). Please include this information in your post!



About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of eighteen fiction and non-fiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. Tricia writes magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia also enjoys speaking. She and her family make their home in Montana.

Contest: Playing on one element of the book - big city entertainers vs. old county fair – the contest for this blog tour is City Girl Goes Country! Share your funniest story (about you or someone you know) about a time when you as the “city girl” goes to the country or “country girl” goes to the city. Click here to enter.

Beginning Labor Day September 7th I am revamping Joy in the Journey. As you know the blog chronicles my journey from obscure writer to top of the New York Times Bestseller Lists. It goes without saying it’s a work in progress. I would like to invite writers from every stage in the writing process to guest host or post something to the blog. The only requirement is that you must be published or actively pursuing writing as a career, and it’s not just a hobby to occupy your lunch breaks.

Note: Joy in the Journey expresses a Christian world view. While your writing doesn’t have to, I reserve the right to reject anything I deem unacceptable to my readers. Drop me a line if you would like to submit or become a guest host.

My schedule beginning September 7th is as follows:

Monday——Roll up your sleeves Day—Instructional and/or motivational posts on everything from how to create characters to handling writers’ block.

Wednesday——Encouraging words—We all need a little encouragement from time to time. Encourager extraordinaire Sharlene MacLaren, author of the Daughters of Jacob Kane series, has generously written something I’ll post that first Wednesday. Thanks, Shar. I would love to get some encouraging, inspiring words from the rest of you. Nothing is too short or too long.

Tricks & Treats Thursday——Thursday is the day to get those creative juices pumping. From writing prompts to dyed in the wool tricks to get moving and keep those keyboard keys humming.

Friday Fun Days——interviews, book reviews, contests. If you would like your book featured, let me know. We can interview your heroine, discuss your writing journey, or whatever else you think readers might like to know about you.

Saturday Smorgasbord——The name says it all. Who knows what might happen on Saturdays. The first Saturday in September we will be on the search for an albino squirrel courtesy of Vicki Moss. I would love to get other bloggers involved in the search. Vicki and I plan to blitz the web with announcements and sightings. Please join in the fun.

Did Agatha Christie stress over her hips?

Seems I spend much of my writing day trudging back and forth from my desk to the kitchen. I hit a snag in plotting and I run to the kitchen for a snack. My heroine doesn’t behave the way I would like so I reach inside my candy drawer. It’s empty these days since I practice mindful eating, so another trip to the kitchen is warranted. My tummy raises the roof two hours before dinner. I rationalize that I can’t produce if I am distracted by hunger so…you guessed it…back to the kitchen.

I wish Agatha Christie had written a blog post describing how she dealt with this problem. She was a country girl, dedicated to her craft, but not glued to her seat. I imagine her eavesdropping on the servants downstairs in the kitchen, chatting and rattling pots and pans, while she tried to work and the rumble of her tummy interrupted every five minutes.

Perhaps she was oblivious to such trivial distractions. She did after all, write and successfully publish a heap more than I have up to this point.

Writing and obsessing over my tendency to pack on the pounds now that I’m on the wrong side of 45 and at home fulltime, fills much of my day. I try to balance the two—not to mention housework (not much obsessing there) and keeping the dogs and my husband from feeling neglected, and friends and updating my blogs and adding followers to Twitter and Shoutlife…

How did Agatha do it all?

She didn’t even have a Blackberry to keep her organized. Forget about Microsoft Word and a Dell mini for when she was on the road. Yet she managed to produce some pretty amazing stuff that writers like me still study and emulate.

So maybe she didn’t obsess over her thighs. Maybe she said, “What the heck?” and called downstairs for a scone and went on pumping out the magic. Since I don’t have servants to fetch goodies, I’ll strive to exercise a little discipline to stay in the chair and out of the kitchen and let my characters obsess over their thighs.

Back to work.

Fabulous idea!

BESTSELLING AUTHOR OPENS ONLINE SHOP

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Recently Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling and award-winning author of the Christy Miller Series and the Sisterchicks Series, gave in to overwhelming requests from her readers to open an online store.

"I am now more connected to my readers, and every single one of those relationships means a lot to me," says Gunn. "For years women have been requesting Sisterchicks® T-shirts for their ministry events or tote bags for their book clubs. Teens have asked for posters and fun things like orange surfboard key chains to remind them to pray for their future husbands. One girl begged me to sell 'I [heart]Todd' T-shirts since all the girls at her school were wearing 'My Boyfriend Is a Vampire' shirts."

Robin Jones Gunn's online shop opened June 20 at http://shop.robingunn.com with more than 680 items sold in seven weeks and a miniature surfboard keychain (the Christy Miller Series takes place in Newport Beach, Calif.) topped the list.

"It took a year to pull together the funds to do this," says the author, who has more than 4 million books in print. The store offers not only clothing and items connected to the characters and themes of her books but also most of her books. "I know that a bookstore can't carry all 70 books that I've written, so while I always encourage readers to check with their local bookstore, for the reader who can't find what she's looking for in her community, Robin's Nest Online Shop is an alternative."

Gunn reports the store has done well, and not just in terms of numbers, but also in terms of touching lives. "Today this note appeared on my Facebook page along with a photo of the T-shirt logo that says, 'Sisterchicks Forever':

My friend Kara and I met at summer camp when we were 5 and have been like sisters ever since. Another friend, Stacy, joined our trio, and as soon as your Robin's Nest Online Shop opened, Kara made sure the three of us had Sisterchicks T-shirts because we love your books. But it's more than that. After many years of battling a horrible disease, Kara passed away on the 4th of July, just two weeks after we received the shirts. She asked to be buried in her Sisterchicks T-shirt because for the 3 of us Sisterchicks, the 'forever' on the shirt really means forever. We know we'll be together for eternity."

"When relationships are affected for eternity, I know opening the shop was the right choice," Gunn says.


_______________________


Join Robin on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-Jones-Gunn/110691292261?ref=ts for a special Summer Promise Party from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm PDT on Friday, August 14th.

On August 15th for ONE DAY ONLY visitors to Robin's Nest Shop http://shop.robingunn.com can receive a free MP3 download of Summer Promise, the first book in the Christy Miller Series for teens.

"I can't wait," Robin says, "to hear back from those readers who have told me their friends won't read, but they will listen to books on their Ipods."


Robin Jones Gunn is available for interview.

Seize the moment

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness...never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. - Lord Chesterfield

I have a friend who says he doesn't have time to write though he enjoys discussing his writing ideas with me. He is a busy man. He has a family and a fulltime job and property that needs tended. But he also watches sports on television every weekend. He is nearly addicted to computer games and loves surfing the Net for news coverage.

I believe we find time for what we like. If something is important enough, we'll carve the time out of our calendars. But writing is hard. It's easier and usually more fun to sit around and talk about the art of writing and discuss plotlines and characters than to actually buckle down and get to work. So we put it off. We say someday. We'll wait until we're inspired. Let me tell you, you get inspired by doing something, not sitting around and thinking about it.

Once we finally realize the value of our time, often for many of us it is too late. While your life might seem like a long time in the midst of it, truly it is a blink of an eye. Before you know it, you'll look back and wonder what happened to all the years that transpired since you first said you were going to write a book.

How important is writing to you. Do you live it and breathe it and imagine conversations between your characters in your head? Can you picture them in your mind and walk down the same fictitious streets they walk?

If so, then don't put it off. Someday you'll be gone and your stories will be gone as well. The voices will be silenced. What a shame. Even if you only take a small step today, stop procrastinating! Write something.

Why Read Christian Fiction by Adrienne Carlson

Dear Friends, I am pleased to have today at Joy in the Journey a guest blogger, Adrienne Carlson, a friend I met on an online writing group. Adrienne writes regularly on the topic of online bible classes and has a passion for Christian Fiction. Read on to find out what she has to say about the appeal of Christian fiction to today's readers.

Why Read Christian Fiction?

If you love books as much as I do, your local library and bookstore are probably going to be your favorite haunts. Books were my favorite companions as I was growing up, and even today, I’d rather read than do anything else. But unfortunately, the pressures of work and other responsibilities leave me with hardly any time to cuddle up with a good book, so when I do get some time to myself, I try to read books that are really worthwhile. While searching for a genre that I enjoyed and one that would enrich me at the same time, I found that Christian fiction suited my needs. So if you’re looking for a reason to read Christian fiction, read on:

· It’s enriching and enjoyable: Not often do you find books that both enthrall you with the story and also have something to offer your soul. Christian fiction packs both these aspects into one and provides you with food for your mind and your soul. You’re able to enjoy a good story as well as learn from the values that the story is peppered with. The best writers are those who are able to weave a story around values, and when this happens, you know you have found a book that’s priceless.

· It appeals to people who are not Christians: Most writers who choose to pen Christian fiction are not fanatic Christians, no matter what people may choose to believe. Rather, they are writers who believe in the Christian faith and because of this, their Christian values seep into the books and stories they author. This draws people, even those who are not Christians to read them, because the stories are good and because the authors have created a name for themselves. Christian fiction is thus a good way to educate non-Christians about the way of Christ and instill in them the values that true Christians cherish and follow.

· It is a good way to spend your free time: You don’t have to be worried about choosing the wrong kind of leisure activities, the ones that are not acceptable if you are a true Christian. With Christian fiction, you are occupied in a way that you enjoy without having to feel guilty about it.

If you’ve never read Christian fiction, it’s time you gave it a try. It’s worth the effort and the time!

Many thanks to Adrienne Carlson for providing this guest blog. Adrienne regularly writes on the topic of online bible college. She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson1@gmail.com .

Micro-tension--Hanging on your every word

Micro-tension——the art of building tension or conflict in every scene to make the reader care about what happens at the end of the chapter, the end of the scene or even the end of the sentence to keep them turning pages.

Do you mean I have to make every scene, every page, every stinking word fraught with tension? How in the world am I supposed to do that?

We’ve all read books that fall flat while we are reading, even action thrillers that seem to have no action. How does this happen? What has the author done wrong or is it the reader's own personal taste? Either way, what as writers can we learn from the mistakes of others?

Regardless of what is going on in the scene, there should be tension in the scene to make the reader care about the character and what is going on with him or her. Even if the character is alone in a room, contemplating her next move, the scene should move the story forward. There should be something for the character to gain or lose in this scene.

Ask yourself--Does this scene belong here? Can it be revamped to make it more interesting to the reader? Should it be scrapped or rewritten altogether?

While keeping tension on every page can seem like a daunting task for the writer, it doesn't have to be. We are also readers. In the next book you read for pleasure, examine the book and see what keeps you as the reader turning pages. Why do you care about the situation, the characters?

I once read a book whose author obviously cared a great deal and knew a great deal about art forgeries. The book was not about the art world. One of the book's minor characters worked in a museum. In every scene including this character he discussed how to detect a forgery or a famous piece of art.

I couldn’t have cared less. The book was a mystery that had nothing to do with art. If not for this one character who happened to work in a museum, art never would’ve been mentioned in the book. But because it interested the author, each scene with this character involved art.

It got to the point that every time I saw this character’s name, I skimmed down the page to the end of the scene and then picked the story back up where the author left off.

Those scenes never should’ve been included in the book. If I hadn’t been so interested in the rest of the story, I probably would’ve stopped reading. In fact I can't remember a single thing about that book except how the writer kept taking me out of the story over and over again by telling me about her passion. I have never read another of her books either.

Study a few books that hold your interest all the way to the end. What is it about them that keeps you turning pages? Now go through a few random scenes of you own story as a reader. Is there micro-tension on every page, in every line? Is there something to be gained or lost by the character that will affect the outcome of the scene or the book?

Pack your book with tension. You may find a scene endearing or brilliant, but it will annoy the reader if he senses no tension or conflict. You can alienate readers for future works as well, so keep them turning pages and hanging on your every word.

Deadly Intent by Camy Tang

Reviewed by Susan Sleeman
If you enjoy romance, suspense, and inspiration, this book has it all in a well-balanced mix.

I have never been a spa kind of girl, but Camy Tang's fabulous descriptions of life at the Joy Luck Life spa, in her latest release Deadly Intent had me rethinking my decision. Until she started to kill people off in this exclusive Sonoma spa, that is.

Naomi Grant, filling in as the spa manager for her father who's recovering from a stroke, finds herself faced with big challenges. Not only is her client Jessica Ortiz murdered in the spa, but Naomi soon becomes a prime suspect in the murder. She finds herself turning to Dr. Devon Knightly for comfort, help in the locating the killer, and most importantly, matters of the heart. Her heart, that pines after the handsome Dr. Knightly. But when Naomi learns that Dr. Knightly had once been married to Jessica and is a suspect himself, she is forced to decide if she can trust him. Thus begins a fast paced, well plotted, suspense book with an equally pleasing romance.

Tang draws you in right from the beginning through her characters and the first spark that flies between Naomi and Devon. I liked Naomi right off the bat. She's a strong woman, yet insecure when it comes to telling her father what she really wants to do in life making her a very real character. The supporting cast is equally flawed yet real.

Tang keeps you reading with the tightly written suspense. Hair-raising events keep you turning the pages until the end, never guessing the killer's identity, before the story ends with a satisfying bang. The faith message is strongly woven throughout the book, never intruding, but adding to your reading enjoyment. So if you enjoy romance, suspense, and inspiration, this book has it all in a well-balanced mix.

Go here to read the first chapter of Deadly Intent by Camy Tang

Story is king---or is it?

If you’ve researched writing for publication for any length of time you've heard it said or read it over and over again. It’s all about the story. Not you. Not your agenda or cramming your belief system down the reader’s throat.

I read an online interview yesterday at Writers Digest with Jerry Jenkins and Stephen King. Since I believe there is a thing or two—or five thousand—I could learn from these two prolific writers, I absorbed every word.

In case you don’t know, I write Christian fiction. My mission for my writing ministry is to entertain, edify, and inspire readers through my pen. When asked, I always tell people that I am blessed to be in a position to do what I love while sharing my faith with others. I’m a storyteller, but I’m also a Christian so it’s only natural that I incorporate who I am into my writing. The trick is not to bore, annoy, or alienate readers with who you are. Frankly, the reader doesn’t care. They want a good story, and you better give them one.

Jerry Jenkins put it this way: “…the singular challenge I had was to allow the message to come through without letting it overwhelm the fiction. The story has to be paramount. Readers must fall in love with the characters and want to keep turning the pages. The minute your novel starts to read like a sermon, end of story.”

Stephen King had this to say: “The old Robert (Psycho) Bloch witticism applies here: “Thou shalt not sell thy book for a plot of message.” Jerry said it, and I’ll double down: Story comes first. But—and I think Jerry will agree with this, too—what you write ought to be about something you care about. Why else would you spend all that time and expend all that effort?”

Balance, dear writer, balance. Don’t be afraid to tell your story in your own unique way, but keep in mind it’s all about the story. Don’t intrude. Create characters you care about. Put them into situations that matter to you. Let your passion come through to the reader, but remember that ultimately, the only thing that matters is story.

Be outstanding

I read a fabulous quote yesterday on a calendar at the doctor’s office that struck a chord with me. “If you want to stand out, don’t be different; be outstanding.”

As a writer I am always thinking of ways to draw attention to my writing. Writing is a crowded, competitive field. Check out any of the current bestseller lists. Sadly you won’t find my name. At least not today. I haven’t yet stepped out of the pack. Maybe you are in the same situation on your job. Or at school. Or with the opposite sex. Or wherever you desire to be noticed.

In many fields, writing included, those trying to break in look for a current trend or theme to mimic to sell their product. This week in writing, it’s vampires. Publishers and agents are inundated with books trying to capitalize on the success of the Twilight series and others. The only problem with that method is things change and by the time you finish your first draft what’s selling books today may be out of style.

Other writers decide they’ll get noticed by being different. They’ll thumb their nose at convention by not giving their romance novel a happy ending. That only works for Nicholas Sparks. Or they write a book about a flesh eating alien who runs for the U.S. Senate and adopts a child from a third world country. While there’s nothing wrong with exploring new avenues and thinking outside the box, there is probably a reason why few publishers would be clamoring for the aforementioned works.

It is best not to reinvent the wheel. In fiction most genres have certain rules aspiring writers should adhere to, such as letting the guy get the girl or bringing your villain to justice. Rather than worrying so much about being different, how about we focus our talents and gifts on being outstanding. Write the best novel you can. Put together the best presentation. Put everything you have into your demo. Whatever you do, don’t be different; be outstanding. Only then will you stand out in a crowd.

The following devotion was written by Barbara Davidson for the women of her church. It is so beautiful and thought provoking I just had to post it here. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks Barbara, for providing it.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14

The Grocery Store Day: When we returned from Korea, after having spent two years on the mission field, I entered a grocery store and stood there stunned. There were fresh strawberries in February, aisles stocked with undented cans, bags of flour unpunctured by rats, a ga-zillion choices of cereals, pastas, ice cream, fish, breads, and chicken packaged neatly, without the heads and necks attached. Ah, how easy to be filled with thanks—totally satisfied with God’s unfailing love pouring over me.

The Pickle Relish Day: A decade later, we moved, and my new kitchen had lovely wooden floors. I wondered how I was going to keep the grooves between the boards clean, but didn’t give it much thought until the morning I hurriedly opened the frig and the bar holding the items on the door shelf broke, hurdling a full jar of pickle relish everywhere. Broken glass, pickles, and juice filled every crevice. Did I sing for joy? It was tough, but after the initial horror, as I spent hours cleaning up, He helped me focus on His unfailing love. I thanked Him for the house, the floor, my knees, my eyes that could see the shards of glass, the time that morning to clean it, and on and on.

The Cancer Day: And then there was the day I impatiently waited on the exam table for the doctor. All he had to do was remove the bandage from what I had thought was a “spot” removal. Cancer had never invaded our world, so I didn’t know that what had occurred a week before was a lumpectomy followed by a biopsy. The words “breast cancer” came out like a baseball bat slug to the head. It was a stage 3, whole-ball-of-wax cancer which journeyed me through chemos, a failed bone marrow transplant, 136 blood/platelet transfusions, and a long walk “through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Surely the verse doesn’t mean that we sing for joy and are glad for these days too?

We all experience these three different days. Each begins with a morning in which the Lord wants to satisfy us. It’s easy to be satisfied on the mornings of lovely grocery store days—when we’re experiencing good health, happy children, money to pay the bills, joyful friendships, the amazing blessings of getting to live in the United States. It gets rougher when the pickle relish and broken glass cover the kitchen floor—when we’re stuck in traffic, the computer crashes, the toddler completely misses the potty, we get lost and we’re late to the job interview, the wallet is stolen. And then there are the cancer days—when there’s news of Dad’s death, your husband says he wants a divorce, your child chooses to be a prodigal, the World Trade Center is decimated.

A rock strong truth I discovered during my cancer walk is succinctly stated on page 117 in Kay Arthur’s As Silver Refined. “When the pain is deepest and sharpest—it becomes a testing and proving ground both for our belief in the sovereignty of God and for our understanding of His heart. The single most powerful, liberating, peace-giving truth I’ve every learned in God’s Word is the fact that He is sovereign. Resting in the sovereignty of God has held me through all the trials, all the pain—everything. God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks—not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.”

How He longs to satisfy us every morning—on grocery store days, pickle relish days, and cancer days-- with His unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Barbara Davidson

Can you save Molly Malone?

Molly Malone needs a home!
First posted on my friend's blog on May 26, 2009.

So often when someone dies, their pets get overlooked. Unless there are family members willing to care for them, they end up in shelters or worse, put down or released.

Molly Malone’s human, Angie, recently lost a battle with brain cancer. Molly really needs help as her life where she is at now is not ideal. She does not like cats, and her current host family has four so she can’t roam the house. She either stays in a kennel room, in her crate, or is outside in a fenced in area.

If you are a pet owner, you know that pets aren’t just pets, they become family. Molly was queen of her house and was her mother Angie’s pride and joy.

Molly is a great people dog, loves attention, loves to be petted, and gives lots of kisses. She is a Corgi/Border Collie mix and weighs about 35 pounds. She is about 15″ tall and doesn’t really do that well with small dogs; she isn’t very gentle with them though she has been fine with puppies. Molly is healthy, house trained, and deserves someone to love and love her in return.

Molly has been in a foster home since November but it is becoming harder for them to keep her with the cat situation. They worry they will not be able to keep her much longer so Molly needs some help! Molly needs a home full of love where she can rule the roost or be around larger dogs.

If you live in or around the Chicago area, or know anyone who does, and would like more information, please contact Ann Marie with PetsNPatients at annmarie@petsnpatients.com. Any help you can give, even just spreading the word, would be a tremendous help. She is a really sweet dog and I would hate to see her put down because no one can take her.

Thank you,
Ria
as Creative Director, PetsNPatients
www.petsnpatients.com