Cutting off the Inner Critic

I asked my friend and co-collaborator of a romance anthology, Molly Noble Bull, if she would like to critique my short romance. She said she would be delighted, but warned me that she takes her editing role very seriously and can come across rather tough if the situation warrants. I assured her I didn't expect anything less.

As a writer, I am my own worst critic. While I am working on a book, I hate it and am sure my editor and publisher will too. Only after I finish the book and the last of the last rewrites, can I step back and say, "Wow! I don't even remember writing this. It's actually pretty good."
Sadly, this carries over into my personal reading. Even when reading for entertainment, I have a hard time removing my editor's cap. I find myself thinking, "I wouldn't have used that phrase." "That character would never react that way." "Why does the writer have to tell me what the heroine is wearing in every scene? I don't care." "I saw that plot twist coming a mile away." And on and on and on.

I have a friend who tells me I took all the romance out of writing for her. Before she met me, she used to dream of writing a novel. She pictured herself sequestered in a mountain retreat, plucking away at an old manual typewriter while birds twittered in the trees above a babbling brook. She thought writing was the most magical, romantic career in the world. HA!!!!!! Boy, has she changed her tune. After listening to me vent and whine for the last ten years, she realizes life is no Murder She Wrote and most of us aren't Jessica Fletcher.

She doesn't even read the way she used to. Because of me, she is always picking apart the books she reads, ever the critic. I took one of her favorite pasttimes and sapped all the joy out of it.

Oh, to be a writer. Or the friend of a writer. It's not nearly as alluring as it appears on TV.

Evan Almighty

I was prepared to be offended when I went to see Evan Almighty last Friday. I was prepared for a cheap remake of the less than memorable Bruce Almighty film starring Jim Carey. I was ready for crude, sophomoric humor centered around bodily functions, spoofs, and obnoxious sexual gags. But my husband really wanted to see this movie, we had free passes, and I can't pass up a five-gallon bucket of popcorn and a bottomless Pepsi.

Instead I was blissfully surprised. Steve Correll played the part of Evan Baxter in much the same way he plays the loveable dork, Michael Scott on The Office. Fans of the show will see similarities. Whether a fan of Steve Correll's work or not, Evan Almighty is a lighthearted movie you can take the kids to with no fear of offensive language, semi-nudity, or crass humor you'll need to explain on the way home. On the contrary, this movie may open conversations about the similarites of the real Noah's Ark story, obedience, faith, and other matters we'd like to explore with our children, but sometimes find difficult.

Don't expect enlightenment or a necessarily brilliant plot. Many plot points you'll see coming a mile away. Don't overthink things. Just relax and have fun. This is a great family film and the best time I've had at the theater in a long time.

P.S. The popcorn was divine.

Teresa

Blog Tour

From May 15th-June 15 was the blog tour in honor of the release of my latest book Evidence of Grace. Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to host me on their blogs. I encourage you to follow the links in the right hand column to check out these wonderful writers.

As far as I'm concerned a blog tour is the way to go. Gas is hovering at $3 a gallon in southern Ohio as we speak. Who knows what it will be the next time I'm at the pumps. Everyone is talking about cutting corners in other places because we can't do without the gas. We need it. They have it, so they can charge whatever they please.

In place of actually getting behind the wheel of my minivan and driving somewhere, I have been able to make myself more visible with a blog tour.

Janet Evanovich, author of the Stephanie Plum mystery series says building a web fan base helped her go from virtual obscurity to best selling author. Her first Stephanie Plum mystery had a print run of 13,000. The print run for her latest, Lean Mean Thirteen is 1.5 million. Wow! A writer's dream.

But this success doesn't come easily or quickly. It takes a lot of work. Work I'm ashamed to say I haven't invested in marketing. My favorite venue to promote books is libraries. My least favorite are bookstores. Alas, marketing is a necessary evil. The world wide web is more accommodating to my introspective nature. But it's still a long road ahead and lots of blood, sweat, and tears.

Everyone knows there's safety in numbers. Have you heard what Publishers Weekly had to say about the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Tour? Four Christian fantasy writers will kick off a tour the Eastern United States following the Intl' Christian Retailers Show in Atlanta in July. A book tour like that would be fun. You'd have a shoulder to cry on if no one showed up and someone with whom to celebrate when the crowds couldn't fit through the doors.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in my blog tour. Hope to see you in the stores soon.

Teresa

Welcome Karen H. Phillips

Please join me in welcoming Karen H. Phillips to Joy in the Journey as she discusses the excitement and anxiety that is par for the course for anyone embarking on a writing career. At the end of this post, you will find information on how to contact her. Enjoy her contribution to my blog. Karen, let me be the first to say congratulations on surviving your first year in this crazy, wonderful business.

Empty Nest, New Calling

by Karen H. Phillips

I needed a new calling. A former teacher, a homemaker, and a stay-at-home mom/homeschool teacher, by the fall of 2006, I tired of remodeling and decluttering after the kids left for college. God must have something more in store for me.
Dedicating time to prayer, Bible study, and an intriguing book—Whistle While You Work: Heeding Your Life’s Calling—I found myself drawn to writing. I searched for information about writing in bookstores and online.
When you seek, indeed, you find what you’re looking for. I discovered the Fellowship of Christian Writers online. Moderators and members alike welcomed me warmly, and I learned from them the first day I joined. I soon followed FCWers in posting weekly writing goals.
The first of its kind, a writers’ conference cropped up in my area. I attended, and it affirmed my belief: God had called me to write. Spirit-Led Writer’s Lisa Crayton gave me my first paid opportunity to write when she published online my review of that same conference.
I lapped up every writing-related experience, including visiting a college about an hour and a half’s drive to hear Sena Jeter Naslund, author of Ahab’s Wife, speak at a small college. I’ll never forget talking to her afterwards. I said, “I’m a late bloomer. I just began writing recently.”
She said, “No. You have to look at it like this: You’ve had all these wonderful life experiences. Now you’re ready to write about them.”
A few months later, I came out of the internet closet and joined the local writers guild. Recently established as a nonprofit organization, the guild elected me as a board member at my first meeting. What a learning experience, to set policy and serve other writers by molding the guild into what the members want and need!
Even better, the feedback from the guild’s nonfiction group improved my essay for The Writers View Two’s Mount Hermon contest—to the point that I received a scholarship to attend. At Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference, two editors critiqued a piece for me, providing insight on revising my work to fit periodicals’ needs. I connected with online friends and met new writing buddies, finding invaluable mutual support in this network.
My attendance at Cecil Murphey’s mentoring clinic, an intensive workshop in which the participants met one-on-one with Cec to revise and refine our work in progress, preceded my sending the article for the Mount Hermon critiques, an example of God’s perfect timing.

My clips file still takes up little space, but the idea and submission files bulge! If new friends and learning could add to my clips, I’d need a new file cabinet. I thank the Lord and all those who’ve helped and encouraged me through my first writing year. Right now, right here, I’m exactly where I ought to be.

Karen H. Phillips began writing for publication in March 2006. Her husband and two grown children stand behind her writing habit, especially when they browse the refrigerator near her kitchen writing desk.

Read Karen’s blogs at:
http://sky-highview.blogspot.com/ http://blog.myspace.com/writethetruth http://www.shoutlife.com/karenhphillips

What's New

I hope everyone has been following along on my blog tour that has been going on all over the web since May 14th. I've been to some exciting and friendly places. It's not too late to join in the fun. Tomorrow I will be visiting my friend Margaret Daley. My next stop is Friday where I will check in with writers Angela Benson and Carole Browne. Stop by and see what's up.

Best of all on Friday, one week before the release of Evidence of Grace, Book 3 in my Jenna's Creek Series, we will be joined by my friend and fellow writer Karen Phillips. She will be guest blogging right here at Joy in the Journey. Stop in and see what Karen has to say. I'm sure we will be encouraged, enlightened and entertained.

It's not too late to vote for Evidence of Grace over at the ACFW book club for their July Book of the Month selection. You must be a member of the group, but that's easy enough if you have an email account. Just getting the book nominated was a great honor. Winning Book of the Month will be icing on the cake. Especially since July is my birth month. What a wonderful present. Thanks to all who have already voted.

Be sure to stop in on Friday and make Karen feel welcome. Have a great rest of the week.

Teresa

What I learned this weekend

If you've heard me talk at length before you may have heard me say I get more story ideas over Memorial Day weekend than the entire rest of the year. Attribute it to my morbid curiosity if you will, but I love visiting cemeteries. The older, the better. Between my husband, my father-in-law, and me, we travel to several cemeteries in rural southern Ohio to visit the graves of some of the more important people in our lives who have gone on.

Warranting a visit on Memorial Day weekend is quite an honor I suppose. It isn't possible to visit every departed loved one. Some graves are too far away and the trip isn't feasible. Or there just isn't enough hours in the day. So we visit grandparents, my husband's mother, a brother and sister who died in infancy, my nephew who died when he was seven, a beloved uncle, and various great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and those whose relationship to us we aren't exactly sure of.

Some of the graves I visit year after year belong to people who aren't related to me and who died before I was ever born. Certain headstones prick my curiosity and won't let me be. Today I read a marker belonging to a baby who was laid to rest next to his parents. He was born on his parents' first anniversary in 1957 and died three months later. His parents went on to have 3 more children. Another infant was born and died on May 31, 1897. His young mother joined him in death two weeks later. Another baby died on her first birthday in 1901, which also happened to be Christmas Eve.

None of these stories are unique. With the help of modern medicine, it is a rarity for a couple in America to lose a child in the first few years of life. But not in 1901 or even in 1957. Many mothers knew what it was like to bury a child she loved and nurtured in her womb for nine months. Sadly, the next morning she had to get up and cook breakfast, milk the cows, gather the eggs, and finish a hundred other chores just like any other morning. She didn't have the luxury of microwave meals to tide the rest of the family over until she was able to rise out of her bed and drawing her remaining children to her bosom.

As a writer, I think on these things and wonder how these young women and families survived the hardships that were everyday occurrences for them. I wish I could document every story for they deserve to be told. Memorial Day is a time to remember our fallen heroes and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we might enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.

But I can't help remembering the everyday heroes who put their staggering pain aside for the best interests of their families. I don't know if I could've been as strong as these hardy women, and the men too, who got up the next morning and went on with their lives after the ultimate loss. They didn't have therapists and books and hardship leave from work. Life went on and so did they.

If not for the grace of God...

Wishing each of you a blessed and prosperous week.

Teresa

Welcome to author Toni V. Lee

In case you haven't discovered it yet, a great place to meet and network with Christians authors, artists, and just plain wonderful people is Shoutlife. Shoutlife is a fun place for those who have felt out of place or overwhelmed on other online communities. Shoutlife is also where I met Christian author Toni V. Lee. (pictured at left) Today we are going to discuss Toni's latest book, Expectations, and get to know Toni a little better. First read the review for Expectations and then join me in welcoming Toni to Joy in the Journey.

Expectations is a romantic comedy-drama about a woman who prays for a husband and receives more than one unexpected answer.When Michael Greer barges into Daria Simpson’s home to avoid a belligerent ex-girlfriend, Daria is not impressed. Then Michael renews his relationship with Christ and begins attending her church. Suddenly, the atmosphere becomes electric, and despite her best intentions, Daria can’t get her mind off that man. Soon they’re having monster alerts that have nothing to do with ogres or dragons. Hilarious encounters, eccentric aunties, and a persistent ex-girlfriend give them plenty of action, but nothing prepares them for the arrival of a secret baby who reveals an awful secret.

Will Michael walk away and fulfill Daria’s fearful expectations, or will their attraction mature into a godly love that lasts a lifetime?

A fresh look at the struggle for pre-marital purity and the power of forgiveness can be found in Expections, the latest work by Toni V. Lee. Using recognizable characters,
situations, and comedy, this novel addresses the impact of self-discovery, physical intimacy, and spiritual renewal on the Christian single man and woman.

Good evening, Toni. Sorry for the delay in having you on the Joy in the Journey, but I know it will be worth the wait. Can you tell everyone a little about yourself?

I’m a former Sunday school teacher who loves to curl up with a good romance novel.

I’m committed to communicating the message of Christ through my novels and plays;
hence my motto: Spreading Truth through Fiction.

Just prior to my work on Expectations, I published my first play, The Crown
Mystery.

I have a BSBA degree from the University of Central Florida and live in Central Florida with my family. I’m a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, and I’m a member of the leadership team of the CIC (Complete in Christ) Singles’ Ministry of my church.

Spreading truth through fiction. That's what it's all about. What can you tell us about your book?
Expectations is a romantic comedy-drama about a woman who prays for a husband and receives more than one unexpected answer.

The novel takes you on a roller coaster ride of laughter, drama, self-discovery, spiritual renewal, and love.

Using recognizable characters, situations, and comedic views of dramatic events, Expectations addresses the crippling effects of unforgiveness and the struggles involved in Christian dating and remaining pure before God.

What messages do you hope readers will gain from your novel?

My novel has many interrelated messages. I would like readers to gain the following from Expectations:

We have expectations, but God has a plan.

The truth that God loves them and is concerned about every facet of their lives.

Sometimes the answer we expect from God is not the answer we receive, but it will be the right answer for us. The timing of that answer will be perfect.

Unforgiveness is a destructive force.

Time for us here on earth is finite. Don’t put off having an honest and intimate relationship with Christ until tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come.

It’s important to stay pure before God in thought and deed.

What specific feature of the book will cause informed readers, who may already own other books on this subject, to spend money and time to read this book?

The novel takes you through a gamut of feelings. The characters and situations are recognizable and real.

The reader will care about the characters and become involved with them and their situation.

When writing Expectations, I tried very hard to make the characters real and believable, so that readers would identify with and relate to them. So far, reader feedback has been awesome.

What quotes from Expectations do you think emphasize your main messages?

“Lord, why is it taking You so long to send me a man? I’m trying to wait patiently and contentedly for You to send me somebody, but it’s just taking sooooooo long.” – Daria’s—the heroine—lament.

“Y’all be careful, you hear. Flesh is a mess when you don’t keep it in check.” - Aunt Euvinia speaking to Michael and Daria.

“Unforgiveness is like a slow poison. It spreads through you, corroding and contaminating your soul, leaving bitterness and hatred in its wake.” - Pastor Wicham.

Your reader feedback has been encouraging, what responses have given you the most encouragement?

I’m delighted and humbled by all of the responses I’ve received. They are generally “A good read. I couldn’t put it down.”, “The story is so real! Did it really happen?”, “I was there in every scene with the characters.”, and “When will the sequel be available?”

I’ve also received great responses from an unexpected source—middle and high school teenagers. They were not my targeted audience, but they really love the book and are being blessed by it. Well...we have expectations, but God has a plan.

Needless to say, a whole lot of encouragement can be found in the responses I’ve received.

Tell us what we have to look forward to in the future. What new projects are you working on?

I am currently working on my second novel, Even Then (working title). It contains some of the lovable and hilarious characters from Expectations. Even Then is a romantic comedy-drama about two women whose hearts are sent into a tailspin when they’re broadsided by the love of men they thought they knew very well.

If you like Aunt Lenore and Aunt Euvinia in Expectations, you’re going to love ‘em in Even Then.

Who are the Aunties?

Lenore is that elderly Christian who sees everything, especially when you’d rather she didn’t. She readily imparts wisdom and threats with an even hand to keep those she cares about in line.

Euvinia is quick to laugh and full of fun. She’ll joke with you and deliver wisdom all at the same time. You’ve got to love her.

You know these ladies. Both of them will get in your business and in your face without a qualm...all in the name of love.

Where can I find Expectations?

Expectations is available at...
www.tonivlee.com
On-line bookstores (amazon.com, target.com, christianbook.com, etc.)
1-877-421-READ (7323)
www.pleasantwordbooks.com
Local bookstores (If you don't see it on the shelf, ask for it.)

Raising Godly Children

Scripture Reading: II Chronicles 22:1-9 (NKJV)

II Chronicles 22:2-3

Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year… He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother advised him to do wickedly.

It’s an Old Testament story of one of those minor kings whose names I can never remember. In this instance, one line jumped out at me. His mother advised him to do wickedly. Hmmm. The story of King Ahaziah is one of treason, murder, and genocide. To think he listened to his mother!

Sometimes we think our kids don’t listen to a word we say. Especially that teenager who hasn't come out of his room in two years. But how often have we heard them repeat something we wish we hadn’t said? Often we don’t realize what great influencers we are of our children. They walk like we do, talk like we do. They even root for the same team at a ball game.

We all want our children to be happy and healthy; to grow into honorable young men and women. We would never advise them to do wickedly. But what about our actions? Do they observe us practicing patience and humility? Or do they see us yelling at the driver in the next car, complaining about last Sunday’s sermon, dishonoring our own parents?

Ahaziah’s mother’s fate was death by the sword. Our consequences can be just as deadly if we fail to raise our children in the ways of the Lord. As mothers, we have been given the most frustrating, aggravating, lowest paid job ever created. But it is also the most fulfilling. We are the greatest influencers our children will ever have. Let us take that responsibility seriously.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Keep me mindful of my influence over my child. Let my advice be directed by Your word. Amen
Additional Reading: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Creativity in the Garden

This time of year, it's hard to stay inside and get any real work done when the sunshine is beckoning outside. Last week I made my first trip to a gardening center and spent more money than I intended on annuals and hanging baskets. It takes a stronger woman than me to resist the colors and smells of wet earth and possibilities of what my garden and front porch can look like with a minimal amount of tender loving care.

I spent too much money, bought more flowers than I have room for and came home and got creative. This is my favorite time of year even though I don't have as much money or time and desire to do to my yard and flowerbeds what my father does in his.

I like to think part of my creative bent came from him. As far as I know, he's never strung a word picture together in his head or penned a song or even wrote a love letter. His creativity is in the garden. People stop to admire his handiwork all summer long. He is considered an expert on anything green. They ask for advice and the names of some of the more exotic plants growing in his flower beds. Most importantly, they marvel at how much an old man who can't walk without the aid of a cane and a scooter has accomplished.

Since becoming published in 2004 I suddenly became an expert on writing. My creative outlet has always been through my pen. People now seek my advice on everything from inspiration to sentence structure to finding a publisher. I've never exactly been the person people turn to for advice. The retiring second of four girls, people tended to forget I existed among the melee that was my house. Expecting them to turn to me for advice and hang on my every word is still new to me.

Regardless of the attention and praise my work has received, I still prefer the creative side of writing. If I had my druthers, I would make very few public appearances. Alas, that's not the way of the writing business anymore. Marketing is paramount. A writer approached me the other day about adding a 3-D interactive community to their website to encourage reader participation and build a buzz about the books. It's the way of the future. Creativity is only a small part of the business writers are now expected to be expert in.

Where will it end? When will we have time to do what we want to do, which is to create? When will we be able to step away from the computer and get back outside with nature to rejuvenate our spirits? I don't know if any writer will ever have the optimal work balance. I know I haven't found it. But I'm searching. For now, the sun is shining, the mild morning temperatures promise an afternoon of sunshine and warm breezes later. I think I'll go outside and enjoy the day the Lord has created.

Have a great one!

Organizing a Blog Tour

With gas prices sitting at well over three dollars a gallon nationwide and no relief in sight since summer's coming and the oil companies have us by the throat, we writers have to do whatever we can to promote our books. What better way than a blog tour from the comfort of our homes.

June 1st will see the release of my new book, Evidence of Grace, the third installment of my Jenna's Creek Series. Monday, May 14th marks the beginning of a month long blog tour. I highly recommend blog tours for any writer wanting to attract attention for an upcoming release or event. I know, you may argue that no one really reads blogs and how lucrative can a blog tour be? Well, if you've ever embarked on a book tour into actual brick and mortar bookstores, you probably know these don't have much of an impact on book sales either.

The last one I had in Cincinnati, Ohio was as dismal an affair as you can imagine. People are not impressed with meeting an author in a bookstore anymore. Unless you are a celebrity. After I got home from my signing where no one came into the store to see me and I didn't sell a single book, I read in the newspaper that James Belushi was doing a book signing in a nearby store and Tom Brokaw was in another. I totally agree with you that neither Jim Belushi or Tom Brokaw are authors and probably didn't write a word in their books, but they are celebrities and I'm not. I was also heartened to learn that even higher list authors from the big New York City publishing houses have little more luck than me at book signings.

I'm not saying I'm through wasting my time with bookstore signings; it's a necessary evil in this business. But why not try something much easier, cheaper, and easier on my ego? I notified a few writer friends, posted a plea for participants on a few writing sites I belong to and organized a blog tour. It may not garner a flood of sales. But my name might end up in a few places where it had been before.

According to my publisher, my lackluster attention to my blogs has already had a positive affect on sales. A blog tour can only improve that. The best part is, I don't have to put gas in my car. I don't even have to get dressed if I don't want to. Don't worry, I will.

Look for me next Monday at the kick-off of my tour when I will be the guest of Molly Noble Bull on her blog. I am looking forward to the whole process. I can't wait to meet you there.

Have a blessed and prosperous Monday.
Teresa

Hate Crimes Law

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the term Hate Crime redundant? Or are they all someday going to be categorized as: Greed Crime, Lust Crime, Self-involved Crime, Rage Crime, etc. Come on, America, wake up. There are real issues out there that are being ignored so a chosen few can have their voice.

Please read and know that Big Brother is watching you.

The Thought Police
By Chuck Colson5/1/2007
What the Hate Crimes Law Would Do
In George Orwell’s classic novel 1984, the government Thought Police constantly spies on citizens to make sure they are not thinking rebellious thoughts. Thought crimes are severely punished by Big Brother.
1984 was intended as a warning against totalitarian governments that enslave and control their citizens. Never have we needed this warning more urgently than now, because America’s Thought Police are knocking on your door.
Last week the House Judiciary Committee, egged on by radical homosexual groups, passed what can only be called a Thought Crimes bill. It’s called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. But this bill is not about hate. It’s not even about crime. It’s about outlawing peaceful speech—speech that asserts that homosexual behavior is morally wrong.
Some say we need this law to prevent attacks on homosexuals. But we already have laws against assaults on people and property. Moreover, according to the FBI, crimes against homosexuals in the United States have dropped dramatically in recent years. In 2005, out of 863,000 cases of aggravated assault, just 177 cases were crimes of bias against homosexuals—far less than even 1 percent.
Another problem is that in places where hate crimes laws have been passed, hate crimes have been defined to include verbal attacks—and even peaceful speech. The Thought Police have already prosecuted Christians under hate crimes laws in England, Sweden, Canada, and even in some places in the United States.
If this dangerous law passes, pastors who preach sermons giving the biblical view of homosexuality could be prosecuted. Christian businessmen who refuse to print pro-gay literature could be prosecuted. Groups like Exodus International, which offer therapy to those with unwanted same-sex attraction, could be shut down.
In classic 1984 fashion, peaceful speech will be redefined as a violent attack worthy of punishment.
This is the unspoken goal of activist groups. We know this because during the debate over the bill last week, Congressman Mike Pence (R) of Indiana offered a Freedom of Religion amendment to this hate crimes bill. It asked that nothing in this law limit the religious freedom of any person or group under the Constitution. The committee refused to adopt it. It also refused to adopt amendments protecting other groups from hate crimes—like members of the military, who are often targets of verbal attacks and spitting. They also shot down amendments that would protect the homeless and senior citizens, also often targeted by criminals. Nothing doing, the committee said—the only group they wanted to protect: homosexuals.
Clearly, the intent of this law is not to prevent crime, but to shut down freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought. Its passage would strike at the very heart of our democracy.
The full Congress may vote on this bill as early as this week. Unless you want Big Brother telling you what to say, what to think, and what to believe, I urge you to contact your congressman immediately, urging him or her to vote against this bill. If you visit the BreakPoint website, you’ll find more information about this radical law.
If we do nothing, 1984 will no longer be fiction, and Big Brother will be watching you and me—ready to punish the “wrong” thoughts.

.American Family Association – Tupelo, MS 38803
www.afa.net

Are you smarter than my son?

This morning, my son Randy was a guest on Cincinnati Radio WEBN's new morning segment, Are You Smarter than Wild Man Walker. Working off the popularity of FOX's game show, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, WEBN was smart enough to give Randy the opportunity to be their first contestant. It didn't hurt that Randy has been emailing them and challenging Wild Man to a sports trivia face-off for several weeks. Even though Randy missed 3 first grade level questions, he managed to beat Wild Man in a nail biter of a competition by knowing that Canada is the second largest country in land mass. Whew! All those student loans and grants are finally paying off.

Randy is a student at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting in Cincinnati and an intern at Clear Channel Radio. He absolutely loved the experience. He said everything right, avoiding the rookie "Umm's" and "Er's" that make TV and radio interviewers cringe. The hosts of the show had a great time teasing him about attending three different colleges. One told him that didn't mean he was smart, just that 3 schools had kicked him out.

But Randy handled himself with humor and aplomb. Nothing rattles him. I have known he was meant for great things since he was two years old and would stand in front of the TV and mimic the weatherman, complete with hand gestures and cold fronts.

He told me after the broadcast he is now sure this is what he wants to do with his life. Who would've thought a child of mine would want to sit behind a mike and talk for a living? You go, Randy. Your mother is very proud of you.

Congratulations to the winners

Congratulations to Nancy Mleczko of Turners Falls, MA and Toni Holt of Waverly, Ohio. They are the winners of my “Be the First to Read Evidence of Grace” contest. Each winner will receive an autograph advance review copies of Evidence of Grace, the third in my Jenna’s Creek series. Thank you, ladies, for posting your reviews. These reviews really help build a buzz about upcoming books. For those of you who did not win, don’t despair, I will be hosting more contests in the future. Feel free to continue to post reviews for any of my books.

I am beginning a blog tour May 14th in honor of the official release of Evidence of Grace on June 1st. If you would like to interview me on your blog, please contact me at teresa@teresaslack.com or teresaslackfanforum@yahoo.com for details. Don't worry, blog tours are quick and painless...and lots of fun. If anyone has ideas for future contests, promotions, or surveys, please don’t keep them to yourself. Thanks to all for your participation.

Teresa

Chasing Squirrels

Behind our house is a few hundred acres of state owned property. That means I have miles of hiking trails at my disposal. It is a rural area, and I have never run into another person while up there. But I do run into wildlife.

The other day while hiking with my dog Molly, she spotted a squirrel and took off after it like her tail was on fire. She laid her ears back, lowered her body to the ground, and was digging up dirt as she flew down the trail. She wanted that squirrel so badly she could taste it. Literally, I'm sure.

I couldn't help but notice the difference in the way Molly pursued the squirrel and the way she goes after a deer. We often see whitetail deer in the woods too. I try to spot them before Molly has the chance to scare them away so I can observe their majesty and beauty. I'm fortunate to catch a glimpse before they bound over the ridgeline. As soon as Molly spots one, the chase is on. But there is a hesitancy in her stride. She doesn't lower herself to the ground. She doesn't run so fast it looks like her feet are missing the ground. She's curious, but you can tell she's wondering what in the world she'd do with the thing if she caught it.

Sometimes I wonder if we do the same thing with our writing. We say we're going to write the next great American novel. We'll do whatever it takes to finish that project and see it on the bookstore shelf. We attend conferences and read the right books and groan in indignation when a celebrity or ex-president's wife signs a multi-million dollar book deal.

But are we like Molly chasing the deer? We say we want it, but we aren't really willing to put our chests to the ground and paw up earth the way we do when we're chasing the squirrel.

You see, the squirrel isn't a threat. We're confident of our abilities should we catch the squirrel. We can handle an overgrown rat. But a deer, well that's different. We're not big enough to hold onto it on our own. We need help. So we begin our pursuit, but hold back. Even while we're running, we wonder if we've bitten off more than we can chew.

Writing is harder than it looks. It's not as romantic as we've come to believe. It's like any other job. It's hard work. It takes blood and sweat and a strong constitution to stand against the frustration and rejection. That's why you probably know someone who's talked about the same book idea for years but hasn't written the first word.

How much do you want it? Molly thinks she wants that deer when she sets off down the hill after it, but even she knows she's outmatched. She'll put forth a half-hearted attempt every time because she's a herding dog and it's in her nature to chase whatever runs from her.

It's in our nature to want affirmation. We want the pat on the back, the accolades, the respect of our peers, the right to say we've done something that most others only dream about. But are we willing to get down in the dirt and go after it? Only you know how badly you want to catch the illusive dream of writing a novel or seeing your name in a national magazine's byline.

Don't be afraid to chase your dreams. Don't let your dreams be stopped by the fear of what happens should you catch them. Pretend it's only a squirrel you're chasing and see how far it takes you.

Virginia Massacre

One can't begin to imagine the terror of walking into a classroom and being forced to stand against a wall...The agony and chaotic thoughts raging through your mind as you think of parents and friends and loved ones and worry about how much they will worry about you until they know you're safe...Or not.

I don't even know what I'm thinking right now so I don't know what to write. To think that I make my living with my pen, yet at this moment I can't form a cognizant thought. The only thing I am certain of at this moment is God is still on the throne and He is still in control.

At this time of disbelief, shock, anger, frustration, betrayal, fear, and desolation, let us call on Jesus. My prayers go out to every student, parent, friend, professor, and staff member of every campus in this country. Please know that God in here in our midst, in our sorrow. May you be comforted in this time of grief.

25th High School Reunion

I received an invitation to my high school reunion last week. Egads! How did this happen? Is it possible that 25 years have passed since I walked across the stage in my cap and gown?

Apparently yes, since these people remember me and request the pleasure of my company at a celebration of the event this June. Even though I haven't earned a million dollars or been awarded a professional sports contract--as if anyone ever thought I would--or an Academy Award or a Nobel prize, I did get a few books published. You gotta admit that's cool and they'll all think so. So I should leave the festivities with my vanity intact, but that still begs the question--what happened to the last 25 years?

Most of the time, high school seems to have happened to someone else. Because of family issues and normal teenage angst, it isn't a period in my life I dwell on. I'd rather think on the last few years when I've become reasonably financially sound, accepting of my body, family nose, and bad teeth, confident enough to speak in front of people, and confident that I might actually have something worth hearing. But when I receive an invitation to a high school reunion, I can't help but remember, if only for a moment, those days as if they were yesterday.

It wasn't all bad. Anyone remember the movie Carrie? Of course you do. My son tells people who weren't fortunate enough to have been there, I looked like Sissy Spacek, just before those evil kids dropped a bucket of blood on her. Real eye candy. Sadly his description isn't too far off the mark. I was equally as popular.

For unpopular, unlovely, debilitatingly shy kids like me, a high school reunion is almost vindication. "See, I didn't turn out half bad. I finally learned what to do with this head of thick blonde hair and my voice doesn't quake in terror if I don't know the answer to your dumb question." Things couldn't have gotten any worse. If you haven't attended a high school reunion, don't pass up the opportunity to go, even if you've gained 50 pounds and lost all your hair. Believe me, no one will care. They'll love you anyway. I was surprised by the fun I had at my 20th. The popularity divisions had broken down over the years and become obsolete. It didn't matter if you were rich in high school, shy, athletic, preppy, or punk. Or whether we were putting our own kids into college or diapers, we were all the same. An aging group of small town kids who spent one night out of 25 years remembering the good times and intentionally ignoring the bad.

But I still haven't answered my question of where the last 25 years went.

Blog tour for Larkspur Dreams

I am pleased and excited to participate in a blog tour of Anita Higman and Janice Thompson who are celebrating the release of their book, Larkspur Dreams. Enjoy the interview and anyone who comments to this blog will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of the book. Now I'll turn the stage over to Anita and Janice.

Thanks, Teresa, for inviting me (Anita Higman) and Janice Thompson to your blog. We’re excited about a novel we’ve written together.

Your Heartsong is entitled, Larkspur Dreams. What’s the theme of your novel?
Anita: Letting God grow us beyond ourselves.
Janice: Opposites not only attract; God often uses our “polar opposite” to complete/fulfill us.

Anita, you and Janice coauthored Larkspur Dreams. How do writers go about coauthoring?
Anita: There are a number of ways to coauthor a novel. One writer can do the research and the other writer can actually write the story. Or coauthors can each choose a character and write from that character’s POV. In the three books we’re writing together, I guess you could say I’m writing the body and wings of the stories, and Janice is helping to make them fly. She has a quite a gift for critiquing.
Janice: Working with Anita is a breeze because she conceives and fully plots the stories then lets me add my thoughts/tidbits to give them flavor. She is so quirky and fun to work with, and I am very proud of the stories we have co-produced. I especially loved the character of Larkspur because I see so much of myself in her.

Were there times when it was hard to work together?
Anita: No hard times. Janice Thompson is a gentle dove of a woman. She is not only talented, but easy to work with. There were a few times in one of the novels that I found myself writing in a way that strayed from the general concept of a Heartsong romance. Janice made some good suggestions, which steered me in the right direction.
Janice: I can honestly say that I’ve never worked with anyone who was so willing to accept critique and/or take suggestions as Anita. She is a precious friend and collaborative partner. I already knew she was talented (even before we began this project) but had no idea how gracious she would be. Since I’ve written for the Heartsong line for years, I was able to “teach her the ropes” (as it were) and she was a ready learner! That’s not to say she hasn’t taught me a thing or two. I’ve learned much from her throughout this process, particularly as it applies to romantic tension. She’s far better at that than I am, and I’m happy to admit it.

Why did you choose to be a writer?
Anita: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this need to express myself in some sort of artistic medium. I’ve tried a number of things: piano, painting, decorating, and acting. But I’ve never been very good at any these endeavors, except writing. I guess really then—writing chose me.
Janice: Like Anita, I’ve always been artistic. As a youngster, I sang, danced and played the piano. I was also very involved in theater as a young person. I’ve been writing since childhood. I wrote my first novella in 6th grade, then went on to write musical comedies for the stage before turning to books in the mid-90’s. Like Anita, I can truly say that I didn’t choose writing; it chose me. Or, perhaps I should say that God chose it for me, as a gift.

How would you describe the characters in Larkspur Dreams?
Anita: Lark and Everett are total opposites. Lark is a sanguine and a free-spirit who loves people and loves being alive. Everett is a cautious guy who enjoys numbers more than people. I love throwing characters together who’ll stir up trouble just by being in the same room.

Janice: As mentioned above, I really related to Larkspur on many levels. She’s as fun-loving and free-spirited as they come. All artsy types will agree! To give her a love interest like Everett (ironically, my grandfather’s name) was terrific because we really got to explore the “opposites attract” principle. It worked like a charm!

Did you both enjoy working with these characters? Why?
Anita: Many of my characters are bits of me. Lark is only a small part of me. I’m more of a melancholy/choleric, and Lark is really a true sanguine with a little bit of phlegmatic thrown in. She is the life of the party, and everybody loves being around her. I enjoyed writing about Lark, because I am a Lark-wannabe. Aren’t we all?
Janice: Will I embarrass myself too much if I say that I enjoy being the life of the party, like Larkspur? I do! I’m a real people person, and I thrive on the affections of the people God has placed in my life. Consequently, I really loved this character. As for Everett. . . I had to “grasp” the concept that someone could actually “be” like that. He seemed foreign to me! But, of course, he was Lark’s perfect/ideal man!

How long have you been writing?
Anita: I’ve been writing for twenty-two years. It’s been a long journey, a hard journey at times, but I’m glad I didn’t get off the train. During those many years, I had a variety of books published, mostly nonfiction, but the passion for writing novels never left me. When I first started this whole process, my kids were little. It became difficult to sit down and concentrate on writing, but I did find bits of time. Also, kids go to bed earlier than adults, so I used that block of time to write rather than watch television. Now, empty nest is around the corner, so soon I’ll have even more time to write.
Janice: I’ve been writing professionally since the 90’s. As mentioned earlier, I wrote musical comedies for the stage. (I was a drama director at a Christian school of the arts for several years.) My first “published” works were magazine articles, then I sold my first novel (Duty to Die) in 2000. Since then, I’ve written/published over 20 books, in nearly every genre: historical fiction, contemporary inspirational romance, cozy mystery, non-fiction devotional, and Christian living.

When did you have your first success as a writer?
Anita: After several years of writing, I had some gradual success—books for children, books of one-act plays, and nonfiction for women. These successes were enough to keep me going toward my ultimate goal, which was to write novels.
Janice: This may sound a bit silly, but my first real writing “success” happened my senior year in high school, when I was chosen to help write the senior production. I had a blast, and the scene I crafted (a 1930’s/Busby Berkeley-esque “The Show Must Go On” scene) was a huge success. I can’t tell you what fun I had, or how great it felt for people to respond as they did.

Do you have any special methods of getting into the writing zone, such as favorite scents, music, or certain foods?
Anita: Sometimes I go to a local French café, order coffee and scrambled eggs, and then write a rough chapter. The noise, music, and bustle energizes me creatively.
Janice: An "ideal" writing situation for me would involve someplace like Starbucks (or otherwise) with a cup of my favorite hot beverage in my hand (to be discussed below). Ironically, when I'm at home, I can't stand having music going. I find it terribly distracting... something about the "beat" drives me nutty. Having the television on is okay, but it's often muted. Crazy, I know. I'm a fanatic about my Diet Dr. Pepper and several flavors of hot tea. I particularly love Earl Grey and Chai Latte, among others. And I'm nuts about hot chocolate in the wintertime. I'm also crazy about my puppies. I have two red mini-dachshunds named Sasha and Copper. They usually settle in next to me on the sofa, Sasha on my right, Copper on my left. When we're all in place (with a cup of tea or a Diet Dr. Pepper on the end table, depending on the season) I'm ready to begin. Of course, I usually have to weed through several emails (clearing a path) before I can actually start writing. Whew! Sounds like quite a process, doesn't it?! It's a wonder I get anything done at all!

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
Anita: If you feel called to write, don’t let people discourage you. I’m sure they don’t realize the impact of their words, but negative remarks can undermine our courage and joy. Comments similar to: “Maybe you weren’t really meant to be published.” Or, “Are you making any money at this yet?” Perhaps you’ve heard, “Why can’t you write like my favorite author?” Honestly, I could go on and on here. Writing is a great and honorable profession—one that can challenge, inspire, and change people’s lives. If you love words and love arranging them into stories, then don’t let the battering influence of dispiriting comments shatter your dream. Keep pressing on!

Janice: I often say this to young/new writers: Learn the craft, but don’t necessarily write what the publishers/agents/houses tell you to write. Trends change. Stick with the stories God places on your heart and if He intends them to be published, He will find the right publishing house in the right time.

What are your writing plans for the future?
Anita: I’d love to write romantic suspense. I’m also interested in fantasy.
Janice: I’m open to whatever God wants (and I really mean that). If He shifts me in a new direction (women’s fiction, for example) I’m following His lead! If He asks me to lay the writing down for a season in order to accomplish a different task, I’m open to that, too.

We’d love for you to visit our websites at http://www.anitahigman.com/ and http://www.janiceathompson.com/. If you’re interested in our Heartsong novel, Larkspur Dreams, it can be ordered online right now through Barbour Publishing at http://www.barbourbooks.com/book/detail/larkspur-dreams-h-s-734/
Thanks for inviting us to your blog. It’s been fun!

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has nineteen books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She has been honored as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston. Anita has a B.A. degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. She’d love for you to visit her website at http://www.anitahigman.com/.

Janice Thompson is a Christian author of over a dozen books - everything from inspirational romances to historical novels, to non-fiction books. She lives in the Houston area with her family and two very mischievous dachshunds. She’d be happy for you to visit her website at http://www.janicethompson.com/.

Don't forget to post your comments for a chance to win Anita and Janice's book.

Cleaning out the Well

Seven o'clock in the morning as I sit in front of my computer with the window open and all kinds of ideas rolling around in my head. My current wip is winding down. If all goes well, I'll finish it this week. This short romance will be coupled with one by award winning novelist Molly Noble Bull.

Anyone who knows me knows that I think romances are the hardest thing to write. When planning and writing a mystery, you connect the dots. Your job--whether as reader or writer--is to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. The crime doesn't have to make sense to anyone but the guilty party. Only he knows why he targets red-headed, left-handed ballet dancers who are addicted to slot machines. The police can't figure him out. Potential victims don't know he's a threat. And his mother thinks he's the sweetest thing since strawberry preserves. But underneath that gentle facade lurks the soul of a madman.

Yes, with a mystery, anything goes. The more outlandish, the better.

But no one can answer the age old question: Why do fools fall in love?

That's why writing romances are hard for me. They don't make sense. You probably can't tell me why you fell in love with your spouse or what keeps you in love with him after all these years. You probably don't understand why you always went for the bad-boy types, while your more discerning friend went for the one with potential earning capabilities. But I love writing romances. Even more, I love reading them. Apparently I'm not the only one since the only thing more popular at bookstores and libraries than inspirational reading is romance.

So back to work. I hope to immerse myself in my story which isn't even titled at this point, and not come up for air until it's finished. I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully by this time next year, I'll be holding the finished book in my hands and trying to remember why it gave me so much trouble.

Have a great week.
Teresa

Interview with novelist Tricia Goyer

I am happy to be hosting Tricia Goyer's blog tour today. We will be discussing Tricia's new book, A Valley of Betrayal. Tricia was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. In 2005, her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Award and her novel Night Song won ACFW's Book of the Year award for Long Historical Romance. She has written hundreds of articles, Bible study notes, and both fiction and non-fiction books.

A Valley of Betrayal, Book One of the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War Series by Tricia Goyer (Moody Publishers)
For reasons beyond her control, Sophie finds herself alone in the war torn Spanish countryside and pledges to make the plight of the Spanish people known around the world through the power of art.

1. What first interested you in the Spanish Civil War?
When I was researching for my novel, Arms of Deliverance, one of the autobiographies I read was from a man who was a B-17 bomber pilot over Europe--but before that he was an American volunteer for The Spanish Civil War. I had never heard of this war before, which happened right before WWII in Spain. I started researching and I was soon fascinated. Some people call it "the first battle of WWII" because it's where that Nazis first tried their hand at modern warfare.

Once I started researching, I was fascinated with the history. On one side was the fascist dictator, Franco, trying to take over Spain. He had Hitler and Mussolini backing him up. On the other side were the Spanish people backed up by The Soviet Union and International Volunteers. How could I NOT find an interesting story in the middle of that.

2. Can you explain some of the research necessary to tackle such a complex subject?
This book was very challenging because I knew nothing about The Spanish Civil War before I started. Yet, I felt sure that God was leading me to write these books, and God (again) taught me to trust Him. When He gives me an idea for a novel it is so BIG. I mean there is so much to pull together. Yet, God has shown me time and time again that He is faithful. He gives me ideas, leads me to the right research books, and even brings people into my life to help me!

One example with this book is that God brought someone also to help. A man named Norm Goyer contacted me because his was working on his family tree and he wanted to know if we were related. We weren’t related, but Norm ended up being a airplane expert and consultant for movies. Norm ended up helping me with research on my German pilot in Spain. I think it was an awesome gift from God!

This again shows me that what ever God brings before me, He also has the power to help me succeed.

To me stories are painted down color by color, image by image like painting a picture. I research people, places, history . . . I delve into books and interviews, until I have a complete picture in my own mind. Then I share the picture in story form.

3. Did the story come to you first or the characters?
I started by researching this time in history, briefly, then I started thinking of unique characters that had an impact during that time. For example, characters from my other novels have been medics, war correspondents, artists, prisoners, etc. To me it's the people that makes the story (and history) come alive. For this series I dove into the lives of an American artist, a few International volunteers, a Basque priest, and a German pilot. I research the real people first, and then the plot for my novel builds. Soon, I have to make myself stop researching to start writing. Research can be addictive!
All that to say, for me a bit of the story starts the process, then the characters take over.

4. I see you home school your three kids and have an active speaking career. How do you fit writing into an already tight schedule?
Well, they are older now, so homeschooling is much easier. They are pretty independent workers! My oldest son is a high school Junior, and he’s taking part-time college classes. The other two (9th and 7th grade) work on their stuff while I’m working on mine. We have one office with a wrap around desk . . . we all work side-by-side. Yes, sometimes I have to leave my character hanging onto life by a thin thread while I stop to help with a math problem, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I've also REALLY cut back on my speaking schedule. I do local stuff, but so far this year I only have two out-of-town events scheduled. While I love speaking, there's just not enough time to do it all.

5. How long have you been writing?
I first started writing in 1993, when I was pregnant with my third child. A friend at church was writing a novel and something clicked when she told me about it. (Cindy Martinusen now as five novels published!)

Looking back, I realized I had the heart of a writer before that. I LOVED to read. I made up all types of stories in my head. I won a few essay contests in high school, but it took a friend’s encouragement to “click.”

6. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
1. Don’t give up. It took me eight years to hold my first published novel in my hands, and the journey was worth it. Not only did I learn a lot about writing during those years, God used the time for healing and growth in my own life. Remember, His timetable is perfect.

2. Connect with other writers. I have a close group of writing friends who have been both encouraging and helpful. We were all wanna-bes when we started and most of us now have numerous books in print! We started an email prayer group on-line. It's a safe place to bring our concerns for our family, our writing, and our souls.

3. Take advantage of all the wonderful books on writing. I trained myself by taking the advice of others. My goal is to read one writing book a month . . . even now! I highlight as I read, and then I go back to the books later for good reminders.

4. Fake it until you make it. You are a writer even if you’re the only person who reads your words. Call yourself a writer. Take your writing-time seriously and others will too. There are many things I've had to say no to in order to write, but writing has also brought many more yeses into my life then I ever imagined possible!

7. What do you like to do when you aren’t writing or researching your next book? You can’t say reading. All writers say that one.
I like to hang out with my family. We travel A LOT during high school basketball season--on the road nearly every weekend from November to Feb. We watch TV shows together, watch movies, play board games, and DDR (Dance, dance revolution). In between books I try to get up house organized and catch up on what fell behind during deadline, but it doesn't work too well because I get a lot of new ideas when I'm cleaning and organizing, and I end up back at the keyboard! I also go to lunch with friends and take my grandma shopping, which she loves.

8. If you weren’t a writer or speaker, what would be your next career choice?
I would paint. Yes, I'm a very artsy person. I'd have a studio and paint portraits and landscapes. I have a bit of natural talent that I'd love to explore some day.

9. What project are you working on now?
Well, I have three books that are done, but are still being edited. My next novel, A Shadow of Treason, picks off where A Valley of Betrayal leaves off. It starts THE DAY the first book ends. It continues on in Spain in the lives of these characters, and ... well, soon they discover that more is at stake than what any of them originally thought. It's also published by Moody and it will hit store shelves September 1, 2007.
Generation NeXt Marriage will be released in January of 2008 and My Life unScripted, a teen devotional for girls, this summer. And, of course, I've got several other projects in the works, including A Whisper of Freedom, which is the next novel I have to write.

10. What would you hope readers will take away from A Valley of Betrayal?
I hope they take away that idea that all of us are called by God for a purpose. We may think that we're in the wrong place at the wrong time, but there is no such thing. God is a grand designer and it isn't until the end of our lives that we'll be able to see that He led us just where He needed us to be to help others and glorify Him.

Be the first to read Evidence of Grace

Greetings to All. There is snow in the forecast here in southern Ohio, but I am confident Spring in on the horizon. With the warmer weather comes the release of my next book.

Evidence of Grace, Book 3 in the award winning Jenna's Creek Series is due for release in June. But here's your chance to read it now before anyone else. Simply post a review on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, or any other site that allows book reviews for the first two books in the series, either Streams of Mercy or Redemption’s Song. Just send the link to your review to me at teresa@teresaslack.com or teresaslackfanforum@yahoo.com and you will be entered to win an autographed Advance Review Copy of Evidence of Grace. The more places you post your reviews for Streams of Mercy or Redemption’s Song, the more chances you will have to win. Evidence of Grace byTeresa Slack
A murder conviction sent Sally Blake’s killer to prison. Nearly thirty years after that fateful night, a phone call from a potential eyewitness may prove the wrong person is serving time for the crime. But what would drive someone to plead guilty to another man’s crime? Noel Wyatt enlists the help of a young attorney, and David Davis, the retired judge who once prosecuted the case, to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. If an eyewitness exists, where has he been for the last thirty years? Is it possible the killer did not act alone? Is that person covering up for the real killer? What evidence does the eyewitness have that might overthrow a murder conviction? Will justice come too late for the person convicted of Sally’s murder?

Evidence of Grace is available right now for pre-order at your favorite local bookseller or at many online retail sites.

Write like Me

Yesterday my husband told me I write too slow. Ordinarily he's very understanding, but non-writers--even ones who've been in this game as long as he has--can never understand what writers go through for their craft.

What all started this tete-a-tete was when I got a newsletter from Debbie Macomber. Debbie Macomber is a force to be reckoned with in the romance writing arena. And not someone to compare yourself to because your writing will always fall short. I read in Ms. Macomber's newsletter that she had published something like 6 books last year. Another half dozen or so were re-released. When I told my husband this, he said; "You need to stop wasting time and get in there and write."

Excuse me. How does he think his laundry gets washed and put away and his dinner prepared every night? Not to mention taking the dogs to the vet and keeping my hair trimmed. All these errands happen to all of us--Debbie Macomber included--and take us away from our writing.

Non-writers don't understand that we all can't be Debbie Macomber's or Nora Roberts's. Most of us don't write at that pace. I write relatively fast (1-2) a year but I'll never keep up with some. Even at my current pace I sometimes feel like my work suffers because I'm rushing the process. Do I know my heroine? Can I relate to her? Do I even like her?

I need to learn I'll never write a book in a couple weeks like I heard Karen Kingsbury did. I probably won't even consistently publish 2 books per year like many writers. But if there's no joy in my writing--if I only experience guilt and frustration--can God be present? I don't think so.

I need to give myself permission to write like me and stop comparing myself to other writers. I bet it's safe to say they aren't laying awake nights comparing themselves to me.

The perils of being your own boss

I have a big problem saying no to my flesh. I don't really want to get up early to exercise or post to my blog or get a head start on my word count in my current work in progress. The Lord has blessed me that I am able to stay home and write fulltime. On those cold mornings, I often look out my front window and see my neighbors pulling out of their driveways long before the sun is up. I lift my face toward heaven and say, "Thank you, God, that that's not me."

I'm sitting in front of the computer right now with sweats and bare feet and a wet head from the shower. I could stay like this all day if I chose--well, not the wet head part, my hair would eventually dry. But since I don't have a boss breathing down my neck or quotas to fill or the clock ticking in the background, I am able to, and do, waste a lot of time.

Working for one's self is not for everyone. Sometimes I know I'd be much more productive if I wasn't my own boss. But I'm working on that. It isn't only my work that suffers when I give into the flesh and watch television instead of fastening my rear to this office chair and not getting up until the work is done--or sleeping in or talking on the phone or whatever it is that keeps me from doing what I know needs done.

Everything in my life suffers when I don't put limits on my flesh. The Apostle Paul said, "Oh, wretched man that I am, my flesh knows what it's supposed to do, but instead does what is bad for me. I know to do good, but don't and my body suffers even though it's what my body wants."

You realize I'm paraphrasing big time here. But you get the picture.

We know what we need to do. We know if we eat that big piece of chocolate cake right before bed, we probably won't sleep well with all that caffeine coursing through our veins. And the next morning we'll awake feeling bloating and icky. But guess what, we'll do it all over again the next night.

We're not stupid. We know our bodies require a healthy diet and regular exercise. But again, we don't use our common sense and do what is good for us. Instead we buy books and attend seminars on weight management and time management and even anger management, and we still find ourselves repeating the same bad habits. I find that I waste a lot of time during the day if I don't make lists at the first of the week to remind myself of all the office stuff that needs done and the stuff that should get done unless I want to keep tapping away on this keyboard in abject obscurity. This week I did well with sticking to the list. I even did a few things I hadn't written down.

But more than lists and good intentions and even discipline, I need to turn every week over to the Lord. I need to determine that every minute of my day will be used to glorify Him. How exactly will I accomplish that with the TV on or my head on the pillow or by not taking care of my physical body so that I get sick and am no good to anyone? I'm not talking to anyone else. This is all for me. These are my weaknesses.

Lord, remind me that each day is a gift from you, not to be squandered or wasted, but to do a good work that will last. Let me a blessing to others as You have blessed me.

Teresa

Skunked

I think I found the remedy for removing skunk spray from two inquisitive dogs. Night before last I let my dogs, Angel, a lab mix, and Molly, a border collie, terrier variety outside to prowl. Around five o'clock in the morning they were at the front door ready to come in. I smelled skunk as they raced past, but I figured a skunk had been killed on the highway or startled in a nearby field. For about five seconds. Molly headed straight to the back door. She reeked so I thought she was the one who had invaded a skunk's personal space. She's that type of dog, don't you know, so I always assume she's the ringleader when they find trouble.

I wrinkled my nose in distaste and went back to bed. It wasn't long though that a pungent gaseous smell woke me up. Molly wasn't the only one who had alarmed the skunk. In fact, Angel seemed to have taken a direct hit and was now funking up my living room. She joined her sister in the backyard but the damage had been done.

Thank the Lord for search engines. I found a recipe for a shampoo to get rid of the odor on the dogs. Open windows, candles, and pounds of carpet deodorizer made the living room inhabitable again. But just barely.

If this happens to you, don't be stupid like me and let the dogs inside. Then try this recipe. 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 C baking soda, and a powerful shot of Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use immediately upon mixing as the oxygenation from the ingredients is what undoes nature's damage. Scrub the offending area for at least five minutes. Angel took a little extra scrubbing.

Thankfully they are both back in the house. I'm relieved since we are looking at a high of 28 degrees today here in Ohio and I hated to have them spend another night outdoors.

Now that the chore is taken care of and my headache has subsided, perhaps I'll get back on schedule with my work in progress. Every time I set a deadline, life throws a fly in the ointment. But that's the way this business works. If we try to wait until life is free of distractions to write, it will never happen. Write when you can and as much as you can, and try to keep your dogs away from skunks.

Snow Days

What do people who don't go to church do on Sundays? We woke up this morning to our first measurable snow of the season. Church services were cancelled. The roads are treacherous so I won't be going to my nephew's second birthday party today. My friend's aunt passed away and her visitation is this afternoon. Freezing rain is predicted on top of the three inches of snow so I doubt I'll make it to the service either.

What to do with an unexpected day with nothing to do! After a little surfing on the web, sweeping off the front and back porches and a path to the car, a lunch of garlic shrimp and pasta, and a nap, I'm bored. So that brings me back to my question, what do people do when they don't go to church?

Remember those snow days from school when we were kids? Here in Ohio, the school board allows five. If the district uses more than the allotted five, they have to be made up somewhere else throughout the year. The first thing to go is President's Day in February. Then Easter break. If the school still hasn't made up the days by the end of the term, school is extended into June. Not fun, but didn't we enjoy those unexpected mornings in the dead of winter?

Back then, I reacted to Snow Days the same way I did this morning. Exciting at first but within an hour or two, my sisters and I were bugging our poor mother to death. As a writer though, I can always find inspiration in the winter wonderland outside my window. Writing is undoubtably more fun, not to mention productive in Winter. First and foremost, there are few chores beckoning us outdoors. As I tap away at my keyboard, I don't feel guilty about the weeds growing merrily in my flowerbeds or the yard that needs mowing or the car that needs washed.

Then there's the romantic notion of a snowbound writer creating a masterpiece while the snow whirls outside her window. Unfortunately the notion is basically that. But I do seem to get more done this time of year.

I need to get my current ms to my publisher by the end of the month. They are expecting a romance novella out of me by April so I need to get hustling on that too. If all goes well, we'll have plenty more snowdays to boost my creativity.

See you soon.
Teresa

In the Beginning

One of the most exciting things for a writer is beginning a new project. That's where I'm at right now. So many projects, possibilities, opportunities to tell the world I have something to say. It's also one of most frustrating, scary times for a writer. That blinking cursor mocking me, reminding me I still haven't made any major bestseller lists; that there are already plenty of fodder out there vying for the reading public's attention and pocketbook, what makes me think I have anything worthy to add.

I can't really say that I do, but I'm going to have another go at it. I found one of my books on another online site today. I'm not as impressed by my name in print as I used to be. Now I realize that it won't necessarily amount to anything. But I'm going to keep writing. I can't help myself. I know there's another book in me, a bestseller that will propel me to the top of the charts. But I won't find it if I don't sit myself down in front of the computer and get to work.

I've used up every stalling tactic in my arsenal to avoid beginning this book. First off, I just finished the last one in December. I think I deserve a week or two to decompress. Then I got all my '06 affairs together necessary to please Uncle Sam since that time of year has rolled around again. I watered the plants this morning. I set up another book signing, mailed off some promo material for the aforementioned signing, walked the dog, posted on my other blog, sent out a mass emailing, did nearly an hour of Tae-bo, and fixed lunch. All that's left to keep me from getting started is a nap. The loveseat behind me sure looks inviting.

Deadlines mean I am finally a working writer. This is what I've dreamed of for as long as I can remember. Alas, it is not as romantic as one might think. A friend of mine says she used to imagine writing a book. She pictured herself as another Angela Lansbury character. Then she met me and I doused all those pre-conceived notions on the allure of the writing life. She's no longer interested in moving to Cabot Cove and pecking out mysteries on an old Selectric.

After this post has been published I am determined to start brainstorming some new book ideas. Of course that might be better accomplished at the local library. Or the dog might need walked again. That couch just keeps looking better and better.

I'll let you know how it goes.
Go Bucks!!!!!!!!!!
Teresa

Looking ahead to '07

January first, 2007! What a lot of promise in looking ahead to the New Year. I finished my latest book on December 30th and sent it to my first proofreader. I'm sure I'll have plenty of polishing and fine tuning before it begins its journey through the channels at Tsaba House, but I'm excited that I've made it this far.

I read a quote from J.K.Rowlings the other day where she said she is exhausted and elated just thinking about finishing Book 7 in the Harry Potter series. I know how she feels. Sometimes I wonder why I even started a project, but as it gets closer to the end, my excitement mounts. I am happy with my latest offering and hope my publisher and editor will be as well.

It's hard to look too far into '07 at this point. My husband is watching the Outback Bowl between the Tennessee Vols and the Nittany Lions, and alternating screaming and cheering for his team. It's about 48 degrees outside with no snow on the ground. Doesn't seem like New Year's Day without snow. My one resolution this year is that I will attempt to post more to both my blogs--check out my other one at tsabahouseauthors.

January '07 will be spent outlining Book 4 of my Jenna's Creek series and polishing my current work in preparation for publication. My next book, Evidence of Grace, is due out in June. I have already seen the cover and can't wait for you to see it too. Keep spreading the word about the books. I wouldn't be in this position without you, my readers.

Have a wonderful New Year's Day & 2007
Teresa

2006 in Review

Pictured here is the Shelby County Courthouse in Sidney, Ohio. Thanks to Patsy Maxwell of the Love.Christ Christian Bookstore on the courthouse square on Poplar Street in Sidney for allowing me to
come to her store for a signing and author event on November 17 during the annual town lighting on the courthouse lawn. I had a wonderful time meeting Patsy and the people of Sidney.

2006 kept me very busy with signings and library events. I wrote two books this year, including my latest which I am printing off today to give to one of my proofreaders. I should've finished this book sooner so I could get started on Book 4 of my Jenna's Creek series. In order to have it published Summer, '08, I need to have it to my publisher by April of '07. It's safe to say that isn't going to happen.

Oh well, this post isn't to lament what I didn't get done, but to remember what I did. January 2006 saw the publication of my third book, Redemption's Song, the second in my Jenna's Creek series. Redemption's Song was highly recommended among reviewers and received a five-star review from the Midwest Book Review. Late winter and early spring of 2006 were spent promoting the latest installment of the Jenna's Creek Series and working on a new series book. Tsaba House has decided to hold that book until after the Jenna's Creek series is complete.

In July, 2006 my husband & I joined the Tsaba House family at the Intl. Christian Retail Show in Denver, CO. We had a wonderful time. Denver is a beautiful city. Ralph and I enjoyed another tour into the mountains while we were there. I highly recommend taking one of these tours. They are not cheap, but you will see things you might miss if you attempt the trip on your own. Besides, who wants to worry about manuevering the trecherous mountain roads when you can sit back and enjoy the view and let a knowledgeable tour bus driver handle it for you?

Back home I began my latest book, tentatively titled Every Secret Thing. This is the first book I've written that I didn't hate throughout the writing process. Usually when I am working on a book, I don't like it. After it's finished and I am immersed in rewrites, I think, "Wow, I don't even remember writing this. It's really good."

In September Tsaba House released my fourth book, The Ultimate Guide to Darcy Carter. It is a stand-alone book that I am very excited about. Darcy also received rave reviews and it finding its way onto library and bookstore shelves around the country. How exciting.

The fall of the year is typically my busiest season. I do a lot of craft fairs and book shows where I set up a booth to sell my books. This year was my most successful to date. Either I'm getting better at selling to people or I just have so many books out, I automatically make more money. Either way, I met lots of readers and converted new ones. What a boost to my ego to hear how much you enjoy the books!

I called someone last week to look for my step-sister Lisa Douglas, who is visiting from Dallas. The nine-year-old in the house saw my name on the caller ID and said, "Is that the world famous author, Teresa Slack?" Wow! I'm not used to hearing myself referred to as world famous. But I like it.

Amidst the hustle and confusion that is the holiday season, I managed to complete another manuscript with three days to spare in 2006. Now I am looking forward to '07. What it will bring is still a mystery, but I can't wait to get started.

Special thanks to my faithful readers who bought the books for Christmas gifts or forwarded a link to my website to all their friends. Thank you to all the readers who purchased a copy of the books for the Book for a Soldier program to support our troops in Iraq. It's not too late, btw. If you're interested, let me know and I'll set you or your church up.

More than anything I want to thank my Heavenly Father for another year of health and blessings. None of this would be possible without his favor. I am truly blessed to be in this business. I read today there are an estimated 6 million manuscripts floating around the U.S. looking for a home at any given time. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt God was in the process when I found Tsaba House, and He has made it possible for me to touch hearts with my fiction.

Be blessed & have a wonderful 2007.
Teresa

Where is Christmas

Maintaining a web presence is time consuming and daunting at the best of times, but especially so this time of year when the last thing I have an abundance of is time. I'm hearing great things about Amazon Connect which allows authors to stay connected to readers. It doesn't take long to set up and the writer can post messages to readers. I just haven't had time to wander over to Amazon to check it out.

My website could use some tweaking, but alas I haven't got to that either for a while. All the usual distractions that come with December have been clogging up my schedule and keeping me from dedicating any major blocks of time to my writing. Consequently I haven't made much headway on my current WIP, though I assure you it will be worth the wait.

I am confident my pace will slow down when January stretches out in front of me and there is nothing else to do but write. As for now, December temps have been in the low 60's, the sun is shining, and it doesn't seem like Christmas. Until I try to find a parking spot at the local mall. Our sermon at church this morning was Where Is Your Christmas. Tonight members of the congregation performed a musical called A Smoky Mountain Christmas. Both messages reaffirmed family and faith and compassion and forgiveness--things we need more of in this life.

Help me, dear Lord, not to get bogged down in my to-do list so much that I forget what this season represents. When people look at me, I want them to see you, hear you, and experience your love and grace.

May you all be blessed this Christmas. Talk to you soon.

Teresa

Tick Tick Tick

Pictured are Angel and Molly, the only two residents in my house not stressing over the upcoming holidays. Not really. I'm not too stressed even though the clock is ticking and I am trying to stay focused on writing while getting the house and myself ready for the next few weeks.

My husband, Ralph and I are entertaining next week and we still don't have a Christmas tree. Last year I told my son he could have our old tree when he moved out. Who knew he would ever move out or then remember I offered him the tree. He did both so I have been tree shopping for weeks. The main problem is that I hate to buy something today when I know it will be half price on December 26th. That goes against within me. So I'm looking for sales or considering a cut tree(which seems like such a waste of a beautiful tree) or buying a balled one I can plant in my yard after the holidays. The only thing with the balled trees is they are so expensive, overpriced because they know there are people like me who love the idea of a live tree in their homes that will reside in their front yard for years. I'm sure I could buy the same tree in March for half the price.

Have you noticed a pattern here? I hate to pay full price for anything and I doubly hate feeling like retailers are taking advantage of me. I was born frugal, but getting into the writing business where a steady income is a crap shoot, has made me even more careful with money.

So I really need a tree inside my house and decorated for the holidays by next week. At least my cards are in the mail and my presents are almost completely bought--and wrapped. Now I just need to plan menus for two dinners I'm hosting and party games for the first.

But I love it all. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year for me. Tonight is my church Christmas dinner that I look forward to every year. Then it's off to the stores who are having moonlight madness sales so my husband can finish his shopping and I might just pick up a thing or two of my own.

For today, I still have a book to edit. It's coming along great. I can't wait to put it in my publisher's hand at the first of the year. I hope they love it as much as I do.

Have a wonderful weekend and I will try to post to this blog more often.

Teresa

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and I'm ready...Or at least I'm working on it. I'm one of those annoying people who has been shopping for months. Hitting the stores the day after Thanksgiving is simply a formality. It's a tradition in our house to get up at 4:00 a.m. and be in the mall parking lot at six. Crazy, I know, but my husband and I have fun. Mostly because we aren't after anything in particular so we can have fun watching everyone else stress out. The following Monday is the big shopping day for all the girls. That's when we really let our hair down and buy those impulse gifts that we swore we wouldn't get sucked into buying by all the media hype.

But this isn't about shopping and how much we add to our consumer debt. To me, the holiday season starts on Halloween. The last two months of the year are jam-packed with chores like preparing the flower beds for winter and preparing the house for out of town guests. It's for planning menus and trying new appetizers, shopping for that perfect gift and making list after list of what chores are finished and what still needs doing.

This is a three day work week so I have five days worth of work to squeeze in by Wednesday. We are hosting Thanksgiving at our house, so extra work for me. Besides cleaning and shopping and defrosting everything in time, I have several writing projects to finish. Did I mention my website has been on the fritz since August and I must get that straightened out by the end of the week because we all know December is our least productive month?

I've been setting up at craft bazaars the last few weeks, selling books and meeting readers. Yesterday I did my hometown bazaar and met lots of people who've been following my books for the last two years. I received lots of positive affirmation and feedback, which is such a joy since I often wonder if anyone is even reading the books. To add to the fun, I've sold lots of books. Thanks to all my faithful readers out there. Let me apologize to you for the mess that is my website and promise to get everything straightened out. By the first of the year, my readers' club and forum should be up and running and I invite all of you to check it out. Ask questions, stay abreast of what's coming next, enter the contests, and plenty of fun things.

I don't know how much blogging I'll get done in the next few weeks. But be patient, and I'll work on my regularity. If I don't see you for a few days, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May you be surrounded with the people you love, doing what you enjoy most...which may very well include eating and watching football.

Teresa