Forethought and Purpose

...thanks...farewell

2011-01-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

Simple.

I need it to embrace the word and make it a way of life.

This coming year I've decided to commit myself to only life's
necessities . . . thus my posts here need to cease.

Thank you for your time, friendship, and support.

I've learned here.

I've grown.

Thank you.

You can still find me at Hearts and Hands.

merry month

2010-12-22T10:11:00.001-08:00

of Miracles on Tristi Pinkston's blog where you can win a copy of My Gift to You today.

congrats!

2010-12-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Goodreads contest winner Jessica Higley!
Thanks to everyone who entered, and a reminder that you still have until December 10 to enter a cookie related idea in The Great Holiday Cookie Contest for a chance to win the Christmas gift basket.

a happy christmas...

2010-12-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

One of my stories, A Happy Christmas, a true account about my grandmother, is in the current issue of Latter-day Woman.

my gift to you on andrea pearson books...

2010-12-02T08:20:00.001-08:00

Sincere thanks to Andrea Pearson for her post about My Gift to You.

You can read it here.

the ghcc is still open for ideas!

2010-12-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

We were inundated with recipe and story entries in The Great Holiday Cookie Contest, but received only one entry in the idea category. We're leaving that category open until December 10--that means you still have a chance to win the Christmas basket packed full of great stuff from our wonderful sponsors. Please click here for more details!

my gift to you on meridian magazine...

2010-12-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

My Gift to You review on Meridian here.

gratitude giveaway...

2010-11-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

Sincere thanks to everyone who entered Gratitude Giveaways--yes, I'm a day late in announcing the winner...so I'm going to announce TWO winners, but first...

You guys crack me up!

I love all the comments left on the giveaway form. Thank you for your thoughts on my blog, my book, and to the lady from New York who wondered if I was really the person in the photo--it's really me and thank you!

With nearly 70 entries, lots of new friends made, and a fun time watching it all unfold, I'm happy to announce the winners are:

Diana Donnelly of Harker Heights Texas

AND

Colleen Turner of Land O Lakes Florida

Ladies, your books will be in the mail on their way to you in the morning.

Thank you, everyone, for your time and interest and entries.

If you'd like another chance to win a copy of My Gift to You you can still enter on Goodreads

gratitude giveaways hop

2010-11-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

Gratitude Giveaways Blog Follower Appreciation Hop - a way to say thank you for being a blog follower!

The contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winners!

win...

2010-11-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Win a copy of My Gift to You here on Goodreads!

day dreamer

2010-10-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

C.K. Bryant is an award winning author of YA Paranormal, Romance & Fantasy who blogs about life and writing. I enjoy reading her guest interviews and one of my favorite blogs she's done recently is about fingerless mittens! I've long been a fan of fingerless mittens and gloves because my fingers get claustrophobia in the fingered ones. C.K. posted several photos of cute and stylish mittens that have got me longing to go out and buy more. She even made a pair of her own which are beautiful. I wish I had her talent so I could make lots and lots of them!

I'm honored to be a guest on Day Dreamer today and you can read the interview here.

Thank you, C.K.!

this morning...review of...

2010-10-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

What Are you Thinking on Fire and Ice by Little Red Reads.

got recipes?

2010-10-07T13:46:00.001-07:00

Coming soon...

final book trailer...

2010-10-06T12:08:00.001-07:00

making friends monday

2010-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to author/editor Tristi Pinkston who has come up with a fun idea: Making Friends Monday.

Tristi has been blogging since 2006. On her main blog Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author she covers everything from writing tips and the life of a published author to kid funnies, spiritual thoughts, and embarrassing moments. She also has a weight loss blog, one for writing challenges, another for her fictional characters … she lost count of how many others she has, but you can find the links for them on her sidebar.

Tristi is the author of five published novels and a whole kit ‘n caboodle of unpublished novels. Right now she’s focusing on cozy mysteries, although she has written historical fiction in the past and plans to write more in that genre. She works as a freelance editor and a virtual book tour coordinator. She loves taking long naps, being charmingly annoying, and watching good movies. She’s a Mormon, a homeschooler, a Cubmaster, and most of the time, a headless chicken.

Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing Tristi. Click here to read the interview and find out more fun facts.

nienie

2010-09-30T09:57:00.001-07:00

A long, long time ago I decided I was going to get married.

A few days before the wedding I took a drive with my fiance.

I still remember the direction we were driving: north.
I don't remember what we were talking about,
in fact I think there was a lull in the conversation.
I remember looking over at a duck pond.

Then something hit me.

Not a thought.
Not an emotion.

A fist.

The punch came out of nowhere
and connected with my left cheek and nose.
Blood sprayed everywhere.
In horror I looked over at the man I was going to marry.

He laughed.

Almost five years and a divorce later I felt ashamed.
And stupid.
And ugly.

It took me a long time to recover.
In many ways I still am . . . and will be for a long time.
Maybe that's one of the reasons I've
followed Stephanie Nielson's story with interest.
I've long admired her as a blogger and mother,
longed to be part of a family like hers.

But it's her courage I envy.

Physically and emotionally she'll spend the rest of her life recovering
from the plane crash that burned over 80 percent of her body.

But she's not letting that stop her from living.

Really living.

review...The Stone Traveler by Kathi Oram Peterson

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Stone Traveler
Kathi Oram Peterson
LDS Fiction,YA Fantasy
August 2010
Covenant

Sixteen-year-old Tag can’t believe he’s in this much trouble. He’s not actually a member of the gang known as the Primes—all he did was spray paint some graffiti that caught their attention. In all honesty, ever since his dad and brother left, Tag just wants to be alone. And it’s certainly not his fault that the Primes nearly beat up his goofy cousin, Ethan. But his mom is furious about these gang-related activities and insists that Tag spend the whole summer at his grandpa’s lakeside cabin, which is not Tag’s idea of a good time. So he does what any self-respecting teenager would do: run away. But he doesn’t get far before he encounters three strange men carrying an even stranger object—a stone that glows with radiant light as bright as a thousand sparklers.

Tag doesn’t steal the stone—not exactly. He feels like he is supposed to take it. But he doesn’t expect the stone to transport him through space and time to a place he’s never seen before—a place that looks an awful lot like the ancient lands described in the Book of Mormon. And he definitely doesn’t expect to join Sabirah, the entrancing daughter of Samuel the Lamanite, on a quest to rescue her father and brother from the evil King Jacob. And he absolutely doesn’t expect to be captured by Jacob’s minions and prepared as a sacrifice to the evil idol of the city. But just as Tag faces his death, a terrible storm begins to break, and the ground cracks into jagged pieces. And he’s not sure which event will impact his life more: his captor’s knife coming at his body, the violent tempest sweeping the land . . . or the men who later appear, glowing even more brightly than the traveler’s stone.

My review:

Beneath his tough guy, gang member exterior—dyed black hair with black eyeliner and fingernails to match—Tag Quincy is a modern-day teen battling feelings of guilt and shame. He believes he doesn’t fit in anywhere, and his sense of worthlessness leads him to make choices that impact him in negative ways. Landing in trouble he is exiled to his grandfather’s Idaho cabin for the summer. A strange turn of events ultimately causes him to consider his life in a new light and helps him realize how much he loves his family.

At the first of the book, Tag’s voice doesn’t resonate with me—words and phrases he uses seem unnatural for a sixteen-year-old. However I was drawn into the book by the Kathi’s vivid descriptions and her talent for keeping up a lively stream of action as her characters face daunting trials and obstacles.

Tag becomes acquainted with a girl from another time—Sabirah—who is fighting for what she believes in. He joins her on a mission to piece her family back together. The author weaves historical detail from the Book of Mormon together with page turning adventure in this time travel saga, and also touches on some powerful emotions. As Tag endeavors to help those he comes in contact with, he learns that he is of value. He finds genuine joy in his relationships and discovers the importance of his life. It is here the author really shines. As in her other works, Kathi demonstrates her ability to portray her characters vulnerabilities in a heart-rending manner. In the final chapters of the book I felt Tag’s voice begin to ring true and I was touched by his transformation.

Though targeted for young adults, this book is suitable for all ages. My twelve-year-old also enjoyed it and remarked that it is on her to-read-again list.

CONTEST

Kathi is holding a Stone Traveler contest! Click here for details on how to win fabulous prizes including a Kindle!!!

Click here for my review of Kathi's last book, An Angel on Main Street, and an interview I did with her. Find out if she likes dogs or cats, chocolate or vanilla!

winner

2010-08-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Remember THIS?

It's the contest I blogged about two months ago. When I planned to announce a winner on July 7 and then extended the deadline because my email crashed and I lost comments that never got posted. And I know I'm still missing some--sorry!

Yeah, that contest.

Here's hoping that the wrinkles have finally all been ironed out of my Internet server problems, my email glitches, the graphics card problem that caused my computer to crash, etc., etc., etc.

After sifting through the comments about positive thinking on both blogs, as well as those that managed to arrive unscathed in my email, I've come up with a winner. A thought that touched my heart and made me smile:

And positive thoughts? Man. Don't we all need them? Every day? It's like that thing they tell you in customer service ~ people will complain to a bunch of people if they get rotten service, but hardly tell anyone at all if they have great service. I think we should strive to turn that around ~ tell people what good they do, we all need to know someone appreciates us for some reason.

That wisdom from the winner: Ali Cross.

It seems to be raw human nature to complain, and a sad fact that we often neglect to tell others about the good. If we search for it, it's usually there in abundance. It's a wonderful feeling to be appreciated, and wonderful to pass it on.

Thank you, Ali. I appreciate you and your insightful comments.

If you feel inclined to do so, visit Ali's blog and tell her how much you appreciate her too...

computer...book...

2010-08-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

My main computer crashed Friday. The good news is that it happened after my awesome editor put the finishing touches on my novel and sent it off to print.

I didn't get a chance to post this update on my picture book, and two book signings last Saturday. I have lots to post, but little time to do it since I'm so far behind. Here are some highlights:

I visited a lavender farm where I did research for my next novel.
I attended LDSBooksellers and met lots of wonderful people.
I had a birthday lunch with my granddaughter who is turning seven!
I fractured my finger, but it's better now.
I was invited to join a new company as an artist and designer--more info to come.
I got the chance to hear my friend author Haley Hatch Freeman speak on anorexia and self-worth!
I was offered a column with our local newspaper.
Valerie and I had two wonderful signings on Saturday--photos here.

If you've sent me an email, sorry if I haven't responded. Only a fraction of my email is trickling in. I hope to have everything back in working order by next week.

review

2010-07-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly Girls are back in Michele Ashman Bell’s new release Hometown Girl. The second book in the Butterfly Box Series, the much anticipated sequel to A Modest Proposal opens with Lauren, Chloe, Emma, Jocelyn, and Andrea endeavoring to navigate the twists and turns of their individual lives. Though they are each pulled by the varying forces in different directions their determination to support one another through thick and thin is as strong as ever.

In this book we find out more about Jocelyn, her life, and the forces that have shaped her. The book gets off to an unhurried start with a Butterfly Girl Reunion; for readers who haven’t read the first volume the ample back story helps each woman come into focus. As the story builds steam, Jocelyn departs and, despite misgivings, attempts to begin a new life. Michele has penned a cast of affable townspeople in the small community where Jocelyn finds herself after inheriting her grandmother’s house. The characters keep the story moving forward and the town itself comes alive through Michele’s vivid description and attention to detail. With Michele’s knack for intriguing dialogue we follow Jocelyn as she faces a series of difficult decisions.

When a secret she has kept woven into the depths of her soul for fourteen years begins to unravel, Jocelyn turns to the Butterfly Girls. Though they nurture her with support and understanding, she must summon inner courage to steer her life back on course. Handsome Jack Emerson is appealing to her, but he has secrets of his own and doesn’t get too close. Michele tackles some difficult subject material with tact and we see Jocelyn emerge as a strong and capable woman.

All in all I found the Butterfly Girls to be an enjoyable read. I look forward to more installments in this series and to discovering more about Ava’s mysterious death.

From the book:

Jocelyn Rogers’s life is in a rut. Maybe she should step outside her comfort zone and move to Milford Falls, where she has inherited her grandmother’s house. With the encouragement of the other Butterfly Girls, Jocelyn musters her courage and starts a new life.

However, when she arrives in the small town that holds both good and bad memories for her, she discovers the house in worse shape than she expected, and getting repairs done is anything but easy — especially when it comes to dealing with Jack Emerson, a man who seems to be agitated by Jocelyn and everyone else within a fifty-mile radius.

To make matters worse, she has begun to worry that moving back to the place where she once spent a troubled summer will expose the deep personal secret she has kept hidden for fourteen years. But Jack also has a hidden secret that has prevented him from getting close to anyone in a long time. And now it seems that interfering neighbors may prevent both Jack and Jocelyn from moving forward with their lives.

Michele is having a launch party today!

Saturday, July 17th
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Redwood Seagull Book
(1720 S. Redwood Road, SLC)

Giveaways, gift baskets, Utah Truffles, refreshments, fun, prizes. Don't miss the party!

Read more about Michele and her books on her website or blog.

Read my August 2009 interview with Michele here.

book cover

2010-07-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from my editor with the cover of my new novel.

Wow!

Thanks, Sam. You made my day.

2010-07-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

These past few weeks have been a jumble of trying to merge old commitments with new responsibilities.

In the middle of it all my website went down--permanently it seems--and I had to change email servers. Comments for the book contest I ran a few weeks ago got lost in the shuffle. Deleted. I know they were there . . . once . . . I just don't know where they are now.

Humble apologies!

If you see your comment here with the original contest post, you're okay. Entered in the book giveaway. Not lost. Counted among the commenters, etc.

If your comment is not there, you can assume your remarks were unintentionally lost in cyberspace. Poof. Gone. Misplaced without intentional misplacement. Please, if you see fit, feel free to comment again.

I'll try not to lose you . . . again.

For those lost, I'm extending the contest to July 31.

Sincere thanks for your understanding.

contest

2010-06-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to give away a signed copy of the new book I illustrated What Are You Thinking? in preparation for its release in July.

It's been almost two years since Valerie and I first met and started to toss around ideas. In some ways that seems like a long, long time ago. In other ways like it was just yesterday.

Initial response to the book has been wonderful, and we couldn't be more thrilled to finally have it in our hands. Valerie is a talented author whose message is sure to touch many lives. I'm honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of her vision.

A couple of reviews:

"Fantastic! I love to see these principles taught in a fun way to kids. I will definitely share this book with my children, and strongly recommend that if you want to give your kids a tremendous advantage for reaching their highest potential, you'll do the same." --Garrett B. Gunderson, Entrepreneur and New York Time best selling author of Killing Sacred Cows

"At the earliest age our children need to be introduced to the idea that their thoughts are powerful. They need to be taught how to become more aware of how their thinking affects every aspect of their lives. Our children are not taught how to do this. I applaud this simple but powerful book for introducing this critical concept at the earliest of ages." Gordon S. Bruin, M.A., L.P.C., American Board Certified, President, Innergold Counseling Services, Inc.

In celebration, I'm giving away a copy of the book. All you need to do is comment on this post and tell me:

1. Why you'd like like to have a copy--either for yourself or a child in your life.

AND

2. Why you believe positive thoughts are so important.

The deadline is two weeks from today: midnight (mountain) Wednesday, July 7. U.S. residents only.

Haley

2010-06-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Haley is my hero...

friends

2010-06-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being on the road is making new friends. I loved meeting these girls from Oregon. Their enthusiasm was contagious, their smiles unforgettable. Sometimes those you spend the shortest amount of time with stay in your heart the longest.

I hope you met your fundraising goals, Outlaws. If you play ball as well as you tackled the Hawg, there's no stopping you this season.

expectations

2010-05-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

Every Monday morning I wake up with the same misconception: I think I can conquer the world. Well, at least my world. Today was no exception.

Write two chapters--each--for two different novels. No problem

Finish pictures for current photo shoot. Sure.

Catch up on almost a week's worth of laundry. Bring it on.

Clean not just a few rooms--clean the entire house top to bottom. Piece of cake.

Catch up on correspondence and answer phone calls. Heck, yeah.

Run a zillion errands. Why not?

Rearrange blog per feedback from a person who made blog suggestions. Check.

Like all the other Mondays in my life, today my enthusiasm ran wild and free--until mid-afternoon. That's when I rediscovered that rushing, and hurrying, and cramming things into one day (things that really should take a week to complete) never, never works.

The chapters never left my fingers.

The photo shoot is only half-done.

So is the wash.

The house is only one-third of the way clean.

Correspondence and phone calls. No and no.

Blog? Well, the header I tried to put on, took an hour to take off. Suffice it to say it was large. Obnoxiously large. I couldn't figure out why, but the new photo of me contained in the header was about six inches tall. On a blog that's billboard size. It revealed wrinkles and nose hairs I didn't even know I had.

On the verge of tears--lots of tears--I nearly pulled the plug on the whole blog. Seconds before meltdown, I finally got things fixed. That is to say, the blog is back to its original state. Which is much better than having a blog where my giant nose hairs frighten innocent people.

All in all, I have to give myself some credit. I did make marginal progress.

Enough that next Monday I'll wake up and try to conquer my world all over again.

favorites

2010-04-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Top Storymakers 2010 Favorites:

~Great writers (the published, the almost published, and the just starting out) who are also great people.

~Bootcamp. You were all awesome. Really. Thank you for your comments and suggestions.

~Old friends.

~New faces. I love it when people come up and introduce themselves.

~Smiles and hugs.

~Learning more about the craft.

~Authors whose eyes light up when they talk about their book/s. Their passion is contagious. I love hearing the stories behind the stories.

~Books. And more books.

~Enthusiasm and encouragement.

~Late night sushi. And pizza. And Cafe Rio.

~Don't wait until the last few minutes to try and get pictures.

~Make sure the camera is on the right setting before handing it over to someone else and asking them to take a shot.

~Sleep at least one, if not two full nights before the conference.

~Try to become more adept at matching name tags and faces.

~Muster the courage to talk to people you'd really like to talk to; overcome social shyness.

~Invite more people to late night sushi. I crave more time to talk to other writers about life and writing.

laugh

2010-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Author Tristi Pinkston serves up a winner!

Ida Mae Babbitt is a cookie baking widow with an oven full of good intentions. When trouble seems to be simmering in the lives of a family in her charge, she determines she will rise to the occasion and speed to their rescue. Empty refrigerator? Starving children? Not on Ida Mae’s watch. With the assistance of her techie nephew, Ren, she assumes the role of an elderly Nancy Drew, ready to aid and assist in the name of service and goodwill.

This cozy mystery is laugh out loud funny, a delightful character driven romp that kept me turning pages—I never knew what to expect next. Though Ida Mae and her sidekicks, Arlette and Tansie, are members of an LDS Relief Society, religion is only a backdrop to the story. There’s no preaching or proselyting in this little mirth packed volume. The unusual glimpse—espionage and intrigue–into the women’s organization is pure satire.

Tristi blends wry humor and razor sharp writing to create lovable characters who make you giggle and touch your heart. I appreciated the introspection Ida Mae navigates when she realizes she was quick to judge a young girl in her community. The later part of the book is sprinkled with light romance that while predictable doesn’t bog the story down. The ending winds up with the bad guys held at knitting needle point a bit too conveniently, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Secret Sisters is the first in a series worth looking forward to. You’ll find a sneak preview of book two, Ida Mae Rides Again, tucked in the back. I hope that during her next set of adventures the spirited matron of benevolence will share one of her cookie recipes.

Three cheers for Ida Mae!

Secret Sisters on Amazon

More about Tristi on her website, and on her blog.

My May 2009 interview with Tristi here.

read

2010-04-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'll Know You by Heart: A Novel by Kimberly Job

Stephanie Roberts is a victim of abuse, but making the decision to leave her abuser--her husband Mark--isn’t easy. Time and again she forgives his emotional and physical cruelty; she loves him and wants the marriage to work. However, when Mark lashes out at their teenage son, hitting him repeatedly, Stephanie decides she must act to save her children.

I’ll Know You by Heart, the debut novel of author Kimberly Job, struck a nerve with me because I once found myself in the same situation. My husband of five years was domineering and manipulative. He frequently beat me and I feared for my life. I didn’t leave him because I didn’t think I deserved anything better. It was only when I began to fear for the life of our daughter that I found the courage to depart. That was only the beginning of a turbulent ordeal. My ex-husband was good at showing remorse, he wanted me back under his control. But his good intentions were repeatedly washed away on tides of anger. In some ways similar to that of Stephanie Roberts, my passage to healing was long and painful.

I’ve read that this novel is based on Kim’s own experience—my heart goes out to her. Enduring spousal abuse, being trodden into submission by the man who is supposed to love you, is heart wrenching and demeaning; one of the deepest betrayals of trust. To relive abuse through committing it to paper is something I haven’t yet attempted. I admire Kim for her willingness to journey through turmoil and pain as she constructs the lives of Stephanie Roberts and Jared Wakefield, the man Stephanie falls in love with. Jared has endured his share of heartache as well. After losing his wife in a car accident he struggles to find himself again and to define his role as father to his young daughter.

Kim deftly shows the inner struggles both Stephanie and Jared experience as they strive to maintain emotional equilibrium. And she has penned a cast of well-crafted family members, from children to in-laws, whose lives are also impacted by the inherent anguish and scars of violence, divorce, and loss. The story is testament of the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

I appreciate the invitation of Kimberly Job's publisher to read and review I'll Know You by Heart. I look forward to reading more of Kim's work.

From the back cover:

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn’t realize they’d met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all? I’ll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity. A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Price: $16.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 275
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-13-9

Kimberly Job's Website

think

2010-04-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

One day while I was talking on the phone, my eight-year-old daughter wanted my attention. She had a problem that needed to be solved. I gave a motherly hang-on-just-a-minute gesture—my forefinger pressed to my lips—to indicate it would be awhile before I could help. She nodded and left a stack of playing cards on my desk, along with a note.

A short time later, I ended my phone conversation and read my daughter's words. They posed a simple question: Do I have a full deck? I knew she wanted me to help her count her playing cards, but I had to laugh. On occasion I'd asked myself that same question!

Growing up, I often heard the adults in my life refer to various people as being one card (or more) short of a full deck, a euphemism designed to gauge how with it someone was—or was not. As I got older, I gleaned the knowledge that we all must navigate many diverse circumstances in our lives, some not so varied, some vast; each shape us into who we become.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, no matter our differences, we could strive to see the good in each other? True, there are those, even in our own families, whose life choices divide us on matters of principle. Still, we can choose to look for the good, the best, and accentuate the positive—even if that means we have to love someone from a distance. Author Wayne Dyer has said, "When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."

Back to the old euphemism: I've learned many people—including myself—could, at least at one time or another in their lives, be accused of being a few cards short. I've also learned that it’s what we do with the cards we have that really counts.

live

2010-04-02T09:00:00.001-07:00

Life as a TV Dinner

A few weeks ago my youngest and I talked about talents and destiny. We talked about things she’s finding out in life, surprises like discovering she has a real talent for piano. More than a talent—a gift. The discussion came about because of something she felt she had no talent in: history. She has a love hate relationship with the stuff. She loves reading about people and what they’ve done to make the world a better place. She has no regard for those who leave their mark of hatred on humankind, and she doesn’t like trying to commit the details of wars and politics to memory in preparation for tests.

All that got us around to talking about the question of whether or not people come prepackaged with everything they need to succeed in life, to be the best they can be. We decided they do. They just need to chose whether or not to use it. We got silly and concocted a simple analogy: being human is like being a TV dinner.

Remember she’s not yet into her teen years and I often think in the same age range.

A TV dinner comes with a main course, vegetable and dessert. All you need to do is pop it into the microwave and it’s ready: a full meal.

Yeah, I know. Some TV dinners can’t be considered a real meal, let alone a full meal, and the things might get undercooked or overcooked. Overanalyzation aside we decided that you can draw a parallel with life.

Remember I said it was a simple analogy.

Simple being the keyword.

We come packaged with the stuff to make us complete but if we don’t give ourselves a chance, believe in ourselves, we’ll never reach our destiny. We'll never undergo a metamorphosis that will take us from who we are or were, or believe we are or were, to who can become; take ourselves from a frozen state to one of being functional where we can utilize all we’ve been given.

How does that apply to writing? What do you believe are the important factors in helping your characters discover the best in themselves? Then how do you bring it into play in their everyday lives?

2010-03-31T09:01:00.001-07:00

Five for Five

A straightforward list by YA writer Ingrid Sundberg of five things editors and agents look for in your first five pages: Five Things

2010-03-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

Top Reasons Writers WriteI'm always talking to writers about why they write. Here are a few of their responses:

For the love of the written word.
To exercise their fingers.
Because the pen is mightier than the sword.
So they can tell everyone they're a writer.
So they can name their own characters.
They want to work from home.
A desire to be their own boss.
To vent.
To be understood.

For many their response is that they have to, need to--must--write. I agree. I can't imagine life without writing. Everyday it's as much a part of me as breathing. Whether I'm working on a novel, essay, article, or short story, or simply recording something in my journal, I don't feel whole unless I have a paper and pen in my hands, or a keyboard under my fingertips.

What about you? Why do you write?

Fly: A Story of Adventure

2010-03-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we stumble upon who we are by accident, and what we want to do--or feel we should do--with our lives is thrust before us when we least expect it. Generally, however, it takes a great deal of hard work to find out what really makes us tick. For some people self-discovery is a combination of luck, divine providence, and introspect; something occurs in our lives that triggers a thought that leads to taking action.

My grandfather, H.L., was a person who experienced a mix of factors that ultimately led him to his destiny.

A self-made man he spent his life pursuing a dream: flying. Growing up he yearned to attend flight school, but his father clipped his wings. Being the eldest son of a poor farmer did not align him with those who could afford such luxuries. One day circumstance aligned itself with fate and he saw a magazine in an Idaho drugstore. In that magazine was a photo--a photo of a craft that hovered over the ice. It sent his mind soaring. If he couldn't take to the skies, perhaps, he thought, it might be possible for him to fly just above the earth . . .

. . .or the snow.

What ensued is legend in my family. Tales that have been told and retold: Grandpa's bold adventures in the snow bound vistas of western Wyoming and eastern Idaho, his travels to Alaska to sell his inventions--Sno-Planes--to Eskimos, and his desire for speed that led him to win the races that were eventually created to showcase his dream turned reality.

Over the years I thought it wasn't my right to tell Grandpa's story. My father and his brothers knew my grandfather much better, and for much longer, than I. They were the little boys who were right there with him, along for the ride as he flew over both snow and ice. But of late I've realized that there's part of the story only I can tell. The part of adoring granddaughter whose imagination was captured by tales of the past, whose mind took flight when the man she revered as a hero spoke of his life and dreams, his blue eyes dancing in delight with each reminisce.

And so, with two of my general fiction novels in the hands of publishers and two in the hands of agents, I've decided not to sit by the phone and wait for what I hope will be good news. I've decided to start my second young adult novel--the story of my life with my grandfather. Because even though what I've written so far is near and dear to my heart, Grandpa's story and how it impacted me is the novel of a lifetime I must write. I'm still doing the course work for life's class on who I am and telling this tale is part of what I need to do.

voice

2010-03-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

"If you're a writer, you're giving a voice to the people who have struggled all their lives to give words to the same thoughts you think." --Holly Lisle

2010-03-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

Almost seven years ago I ran across a website where authors can type in their name and receive a computer generated pen name. The site was good for a few minutes of diversion and a couple of laughs.

Since it's warm and sunny outside today I'm having a hard time focusing on writing. My mind keeps wandering, and on one of its forays into the world of daydreams the pen name site popped into my head again. Thanks to what surely must be sophisticated technology here are the top five suggestions for my suitable pseudonym:

Rosalina Lovellette
Kind of romance writerly.

Ervin Reinstein
How it ever came up with this based on my real name I'll never know.

Lilly Tagloff
Maybe if I was a humor writer.

Lucius Ishmerton
Lucius?

Linette Tollison
This one's not too bad. If I ever adopt a pen-name I think I'll consider it.

Joy and Celebration: The Best Days of My Life

2010-03-03T08:26:00.001-08:00

Can I back up a minute?

Can I post something else today?

Here's what I want to tell you: two weeks ago my youngest had a very important audition. The fact that it even came about was nothing less than a miracle. It wasn't something she asked for or even anticipated.

It fell into her life like a star shooting from heaven.

She held it in her hands with wonder. And a good deal of fear. This stuff only happens to other people, doesn't it? Like in the movies? Her questions caught me off guard.

I am a master of self-doubt, prone to view the miracles in my life as accidents--meant for someone else because I'm not deserving enough to receive them. Why? Back when I was not much older than my daughter I remember having one of the best days of my life. Everything was going well. I enjoyed a run of success in my schoolwork--things I hadn't before understood that finally came into view--and I'd recently made friends with several kids who enriched my life immeasurably. I asked my mother, "Why is this happening to me--all this good stuff?" Her response was simple and to the point: I don't know. She shrugged her shoulders and walked away.

I stood on the back porch steps and felt like a fool. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb! The impression left by my mother was that it was all an accident and I was a fool to think anything good could be intended for me. I've carried that experience around with me ever since.

Back to my own daughter. Her audition went well, better than expected. When the doors closed behind us she was overjoyed. She'd done the thing she never imagined possible. She'd conquered her fear and come out victorious. She wanted to jump and shout right there in the hallway. I told her no, let's wait until we get outside. Why? Ghosts from my past cast shadows I felt powerless to dispel. By the time we left the building she was feeling the phantoms of self-doubt herself. She didn't jump. She didn't shout.

Last Friday, I completed my YA manuscript. It's been six long months of agonizing over whether or not I was writer enough to do it, to finish what had been burning in my heart, but what had been held down by fear. Fear of failure. Fear of not measuring up as a writer. Fear of so many things I can't even name them all. When the finished novel was ready to go and I hit send I didn't jump. I didn't shout. Why?

I feel joy for myself. I feel joy for my daughter. Why is it so hard to let it out? Still, after all these years? I don't want it to be. I want to be able to celebrate, and so this morning I'm making a choice: chase away self-doubt.

Jump.

Shout.

Celebrate.

Live.

As soon as my daughter wakes up we're going to make this the best day of our lives. The first of many.

Out of the Shadows and into the Light

2010-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

It's March. Spring is on the way. Life couldn't be better.

I'm in debt to many of you for your kindness,
prayers, and emails.

I'm back out among the living. My manuscript is finished and
in the hands of the agent who requested it; one small step
in the world of writerly things perhaps, but a huge step for me.

Thank you.

Author Interview: Rick Walton

2010-01-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

Rick Walton

Visit him on his website: www.rickwalton.com

Lori: Rick, who are you as a person, versus an author?

Rick: My passion is creation. I love creating anything. The creation process just gets me excited, thrilled. It could be picture books, sure. That is what I do for a living of course. It could be crafts or new uses for something normal around the house, or forms of humor. I especially like to come up with innovative solutions to the world’s problems. Of course, nobody listens to them, but at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that 500 years from now people will look back and see that I was way ahead of my time. Either that or a raving lunatic.

Lori: Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Rick: Both. Primarily entertain, but I think it is important to improve the world with your writing in some way. And if you’re going to educate, you need to entertain also anyway.

Lori: Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

Rick: Anywhere, anytime. I don’t notice a specific place or time that works best for me. I’m always working on multiple projects. I play with them, work with them, sweat over them, day and night. I drop them for a while, come back to them, fit them into the nooks and crannies of my life. I wish I had a specific time when I worked best, when I turned off everything else and just focused on the writing, and then when the time was up turned off the writing and focused on everything else. But no, I have to be obsessed. So I’m working on everything all the time, which is sometimes annoying.

Lori: Why do you write?

Rick: Because of the thrill of creating something new, something that never existed before. Besides, I like words. I like playing with them, reading them, writing them, thinking about them, I’ve liked words since I was a young kid.

Lori: What do you read? Why?

Rick: I don’t read nearly as much as I should. I’m a workaholic, and if the book doesn’t have something to do with a project I’m working on, I can’t talk myself into taking the time to read it. I want to be able to read more, I want to be able to stop the responsible, task-oriented focus and kick back and enjoy a novel just for the sake of enjoyment. The last full novel I read, was The Road by Cormac McCarthy, which I thought was brilliant. Wouldn’t recommend it to a lot of people since it is so dark, but I loved the language, and I’m into post-apocalyptic fiction anyway.

Lori: Vanilla or chocolate?

Rick: Hmmmm, difficult. Chocolate for its own sake. Vanilla because you can mix anything into it and it tastes delicious. I love taking vanilla ice cream, mixing jam into it, throwing in some cashews, maybe some banana slices. But chocolate, just by itself, chocolate is perfect.

Lori: Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other?

Rick: I use a PC, but my primary method of writing now is sometimes in longhand, but mostly dictation. Why? Debilitation. I used to be able to type 120 words a minute, my fingers could fly and I could type faster than I could think. Those were the days. Then I took to voice recognition software, but I’m also developing incomprehensible speech (I should be a politician!). So now, I dictate a lot of my stuff, and hope that the people that transcribe it can understand me. Eventually I’m just going to have to go straight to a machine that can read my thoughts, though that could be dangerous.

Lori: What is your current book?

Rick: My next book is called Mr. President Goes to School. It is being illustrated by Brad Sneed. It is the story of a president who gets tired of dealing with the daily battles, and sneaks away to a place where he was once happy, kindergarten. He has a great day, then comes back to the White House where he uses what he learns to help deal with his problems. Kind of a cross between the movie Saving Grace, and Everything I Know About Life I Learned in Kindergarten. It’s coming out from Peachtree, my editor is the illustrious, highly talented, Carmen Agra Deedy. You should buy it begins you never know when you're going to become president, and when that happens, you'll need this book.

Lori: What's coming up?

Rick: Besides, Mr. President Goes to School, I have another political book, sort of, How to Create Your Own Country being published by Bloomsbury. I also have another book called Baby’s First, coming out from Putnam.

I would love to publish two types of things that might seem opposite. They probably are. One would be bizarre silly collections of strange humor. I have a couple such manuscripts making the rounds--The Big Silly Kitty Book, and How to Deal with Clown Bites and 100 Other Life Skills Every Kid Should Know. On the other hand, I would also like to do books that help save the planet. I have some ideas on those.

Lori: One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Rick: Talk, don’t fight. Try to understand before you get angry. Contention is ruining the planet, the country, relationships, and often your ability to get published. Assume the best in others, you’ll seldom be wrong.

Lori: Dogs or cats?

Rick: I think the perfect pet would be a combination of both. Cats are there, not too demanding, soft, warm, relaxing. Dogs treat you like you’re the most important person on the planet. I like my pets, and my friends, a combination of both.

Lori: What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

Rick: Interesting question. Oddly enough, I don’t care about being remembered for my writing. I want to be remembered for having made the world a better place, and for having helped others achieve their goals and become better people. I just want the world to have been a better place because I was here.

Oh yeah, and I want to be remembered as the master of stick worm art.

2010-01-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

I'm seeing some light.

The holidays always threaten to wrench me from my purpose--on Thanksgiving and Christmas the emotions and expectations of my extended family run high--but this year the holiday's were particularly hard.

Just. Plain. Hard.

Not because of what I've lost. I've come to terms with that. But because I've finally figured out (after weeks of prayer and introspect, scripture and blog reading) what I need to do. And, in addition to gathering and honing courage, I've learned that this quote (one of my all-time favorites) by Marianne Williamson rings true--painfully true--for me:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

This January, cold and foggy, I am grateful for those who have traveled the path before me. For their courage in liberating themselves from fear. I am following, running to catch up. I will get there.

I will.

Flight

2010-01-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

The other night a talented poet in my critique group shared several of her poems. Her words left me breathless. I was stunned by their beauty and power. I related to several of the lines in a very intimate way. They made me think. They made me want to cry. They set my heart on fire. This woman captured feelings that I have experienced. Emotions that are still locked inside my soul. I admired how she breathed life into her underpinnings of her very being and allowed her innermost thoughts to take flight on the page.

I hated the fact, the knowledge, that it’s so difficult for me to do the same.

When I was a kid I was told, “Children are to be seen and not heard.” Through years too numerous and painful to count, daggers of condemnation pierced my heart. I learned keeping silent was safe. But when the danger passed, my words were gone. I literally had a hard time even speaking.

Writing was out of the question.

Old habits die hard.

Slowly my words are returning. A cookbook--that was safe. No danger there. A few short stories, essays, and blog posts. Frightening to fish around inside myself and throw out what I discover. Yet it is becoming increasingly apparent to me that every word I write is a step. Small, but a step all the same.

Poems?

One thing I never envisioned for myself was writing poetry. I knew the words poets use--the words I would need to use to be a poet, if indeed I could hope to learn the art--were too dangerous. But last fall I stepped out of my comfort zone. I did the unthinkable. I entered a poem in a contest at the county fair.

Is There Anyone Left?

Is there anyone left who will fight

For what’s good and what’s right and what’s true?

Who, facing derision, makes firm the decision

To wage battle ‘til all wrongs are through…

Not genius by any measure. But a six stanza offering all the same. My words. And, much to my surprise, the piece won an award.

It’s a start.

Maybe the next time my critique group meets I’ll find the courage to share the poem, and some of the others that are flapping around in my mind. Words waiting to take flight.

Author Interview: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

2010-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Ronda's website

Ronda's blog

Who are you as a person, versus an author?

Ronda: I’m a musician (soprano soloist and beginning piano teacher), a wife, mother, and whatever my LDS church calling is at the time. I’m also my husband’s sidekick, which means that since he’s an extreme “do-it-yourselfer,” I participate in those activities as well. Here’s a short list: we’re building our dream house almost completely on our own with the “pay as you go” method, we maintain a small farm, and we travel whenever we can. Skymiles are our friends.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Ronda: Both. I really try to help my readers feel as if they’re right there with my protagonists, but I also believe the best novels are those I learn life lessons from, the ones that make me think about something I never have before in just that particular way, the ones I grow from. Those two things are what I try to emulate.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

Ronda: I write almost every morning as well as throughout several evenings when the house is quiet. I do my best work in the quiet, but since solitude isn’t always possible, I also write whenever I get the chance—waiting at the doctor’s office, etc. About ten years ago, I used to have a set schedule, and that worked well for me at that time, but now. . . let’s just say I now adapt writing time to my changing schedule.

Why do you write?

Ronda: I first knew I wanted to be a writer when I was in the 6th grade. My English teacher had been reading S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders to the class, and when she reached the section where Johnny urged Ponyboy to stay “gold,” I realized I wanted to write "golden” words just as Hinton had. More than that, I wanted those words to encourage the "golden" in others. That remains one of my goals.

What do you read? Why?

Ronda: I read a lot of different kinds of books, but my favorite genre is romantic suspense, as long as it’s “clean.” I like the combination of thrills, chills, and love. If the book has other genre’s mixed in, like fantasy or mystery, that’s fine, too.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Ronda: If those are my only choices, I’ll choose chocolate, but if you had something else, like Blueberry cheesecake chocolate chunk, I’d have to choose that.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other?

Ronda: Laptop, PC, longhand. That’s what I have, so that’s what I use. I write final versions on the PC, but if I’m sitting in the car waiting for someone, I write longhand in a notebook. If I’m on a business trip, I use the laptop. The point is, I write with whatever I have available to me.

What is your current book?

Ronda: My first LDS mystery, MISSING, was released in October 2009. It’s a fast-paced novel about a BYU-Idaho student who first sees then tries to save a missing child while she’s on a choir tour in British Columbia.

What's coming up?

Ronda: I’m finishing another romantic suspense/mystery, but this one has a hint of fantasy in it, too. It’s different than anything I’ve ever written before, but I’m really excited about it. I’m also gathering ideas and organizing my third novel.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Ronda: Hold on to the goodness that’s inside you. I believe if everyone in the world would let that goodness overpower lesser feelings, evil would soon disappear. Yikes! I think I’m starting to sound like Sandra Bullock wishing for “world peace.”

Dogs or cats?

Ronda: We have a dog, cows, and goats, but the truth is, I’m not really an animal person. My husband is.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

Ronda: A good person who helped others.

Featured Artist

2009-12-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

I'm excited and honored to be this week's featured artist on Manic's Author/Illustrator Network. Click here to view.

And the Winners Are...

2009-12-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

For the Christmas gift package that includes three of my books, Stolen Christmas, Three Angels for Christmas, and The Magic and the Miracle of Christmas, Volume two: Kathi Oram Peterson!

For the copy of Three Angels for Christmas AND an assortment of my angel cards: L.T. Elliot!

Ladies send me the address you'd like things shipped to and we'll get everything sent to you by Christmas.

Thanks to all who participated!

Finding Uses for Used Christmas Cards

2009-12-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

This week I worked on an article about all the things you can make out of used Christmas cards. It was fun and I enjoyed coming up with ideas and taking photos of my creations. Some of my inspirations didn't pan out though. Here are a few that didn't make the cut:

*Festive Candle Holder - I decided I wasn't as adept as I'd hoped at designing a good candle holder that wouldn't go up in flames and set someone's house on fire the very first use.

*Decorative Toilet Paper Holder - Um, it just lost something in the translation from my brain to the actual usage...

*Holiday Boa - Too many little pieces to try and stick together.

*Seasonal Duck Call - It iced up in the cold and my lips stuck to it--anyone with shreds of old Christmas card hanging from their lips is not a pretty sight.

*Santa Pet Dish - Yeah, you're smart enough to know that won't work before you even try it. I wasn't.

All in all I was lucky to get some good ones (and that the editor bought it). What do you do with your used Christmas cards? Besides throw them away...

Christmas Home Tour

2009-12-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

Host: me
What: Christmas tour of my home
Where: HERE
Why: because it sounded fun

Free Book Giveaway

2009-12-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Haley Hatch Freeman is offering a copy of her book A Future for Tomorrow HERE

Changing Can't into Can

2009-11-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

This past few months I’ve read several blogs that have discussed believing in yourself as a writer. One post that hit home for me is by Jennifer Blanchard of Procrastinating Writers. In her post Believe in Yourself and the Writing Will Come Jennifer discusses replacing limitations with possibilities. Since building confidence and replacing my can’ts with cans has been especially important this last year her words are of great interest to me. I’ve known I wanted to write for a couple of decades now, but giving myself permission to do so took a long time. Bit by bit, considering both the perceived and the real limitations in my life, I have come a long way. I’ve already accomplished more than I ever thought possible. But in the past couple of years I’ve had the nagging feeling I could accomplish even more.

I want to write novels.

Edged with emotion and trepidation it has been, for some time now, the thought that won’t go away. It wakes me at night. It tugs at my heart strings during the day. It fills every crack and crevice of my life causing me to neglect art clients and job responsibilities, abandon laundry and housekeeping—and often times common sense—and shut myself in my office to write, and write.

And write.

My first great effort, above and beyond short stories and essays, was a novella, a coming of age story about a young boy named Martin. When I sent it out to the world it was met with mixed reviews. One publisher said he loved it and wanted to publish it the following March. When March rolled around his company had gone out of business. Another publisher said they would love to publish it—if only I were already an author of note, or if I was a man. Only men, they said, should write coming of age stories about young boys. Two more publishers said they loved my writing, it just wasn’t right for them. One author I knew told me, “You know, you just weren’t meant to write books.”

I believed her.

I believed her because early on that’s what I’d been taught: You should not write. You have no talent for it. You will make a fool of yourself.

Those words played over and over in my head like background music in a bad movie. So much so that if I even sat down to type I felt immense guilt. Until what other writers have aptly termed voices in my head haunted me and I had to write again. I abandoned the thought of writing a novel, but I had an essay published by a magazine I never thought would be interested in my work. Then a short story, then two, then three, published. It felt good. I told myself it was enough.

It wasn’t.

I can’t. I can’t. I can’t write novels.

I want to. I want to. I want to write novels.

I came to a point last year where I got tired of the battle. I decided I had nothing to lose. Now, three requests for full manuscripts from editors and one request for a full from a noted agent later, I have witnessed how changing can’ts into can’s changes everything.

Still, believing in myself and building confidence is an ongoing process. I pray one day it will get easier for me to write without guilt. But for now striving to replace impossibilities with possibilities continues to be something I must work on every day.

Stolen Christmas Contest: Two chances to win

2009-11-23T07:57:00.001-08:00

A contest to celebrate the release of Stolen Christmas!

Two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog and/or on my other blog Hearts and Hands. Each time you comment between November 15 and December 10 you will be entered to win a Christmas gift package that includes three of my books, Stolen Christmas, Three Angels for Christmas, and The Magic and the Miracle of Christmas, Volume two.

2. Become a follower of this blog and/or Hearts and Hands. All my followers will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Three Angels for Christmas AND an assortment of my angel cards.

Order Stolen Christmas on Amazon.

An Angel on Main Street

2009-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

An Angel on Main Street by Kathi Oram Peterson

My review:

The year is 1953 and Christmas looks anything but bright for eleven-year-old Micah Connors. The boy is no stranger to trouble--his mother recently moved the family to Bolton, Idaho with the hope her son could forge a new start with better friends than he left behind. But old habits die hard and Micah soon becomes acquainted with the local sheriff. The family is already awash in trials. Micah's father is dead, a casualty of the Korean War, and his younger sister, Annie, is gravely ill. The boy knows he can't add to his mother's stress so he makes a deal with the sheriff and strives to redeem himself.

The author of the book captured elements of both the charm and the incongruity of small town living, and I enjoyed the love and unity demonstrated by Micah's close-knit family members. I found myself rooting for Micah, with the desire he would find his inner strengths, and I was anxious to learn if his sister would recover. The character of the sheriff is well-crafted, a good guy who is the backbone of the story. All the characters are engaging and I wanted to know more about each one, more depth to the promising storyline. The story illuminates the strength of the human spirit, and is sure to be an enduring Christmas favorite.

At around 100 pages the book is a quick read that will provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays as it helps to recapture the spirit of the season. A wonderful gift for all ages--my eleven-year-old enjoyed it and one of my friends plans to give it to all her married children--the book would also make a nice accompaniment to giving during the Twelve Days of Christmas (for article click here).

Blurb:

Micah Connors promised his mother he would be good in their new town. But with Christmas only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well. Can the towering officer be trusted not to tell what happened? Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will sidetrack him from spilling the day’s events — or maybe his interest in Micah’s widowed mother will do the trick.

The last thing Dawn Connors needs is to hear her son is in trouble. She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill. Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town’s holiday decorations, Annie is sure that unseen angels are building the crude stable — which means baby Jesus is coming, and he can make her better.

Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll. But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds angels are closer than he ever would have believed.

Buy the book at: Desert Book

Interview with Kathi Oram Peterson:

She blogs here

Kathi, who are you as a person, versus an author?

My passion other than writing would be my family. But that's probably not the kind of answer you want. Let's see, hobbies...I enjoy going to the movies. Might have been to be a movie critic, but than I'd have to watch movies I don't want to. I enjoy cooking, but I'm no gourmet, more meat and potatoes. I love butter and sugar and whipping cream so it's probably best I'm not a professional cook. Now you can see why I write. I can live through my characters. I can be a cowgirl, have a black belt, and go back in time. Nothing better in my book. I do yearn to travel, but I'm more the hermit. Give me some good books, several classic movies and a pizza and I'm good. Soooo boring.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I have written children's concept and biography books K-2; YA inspirational time travel; and romantic suspense. I've also written a screenplay.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Can't we have both? I think some of the best stories teach and entertain at the same time. My objectives are to write a story that makes people laugh, cry and think.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I'm definitely a seclusion writer. When all the kids lived at home I didn't have an office, but I had a walk-in closet in my bedroom. So I put my desk and computer in there. Totally private. I wrote some of my best scenes in the closet...that doesn't sound very good, but literally it was true. My prime time is the mornings. Especially if I'm writing the rough draft. When I'm in the throes of writing a book I usually write new stuff in the morning and spend the afternoon editing. Lately I've written in spurts, but I prefer a regular schedule. I'm hoping after the holidays my life will get back to normal...whatever that is.

Why do you write?

I've always loved reading. I had times in school when I'd write a good paper and the teacher would comment or make me read it before the class, but I really didn't think about writing books until after my first child was born. My mother suggested that I try writing a book and it stuck. I'm to the point if I don't write I become depressed. That's why I don't like writing in spurts.

What do you love to read?

I love good YA novels. A while back I spent a year reading as many Newbery winners as I could find. I loved Harry Potter and marvel at the world Rowling created. I'd love to do that. I also love romantic suspense novels. For me the best read has adventure, battles, and romance.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate hands down.

What is your preferred manner of writing?

PC. I also use the laptop after a long day on the PC. Most of my research information is saved on my PC. I like sitting at my desk with all my books around me within easy reach.

What is your current book?

An Angel on Main Street. I love Christmas and wanted to write a Christmas story that would remind people of simpler times. So I set the story in the fifties, plus it was what I remember. The book takes place in a small town. I was raised in a small town, so I know what it was like. My family lived in an apartment over my father's store, like the Connors family lived over a restaurant in the book. My father worked part-time for the police department, so it wasn't much of a stretch to think up and characterize Sheriff Anderson. When I was a little girl, my mother suffered a heart attack while washing my hair for a dance recital. I remember how scared I was that she would die. Many times I'd stare down on Main Street wondering if my mother would ever come home from the hospital. I was able to use those emotions as I wrote Micah's fears about death. When my mother finally came home, she shared a very sacred experience with the family that left little doubt that there was life after death. As you can see this little book is very close to my heart.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

The world...keep it simple and remember God is in charge. I think many times we forget that. I was always taught that if I wanted something I had to do everything humanly possible and then leave it up to the Lord. That's good advice.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. I have the cutest little Yorkie. She's my little buddy.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I hope I'm remembered for being a good mother, wife, sister, and friend. Also that my novels would long be remembered as good books the entire family could read and enjoy.

Contest:

An Angel in Your Life Contest runs from now until December 15th. Anyone can enter by simply emailing Kathi at kathiorampeterso@yahoo.com and writing about an experience you have had with someone who became an angel in your life. The winner will be announced on her blog (www.kathiswritingnook.com). A gift certificate from either Seagull Book or Deseret Book will be given to the winner and an "Angel" in his/her life. This contest celebrates the selfless, kind acts performed daily, many times unnoticed.

From the author: "If you are like me, many people have helped you through times of trouble. Let's face it, life is tough and the small acts of kindness shown to us by others needs to be remembered and celebrated especially during the holidays. Christmas brings out the best in people and I wanted to give others the opportunity to thank those who have touched their lives in a profound way. Hopefully this contest will remind us of the angels in our lives."

Stolen Christmas

2009-11-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

What happens when you’re so poor you have to steal your Christmas presents? Have you ever taken a punch in the face as your Christmas gift to the girl you love? Or saved Christmas while hunting were-weevils?

The award-winning stories from seventeen LDS authors featured in Stolen Christmas are the best of the best from the LDS Publisher Christmas Story Contests. From Christmases past, to present, to future; from sweet and inspirational, to zany and delightful—there’s a story for everyone in this eclectic collection. I'm excited and honored to have one of my short stories included.

Please visit LDS Publisher's blog to pre-order your copy here.

What Are You Thinking? is a Finalist!

2009-10-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Valerie and I just received word that What Are You Thinking? has been chosen as a finalist in the 2009 National Best Books Awards. According to a press release winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, Penguin, W.W. Norton, Revell, McGraw-Hill, Thomas Nelson, American Cancer Society, and many more.

Finalists and winners in the competition will garner national media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.

We are so excited!

Good Thinking Equals Good Writing

2009-10-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

"Good writing is just good thinking made visible; poor writing is just evidence of poor thinking.” --Richard Shipley

What Are You Thinking?

2009-10-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe almost a year has passed since I met with talented author Valerie Ackley. The sister of New York Best Times selling author Leslie Householder, Valerie was determined to
portray the power of positive thinking in a fun and interesting way that would appeal to kids. A busy mom herself she spent a lot of time and energy on a manuscript she hoped would convey
her message. I was honored to meet her last fall and discuss the possibilities. Look for the book in stores and online by Christmas.

Author Interview: Gale Sears

2009-09-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

Gale Sears

Website www.galesears.com

Blog www.galesears.blogspot.com

Gale, who are you as a person versus an author?

Like everyone else I’m a lot of different things, but I think foremost I’m a spiritual person. Growing up in a Christian home, I remember feeling comfortable with intangible realities, and feeling drawn to the spiritual story. I’m also deeply touched by nature: mountains, trees, flowers, oceans, sky, sunsets, sunrises, animals.

I love to travel. I love to experience new places, and meet people from varied backgrounds.

I love to cook, but I’m not very creative or brave. Untried recipes scare me.

I’m very fond of my family. I love them in any and every condition.

I love my friends.

I love to laugh.

I love the concept of giving up old ways of thinking if they don’t work and moving on.

I love that learning continues to the grave and then on into the eternities. Perhaps I’ll learn how to love math in the hereafter.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I write historical fiction, slice of life novels, and children’s books.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Both! I’ve spent years as a teacher, years as an actress, years as a stage director, and years as a playwright. I’ve also spent my life in crazy antics that make people laugh. (Well…my sister thinks I’m hilarious)

I craft my books to be good stories, but I also want them to evoke deeper thought and feeling.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I have to have quiet when I write. Mornings are my most creative times, but if I have good dark chocolate on hand, I can write well into the night.

I try and discipline myself to write every day, at least an hour or two. If I’m in the middle of a book I’m normally in the chair five to six hours a day.

Why do you write?

I like to tell stories. I grew up in the enchantment of Lake Tahoe, and I think the surroundings just flowed into my little heart and made me acutely aware of sights, sounds, smells, and magic. I loved writing stories at a young age. At eight I remember making nests for myself which I’d stock with a supply of pencils, crayons, and paper. I’d spend hours drawing and writing. It soon became evident that I was not a Monet, but more a Mark Twain.

I also write because I believe there are words and stories that can inform and inspire. I love the English language; the power of the written word. I scored high on my SAT’s in English, but low in…can you guess? Yep. Math.

What do you love to read?

Historical fiction, biographies, autobiographies, LDS fiction, a Sue Grafton mystery now and then, Scriptures, Ellis Peters, the classics, CS Lewis, a fantasy now and then, slice of life novels, children’s books, poetry, plays, joke books…

Vanilla or chocolate?

As mentioned above…chocolate. I love dark chocolate. Have you ever had Belgian chocolate? The first time I had Belgian chocolate I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. There will be chocolate in heaven, I’m sure of it. Let’s see, how many more times can I write chocolate? Chocolate…chocolate…chocolate.

What is your preferred manner of writing?

I write pencil on paper and then transfer the work to my PC. I do my editing on the computer, but the original flow of the story comes out through the lead of the pencil.

What is your current book?

My latest book on the shelves is entitled, The Route. It is a novel based on my experiences delivering meals-on-wheels to a cast of zany, inspiring, and delightful older folks. It lets us take a sneak peak at the wonders to be cherished, and the lessons to be learned along life’s highway.

Will people’s lives be changed or enriched by reading it?

My life was changed by the amazing people on my route, and I believe much of that magic jumped into the pages of the book.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Embrace change. Realize there is a God and you’re not it. One day at a time.

Dogs or cats?

Sorry cat lovers, but my answer is dogs. I have a cherished photo of me at age three with my arm around the shoulder of our black cocker spaniel dog, Eightball. I was obviously destined to love dogs.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I want to be remembered as a good friend.

Love, Gram: The Art of Letter Writing

2009-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Love, Gram”
The Art of Letter Writing

Grandparents are blessed with the opportunity of contributing to their grandchildren’s lives in myriad ways, yet sometimes they struggle to be a vital part of their family’s world, especially if they live far away. Email can provide a vital link, however, even in this high tech day and age, there’s still nothing like good old-fashioned handwritten sentiment to touch hearts and bridge geographical and generational distance, working miracles that last a lifetime.

Growing up I lived within a few blocks of my maternal grandmother. After school I would rush to her home. Waiting with open arms she was always ready to give me a hug and ask about my day. She kept her cookie jar stocked with my favorites: spicy gingerbread with creamy white icing, pink cream wafers, and peanut-shaped cookies filled with peanut butter.

After helping myself to a couple of cookies and a glassful of milk, I would sit next to Grandma at her kitchen table as we discussed our lives. From experiences I had with other children—some not pleasant—to problems with my parents, and activities I looked forward to, I told Grandma about my heartaches and joys and she responded with compassion and love. In return, I listened and learned about what life was like when she
was a child. Days spent with no TV, no phone, and no electricity were fascinating to me, as were her tales of raising her own pet calf, Star, and the love she felt when her mother made her favorite jam in a special crock.

My paternal grandmother lived over two-hundred miles away yet her determination to share herself with me was no less intense. At least once every month I received a handwritten card or letter from her. Through her correspondence I not only learned about the frigid Idaho winters she and my grandfather endured in a little valley at the edge of the Snake River, but also about her hopes and dreams. Stories of adventures she shared with my grandfather, their travels, and her efforts to create quilts depicting the history of the town in which they lived, came alive for me and I saw her as a fascinating, heroic figure who I was proud to call my grandmother.

As I grew older the letters never ceased. Even through my sometimes turbulent teenage years, when I became wracked with doubt and lack of self-esteem, I knew—no matter what—that I was still valued and cherished. Assuring me of her confidence in my integrity and her belief in my abilities—and always signed, “Love, Gram”—her never preaching words of love, wisdom, and encouragement were my most cherished possessions.

When I married and had children the letters came with less frequency. Grandma’s once flawless handwriting became jagged as her gnarled hands shook with age over the effort of writing. Knowing how difficult the process had become for her I loved her more dearly with each letter I received. They became a priceless line of communication, from her heart to my mine, and also to the hearts of my children. Stories of she and Grandfather’s triumphs over age and the Idaho elements, as they continued on in faith endeavoring to retain their independence, their farm, and their herd of horses, were a true testament to my family of the strength of the human spirit and of great blessings that should never be taken for granted.

In 1922, philosopher and etiquette authority Emily Post included a section on the art of letter writing in her popular book on manners:

“. . . THE ART of general letter-writing in the present day is shrinking until the letter threatens to become a telegram, a telephone message, a post-card. It is the letter from the friend in this city to the friend in that, or from the traveling relative to the relative at home, that is gradually dwindling . . . The difference though, between letter-writers of the past and of the present, is that in other days they all tried to write, and to express themselves the very best they knew how – today people don’t care a bit whether they write well or ill.”

Some eighty years later, Post would surely be appalled to find email and text messaging to be the norm and that handwritten letters are a forgotten art, the crisp feel and texture of paper and envelopes replaced by a cold computer screen. Sadly, though technological advances provide us with the means to correspond more easily and more frequently, too often they encourage a level of communication that rarely enhances interpersonal relationships.

With the hope of discovering a good “handwritten” face, software companies have conducted typographical experimentation with numerous script typefaces. While one day they may be successful in developing a font that is close to imitating the intimate feeling one receives from getting a letter in the mail—versus an email in their inbox—there is no application that involves the same care, love, effort, and time that go into a handwritten letter. The computer screen will never match the warmth and human quality of the touch of pencil or pen to paper.

Though my grandmother has passed on I continue to find strength and direction in the words contained in the cards and letters she wrote years ago. Now, as a grandmother myself to two granddaughters, I look forward to keeping my cookie jar well stocked and to sharing special grandmother/granddaughter conversations.

I also look forward to passing on the art of letter writing. In the future, my granddaughters and I will surely use email to communicate. However, I am already giving priority to creating time to sit at my desk, pen in hand, to contemplate and record the things I want to share with my granddaughters when they get older. I want to teach them what I have learned and relate all that I feel I have yet to learn, hopes and dreams as well as things both sacred and miraculous in my life. In doing so I pray they will be proud to come to know who I really am and what I stand for. I believe that one day they will recognize my efforts as an act of love and know how much I value them through the letters I will sign, “Love, Gram.”

Author Interview: GG Vandagriff

2009-08-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

G.G. Vandagriff

Her website here

She blogs here

GG, who are you as a person versus an author?

GG My kids are raised, and I have chosen to spend my life as the writer I always wanted to be. I also love to travel, and in researching an upcoming series (The Crazy Ladies of Oakwood) I will be traveling to four of my favorite places on earth: Florence (this October), the Greek Isles, Provence, and the Scottish Highlands. This is providing the earth holds together. Aside from being a writer, I am a mother of grown children, a grandmother, a wife of an extraordinary man, and a passionate Latter-day Saint.

What genre(s) do you write in?

G.G.: I have written mostly mysteries in the past: Cankered Roots, Of Deadly Descent, Tangled Roots, Poisoned Pedigree, The Hidden Branch, and The Arthurian Omen. (see www.ggvandagriff.com and www.arthurianomen.com) I call these my "potato chip books." We all love and need potato chip books at times. But my serious novel "The Last Waltz,"(www.last-waltz.com) represents the direction I would like to go in now—women's fiction. There will always be romance in my books, but it will be true romance, even though it may take a lifetime to achieve. DB has my "Only Bright Thing," right now, which I hope they will publish next spring—another woman's novel with romance, but it is not a romance, if you get my drift. I also write non-fiction, primarily my twice-monthly column for Meridian. However, I am currently working on a gift book: Embracing Abundance, which I hope to publish next year. I already have two non-fiction books: Voices in Your Blood: Discovering Identity Through Family History and Deliverance from Depression: Finding Hope and Healing through the Atonement of Christ.(www.deliverance-depression.com)

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

GG: Both. All the books that I have written since my miraculous healing three years ago contain my testimony of the atonement somewhere in the story.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

G.G.: I write daily for most of the day. Right now, I am trying to promote two books and write two others, so it is very demanding and difficult work. I have a lovely office overlooking the Utah Valley. It is painted cranberry, and I have pictures of the Savior and my family all around me, as well as copies my husband framed of each of my books. In front of my nose, just behind my computer screen is a large sign: "Life is God's Novel, Let Him write it."

Why do you write?

GG: I have been writing since before I could write. I used to draw picture books when I was little. I have been creating alternative realities ever since I can remember. It was a long time before I realized everyone didn't do this. Now I write because I want to have my readers experience, through my stories, the power of real love to change peoples' hearts.

Vanilla or chocolate?

GG: Chocolate definitely, and the darker the better.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

GG: I have a PC with a large flat screen and an ergonomic keyboard. I also just purchased a netbook which I take with me on my travels or when I want to sit in my zero gravity chair and rest my back, but continue working. The why is just that we've always been a PC family.

What do you like to read?

G.G.: It depends on my mood and how hard I've been working and what I have been working on. I like to read things that will bleed into my writing consciousness. So when I am writing serious fiction, I read serious fiction. When I am writing fun stuff, I read fun stuff. When I'm writing spiritual stuff, I read the scriptures and conference talks almost exclusively. Sometimes, I must confess, I'm too tired to read, and simply veg out watching TV—mostly classic movies from Netflix.

What is your current book?

GG: I have two this year. The Last Waltz (Shadow Mountain, www.last-waltz.com) has been compared by four reviewers to Gone with the Wind. It is a romance that is not according to formula, set in a time and place most Americans know very little about—Vienna, 1913-1938. Its flawed characters are ultimately redeemed by love. People should read this to understand the fragile nature of democracy and some surprising truths about love.

The Hidden Branch(Deseret Book, www.ggvandagriff.com) is a serio-comic mystery, featuring my mischievous sleuths: Alex and Briggie who own a genealogy research company. This time, they are working with a quirky large family of Armenian-Americans among the surfers of Huntington Beach. They suspect one of them of murder, of course. Alex experiences a crisis in her faith and in her love life, while Briggie (a grandmother of nine) buys a wetsuit and learns to boogie board. Unfortunately, she also has several brushes with the law. People should read this for entertainment, and to understand the Lord's prescription for a sound, Christ-centered marriage.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

GG: Mosiah 3:19.

Dogs or cats?

Dachshunds

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

GG: A valiant servant and witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

GG Vandagriff's novel of mystery, romance, and comedy, The Hidden Branch, will be released on or before September 16th. Set in Huntington Beach, CA, the book is the fifth in the Alex and Briggie Mystery Series, but can also be read as an introduction to the series. For more information please see: www.ggvandagriff.com

From now now until September 17th anyone who buys the book on line or in a store will qualify for an Alex and Briggie gift package and a chance to win an autographed set of the entire series. Simply e-mail GG your name and address (ggvan1@gmail.com ) and tell her where you bought the book.

Author Interview: Shaunda Wenger

2009-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Shaunda Wenger

She blogs here.

Shaunda, who are you as a person, versus an author?

I'm a mother, a book-lover, a friend, a cook, a teacher, a gardener, an athlete, a closet artist ... (although artist is a stretch--I like paper, and love the idea of putting something on it, whether that be words or pictures). When my children are grown I imagine I'll continue with everything I do now, although I'll have more time to do it. New and unusual things always interest me, so I imagine I'll put more time into exploring, both locally and globally.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I started with cookbooks--a literary one I wrote with Janet Kay Jensen, called The Book Lover's Cookbook, Recipes Inspired by Celebrated Works of Literature and the Passages That Feature Them (Ballantine), which combined my love for books and food. We couldn't have been more pleased to see this book in print. Because creating new dishes is an ongoing pastime, I hope to see more cookbook projects published in the future, so stay tuned! However, I'd started writing for children a few years before The Book Lover's Cookbook came to fruition, so I returned to writing children's fiction after the cookbook was out.

My favorite genres to write in are middle grade and picture book. However, I've also dipped in to chick-lit when I'm looking for a fun break.

With middle-grade, I enjoy creating characters with eccentric senses of humor or outlooks, given the situations I put them in. I also love writing picture books, but they are definitely a challenge to write well for today's market. Picture books being published today are getting shorter and shorter. They're great when the concept works, but I wonder if we're not selling children short by feeding into the idea that their attention can't be held for long durations.... Really? I've seen them sit for long periods of time for story-tellers who love the stories they're telling. The children respond by listening intently, and wanting more when the story ends. They respond because they know that story-teller is there for them, sharing something special. I worry society may be dropping--or losing out on--the chance to nuture "a love of story" in today's children. My love of reading wasn't fostered with short picture books. We owned ver y few--not for lack of want, but for lack of budget. Yet, my mother did sit with my brother and I and read aloud from a single large book filled with classic stories--stories that would be considered too long by today's standards.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

It depends. For picture books, I write solely for entertainment. For novels, I also write to entertain, but I always get excited when I can weave in interesting facts or tidbits that readers might not otherwise know. On the whole, my hope is for readers to walk away feeling inspired to overcome their own obstacles after experiencing the stories of my characters.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I write best in my truck (parked, of course!), when I've got a snippet of free time between chauffeuring kids from place to place. Because their schedule is fairly regular from season to season, my free time in the driver's seat goes by a pretty good schedule. I actually like working in the truck, because once I pull out the lap-top, there's not much else to focus on, other than what's on the screen. But I do have an office, and it works well for providing space for writing in the morning.

Why do you write?

I always knew I loved to write. One of my favorite classes in college was a writing class, and that professor had pulled me aside to see if I might want to pursue it more seriously. But for me, at that point, I considered it a hobby, and I was on-track for graduation with a science degree, which would lead me to a practical, if not interesting career. It wasn't until after my first child was born, when I was staying at home, wondering what I might do with my "free-time" outside of being a full-time mother, that I decided I'd write. Once I opened myself up to the craft, I couldn't stop.

What do you love to read?

Middle-grade and YA, whether it be contemporary, historical, humorous, or fantasy. I love reading aloud with my younger sons, and sharing books with my daugther.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Definitely vanilla.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

I prefer longhand when I'm fleshing out new ideas. The only problem is that the pen never seems to keep up with my thoughts, so much so, that for all the speedy scrabbling, sometimes I can't read what I wrote--nor do I remember what was intended, which is troubling for another reason I'd rather not think about....Dementia, anyone? ;)

What is your current book?

My current book remains The Book Lover's Cookbook, which is geared to entice people to the library after sampling good food in the kitchen. The four books I published with Benchmark Education (Caterpillar Can't Wait!, How Does a Butterfly Grow?, How Many Muffins?, and The Farm Stand Mystery) are designed to be sold to schools, and thus, are not available to the general market.

I do hope to place a historical cookbook online soon. It's based on the cookery journal of my great-grandmother who boarded railroad workers at her home in the early 1900s in Avis, Pennsylvania. She not only housed the workers, but fed them, recording her favorite recipes--and those she sought to perfect--in her journal. Avis was home to a series of railroad machine shops, which fixed and maintained the engines. My great grandfather managed the shops. All of the recipes and tidbits from the journal are absolutely delightful. I really look forward to sharing this gem. It's nearly ready, so keep an eye out for it.

Rick Walton and I also have plans for a fun children's cookbook in the works. Fingers are crossed for this one!

As for my novels and picture books, I'm currently submitting like many others, hoping to find a bit of luck. I've come close a few times, which keeps me working for and chasing the dream.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Keep learning, keep sharing, keep yourself open to possiblities--and when they arrive, take them, and repeat.

Dogs or cats?

Can I say horses? I own cats, but I grew up riding horses.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I just want to be remembered for always doing and giving my best.

Author Interview: Michele Ashman Bell

2009-08-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Michele Ashman Bell

She blogs here

Her website is here

Michele, who are you as a person versus an author?

I love this question! My greatest passion in life is my husband and children. They easily consume 90% of my time, which only leaves 10% for the other stuff. I have a few outside interests and passions that people might not know about me. One, is that I'm an aerobics instructor (current term for this is Group Fitness Instructor). I have been teaching since 1982. That is twenty seven-years! I still love it and hope to teach another twenty-seven. The people in my class and I figured we would sweat and grow old together. I'm also a freak about Broadway shows. I've seen 18 thus far and dream about the day I write something that will be on Broadway. (Far-fetched, I know, but I can dream, can't I?) I absolutely love to travel and experience new cultures. People and places fascinate me. I also am a huge Doris Day fan and have collected every one of her movies. I would love to meet her someday. Anyone have any connections?

What genre(s) do you write in?

Most of my books are Women's Fiction. I love to write stories about characters who face difficult situations and overcome them and become strong in the process. Characters who really inspire people. I also have written for the YA and Children's market and hope to do more Children's books. And I am crazy about Christmas and have several booklets and books around this theme. I'm most proud of "A Candle in the Window" a true story based on my Grandma Ashman who just turned 100 years old this month!

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Mostly entertain. I write stories about relationships and life experiences. However, people who read my books will learn and grow along with the characters. I do tons of research so readers are definitely going to learn about different places and cultures and careers through my stories.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

Oh man, I wish I had a good answer for this. I'm a morning writing person. I've learned if I don't get my writing in first thing I usually don't get around to it the rest of the day. I try and write every day, even if it's only for an hour. Depending on how hectic life is at the moment I can get a lot done in a short amount of time, but I can also sit and stare at the computer for an hour. I have an office in my basement that is quiet and secluded and doesn't have a lot of distractions, which is good since I tend to get distracted easily.

Why do you write?

I have always loved to read. The magical moment for me came in third grade when my teacher read to our class the book, "My Father's Dragon." This book was full of fun and imagination and totally carried me away. I became a reading fanatic. At that time I was a huge Laura Ingalls Wilder fan and read her whole series of books over and over from start to finish. In high school I read romances and would hide them inside my text books while I was in class. And yes, I got busted many times and got in trouble. I also started keeping a journal in 8th grade and found that pouring my heart out on paper was very therapeutic and enjoyable for me. Combining the love of books and of writing my feelings was the catalyst that created my desire to write when I was twenty-six. I read a really bad short-story in "Good Housekeeping" and said, "I could write better than this!" That was the beginning.

What do you love to read?

I love biographies. They are my favorite. I really enjoy learning about people and real life drama. Three of my favorites; Not Without My Daughter, Mutant Message Down Under and Follow the River (not completely a biography, but based on a true story.) I also love romantic suspense. I think that is the perfect combination for a plot. The book, "Romancing the Stone" is a great combination of romance, suspense and comedy.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Vanilla. I love white chocolate! But after I turned 40 I developed a serious craving for regular chocolate. I've never been known to turn down any kind of chocolate. Especially if it's German or Swiss.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other?

I am most comfortable writing on my PC. I outline in longhand first, then type it onto my computer, print it out, then begin writing. I have to revamp my outline several times during the course of writing a book because my characters tend to develop minds of their own.

What is your current book?

My most current release is called "A Modest Proposal" which is the first book in the "Butterfly Box" series. It's the story of five girls who experience the death of their friend on the day of high school graduation. They create a memory box called the "Butterfly Box" and have a yearly reunion. Each year the box is passed to one of the girls and is believed to bring them good luck and blessings. "A Modest Proposal" is about Lauryn, who is a clothes designer in New York City and wants to design modesty clothing for women. Her efforts are thwarted by a designer from Hungary, Laszlo Molnar, who tries to sabotage her collection. It's a book about fighting for what you believe in and working hard to make dreams come true. I love the message of inspiration it gives for women of all ages to go out and make a difference in the world.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Sheesh! No pressure there. Well, I live my life by the rule that if you want something badly enough and you are willing to work hard enough and never give up you can make anything happen. It took me ten years to get published. I'm living proof that it works.I've taught this philosophy to my children and my greatest joy is watching them make their dreams come true.

Dogs or cats?

My daughter has asthma so neither, but if I could have a pet it would be a dog.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

Mostly for being a devoted wife and mother. But I also hope people say that I touched lives through service and through my writing. I probably won't change the world but I'm trying to make a difference in my corner of it.

I hope people will visit my web-site at www.micheleashmanbell.com and my blog at http://micheleabell.blogspot.com. Or they can email me at micheleabell@gmail.com.

--Michele Ashman Bell author of, "A Modest Proposal" YA and Children's book reviewer for Meridian Magazine

Author Interview: Rebecca Talley

2009-07-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

For her website click here
She blogs here

Rebecca, who are you as a person versus an author?

All I've ever aspired to be is a wife and mom. My greatest goal in this life is to stand in the celestial room of the temple with all of my kids there. I love being married and being a mom. I'm not so crazy about booger noses and sticky Kool-Aid messes on the floor, but I love watching my kids grow, I love to hear them bear their testimonies, I love to see them develop their talents, I love to listen to their questions.

I also love to teach. My favorite callings in the Church have been teaching, especially in Primary. I absolutely loved serving as the Primary chorister. It was so much fun.

I enjoy knitting, playing the piano, and redecorating the house, but have given most of that up in pursuit of writing.

I do yearn for a clean house and an organized basement so I can actually find my food storage (I know it’s down there somewhere).

After my kids are raised, I hope to serve a mission with my husband, travel to research my ancestors, and serve in the temple. Since I have a 3-year-old, that might be quite a few years down the road.

What genre(s) do you write in?

Mainly, I've written for children. All of my magazine stories have been targeted at children. I wrote a children’s picture book, “Grasshopper Pie” (WindRiver 2003), and I’ve graduated from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

I also write LDS romance and LDS women's fiction.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Probably a little of both. I think all good stories entertain, but the best ones also teach us a little about life and about ourselves. Through books, we can explore so much and learn so many things. I hope that my stories entertain, but also teach a little about how I view life and the world around me.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I try to write every day, usually in the afternoon while my youngest sleeps, after all the chores are done. But, some days I just write whenever I get the chance. My life can be crazy at times so I'm always thankful for any time I have to write.

Why do you write?

I've always loved language and how words sound. I love to string together sentences and use different words. I write because it’s my way of creatively expressing what’s in my head and in my heart (the world is grateful that I don’t try to express myself through singing). I love to see a story take shape and share my stories with others.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate--the darker, the better.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

I write on a laptop. Unfortunately, my youngest child has learned how to delete my writing and reboot my laptop. He has even figured out how to get past my password protection.
I like that my laptop allows me more opportunities to write because it's so versatile. However, I also use a notebook to write longhand because I love the feel of the pen in my fingers and the smoothness under my hand as it moves across the paper. It's very tactile and I like that.

What do you love to read?

I read LDS fiction and children's books. I shy away from national releases because I'm afraid they will have foul language and/or inappropriate scenes. If I don’t want my kids to read a book, I won’t read it either. The books I read have to be suitable for my kids to read. I loved, "Stargirl," by Jerry Spinelli and "Princess Academy," by Shannon Hale.

What is your current book?

My current book is Altared Plans. Here’s the tagline, “Abandoned at the altar, Caitlyn vows to never love again. Will Travis change her mind or will it be déjà vu?” The story chronicles Caitlyn’s reentry into dating life at BYU. It’s a romantic comedy that is a feel-good, escape-at-the-end-of-a-long-day kind of book.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Keeping the commandments of God is the only way to find true peace and joy in this life.

Dogs or cats?

Cats. My mother gave my grandparents a Siamese cat shortly before she passed away. I lived with my grandparents after my mother’s death and spent a lot of time with that cat. I was devastated when he died in my arms because he was a connection to my mom. I guess I’ll always have a soft spot for cats.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I want to be remembered as a faithful member of the Church and as a devoted wife and mother. Having an eternal family is the very most important thing to me. I truly believe the words of David O. McKay when he said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” I want to raise strong, faithful, committed children who will marry in the temple and, in turn, raise their own children in the gospel.

Author Interview: Anne Bradshaw

2009-07-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

Anne Bradshaw

Her website is here

She blogs here

Anne, who are you as a person versus an author? What is your passion and what are your hobbies? Are you an aspiring gourmet chef or a budding chicken farmer? Do you yearn to travel the world or become a hermit when your kids are raised?

My inner self is quiet, shy, and not too confident. It’s taken many years to reach a point where I can pretend a confidence that’s not entirely real. It has taken much practice, prayer, and pushing to reach the stage where I can speak in front of people and not look terrified (I hope). I’m much happier alone in my office, writing, and communicating by email.

My hobbies include vegetable and herb gardening, photography, and getting lost in great books. I’m a lousy cook, but yes, chicken farming appeals. Years ago in England, we reared goats, chickens, and bees, and I really enjoyed those times. As for travel, if it weren’t for children and grandchildren spread around the country, I’d be perfectly happy staying home. Travel seems such a huge, uncomfortable thing these days, but it has to be done, unfortunately for me.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I’ve tried my hand at several—YA mystery suspense, adult fiction, poetry, non-Fiction, and screenwriting.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I hope my work does both these things. I know I love to learn something new whenever I read a good book. But I hope the educational bits are woven in enough so they don’t feel like “telling.”

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I’m an early morning person and get most of my writing done between 5:30 AM and noon, though most days I keep going long beyond that—with exercise in between. And food, of course, I eventually remember to eat when my stomach demands. A day without writing (except for Sundays) doesn’t feel right anymore. I’m fortunate enough to make any schedule work as our children no longer live at home.

Why do you write?

Although I loved making up stories from a young age, I didn’t consider writing them down until in high school when an essay I wrote came top in an English class contest. I guess I was about twelve then. My first published short story as a young adult won a prize in a Millennial Star magazine contest in England. Looking back now, I shudder at the awful writing and can’t imagine why I won. Maybe I was the only entry.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Take me into an ice cream shop with a hundred different flavors, and Vanilla is my choice every time. Creamy, dreamy vanilla! My husband simply cannot figure it out.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

It used to be longhand because I could sit anywhere I wanted and scribble away, but these days, the PC wins because I love the challenge of computers and discovering what miraculous things they can do. Plus, being able to copy and delete chunks of work in seconds is amazing. Beats the old typewriter any day.

What is your current book?

My current book, Famous Family Nights, will soon be in the stores. At a time when the world is going crazy, a book about keeping families not only intact, but also bonding and thriving, is something everyone needs, no matter what their beliefs.

This book is a unique compilation of touching, inspiring, and often-hilarious personal experiences from ninety well-known LDS people around the world. The stories highlight family home evening as a priceless tool for building strong, faith-centered families, despite the many obstacles of modern life.

For more information about Famous Family Nights, please click HERE.

There is also a YouTube trailer on YouTube, and a Facebook Group to join at Famous
Family Nights.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Life is all about choice and consequence. Put good thoughts into your mind; put wholesome, natural foods and pure water into your body; and live according to God’s laws. Each of these things promotes good health. Choosing the opposite leads to problems—physical, mental, and spiritual. Why not make the most of our time on earth by healthy living?

Dogs or cats?

I love them both—especially when they are babies—and goats, and horses, and Jersey cows.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I’d like to be remembered as a person who loved the teachings of Jesus Christ; who looked for ways to share them; and who didn’t offend. I hope my writing reflects these things and that it helps those who seek truth.

Pre-order links for Famous Family Nights:

Cedar Fort click here

Amazon click here

Author Interview: Aubrey Mace

2009-06-29T07:42:00.001-07:00

She blogs here

Her website is here

Aubrey who are you as a person versus an author?

I love to work in the yard, but my allergies have been so bad this year that I haven't been out there as much. I'm a bit of a compulsive weeder. I love to cook. Before I wrote my first book, I was set on going to school to be a pastry chef. In fact, the main character in my next book, Santa Maybe, owns her own bakery, which has always been a dream of mine. And I love to travel, but I've been kind of stuck lately; my sister and mother are my vacation buddies, and my sister currently has two kids under the age of three. I love them a bunch, but they do make it a little harder to pick up and leave! :) I'm also a big reader. I've always got a huge stack I'm working through. Actually, I'm toying with the very sinful idea of putting my current writing project away and just reading all summer.

What genre(s) do you write in?

Spare Change was a tame little chick-lit, and my newest book, My Fairy Grandmother, is a YA/middle grade novel. And the novel I mentioned earlier, Santa Maybe, is kind of a Christmas comedy/romance. So I'm all over the place right now as far as genre goes.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I enjoy being educated myself, but I'm not much of an educator. I'm not expert enough on anything to offer advice, so I'd have to say I'm in it to entertain.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I get most of my writing done at night, since I work full-time. I've tried getting up early, but my brain really doesn't function in the morning. And I do better when it's quiet-- I'm easily distracted, so I tend to seclude myself when I'm working.

Why do you write?

There was no golden moment when I knew I wanted to become a writer. But I have ALWAYS loved books. I love bookstores. I love libraries. I love buying books and borrowing books and lending books. There's that excitement when you read something amazing and you want to share it with everyone you know. I've always idolized authors who can write well so much that I suppose it was inevitable I would want to try my hand at the craft.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate. Unless it's pudding. I have a major weakness for vanilla pudding. I think I could eat it everyday.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other?

I mainly write in notebooks because they're convenient-- you can take them with you everywhere. If I have a flash of something, I can jot it down and work with it later. I have to really be "in the zone" to type straight from my brain to the computer.

What is your current book?

My current book is called My Fairy Grandmother, and I think it's my favorite so far. It's a fun, slightly dark story about Kaitlin, a nine-year old girl who goes to visit Viola, the grandmother she barely knows. Viola wants to tell Kaitlin the story of her life. Kaitlin is skeptical, but when Viola starts talking about castles and fairies, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary family history lesson. I love this story because it's about good and evil and being terrified but still having the courage to do the right thing. Plus, there's the added bonus of getting to decide for yourself whether Viola's outlandish past really happened or if she's just incredibly senile!

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Take the time to slow down and appreciate the little things. I'm constantly surprised by the things I almost miss when I'm in too big a hurry to look around.

Dogs or cats?

Definitely cats, even though mine is mental. She has anxiety issues, so she pulls her fur out. When I go into the garage in the morning, there's a pile of orange fur on the steps waiting for me.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I hope I will be remembered as someone who would drop anything for family or friends and who tried every day to be a little bit better than I was the day before.

Oh-- and as someone who can tell a really good story. :)

Tristi's Challenge

2009-06-24T22:32:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting for Tristi's July writing challenge and it's almost here. My goal is 2,500 words per day. If you want to be a part of the challenge click here.

What's Your Happiness Threshold? Author Interview: Ally Condie

2009-06-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

Her great website is here

Ally, who are you as a person versus an author?

I am a runner, a reader, an armchair traveler, and I'm passionate about being a mother. However, when my kids are grown, I'd love to run more, read more, and travel more.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I write contemporary young adult fiction--but right now I'm working on a YA sci-fi title. Hopefully it works!

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I think I fall in the "entertain" category. I don't ever write with an overt moral in mind--I never think, "This book will teach a lesson about____." Usually, the story is all I think about--how to tell it best, how to make my characters real. I want it to be a story worth caring about and investing in.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I write my best on Saturday mornings. The rest of the week, I'm just trying to cram it in around naptime, and usually it doesn't happen. I'm a morning person, so it's kind of hard for me to write at night (but that's almost always when it has to happen during the week). On Saturdays, my husband takes the kids for a few hours and I get a lot done. It's great!

Why do you write?

I always wanted to be a writer when I was young. I still have the first story I "wrote" when I was four--I had my babysitter write it down while I dictated. Later, I became a high school teacher and remembered how much I loved writing when I was teaching creative writing to my students. I don't think I ever had a magical moment--just a lifelong love of the written word and a desire to write some words of my own.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Vanilla. And chocolate. Do I have to choose? :)

PC, Mac, longhand, other?

I like working on my Mac. It's sleek and pretty and it hasn't failed me yet (knock on wood).

What is your current book?

I recently published a book called Freshman for President with Shadow Mountain (the publishers of the Fablehaven series, The Wednesday Letters, and other books) for the national market. This book is about a teenage boy named Milo who runs for president--even though he knows he can't win--for the best of all teenage reasons: to impress a girl and prove to everyone that he's not a nobody. He ends up getting a little more fame than he bargained for, and in the middle of all that, he's still trying to win the girl, keep his friends, and find out what's going on with his older sister--who came home from college and hasn't been the same since. It's a book that is about growing up and staying true to yourself. I think people will like Milo, and I think they will find a lot to root for in him, and I think this is a hopeful book.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

The key to happiness is having a low happiness threshold. If you let the little things make you happy, there's plenty to feel good about!

Dogs or cats?

Neither. I have allergies and they make me itch!

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I'd like to be remembered as a good mother and a good friend. Actually, it's hard to think of a better epitaph than Charlotte had in E.B. White's book Charlotte's Web: "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both." Add "mother" to that and it would be just about perfect.

Studio 5 Father's Day Essay Contest

2009-06-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Author Interview: JoAnn Arnold

2009-06-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

To see her beautiful website click here

JoAnn, who are you as a person versus an author?

I'm addicted to Genealogy. I enjoying painting, restoring antiques, reading, crocheting, knitting, quilting (by hand), and I'm a huge fan of Star Trek, Star Gate, Star Wars, etc.

What genre(s) do you write in?

Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I think I would have to say that I do both. In each book I've written there is something to be learned, yet I try to make it an entertaining education.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I try to write everyday. I like to close the door to the outside world where I can work without intruption. In the spring, summer, and fall, I may go out on the patio in the morning while the world is quiet except for the birds. Then I move back into my little room. Or if I'm home alone, I might select another room. I have a portable desk and laptop that can be easily moved. I may write from 6:00 p.m. til 2:00 a.m., or from 4:00 a.m. until someone disturbs me. And there are times I can spend most of a day in front of my laptop.

Why do you write?

Even as a little girl, I loved to write poetry or make up stories that I never let anyone else read. In the later years, I loved writing short plays, elementary school musicals, and plays for my Community Theatre. I've always had this giant imagination and I found writing was a way to put it to work.

What do you read?

I love mysteries, Church history, religious doctrine, historical nonfiction and fiction, fantasy,

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate (but it has to be dark chocolate).

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

I have a laptop that goes everywhere with me. I like the freedom of being able to write wherever I might plant myself. When we travel, my husband drives, and I sit in the back seat with my laptop.

What is your current book?

My latest book is "Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient." I like the review sent to Cedar Fort by a 12-year old girl, so I will quote her.

This book is amazing, fabulous, cool, clever. If I had knowledge of all the words that meant I loved it, I would use them. . . . It starts out when Prince Etcheon's Granny Fela dies and he gets a mysterious note that tells him he is the prince of another land and time. He goes to this beautiful, timeless valley where there is a pretty lady name Tarainisafari, who brings comfort and help, along with an ancient tree and some wise, talking animals that each have something to teach Etcheon before he is ready to embark on a quest with a timepiece to rescue his parents, his land and his people from a terrible king and a wizard.

Another reason you should read this book is because it is original. . . . It came right out of the author's head and I don't think anybody else could think of it. It is adventurous and entertaining. The first sentence draws you in. It holds the readers through the whole book. Another reason is, and I feel it is the best, is it is appropriate. There's no swearing or bad stuff. It shows people that mormons aren't that bad because they don't swear or stuff in their books.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Don't take anybody's word for it. Search out the truth for yourself.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. (I'm alergic to cats)

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I think I want to be remembered as a woman who was not afraid to follow her own path. Who never grew up, and who never grew old. Who, when it was time, simply took the next step . I want to be missed by my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren because I brought laughter into their lives and love into their hearts.

And the winner is...C.S. Bezas

2009-06-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Cindy, I'll get your name to Haley and an autographed book will soon be on its way to your mailbox. Thanks for you comment!

Author Interview: Haley Hatch Freeman

2009-06-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Haley Hatch Freeman

She blogs here

Haley, who are you as a person, versus an author?

An absolute passion of mine is sign language and the Deaf culture. I can interpret for the deaf and one of my dearest friends for life is hearing impaired. Before I was married and had kids I interpreted at the MTC for the deaf missionaries and worked for the School for the Deaf and Blind.

The next thing I would consider a passion is teaching and caring for my two children and adoring my husband. I get more satisfaction from seeing my kids not only learn and love to learn than anything. My husband really is my best friend and my world so any chance I get I spend it with him.

I'm a scrapbook consultant so I host parties every month and create projects for them to assemble. I also play the piano and can’t remember when one of my callings in church hasn’t revolved around it. If it’s not the organist in sacrament then it is being the choir pianist, and don’t forget the Relief Society. I use to teach piano until my life become too full and something had to give. And I enjoy camping, playing tennis, watching my Jazz and BYU football teams, and yes I have to admit some reality TV shows.

What genre(s) do you write in?

My book, A Future for Tomorrow, is a work from my heart as it is a non-fiction account of an extraordinary part of my teenage life. However, now I am playing with a fiction series for pre-teens to young adult.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Both. My first book was written for the purpose of bringing awareness to the seriousness of anorexia. It aids in the prevention of this illness as well as give parents a tool in helping their loved one as they one endure and overcome this disease. I hope that while I teach, it also entertains my readers, not with laughs, but with the intensity and drama of the situation.

Currently, I am writing purely for entertainment purposes. Mostly because I don’t have another traumatic experience to share, thank heavens. I fell in love with the entire writing and publishing process and don’t want to let it go.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I only write at home in my comfy sweats. There is usually something else going on around me whether it is my husband’s sports game, or my children laughing. I have no problem multi- tasking, usually I enjoy sitting by my husband, not so much breaking up a fight with the kids, and taking a peak at the score, all while creating another twist for my characters to overcome.

Why do you write?

There was a powerful moment in which I knew I was not only suppose to, but personally commanded to write my book. It is depicted in A Future for Tomorrow. You’ll have to read it to fully understand the magnitude of that experience. I now write because I’m hooked.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate, unless I’m pregnant I can’t stand chocolate during those 9 months—with both children this happened!

What is your preferred manner of writing?

My friend and fellow writer introduced me to a cleaver little gadget called the Neo. It has changed the way I write forever. I can now actually do so without being removed from my kids. The Neo is a little typing system that is only a word processor. It’s easy to take with me so I just bus it along wherever the little ones need me to be.

What is your current book?

A Future for Tomorrow is an extraordinary non-fiction account of the author’s actual battle against anorexia nervosa as well as a spiritual triumph against evil. You will be brought into the anorexic mind, shown the fierce war against depression and self-depreciating thoughts and actions; and witness the gravity of the destruction this disease can do. A deeply edifying experience will occur as you journey with the author to the eternal world. There, angels confirm to her gospel truths such as the intensity of Christ’s love, and the sacred and holy nature of our Father’s plan for his children here on Earth.

Besides giving a voice to those of us who have experienced this illness, and giving hope to them and their loved ones, I hope my book also helps the reader realize their divine worth and feel edified as they experience this journey along side me.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Seek to find out your divine worth and live in a manner that reflects that knowledge.

Dogs or cats?

I love all animals. I was sad to find out last year that my son is allergic to cats so there goes that idea. But we love the dog we have!

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

Someone who makes others feel good about themselves, a survivor, a loyal daughter of God, a great mother and wife.

Reader Profile: Kimi Martin

2009-06-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

Kimi Martin

She blogs here:

Kimi on life:

I guess first I would have to say that I am a mom and my kids are my passion. I have been a stay at home mom for 24 years and have 7 children. My youngest is 4 so I am still knee-deep in mom responsibilities and have to work everything else in and around that. I love music and play the piano and violin and love to sing in the choir. One of my greatest experiences was singing in our stake choir for the Birmingham Alabama temple dedication! However, I find it difficult to keep up with the music other than just incidental playing around at home.

I find that music fills a place in my soul while the reading is as necessary as breathing. I love to read and always have. I learned to read when I was 4 years old and always had a book in my hands, or so it seemed. As a mom, I was always waiting for kids somewhere: preschool pickup line, music lessons, etc. so I have usually had a book to read while I am waiting. I am recovering from ankle surgery right now and have all the time I want to read, it's great!

I have a new passion in blogging and am learning web design, which is a lot of fun! I would like to start writing, other than for my blogs and have started a children's book, but am finding that it's difficult to put what is in my head as a nebulous idea down on paper.

Unfortunately, I haven't yet developed a passion for house-cleaning and cooking but there's always hope, or so my family believes:)

Kimi on reading:

My very favorite genre is historical fiction. I love learning about different places and times and fiction is a great way to do it. I love it when the author gets detailed about what life is like in the culture/time about which they are writing. One of my favorite authors right now is Anne Perry. She gives such details about the Victorian Era that I am always learning new things along with enjoying the mystery.

My least favorite genre is hard to say. I used to think that science fiction would be but then I read David Eddings books and Orson Scott Card. There are some action novels that get too detailed about fighting but if they have a good plot I still enjoy them. I will read just about any genre as long as it is well-written and not obscene.

Books that make me cry, hmmm, I think that a book that will make me cry is usually dealing with family difficulties and tragedies, although any sort of human triumph over difficulties will get to me. Books that make me laugh are usually about the silly things that go on in families, and I do love books of Calvin and Hobbes comics!

If I could pick a dream LDS fiction book it would have to be historically based. We own all the Work and the Glory and Children of the Promise books. I haven't seen anything about the exodus from the colonies in Mexico, maybe they are out there and I've just missed them. I think that would make a great story! I really enjoy Christmas books and think that books always make a good gift. Last year for my birthday I asked for, and received, 2 David McCullough books: John Adams and Truman. Yes, I love biographies about inspirational people. They don't necessarily have to be famous, but I do like to read about people triumphing over their trials.

Why Kimi reads:

For me, reading has always been a visceral need. I have to read and will read what ever is nearby if I don't have a book with me. I don't feel that way about most other things. I like to watch tv and movies sometimes with my family and will crochet while I watch but most of the time there isn't anything worth watching. I don't play sports because, even when I don't have a cast on my leg I am terrible at them but I do like to watch them sometimes! I enjoy doing a lot of things but when I have a bit of free time I usually think of reading first. I have always been drawn to the written word in a way that I am not to other things.The thing about a book is that you can pick it up and read for a few minutes here and there. It makes it easier to fit into a busy day where so many other things just can't. It works well for moms and all busy people so long as you can put it down when you need to. It took me a long time to develop the ability to do that! I read so many books right now that virtually all of them are from the library.

When I buy a book, I look for one that will appeal to several members of the family, all of whom are readers, and/or one that will be read over and over again. Because we live in Massachusetts, we don't have the option of checking LDS books out and don't have an LDS bookstore anywhere close. In fact I have no idea where the closest would be! All LDS books are ordered online or picked up when we are in Utah. For that reason, most of the books we buy are not LDS. Just thinking through our bookshelves, I would say that maybe 20 to 25% of our books are from an LDS publisher.