Guest author Candace Calvert

I had the pleasure of meeting Candace two years ago in Minneapolis at the annual ACFW conference. We hit it right off. The second novel in her Mercy Hospital series is available now, and I asked Candy to stop by and chat.

If you'd like the opportunity to win a personalized copy of Disaster Status, please leave a comment. I'll draw the winner's name next Wednesday.

1. Tell us about your latest novel, Disaster Status.

Disaster Status is the second book in my Mercy Hospital series and continues the story of nurse Erin Quinn introduced in Critical Care. I think the back cover copy gives readers a good sense of the drama to come:

“Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she's puts to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department's handsome incident commander who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he's learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he's forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?”

2. What is the most surprising discovery you’ve made on your journey of publication?

Despite the competition (in contests, for agents, book contracts, etc.) there is such awesome support in the writing community—particularly in the CBA. Two years ago I attended my first ACFW conference and felt “at home” from the moment I arrived. Cheerleaders, prayer warriors, helpmates and mentors . . . friends--it’s wonderful. Aspiring authors shouldn’t feel intimidated; so much encouragement is there for them.

3. Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?

A woman let me know how much she enjoyed Critical Care, then went on to say, “Finally, a book I can share with my teenage daughter and my mother!” I love that! And I’ve been delighted to hear from readers who’ve said that reading the Mercy Hospital books has prompted their decisions to explore nursing as a career—I can’t think of anything better.

4. What’s your favorite meal to cook?

(Grinning) Ask my Twitter Followers—they’ll swear I post my updates by tapping the keyboard with a wooden spoon! I get much the same thrill out of cooking as writing; it’s a creative, colorful and satisfying process filled with sensory detail and imagery—much like a good scene. I guess my favorite thing to cook is party food, an array of pretty appetizers in an artful display on tabletops, breakfast bar, side patio tables . . . wherever my guests can mingle, nosh, chat. Some “munchies” I’ve had fun with include: Grilled Portabella Mushroom Spread, Ole Squares, Roasted Corn and Lobster Dip, Crab Quesadillas, Ham Wrapped Asparagus Spears, Fire and Ice Salsa, Santa Fe Nuts. And little dessert bites of course—including frosted Christmas gingerbread shaped into cactus, armadillos and the map of Texas! Cooking makes my heart go pitter patter for sure. In fact, I’m typing with a wooden spoon right now.

5. What makes you happy?

Soul-deep happy: Being a child of God and knowing that He has a loving plan for my life.

Grin-on-my-face, heart happy: Our children and grandchildren, hiking and bird watching, gardening, sun on my face, seeing my handsome husband in a tuxedo smiling at me from the rail of a cruise ship, dancing the Two-Step, letters from readers, making a cozy home . . . and wielding that wooden spoon.

6. A piece of jewelry, the fragrance of lilacs, and the song of a mourning dove – make a scene.

Riley Hale set her stethoscope on the sheet of paper to stop it from blowing off the visitors’ table and across the hospital parking lot. She tucked a windswept strand of blonde hair behind her ear. As was its nature, the Texas weather was changing; a muggy promise of rain and now initial nudges towards an infamous “thunder bumper.” She tried to remember if fluctuations in barometric pressure wreaked the same Emergency Department havoc as a full moon. But what did it matter? Riley had less than an hour left in her ER shift, so maybe she’d get lucky and—

“Studying?” Sarah Burke arrived beside her, blue eyes intense as always. She jabbed a finger toward the flapping paper under the stethoscope.

“Sort of.” Riley hoped her shrug was casual; this course of study was nothing like the nurses’ required continuing educations classes in cardiac life support, pediatric emergencies and hazardous materials. It’s for me, my soul. I need this outlet. “An assignment for an online class . . . in novel writing.” She wasn’t at all surprised by the immediate wrinkling of her teammate’s snub nose.

“I know, I know--” Riley glanced toward the doors of the ER—“Who needs fiction when we’ve got this colorful drama 12 hours a day?”

“Right. Well . . . let’s see.” Sarah plucked the paper, scanned it, and then read the last part aloud. “‘A piece of jewelry, the fragrance of lilacs, and the song of a mourning dove—make a scene.” Her gaze met Riley’s, brows rising as if Riley had succumbed to barometric lunacy. “A scene?”

“A few paragraphs,” Riley explained, “using that sort of . . . romantic imagery. You know: a sight, a smell, a sound. It’s a prompt designed get the creative juices flowing, help a writer show off her ‘voice’, and --”

The ER doors slammed open behind them and a bearded staff nurse jogged out, stethoscope bouncing on his chest. “Code Three coming! Two teenage males, gunshot victims. One under CPR. Rival gang members--police will be crawling all over this place. ETA three minutes. Better get in here, ladies. Our ‘Doc Rambo’ is shouting orders like he’s still in a Kandahar MASH unit.”

They jumped to their feet as lightning flashed across the sky, accompanied by an immediate and deafening rumble of thunder. Ambulance sirens followed like shouts of ‘Bravo’ at a symphony. Sarah handed Riley her stethoscope and groaned. “Here’s your ‘jewelry,’ and”—she raised her voice above the storm that now qualified as a genuine Texas thunder bumper—“and I’m afraid that’s the sound of your mourning dove, girl.” She jogged toward the ER doors and Riley followed, saying a silent prayer for the victims and their families—such a sad waste.

Sarah looked back over her shoulder as the doors opened. “Can’t promise you lilacs, but there’s smelly slab of garlic pizza in break room calling our names . . . if Rambo doesn’t get it first.”

Jewelry, scent of lilacs, the peaceful cooing of a dove. Romantic, but not my reality . . . here or anywhere.

She tossed Sarah a tight smile. “Pure poetry, pal.”

In seconds they would be part of a life-and-death scene. God would write the ending.

***

Thank you for hosting me here on your blog, Megan. Your questions were fun—and challenging. I enjoyed answering them and having this opportunity to connect with your readers. I welcome them to “scrub in” with my Mercy Hospital series!

Blessings,

Candace

BIO:

Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the “other side of the stethoscope” after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter--and faith--are the very best medicines of all. The inspirational account of her accident and recovery appears in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul, and launched her writing career.

The author of a madcap cruise mystery series in the secular market, Candace now eagerly follows her heart to write Christian fiction for Tyndale House. Her new medical drama series offers readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and a soul soothing prescription for hope. The second book in her Mercy Hospital series, Disaster Status, has just released.

A native northern Californian, Candace is the mother of two and proud grandmother of six. She enjoys cruise travel, Bible study, bird watching, hiking, gardening, cooking, and being her husband’s biggest karaoke fan.

website: www.candacecalvert.com

blog: http://candacecalvert.blogspot.com/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Candace-Calvert-Books/164196907024?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CandaceCalvert

Expectations

When I awoke yesterday it was raining and so very dark outside. The heavy clouds pressed close to the earth and motorists were driving with lights on.

I had several errands to run, and I resigned myself to enduring the gloomy, wet day. I left the house early wearing a flannel jacket, fortifying myself against the elements.

After my first stop I came outside, hopped in my car, and headed south. I looked up to the sky and witnessed what felt like a miracle. Looking to the southwest I saw a patch of brilliant blue in the sky—right over Pikes Peak. It was spectacular. The sky above me and to the north and east were still dark and menacing, but there was a promise in the sky right in front of my eyes

By the time I came out of my second appointment, the skies were mostly clear. The day was so lovely I felt as though I had traveled to Eden. The morning rain had washed the atmosphere. The skies were crystal clear, and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains looked like a mirage against the blue, blue sky.

The change in weather created a lightness in my heart. As I was driving, it hit me—my expectations had colored my perception of what the day held. I was so relieved to see the heavy clouds dissipate and the bright sun cast shadows on the greening landscape. Of course two hours later it rained, hailed, and a tornado passed overhead. But it was quick and then the clouds parted.

I guess there’s a lesson to be learned here. Don’t rely on your expectations or allow them to rule your thoughts because you just might end up being 100% wrong. Know what I mean? Has that ever happened to you?

Freelance Writing Courses

My friend Janice Thompson has long been a mentor to writers learning the craft. Now she's upped the ante and is offering freelance writing courses to writers who want to support themselves with freelance work.

If you've always dreamed of making money writing, consider taking Janice's courses. I know from experience how helpful and encouraging she is.

Good luck!

Challenge: See yourself as God sees you.

You saw me before I was born.

Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was lain out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:16

I find this verse to be both comforting and challenging. God saw me before I was born and knew what to expect—He knew I would be a writer. He gave me the desire and the talent to become a writer, and He knew that I would seek out instruction and devote hours to stringing words together.

God knew there would be a day when I looked out my window as evening approached and would see a scene that would translate into one of my books like this: “The fading daylight stained the vibrant green of trees and fresh lawns to a dull monochrome as the shadows of evening fell upon the homes of teachers, small business owners, computer programmers, and young lawyers.”

Although I had the desire to be a writer since I was a young girl, I didn’t always see myself as a writer. But God did.

God saw the raw material (me and a willing heart), and with His grace I fulfilled a dream. But to be honest, I didn’t see myself the way He did throughout my journey to publication. I doubted, I worried, I felt as though I had picked up a too-grand dream.

One of my newest prayers, and I hope it will become one of yours, is to see myself as God sees me. And that’s true not only in regards to writing, but also for life in general. How wonderful would it be to see the possibilities within us that God sees? I’m challenged to live up to the plan God has for me and boldly greet each new day and every opportunity.

The next time you sit down to your keyboard, pray for God’s vision of you and for you. It could change your day . . . and your life.

The image above is of a tulip in my front garden. When I took the first photo, that's the way the world saw the tulip, but a mere three weeks later, it's bloomed and lovely. Outward appearances can be deceiving.

I like to use familiar images, when possible. The picture of the snowy tulip was also in a blog that discussed feeling emotionally or spiritually chilled. I guess you can say that God speaks to me through nature. How about you? When you see beauty in nature does it turn your thoughts to Him?

It's a Shame

It’s a shame that shame is no longer a valid motivator for appropriate behavior in our society.

When I was a child if someone tossed trash on the sidewalk one of our neighbors would stick her head out the window and yell, “Shame on you. Pick that up.” As a child and teen, I avoided certain behaviors because other than it being against the rules/the law, to be caught would be shameful.

Shame is now an antiquated concept in our culture.

While picking up the mail my husband came across a group of young (perhaps 10-12 –year-old) boys ganging up on one unfortunate young fellow. The bullies claimed it was a “fun fight,” but the guy on the ground screamed, “No, it’s not.” When my husband told them to knock it off the chief bully responded with, “Who are you, my Dad?” Oh, shame on him. Who did he think he was that he was entitled to beat up on someone else and then mouth off to an adult?

Current entertainment news reported that both Tiger Woods and Jesse James, upon being caught cheating on their wives, immediately checked into a rehab clinic. They avoided the stigma of shame by covering their misdeed with a clinical term. Perhaps they do have clinical problems, but come on, they should be ashamed of their behavior. Anyone who breaks trust/a vow/laws/rules of etiquette even, should be ashamed of themselves.

Please don’t assume I’m not a compassionate person because I advocate a return to shame, but honestly, don’t you think some of the selfish and self-centered behaviors in our culture need to be curbed?

Writers: Learning opportunity!

I often tell people about the writers' groups I belong to: American Christian Fiction Writers (national & local) and Words For The Journey. Being a part of a writers' group is the best way to improve your craft, learn about the industry, and hang in there while you're on your publishing journey.

Tomorrow (4/13) WFTJ will host a special guest, DiAnn Mills. An award-winning author, DiAnn will speak about “Self-Editing for the Dynamic Writer.”

If you're in the area, join us tomorrow from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Southeast Christian Church on Jordan Road in Parker. Our meeting will be held in the Community Room, and you'll have the opportunity to purchase one of DiAnn's books and get it signed by the author.

We're also going out to lunch at Hacienda Colorado after the meeting, want to come? Join us.

The Faces Behind the Books

I spent part of the afternoon at the Englewood Public Library participating in their 11th Annual "Meet the Faces Behind the Books" event. Wow. It was amazing.

This was the cubbie I shared with five other Colorado authors.

It was a well put together author event and a great opportunity to meet book lovers and other writers.

The rest of my Sunday afternoon will be spent in much-anticipated bliss sitting on my little patio. When I returned home from Englewood, my patio furniture was out of storage and awaiting our reunion.

Good Friday

It's a beautiful day in Colorado today, sunny with puffy little clouds. As I do every year, I'm going to take some time to visit an outdoor worship area to contemplate the significance of this weekend.

I love that spot, somewhat wild with trees and grasses, overlooking a wooden cross, and as the backdrop, the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. The everyday sounds fade up on that rise, and all you hear are birdsong and wind humming through branches.

I thank God that I'm living under His grace. I'm thankful that the moments of of my days are laced with the knowledge that I'm in covenant with the Creator of all. I'm thankful for being forgiven, loved, and cherished. And that's all because of Calvary and what happened on that amazing Easter Day when death lost its sting.

I'm a writer, and I live with and by and through words. But friends, some things must be experienced with the heart, not words, to be fully grasped. I pray that you open your heart and earnestly seek a relationship with Elohim. It can change your life forever -- it did mine.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7

Meet the Faces Behind the Book

I'm looking forward to April 11th. I'll be one of 59 Colorado authors who will gather at the Englewood Public Library that day to participate in their annual "Meet the Faces Behind the Books" program.

The event will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 at the library located on the ground floor of the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Pkwy., Englewood. Admission is free.

I'm delighted to meet local book lovers and 58 other Colorado authors. This will be the 10th year that the library has hosted the gathering.

If you're in the area, stop in. I'd love to meet you.

Happy (Snowy) Spring Day

Yes, despite the nearly one foot of snow we received overnight, I believe that spring-like weather really will appear in Colorado.

This morning I awoke to this beautiful scene.

By early afternoon the snow had melted off the streets and sidewalks and the sky was brilliant blue.

I've seen some evidence of spring--my tulips are shooting up and I've been hearing robins singing. If you look in the upper left of the top photo, you'll see a robin sitting there.

He looked so patient, I had to take another picture of him. Look at him, all puffed up and patiently awaiting the greening of spring.

Now, if I could only learn some of his patience . . .

Snow on Tulips and God's Gifts

It seems fitting that on the last day of winter we get snow.

The past few days have been lovely -- warm and sunny. People have been breaking out their sandals and wearing T-shirts without jackets around here.

I've been delighted to see my tulips pushing through winter's barrier. I noticed them springing from the rock-clad earth in their emerald majesty, asserting their desire to grow and bloom. But now they've hit a snag, or so it seems. The cold and the snow has cloaked them in a chill that will temporarily suspend their growth.

Life can be like that, and sometimes we can feel a bit like those tulips. Things are clipping along, we're accomplishing what we need, and then we're emotionally or spiritually covered in a dusting of snow.

Perhaps the path we'd been on seems troublesome to follow. It's not difficult to assume all is lost, our goals are slipping from our grasp.

But for the tulips, the late-winter snow is a blessing. My dad used to call a late snowfall poor-man's fertilizer. Turns out that expression is more than folklore. Snow has nutrients and, of course, moisture. What seems like a hindrance is actually beneficial. Snow that falls on thawed earth penetrates into the soil, delivering nutrients and moisture that promote growth and health.

So if you feel like you've been stuck or hindered by the unpredicted, don't stress. Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (The Message)

St. Patrick's Day today and 1977

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

I have a confession to make. Despite being of (mostly) Irish heritage, I’ve never willingly eaten corned beef and cabbage. You can be sure it won’t be served at my house tonight.

I got sentimental today and went in search of some old, old, old photos. They were taken 3/17/1977 in Plattsburgh, NY. It was my last semester of college at SUNY Plattsburgh. A girlfriend and I who were in a photography class together decided to grab our cameras and chronicle the craziness that was St. Patrick’s Day.

The first photo is one my friend took. If you look on the left-hand side you'll see me with my camera.

Believe it or not, I still own that denim jacket I was wearing. I bought it when I was in high school.

The next photo is the one I was taking. That's a lot of happy people. Of course the alcohol could have had something to do with their disposition.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,

May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

~Irish Blessing

Go mbeannai Dia duit

(May God Bless You)

Randomness

I'm feeling somewhat random today. My thoughts, though they most certainly should be aimed in a few particular directions, seem to be pinging around in a most random way.

Here’s a sample:

It snowed last night, not enough to impact traffic, but just enough to leave a pretty dusting over my corner of the world.

Why do the clocks change on Saturday nights when we switch back and forth from daylight savings time? Everyone seems tired today. Wouldn’t it make more sense to change the time early Saturday morning instead of Sunday?

This is my view from my desk many times during the day.

If a bunny or a dog or a kid on a skateboard dares to go by my house, I’m the second to know.

Why does the sound of a ticking clock have two opposite effects depending on the mood of the hearer? Some days the tick, tick, tick is comforting—cozy even. Of course other days when deadlines rule it reminds me that time is slipping away like snowmelt through the gutter that sits alongside my office window, which also tick, tick, ticks—but not in such an orderly fashion.

So, what’s going through your mind today?

Words For The Journey Annual Writing Contest!

It's time for the WFTJ annual writing contest!

Dying to see your book on a bookstore shelf? Now’s the time to polish both your idea and craft by entering our Spring 2010 non-fiction contest.

Submit Back Cover Copy and a related Query Letter for the book idea you’ve long pondered. Your back cover copy should be no more than 175 words, and should be on a separate sheet from your query letter. And your query letter—one page, 12 pt. Times New Roman—should be addressed to a publisher who may be interested in your material. So you have a little research to do.

The cool thing about this contest? You’ll be prepared to use your entry after the contest to submit to agents and editors.

The contest is open to writers in the Denver, CO area and The Woodlands, TX area.

First Place from each region will receive a $50 Amazon gift certificate. Second Place will each receive a copy of Polishing the Pugs, by Kathy Ide. Third Place will each receive $10 gift certificates to enjoy Starbucks.

Fiction in Real Life #3 (Searching for Spice)

Like most authors, bits and pieces of my reality find their way into my fiction. Today I’m going to share a beautiful asset of my neighborhood, the Cherry Creek Trail. This past Sunday I took my first walk of the year on the trail (it’s been cold, okay?).

This photo is of the Cherry Creek Trail that is the setting for Linda’s walk on page 290 of Searching for Spice. The creek is on the right, beside the brush shrubs/trees.

The Cherry Creek Trail runs alongside the Cherry Creek (duh) which flows north for 64 miles until it reaches the South Platte River in downtown Denver.

The next photo is of the view from the trail, not very far from where the first photo was taken.

Can you see Linda and Belle walking out there in God's beautiful nature?

Comparing books/writing styles

I’m applying to participate in the Sharp Writer Boot Camp with editor Shannon Marchese while I'm attending the CCWC this May, and one of the application questions has me a bit stumped. If you've read my books I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I need your advice.

The question is, “List two published authors, either general or Christian market, that you believe compare to your writing style or content in some way.” The answer is supposed to be phrased similar to, “I believe my novels will appeal to readers of XX because . . .”

Anyone want to toss out a novelist’s name whose work compares to my novels? Anyone, anyone . . . Bueller?

Writers Conferences

If you're a writer, or want to be one, are you going to writers conferences? I think attending conferences are incredibly helpful in your writing journey. I know it's a hit to your budget, but if you consider it a business expense it softens the blow.

I've enjoyed going to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) yearly conference, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC), and will return this summer to the Writers' Workshop at Glen Eyrie. Last weekend I attended a great one-day conference in Colorado Springs.

The information, encouragement, and friendships you get from conferences are worth the cost. If you're serious about your commitment to writing you should figure out a way to add the cost of attending a writers conference to your budget. Most conferences have scholarships or you can offer to work at some conferences in exchange for tuition assistance.

In a few months I'll be off to the CCWC, May 12-15 in beautiful Estes Park. Are you going?

CCWC was the first writers conference I attended. It was a big step for me, acknowledging that I was indeed pursuing publishing and making the efforts necessary to learn about the craft and the industry. That was in 2001.

I’m excited to share that I’m also teaching an Early Bird Workshop at CCWC on Creating Convincing Characters. CCWC is a great conference with workshops, clinics, continuing sessions, panels, and valuable time spent with authors, literary agents, and editors.

Writers are Like Angora Sweaters

Every Tuesday I meet with my WFTJ writers. Yesterday was no exception. I just love those people.

Today I realized that writers groups are like angora sweaters. Being a part of a writers group and spending time with writers is a soft, warm, comfy place. Creative people who put themselves on the line every time someone reads their work can tend to be emotional. And insecure. But when you're in a writers group like WFTJ it's all good.

You can lay it on the line at WFTJ and not be dismissed or ignored.

Today one of our writers showed us her heart for her craft and her Lord. It was sweet. There were tears and encouragement and acceptance. Wonderful. We wrapped her in soothing warmth and security. More than that, she modeled an attitude that should be followed. She showed us that hope is an active pursuit and desperation need not be a part of the journey.

I also had the fun to share about a new author I've read. Leanna Ellis has sold more than a million novels, but Once in a Blue Moon is the first book of her's that I've read.

Once in a Blue Moon had several of the elements I enjoy in a good book: a quirky, flawed character, a romantic interest, and an intriguing story.
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died--the same day that the Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Continue reading my review. . .

Peak Writers Conference

I spent Saturday in Colorado Springs at the 2nd Annual Peak Writing Conference, hosted by the Springs ACFW chapter, WWW. Next year the conference will be moved from the last Saturday in February to the first Saturday. For info on the conference go here and select "events" from the nav bar.

Above is literary agent Rachelle Gardner, author/editor Erin Healy, and author Colleen Coble.

It was money well spent. The conference was divided into three segments: Rachelle Gardner spoke on grabbing an agent's attention from the very first line, Erin Healy spoke about self editing, and Colleen Coble discussed the joy of revisions. We learned so much, my brain was in overdrive. I got so many great ideas for my current story during the sessions that I had to jot down notes of "add this" and "change that" on the handouts.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love spending time with other writers. I think associations with colleagues is what kept me in the game until I got my contract. There's a special energy in the air when you're with creative people who are enthusiastic about their craft. I was happy that some of my Words For The Journey writers also attended the conference.

From left to right are Danica, Diane, a lovely writer I did't meet, and Helen.

The organizers said attendance doubled from last years (there were about 50 writers there yesterday), and they expect that trend to continue. One of next year's speakers will be author/editor Karen Ball.

If you're a writer or an aspiring writer, put aside money to attend conferences. They don't have to cost thousands of dollars for you to get great information and advice. This one cost less than $100 and included lunch and snacks.

The MasterCard Pickle Jar Commercial's Commentary on Culture

Food for thought. What audience are they playing to?

I like a good commercial, and historically the MasterCard “priceless” commercials have really hit the spot. I've considered them honest, insightful, and playful.

I’d consider the newest MasterCard “priceless” commercial a hit but for one word that is in the script. That one word is a commentary on our culture, a commentary on what’s considered normal and everyday. Now, I’m not what one would consider a culture warrior, I’m more a cultural observer. And this observer is disappointed.

The commercial shows a guy twisting and turning, trying to open a pickle jar. Have you seen the commercial MasterCard calls “Pickle Jar?” If not, go take a peek.

Did you catch the word I’m objecting to? It’s very subtle. The word is boyfriend. I wouldn’t have thought twice about the commercial if that word was husband.

Here’s the script: “Gym membership for February: $68. Gym membership for March: $68. Gym membership for April: $68. Finally convincing your boyfriend he should go with you: priceless.”

A sociologist will tell you that a culture that values marriage over cohabitation is stronger and healthier. Why did MasterCard choose to use the word boyfriend? Wouldn’t it have been just as clever with the word husband? Does their choice of noun reflect our culture?

I’m not naïve. I know that many people live together outside of marriage. I’m not even going to take on the why-they-do or why-they-shouldn’t. That dialogue has been around for decades.

What I want to know is why did MasterCard use the word boyfriend? Did they think no one would notice? I did. Apparently they don't care. 

Writing is NOT a Solitary Endeavor

If you're a writer, do you belong to a writers group? If not, perhaps you should consider seeking out a group to join.

Writing is a tough profession, one with plenty of challenges and rejection. Just learning the craft takes a huge amount of effort, and then you also have to learn about the industry.

A writers group is a place to be accepted and encouraged while you learn, perfect your craft, and submit for publication.

I’m a member of an amazing local writers group, Words For The Journey. BTW, If you don't live in the Denver area, there's another WFTJ -- in Southeast Texas.

The WFTJ writers are cheerleaders, encouragers, counselors (when needed), teachers, and critiquers.

Each week at WFTJ we have a lesson on some aspect of craft or marketing. It’s like going to a weekly seminar. We also have the opportunity to share our work for a group critique.

Once a month, WFTJ hosts a guest speaker and holds our meeting at a local Barnes & Noble. Our speakers are agents, editors, multi-published authors, or an authority on some aspect of the industry.

I also belong to an online writers group, American Christian Fiction Writers. I truly believe I wouldn’t be published today if it were not for ACFW.

I ACFW joined in 2001, and I credit them with helping me to hang in there while I learned the craft. And of course there’s the big plus, which is their yearly conference.

Come on. Life’s hard enough without going it on your own as a writer. Find a group and get plugged in.

Off the Page

On Friday I was a guest on "Off the Page," a local TV program that features Colorado authors. It was fun (as always) to discuss books and writing. The program's host, Stacey McKenzie, was well prepared and made the interview a snap.

The other guest on the program was Amanda Cabot. I didn't know who the other author was, and it was such a pleasant surprise to discover that it was Amanda. She hosts the Front Range Writers group in Loveland. I spoke to that group last October and wasn't able to meet her because she was out of town that day, so you can imagine my delight in finally meeting her face to face.

Publishing is such a small world.

I understand the segment I'm in will air in Broomfield and Denver counties in March and will also be on the county's website (you have to scroll down to Off the Page.)

The shows are are a fun way to get behind the scenes into the author's head. You should give yourself some time to enjoy viewing some of the segments.

Fiction in Real Life #2 (Out of Her Hands)

I think it's fun to see how real life sneaks into fiction. Many authors take something familiar and weave it into their novels. A few weeks ago I posted about Linda's favorite chair from both Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands.

Both of my books are set in my hometown. I call the town Pine Grove, which is not its current name, but was a previous name of the town.

Today I'm going to give you a peek at the decorations on Mainstreet during the holidays.

On page 304 of Out of Her Hands my characters have parked their car and are walking through the park to the restaurant on Mainstreet I called The Gray Pony. By the way, I wrote this from memory, after having seen these lovely decorations for years. My town likes tradition, and doesn't change the theme. Thank goodness. Here's how I wrote it:

"I feel as if I’ve stepped into another world as we wind our way through the lit-up park to the street. Strands of illuminated white icicles dangle from the edge of the gazebo’s roof, and clear lights strung on garland are draped around the charming pavilion. Gigantic white snowflake lights hang high above, suspended from the lofty cottonwoods, some blinking as if they’re an illusion in the night sky. The trunks of the tall trees sparkle with a cloak of tightly wound white lights. The entire downtown twinkles in the December air, and even the Victorian streetlights dazzle passersby with necklaces of greenery accented with red velvet ribbons."

I took these photos on December 31st, 2008. This is another photo. It was taken later in the evening after darkness fell. You can see from the picture above how large these beautiful cottonwood trees are.

I love my little town park. Nearby are coffee shops, restaurants, neat shops, and a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream parlor. This past summer my Words For The Journey writers met here to have our author portraits taken by Pauline of Fat Tuna Photography.

If you read my books, is this how you imagined it would look?

Book Report - Thin Places // Character's New Name

Occasionally I'll do a book report at my writers group, Words For The Journey.

We met yesterday, and I planned on telling everyone about Mary DeMuth's new memoir that's just released, Thin Places. Well, surprise, surprise -- our WFTJ Director, Michele Cushatt, had the same idea, so Thin Places received a double endorsement from the leadership at WFTJ this week.

Here's my review:

Mary DeMuth's moving spiritual memoir ushers us into her heartbreaking childhood and her triumphant relationship with a loving God. So often we ask why such things happen. Mary's response is that in the thin places of need and brokenness she was met by God's sheltering love and presence.

I'm not one to usually read memoirs, but I'm happy I read this one. Mary's beautifully moving prose opens up a universal truth that nearly every life has - and needs - these beautiful thin places.

Bravo, Mary. You've opened a door to truth and healing for many people. Thank you.

In other news, I'm changing the name of my main character in the wip I'm calling Absolution from Julia to Maura. Thank you to everyone who voted on my name choices. I really appreciate your input.

Touching Lives

And the winner is . . .

Thank you for participating in my Valentine’s Day book giveaway. Congratulations to LaDonna, the winner of Searching for Spice.

Happy Presidents’ Day to you.

We too often go about the busyness of life without really touching one another’s lives.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about living intentionally. I usually have a dislike for cool buzzwords that come into our culture, but this one might have some meat to it. For me, living intentionally is all about relationships—your relationship with God and your relationship with those around you.

I’ve been making an effort to s-l-o-w down a bit to enjoy conversations with friends and family, to give a little more of my time to help someone else, to be available to be a friend. To be honest, sometimes I’m anxious about volunteering my time for someone else. After all, like everyone, I’m busy too.

But here’s the thing, I’m trusting God to redeem the time spent in the busyness of life, and I've found I’m able to meet life’s deadlines and demands.

How about you? Can you join me in my experiment to be more giving, more conversational, and maybe even make more eye contact with those you blow past during the course of your day?

Who knows, perhaps the one reaping the benefits will be you. What do you think?

My Thin Places

I enjoyed a charmed childhood. Nothing in the way I was raised prepared me for the crushing heartache I experienced a dozen years ago when I was cruelly betrayed and rejected by people I’d loved all of my life. That ordeal thrust me into a very dark place.

As horrific as rejection is, it was a wonderful experience with God. He became more real and present than any time before or since. As I faced each day weighted with grief, I met God in the thinnest of places, and He portioned out grace. Not in bucketfuls, but grain-by-grain as that’s all my wounded heart could digest.

I healed.

In the past year I’ve felt a nudge to open myself and reveal my story, giving hope to those suffering betrayal and rejection. Because speaking of my pain made me puddle into tears, I entered counseling to overcome my emotions.

Driving home after one particularly moving session, I saw something soaring in the distant sky. A magnificent hawk beat the air, flying directly toward me. My heart stirred as he drew nearer and hovered momentarily over my car offering me a clear view of the writhing snake suspended from his powerful talons.

Thus, I encountered another thin place with my God. Illustrated by that majestic bird, He showed me my pain wasn’t meaningless, and I would overcome. The snakes and snares of my past were powerless to affect my future. My heart rejoiced.

“In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118: 5

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259 words

This post was written in response to a challenge by Mary DeMuth. Mary's new memoir, Thin Places, has just released.

Here's my review. In this spiritual memoir, Mary reflects on the "thin places" of her life; places where she was acutely aware of God's presence.

This challenge I participated in is also a contest to win a Kindle. You’ve got until midnight tonight to submit your entry.

What's in a name?

I’m nearly finished with my wip that I’m calling Absolution, and I realize that I need to change my main character’s name. Her name started out as Libby but changed to Julia. I have another central character whose name starts with J, and now I’ve got to change “Julia” to a name that does not start with J.

She’s 44 years old, married with one child. She's a bit headstrong (determined), loyal, and works from home as an advertising copywriter. The theme of my story: The hardest person to learn to forgive is yourself.

Here’s a short list of contenders:

Zoe

Evelyn (Most of the time she'd be called Evelyn, but sometimes it would be Evie.)

Leigh

Audra

Maura

Please, help me out. Which name do you like best?

Love is in the air & BOOK GIVEAWAY

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the annual holiday celebrating love and affection.

I’ve got my door decoration hung. Yes, I know it's a corny one, but that's okay.

I’m anticipating some delicious chocolate. (I’ve learned from experience that despite my numerous notes hung on the fridge listing gifts I’d rather get, my darling husband always comes home on Valentine’s Day with multiple boxes of candy. For me, for my daughters, for snacking.)

Since it’s that love-in-the-air time I’d love to give away a copy of Searching for Spice. Leave a comment and I’ll draw names on Sunday (Valentine’s Day).

I like to have fun and celebrate occasions. I’ve got one of those big heart-shaped cookie cutters. When they were little, my kids would always get a heart-shaped sandwich to take to school. And sometimes I’d do a red-themed dinner. One that I recall was chicken paprika. It wasn’t so great, but it was the thought that counts, right?

How about you? Do you commemorate the day in any special way?

The Grocery-Store Blues

It’s confession time. I don’t like grocery shopping. At all.

I just returned home from doing my grocery shopping, and if I were a paranoid person, I’d think some folks were out to get me.

You know that lady that pushes around the screaming child? Somehow she always shadows me through the store. Yea, she was there today.

What about the person at the deli counter that has a list longer than Santa’s naughty and nice list? Yea, I was behind him today.

And don’t you just want to clear your throat loudly when that gal monopolizes all the space in front of the asparagus so that you can’t select yours until she’s finished inspecting every bundle? Or is that just me?

So I was antsy at the store. It was busy today, maybe people stocking up on Super Bowl food. I don’t know. Then I was reminded about that verse in Philippians (2:14) Do everything without complaining and arguing. Could that even pertain to grocery shopping? Gulp - yes. So I purposed to practice my patience throughout the rest of my shopping trip. It wasn’t always easy.

The good part of the experience was when I realized that although I couldn’t control the other shoppers, I could manage my own attitude. So I did.

What’s your secret? How do you handle annoying circumstances?

Fiction in Real Life #1

A friend stopped by the other day. It was the first time she’d been to my house, and she walked from room to room as if she were looking for something. Turns out she was. She knew that the characters in my first two books shared my home, and she wanted to imagine them coming down the stairs or sitting in the living room.

So much of real life sneaks into the fiction authors are creating, so I decided to occasionally show a photo of a location or an item from my books.

This is Linda’s prayer chair from both Searching for Spice or Out of Her Hands.

It had belonged to her grandmother and when she needed a quiet moment she would settle herself into the Victorian antique and pray.

This chair actually belonged to my grandmother. We never met, she passed away only months before I was born. When I inherited the chair it was covered in chipped, black lacquer. It took me weeks of patient work to strip the gooey stuff from the intricately carved wood. We had it reupholstered about a dozen years ago.

The pillows are some that I made. I’ve always had a creative urge, and for a time I worked with designers to make custom pillows and table coverings.

These days I string together words to make stories. Speaking of, I better get back to my characters. I left them in suspended animation about to have a revealing conversation.

Sometimes Life's Messy

A little over a year ago I wrote a post titled You Can’t Always Get What You Want. It was about wanting to purchase a new kitchen table to go with some remodeling we’ve done over the years. The table I had was screaming 1990s and killing me.

Anyway, I resisted the urge to buy the gorgeous Italian mosaic table (Yeah, I’ll go with that story. The real truth is in the other post.), and I refinished my old 1990s table with a beautiful coat of purple and dark brown paint.

Boy did it turn out great. See?

It looks sleek and glamorous and chic (IMHO). We refinished the table in November of 2008 and I’m still thrilled with it.

I was cleaning off the table yesterday and couldn’t help but notice how smudged and scratched it had gotten. It’s been rubbed up.

But, surprisingly, it doesn’t bother me one bit. All the scratches and marks were from sharing meals and living life with my family over the same table that we’ve gathered around for more than 15 years.

So here’s the thing: sometimes life’s messy. In the give-and-take of living we rub up against one another. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing. It’s wonderful when family and friends step in to give you the perfect piece of advice or offer a cautionary word. I think that kind of rubbing has a polishing effect.

My table illustrated that fact to me. It’s scuffed and scratched, but still beautiful because it’s my sturdy, reliable table. I hope that the scuffed and scratched me is still as appealing to my loved ones, and I know that those I care for aren’t any less valuable because of their scuffs and scratches.

Sometimes life’s messy and we get a bit scuffed up, but that's okay. Scuff marks just add character.

So, what are you doing?

I'm tucked away in my little office, pushing toward completion of my wip (work in progress) I'm calling Absolution. Fun. Really.

Outside the snow is flying. A breeze is blowing it to the west, but every once in a while a single snowflake leaves formation and bounces up and down in front of my window as if it wants to see what's going on inside.

I'm 100%, totally, completely satisfied that what I'm doing is what I've been created to do. I'm writing words that will entertain and possibly make readers stop and think about their lives and choices and attitudes. I pray before writing that God will bless me with words, and I believe He is.

But what about you? What are you doing? Are you marking time or are you also sure you're endeavoring to do what you were created for? Just thinking.

The photo of my quiet suburban street was taken late this morning before it started snowing. Isn't the fog pretty?

A Memorable Christmas

I recently chatted with a friend about Christmases past. In particular, we were talking about when and where we experienced our most memorable Christmas.

Mine was in 1981 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. My husband and I had in previous years lived too far from family to visit during Christmas. In the spring of 1981 we moved to within a four-hour drive from relatives, and we expected to spend the holidays with family for the first time in a few years. That didn't happen.

Instead we spent Christmas eve and the following day in North Penn Hospital awaiting the birth of our first child. Our son was born at 5 am on Christmas day. I remember feeling the same sense of excitement and anticipation waiting for the baby to be born because we didn't know if it would be a boy or a girl. That anticipation was reminiscent of the childhood years when I would look forward to Christmas day.

So to date, 1981 is my most memorable Christmas. Of course every Christmas since has been better and better, sharing it with two more children, my darling daughters. This year our family grew again with the addition of a son-in-law. We're richly blessed.

What's your most memorable Christmas?

A Sweet Sound

Today was our annual Words For The Journey Christmas brunch. Everyone was snapping photos. I took a short video of a sound that I love. It's the sound of women talking among themselves. Can you hear the friendship? The love?

I'm a NaNoWriMo Winner!

This is the first year I took the NaNo challenge - to write 50,000 words during the month of November.

There were moments when I wasn't sure I could do it, but I did.

It was a blast. To celebrate, I'm going out to lunch this week with some local NaNo participants.

Now I've just got to finish writing the book . . .