Thirsty for the latest releases in Christian fiction? Ready for a peek into the world of publishing and writing conferences? Hungry for spiritual and real-life nourishment? Pull up a seat; you're in the right place, and I'm so glad you've stopped by.
You either love cranberries or you don't. Today's special, though, is not the gelatinous burgundy stuff you get from a can (although I personally like it, too). Matter of fact, people who don't even think they like cranberries love this family favorite. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to pull out those "must have" recipes for the holidays.
Special bonus: Cranberries are all the rage nowadays for their antioxidant properties, so even though it's got a bit of sugar, you can take a second helping knowing it's good for you.
CRANBERRY SALAD
1 bag fresh cranberries 3/4 cup sugar 1 apple, cored and diced 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup chopped pecans Large carton Cool Whip (not the giant sized one, though)
Chop cranberries in a blender or food processor. Add sugar and allow to sit four hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Add apple, pecans, miniature marshmallows, and Cool Whip and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate until time to serve.
This doubles as a dessert, so if you want something sweet, but not as heavy as Aunt Maude's chocolate bottom pecan pie, this is perfect.
For our family, it's not Thanksgiving without cranberries. How about you? Any dishes that you simply must have every year?
Though Patti's only been writing since 2005, she thinks her latest profession of capturing stories on paper (or computer files) will stick awhile.
The Still, Small Voice encouraged Patti to write after a brave Irish friend shared memories of betrayal and her decision to forgive. In 2008, An Irishwoman’s Tale was published by Kregel Publications. Patti’s second novel, What the Bayou Saw, draws on the memories of two young girls who refused to let segregation, a chain link fence, and a brutal rape come between them.
The secrets women keep and why they keep them continue to enliven Patti's gray matter. A third book, My Name is Sheba, has been completed. Patti's WIP, Recapturing Lily, documents a tug-of-war between a Harvard-educated doctor and an American pastor and his wife for a precious child and explores adoption issues, China's "One Child" policy, and both Christian and secular views of sacrifice.
Patti also facilitates writing seminars in schools, libraries, and at conferences and has been called to present her testimony, "All the Broken Pieces," at women's retreats. She also leads a Beth Moore Bible study at her beloved Grace Church.
Patti and her husband Alan, an Illinois State faculty member, live in Normal with their handsome son Thomas, who attends Heartland Community College. On sunny evenings, you can catch the three strolling the streets of Normal with their dog Laura, whom they've dubbed a "Worchestershire Terrier" for her "little dab of this breed, a little dab of that breed.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Segregation and a chain link fence separated twelve-year-old Sally Flowers from her best friend, Ella Ward. Yet a brutal assault bound them together. Forever. Thirty-eight years later, Sally, a middle-aged Midwestern instructor, dredges up childhood secrets long buried beneath the waters of a Louisiana bayou in order to help her student, who has also been raped. Fragments of spirituals, gospel songs, and images of a Katrina-ravaged New Orleans are woven into the story.
The past can't stay buried forever. Rising author Patti Lacy's second novel exposes the life of Sally, set amid the shadows of prejudice in Louisiana.
Since leaving her home in the South, Sally Stevens has held the secrets of her past at bay, smothering them in a sunny disposition and sugar-coated lies. No one, not even her husband, has heard the truth about her childhood.
But when one of her students is violently raped, Sally's memories quickly bubble to the surface unbidden, like a dead body in a bayou. As Sally's story comes to light, the lies she's told begin to catch up with her. And as her web of deceit unravels, she resolves to face the truth at last, whatever the consequences.
MY REVIEW: Patti Lacy writes with abandon—exuberant prose with a magnetism aimed straight at the reader. Her second novel is another compelling, page-turning read that recalls a tumultuous past, this time for Sally Stevens, a college professor. When one of her students, a gifted African-American girl, is brutally beaten, old memories that Sally has kept hidden for thirty years are stirred. As the layers are peeled back, Sally discovers not only the misdeeds of others, but also a blackness in her own soul that stemmed from an incident with her childhood friend, Ella.
Deeply honest, the prose sometimes stings with gritty reality about the prejudices of the South—from the swamps of Sally’s childhood to Katrina-ravaged New Orleans. Ultimately, it’s a story of faith, the sometimes twisty road to forgiveness, and God’s grace. The cost is great, but it is the sacrifice Sally must make if she is to preserve her marriage and her own integrity. I think you’ll be delighted with the detours in the scenery, as Sally and Ella wrap themselves around your heart.
Patti Lacy is a gifted storyteller, with a knack for drawing rich settings that linger long after the last page.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment with your contact info to be entered in the giveaway for What the Bayou Saw. Deadline: Monday, November 23 (noonish).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher to me for promotional purposes and to write an honest review. Your chances of winning are dependent on the number of entries. US residents only.
A lot of people have asked me about my writing journey. Here you can read it all in the current issue of the ACFW Afictionado Ezine. Tiffany Amber Stockton did the interview and made me sound way more together than I am. ACFW is a wonderful organization where almost 2000 members learn together, cheer each other on, and promote one another. I'm truly blessed to be a part.
Thanks for all the comments on the Coffee Cup Bible Study series! I forgot to mention that Cheryl Barker's name was drawn last Friday. Her name has been sent to the tour coordinator, and she will be eligible for the grand prize tote bag with all the yummy books and coffee. Congratulations!
ANOTHER GIVEAWAY opportunity:
Yesterday I mentioned Susan Meissner's book, White Picket Fences. Lucky you! You could win a copy over at Romance Your Spouse. The contest ends this Friday, and there are no comments yet so you have a great chance of winning this incredible book. Go. Now.
Okay. What did you first think when you read the title of this post? Roy Rogers? If that was a yes, you’re absolutely correct! Roy sang this song while Trigger danced in the 1944 movie, Hollywood Canteen. Many other singers also recorded it over the years – Gene Autry, Kate Smith, Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters (together), Ella Fitzgerald, and Harry Connick, Jr. (more recently). Did you know it’s a Cole Porter song adapted from a poem by Robert Fletcher? Me neither. But by now, I know the words are rolling around in your head, so if it’s driving you nuts, you can click over here to watch the clip.
And the purpose of this post is not to send you into some time warp. It’s the word fence I want to talk about. Some words just trigger (sorry . . . couldn’t resist with the dancing horse still in my head) immediate reactions. I don’t necessarily think of “fence” being a powerful word . . . at least I didn’t until a couple of weeks ago. I received two books in the mail on the same day: White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner and The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare.
Distinct, but totally different images came to mind before I even had time to study the covers and wonder what stories might be inside. White Picket Fences, of course brought the image of a comfortable cottage with Cape Cod curtains at the window. I could see in my mind’s eye a cheerful yellow kitchen and people who laughed and lived satisfying lives. Perhaps even perfect lives. That’s exactly what the title and cover were meant to convey, but with this being a novel, I knew much more lurked beneath the surface. Wow. Did it ever. Lovely writing from one of my favorite authors.
The Fence My Father Built brought images of another sort – heritage, a solid foundation, perhaps a bit of mystery as to why this particular fence had significance. Again, an idea that hooked me and kept me turning the pages. It was indeed about heritage – Native American roots – but also one filled with action, regret over never knowing the father who built the fence, and ultimately about guarding the things we hold sacred.
Both of these books are terrific reads and well worth your time. The publishers did a fantastic job of conveying the hearts of the stories through the cover art and just the right titles. Well done.
So, books aside, and songs that are skipping through your head, what other thoughts does the word “fence” conjure up? And how might it be used in a story? A “fence” of course can take on a criminal element with regard to stolen property and the middleman. Sports-minded? How about the Green Monster – the enormous 37-foot, 2-inch wall fence at Fenway Park? To make a ball sail over it is a moment of victory, of personal accomplishment. Rivaling paramours “fence” in duels to win the love of a fair maiden. Stockades and razor wire fences are meant to contain people. Barbed wire fences keep cattle in and gated community fences keep people out.
And what about a chat over the backyard fence? Do people do that anymore? When our twins were babies, I’d sometimes hand one over the fence to our neighbor on the south and the other one over to the north-side neighbor so I could have thirty minutes to read a book to my toddler. Those were the days.
Are you convinced yet that fence is a strong, evocative word? I’m sure you can come up with even more creative examples, and may even have a few power words of your own you’d like to share. Just don’t straddle the fence about joining the conversation.
And don’t forget to check out these two new books. You’ll be glad you did!
My mother-in-law was one of the best cooks I've ever known when it came to wholesome, country cooking. We teased her about being the "Cream of the Crop" for her many wins at the county fair and her lavish spreads, even for everyday meals. Rarely did we sit down to a meal at her house and find less that six or seven dishes on the table. Boy, was Max in for a jolt when he married me! His mom has slowed down (she's 89, for goodness sake . . . she deserves it), and many of her recipes that I now make have become dog-eared from much use. Smothered Chops is one of her specialties and probably should be renamed - Grandma's Smothered Chops.
It's a crock pot recipe - one of my favorite ways to steer clear of the kitchen as much as possible. Very simple. Mouthwatering. Hearty. Can't go wrong with this one!
SMOTHERED CHOPS
6 - 8 boneless pork chops 3 cans cream of mushroom soup (or one family-sized can) Pepper to taste 1 Tbsp. canola or olive oil
Heat oil in skillet and brown chops thoroughly on both sides, but chops don't have to be cooked through. Place on plate with paper towels to remove excess oil; then layer mushroom soup and chops in crock pot. Pepper freely. Cook all day on Low or 4 to 5 hours on High. Serve over prepared rice. (I like the old-fashioned kind, but Minute Rice will do.)
Add a vegetable and/or a salad and you have a complete meal with all the food groups. I'll never be a cook in the same league as my mother-in-law, but I am glad I have her recipes and that her son likes my cooking almost as much as hers.
Q of the day: Do you eat meals around the table, hanging over the kitchen counter, in your car, in the den in front of the TV or . . . . . . ? What kinds of conversation do you have during meals? Inquiring minds want to know.
Have I mentioned lately how much I've enjoyed the publishing process? Each phase has been like the movie Fifty First Dates - a brand new world at every turn. Most recently, I've been writing discussion questions for the Reader's Guide which will be in the back of the book and providing my publisher with a list of "dream" endorsers. One of the things that has surprised me the most is how far ahead of the publication date everything has to be done. It's now about seven months until Chasing Lilacs will be in stores, but . . . please indulge me here . . . The book is already available for pre-order on Amazon!
Here's the editorial description:
It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.
When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.
Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.
Up until now, everything has been done undercover, so to speak, between my agent, editor, art department, and marketing experts at FaithWords. Launching my book into the world is exciting, to be sure, but also a bit like taking my clothes off in the fountain of the city square (gasp!). No longer flying under the radar, I'm throwing myself at the mercy of readers, critics, and reviewers. So, here's to a safe landing for my debut book. And if you're so inclined, you might click over to Amazon and take a peek.
Welcome to Carla’s Writing Café, Erica! I know this is an exciting time with the release of your first book, The Bartered Bride. Not only that, but more books to come. Congratulations, my friend.
Thank you, Carla. I’m so happy to be here today. ☺
How long have you been writing, and when did you first know you wanted to become a novelist?
As a child I spun stories in my head all the time. I was constantly wool-gathering instead of paying attention to what I should be doing. As a teen, I wrote a novel about a horse, a girl, a boy, a circus...yeah, a circus. When I was in college, I used to spin stories for my roommate and my friends about all of us, our adventures, our hopes that a certain ‘someone’ would notice us and we’d fall in love and live happily ever after. Some good times. Little did I know that my love of romance and storytelling was being honed, even then. But life happens sometimes, and we put aside our dreams, at least for a little while. I thought all that story-spinning should be left behind when I got married. I was a grown-up, after all, and needed to shoulder some grown-up responsibilities. I finished my college degree, had a baby, moved across country, had another baby, taught school, and all the while read every historical romance I could get my hands on.
In 2004 I stumbled across something new to me. Fan Fiction. I’d never heard of such a thing, though I guess you could say I had written fan fiction in my head for years, taking tv characters and book and movie characters and rewriting their stories or continuing their stories. I tried my hand at actually writing down some of these stories and WOW! It was like a part of my brain that had lain dormant since college suddenly fired to life. I knew within a few weeks that I would LOVE to be an author. I put aside the fan fiction and began writing novels instead.
What authors have influenced you in choosing to write historical romance?
Wow, so many. Janette Oke, Zane Grey, Grace Livingston Hill, James Michener, Ellis Peters, Elizabeth Peters, Anne Perry. I know some of these are mystery writers, but they write historical mysteries, and I adore that genre. Authors in other genres that inspired me are Dick Francis, Debbie Macomber, Virginia Lanier, Helen Wells, Glenn Balch, Essie Summers...and so many, many more.
Which comes first for you – the characters or the plot (premise)?
The premise comes first, but the characters barge in hot on the heels of the plot idea. Then they sort of grow together, one with the other, until I have a story fleshed out. How do you develop characters? Charts? Interviews? Or do you just start writing?
I use a GMC chart from Debra Dixon’s book Goals, Motivation, & Conflict. I labor the longest over the internal goals and motivations, because those spring out of the character’s past and personality. I’ve never interviewed a character. I tend to want to rush into the writing, so I’m trying to discipline myself to do better preparation work regarding characterization and plotting. Maybe this will keep me from getting bogged down or writing myself into a corner...maybe.
We first met when we were both Genesis contenders. The following year, I was there cheering as you were awarded your first contract. Tell us about that moment. Unbelievable! The 2008 ACFW Conference was the conference of a lifetime. I had talked myself out of the running for both a contract on The Bartered Bride and any hope in the two Genesis categories I had finaled in. I had brought with me a different novel series to pitch to Heartsong, as well as NOT bringing with me anything prepared by way of a speech should I win in the Genesis. Consequently, when they called my name to award a contract, I was stunned speechless, and when they called my name as a 3rd place finisher in one Genesis category and the winner in another, I sounded like a complete DORK in my thank you speech. Sigh.
What inspires you to write?
A love of history and my imagination. I’m forever coming across an interesting event from history and wondering what the people who lived through it must’ve been like. I am chock-full of story ideas, and I LOVE writing them. I’m also now inspired by deadlines, the desire to continue to be a published author, and the desire to get better at my craft, try new things, dig deeper, aim higher. I’m getting inspired to write right now!
What writing quirks do you have? Wearing a special hat? Writing in a certain place? Drinking from a special cup?
I always write on my laptop. I can’t seem to get into the flow of things on my desktop model, so I reserve that for my bookkeeping job only. And I love to write away from home and all the distractions that home provides. I tend to write at the local coffee shop or at the library. When I do write at home I like scented candles burning close by. Apple Cinnamon is the current scent du jour, but that varies. Coffee? Tea? Sparkling mineral water? Or . . .
Diet Coke and/or Earl Grey tea from Caribou Coffee. When I go into the coffee shop, the baristas all know me, and they start brewing my tea before I even order. Oh, and I usually have a reduced fat orange-cranberry scone, too.
What other book projects are you working on? Titles and release dates?
Thank you for asking! I’ve got quite a few novels in the works at the moment. As this is November, I’m currently up to my elbows in a NaNoWriMo novel, in this case Maggie and the Maverick. After I’ve completed that, there are some other books on the horizon. The release list so far looks like this:
The Bartered Bride, Nov. 2009 The Marriage Masquerade, Jan. 2010 The Engineered Engagement, June 2010
Clara and the Cowboy, Apr. 2010 Lily and the Lawman, Aug. 2010 Maggie and the Maverick, Nov. 2010
It’s your turn. Any closing thoughts?
More than any of the blessings that God has showered upon me on this writing journey, and there have been many, He has richly blessed me with friendships. I treasure the friendships, mentors, editors, publishing professionals, and writers that God has brought into my life. My understanding of the Body of Christ as a living, breathing, caring, working, striving group of believers is ever expanding as I meet and get to know more of God’s people through writing. And I’m so glad and blessed that one of the people God has brought into my life is you, Carla. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Erica, for stopping by. You’re an inspiration to me, and I wish you great success! How fun to be sharing this writing journey with you. You can visit Erica on the web here or order a copy of The Bartered Bridehere.
MY REVIEW:
A delightful debut book from my friend, Erica Vetsch. The Bartered Bride, a historical romance set in 1890-ish Minnesota has a spunky, but socially conscientious heroine and a dashing, though misunderstood hero. What sets this apart from other books of this length and genre was the incorporation of a story world set in the shipping industry of Duluth, Minnesota. Erica’s painstaking research skill pays off by delivering an authentic tale with just the right amount of angst and passion. Excellent read!
Mary E. DeMuth is an expert in Pioneer Parenting. She enables Christian parents to navigate our changing culture when their families left no good faith examples to follow.
Her parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House, 2007), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (WaterBrook, 2006), and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House, 2005).
Mary also inspires people to face their trials through her real-to-life novels, Watching The Tree Limbs (nominated for a Christy Award) and Wishing On Dandelions (NavPress, 2006).
Mary has spoken at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, the ACFW Conference, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and at various churches and church planting ministries. She's also taught in Germany, Austria, Monaco, Italy, France, and the United States. Mary and her husband, Patrick, reside in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France, and planting a church.
ABOUT THE BOOK
She touched Daisy’s shoulder. So cold. So hard. So unlike Daisy.
Yet so much like herself it made Emory shudder.
Burying her grief, Emory Chance is determined to find her daughter Daisy’s murderer—a man she saw in a flicker of a vision. But when the investigation hits every dead end, her despair escalates. As questions surrounding Daisy’s death continue to mount, Emory’s safety is shattered by the pursuit of a stranger, and she can’t shake the sickening fear that her own choices contributed to Daisy’s disappearance. Will she ever experience the peace her heart longs for?
The second book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, this suspenseful novel is about courageous love, the burden of regret, and bonds that never break. It is about the beauty and the pain of telling the truth. Most of all, it is about the power of forgiveness and what remains when shame no longer holds us captive.
Watch the video:
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Slow Burn, go HERE
Creative Ways to Have Girlfriend Bible Studies - from Sandra Glahn, author of the Coffee Cup Bible Study Series
· Get ripped with Ruth. Meet at the health club and walk side-by-side on the treadmill with your BFF. The study’s spiral binding and modest size lends itself to being stashed in a gym bag. You won’t even have to pack your Bible. The text is included.
· Inhale the aroma of java as you enter your favorite coffee shop. Order yourself a cappuccino, and then hang out around the table with friends discussing Colossians.
· For your friend’s birthday, give her chocolate-covered coffee beans and a Coffee Cup Bible study. Promise her an hour every week of your time for building your friendship on what lasts. · Invite the person who does your nails to consider the words of Jesus. Provide a copy of Mocha on the Mount, and every time you’re together discuss what you’re both learning as you go through it. Schedule an extended “Spiritual Spa Day” together by watching and discussing a movie about Esther as you kick off bi-weekly meetings around your kitchen table. Contemplate what the Hadassah spa—Esther’s year of beauty treatments—must have been like. Then consider the part of her beauty that was deeper than skin.
· You don’t have to sip your cuppa joe in a shop that starts with an “S.” Grab some colleagues and organize a small group study. You can nurse your favorite beverage in the company cafeteria, the hospital coffee shop—even your local McDonald’s.
· Brew a pot of coffee in your church kitchen and meet one evening per week with members of your congregation. Engage in a lively discussion about Deborah, Jael, and Samson’s mother as you go through Java with the Judges.
One fortune blogger from each participating blog will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a coffee themed tote bag, twelve oz of Starbucks Sumatra and signed copies for Kona with Jonah and Frappe' with Philippians. Leave a comment here or in the previous post. I'll draw a name on Friday (Nov 6). Here's a picture of what you might win!
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About Me
Carla Stewart
United States
I believe in Jesus, doing the right thing, the power of the written word, and a good cup of coffee. Being married to my best friend is one of life's sweetest blessings. Thank you for coming along on my writing journey. I'll be here as oft as I can.
Live well. That's my wish for you.
either love cranberries or you don't. Today's special, though, is not the gelatinous burgundy stuff you get from a can (although I personally like it, too). Matter of fact, people who don't even think they like cranberries love this family favorite. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to pull out those "must have" recipes for the holidays.
