CAFE: A gathering place. A place of refreshment.

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.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

'TIS THE SEASON


Christmas always seems to sneak up on me. It's not like I haven't seen the decorations out in the store since Halloween or noticed how fat our daily newspaper has become with ads for the best bargains of the year. I have noticed and have chosen to shut myself off from the world. Hid behind my computer screen and surfed the net for the latest marketing tips for writers and gone over my new manuscript for the umpteenth time. In my self-imposed isolation, I've also not served my readers here at the Cafe very well. So, with my humblest apologies, I have a couple of things to tell you today.

First: We have a winner for Patti Lacy's What The Bayou Saw. Congratulations to Dina Sleiman! And thanks to everyone who stopped by and left a comment.

Next: A friend and fellow writer has started a new blog that I recommend you check out at once if you're a writer. Many instructors warn writers to avoid flat lifeless characters (a.k.a. cardboard characters) but writer/dramatist Lynne Gentry actually shows us HOW. Even seasoned novelists will appreciate the tools she provides to make characters leap off the page. Hint: what does dressing someone in the color “cream” convey to readers?

You can find out the answer on Lynne's new blog: Stage Write

Last: As 2009 winds down, I will be bringing you the "Best of 2009" - Books, Blogs, Writing Sites, and even a few recipes to get you through the holidays.

It truly is the season: May you find joy each day as we approach the day of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Immanuel. God is with us. Today and always.

6 comments:

Patti Lacy said...

Can't wait to see your "bests."

Now I have got the blogging bug. Check it out when you have time at www.pattilacy.com/blog.

Are you getting excited re your "re-lease"!!????
I know I am!!!
Blessings,
Patti

carla stewart said...

Hi Patti!

thanks for coming by. The blogging bug comes and goes, but I need to be more consistent.

The "Best of 2009" are always some of my favorites.

I'm off to check out your blog.

Bonnie Way aka the Koala Mom said...

Christmas started at Starbucks beginning of November, so we've had Christmas drinks and decorations and music for a while. :) Still somehow hasn't sunk in that it's coming soon... advent on Sunday surprised me!

Patti Lacy said...

Glad Dina won my book! That's cool.

Just stopped by today to see your smiling face!!!

Blogging is hard work, says the lady who's done it for ONE WEEK NOW.

You know what, Carla? It's stimulating that gray matter to be more consistent on my WIP.
And praise God for that!!

Blessings,
patti

Myra Johnson said...

Just checked out Stage Write. Looks like a good one! Thanks for the tip!

carla stewart said...

Thanks, Koala Bear. I've bought two gifts now and haven't noticed the crowds getting too bad yet. Enjoy the season.

Yay, Patti, for getting the "bug"-- the blogging bug that is. Loved what I've read so far over at your place.

Myra, glad to see you here. Lynne's blog is really unique and I'm glad you checked it out.