Book Giveaway Winners

Thank you, readers for the many comments on the posts for Alice Wisler's A Wedding Invitation and for my "thank you" giveaway for the choice of either of my books.

Ta-Da! The winner of A Wedding Invitation is Deb's Desk. Enjoy!

Cheryl Barker and Seashore Mary (love that name!) were the lucky winners of my post and have both chosen to receive Broken Wings.

Much appreciation to all of you for stopping by. If you didn't win, there's still time to get copies of all three books for Christmas giving. Click on title to take you to the spot where you can do that.

Chasing Lilacs

Broken Wings

A Wedding Invitation

In other news, this lovely review of Broken Wings from TheDabblingMum came to my attention last week. There are no words for the gratitude that comes when someone takes the time to express such poignant feelings about a book. Thank you, Alyice, for the review, and thank you readers for making what I do such a pleasure.

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving - Day 26

Day 26. The Letter Y for You, my readers!

If you have read one of my books, thank you.

If you have attended one of my book launches or book signings, I appreciate the time you took from your busy life to celebrate with me.

If you have written a review and posted it on your blog or online, thank you for sharing your insights and your gift of words.

If you’ve read my blog, been friends with me on Facebook, have liked my Facebook author page, or followed me on Twitter, thanks for hanging out and spending your days with me.

If you’ve said a prayer or given me a word of encouragement, you’ve blessed me in ways you can’t imagine.

If you’ve written me a note, an email, or messaged me, thanks for the sacrifice of your time.

If you’ve shared my books with others or recommended them to a friend, you are a treasure above all things.

To all of you, my gratitude overflows. Because of you, I search for the perfect word, that special turn of phrase, the spark that will make my stories come alive. It’s for you I write.


As a very small way of saying thanks, I’m giving away two of my books in a drawing. I’ll be drawing two names on Dec. 3, and winners may choose either Chasing Lilacs or Broken Wings. To be entered in the drawing, please leave a comment WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION telling me how you first found out about my blog or my books. Even if you already own one or both books, you’re welcome to enter. I’d be honored if you won and gave my book to your church or local library or gave it as a gift. If you’re a first-time reader, my hope is that you will like what you read and tell others.

Thanks for your support and joining this adventure with me!

Note: These are my personal books. Chances of winning dependent on number of entries. Void where prohibited. Open to North American residents only. 

Chasing Lilacs Goes Dutch

Fun tidbit today: Chasing Lilacs is now available in Dutch! I'm thrilled with this cover, seen side by side by the US cover!

2011 Faith-Hope-Love Inspirational Reader's Choice Award Winners

Today at their annual meeting, the Faith-Hope-Love Chapter of RWA announced the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award Winners. My only regret is that I wasn't in NYC to celebrate with this great group of authors! I'm honored to be among them.
 
Women’s Fiction

1) Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

2) Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart (FaithWords)

3) The House on Sugar Plum Lane by Judy Duarte (Kensington)

Long Contemporary

1) Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale)

2) Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller (Summerside)

3) The Six-Liter Club by Harry Kraus (Howard)

Short Contemporary

1) White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter (Barbour – Heartsong Presents)

2) Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson (White Rose)

3) Tender Mercies by Mary Manners (White Rose)

Long Historical

1) The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House)

2) A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin (Revell)

3) Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)

Short Historical

1) A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher (Zondervan)

2) Walker’s Wedding by Lori Copeland (Harvest)

3) The Substitute Bride by Janet Dean (Steeple Hill)

Romantic Suspense

1) Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason (Revell)

2) Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze (Waterbrook)

3) Nightshade by Ronie Kendig (Barbour)


Novella

1) Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman (Summerside)

2) A Bodine Family Christmas by Marta Perry (Steeple Hill)

3) The Snowflake by Jamie Carie (Broadman and Holman)

Heady Stuff - Pulpwood Queens' Bestseller List for January 2011

The first best-seller list for Chasing Lilacs!! I'm thrilled and hats off to Kathy Patrick, Tiara wearing and Book sharing founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs: the largest “meeting and discussing book club in the WORLD”! What I really love about Kathy is her non-stop efforts at bringing authors and readers together and her heart for stamping out illiteracy. Woo-Hoo!

Take a close look at this list - they are ALL amazing books - novels, memoir, non-fiction. I think I met all but one or two at the Girlfriend Weekend last month and I LOVE these authors. I think you will too!

TOP TWENTY COUNTDOWN FOR JANUARY 2011

PULPWOOD QUEENS' BESTSELLER LIST OF HITS!!!!

1) My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

2) I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

3) The Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White

4) Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

5) Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

6) The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life by Kathy L. Patrick

7) My Orange Duffel Bag by Sam Bracken and Echo Garrett

8) They Came to Nashville by Marshall Chapman

9) as the sycamore grows by Jennie Helderman

10) Don’t Quit Your Day Job Edited by Sonny Brewer

11) The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

12) My Night with Saddam by Dr. Mark Green

13) Miss Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia DeBelle Byrd

14) Write That Book Already by Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark

15) Walking in the Deep End by Susan Parker

16) If Holden Caufield Where in my Classroom by Bernie Schein

17) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford

18) Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Years of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Mary Murphy

19) The Mailbox by Mary Beth Whelan

20) Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart

How many of these have you read? Are any of them on your reading list for 2011?

BOOKS ALIVE! in Jefferson, Texas

Sam Bracken & Echo Garret with THE ORANGE DUFFLE BAG

Press Release for BOOKS ALIVE!

Jefferson, TX - Here is the following official program for the 5th Anniversary of BOOKS ALIVE, a Christian and Inspirational Book Festival, a fundraiser for her church, The First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, Texas for their mission and outreach programs. All ticket money and donations go to the church to support the ministries of First UMC and are tax deductible.

Friday - November 12th

 

7:00 p.m. - Join us for an intimate dinner with the authors. All authors will be introduced and the dinner is homemade by the good ladies of the church with the event in the church's Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $25 per person.

 

Saturday, November 13th

9:00 a.m. Pastor Allison Byerley will give our opening prayer. Kathy L. Patrick will the Moderator of the authors!.

9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Texas Poet Laureate, Karla K. Morton of "Redefining Beauty", Author Judy Christie of "Goodness Gracious Green" and the "Hurry Less, Worry More" series, and Author,Missy Buchanan of "Living With Purpose in a Worn Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults" and "Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms!

10:30 a.m Break to visit author autograph rooms and vendors.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Keynote Speakers, Sam Bracken and Echo Garrett of "My Orange Duffel Bag"!

 

Noon Luncheon

1:30 p.m - 2:45 p.m. Authors, Carla Stewart of "Chasing Lilacs", Mary Beth Whalen of "The Mailbox", and Lisa Wingate of "Beyond Summer"!

2:45 p.m. Break to attend author autograph rooms and vendors.

3:15 p.m. - 4: 30 p.m Authors, Gloria P. Jaggers of "Give me a Broom and To Let Me Sweep the Cobweb of My Mind" and Kathy L. Patrick of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life".

4:30 p.m. Closing Prayer by Pastor Allison Byerley and author autograph rooms and vendors will stay open until 5:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, November 14th

11:00 a.m. Join us for Sunday worship service with special author speakers and music.

All events held at The First United Methodist Church, 305 West Henderson in Jefferson, Texas. Friday and Saturday events in the Fellowship Hall, Sunday in the church!

Tickets are $50 for the weekend or $25 for Friday night, $25 for all day Saturday including lunch per person. Tickets for students are $10. Scholarships for the event are available, please contact the church and we welcome book clubs, church and youth groups. Those who pre-register and pre-pay for the event will receive a FREE BOOK!

Checks may be made payable to the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson and sent to:

First United Methodist Church

Attn: Books Alive Tickets

P.O. Box 457

Jefferson, Texas 75657

or email Pastor Allison Byerley at fumc@jeffersonfumc.com or call 903-665-3268 for more information.

All authors will have books available for purchase and other vendors will be attending. Come to historic Jefferson, Texas and support literacy and help a worthwhile cause while you are visiting our fair city!

Photo of Keynote Speakers and Authors, Sam Bracken and Echo Garrett of www.myorangeduffelbag.com.

Contact: Kathy L. Patrick

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

This is where I'll be this next weekend - I'm looking forward to a delightful time with authors who are inspiring others with their gifts of writing, speaking, and encouragement. There may still be a few tickets left if you're looking for a fun, uplifting weekend in historic Jefferson. It's worth the drive just to breathe in the ambiance of this hamlet in the Piney Woods of East Texas. I can't wait, and as always, I'm excited about meeting new readers and plan to come away with a bevy of new friends. Here's what I had to say on the Pulpwood Queens blog last week. I'm about the fourth post down. 

Join me tomorrow for my review of Alice Wisler's newest book, Hatteras Girl.

And the winners are . . .

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with me on my three year blogoversary and left such nice comments. I must admit, I let yesterday slip by without drawing for the winners as I'd told you I would. Today I remembered and have notified the winners. Ready?

Congrats to Carmen, Stina Rose, and CarolNWong! 

Hope that you enjoy the book and continue to be the faithful readers of my blog that you have been. Coming up, I'll be featuring more books I think you'll enjoy, interviews, and later this month a special addition to Carla's Writing Cafe. That's all I can tell you for now, but it's going to be wonderful! 

Many Blessings!  

A Blogoversary and A Giveaway

When I saw that another blogger on Twitter who also has a Cafe site was celebrating her blogoversary, I thought, "Hey, I've been doing this a couple of years. Maybe I should do that and have a party or something." I'm shocked! When I went back and checked, I found out that on September 12, 2007, I tapped out my first blog. So, I've been blogging for THREE years. Three! I could've sworn it was only two. Alas, here's what I wrote in that first post . . .

Today I'm releasing my first ever blog to orbit in cyberspace. Does the world need another blog? How many is too many? I've wrestled with this and a few million other questions for quite some time. What relevance can I offer? How can I enlighten writers, friends, family? And whatever made me think I should become a blogger?

The answer to that, of course, is the still, small voice upon which my life is anchored. The voice which whispered to me that I could become a writer. That urges me on when tough choices come my way. That comforts me when life throws me a curve. That takes my breath away when unexpected beauty crosses my path.

I am first a child of God. I'm also a wife, a mom, Mimi to a batch of extraordinary little people, daughter, sister, friend . . . and writer. So whether the world needs another blog or not, I can't honestly say. I only know that I am here. No fancy-schmancy stuff. Just a few laughs, sharing about books and writing. Always time for a good cup of coffee. I would be honored to have you along for the journey.

It's been a fun three years and I must say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The world still does not need another blog. I still wrestle with what to write. I'm still a child of God (praise be!) and wear the same hats I did back then. Coffee?? Well, those of you who know me, know that I think coffee is the nectar of the gods, and my days are richer because of this heavenly brew.

What has changed since that first post?

Our immediate family has grown by two - our first granddaughter who came a few weeks after the launch of this blog and a new daughter-in-law who is lovely, witty, and wonderful!

I'm still on a writing journey, only now I've been blessed with my first published book and a second one on the way. If starting a blog sprinkles magic dust on the publishing fairies and you are waiting to be published, then by all means, start a blog. Results are not guaranteed, but I do promise you will encounter some terrific people and have a few laughs.

I do think this calls for a celebration, don't you? September will also mark the third month that my book has been on bookstore shelves. So, in keeping with "three" how about I give away three copies of Chasing Lilacs???

To enter, please leave a comment (with your contact info please) and tell me how you learned of my blog and if you are a reader, a writer or any other interesting facts about yourself that you'd like for my readers to know. Even if you already have a copy (and THANK YOU to all who've bought one) you can enter and give it away if you win.

I'll be drawing for three winners on the last day of the month - the 30th!

Thank you all for being faithful readers!

Disclaimer: Void where prohibited. Your chances of winning dependent on the number of entries.

How did you come up with that?

This question and many others came from a dozen lovely ladies of the Welch Bookies Book Club a few days ago. For my first face-to-face book club, the initiation was pure bliss! We laughed, talked about our favorite characters, and had random discussions about pink sponge hair rollers, Ford Edsels, Gone With The Wind, and Happy, Texas. Sort of like stepping into a roomful of friends I didn't know I had and wishing I could unpack and stay awhile.

And that's not to mention the amazing hostess of the evening: Jeane Wynn. She selected my book for her "turn" and had the meeting at the Wynn-Wynn Media office. Tyson, the other half of Wynn-Wynn took off his work hat and donned his chef's apron to prepare a banquet of hors d'oeuvres. Yummmmm!

I have to tell you two of the "coincidences" of the evening. One was that Jeane borrowed a 1950s red and white enamel table for holding the beverages. What she didn't know was that I ate at a table exactly like that as a child (and have the table upstairs now - a remnant of my childhood). The other thing (and I think this might have been intentional on Jeane's part) was that one of the cakes was also exactly like the one I envisioned Irene Flanagan from Chasing Lilacs bringing to each and every occasion that required a cake. And it tasted as good as I envisioned, too!

Jeane presented me with Welch Community Cook Book

Thanks, Jeane and Tyson, for all the great food, decorations, and hospitality. Thank you, Welch Bookies, for one of the nicest evenings I've had all summer. You've set the bar high for my next book club appearance.

My new friend who won the gift basket! Congrats, Mary!

I'll be back with one of the recipes from the evening later in the week.

Q4U: Do you belong to a book club? I'd love for you to tell me about it!

On The Road

In about twelve hours I'm headed to the northeast part of Oklahoma for a book signing at the CHAPTERS BOOK STORE in Miami and then later spending the evening with a book club that has just read Chasing Lilacs. There's a lovely writeup on the WelchOK.com site. And if you're in the area, please come by and say hi! I'll be at Chapters from 3:30pm until 5:30 pm. Love to see you! 

And speaking of being on the road and book clubs . . . I just signed up for the Pulpwood Queen and Timber Guy Book Club's "Girlfriend Weekend" in Jefferson, TX which will be held on January 13 - 16, 2010.

Here's the scoop from the tiara-wearing, book-loving queen, Kathy Patrick . . .

Flamboyant comedian, actress, screenwriter, and author, FANNIE FLAGG, of "I Still Dream About You, Honey: A Novel" has just been confirmed by Random House Publishers to be one of our Keynote Speakers during Girlfriend Weekend 2011!

We have attained the TRIPLE CROWN! Announcing our Keynote Speakers for our 2011 book club hosted event, Fannie Flagg, Pat Conroy, and Rick Bragg! Woo! Hoo!

New York Time's Bestselling author, back by popular demand, Pat Conroy of "My Reading Life" has confirmed , also Random House Publishers, he will too be here with this incredible message below that he personally emailed me. Look out Pulpwood Queens, he's bringing with his entourage', his best friend, Bernie Schein! You have been warned!!!!!

ALL the information is right here including what's on the schedule when, the authors who've been invited to participate in two days of author panels, all the extra activities and WHAT TO WEAR to the ball on Saturday night.

I can't wait for this event!! A little secret: The price goes up on September 1, so you might want to hop over there now to get your name on the list. Of course, I'll be telling you more about this and the Books Alive! event in Jefferson in November (MUCH MORE about that later). And you can find info for that here.

Have I mentioned how much I love being with my readers and other authors?? This is a joy beyond anything I dreamed. Maybe I'll be on the road to your neck 'o the woods soon.

Life Is a Merry-Go-Round

My apologies, dear readers, here at the Cafe. I've been absent more than present lately. Truthfully, I've been caught in the thrill - and sometimes daunting merry-go-round - of marketing of Chasing Lilacs. After five book signings, including my first ever trip to the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, I was feeling a bit wiped out. I LOVE meeting readers and schmoozing with all my writing friends, but I was feeling like I needed a good dose of my "normal" life. So that's what I've been doing. We've had two of our grandsons for their annual stay with Mimi and Papa Max, celebrated our grand-twins' birthday, and am feeling recharged and ready to go. Oh, I also finished the copy edits for Broken Wings, my novel which comes out next summer, and am working on the proposal for what I hope will be my third novel (it's not sold yet - I have to present the idea with a few chapters - prayers would be appreciated).

I've received some of the nicest notes from many of you and more great reviews. You don't realize how much those mean to me - sometimes it's more than my heart can hold. I'm also getting back on the carousel this week and will be making my first "in-person" visit with a book club and traveling to the Northeast corner of the state to the Chapters Book Store in Miami, OK. I can hardly wait! And I love how one of my recent readers, the Redneck Diva, is spreading the word about that event. You can also read her review of Chasing Lilacs here. Her giveaway opportunity has passed, but just wanted to share her sweet take on my book.

So wherever you are, I hope you're having a "happening" summer, that you're able to spend some time with those you love, meet new friends, and recharge your batteries. Hmmm. Having written that, I realize that summer is OVER for many of you - school buses are starting to roll. Alarm clocks are buzzing. Gee, it doesn't seem possible.

Hope to see you all here more often. And if you're in the area, here's the info about my booksigning this week.

Chapters Book Store
Main Street, Miami, OK
Thursday, August 12 ~ 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Miami's a small town. If you find Main Street, then you can find Chapters! Looking forward to a grand time!

Until next time . . .

The Art of Appreciation

Today I received what I believe is my first fan letter (email) from a complete stranger. Yes, I've received many lovely notes from people I know - childhood friends, writing friends, friends of friends. Indeed, it is more than my heart can hold sometimes when I receive a sweet message, a surprise review, or a shout out on Twitter of FaceBook. Folks are generous with their praise. I've been blessed a thousand times over.

So what made the note today special? It came from a young mom who found Chasing Lilacs in her local library and she picked it up thinking she might have time to read a bit on vacation - something she has little time for as she has four very young children. She confessed when she wrote that she'd never written an author before and went on to say she loved the book and could not put it down. This touched me for a couple of reasons. She took the initiative to find out how to contact me AND she emailed me. This no doubt busy mom took time from her day to tell me she appreciated my book. She didn't have to, but she did.

I'm tickled to have a fan (oh, how I've dreamed of this day!), but I am also humbled. Feeling a little sheepish. How many times have I thought - I should send Aunt Gabby a card and tell her how much I enjoyed her pickled rhubarb? Or thought of sending a birthday card/anniversary card/gee-I-miss-you card to a friend I haven't seen in a while. You know what I'm talking about. A quick email that just says "hey, how are you?" A funny Hallmark greeting that would brighten someone's day or let them know you appreciated them for no reason other than because they exist. I don't do it nearly often enough.

I know why I don't. I'm rushed. Forgetful. And selfish.

I want to do better at the art of appreciation. Capture those good intentions and send them off before they have time to become only a memory of what I should've done. And I want to be worthy of having a fan who takes the time to say "thanks for the good read."

CHASING LILACS Book Launch and Party

I'd been planning the day for a year - the book launch of Chasing Lilacs. It was a day I wanted to share with the folks who've walked beside me since the beginning of my writing journey. And having it in the Texas Panhandle where the book is set was a perfect choice.

AND because of the era of the story, the party / launch / bash / signing was a salute to the fifties.

How many of these do you remember?
Bubble Up
Lemonhead Candy
Clove chewing gum
BlackJack gun
IBC Root Beer
Nehi soda pop (grape anyone?)
Chick-O-Stix
Bit 'O Honey
Double Bubble


You get the idea. Like any great party, the preparation was intense, but filled with anticipation. I was fortunate to have an amazing team of people who worked behind the scenes filling various roles. Here's a brief run-down:

Max - hubby extraordinaire who listened tirelessly to my musings about the launch and did more than his share of work.

The two Gaylas - one who ran the bookstore and headed up the "food" committee, the other who did a superb job with publicity and getting the word out.

Pastor Mike and Betty who graciously allowed me to have the launch at the Community Worship Center.

Andy, Drake, and Nash who took on various roles from set-up to clean-up to serving up ice-cold root beer to helping guests sign up for the door prizes.

Allison who lent her creative hand in making the gift baskets.





Writing is a lonely life, but having a book launch takes an army, and I'm blessed to have had the best soldiers in the hemisphere for launching Chasing Lilacs. Thanks guys for all you did.

And thank you, friends, relatives, and book lovers who shared this day with me. A special thanks to Donna, who had a pastel drawing created by an artist in Denver to commemorate my first book. It's beautiful and dear to me.














By the way, in terms of success, we think around 75 or 80 people came to the launch, and Gayla sold 98 books through the bookstore, but the success to me was sharing time with precious friends who sat at the tables, laughing and reminiscing. That was worth celebrating!

Thank you, readers, for bearing with me. I know I'm lagging behind in bringing you pictures of the events I've attended in the past month. Up next will be my trip to St. Louis to the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS).

Until then, why not dish up a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pour some root beer over it, and take a trip back to the good old days. I know you want to.

Chasing Lilacs featured this week

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to let you know that Chasing Lilacs is being offered in a giveaway at my friend, Margaret Daley's, blog this week. Read about it and enter here.

Also, the folks at Novel Journey are hosting me today and asked some great questions. Find out which childhood book first made an impression on me, get the scoop on my journey to publication, and more. For those of you who don't know, Novel Journey has twice been named One of Writer's Digest 101 most valuable websites for writers. It's a great place to learn about some of today's best writers and their advice to other writers. Please stop in and say hi.

In the meantime, I'm perfecting my game on the Wii with Grandson # 1 who is visiting this week. Fun times.

What to do on a Saturday morn . . .

If by chance you're lolling around this morning, nursing another cup of coffee, and deliberating whether you really want to venture out into another hot day, I have an alternative. I've been on the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance this week. Wow! Some of the reviews have blown me away. I'm grateful and tickled pink with the kind words of affirmation and the honesty that some of these book reviewers have penned. One sweet soul, who writes in the suspense genre, passed Chasing Lilacs to his mom to read. Hey, I love that! Anyway, if you're still undecided with what to do for the next thirty minutes, you might check out the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and the links to reviews of my book. Scroll through the information and the boxes of gobbledy-code to the reviewer's list. The links should take you to the blogs. Some interesting stuff there besides my book.

If that is too much work, one click will take you over the the uber-cool Susan Meissner's blog Edgewise where she has interviewed me. Some intriguing questions from one of my all-time favorite authors. Thanks, Sooz!

Or if you feel like you'd like to just get away, you might click over to The Koala Bear Writer's blog, which hails from Canada. She's a writer, a mom, and an all-around wonderful person who I know only through the cybersphere, but I think you'll enjoy what she has to say.

Or you could just have another cuppa and grab the funny papers. The choice is yours.

My First Book Signing

I thought I would lump my two signing/launch events together, but then I decided that my first book signing should have its own post. What a fun evening. My publisher set up the signing with the Mardel Christian Book store in Tulsa and provided beautiful posters and flyers announcing the event. And the host store was so accommodating, I kept looking behind me to see if Francine Rivers or Ted Dekker had just walked in and they had me confused with a bona fide author. Okay, I'm bona fide. I've got my name on the cover to prove it, but it's all a bit surreal to me. The evening was a huge success, and I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

Chet and Leslie

Tulsa Night Writer Friends

Max, James, and Allison

My cousin, Val

Store display (check out the great poster at the top)

Myra and Cindy, my writing pals

Pam Sherrer - She knew I needed a hug!

Leanor, my friend for life

Great evening with just the right balance of friends, family, and a few customers. A special thanks to the two Gayla's (you know who you are) who sent the beautiful bouquet for my first book signing.

I'll share some of the highlights of the book launch in Texas next time. Happy reading!

CAFE SPECIAL OF THE WEEK - Coconut Cake

In times of bereavement, bringing food is a ritual meant to comfort the family and create a bond within the community - a sacred bond. In Romans, Chapter 12, Paul talks about life within God's family: love, devotion, honor, joy, patience, faithfulness, and in verse 15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." When a death occurs, we offer the best of ourselves to those who mourn. A hug. A few tears. And quite often - the gift of food. Our best dish. One crafted with care with our own hands. It not only says I'm sorry for your loss, but also says - I offer my best to you.

In Chasing Lilacs, Irene Flanagan is one who gives her best. She's the church pianist and the maker and giver of Coconut Cakes. She has no lines of dialogue in the story, but she is johnny-on-the-spot with a coconut cake every time a need arises.

I thought you might like to have her recipe. Someone you know may need the comfort of your friendship . . . and a cake.

COCONUT CAKE

2 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. margarine
1/2 cup Crisco
5 eggs, separated
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 3/4 cups coconut

Icing:
1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese
1 Tbsp. margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1 box powdered sugar

Cake: Cream sugar, margarine and shortening until creamy. Add egg yolks and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add flour and buttermilk alternately. Stir in coconut. Beat egg whites until stiff (in separate bowl). Fold into batter. Using 3 9-inch cake pans (greased and floured), bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool ten minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely before icing cake.

Icing: Cream together cream cheese, margarine and vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Assemble cake with small amount icing between layers, then ice tops and sides of cake. Sprinkle additional coconut on top of cake.

Refrigerate cake until serving time.

I must confess that I don't always give my "best" when taking food to a family who has lost a loved one. Often in a rush, I dash to the store and pluck one from the bakery case. Of course it's okay. It's fine and I have made the effort . . . and yet, somehow it doesn't convey the message that says, "I made this just for you."

It's true. Irene never utters a word in Chasing Lilacs, but we know she's the kind of lady who gives freely and abundantly of herself. A person I'd like to be. A person I think Paul had in mind when he wrote the twelfth chapter of Romans.

A giver of cakes. And a giver of her time.

Giveaways and A First Time Experience For Me

Counting down to release date of Chasing Lilacs. SIX days. Long enough for a quick trip to Europe. Or for beans to sprout in the garden. Or for a hatchling robin to sprout half its feathers. And all of these things are infinitely more impressive that the release of my book. That's what I keep telling myself. I'm not counting the days. . . really I'm not. And besides, I've been too busy to do much counting.

First off, there's been a happy flurry of blog posts popping up this week. Interviews. Book blurbs. Stuff about me. AND GIVEAWAYS. It's not too late to enter the drawings to win a copy of Chasing Lilacs.

Here's a quick rundown of the blog posts from this week:

Elizabeth Ludwig's THE BORROWED BOOK: An interview and Book Drawing.

Janalyn Voigt's MEET AND GREET MONDAY at BOOK READERS CENTRAL

Guest Post on Creating Characters on THE SEEKERS: With Book Giveaway

Cathy Bryant's WORD VESSEL: Book Giveaway

Heidi Main's Blog: Fun Interview.

Lena Nelson Dooley's A CHRISTIAN WRITER'S WORLD: Interview and Giveaway

I'm in awe of each of these lovely bloggers creativity and devotion to promoting Christian fiction. They asked some tough questions, too. Things like: How do you respond to criticism? Who are you favorite authors? What is the quirkiest thing you've ever done? I hope you'll stop by and say hi at some of these beautiful blogs.

Yesterday was a first for me and hence the picture at the top of this post. I had my first live radio interview!! Jill Hart and Diana Ennen at CHRISTIAN WORK AT HOME MOMS, INC. interviewed me about Chasing Lilacs and my writing journey. They were fun and lively. Sweet, gracious ladies. I was . . . well . . . nervous. But I made it through and had a great time. One of the hints I'd been given was to smile when I was talking, the rationale being that even though I wouldn't be seen, the smile comes through in the conversation. I hope it did. The link is not up yet for you to listen, but when it is, I will add it to my sidebar.

All in all, a great week! Now, if I can just hold it together for six more days, I'll be home free - Ha!

Have a great weekend. Hope it includes something fun and relaxing.

CAFE SPECIAL OF THE WEEK - Silver Dollar Pancakes

Does your family ever have breakfast for supper? We sometimes did when I was growing up and our kids loved it when they were at home. And sometimes Max and I still do. There's something comforting about sitting around the table, eating simple country food, enjoying every syrupy bite of homemade pancakes or a crisp slice of bacon.

As I mentioned last week, I'm featuring recipes of the "down home" food from Chasing Lilacs. In the era of the fifties, there wasn't a lot of eating out, no fast food, no microwaves, and as a rule, families sat down and ate together . . . even a meal as simple as breakfast for supper. Silver dollar pancakes were one of my dad's specialties so it wasn't much of a leap to have Joe Tucker, Sammie's dad, whipping up the pancake batter on the first night Sammie's mom is home from her stay in the mental hospital. It's a simple scene, one that shows that even in families where problems occur, there are things you can count on. Like a meal shared with family.

SILVER DOLLAR PANCAKES

1 cup flour
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 - 2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Mix all ingredients thoroughly with wire whip. For thicker pancakes, add a bit more flour. If thinner ones desired, thin with milk. Heat heavy griddle (I use an electric skillet) to moderately high temp. Oil surface of griddle. Drop batter by teaspoons onto hot griddle. Turn when bubbles appear on top. Makes 30 or more silver dollar pancakes. Serve with butter and warm syrup.

Kids loves these tiny morsels of fun. Why not make a memory with your own kiddos? Or your grandpeeps. Chances are the big people in your family will want to join in too.

Q4U: Do you ever have breakfast for supper? What is your favorite food or menu when you do?

HAPPY FRIDAY and a few more links of note

We're headed into what looks like is going to be the hottest weekend of the year so far. Sunshine is definitely better than tornadoes! And things are heating up in the pre-release days of Chasing Lilacs. Please don't think I'm pushing, pushing, pushing you to run out and buy my book. It might not be your cuppa at all. I surely understand that and get annoyed when people twist my arm to buy something I don't want. If that's you, I'm giving you permission to skip on over and play on YouTube or hang out on FaceBook with people who are infintely more interesting.

Here's the thing: Some really gracious people have invited me to be on their blogs, have interviewed me, reviewed Chasing Lilacs, or are offering giveaways of the book. I am honored to be part of a writing community that is so supportive. AND I want to introduce these writers and folks to you. By sharing where I am in the blogosphere, I am promoting their work as well. I love talking about other people's books and reading about their lives. I hope that you do too.

Here are the places where I've been the last couple of days:

My friend, the lovely Ane Mulligan, is one of the most encouraging people to writers I have ever known. She wrote this review on Novel Reviews (scroll down a bit to find the review).

Rel Mollet from Australia, who I introduced you to a couple of days ago, has a very fun feature on her site called CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT where authors tell what famous people most resemble the characters in their novels. I had so much fun with this. If you're curious, check out Relz Reviews. This link should get you there.

Last year when my publisher requested an author photo, I went to the phone book and checked out local photographers. One sort of jumped off the pages at me - Yellow Chair Photography. I loved the name and the work Sarah Adams had on her site so I gave her a call. I love this girl! And now, she has a blog for women in Tulsa that is just adorable and full of fun, chatty things and great giveaways. Today she's offering an autographed copy of Chasing Lilacs. You can find it here on Dandelion Lane where she tells how she chose the name of her blog. You might be surprised. I was!

I never knew one of the benefits of writing would be meeting so many interesting people. I hope you enjoy getting to know them too!