Old Friends and New: Book Signings Part Two

I went through all twelve grades with Angie

Last weekend, I returned to another of the "home fires" - the town where my parents grew up and where my sister and dad still live. Although the times I've actually lived there have been short, it's where I come home to - where many of my relatives lived and died. But it's more than being related to people - there's a kinship with the folks in the Panhandle that transcends blood ties. It's knowing someone who is related to an old classmate or someone who knew your mom when she worked at the bank or someone who's heard about my book down at the Baptist church. It's small town friendliness where you're not really strangers, but friends who just haven't met yet.

When I learned I would be attending my grandson's concert a couple counties over on Dec. 5, I called Virginia, a friend who had been asking me to come to Guymon for a book signing. And what a day she and a half dozen others put together! On Saturday morning, The Word Weavers, a small, but dedicated writing group, hosted a reception at Main Street Guymon (the tourism/public relations office).

The Word Weavers prepared the brunch and organized everything. Thank You!

Signing Books at the doctor's desk

A little side note here: The Main Street Office is housed in a restored building that was for many years the office of Dr. Hays. The ladies had me set at the doctor's roll-top desk to set up my display and sign books. It made me feel rather scholarly . . . and quite honored, to be sure.

We had a wonderful turnout! The Word Weaver's served brunch, asked me to do a reading (a first for me), and before I knew it, it was time to scoot over to the Guymon Public Library for the next event - a punch and cookies reception and signing hosted by the Friends of the Library.

Friends of the Library had punch & cookies at Guymon Library

Mary Gail on left, my sister Marsha on right

My dad, my sister Marsha, many of Marsha's friends, a high school classmate, a couple of sisters of high school classmates, and a host of lovely people stopped by at both locations. It was a wonderful day. And like the title of this posts - old friends and new - I'm blessed to have both. And I learned that, yes, you can go home again.
Many thanks to Virginia and Pam and the Word Weavers for your hard work, for the amazing job you did on the publicity. A special thanks to Melyn Johnson for wanting to have the reception at Main Street Guymon and to Sherry Lindley and the Friends of the Library for making me feel welcome. The only sad note of the day was that Virginia, who had worked so hard, came down with a stomach bug a couple of days before the events and was unable to come. I was so sorry she had to miss and am grateful that she is now feeling much better.

I will post more pictures in an album on FaceBook in a day or so and will update you with the link when I do so. In the meantime, I have many warm memories for this chilly December. Perfect weather for curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Which I plan to do as soon as I finish my Christmas shopping.

Until next time . . . .

Old Friends and New: Book Signings Part One

I've wanted to write this post for a long time and talk about book signings. I've had a flurry of recent ones, and these have been quite personal since they've taken me back to the "home fires" parts of the country. Chasing Lilacs is set in the Texas Panhandle. I grew up there. My roots go deep there. It's not just the landscape that holds my heart, but the people I've known through the years.

Natalie Bright coordinated the Canyon Library event.

When I found out that my former writing group in Amarillo - Panhandle Professional Writers - would be part of a group signing at the Canyon Public Library, I signed up. It was a trip that was long overdue, and I had a wonderful time reconnecting with the writers who first influenced my writing.

The best part of the trip, though, was seeing old friends. Not "old" as in years, although we're not getting any younger, but "old" as in a part of the fabric of my life.

I've known Janet since I was two years old. We grew up in the camp which became the setting for Chasing Lilacs. Her dad owned the Edsel which I remember being the "ultimate" car with it's push button controls. And it was Janet who I sat with for hours in that Edsel listening to KIXZ on the radio. Janet was a year older than me, and when your four or seven or even twelve, that year makes all the difference. I looked up to Janet and secretly wanted to be like her - I always thought she was prettier, skinnier, and certainly more savvy about our pre-teen world. I was honored that she would run around with me.

When I was in the eighth grade and Janet in the ninth, she moved away when her dad was transferred. Although the town was only 50 miles or so away, I never saw Janet again. Ever. I heard through the grapevine that she married, had a child, moved to Kansas. But I was in my own world of husband, kids, living in Dallas, and we just lost all contact.

With Janet at her home

Until about a year ago. Through a complicated series of emails with another friend who grew up with us, I found out Janet lived in Amarillo. Seeing her again was glorious! We went out to eat with our husbands the evening before the book signing on Saturday, went back to their home for coffee and endless conversation. It's hard to squeeze a lifetime into a few hours, but we tried. She loved that I had included the Edsel in the book (thankfully!). And I loved that, at long last, we had found each other again.

Book Signing Hint: Share it with friends!

I know this doesn't have a lot to do with booksignings, but in a way, it does. Janet came to Barnes and Noble the next afternoon and sat with me. A former classmate - Maelynn - joined us. Maelynn and I have seen each other occasionally through the years at reunions, and she was always the "wise and sensible" one in high school. Sweet. Considerate. And, as you can tell from this picture, still stunningly beautiful.

Going to a booksigning can be an unpredictable experience. Sharing it with two fabulous friends makes it a party! Another family that I hadn't seen in years stopped by my table in B&N to chat. Another great surprise. It was a remarkable day of laughter, friendship, and connecting. I signed a few books, but for me the success of the day came in connecting.

Part Two of Old Friends and New will go up on Monday. Until then . . . grab a cuppa and call up an old friend. Write a note. Say a prayer.

Chasing a Dream

 I'm guest blogging on the FaithWords blog today about my writing dreams. Here's a snippet.

As a young girl in Texas, I didn’t think of my life as being anything but ordinary. My dad worked in a petroleum plant. My mom sold Avon so she could save up for a piano and pay for lessons for my two younger sisters and me. And more often than not, she spent any extra money on new dresses for us girls while she wore last year’s style. . . . read more here.

Who knew that someday my dream of writing a book would be realized? This weekend I'll be returning to my home stomping grounds for a brunch reception and then a book signing at the Guymon Public Library. I'm proud of the area where I grew up amid the most nurturing, encouraging people on earth, and I hope I've made them proud as well. I'll let you know how it goes. 

What is special about the place you grew up?  

Top Ten Reasons I Love the ACFW Conference

This is the week I anticipate all year - the annual American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. This year it's in Indianapolis, so soon I will be In-di-an-a Bound! What's so special about this conference? I'm glad you asked. Here are ten things I love about it, and I'm sure if I tried I could think of ten more, but with bags to pack and materials to gather, this is what I've come up with.

1. Seeing different cities: Usually it's held somewhere in the middle of America, and so far I've been fortunate to attend ACFW in Dallas, Minneapolis, Denver, and now Indianapolis. The two ending with  "polis" are cities I've never been to - states I've never seen.

2. The buzz in the air when you first step into the lobby of the hotel. It's readily apparent that ACFW has taken over and not a year has gone by that I didn't recognize a noted author or a dear friend. Which leads to the next item on the list . . .

3. Hugs. Whoops of joy at seeing friends from previous years. I often only see these friends once a year and it's sweet bliss to be together again. Hugs. Smiles. Friends.

4. Classes. Continuing sessions. Late night chats. There is no comparison to the variety and quality of the workshops that are offered. Something for every level of writer. For every genre. I've yet to attend a conference without coming away with my head spinning from all the new knowledge and ideas that I want to bring to my writing. This year I'm looking forward to James Scott Bell's early bird session, the multi-session teaching of Dr. Dennis Hensley of Taylor University, the keynote speeches of Tim Downs, and numerous workshops on craft and the business of writing.

5. Worship. One of the unique things about this conference is that each day begins with a devotion and time of worship. This year 600 will gather to lift their voices and prayers to heaven. And it feels a bit like heaven to be in the midst of the 600.

6. Prayer. A prayer room is open at all times for private prayer or to have someone pray with you. Prayer happens spontaneously, too - in the hallways waiting for appointments, in the restroom where you find someone crying, around the meal tables when a seat mate says, "Say a prayer for me, okay?" I love this part of the conference. I've had people pray with me and for me as I have done for others. What a privilege.

7. Pitching and networking opportunities. Often this part of the conference is the most stress-inducing - talking to an editor or an agent about your book or your ideas. Fortunately, the editors and agents are human and very gracious. I've met with several in the past, and while they may or may not have requested my work, they are now acquaintances who I trust and am always happy to see. A conference is by far the best place to start networking with the folks who hold your writing future in their hands.

8. Coffee. My life is not complete without coffee, and thankfully, most conferences I've been to have great coffee. And there's nothing like sitting with a friend, sipping a cuppa, and sharing your heart.
 
9. Socializing. Yes, there's still time for that. One evening is left open for people to get together on their own. Pizza parties. Publishers get-togethers. There's a chocolate party that's always a hit. And there's always a lively group in the lobby after hours.

10. Awards banquet. It's not a conference if people aren't recognized for their hard work. And ACFW does it up grand with a lovely dinner and an Oscar-worthy list of finalists. Lots of glitz and glam, winners, shoulda-been winners, and the lovely MC of the evening, Brandilyn Collins. I'll be cheering for many friends and colleagues this year.

So there you have it - the top ten reasons I love the ACFW conference. I'll be putting the blog on automatic posting for the next few days with lists of the finalists in the various categories. And, of course, I'll be back next week with pictures!

Oops! Almost forgot. Number 11. This is the first year I'll have a book to sign - can't wait for that! Also, I have a small gift for the first five people who come to my table to get my autograph. Saturday from 3:00 to 3:30.

See you next week!

CAFE SPECIAL: Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Fall is in the air - along with cooler temps, a bit of rain . . . and Football! My friend Martha Grunau shared this recipe - says it's delicious. She was making it for their OU Tailgate party last weekend. Works for me! Whether you have it for a tailgate or just watching your favorite team on the TV at home, this is sure to please the sweet lovers in your family.

Thanks, Martha! Go Sooners!

PEANUT BUTTER SHEET CAKE

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 stick butter

1/2 cup oil

1 cup water

Boil above ingredients together just until bubbly. Remove from heat.

Add:

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well and pour into 9 x 13 cookie sheet pan with sides. Batter will be very thin. Bake at 375 for 20 - 25 minutes. Cool slightly, then top with icing.

ICING:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 stick butter

1/3 cup milk

Bring above ingredients to a boil. Remove from heat and add:

1 box confectioners' (powdered sugar)

1 tsp. vanilla

Beat until smooth, then spread over slightly cooled cake. 

Sounds delish! Any other tailgaters out there? How do you celebrate game day? 

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!

IMMANUEL . . . God With Us

BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU - friends, loved ones, and faithful blog readers. May you receive all the best from God above and join in celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CAFE SPECIAL OF THE WEEK - Sugar Cookies for Christmas

It's not to late to get in some Christmas baking! My good friend and awesome writer - Camille Eide - took time from her hectic schedule to whip up a batch of these for her family and allowed me to share her sugar cookie recipe. They sound delicious and may be just the thing you've been looking for to share with your neighbors or family.

CAMILLE'S SUPER SIMPLE VERY VANILLA SUGAR COOKIES
(soft & chewy!)

400 degree oven.

1 cup butter
2 Tb shortening
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 cups flour
1 box Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake mix
½ tsp salt
1 tsp soda

Optional: Sugar sprinkles, turbinado sugar crystals, frosting, etc

Mix butter, shortening, and sugar till fluffy. Add eggs and blend well. Blend in flour, salt, soda, and cake mix. Shape into 1 ½ inch balls on a cookie sheet (flatten slightly) and bake at 400 for about 7 minutes till very lightly golden. May look slightly underdone, that’s good. Cool a minute or two on cookie sheet to finish cooking before removing to cooling rack. Leave plain or frost and sprinkle for holidays! Or dip dough balls in colored sugar or big sugar crystals before baking.

Thanks so much, Camille, for sharing this with my readers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SAY WHAT? Historical Tidbits on Language and Tradition

My thanks to my good friend, Debbie, who sends me all kinds of mesmerizing, worthwhile emails. This one's a keeper. Ever wonder where some of our unusual phrases and traditions came from? Take a step back to 1500 and read on . . .

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were starting to smell . .. . Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.


Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the 
Babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"


Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip an d fall off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."


There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.



The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) o n floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold.

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.



Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.



Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.



Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.


England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer...

There now, don't you feel smarter??

TEN WAYS TO CONNECT AT THE 2009 ACFW CONFERENCE

Whether this is your first conference or your twentieth, you have before you an opportunity to connect with people you’ve never known before or renew acquaintances with familiar faces and old friends. It’s all good. None of my ACFW conferences have been the same, but the one thing they’ve all had in common is meeting fascinating, dear people you’ll want to stay in touch with for life.

1. Beginnings. It all begins the moment you walk into the hotel lobby. Chances are there will be other attendees milling about trying to get their bearings. Almost at once you will begin connecting faces with names you’ve heard on the loop or via blogs. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or strike up a conversation. Some starter questions for you: “I’ve read your books and love your writing.” “Are you with ACFW? What do you write?” “Where’s the registration table?” Chances are you will see these “first” faces many times over the next few days and will welcome a friendly smile. Once introduced, call people by name—it will make you both feel connected.

2. Meals. Several of the meal tables are hosted by agents and editors. If possible, find one that’s on your list of “dream agents” or an editor from a publishing house that you’re interested in. Generally you’ll get a chance to tell a little about yourself and meet other people with similar tastes. This is a good time to share biz cards with those at your table and do some important networking.

3. Appointments. Whether you’re having a paid critique or meeting with editors and agents, this is a great opportunity to present yourself as professional, willing to listen to what an expert says, and perhaps make a connection that will further your career in ways you never anticipated. These are probably the most fear-inducing encounters you will have. You can reduce the I’m-afraid-I-will-swallow-my-tongue jitters by being well-prepared with your pitch, praying before your appointment or asking a friend to pray with you. Then, just do it. Same rules apply as above: Ask questions. Call the author/editor/agent by name. Smile. Thank them for their time. The first time may be the hardest, but even veteran writers stutter and get sweaty palms.

4. Major tracks and workshops. The primary reason for these is, of course, to learn more about writing, but don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with those around you. If you’ve attended the same session, it’s likely you have a lot in common. Ask questions of the speakers. The old adage, “There are no stupid questions,” applies here. Others may have wondered the same thing.

5. Prayer room. This may be the single most important connection you make—the one with God. He will hear your cries of frustration, rejoice with you when good news comes, and calm your spirit. There are volunteers in the prayer room available to pray with you, but you may also choose to be alone for a quiet time of reflection.

6. Spontaneous prayer encounters. You don’t have to go to the prayer room to connect with the throne of grace. I’ve had several opportunities to pray with people while waiting for appointments, at mealtimes, during casual encounters. Praying with another person forges connections in meaningful ways that mere chit-chat doesn’t.

7. Volunteer. There are many opportunities to connect through giving a bit of your time. It can be as simple as collecting meal tickets at the door or working at the registration desk or something that requires more time: the bookstore, helping at the appointment desk, being a workshop introducer. There are many possibilities. If you’ve not signed up to volunteer this year, pay attention to what others are doing and promise yourself that next year you’ll do one or more of the jobs. The rewards are endless. Giving back is an excellent way to connect with conferees, speakers, and authors. You’ll be glad you offered.

8. Keep your antennae up. One of my favorite parts of a conference is being aware of people around me—the writer who looks lost or is sitting alone at a table. Smile. Ask if you can join him/her. Strike up a conversation: “You look nice in that sweater.” “What sessions are you attending this afternoon?” “Wow! You’re from Idaho. I’ve always wanted to visit your state.” You may have reached out to someone who is lonely or afraid, perhaps frustrated and who knows? You may have found a new BFF.

9. Reconnecting. One of the joys of ACFW conferences is meeting people again. And again. And again. Catch up on what’s going on in your lives—recent contracts, getting an agent, frustrations, new babies, yada, yada. I love this part of the conference. Lobbies, restaurants, even the bar (which was also the snack area in Minneapolis) are great for more casual conversations, whether pre-conference, during break times, or late-late at night. Old and new friends and faculty alike mingle for fun connections.

10. Divine Appointments. These are snippets that happen without planning or intention. There’s no way to prepare for these special encounters that may change your life or be just the boost you needed to make this your most meaningful conference to date. You might have a sudden Eureka moment about a writing concept you’ve been wrestling with. Or receive a word of encouragement at the perfect time. Be open. Expect to be surprised. And awed.

BONUS: Taking stock after the conference.
It’s always a bittersweet moment when the last strains of the conference waft through the air. I like to keep a list of new friends I’ve met and hopefully have exchanged business cards with. When I get home, I send a quick email to let them know I enjoyed our time together.

IMPORTANT: If you’ve met with an editor, agent, or special author either around the table or during an appointment, send them a thank you note. If you didn’t get an address, an email is okay, but nothing says “I appreciate you” like a handwritten note. The sooner you do this, the better so that person will be more likely to remember you.
Take some time when you get home to organize your notes, update your address book, and bask in the afterglow of the conference. Send your requested proposals or follow-up thank-yous. Kick off your shoes and begin dreaming about next year’s conference.

From June 15 until August 15, ACFW members are blogging about different aspects of the conference. You may follow the bloggers from the links below or go to the ACFW Conference Blog. This information may be just what you needed to prepare for your most successful conference ever.

June 15: Christa Allan: Evolving Conference Experiences

June 15: Ane Mulligan: A Few of My Favorite Things...

June 17: Margaret Daley: Enhancing Your Conference Experience Through Volunteering

June 18: Trish Perry: ACFW Conference Friendships at all stages of writing careers

June 21: Megan DiMaria: Finding restaurants at conference (visit often for multiple postings beginning June 21. Megan will be posting weekly so check back often for her eye on the best eateries and how to save money eating out as well as how to impress your business associates with excellent food.)

June 22: Michelle Shocklee: Help! I'm Shy! How to overcome a shy
personality at conference.

June 23: Dana Mentink: Navigating the conference waters

June 24: Tiffany Amber Stockton: Pitching with Success

June 27: Sharon Lavy: Prayer Room or here

June 30: Kathleen Fuller: Amish fiction, historical romance tracks

July 1st: Deborah Vogts: What You Can Expect at Conference.

July 2nd: Megan DiMaria: Dining Options in the Park Meadows Mall (Colorado's only retail resort!) Food Court (AKA Dining Hall)

July 3rd: Mindy Obenhaus: Conference Prep-Part 1

July 2-10: Amish Hearts: Group blog with various conference posts

July 5: Jeannie Campbell: Why I chose the ACFW conference: A newbie’s perspective

July 7th: Annette Irby: What It's All About

July 8th: Carla Stewart: Ten Ways to Connect at Conference

July 10th: Mindy Obenhaus: Conference Prep-Part 2

July 12-19 : Linda Kozar and the Internal MonoBlog- Group blog with various conference posts. (Each blogger will post at least once. One a day until the group blog has all had the opportunity to post.)

July 17th: Mindy Obenhaus: Conference Prep-Part 3

July 19: Tiffany Colter 1: Long-term return on investing in a writer’s conference (multiple posts)

July 22: Tiffany Colter 2: Investing in your professional development (multiple posts)

July 25-31: Writer’s Rest Group Blog: Trusting God to use conference (multiple posts, each blogger please post at least once. One a day until your group blog has all had the opportunity.)

July 28: Jennifer AlLee: The Value of Face-to-Face Networking in a Twitter & Facebook World

July 31: Angie Breidenbach: Confidence at Conference

Aug. 2: Deb Raney: "What if I Can't Come to the Conference?"

Aug. 3: Lena Nelson Dooley 1: Uplifting worship

Aug. 3-9: Writing By Faith Group blog: 6 authors, 1 great God.
Aug. 3rd is Belinda Peterson: Relax-You CAN Enjoy Those Editor and Agent Appointments
Aug. 4th is Mindy Obenhaus: "Making the Most of Your Conference Experience."
Aug. 5th is Angie Breidenbach: Professionalism 101
Aug. 6th is Missy Tippens: Introverts Can Act Extroverted--and no one needs to know.
Aug. 8th is Jennifer Hudson-Taylor: TBD
Aug. 9th is Christy LaShae-Smith: Don’t Waste Your Pre-Conference Time

Aug. 6: Cynthia Ructhi: "Novel Ideas--Connecting at the Table" (How to make the most of mealtime connections)

Aug. 7: Lena Nelson Dooley 2: Connecting with publishers

Aug 9: Ane Mulligan: A Few of My Favorite Things...

Aug 12: Jill Elizabeth Nelson: TBD

Aug. 13: Cynthia Ruchti: Dealing with Disappointment-What else might God have in mind?

Aug. 14: Maureen Lang: "After The Conference. What now?"

Aug 15: Cara Putman: First Timers and Calm Nerves

LOVELY WORDS

My good friend, Camille, wrote a lovely post on her blog today. It made me smile.

Myra Johnson, Moi and Camille Eide stirring up trouble at Mt. Hermon last year.

Guest Blogging Today at On The Write Path

Erica Vetsch has been on of my faithful cheerleaders on this writing journey. We were finalists together in the 2007 Genesis contest. How fortunate I am to have become good friends with her.

She has me on her blog today if you'd like to read more about my writing journey.

PRESERVING FAMILY LEGENDS

We all have family stories and legends that have been passed down. Will your children or grandchildren know what they are? My dear friend and fellow writer, M. Carolyn Steele, has penned the ultimate guide to teach the novice or veteran writer how to preserve those stories for future generations. Not just recording the facts, but taking an event or memory and applying fiction techniques to bring the story to life. She gives invaluable lessons on how and where to research to give authenticity to your stories.

From the publisher:

For those who yearn to put meat on the bones of long-ago ancestors and make them live again to tell their stories, M. Carolyn Steele's helpful book, Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations, will lead genealogists from the beginning steps of crafting a story through the final step of publishing it for family enjoyment.

Carolyn is also an award winning historical novelist whose passion is the Civil War era and Indian lore. Whether she's writing about her Alaskan ancestors or the Indian removal of the early 1800s, Carolyn makes the characters and scenes dance with life. She's a frequent speaker for genealogical and historical societies and teaches classes on Preserving Family Legends. To contact her to speak to your group or for more information, please visit her website. She also tells a fascinating story about how she became a writer.

Preserving Family Legends for Future Generations would make a great gift for the genealogist or story teller in your family or you might like one for yourself to jumpstart your own creative bent for crafting your family's legends. You can order the book here or here.

A blogging friend asked me some questions

Today, I'm answering questions about being a writer on The Koala Bear Writer blog. This delightful blogger lives in Canada and whether you read my comments over there or not, you will certainly enjoy her thought-provoking posts and musings about her daily life.

Conference and Book Signing Pics

The pictures tell more than I ever could about the conference. I hope you catch the excitement!

The gals from "Seekerville"

(front) Cheryl Wyatt, Myra Johnson, Julie Lessman, & Janet Dean

(back) Debbie Guisti, Margaret Daley (who infiltrated the group), Mary Connealy, & Camy Tang

The Three Musketeers - My online buddies

Erica Vetsch, Kaye Dacus, & Georgiana Daniels

Author Panel at the Mall of America Booksigning
Angela Hunt (Conference Keynote Speaker), Karen Ball, James Scott Bell, and Brandilyn Collins

My friend and author, Michelle Sutton

Mike Ehert (Editor of Afictionado) and fab author, Susan Meissner

Myra and Rhonda Gibson at booksigning

I am so proud! Here is Denice at the booksigning. The cows and pencils were a big hit.

Sarah Anne Sumpolec is on the right.

Me with Cara Putnam, who should be named Wonder Woman. She organized the 120 person booksigning, had a baby four months ago, and had two books published last year. She is amazing and so much fun!

Authors Tosca Lee and John Olson

John also taught the Advanced Fiction Writing class. Wow!

Vickie McDonough and Myra Johnson at booksigning

The fantastic Mary Connealy (Book of the Year Winner) with me

My two favorite Susans - Great authors and fun friends

Susan Meissner and Susan Page Davis at the awards banquet

Me with my agent, Sandra Bishop. She's smart and funny and loves coffee. Who knew?

Chip MacGregor who looks fine in a kilt and is one of the nicest guys around.

Fellow WIN members, Therese Stenzel and Gina Conroy at the banquet

WIN friends at the banquet - Myra Johnson, Vickie McDonough, & Therese Stenzel

Denice, Me, Margaret Daley, and Myra at the banquet

Cindy & Steven Hunt, Matt Jones, and Kenny at the awards banquet

Myra, Denice, and I on our best behavior.

Home from the conference

It's hard to believe the 2008 ACFW conference has come and gone. It was all I hoped for, and most of the things that I fretted about, simply turned out to be pre-conference jitters and negative self-talk, which writers are very good at it.

I'll be writing more later about my reflections of the conference, but for now, I want to congratulate my friend, Erica Vetsch, for receiving her first contract at the conference - in front of 500 people at that. She also placed in two Genesis categories:

FIRST in the "lit" category and THIRD in historical romance.

My Genesis category was the last item of the last award of the evening . . . you know, the one where people have started looking at their watches and hiding yawns behind their napkins. Luckily, I won the category (Young Adult) and still have a surreal feeling about the win. Blessed. Amazed. Humbled. And honored.

Having Denice with me made the night so much more fun!

Two of my local WIN buddies also placed in the Book of the Year Award. Vickie McDonough got a second and a third. Margaret Daley took home a second place win, and Linda Goodnight won a first in her category. It was thrilling to see other ACFW friends from far and wide and be able to cheer for them when they won or placed in their categories. Special congrats to Susan Meissner, Deb Raney (3 first place wins), Kim Sawyer, Camy Tang, and Mary Connealy. These gals have impacted my life and my writing so much. I want to be like them when I grow up.


The 2008 ACFW Genesis Winners:

Chick lit, mom lit, lady lit Category:
1st: Erica Vetsch, Pam On Rye
2nd: Lynda Schab, Mind Over Madi
3rd: Tiffany Kinerson, Stand On My Own Two Hands


Contemporary Fiction Category:
1st: Dan Case, The Voice
2nd: Christina Berry, Undiscovered
3rd: Jim Rubart, Book of Days


Contemporary Romance Category:
1st: Annalisa Daughety, Love is a Battlefield
2nd: Kathleen Haynes, The Quarterback Club
3rd: Cara Slaughter, Joanna's Treasure


Historical Fiction category:
1st: Mona Hodgson, A Thimble's Worth
2nd: Rachel Moore, A Trail of Waves
3rd: Lori Benton, Trouble The Water


Historical Romance category:
1st: Patty Smith Hall, Flights of Freedom
2nd: Karen Witemeyer, Cloud by Day
3rd: Erica Vetsch, Marriage Masquerade


Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category:
1st: Jane Thornton, Menace
2nd Donna Alice Patton, Wrestling Demons
3rd: Janice Olson, Don't Look Back


Romantic Suspense category:
1st: Jenness Walker, Deja Vu
2nd: Dani Pettrey, Quest
3rd (tie): Kelly Ann Riley, A Cowboy's Prayer
3rd (tie): Jane Thornton, Be Anxious


Science Fiction/Fantasy/Allegory category:
1st: Chawna Schroeder, Metamorphosis
2nd: Lynda K. Arndt, The Song of Blood and Stone
3rd: Valerie Comer, The Girl Who Cried Squid


Women's Fiction category:
1st: Heather Goodman, 50 Things To Do Before I Turn 30
2nd: Cynthia Ruchti, They Almost Always Come Home
3rd: Kristian Tolle, When Autumn Comes


Young Adult category:
1st: Carla Stewart, An Unexpected Journey
2nd: Stefanie Morris, The Dragon of Delarest
3rd: Kasey L. Heinly, Broken Glass

Tomorrow I'll post more pictures and tell you about the book signing at the Mall of America.

See you then!

SATURDAY NIGHT COCOA FUDGE

Isn't that a marvelous title for a book? My friend and fellow Tulsa Night Writer, Gloria Teague, is the author of this nostalgic book about her growing up years in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. I haven't got my hands on a copy yet, but hope to attend her book signing Saturday, September 13, here in Tulsa: 2-4 pm at the Frugal Bookworm on S. Lewis. If you're in the area, you might stop by and tell Gloria that I sent you.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

SATURDAY NIGHT COCOA FUDGE is the coming-of-age story in an era of bobby socks, poodle skirts and the freckled-faced girl that wore them. It's also about the Deep South and sweetly flawed women who taught her what she was meant to be and what she was not meant to be.

Their corner of the world was filled with folklore, superstition, and mystical ideas. Her grandmother believed and practiced most of these, passing them onto the next generation. The little girl's life was populated with strange relatives, quirky neighbors and mysterious bible verses that could stop the flow of blood. Being a member of this bizarre family made life worth living. These people were so fiercely loyal in their love for her, for each other, she felt they deserved to have their story told.

Gloria's book is available on Amazon and at the book signing, of course. I think you'll be glad you picked this one up.

A Subject Close To My Heart

Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

In 2004 (the most recent year numbers are available),

• 186,772 women and 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer
• 40,954 women and 362 men died from breast cancer

Among diseases in women, breast cancer is the 6th leading cause of death in woman and can strike as early as twenty years of age. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Approximately 1 in 100 women who are 60 years old now will die of breast cancer before age 70.

The good news about all that is public awareness and funding has increased dramatically in the last twenty-five years due largely to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. And now, more women than ever before are surviving breast cancer because of early detection through mammography, MRIs, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam.

I’ve been an advocate of yearly screening and regular self-exams for many years. Still, you think that by doing these things, it won’t happen to you or those you love. I was wrong.

Last spring, my younger sister found out she had Stage 1 breast cancer. She had surgery, followed by extensive testing which revealed a tiny lymphatic vessel which was “not negative”. One small obscure area. She needed a course of chemo to ensure that indeed she had no remaining cells in her body.

Last week, I had the privilege of being with her for her LAST chemo treatment. We are grateful that she has done very well and Lord willing, will join the ranks of “breast cancer survivors”. She has been incredibly optimistic and has had a wonderful group of friends who have walked with her, laughed with her, and offered shoulders to cry on. They will be by her side, I know, as she has radiation later in the fall.

My sister, Donna—wearing her graduation crown—with two of her amazing friends—ReNee and Gina.

For you, dear readers, I’m not asking you to consider having a mammogram—I am begging you. Make an appointment today. Take a friend or sister or the lady next door and make it an event. Already had your mammo this year? Consider helping out with the “Race for the cure” by signing up for a walk or run in your area. You can find a complete list of the runs here.

For Donna, my friend Debbie (who was also diagnosed this year), and any of you going through breast cancer, you are loved and precious. And I’m pulling for you.
Love and prayers.

FUN FOR THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND

What font are you?
I saw this on my friend Myra Johnson’s blog and gave it a try. You might get a kick out of it, too.

You Are Comic Sans

You are a nothing but a big goofball. You're quite playful and fun! You're widely known for your zany personality and your vivacious attitude. To say that you stand out in a crowd would be a definite understatement. Remember that you are overwhelming at times and that people appreciate you best in small doses.

What Font Are You?