Monday, February 28, 2011

Hearing the Spirit in a World of Chaos

The television.  The Internet.  Computer games.  The telephone.  The cell phone.  Pounding on the door.  Running errands.  Church callings.  Soccer games.  Doctor appointments.  The list goes on and on.  Today we are bombarded with more input than ever before.  Our brains seem about to explode from all the things we must do, places we must go, meals to prepare, dry cleaning to pick up … and then, at the end of the day, we collapse on the couch with barely enough energy to drag ourselves into bed.  We read scriptures with the family that morning, and we did get our family prayer said before we sent everyone to bed, but anything beyond that seems impossible.

And yet, we know we need to be able to hear the voice of the Spirit if we are ever to find peace in this world, to receive guidance for our daily activities, to know what choices to make, and to help us on our journey back to Heavenly Father.  We need that constant comfort and companionship.  How do we block out the sounds of the world so we can hear what is truly a still, small voice?

First, I think it’s important that we minimize the electronic chaos in our lives.  We’ve heard it said in general conference that turning off the television and the computer can be crucial in allowing room for the Spirit.  We obtain a lot of good from the Internet – we can study, read scriptures, find conference talks, do genealogy – but when we allow ourselves to get caught up in the games and the chat rooms, we spend more time on useless entertainment than we do in feeding our souls.  

Second, we can take a few minutes first thing in the morning to go to our knees and ask Heavenly Father to guide our day.  Johnny might need a ride to school and Sally can’t find her shoes, so time might be tight, but we can always fit in a few seconds to ask our Father, who loves us infinitely, to be with us.  Later, after the ride is given and the shoe crisis is averted, we can focus on our scriptures or other uplifting activities, but we’ve gotten our day off to a good start.  It’s okay to speed-pray … I’ve done it before and never felt chastised for it.

Third, we can make our spiritual nourishment a higher priority.  Yes, we may have company coming in an hour, but wouldn’t they rather visit with someone who is centered and calm than with someone who is frazzled from running around the house, scrubbing and trying to make everything perfect?  And if they are the kind of person who would rather sit in a spotless house than care about your stress levels, why are you letting them in your house?  

Fourth, I’m a big believer in the parent time-out.  This is where the mom or dad just goes in their room and closes the door.  They can leave an older child in charge, or they can wait until their spouse comes home, but they shut out the distraction of the rest of the household and be by themselves for a little while.  Sometimes it’s easy to find balance, and other times, it takes an hour, but as couples communicate their needs with each other, and take turns to cool off as necessary, they will find they are much more able to listen to those inner feelings and be guided toward making the right choices. 

Fifth, we can involve our children in our search for peace and calm.  We can make it a learning activity.  Start by playing them loud music, and then play them soft music.  Ask how each makes them feel.  Explain that we like the feelings in our hearts when things around us are softer.  Help them identify the feelings that they have when they are playing nicely together as compared to the feelings they have when they are fighting, and talk about how they would rather feel all the time. 

Last, we can take the moments we do have and make the most of them.  When I go to pick up my daughter from seminary, I often find that I have five minutes of quiet before the bell rings.  I like to close my eyes, breathe deeply, and try to center myself again.  In those quiet moments, inspiration comes and helps me with ideas for the rest of the day.

Above all, never quit trying.  The Lord is aware of our hectic schedules and He knows we don’t always have the opportunity to come to Him in private.  He will listen to us while we drive down the freeway, while we grocery shop … any time we think to speak to Him, He will listen.  And then He’ll take advantage of the first quiet moment we get to answer us.  I’ve seen it happen time and time again. 

Click here to visit YourLDSNeighborhood, a place where you can find just about anything you need for you and your family!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

This is too funny - I just had to post.  If anyone knows who the original author is, please tell me, so I can give credit where it's due.


Why did the chicken cross the road?
SARAH PALIN:  The chicken crossed the road because, gosh-darn it, he's a maverick!
BARACK OBAMA:  The chicken crossed the road because it was time for change!  The chicken wanted change!
JOHN MC CAIN:  My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON:  When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.
GEORGE W. BUSH:  We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
DICK CHENEY:  Where's my gun?
COLIN POWELL:  Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
BILL CLINTON:  I did not cross the road with that chicken.
AL GORE:  I invented the chicken.
JOHN KERRY:  Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it!   It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
AL SHARPTON:  Why are all the chickens white?  We need some black chickens.
DR. PHIL:  The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.
OPRAH:  Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so badly. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a NEW CAR so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN:  We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
NANCY GRACE:  That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty!   You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN:  To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART:  No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level.  No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR. SEUSS:  Did the chicken cross the road?  Did he cross it with a toad?  Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY:  To die in the rain, alone.
GRANDPA:  In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS:  Isn't that interesting?  In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart-warming story of how it experienced a serious case of moulting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE:  It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON:  Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES:  I have just released eChicken2010, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your chequebook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2010.  This new platform is much more stable and will never reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN:  Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
COLONEL SANDERS:  Did I miss one?

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Author Interview: L. C. Lewis

 My special guest today is L. C. Lewis, also known as Laurie.  I'm glad she has that "also known" thing going for her, because talking to someone and calling them "L. C." is a little bit awkward.

Laurie, thanks for hanging out with me today!  With your Free Men and Dreamers series, You have written some of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read.  How did you get to be so dang cool, and do you give dang cool lessons?

Wow, thanks, Tristi! (Would you mind calling my kids and telling them I'm cool?) I used to be cool, back in the seventies. Well . . . not really cool, just sort of lukewarm. (Now I've gone and blown my cool cover, haven't I?)

Seriously - how do you do your research?  What is your process?

I begin by reading up on my topic, then when a thread catches my attention, I find an expert and interview them or, if possible, I visit them. I've met some brilliant U.S. Park Service people who gave me wonderful tours. I've trudged through battlefields, climbed through forts, visited old houses, etc. University libraries are treasure troves of information. I keep a list of friendly, helpful researchers who've assisted me in the past at these institutions and they have worked hard to help me locate obscure things like historic maps and letters that keep the storyline historically accurate and informative.

I think organizing the research and the sources is the real key. I maintain several charts and spreadsheets with all my research details. It sounds tedious, but once I've got my plan plan laid out, the research flows and I can write with confidence.

Do you have a set writing schedule?

No. I wish I did, but my life is in real flux right now with an aging mother, and grandchildren close by. I want to always put people first, so the writing takes a hit some days, and some days I write from sun-up to sundown.

What are you working on right now?

I'm finishing up the fifth and final volume of my "Free Men and Dreamers" series titled, In God is Our Trust, which we're hoping to release in late spring. Then the marketing will ratchet up as we spread the word about the books before the start of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, the setting of the story.

I've got the beginnings of a delicious political suspense novel I began during a hiatus in Free Men. I can't wait to dig into to that again. I'm pitching this one to the national market so cross your fingers and wish me luck!

Good luck, Laurie!  One last question before you go.  If you could invent a machine that would in some way make your life easier, what would that machine do?

Oh, I've wished for this gift a million times! I'd invent a machine that could teleport me anywhere I needed to go so I could visit faraway family members and friends whenever I wanted. I love to read history and write about it, but what I most want is to make it, with the people I love.

That sounds like an awesome machine.  Thanks for stopping by - it's been a lot of fun!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Our Desperate Journey

Mounds of debris rose up on all sides, and I could hardly move my feet for fear of sinking into the muck that lay everywhere.  The stench was overpowering, and I wrinkled my nose, knowing I would soon grow used to it, but not wanting to.  I proceeded carefully, one step at a time, avoiding the largest of the traps, while my husband worked alongside me, removing the danger.  We were a team, communicating heart to heart, knowing that it would take both of us to survive this jungle.

After an hour, he reached out and took my hand.  "We're in this together," he said.  "No matter what."

"No matter what," I echoed, and squeezed his fingers.  I felt emboldened to go on.

For another hour we trudged, dodging refuse, unearthing hidden treasures and also hidden traps.  My husband pioneered the way through the toughest ground and I followed behind, gathering what he dropped, saving what was useful, throwing away the garbage.  And there was a lot of garbage.  I'd rarely seen so much in my life.

"Duck!" he yelled, sending a particularly noxious missile over my head, where it would no longer hurt me.  I marveled at his strength, at his fortitude.  No way could I have faced this wilderness alone.

I tried to be just as brave, but my strength was failing. "I can't go on any longer," I panted.  "Can you finish without me?"

"Sure," he said, hiking his whip a little higher on his shoulder.  "You go on back to camp."

I didn't want to leave him, but I knew I would only slow him down.  I limped away, knowing that he would return victorious, and I would be his woman, sitting by the campfire, hot food waiting for him, and we would tackle a new frontier another day.

And that is the true story of how my husband and I worked together to clean our sons' room on Monday night.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Book Review: Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey

It will come as no shock when I say I read a lot.  Not only do I read the books that are sent to me for review, but I read the books I'm hired to edit (it's a good thing, huh?) I read a lot to keep up on the market trends, I read the books my friends have written so I can support them, I read for my critique group ... I read for hours every single day.  With all that reading, you can imagine that I see recurring themes and trends in both national and LDS books.  Some are used over and over again, and some are used once in a while.  Whenever I find a theme that is new and fresh, I sit up and take notice.  That's what Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey did for me.

I'll start out by being totally forthright and telling you that I've known Don for several years.  He started out as an Internet buddy of mine - I was impressed by his blog.  He had made the commitment to squeeze his writing in to whatever free time he had, and he figured that was about fifteen minutes a day, as he is a work-at-home dad who at the time was caring for his very gravely ill wife.  But rather than whine and complain that he only had fifteen minutes of free time a day (like I would have) he chose to concentrate that time on writing.  Slowly but surely, his novel became reality.  Now his wife is doing much better, thank goodness, and the things Don learned during that time - how to maximize what time he has, and tenacity - are paying off for him with this successful publication.  And I have to say, Don is just as nice in person as he appears to be on his blog.

 Meeting Don in person for the first time - 
LDStorymakers Writers Conference 2008


L-R: Don Carey, me, Rebecca Talley, and Daron Fraley
signing at The Book Table - January 2011


Now that I've embarrassed him horribly, let's talk about the book.

Our main character is Jordan McDonald.  He's recently returned from his mission and has made up his mind to reinvent himself.  He wants to make a success of his life and achieve some dreams he's had for a long time - mainly, to get his pilot's license and honor his deceased father's last wish for him.  But his mother has reasons of her own for not supporting Jordan in his dream, and he must decide whether to openly defy her, turn his back on his father's request, or sneak around behind her back.  He chooses the sneaky option.

Living in Hawaii as he does, he's blessed in a lot of ways - he attends BYU Hawaii, he gets to enjoy the gorgeous scenery ... and he meets the beautiful Kehau.  He is smitten by her from the moment they first meet, but she seems completely unattainable.  He's not sure how to go about getting her attention, but there's just got to be a way.  When that chance comes up, he takes it - she needs to go to another island, and he's just the man to fly her there.  It will take a bunch of lying to accomplish it, but if he gets the girl ... isn't that the important thing?

Yes, Jordan does make a series of mistakes throughout the book, but then we see something change within him and he realizes that he's not finding the joy he wants to find in the way he's living his life.  As he comes clean with his mother and works on forming better relationships all the way around, we see him morph into "a new man," the goal he's had since the start of the book. Yes, he achieved that goal, but not in the way he expected, and he's a better "new man" than he had ever anticipated.

Bumpy Landings was a fun read for me because it was completely out of the norm.  It's set in Hawaii, and who wouldn't love a book set in Hawaii?  It's written largely based on the author's own experiences - Don is a pilot, and his descriptions of the flight lessons, etc, are all true to life, and he also worked in a floral shop, making Jordan's part-time job very realistic.  In addition to all that, it's a romance from a guy's perspective, and we don't see that often enough. 

I give Bumpy Landings two big thumbs up and can't wait to see what's next from this fresh, creative writer.

I was given a copy of this book to review, but that didn't influence my opinion.  If it had, I would be a little too easily bought.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Author Interview: Susan Dayley

Today my guest is Susan Dayley, author of the historical novel Redemption about the life of Jonah, the biblical prophet. 

Susan, one of the things I found most interesting about your novel was the placement of Jonah as the son of the Widow of Zarephath.  How did you come up with this idea?

It comes from the rabbinic teachings of the Midrash. I did not use everything the Midrash teaches, but this, as well as Jonah’s ordination by Elisha, and his anointing Jehu as king, come from there.

Wow.  You are the only author I've ever interviewed who ever mentioned the Midrash, let alone took plot elements from it.  I knew you were one smart cookie.  How long have you been writing, smart cookie? 

Forever and less than four years. My early years were all about writing—encouraged by junior high and high school teachers. Then in college I became diverted, and then life happened. After my children began high school I started teaching at a private school—a task that demanded 12+ hours each day (but that I loved dearly). When I stopped teaching three years ago, my husband insisted that I turn back to my old love of writing. Redemption was my first attempt.

What's next on the horizon for you?

I’m reworking the story of Hezekiah—which amazed me far beyond what I anticipated—and I am about 30,000 words into a new adventure in a YA mystery. No paranormal aspect, though.

Sounds like you're pretty multi-faceted, going from biblical historical fiction to YA like that.  What do you consider your #1 strength as a writer?

Attention to detail. This is also my weakness. I get immersed in the atmosphere and surroundings of the place I set my stories in. I can visually walk though Jerusalem at the time of Hezekiah. This comes from months of research. However, feedback from others led me to cut so much detail, that yes, the story flows better, but I fret that  readers will never experience it as I do.

Which authors would you say have been most instrumental/influential in your own writing?

This is another problem. I love to read classics. And classics flow at a slower pace. I’ve begun to expand my reading this last year to include more current books, but I miss the richness of language that is in Dickens, Tolstoy, Alcott, Bronte, Austen, Dumas and especially, Shakespeare.

Sigh ... Alcott ... Bronte ... Austen ...which brings me to Colonel Brandon ... (Pulling myself back) So, I have to ask, because I'm on this asking-of-weird-questions kick lately, do you have any routines or rituals you perform to get ready to write - a favorite snack, favorite comfy clothes, music, etc?

Uh, I sit down and boot up my computer. Sorry. Nothing ritual. I can be in the clothes for the workout I intended to do immediately (this is my husband's favorite), or the sweaty after-effects, while I hurriedly write down ideas that came during, or cleaned up for the day. I can work right through a meal time and not notice, or suddenly get a craving for something that takes an hour to prepare and spring up to make it.


And if you had ten thousand dollars to spend on a dream vacation, where would you go?

The Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada in the summer until the money ran out—probably somewhere on the second day. I love nature, lakes, hiking, the music of solitude, fine dining and luxury. It has it all. That or a train ride through Switzerland and Austria. Yep, I’m a mountain person.

I just followed that link and checked out the pictures ... I can see why that would be your choice.  Holy cow. We should plan a writer' retreat up there sometime.  

Thanks for hanging out with me today, Susan!  It was fun to get to know you a little better.

Be sure to check out Susan's blog, Susan's site, and Susan's book.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Author Interview: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen


Thanks for swinging by my blog for another author interview. Today I'm joined by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen.  Ronda, thanks for taking time to hang out with me today!
Every author needs to be a reader as well.  What is your most favorite genre to read?
My favorite is romantic suspense. I love a good, intriguing plot to keep me reading through the novel, but at the same time, I’m always watching for the next romantic moment with the hero.  Ahh. To me, that’s perfection.
Every reader needs a really good snack to go along with their book.  What is your most favorite reading snack?


Reading is something I do when I have the chance, which usually happens at meal time when I’m alone. I suppose that means my favorite “snack” is a good meal—whatever that happens to be that day.
I have been guilty of mispronouncing your last name.  Will you forgive me, and do you get that a lot?
Hey, join the club! And don’t worry, I’m not offended. The spelling is a challenge, too. I often tell people, truthfully, I had to learn how to spell my last name when I first got married. For those who’re interested, you say it like: Hine-rick-son.
You've published two books so far.  Do you like one of them over the other? 
Both books are very different from each other, so I like each for different reasons. My current goal is to write in both the LDS and the national markets, so that’s why MISSING is LDS and TRAPPED is a paranormal/fantastical book.  But my favorite between the two would have to be TRAPPED because to me, it was more imaginative, exciting, and romantic. I was also able to put more of my love of scriptural symbolism into it.  MISSING is more emotional (another thing I like), and has an easier time connecting with readers. After all, who doesn’t wish they could save a missing child?
     
Do you know when you'll be publishing your third? Any hints as to what it's about?
No, I’m sorry. I don’t know when my next novel will be published. I am furiously writing it, however, and I’ll let you know when I find out. I can tell you it is a historical romantic suspense that takes place in 1850 and has LDS characters.
A historical romantic suspense ... now that sounds awesome!
You can visit Ronda at her website or her blog. You can purchase Missing here, and Trapped here. And, because links are fun, you can read my review of Trapped here.
Thanks for being my special guest today, Ronda!
You're very welcome! And one more thing - during the month of February, 2011, I’m celebrating “Library Lovers Month.” If you purchase a copy of MISSING or TRAPPED during the month of February, please send me a copy of your receipt to my email address at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com, and I’ll enter you in a drawing to have a free copy of TRAPPED sent to the school or community library of your choice.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Book Review: Redemption by Susan Dayley

It is eighth century BC. No Hebrew will purposely venture into the Assyrian Empire, whose practice of barbarous slaughter casts a shadow of fear over all of Israel. But God calls Jonah, an Israelite prophet, to cry repentance to the evil empire's capital - the great and terrible city of Nineveh. Fearing the Assyrians and doubting the wisdom of the divine call, Jonah flees in the opposite direction. But in a series of miracles, God gives Jonah a second chance to obey.

Journey with Jonah in a wealth-laden ship of Tarshish, hear his prayers inside the belly of a great fish, witness his struggles working in a desert caravan, and feel his terror as he finally arrives in Nineveh. And while Jonah does eventually preach in the great city, the prophet still has some lessons to learn...

With historically accurate details, Redemption is a story of repentance, trust, and God's love for all his children.


You all know how I feel about historical fiction. I want to come away from the novel having been entertained, but having learned something.  I want to gain insights I didn't have before, and I want to find myself enriched by the experience.  This is what I found in the novel Redemption by Susan Dayley.


Susan is a very intelligent writer.  She approached this novel only after a huge amount of research, and this shows on every page.  She talks about the land, the goods traded by the merchants, the traditions of the people.  She paints a picture you can almost reach out and touch, and then she layers in aspects of history and the background of the culture.  You really, truly feel you are in the land where Jonah was born and raised.


Then she approaches the story from an unusual perspective.  The Midrash identifies Jonah as being the son of the widow of Zarephath, and she writes him as such.  I have never seen this done before, and it lent a unique aspect to the story.


To be honest, I would have liked to see more time spent with Jonah as he anguished in the belly of the whale.  I felt that part was a little too condensed.  What was there was beautiful - I just wanted more of it. Jonah's courtship of his wife was also brief, which may disappoint some romantics out there, but romance is not the focus of the book.  


If you are looking for intelligent, well-researched historical fiction, I heartily recommend you pick up a copy of Redemption.  You will view the story of Jonah in a completely different way and find yourself drawn into it like never before.


Stay tuned later in the week for my interview with author Susan Dayley.


I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for review, but this did not influence my comments. 



Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Book Trailer Contest - Cast Your Vote!

Thanks to everyone who participated in my book trailer contest - you sent in fantastic entries and I enjoyed watching them.  I saw a lot of talent displayed, and my "to read" list has gotten even longer.  If you would like to see the full list of entries, check out the comment trail here.

Sadly, they cannot all win.  So I have chosen my five favorites, along with three honorable mentions, and then I turn the voting over to you. You will have until midnight on February 28th to decide which book trailer you like the best.

First, let me explain what I like in a book trailer.  I enjoy seeing something different and creative.  I don't enjoy reading a ton of text.  I also tend to get bored if the trailer is long.  I want to click on it, get the message of the book, and have it create an impact right off the bat.  So without further ado, here are my top five picks, in no particular order:

Entry #1:  Bumpy Landings
by Don Carey



I enjoyed this trailer because it took a completely unexpected medium and told the story in a way I've never seen before and may never see again.  I was delighted by this approach.


Entry #2: The Healing Spell
by Kimberley Griffiths Little


The voiceover is what brought this trailer to life, both with the accent and with the words that were spoken.  It had a rich quality to it that I appreciated.


Entry #3:  The Maze Runner
by James Dashner


The professionalism of this piece blew me away.  I felt I was watching an ad for a movie, with professional actors and expensive set.


Entry #4:  13 Words
by Lemony Snicket


To be honest, this one was just a hair long for me, but I really enjoyed its humor and creativity.  And of course I'm dying to know how those 13 words end up tying together ... 


Entry #5:  The Upside of Down
by Rebecca Talley



I liked this one so much because it took the entire message of the book, put it in a capsule, and delivered it right to the heart. No beating around the bush, nothing long and drawn out.  And then that closing picture ... who wouldn't melt over that?


Honorable Mentions:


The first honorable mention tonight goes to Susan Dayley for her trailer featuring the novel Redemption.  This trailer had the most amazing use of text I've ever seen. The writers of the Bible enjoyed creative uses of words like this - you see it in some of the verses in the Book of Mormon as well.  This book trailer isn't a chiasmus, but it's related, and I was fascinated by it.   See it now.


The second honorable mention goes to the music video for Mark of Royalty.  I've never seen a music video for a book before, and I thought that was rather awesome.  But as it's a music video and not a trailer, it's not included in the trailer contest. See it now.

The third honorable mention goes to It's a Book.  It has been one of my favorite book trailers to make the rounds of the Internet lately, and it makes me laugh every time I watch it.  This one is my contribution to the stack of nominees. See it now.

Your task?  Watch all five official entries and leave your vote in the comment trail.  The winner will receive ... well, nothing, but I'm sure they'll be mighty flattered. 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

It's Blog Tour Time!

I'm excited to see what these reviewers have to say about my new release, Dearly Departed! Please follow along on the tour.




Ida Mae Babbitt rides again!
Ida Mae Babbitt may be a reformed woman, but trouble
just can't stay away.
Follow the blog tour for Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston and learn
about Ida Mae's latest adventure.

We will be giving away THREE copies of Dearly Departed . One
GRAND PRIZE winner will win this fun




scrapbooking pack.




It's easy to enter.

1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you're excited to read Dearly Departed. Remember to include your email address.


2. For an additional entry become a follower of Walnut Springs Press blog, Tristi's blog, or any of the fabulous reviews blog. Leave a comment letting us know who's blog you now follow.


3. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an additional entry for each post.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on March 6th.






***

Ida Mae Babbitt has done her community service and is a reformed woman - no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette's granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae - with the
perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle - checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she's buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping
files from the office. She's bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

****
February 16th
Starcrossed Book Reviews (Nichole Giles)

Febraury 17
Inksplasher
(Karlene Browning)

February 18
Heather Justesen

February 21
Elizabeth Mueller

February 22
LDS Women's Book Review (Shanda Cottam)

February 23
Rachelle Writes (Rachelle Christensen)

Sometimes Hard But Oh So Worth It (Kimberly Coates)

February 24
Fire and Ice (Heather Gardner)

February 28
Cheryl's Book Nook (Cheryl Koch)

March 1
JDP News (Joyce DiPastena)

March 2
LDS Forever Friends (Teri Rodeman)

March 3
Why Not? Because I Said So (Sheila Stayley)

Author Interview: Joan Sowards

Today, my special guest is Joan Sowards.  Joan, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions - I've been interested to learn more about you.


Your first published novel was Haunts Haven. Was it the first book you wrote, or are you like me and have your first book hidden away in a trunk somewhere?

My first novel, Bridges of the Heart, is still on my computer. Through it, I learned a lot about writing.Bridges still has a few kinks to work out, but I hope to publish it someday. 


Chocolate Roses and The Star Prophecy are very different from each other in genre, and are different from Haunts Haven.  That makes you a very versatile author.  Will you be sticking with these three genres, or do you have ideas for books in even more genres?




While writing The Star Prophecy, I never labeled it a Book of Mormon novel, and I didn’t consider Haunts Haven an LDS romance. (With Chocolate Roses there was no doubt.) I believe all stories need a touch of romance even if it’s actually about ghosts, chocolate, or world travelers, so I will stick with calling my genre “versatile LDS romance.” :-)




I think that works!  Now, when you did your virtual book tour for "Chocolate Roses," you created a darling apron as the grand prize for your readers.  How long have you been sewing, and what kinds of things do you most enjoy making?

I enjoy sewing and learn as a young girl.  I make aprons because I believe in them—yes, I’m a messy cook. Every bride needs an apron, and every cook.



Your blog says you love to compose.  Can you tell us a little more about that?

I used to make up songs as a child and learned basic guitar chords as a teen. My husband bought us a piano with our first tax return and I started writing down my songs, and have been at it ever since. Through the years I’ve written an annual Christmas song, an annual YW song based on the yearly scripture, music for plays, weddings, and songs for stake women conferences. I was never good at marketing, so they are on my website for anyone to print for church and personal enjoyment.

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I wrote a Nancy Drew wannabe in fifth grade, but didn’t save it when I realized the story was going nowhere. I didn’t know about crafting a plot back then.  After my five children were born, and while knee-deep in family history research, I felt prompted to sit down at the computer and write how an interview with a particular ancestor would go. It evolved into my first novel, Bridges of the Heart. Through that experience, I discovered I loved to write, and have been writing ever since.





It was so fun to get to know you a little bit better, Joan!  Thanks for stopping by.  I've enjoyed your novels and wish you the best with all your endeavors.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers

Registration is now open for the 2011 week-long Conference on Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. The workshops fill up quickly, so those interested should apply soon.

The prestigious faculty include National Book Award nominees, New York Time Bestsellers, and other award winners. This year, the conference will take place at Waterford school in Sandy, Utah, June 13-17. Continuing its tradition of providing helpful instruction from published authors as well as presentations by industry professionals, this year’s conference features a keynote address by author Ally Condie, and workshops by national authors Holly Black, Martine Leavitt, Louise Plummer, Kathleen Duey, Mike Knudson, Claudia Mills, Emily Wing Smith, Sharlee Glenn, Trudy Harris, Kristyn Crow,  and illustrator Kevin Hawkes. They will also provide a more intensive workshop for advanced writers led by A.E. Cannon called the Writer's Boot Camp. Several other nationally-recognized authors and illustrators will lead break-out discussions. Participating are editors Alyson Heller (Aladdin Books), Lisa Yoskowitz (Disney), and Associate Agent Mary Kole (Andrea Brown Agency). For more information, including registration instructions and author bios, go to www.wifyr.com.


wifyr is holding a contest on their Facebook page. Anyone who registers for Mike Knudson's class during the contest will also enter an additional drawing to receive a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Let Us Be Men



Just in time for Valentine's Day ... this is a truly romantic story.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Book Review: The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards

You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned.

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and foritude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.


When I first started reading The Star Prophecy, I had no idea what it was about. I hadn't read the backliner or looked it up online ... I know, I know - very unusual for me. I generally do some checking and find out what I'm getting into when I agree to do a review.  But not this time, for whatever reason.  I found myself completely swept away by the premise.  What if someone from the New World did try to return to Jerusalem?  What obstacles would they face?  How would they know where to go?  How would they finance their journey, what kind of boat would they need - would it even be possible?  Joan Sowards answered all these questions and wove them together masterfully.


I'm not an expert on these things, so I can't say if it would or would not be possible to make a trip of this kind.  But this book made it all seem very plausible.  I appreciated the research that must have gone into this undertaking, the outlining and planning that went into the timeline and making all the events fit how they needed to in order to coordinate with both the Bible story and the Book of Mormon account.  It was truly well done.


If I were to point out one thing, I did wish that just a little bit more time had been spent in Jerusalem.  I understood the need to condense that visit - they were in danger, and had to flee for their lives - but I wished we could have stayed there for a few more pages.  It was the climax, the closure to their year of journeying and strife, and it seemed over far too soon.  But really, that's my only gripe about this very intriguing and unique story.  


While the plotline does revolve around Christ's birth, there's no need to feel as though this is just a Christmas story.  It can be read and enjoyed at any time of year, and I very much recommend it to anyone who wants an adventure, a romance, or a historical novel that asks the question, "What if?"


Stay tuned for my interview with author Joan Sowards.


I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my review, but this did not influence my opinion. 



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