A World Traveler

These days I'm definitely a world traveler. We just got back from an absolutely delicious 15 day trip to Europe where stories and ideas were everywhere. My husband Jim and I were joined by authors Cathy Marie Hake and her husband Chris, as well as author Kelly Eileen Hake (their daughter) and her friend Julia. Talk about fun. We were authors making notes, exploring castles, trying new tastes, and enjoying the ancientness of Europe.

We started in Amsterdam and ended there as well. This city offered us great food, canal boat rides, windmills, and bicycles galore. They say there is very nearly one bicycle for every person, and I believe them!

We took a train to Basil, Switzerland and from there boarded our Rhine River Cruise ship, the River Ambassador. This tour was sponsored by UniWorld and I have to say they did a fantastic job of everything. Who knew there were 14 locks to pass through between Basil and Amsterdam as we made our way ever "down" to the sea?

The castles on the Rhine were incredible and so impressive. Some are being utilized for tourists, some are privately owned, and still others are in less than perfect order. No matter, the situation, it fascinated all of us to see these wonderful stepping stones to the past. Here are just a few that we saw (and some pics from our trip).

We made stops along the way trying our French in Strasbourg (I was actually able to ask for sugar-free chocolate for my hubby with my 20 words of French). We used our Rosetta Stone sponsored German in many of our stops and found that it got us through in asking for things like DeCaf coffee, more bread and the ever important restroom.

We shopped, frustrating store owners all over Europe with our lack of knowledge regarding the Euro, and our inability to speak the language (if they tell you everyone speaks English in Europe - it's a lie), but ultimately we made their coffers a little richer.

Ultimately, I was amazed at the beauty God created, the kindness of strangers, and the laughter and fun of friends.

Speaking of friends and fun - if you're in the Peabody, Mass. area on September 6th, CBD (Christian Book Distributors) will be having an open warehouse sale, and I will be there signing books and meeting the public from 7:00am - 4:00pm.

CBD is located at:
140 Summit St.
Peabody, Massachusetts 01960

Blessings!
Tracie

The Power of Kindness

Several years ago, I saw a bumper sticker that read something like "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty." I can remembering thinking, Wouldn't it be wonderful if everybody got on the boat with that attitude?

I shared last week that my folks, hubby, and I went on an Alaskan cruise. While on the ship, we crossed paths several times with an elderly gentleman and his adult grandson. Although our encounters were brief--on the elevator or standing in line somewhere--it didn't take long to discover these two shared a very special relationship. (I also figured out the young man's favorite song. Dozens of times the grandfather, with a smile on his face, patiently started the stanza: "I hear you knockin'..." and the younger man gleefully finished, "But you can't come in!") The grandson's childlike behavior, contrary to his adult size, set him apart from others on the ship, but he won people over by sheer friendliness. I only witnessed one blatant snub.

The two men were in line to pick up glasses of water for lunch. A middle-aged woman stood behind the younger man. He glanced over his shoulder, broke into a huge smile, and turned to face the woman. "Hello! How are you today?" His greeting carried a cheerful note. The woman scowled, giving him a head-to-toe-and-back-again prune-faced look. Then she rapidly backed away and headed to another line, all without saying a word. My heart nearly broke at the expression of hurt confusion on the young man's face.

And--I confess--anger boiled in my belly. How dare she be so rude to someone so guileless? my thoughts raged. It took great self-restraint not to charge after that woman and let her know just how deplorable I found her behavior. The only thing that stopped me was the realization that some people mask discomfort with indifference or aloofness. Maybe she wasn't as much snobby as ill at ease. Thankfully, another person in line answered the young man's question, and his happy countenance returned quickly. (May God bless that kind stranger...and the other woman, too.)

Even now, replaying the event in my mind, I wonder...what would it have cost that woman to just say, "I'm fine, thank you"? A few seconds of time--nothing significant. But what a difference it would have made to that young man.

So, you're asking, what does this post have to do with writing? Not much, I suppose. The exchange has just weighed heavily on my heart. We have so many opportunities to be a light, and I wonder how many times--out of discomfort or hurriedness or ignorance or apathy--we squander those opportunities, crushing someone when we could just as easily lift them up...

"Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty." When you come right down to it, that's not a bad creed by which to live.

God's blessings on you today...

~Kim

Happy Holidays

August 27, 2008


I just finished a Christmas novella for my pub that’s coming out next year, and I included the famous “leg lamp” that is featured in the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story. Remember Ralphie, the nine year old boy who thinks the perfect present is “a Daisy Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action BB Air Rifle? And his mother says…

Does anyone know the answer?

My editor has never seen or heard of the movie. And I have the perfect prize for the contest I’ll be running about favorite family Christmas traditions: a replica of the leg lamp.

Just wondering...

Snoopy and Scripture

I awakened early this morning with a phrase running through my mind. My power is made perfect in weakness. I got up, greeted Jack (our little Silky Terrier) who came running downstairs). He often sleeps upstairs in the guest bedroom. Alone. On the bed. Go figure... And I kept hearing the phrase... My power is made perfect in weakness. 

Okay...

I know the phrase. I know the Scripture. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) But I ran and looked it up anyway, just in case something had changed since I last read it (grin). 

I thanked God for the reminder, acknowledged my weaknesses--which are many, so I was listing at rapid speed--grabbed a Diet Dr. Pepper from the fridge (I've got a plane to catch later today) and started getting ready for the day. My power is made perfect in weakness. 

I made eggs for me and hubby before he leaves for work. My power is made perfect in weakness. As I'm cleaning the dishes, I stop. Am I missing something? Am I not hearing correctly? Why is this phrase repeating in my head?

And then it hits me...

This reminder isn't for me. Well, not really. It's for Molly Ellen Whitcomb. My heroine in the book I'm writing right now (Beyond This Moment). I start nodding. I can almost feel God smiling. Apparently I'm a little slow on the uptake. I went to bed last night thinking about an upcoming scene, not knowing exactly which direction to go in, trying to see things more from my character's perspective. 

And...My power is made perfect in weakness...is just what I needed to hear in order to see things more from Molly's point of view, to feel what she's feeling. And then...

My husband walks in this morning with a Snoopy comic strip. Let me describe it for you--

The first frame shows Snoopy sitting on his dog house typing--

"Your eyes are beautiful," he said.

The second frame shows Snoopy paused, rethinking what he's typed--

"Shall I compare them to a summer day? No, even more."

Last frame shows Snoopy typing again--

"Your eyes are like two supper dishes."

LOL! Talk about getting behind your character's eyes and seeing things through their perspective... 

Okay, I'm off to finish getting ready and to pack. I'm heading to South Bend, Indiana today to appear on the The Harvest Show tomorrow. What fun!!

name the presidents

I recently read a wonderful biography of my favorite president. Actually the favorite president of the vast majority of people, both Americans and around the world. The book was Abraham Lincoln, A Man of Faith and Courage: Stories of Our Most Admired President. I learned so much that I'd never known before, about Lincoln and about our country and about all that led up to the Civil War (it went much further back in time than I had understood).

Anyway, in honor of both that book and my recent viewing of the DVD of the HBO John Adams miniseries, I think we should all take this quiz from Mental-Floss where we attempt to name all of our 42 presidents. I had a lot of brain freezes when I did it, but it was fun to give it a whirl.

Come on. Give it a try. I've already named two of the presidents for you. You've only got 40 to go. When you're done, let me know how you did.

Robin

God in the Details

A while back I was blessed to be at a Casting Crowns concert in Bozeman, MT. The opening band, TRACING DAYS, featured songs from local guys that truly blessed me despite the heavy rock focus of their music.

But I had an entirely different experience with Casting Crowns, and had to relate it. First of all, I thought I was just getting to see the concert with my husband Jim. But to my surprise our local radio station DJs came and got me to meet the band backstage. We slipped through a maze of hallways and rooms until we came upon a group of guys dressed in jeans and t-shirts with various toy guns, loaded with darts. They were ganging up on one of their other team mates and I just naturally presumed this was probably the band's road crew. But no - this was the band.

I still have to laugh at the site of these grown men crashing through the dressing room door to plaster another band member with foam darts. A few minutes later, these same folks gathered to greet those of us who had our special backstage passes. They were generous and loving, kind and so much a reflection of joy in the Lord that I could honestly have gone home at that point and still have been blessed.

When the concert started and they began to sing some of their popular hits, I was deeply moved to be a part of the moment. Throughout the day, I had been struggling with worry over my children - the one main place Satan tries to take me down. There's Erik - who really struggled to graduate high school and now is struggling to find a direction in life. Then there's Julie who's separated from her husband and trying to work on her marriage and keep her three children from feeling too many emotional traumas from the situation. Lastly, there's Jen who's living in a big city by herself, going to college and working. She has to be out on her on a lot, sometimes late at night taking public transportation, and I worry about her safety. Could anyone else possibly relate?

Then at one point the lead singer began to share with us that he struggled to get through school with dyslexia and ADD. He didn't get great grades. It made me think of Erik and it gave me hope. Then they sang a beautiful song I'd never heard that spoke of a young woman struggling with marriage problems - the song emphasized loving her like Jesus, and taking her to Him. Suddenly I didn't feel so fearful for Julie. And towards the end of the concert they talked about Jesus walking every step with us--that we're never alone, and I breathed a sigh of relief in regards to Jen.

God was in the details in a way I hadn't expected. The concert turned into an awesome time of praise and restoration and for that I praise God, and thank Casting Crowns. It never fails to amaze me how God can use something we love to do and turn it into a ministry for Him in ways that give hope to the overwhelmed and hurting. I hope you feel His touch today.

Tracie

P.S. You can check out their new "Slow Fade" video here.

Always a Writer

I'm still recovering from a wonderful 10-day excursion through Alaska. What an absolutely beautiful part of the world! Hubby and I went with my parents to celebrate Mom and Daddy's 50th wedding anniversary. (Hubby and I also celebrated an anniversary on the trip, doubling the enjoyment.) Although it was meant to be a "just-for-fun" vacation, things took a turn when we boarded a paddleboat and began a leisurely cruise upriver...

I gasp, pointing to a recreated Athabascan village along the Chena River.

Hubby looks at me. "What?"

I rub my arms, which have broken out in gooseflesh. "There's a story here."

"How do you know?"

I give him a look of disgust and hold up my pimply arm.

"Um, honey, we're standing in a cool breeze, on a boat that's floating on cool water. Don't you think those might be chill bumps?"

I adamantly shake my head. "These are story bumps." I return my attention to the village, absorbing the salmon-drying huts, the caribou pens, the bark houses topped by sod roofs laden with flowers... I begin murmuring. "Yes, an Athabascan young woman...all alone because...and a fur trapper...no, a--"

Hubby shakes his head. "Can't you ever just be a person? Are you always a writer?"

And the answer is: No, I can't ever just be a person. Writing is as ingrained as breathing. I can't ever remember a time in my life I didn't see a unique house or a gnarled tree or an ancient gravestone without my brain immediately beginning to concoct a tale.

After the gooseflesh attack on the paddleboat, I spent the remainder of the trip seeking details to fill in the blanks for the story that began with that first glimpse of the village. Amazing how everything fell neatly into place. I came home with a stack of books and a full-fledged story in my head. I don't know if the story will sell, but what joy to create! It added an extra element of delight to my vacation.

Isaac Asimov said it well: "I write for the same reason I breathe--because if I didn't, I would die." It's just how I am, and I wouldn't want it any other way! A few pics follow...

We're taking off!

Look at that sunset over the mountains and the water...

Mom wanted to walk on the glimmering pathway to the horizon.

The moment was so magical, it almost seemed as though we could have!

Here I am in front of the trading post in the Athabascan village.

Can you see the grass growing from the roof?

(Funny side note: the couple to my right showed up in several of our pictures!)

In another couple days, I begin a new adventure: my first author tour! I'll be traveling with Tracie Peterson, Judy Miller, and Cathy Hake through the New England states, then flying on by myself to Canada to speak at a book expo in Saskatchewan. You can find the schedule on the Newsletter or Speaking pages of my website http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/. I'll share some of the highlights when I return! Prayers for travel safety would be appreciated. :o)

God bless you muchly!
~Kim

August 20, 2008



I hate to admit that I’m an addictive person, but I am. This week I’ve discovered the Annalee Doll collection. Heaven help me. Last night I cleaned T.J. Max out of the Halloween and Thanksgiving ones, and tomorrow I’m heading to Branson to a bigger T.J. Max to see if the Christmas ones are in yet.

Here’s a picture of one of my favorites.

Does anyone else collect these little cuties?

Lori Copeland

Amazing Grace (only the black notes)

You've probably heard the history behind the familiar and much beloved song Amazing Grace. But if you haven't heard this narrative (and song sung) by Wintley Phipps, then you're in for a real blessing. 

Click here for the chance to see and hear this song with a fresh perspective, and to be reminded of the unity God desires for us all.

~Tamera

P.S. We moved our kids back to college this past weekend, so it's empty nest for us again! Click here for pics.

Livin' It

Like most authors, I get asked lots of questions related to writing. One that I've heard numerous times is, "Is [name of character] based on you?" And my answer usually sounds something like this: "There are pieces of me in all of my characters."

It's true. My characters all end up on the page after being filtered through my experiences, my education, my feelings, my observations, my opinions, my worldview, etc. And in order to have things to put onto the page, an author needs to get out there and live. It is a constant balancing act for writers on deadlines. We need to be at our computers, typing away. Yet we need to be filling up the well so we have something to pour onto the page.

Yesterday, despite revisions awaiting my attention, I did some "livin' it" by going to the Western Idaho Fair to see my oldest granddaughter compete in 4H events on her young mare, Allie. Well, Allie got a bit frisky in the first event, started bucking, and my granddaughter parted company with the saddle. Since I was thrown, kicked, stepped on, bit, and dragged during my own years of horse ownership, I didn't panic. As long as she got up and was walking, I wasn't worried.

Anyway, I thought I would share this quick "interview" that I did after she'd changed out of her western garb and unsaddled Allie (and attended to the cut on her elbow). Enjoy!

Launching a new novel

Right about now, my newest release from Bethany House should be hitting bookstore shelves. This is the sequel to my first Bethany House title, Waiting for Summer's Return, which released in June of 2006. So there's been a bit of a time gap in between. :o) It stands alone--you won't have to read the first one for this one to make sense--but I think you'll enjoy it more if you've already been acquainted with the characters. (No, that's not a plug to get you to buy a book, it's just my opinion. )

That first novel was such an incredible experience. I had dreamed of being an author from my earliest memories. I told my kindergarten teacher, Miss Steele (who always smelled like Jergens lotion), that someday people would check out my book in libraries. Of course, as a five-year-old, I had no idea forty years would pass between that proclamation and reality! But oh, was it worth the wait...

Then, joy of joys, readers liked the story. Liked the characters. Liked them so much, in fact, they asked for a second story involving Summer, Peter, and Thomas. Although Bethany House prefers I write stand-alone titles, they agreed to a sequel. And Where the Heart Leads was born.

This one features Thomas Ollenburger, all grown up, graduated from college...and uncertain. (Can any of us relate to that feeling? We want to go out and DO something---but what? God has a plan for every life, but what's His plan for ME?) Considering that my youngest daughter was completing her senior year of high school during the writing of this book, the theme of seeking God's will really resonated within me. The months of writing Thomas's story were an incredibly difficult time in my family, with one daughter repeatedly hospitalized, hubby serving in Iraq, an ice storm that flooded my basement (and ruined so many sentimental items *sigh*), the loss of my sweet 15-year-old dog... Trying to write while battling personal heartache was quite a challenge! Yet the theme--In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight--ministered to me throughout the penning of words.

I am always amazed how God uses my stories to grow me. This writing is so much more than Kim getting to live out her childhood fantasy of being an author. He uses it to draw me closer to Him, to grow me in grace, to open me to others. Every day, I fall more in love with and in awe of God.

Where the Heart Leads is my eleventh release. There are four more books contracted. I have no idea whether God will continue to hold open this door for writing or if He'll lead me elsewhere. He pulled me out of my elementary school classroom to pursue this ministry, so I know He brings change into our lives. All I know for sure is for this moment He has called me to write, so I write. And oh what joy comes from finding His way and following it!

May you find joy in following your God-chosen pathway!

~Kim

How in the ?

August 13, 2008


Writing is a fascinating process. Often I’m asked questions that make me stop and think—and laugh sometimes. For every author the means of publishing a book is different. I’d like to take the next few blogs and attempt to explain the many stages a manuscript goes through before the reader finds the finished product on the bookshelf. I’ll use myself as an example, but bear in mind that each author is different depending on sales and publishers’ marketing plans.

First, I write the book. (not always easyJ) I have two readers who work with me during the various stages, pointing out inconsistencies the plot, hair colors, eye colors, time frame. When the manuscript is sent to the publisher I have read through the book at least four to five times in its entirety. Never mind the countless other times I’ve gone back to a certain area and worked on dialogue, ect. Okay. My ‘baby’ is finished and I deliver her into the tender hands of my editor.
The editor usually loves my baby, but she finds a few areas, that if corrected, the child will be stronger. This is the revision period. So Baby comes back to mommy, and once again the process of reading, changing, rereading begins. There are authors whom I understand that rarely have revisions, but I’m not one of them. Revisions do make a book better in most instances.

Now I have the suggested revisions completed and I mail Baby back to the editor, who then checks the revisions and if everything clicks, the book is sent to a copy editor. This editor questions everything, choice of words, time frame, hair color, eye color, continuity. Everything. In a few weeks, the copyedited manuscript returns to me. Again I read the manuscript, answer any flagged questions, and return the script. The last time I see my baby is in the form of galleys. During this stage I can change a word or two, but basically the format is set. My job is to read the galleys, and if anyone has missed anything I need to find it.

Reviews. Here’s the difficult part of writing. So many readers take it for granted that the author writes the book, designs its cover and it’s published. I read my reviews online and off—I know, I’m a masochist, but I value productive feedback. I take the good and bad and hopefully learn from both. Admittedly it’s hard when someone calls you baby ugly, but that’s life. And I can get some dillies— but that’s a whole different blog. I have two reviews of Twice Loved (my newest baby) on a particular site that has very low ratings, but well-taken points. The color of the heroine’s hair is different on the cover than it is in the book. The hero’s eyes are brown in one part and hazel in another. And if the three men in the book were cousins on their mother’s side, why did they all have the same last name? (a VERY good point)

Honestly, I have no idea how these mistakes slip through. They’re embarrassing, of course. If you reread the manuscript process from beginning to end, perhaps you can help me solve the puzzle. How do these kinds of mistakes happen? It truly takes a village’ and then some to produce a flawless product.

Next week we’ll talk about covers— And if you have a particular question about any part of the publishing process please let us know. Those on this blog will be happy to answer, too.

Lori Copeland

When songs speak...

I listen to music on and off all day long. Mostly I listened to instrumentals, since I can't listen to "word music" when I'm writing. Guess I'm too easily distracted. ;)

While instrumentals "speak" to me, there are times I'll stop and click the iTunes icon and search for a song to "dwell on" for a moment. Something to fill me back up. To that end, here are my two of my most recent iTunes downloads...

The first is a song we heard Christy & Nathan Nockels--Watermark--sing in church a couple of weeks ago (their last week before moving to Atlanta). The words are so worshipful.

Knees to the Earth

by Watermark (audio)

And the second is a video I happened across on iTunes, and I'm so glad I did. I'm a Judds/Wynonna fan from waaay back. The purity and richness of her voice is such a gift.

I Can Only Imagine

by Wynonna (video, live in concert)

If you don't have those and you're an iTunes frequenter, take a moment to preview. I think you'll be blessed!

Now, your time to share... What's a recent download (song or video) that you'd recommend?

~Tamera

P.S. I had a GREAT time writing, plotting, and getting filled back up last week! It was just what I needed! Here are a couple of pics of the lake...

are you watching the games?

I am not a big sports fan like some people, but the Olympics (both summer and winter) never fail to draw me in. I'm a flag-waving, proud-to-be-an-American type. I love to cheer for our gals and guys. I also love the spirit of the Olympics and wish it had more influence over the world at large.

According to About.com:

The very first modern Olympic Games opened in the first week of April 1896. Since the Greek government had been unable to fund construction of a stadium, a wealthy Greek architect, Georgios Averoff, donated one million drachmas (over $100,000) to restore the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built in 330 BCE, with white marble for the Olympic Games.

Since the Games were not well publicized internationally, contestants were not nationally chosen but rather came individually and at their own expense. Some contestants were tourists who happened to be in the area during the Games. Athletes wore their athletic club uniform rather than a national team one.

Very different from what we're watching in Bejing, China. The opening ceremony was a sight I don't expect to see equaled for a while. And speaking of uniforms, what about the Speedo swimsuits that have been the talk of the news shows? Bet those cost a pretty penny.

I've got typeset galleys to proof on one book and revisions to do on my next manuscript and the WIP screaming for me not to forget it, but I will still manage to watch some of the Olympics. I love the diving, swimming, and gymnastics. And who doesn't want to see what Michael Phelps will do this year?

How about you? Any favorites you just won't miss?

Robin

Travel Travel Travel

For the next few weeks I'm going to be traveling a great deal. When you get this blog, I'll be in Europe on a train from Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland!! Wahoo! I'm blessed to be doing a Castles Along the Rhine cruise tour with fellow writers Cathy Marie Hake and Kelly Eileen Hake. Oh yeah, Cathy and I are bringing our husbands, too.

Heidelberg Castle, Germany

I hope to post some pictures for you when I get back. We'll start in Amsterdam and take a train to Basel, Switzerland. I can say, "Is dit de trein naar Basel?" So hopefully I won't get lost. My husband and I are using Rosetta Stone to learn German, so we will go armed with our little Dutch and German translation books, and pray that all the Dutch and Germans will speak fluent English.

Riquewihr, a medieval city between mountain and vineyards

in eastern France on the Rhine River

So why am I heading to Europe? Research! I love incorporating interesting cultural details into my stories. My area of Montana has many Dutch families who settled back in the 1860's. My son attended a private Dutch Reform Christian High School and the cultural influences were fascinating. Not only that, but a wee bit of my family background has some Dutch ancestry, as well as German, Scottish, Irish and Swiss. So I hope to incorporate this into books to come, as well as find new stories as I research.

So "dag" for now. Auf Wiedersehen!

Tracie

50 years of unity

As you read this, I am somewhere in Alaska with my hubby and my parents. On a cruise. Probably seasick. lol But I'm excited for this trip. It is a special gift to my parents in celebration of their anniversary--50 years as of 8/8/08. I think that's pretty monumental given today's penchant for seeking greener pastures when things get rough. That's never been an option for my parents, and the secure home they provided for my brother and me is a gift beyond description.

Mom and Daddy met on a blind date in June of 1958. Mother was the newly hired schoolteacher in town; Daddy worked for his dad's roofing company. He also played softball. One of the other teachers invited Mom to a softball game; Mom saw Daddy on the pitcher's mound and commented that he looked like a man she wouldn't mind dating. The teacher who had invited Mom to the game repeated the comment to Dad's stepmother. Dad's stepmother, thinking the comment was made about her son rather than her stepson, told Dad's stepbrother LaVerne to ask "the new schoolteacher" out for a date. So when a strange man who identified himself as "one of the Vogel boys" called, Mother accepted his invitation to dinner.

Imagine her surprise when not Daddy, but someone she'd never seen before, showed up! Well, at the end of the evening, when LaVerne asked Mom for a second date, she admitted she had really wanted to go out with "the other Vogel boy." LaVerne passed the word on to Daddy...and two months later Daddy and Mom drove away from the Durham (Kansas) Church of God as man and wife.

The thing I admire most about my parents is their dedication to God individually and as a couple. Attending and being active in church has always been important to them. They always joined the choir, and I used to love to listen to them sing duets for special music. They've both taught Sunday school, worked with the youth, and led AWANA groups; and Daddy has served as a deacon. Their love for God is obvious to all who meet them, and thanks to their teaching I discovered my need for a Savior very early in life. Life hasn't been without its challenges, yet they've always stood together and relied on God to see them through. What a wonderful example they have been to me.

My parents have always been my greatest encouragers, prayer warriors, and role models; and now they are...extra special blessing...my best friends. (BTW, the pic above was taken at Bethany House, summer 2006--they accompanied me for a tour and editorial meetings. It seemed fitting since they've so strongly supported my dream of becoming published...even letting me sneak up into a tree with Daddy's manual typewriter to tap out my stories.)

50 years of life and love and service--that's quite an accomplishment. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Daddy! I love you!

~Kim

Fair Time

August 8, 2008


It’s hot in Missouri. And when it’s hot, it’s fair time. I’ve gone three times, if you can believe it. One time alone to ‘people’ watch. I thought maybe a fresh, exciting book idea would come to me, but it didn’t. The second time I went with my husband and two youngest grandchildren. While I took my littlest one to the bathroom ( she was grossed out because someone threw up on her ride) would you believe my husband allowed our nine year old grandson to see “Unbelievable Sights” which turned out to include such educational “sights” as a two-headed baby and the world’s biggest rat. Gage’s eyes were round as flying saucer’s when Audrey and I caught up with the men. Reduced to babbling, Gage told us all about his adventure that lasted all of two minutes, since he looked at everything ‘fast’. The poor child will be warped. The third time, my husband and I went with friends. I figure the money we’ve spent on corn dogs ($4.50 a piece) and large lemonades with extra ice ($5.00 a glass) should now be close to the National debt, and still no new, fresh book ideas in sight.

Still noodling this idea of narrowing my focus, writing historical or contemporary? Perhaps if I’d spent more time thinking, and less time at the fairgrounds this week I’d have my answer.


Lori Copeland

Living by Distraction

I'm currently reading Living the Lord's Prayer by David Timms and came across this passage today:

Perhaps the central challenge of our day is not to find time for Christ but to find the courage to stop for Him. Contrary to popular claims, the distractions of our lives do not emerge from the world. We create them and empower them. We choose to carry the cell phone, turn on the computer, load up the iPod, work early and late, and arrange "business lunches." Our schedules, despite our complaints of "a life out of control," remain largely under our control. We make choices every hour.

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!!

Especially in light of my post last week. I tell ya, be careful when you ask the Maker of Heaven and Earth to point out areas in your life where you need major help. And yet I'm so grateful that He loves me enough to do just that.

I remember when writing From a Distance, my prayer was patterned after II Samuel 24:24, "Lord, I don't want to offer you something that costs me nothing." And good grief, it nearly killed me to write that book! Numerous times, I almost called my wonderful editor, Karen Schurrer, to tell her, "Never mind. Elizabeth and Daniel are hangin' it up. And so am I." LOL! But I kept on, and I'm so glad I did. Because I learned a lot about myself through writing that story. 

I've learned that dreams (our plans for our lives) don't always turn out like we thought they would. This past year has been a wonderful year for me in many ways. Last summer, Revealed won the 2007 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance. Then Remembered recently won the 2008 Christy for Best Romance. And you know what? I'm grateful and honored, and so appreciative. But I've been reminded--yet again in my life--that success (however it's measured) doesn't correlate to personal fulfillment. It can't. It was never intended to. Personal fulfillment can be found only in Christ.

And part of experiencing that fulfillment in Him comes by spending more time in His presence. Alone. Attentive. Silent. Listening. By the gracious generosity of some new friends, I'm headed away for the next few days to write but also to spend time alone with Him. No internet. No email. No TV. Only me, a cabin, a lake, and the Trinity. Though life is good, this soul is thirsty and eager to be filled again.

I'll take some pictures while there and share them next week. And if you think of it, I'd appreciate your prayers for me to be able to s l o w  d o w n enough to hear His voice, and then for the courage to act on however He leads.

~Tamera

P.S. And so as not to end on too serious a note , check out a little video of Jack that I posted on my blog last night. It's him with his favorite toy! :)

I'll take my creature comforts, thanks

About 15 years ago, I got the idea for a time-travel novel. I'm not sure of all that would happen in the story, were I to write it, but the kick off point is this: A heroine is told she is going to be sent back in time for a set period and she can only take with her whatever items she can fit in a large purse/tote. And therein lies the question for you, dear blog readers: What would you take with you if you were being sent back in time?

I must confess that as much as I love reading about the past, I'm very fond of my creature comforts from the modern world. When there was all the talk of possible crises with Y2K, what did I stock up on most? Toilet paper ran a close second to the bottled water!


So what would I take back in time? I would either have to wear it (like good walking shoes) or it would have to fit into a tote bag (similar to the one shown at right). Here's my quick list for the tote bag items:

• Antibiotics (pills and ointment)
• Advil or Aleve
• Two extra pair clean underwear
• Bar of deodorant soap
• Roll on deodorant
• Bandaids (several different sizes)
• Lotion
• Carmex
• a packet of moist wipes
• travel size shampoo
• hair brush
• glasses so I can read and see up close
• sewing needle and threads
• tweezers

Hmm. I think my tote is beginning to fill up. I would have to think some more as I squeeze in the last items.

So there you have it. Now it's your turn. What would you take with you if I were sending you back to, say, 1535 England?

[Update, 8/4/08 4:33 pm: I originally said 1880 on the Oregon Trail, but that was a mistake of a tired brain. Oregon Trail was no longer in use and there were a few more conveniences by then, so I'm sending folks further back in time and to another continent.]

Robin

P.S. Three of my fellow blog writers shared photos of their pets last week, and Poppet has her nose out of joint because I didn't do the same. So here is a picture of Poppet in one of her rare quiet moments.

Just Between Friends

I have to admit that blogging isn't something I ever felt I'd want to do. It's not that don't want to share tidbits with friends and readers, it's more along the lines that I can't imagine anyone wanting to read anything about me. Sure I sometimes do some exciting things, but otherwise, I'm pretty boring.

Favorite things to do include petting my cats - we have three...Calvin J. Whiskers, Safari, and Simon.  

Or walking with the dogs - we have two crazy collies. 

Or sitting and discussing historical events with my historian husband, Jim. We could talk for hours about Europe in the middle ages or the reasons why the P51 Mustang was the best fighter in WWII. But most of all, I write.

I love to write. It's a passion. It's a ministry for me first and foremost, and an exciting way to share my love for the Lord. So when I blog, you'll probably hear about things the Lord has done for me, writing experiences, research travel and any other tidbit that I might find fascinating. I'll share with you books and movies that I've enjoyed and keep you up-to-date on the books I'm writing.

But for now I have to go--Simon (our black and white cat grandson- he belonged to our daughter who upon leaving for Boston and Harvard, couldn't take her son with her) and our only female, part Siamese--Safari are having a heated political discussion in the hall.

Tracie