This n' That

As I type this, I'm listening to the song Never Once and am about to draw the names for the four worship CDs offered as a giveaway in my post last week.

Here goes...and I pray that whoever gets these will be as encouraged as I've been by these songs. Thanks to everyone who left a comment during the past week and without further adieu––drumroll––congrats to…

Rosie (Aussiebooklover)

Marti Walker

Jackie S.

Judy B.

If you gals will send me your snail mail addresses through the contact page on my website, I'll happily send you your CDs. And Rosie, yes, I know you're down under but I drew your name and I want you to have this. I figured God does too.

I'm currently tucked away for a week of focused writing and so far it's been very productive. Like Robin mentioned in her post yesterday, I appreciate your prayers for this next book. I am LOVING all the research for these antebellum stories but am finding it a tough balance in what to include and what not to include. And since I love history, I just want to include it all!! Which means I end up with a book that's quite um....long! And I've committed not to do that again.

Which brings up a question: Are you at all "put off" by a really long book? Go ahead. Be honest. You can tell me. When you pick up a book, fan the pages, and it numbers into the 400s, do you quickly put it back on the shelf thinking, "Holy cow, that'll take me forever to read!"

As "historical readers," I would guess most of you might say that you like (or even prefer) longer books. But I wonder. Life is busy. Time is scarce. And all the "marketing trends" tend to point to readers wanting shorter books. And shorter chapters, too. What does that say about our attention spans? Hmmm....  ; )

I tend to write a little on the longer side, but I'm really trying to write a little shorter, more concise this time. (Robin, stop laughing!) I'm not shortchanging the story, I promise. Just writing tighter. Once I finish my first draft, I usually add about 10-15,000 words in the substantive edit phase, which is a little tricky if your first draft is 130,000 words (insert editor's shocked face here). Anyway, we'll see how that works for me on this next book. So far, so good.

But I have a few words left to go....  : }

Blessings on your Tuesday folks, oh! and if you're looking for a completely yummy (and easy) bread to make, then look no further. Yesterday, I shared the recipe for Deb Raney's French Bread on my personal blog. Oh. My. Goodness. Soooo delicious! Treat yourself and make some this week, then invite me over.

Appreciate y'all,
Tammy


P.S. The Help comes out on DVD today! Wish we could have a party (with Deb's bread) and watch it together tonight. Or better yet (and more appropriate), we could make Minnie's Caramel Cake. Mmmmm....

And don't forget to enter Tracie's fabulous HOUSE OF SECRET CONTEST! The contest closes on December 11th so get over there and get your name in the hat.