Transported by Story

It's been several years since I've had any interest in watching the Oscars. Last night was different. I suppose because I've seen six of the ten nominees for Best Picture and still want to see three of the remaining four. 2010 must have been an unusually good year for movies for I rarely have seen that high of a percentage of the nominated shows.

I was thrilled that The King's Speech won Best Picture and that Colin Firth took home the Oscar for Best Actor. Very well deserved. If you haven't seen the movie, you should. I had one reader of my Write Thinking blog say she was hesitant to see it because of the R rating. I would say that most people can overlook the rating. There is some foul language but it is used in such a different way that I didn't find it offensive. Foul language in most films (as in life) is simply laziness, and I am often offended by that.

Anyway, as a writer, I love it when I am transported by story to another time or place or circumstance. The King's Speech did that for me as did Toy Story 3. Go on. Admit it. You cried in Toy Story 3, right? True Grit was a great remake, and Hailee Steinfeld is a remarkable young actress. The Social Network was rather fascinating, and I wish I knew how accurate it was.

And as long as I'm talking about being transported by story, I've got to mention The Hunger Games. I'm currently listening to this YA novel in audio book. I am completely captivated. I hope it is as good all the way through (not just this book but the series) as it is in the first five chapters.

So what books have you read and/or what movies have you seen recently that transported you?

~robin

A Taste of Texas

Traveling is always fun. I love meeting new people, seeing new things, and tasting something different. I've met loads of people, seen great stuff, and tasted some hot food--really hot. Spicy. I got a kick out of watching Noelle, our publicist, taste her first cheesy biscuit at Red Lobster. And I tasted my first Sonic cherry limeade and my first kolache--though not at the same time.




As for sights... I've gotten a kick out of watching the signs. No town in Texas is complete without three things: A doughnut shop, a catfish place, and a Dairy Queen. I've never seen so many tire stores, either! But the folks down here seem to have perfected multi-tasking. I saw one place that sold tacos and tires. That's a pretty diverse offering.. but another place had them beat. They ofered gifts, antiques, spaghetti and ice cream. Well, there's the Kolaches, strudel, homemade beerbread, tamales, and fudge place--that has a gas station out front. Or the all-you-can-eat pancakes and shrimp. You have to have a cast-iron stomach tolive in this rugged place!

After encountering signs like those, I've been having a hoot with the signs in these folks have a huge sense of humor.

How else can you explain side-

by-side businesses with SHARP and Artistic Nails painted on the siding? Or the strip club with a billboard overhead advertising a Ministers' Convention?

One block from the beach in Galviston, I saw a shaved ice truck with Frigid Frog on it. It reminded me of the sign in a Czech shop that left me baffled and amused.

And there's the billboard for a BBQ place asking, "Can you smell out pitts?"









A sandwich and ice cream shop had a sign I couldn't resist. I hopped into that line immediately.

Can you blame me?
Blessings from the yummy state of Texas,
Cathy

Retreating

I love that Jesus encouraged us to go to lonely places and get quiet with our Heavenly Father. The last couple of weeks have been intense with bookstores, speaking events and signing and meeting all sorts of new folks. It was its own kind of blessing, but so too is being called apart to get quiet with God.

Although - when you put 18-20 authors together there is very little quiet.

Even so, we definitely took time to be quiet with the Lord and enjoy just listening to His voice. So what did God say?

He reminded me during the booktour as well as the retreat - that He loves me. That even while I was still wretchedly separated from Him - Christ died for me. I'm blessed and His love is at the core of that blessing. It creates the foundation of who I am and how I look at life.

God also showed me that there are a lot of hurting people. People who love God, but are barely hanging on by a thread. People who long for relationship with God the Father, but also with other Christians. We need to be Jesus with skin on for those who are hurting. It isn't always easy. Sometimes we're tired and weary ourselves. Sometimes we are hurt and bleeding. Sometimes we're just having one of those "bad attitude" days.

However, we are called to encourage and bear one another's burdens. Sometimes that means stopping what we're doing to pray with someone. Sometimes that means dealing with uncomfortable people. The walk of a Christian doesn't always look like what we think it will - sometimes it's about washing feet, sometimes it's about mopping up blood and sometimes - probably more often than we realize - it's about getting alone with God.

If you haven't taken a few minutes or hours - maybe days - to get alone with God, I encourage you to do so. The experience is transforming and eye opening.

Blessings to you!
Tracie

Shine on

Last week I had the privilege of traveling to St. Louis and meeting with fellow board members for American Christian Fiction Writers (if you're an aspiring writer, check this group out!). Three days of meetings and eatings, literally! I've never been so well fed. Dinner was usually late, after sundown, so we enjoyed star-spangled walks from the hotel to restaurants and then back to the hotel again. Saturday evening, however, stars went into hiding. The night seemed especially dark. But when we left the restaurant and began the trek back to the hotel, I rounded a corner and encountered this view:

I came to a halt on the sidewalk and stared, captured by the bright orb of white framed beneath the arch. At first I thought it was a streetlamp, but when I realized it was no man-made light but the bold light of the moon, I gasped. So amazingly bright! Made even more glorious by the very black sky surrounding it, the moon shone like a beacon over the city.

Later, as I was examining the picture I snapped on my camera (the one above was taken by Deb Raney--hers came out much better than mine), several things occurred to me. First of all, the moon has no light of its own. It simply reflects the sun. And oh, how beautifully the moon did its job on this night! Secondly, the moon seemed even brighter than usual because of the very blackness around it. Would it have seemed as intense had the sky been flooded with stars? I don't believe so.

And then my thoughts went a step further... Do I, as a Christian, more gloriously reflect the Son when I'm in the midst of twinkling stars, or when I'm in a dark place? Perhaps I need to be more appreciative of the opportunities to shine for Jesus--to point others to my Source of strength and comfort--rather than bemoaning the shadowed times in my life...

I'm home again, finishing up my first contemporary women's fiction story for Bethany House (and loving it, by the way! I hope my readers will, too), and life continues at full throttle. But I hope I don't lose sight of the glimpse God gave me in St. Louis, and I pray my life will be a beacon for Him.

God bless you muchly as you journey with (and shine for!) Him. ~Kim

Do's and Dont's

Since I haven’t been traveling and the snowy weather has kept me indoors a great deal, I don’t have exciting pictures or events to share. As I was considering what you might enjoy today, I pulled a book from my reference shelf. That’s a picture of the cover—Do’s and Don’ts of Yesteryear by Eric Sloane. The book contains some wisdom I thought I’d share with you—along with some of my own comments. So prepare to get smart!

Do hammer a squared peg into a round hole when you wish a wood joint to stay. A hardwood stick, if partly squared, will soon ‘weld’ itself in a round-holed softwood piece and stay tight throughout the years. Judy’s Comment: Now, see there—and we always thought you couldn’t pound a square peg into a round hole. You’ve already learned something, haven’t you?

Do make a simple soap by using potatoes three-fourths boiled and then mashed. This not only cleans hands, but also prevents winter chap. Judy’s Comment: The book doesn’t say how to make ‘difficult’ soap—only simple soap. Guess I’ll have to purchase another book for that recipe!

Do roll newspapers into rolls by wrapping them with string. A stack of these ‘logs’ will do almost as well in your fireplace as real wood. Judy’s Comment: Now I’m no authority on logs, but I do notice this says “almost as well,” and there’s no mention of the soot that might result from using the paper logs.

Don’t wear earrings that draw down on the lobe of the ear. A well-shaped ear is a handsome feature; but an ear misshapen by the size and weight of trinkets is an unpleasant thing to behold. Judy’s Comment: So, ladies, the next time you choose a pair of earrings, please remember you don’t want to create an unpleasant appearing earlobe!

Do banish odor of onions on the breath by chewing fresh walnuts or a few raw parsley leaves. Judy’s Comment: Or at least keep some gum or mouthwash handy.

Do use your outstretched arms to measure a room, etc. Fingertip to fingertip, your arm spread will equal your exact height. Try it and see. Judy’s Comment: I didn’t try this—I’ll let some of you give it a whirl (or measure) and you can tell me if it’s true.

Do clean windows with damp newspaper. The ink actually aids in cleaning and the paper is unusually absorbent. Judy’s Comment: Okay, I know this one works, because my mother used newspapers to wash windows and that means it’s what she taught me to use. Besides, old newspapers are cheaper than paper towels.

Do try the simplest of sickroom disinfectents—a plate full of sliced onions. Judy’s Comment: I’m not sure this works as a disinfectant, but the odor effectively keeps other folks out of your sickroom.

Do meet the Lord in prayer and meditation and feed on his Word each day. Judy’s Comment: This wasn’t in the book, but it’s the most important 'do' on this list.

May you find joy as you complete your list of “do’s” and “don’ts” each day. ~Judy

Praying from Present Moments

Today's reading from Jesus Calling (excellent book, highly recommended) touched me on a level that only the most skilled Physician's touch could. I hope it blesses you too…

February 22


YOU NEED ME EVERY MOMENT. Your awareness of your constant need for Me is your greatest strength. Your neediness, properly handled, is a link to My Presence. However, there are pitfalls that you must be on guard against: self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up. Your inadequacy presents you with a continual choice––deep dependence on Me, or despair. The emptiness you feel within will be filled either with problems or with My Presence. Make Me central in your consciousness by praying continually: short prayers flowing out of the present moment. Use My Name liberally, to remind you of My Presence. Keep on asking and you will receive, so that your gladness may be full and complete.


I know why the above passage spoke so much to me. My word for 2011 is empowered, and it comes from this familiar verse:

"I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.]

Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)

I appreciate that our neediness can be a link to His Presence. And that our inadequacy can lead us to a deeper dependence on Christ. If I didn't know better, I'd almost think He was saying that when we're weak, then we're strong. [Gotta love 2 Corinthians 12:10!]

Praying out of the present moment, and still editing and working toward THE END on this next book.

Tammy

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  

A SPECIAL ADDED BONUS

Click on over to the Seekerville blog where Judy is guest blogging today and look at our Judy go! While you’re there, you can enter a drawing for a copy of her latest book, A Bond Never Broken.

On the Way, Not in the Way

Today I begin my final week of radiation therapy. Yea! I've had and am having some issues, but overall, I've done well through the treatment. Still, it will be good to put this season behind me.

During my drive to and from the hospital every week day, I've been listening to Carol Kent's Between a Rock and a Grace Place. It's left me in tears a time or two. Early in the book (and perhaps it is also the epigraph; since I'm listening, I can't say for certain), Carol quotes from Romans 9:33 in The Message. In this verse, Paul is writing about salvation for the Jews and Gentiles. But it applies to so much more.

“Careful! I’ve put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can’t get around. But the stone is me! If you’re looking for me, you’ll find me on the way, not in the way.” (Romans 9:33, The Message)

Throughout this time on earth, trials will enter our lives. It's a given. And when we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place, we need to press into the Rock rather than trying to get around Him. We'll find Him on the way, not in the way.

I have found this to be a wonderful encouragement. Hope you will too.

~robin

PS  After publishing this post, I looked up the verse in my NASB version, my favorite study Bible, and I found that several years ago I'd written in the margin, "See The Message," for verses 9:32-33. Obviously this had spoken to me in the past and I'd forgotten it.

It's All About People

So many people prayed while Tracie and I went on a book tour of Texas. We felt your prayers! We've appreciated how God granted us traveling mercies. Each place we went, something special happened. Opportunties to make new friends, to pray together, and to meet up with old friends all combined to make this a very memorable trip.

Words can't say how dear Tracie is to me. Throughout the trip, we were of one accord. (Though we weren't in an Accord. Our luggage wouldn't have ever fit!) We laughed together, prayed together, and shared fabulous meals.

It'll take a whole blog just for me to cover the food in Texas--my, oh my!!! Consider this a drool alert when I write about that next week.

I didn't get pictures, but Tracie woke up super early and walked miles and miles on the treadmill each morning. I'm so proud of her dedication. As for me? My pillow and I were holding a meeting. That's why I didn't get pictures.

Noelle, our incredible publicist from Bethany House Publishers, organized the whole trip. Man, what a great job she did! We appreciated how she helped with all the details and kept things going smoothly. A pretty young woman with an old soul, she added a lot to the trip... and we relied on her heavily to help polish off tons of tortilla chips.


Kalesha came to one of our discussions. She speaks the best love language of all and listens to others with her heart. It's a shame I'll have to wait until heaven to have her as my neighbor.



Then, there's Naomi Ruth. Don't you love her name? I might have to borrow it for a character. With that name, she has a lot to live up to, and she shows every sign of measuring up.Already, she understands something so many of us still grapple with: Being different and reveling in the uniqueness with which God created us brings a wondrous freedom and joy.

We met up with DiAnn Mills --what a treat! I met DiAnn long ago when I was copyediting for Barbour books, and she is a dynamo! We vistited her book club and enjoyed a marvelous time.

It's exciting to meet with readers and compare notes. I love hearing how they expected something to unfold. Hearing their perceptions about the characters is a never-ending source of fun. There are ones they want to know more about, and which--as one person said--"I want to trap him in a cave and blow it up." (It's Tracie's character, and I'm willing to light the fuse!)

We spoke at an awesome library in Mt. Pleasant where the stained glass and original bookshelves testified to the timeless beauty of the written word. We met so many awesome librarians on this trip, and they are unsung heroes of our nation.

American Christian Fiction Writers held a meeting at Barnes and Nobel. We all talked shop at noon and had a dynamic time at the supper table.I'e never tasted a sweeter support.
Janice Thomkins, and author Tracie acquired and I copy edited, met us for supper with her ACFW chapter.
She has a fabulous sense of humor...and so does everyone else in that group. We made new friends who will last a lifetime.

In the end, this trip was all about the people God brought our way. And that is so very true to His character--He cares about each of us and never leaves us alone. We're never walking through life by ourselves. Because of His grace and mercy and love, Tracie and I were honored to tour Texas. Over and over, people told us we'd touched their hearts and I know we were simply God's tools. But even more, He used other people to encourage and touch us. Our trip through Texas was sweet.. and I'm thankful!
Cathy

Our little Texas Trip

Oh we are having great fun in Texas. We have been speaking at numerous libraries and enjoying ourselves enormously.
I think I've driven about 9 million miles, but it hasn't been too difficult and God has really been watching over us. Thanks for the prayers.

Cathy and I have known each other long enough to be able to chatter away and include the audience. We like to keep things casual and fun. Folks seem to like that too. We always get asked some neat questions like, "Why did you pick this setting?" or "How can you be so funny?" The latter one is mainly for Cathy.

I was really touched to hear that a couple of the readers drove from quite far away to come to the signings. You readers are really incredible! Here's a picture of Leslee who came from Oklahoma City to escape the cold and see us in Dallas.









So here are a few pictures of the events.















We wish that we could travel with all of our writing sisters. We have so much fun when we're all together. We wish we could meet up with all of you too. Maybe one of these days we'll all cross roads. If not here - then definitely in heaven.



For now - we'll set a place for you at the dinner table and think of you.


Keep those prayers coming.
Tracie

God's Whisper

Have you ever wished for a burning bush? You know what I mean--a very clear, concise, no-question-in-your-mind message from God. Yep. It would be a lot easier sometimes if He gave us a burning bush. But most often, God whispers.

Last week I had the pleasure of going on the K-Love Friends and Family Cruise with my soul sister. (The picture of our ship was taken from the tiny island of CocoCay--I love all the blues! Blue sky, blue water, gray-blue clouds... Lovely.) This was our third year to go together, and we're already booked for next year. It's a great get-away, but even more than fun, we've discovered it's a real spiritual retreat. Music has always ministered to me, so having the chance to hear Christian artists in concert provides a smorgasbord of message.

This year, three themes emerged, resonating from several different directions. Two were especially meaningful to both of us, and one seemed to speak directly to my heart. The themes were 1) praising God in the midst of storms; 2) being at peace in His presence; and 3) caring for the orphaned.

Kind of an odd combination, isn't it? The first two correlate very nicely together, but the third one...? How does that one fit? I'm not sure. But I know, as many times as the subject arose in private conversation, in devotions, and in song, I can't ignore it. In my impatience, I'm wanting the burning bush. But no burning bush blazed to life in front of me on the ship; no burning bush has appeared in my yard here at home. I might not know the reason for that particular prompting for quite a while. I intend to listen for His whisper concerning what I'm meant to do. I know, in His timing, He'll open a door. And if I'm paying attention, I'll see it.

In the meantime, it's nice to be home again. But here's a picture of Kathy and me, relaxing on the ship, in the sunshiny Bahamas. What a gift--time with a dear friend, surrounded by God's beauty, ears treated to songs of praise. I'm already looking forward to next year's cruise. And I'm keeping my ear tuned to His whisper...

May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim

The New Baby

I don’t think we writers ever get over the delight of a new baby arriving on our doorsteps. This was my week to receive my latest book—A Bond Never Broken. It’s the final book in the independent series, Daughters of Amana, so I’m thrilled to share a little about it with you today.

This particular series has been connected only by setting. Each book is set in one of the seven villages that comprise the Amana Colonies. Rather than having readers come to the end of the book and feel let down because a particular thread hasn’t been concluded, each of these books will stand alone and can be read in any order without affecting the other books.

I sometimes enjoy having my characters overlap throughout a series, but I find there are many readers who aren’t fond of waiting for the next book. Those readers often tell me they feel 'cheated' or they say they’ll wait until the entire series has released before they purchase any of the books. The idea of an independent series gives readers a taste of both worlds. Even though the setting may change due to the passage of time, readers still have a sense of familiarity that is reminiscent of a true series. At least that’s the premise we’re hoping to achieve. Lately, I’ve noticed more and more authors of historical fiction are using this concept rather than the ongoing storyline or family saga.

In this series, each book is set at a different time as well as in a different village. A Bond Never Broken is set in South Amana, particularly in Lower South Amana. The ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower’ designations came about in the South Village because there were two different railroad lines that passed through the village. The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific railroad line passed through Upper South, and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific passed through Lower South. The residents of Amana constructed hotels near both of the depots. A wise decision, for the needs of many travelers could easily be met in the village. You’ll be introduced to the fictional family who operates the hotel in Lower South Amana, and also experience a fascinating piece of history along with some mystery and romance. The hotel in Lower South is now a private home and the one in Upper South is in need of major repair. These are some of the barns in some different villages and the communal kitchen and coopersmith shop are located in Upper South and can be toured.

The book opens in 1917 and deals with issues surrounding the Great War—not the war itself, but how German immigrants and Americans of German heritage were treated at that time, particularly the residents of Amana, who were of German descent.
I haven’t previously written anything set during this time period, so digging into the research proved to be interesting and sometimes sad. During the war there were many misuses of power, not just against German immigrants, but against immigrants of many nationalities. One article I read told of a Lutheran preacher who was jailed for preaching part of a funeral service for a soldier killed in the war in Swedish. He did this because the young man’s grandparents did not speak English. Still, he was jailed. Two elderly women in another county were jailed for speaking German on the telephone. Neither could speak English—still, they were jailed. The government encouraged reporting on neighbors and many friends turned against their neighbors and friends—all in the name of patriotism.

When anti-German sentiments crossed into the Amana Colonies, the characters in A Bond Never Broken don’t know who to trust and who to love.

I think you’ll agree the cover is wonderful and, as with the other covers in this series, the models are wearing authentic Amana clothing loaned by the history center. The huge Amana barns pictured in the background on both the front and back covers of the book are available for touring. (That's why I included so many pictures of barns--just in case you were wondering.) If you’d like to see them or any of the other delightful sites of the villages, I’d suggest a visit to Iowa. There will be another Maifest from April 30-May 1, and Lorna Seilstad and I will be there signing books. We’d be pleased to see you at the General Store!


May you find joy as you discover new places to explore. ~Judy