Toni V. Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:34:00 +0000

The Confessions

Mae B. Yew

I've Got a Man!

June 03, 2010

The last time we spoke I was sportin’ a goose egg on my forehead (compliments of Momma). If you missed my last confession, you can find it at Momma and the Goose Egg.

Shortly after I lost my mind and blew up at Momma, I apologized because I was wrong. I don’t know how ya’ll were raised, but I was taught to never ever disrespect my momma.

Do you know what she did? Momma kissed my goose egg and said, “Baby, I’m sorry I put this thing on your beautiful face.” She hugged me real tight, and her gardenia perfume drifted over me in a loving, fragrant cloud.

That was sweet wasn’t it? Wait. There’s more. Then she said, “But if you ever speak to me like that again, I’ll knock you into tomorrow, then love on ya just like this when you come to.”

What can I say? That’s my momma.

Enough about Momma and my goose egg. Ya’ll, I’ve got a man!

When I became a Christian, I’m not sure what happened. Men of substance stopped coming near me, and losers won’t stay away from me. There are periods—long periods—when men don’t seem to even look at me. Sittin’ home on Friday and Saturday nights when I’d rather be out on dates is no fun at all! I’m just keepin’ it real, and I know there are some sisters out there who feel my pain.

But I’m not keepin’ my TV company anymore. I’m out and about, enjoyin’ my man!

I met Edward on the internet. That’s somethin’ my friend Justine can never know, or she won't let me live it down. I can hear her now. “The Bible says…” And if there isn’t an applicable scripture, she’ll probably make one up.

Don’t get me wrong. Just is my girl. She’s my best friend. She also works my last nerve because she’s so rigid when it comes to her walk with Christ. That’s a good thing, but I’m not there yet. The Lord’s workin’ on me, but He still has a whole lot of work to do.

Eddie and I had been dating a month before I told Just about him. That’s right. A whole month! See…there was a teeny, tiny problem. You’ll understand when I tell you how my conversation with her went.

She and I were hangin’ out at my place, sharin’ an Indian takeout when I finally worked up enough courage to tell her about my man.

I took a deep breath and took the plunge. “Just, I’m dating a guy named Edward.”

The fork full of chicken vindaloo and rice stopped en route to Just’s mouth. I knew what she was about to ask me. I had to keep control of the conversation. “He’s a believer.”

Just placed the fork and untouched food on her plate, eyeing me the entire time. “What exactly does he believe?”

Now, I ask you why did she have to go there? Why couldn’t she have just let that pass? Any normal person would have just said okay. But I was ready for her.

I answered with the innocence of a child, “That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He died on the cross for our sins, He rose on the third day, and He’s now sitting on the right hand of the Father in Heaven.” Mentally, I stuck my tongue out at her.

She gave me a fake smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “The Bible says demons believe there is one God and tremble.”

Ya’ll, I could’ve hit her.

Just crossed her arms. “I know you, Mae. Stop playing with me and tell me what I want to know. Is Edward a born-again believer? Is he a Christian?” She held up a hand. “And before you go off on one of your word games again, let me define Christian for you: Christ-like or one who follows the teachings of Christ.”

I rolled my eyes at her and sucked my teeth. Was I being childish? Yes, but it felt good. “No,” I answered after a hard stare.

She exhaled a deep sigh. “Mae, you know better.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Just, the Bible says not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Eddie is a believer.” So there, Ms. The-Bible-Says!

“Mae, the Bible also asks how can two walk together except they agree?”

“Well, I don’t see anything wrong with me dating him.” My neck rolled all through that statement.

Just rested her elbows on the table. “In a relationship like yours, somebody is going to change. Either you will change, or he will.”

There’s no other way to put this, but I squirmed in my seat. Me. A… never-you-mind year-old woman. I knew where Just was goin’ with that statement. “I put boundaries in place when Eddie and I first started dating. He knows what’s what.”

“Has he respected those boundaries, or have they shifted?”

Ya’ll I experienced a heat wave that had nothing to do with Florida’s hot sun as recent encounters I’d had with Eddie flashed through my mind. I’ll admit—to you, not her—I’ve had to do some tricky maneuvering to get him out the door and keep my virtue intact.

“Mmm-hmm,” Just rapped her fingers on the table. “I thought so.”

Now, I hadn’t said a word. What was she doing all up in my thoughts?

The silence in the room grew thick, and I “felt” Just praying for me. That angered me ‘cause all I was doin’ was tryin’ to find a little piece of happiness.

I thought of a passage of scripture. I’d like to say the Lord dropped it into my Spirit, but I’d be lying. Listen up, and you’ll see why.

“Just,” I snapped, “you are always talkin’ about what the Bible says, but have you forgotten that Jesus commissioned the disciples to go out among the unbelievers and win souls?”

She shook her head. “No, Mae, I haven’t forgotten. We have the same commission, today.” She reached across the table and touched my hand. “But—and this is a big but—the Lord has not commissioned us to missionary date.”

My anger left me on an involuntary laugh. “Sometimes, I hate you.”

Her laughter joined mine. “No, you don’t.” She winked. “Girl, you know you love me.”

I started doodling on the table with my index finger. “Justine, Eddie’s so good to me. He makes me feel special. He…completes me.”

Just shot up out of her seat and leaned over the table. “He…completes…you? That's rubbish!”

She retrieved my Bible from the coffee table and began flipping the pages, all the while muttering about women being broken and hurt as a result of seeking completion from men rather than from the right source.

She brought the Bible over and placed it on the table in front of me, pointing to a scripture. “Do you see this? Colossians 2:10 says, ‘and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.’” She moved back to her chair. “Christ completes you. Not a man. When you enter a relationship, you should be two whole/complete people coming together. A man complements you. He...does... not...complete...you.” Her hand smacked the table. “You got that? Don’t you ever let me hear you say that again.”

Good grief! “Alright already. Christ completes me. My man does not complete me.”

“Mae, I want you to be happy,” Just said. “You need to count up the cost.”

“I am happy…with Eddie.”

Just blew a gust of air out through her nose. “Girl, you need to drop that man like he’s hot.”

I looked at her like she had two heads. “You need to take your complete self on home and look at your TV by yourself while I go on a date tonight with my man.”

Just laughed at me and shook her head.

Now, you understand why I put off telling Justine about Edward.

What’s your opinion? Should I drop Eddie like he’s hot, or should I keep my man?

I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time…

Written by Toni V. Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:08:00 +0000

The Confessions

Mae B. Yew

Momma and the Goose Egg

March 18, 2009

Well, I keep hearing that confession is good for the soul.

My soul needs a whole lot of good, so I'm going to start confessin'.

Let me start by saying that the sister you read about in What Had Happened Was, was me--Mae Bea Yew.

Don’t even start. I know. I know. My name is unique. So am I.

I'm not proud of my past, but it is my past, so don't hold it against me.

I'm a different person now…somewhat. Okay, I'm a work-in-progress.

What I tell you has to remain between you and me. Please, please don't tell Justine--my best friend--anything I share with you. I love Just to pieces, but I can't stand her. She's been a Christian for a long time and has a "You know the Word says" remark for almost everything. Sometimes, you just don't want to hear that. You know what I mean?

Anyway, my first confession is about something that happened between my mom and me. My mom is another Justine. She always has a scripture. She's always tellin' me what to do, and what I’m not doing.

Yesterday, my mom started in on me about my attitude.

Most times...okay, occasionally, I hold my peace and let her talk until she’s ready to rest her jaws. That day was not one of those days. I'd been stuck in traffic for over an hour on I-4. You know, folk can be so nasty. I lost count of the number of people I saw sending spit bombs out of their car windows onto the road. Yuck!

I digress. So, I finally make it to momma's house--hot, sweaty, and tired--to pick up a letter she wanted me to mail for her. I walk into the house, and momma’s sittin' in a chair like she's the Queen of Sheba, looking all cool and rested, and reading a book. I'm thinkin' to myself, now why couldn't she have mailed her own letter? She’s sittin’ there like my sole purpose in life is to cater to her needs.

The first thing she says to me is, "You're late." No hello. No how are you? No you look tired, baby. My irritation level went click-click, right up the scale. I knew I was late. I didn't need her to tell me that I was late.

I didn't think, y'all. Words left my brain and shot straight out my mouth. I said, "No, I'm not. I planned to inch along I-4 for an hour and watch people spit."

Mom looked at me for a long second, then slowly closed her book. "Your attitude smells like you had a bad day." She settled back on her throne with her sharp eyes fixed on me. "That remark was your freebie, Mae Bea. The next one will cost ya."

I huffed and sucked my teeth. "Look, momma, I'm tired. I don't want to go there with you, today." My neck did a smooth roll. "Where's the letter you want me to mail?"

Momma tilted her head down and looked at me over the top of her eyeglasses. "Child, don't make me get up out of this chair."

Now, when I'm well-rested, my mouth has a mind of its own. When I'm in a mood like the one I was in on yesterday, it's all go.

"Look, momma…"

Momma's hand sliced through the air and my words. "I'll remind you, again. If you coat your words with kindness, they'll go down a lot smoother."

I completely lost my mind. That’s the only explanation I have for what happened next.

I rolled my eyes. Yes, I did. At my momma. "I'm grown.” My hand found its way to my hip. “I say what I want to say, when I want to say it, and how I want to say it."

Listen, I didn't even see it comin'. One second the book was in her lap. The next it was connecting with my head. I didn't know the old girl could still move so fast or had so much strength in her right arm.

So now, here I am--a grown woman of…some years--walking around with a goose egg on my forehead because my mom beaned me with a book.

I want to do the right thing, not because I'm told it’s the right thing to do, but because I believe it’s the right thing to do.

Yeah, I'm a Christian and all of that, but I'm still human. Was I wrong to speak my mind? Was it such a horrible thing? The bible doesn't say I can't speak my mind…or does it?

Would somebody out there please leave me a comment and help me out?

Don't forget: Don’t breathe a word of this to Just. She doesn't know about my new “feature”, and I intend to keep it that way.

Until next time…

Written by Toni V. Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:26:00 +0000

What Had Happened Was

What had happened was I went clubbin’ the other night and got looped. My boss had been riding my back all week for no reason other than he could. To add misery to sorrow, I had accidentally shredded a report that I’d been working on all week. The icing on the cake was when I arrived home that night from my nightmare job, I found that my dog had forgotten all of his training and had left little surprises all over my house. I deserved to get drunk.

What had happened was I met someone. No, he wasn’t a Christian, but he owned his own company, drove a Jag, traveled all over the world, and owned 5 homes—3 of which are in other countries. He showered me with flowers, jewelry, and attention. He made me feel like a million bucks. He gave me so much; I wanted to give him something in return. Okay, so I slept with him. The Lord knew my weaknesses, if He hadn’t wanted me to go there, He should have sent me a saved man a long time ago.

What had happened was I added a design to my ex’s car. I didn’t have to use fancy tools to do it, either. My car key was very effective. I just put metal to metal, added a little pressure and voilà—a new design. What? He deserved it. He was a lying cheat who worshipped that car’s tire tracks.

What had happened was I told people some things that were shared with me in secret. This girl I know was a prostitute before she accepted Christ as her savior. Listen, I wouldn’t have said anything if she didn’t act like she was all that and a honey bun now that she’s saved. Granted, she hasn’t exactly done or said anything out of line, but she is what she is. I know what you’re thinkin’, but you can keep your scorn to yourself. All I did was speak the truth.

What had happened was I saw myself in the mirror and became sick. My reflection was a clear image of sin. I had exercised my right to make choices, and had made some wrong choices. My heart hammered against my ribs, and I fell to the floor in despair. I rocked and cried like a baby until I was empty. Then I asked the Lord to forgive me and wash me clean. I rose from the floor and stood before the mirror again. My reflection was covered in blood—Christ’s blood—because what had happened was I had been forgiven.

Written by Toni V. Lee

About Toni V. Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I love to curl up with a good romance novel, and I'm passionate about writing inspirational romance novels. I'm committed to communicating the message of Christ through my novels and plays; hence my motto: Spreading Truth Through Fiction.

My first novel, Expectations, was released on April 6, 2007. Prior to my work on Expectations, I published my first stage play, The Crown Mystery.
I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, and I'm a member of the leadership team of the CIC (Complete in Christ) Singles' Ministry of my church.

My website: http://www.tonivlee.com/

MySpace: www.myspace.com/tonivlee
ShoutLife: www.shoutlife.com/tonivlee

Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:00:00 +0000

I'd like to tell you a little bit about my first published novel, Expectations. It was released on April 6, 2007.

Expectations is a romantic comedy-drama about a woman who prays for a husband and receives more than one unexpected answer.

When Michael Greer barges into Daria Simpson’s home to avoid a belligerent ex-girlfriend, Daria is not impressed. Then Michael renews his relationship with Christ and begins attending her church. Suddenly, the atmosphere becomes electric, and despite her best intentions, Daria can’t get her mind off that man. Soon they’re having monster alerts that have nothing to do with ogres or dragons. Hilarious encounters, eccentric aunties, and a persistent ex-girlfriend give them plenty of action, but nothing prepares them for the arrival of a secret baby who reveals an awful secret.

Will Michael walk away and fulfill Daria’s fearful expectations, or will their attraction mature into a godly love that lasts a lifetime?

I won't give away the ending. I'll let you read it for yourself. :-)

Do you remember a time when your expectations were shattered to bits, but the reality was all good?

Expectations is available at...

http://www.tonivlee.com/
On-line bookstores (amazon.com, target.com, christianbook.com, etc.)
1-877-421-READ (7323)
http://www.pleasantwordbooks.com/
Local bookstores (If you don't see it on the shelf, ask for it.)

Trish Perry's Blog Tour - Beach Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:37:00 +0000

Trish Perry is an award-winning writer of The Guy I’m Not Dating and Too Good to Be True. She served for seven years as the editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. Trish lives in Northern Virginia with her son, and has a gorgeous adult daughter and an amazing grandson. You can learn more about Trish at her website, www.trishperrybooks.com.

Beach Dreams

Tiffany LeBoeuf recently lost her mother to cancer. Still grieving, Tiffany seeks rest for her body and soul at a cozy beach house in San Diego. A scheduling mix-up causes a double booking, and Tiffany ends up sharing the house with a woman named Eve. When Eve’s boyfriend, Jeremy, arrives to surprise Eve, Tiffany is surprised as well. He settles in at the beach house next door, and what happens after that surprises them all.

A fun, contemporary romance about how God uses even our mistakes to bring about His divine purposes. Beach Dreams is the perfect get-away read.

Read Excerpt
Buy Now!

Author Interview

Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

I’m the middle child; middle girl. I was raised as one of five kids by my British mum and my WWII Air Force vet dad. I lived in Newfoundland (Canada), California, Colorado, and finally Virginia, which I’ve called home for the greater part of my life. I love it here. Most of my family still resides in Virginia, which is a bonus.

My late sister lived a rough lifetime of medical problems, which had a distinct bearing on our family lifestyle and our sensibilities toward the hardships of others. Her eventual death may have been a blessed relief for her, but it was a huge loss for us. The loss is what brought me to the Lord.

Both of my children are believers, which brings me such peace. I have a 29-year-old daughter, who is one of the coolest, smartest, most intuitive women I know. She’s blessed me with a remarkable grandson, now five. And my 16-year-old son is brilliant and funny, and he tells me daily that I’m weird (but I can hear the “I love you” in there when he says it).

What has God been teaching you lately?

I’ve been blown away by how clearly He forgives my weaknesses. Things have occurred in my life over the past 18 months for which (right or wrong) I carried a burden of guilt. You know, that feeling of “how did I contribute to this mess?” Yet He has blessed me so abundantly in the midst of my feelings of conviction, that He amazes me daily with His obvious love. The blessings keep me humbly aware of how much I need Him. And they instill in me such a strong desire to serve Him and to follow His guidance and will.

Where are you headed next?

I’ve just begun work on the follow-up to Beach Dreams, which is tentatively called Sunset Beach. We’re expecting a June 2009 release, but that’s not definite yet. The book’s setting will be the same, but all of the characters will be new. I’m having fun with it!

How did you get involved in writing?

I dabbled with writing on and off when I was a kid, but I didn’t feel the great calling I hear other novelists describe. I didn’t get the itch until I went back to school as an adult. I planned to become a psychological counselor, but my English professors kept giving me wonderful feedback on the writing exercises I did for them, and I realized I liked opening up that right hemisphere and pouring out the ideas. By the time I got my B.A., I decided to skip the doctorate program and focus on writing and getting published.

What’s the most difficult part of the writing process for you?
Being disciplined enough, especially at the beginning of a project, to just sit here at the computer and do it. I’m always amazed, once I’ve put something up there, how easy it is to make it better. If you have something to work with, you’re halfway there. So I’m trying to be better about the beginning of a project—not to over think it before I start.

What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I love writing dialogue. What a control freak’s dream, to have control over what everyone says, including the antagonist. If only life were that easy, LOL! But truly, sometimes a scene simply shapes itself right before my eyes when the characters are engaged in dialogue. I don’t know quite what will be expressed sometimes, and I love it when it flows even faster than I seem to be able to think it.

Where did you get the idea for the book?
I wanted very much to write a book about Jeremy and Tiffany, who were secondary characters in my first two books (The Guy I’m Not Dating and Too Good to Be True). I started to write the third book with the same setting as my first two, but then Harvest House asked if I would move the setting to fit The Beach House Series, the first two books of which were written by Sally John. So I started over and made my east coast protagonists travel across country to sunny San Diego. It was fun to create that facet of their story—it added quite a few layers to the plot. In fact, the circumstances of their getting together was completely different than what I originally planned.

What are the major themes of the book?
The importance of seeking God’s guidance constantly surfaces in my stories—the different circumstances that drive my themes usually fit under that umbrella.

Situations aren’t always as they appear, for example, and we can be fooled or we can misjudge others if we don’t constantly seek God’s wisdom and guidance. And sometimes we can miss out on His blessings if we fail to see situations as He means us to.

Another theme that emerged was how difficult it can be when a believer is drawn romantically to a nonbeliever. I’ve touched on the subject before, but in Beach Dreams, the nonbeliever is someone who feels almost real to me (and many readers) at this point. I feel a renewed empathy for Christians in these circumstances. Again, God’s guidance and strength are so important.

What is a mistake - big or small - that you’ve made that you could later see God used for a specific purpose and how did he use it?

I was deeply into adulthood when I went back to school to earn a degree. Rather than fretting over having waited so long, I focused on the fact that now I knew what I really wanted to be. A psychological therapist. You couldn’t have found a more attentive, diligent student, and I did well. So, when I neared graduation and realized I had developed an overwhelming desire to write fiction, I freaked out just a little. How could I switch gears yet again? Had I just wasted years earning a degree I wasn’t going to actually use? That felt like a huge mistake.

But God knew what He was doing. If you want to do an in-depth study of character goals, motivation, and conflict, you go on out there and earn a degree in Psychology. I may not be too quick in the plotting and scene-setting departments, but my psychological training comes in handy when creating characters and walking with them through life. I think that’s why God led me to get that degree, and now I know I didn’t waste a moment learning what I did.

Thank you for stopping by Trish!

Trish would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave her a message.

You can join her on her blog tour at the following stops:

A Christain Romance Writer’s Journey
A Peek at My Bookshelf
Amber Miller
Artistic Blogger
Behind the Mountain
Blog Tour Spot
Book Junkie Confessions
Book Nook Club
Book Room Reviews
Camy’s Loft
Christy’s Book Blog
Edgy Inspirational Author Blog
Fictionary
Footprints in the Sand
Gatorskunz and Mudcats
Heart Chocolate
His Reading List
I Don’t Wanna Blog
Kells Creative Musings
Lighthouse Academy
Lone Star Latte and Libre
Margaret Daley
My Christian Fiction Blog
Mystery, Suspense, and God, Oh My!
Net’s Notes
Readin’ N Writin’ with Patricia
Real Women Scrap
Refresh My Soul
See Ya On the Net
Sips ‘N Cups Cafe
So Many Books. . . So Little Time
The Friendly Book Nook
The O.L.D. Blog
The Writing Road
Write by Faith
wandering, wonderings of a whacked-out woman
Writing on the Edge

Kimberly Stuart Blog Tour - Act Two: A Novel in Perfect Pitch

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:33:00 +0000

Welcome!

Kimberly Stuart holds degrees from St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa. She is also the author of the Heidi Elliott Series (NavPress). After teaching Spanish and English as a Second Language in Chicago, Minneapolis, Costa Rica and eastern Iowa, she took a huge increase in pay to be a full-time mom. She makes her home in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband and two young children.

Kimberly's website: www.kimberlystuart.com

Julliard Just Moved to Green Acres!

Diva, Sadie Maddox, never thought her Second Act would involve pig farms.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 2008) – Sadie Maddox loves New York. She’s the toast of the classical music world and the queen of all she surveys. Sadie is, in a word, a bit of a diva. But lately her CD sales are waning, not to mention parts of her anatomy.

When her agent suggests she take on a professorship at a small liberal arts college, Sadie decides to give it a go. Except the college is in rural Iowa, and the closest thing to designer clothes is the western wear shop down on Main Street. Sadie’s colleagues are intimidated, her students aren’t impressed, and she has to live far too close to farm animals.

Then Sadie meets Mac, a large animal veterinarian. She assumes they have nothing in common—he is, after all, a country music fan. Besides, she’s counting the days until she can end her exile from civilization. Er, New York. Yet when Sadie’s forced to spend some time with Mac, she finds she likes him. Her students, it seems, really need her, and this quiet Midwest community begins to grow on her.

But when the semester ends, Sadie packs up and heads for the city that never sleeps…and finds she can’t either. Will she find the courage and grace she needs to embrace her Act Two?

Release: May 2008
Paperback, 256 pages, $13.99, 5.5 x 8.25
Fiction/Christian/General
ISBN: 978-1-4347-0011-7

Interview:

* About Kimberly *

If you had to write your memoir in six words, what would they be?
Wanted Angst, Clung Instead to Humor.

In high school and early college, I wanted nothing more than to be the tortured artist. I read and wrote horrible, dark poetry, tried to find the paradox in everything from God to navel oranges, and made my remarkably sunny parents nutty and fretful, usually within one dinner conversation. If you were so inclined, you could dunk yourself in my many journals of self exploration, a journey which, turns out, is frightfully dull when done alone and in denial of how diverse God’s fingerprints really are. It was only after several years of marriage and the birth of my daughter that I fully let go of the idea of being someone I’m not, tossed my inner longings to wear only black and moan songs by Ani DeFranco, and instead embraced laughter and humor as God-drenched gifts to humanity. Laughter truly is medicine and finally I’m ready to take and give a generous dose on a daily basis without feeling like I’m missing the artistic boat.

Where are you headed next?
God willing, I’ll be giving birth to our third child in August, so I’m afraid I won’t be heading anywhere too quickly. Lactation seems to preclude so many of life’s adventures…In addition to caring for our growing brood and being really snippy with my husband for a few months due to sleep deprivation, I have two more books to write with David C. Cook. Act Two is the first of three, and I must ask you humbly to buy it within the next four minutes as it is time-sensitive material. And it’s a pretty good summer read, if I must be so bold. After Act Two will come two more. This will make a grand total of five books so far from the pen of Kimberly Stuart. Don’t place any bets that I’ll try to have as many children as I do books. When it comes to babies, those in print are much kinder on a uterus.

* About the Author *

What’s the most difficult part of the process for you?
*Making myself sit down each day and crank out new material, especially on days when I’m feeling about as creative as a paint tarp.

*Pushing through the middle of a novel, when the characters have lost their initial intrigue and it’d be so much more fun to daydream about the NEXT story to write.

*Getting out of the way of the story. That is, allowing the story to flesh itself out without coercion on my part.

*Being able to, as Stephen King writes, “crucify my darlings,” to part with the elements, characters, plot movements that do not serve the story, no matter how fond I am of them.

What part do you enjoy the most?
Without question, hearing from readers who connect with, cry about, laugh because of the stories I write and then take the time and effort to let me know. Unbelievable and lovely.

* About the the Novel *

Where did you get the idea for the book?
I can’t possibly reveal that to the blogosphere, and I say that only partly because I’ve always wanted to use the word blogosphere. The other reason is that this one percolated for awhile. There was no lightning bolt moment. But I will say that I’m always interested in putting quirky characters in situations that make them woefully uncomfortable and allow the reader to laugh with gusto both at and with the character. A New York opera diva on a farm seemed like a situation that might work for that purpose.

What are the major themes of the book?
Grace, redemption, my love and respect for both urban and rural dwellers, and the under-used gift of laughter.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing with us Kimberly!

Please feel free to leave Kimberly a comment. She'd love to chat with you.

You can also join her on her tour at ...

A Christain Romance Writer’s Journey
Behind the Mountain
Blog Tour Spot
Book Nook Club
Book Room Reviews
Canadian Prairie Writer
Chatter Matters
Fictionary
Footprints in the Sand
Gatorskunz and Mudcats
His Reading List
I Don’t Wanna Blog
In the Dailies
Kells Creative Musings
Life with Missy
Lighthouse Academy
Musings on This, That, and the Other
Net’s Notes
Real Women Scrap
Refresh My Soul
See Ya On the Net
Sips ‘N Cups Cafe
So Many Books. . . So Little Time
Sumballo
The Friendly Book Nook
The Law, Books and Life
The Surrendered Scribe
The Writing Road
Write by Faith
Writing on the Edge

Suzanne Woods Fisher Blog Tour - Copper Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:22:00 +0000

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s just-released historical novel Copper Fire, is the sequel to the three-time award-winning Copper Star, a World War II love story inspired by true events. Fisher was a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her work has appeared in Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, and Marriage Partnership. She has contributed to ten non-fiction books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. A wife and mother, Fisher lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The best thing about being a writer, she feels, is that all of life becomes material for writing. It’s all grit for the oyster.

Suzanne can be found at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

During the month of June, Suzanne is running a book-a-day-giveaway contest. To enter, scoot on over to her blog (www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com) to leave a comment or pop her an e-mail: Suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com

Copper Fire is the sequel to Copper Star, picking right up at the very end of World War II. On a summer day in 1945, my main character, Louisa, receives a telegram from the International Red Cross Tracing Service. She discovers that her cousin, Elisabeth, has just been released from Dachau. Louisa is determined to go to Germany to get Elisabeth…and that’s where the story begins.

Copper Star (ISBN: 0-9793327-4-5) and Copper Fire (ISBN: 978-0-981-5592-0-9) are available at Amazon or other on-line booksellers, at Suzanne’s website, or can be ordered through your favorite bookstore.

Author Interview:

Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?

SWF: Throughout high school, reading and writing clearly became my only interests, despite dismal career options. (Besides, I was hopeless at everything else. True story: I took Algebra and got a “D,” which I blame largely on the thick accent of my Persian teacher. I couldn’t understand him. Sadly, I had to re-take the class in summer school and was greatly disappointed, on the first day, to discover the same Persian teacher standing at the front of the class. (When he saw me, he looked equally disappointed.)

I got another “D.”

Fast forward to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, a small Christian college. I was on the staff of the college newspaper and met a young student named Ginny. We became fast friends. Sharing a love of writing, we kept our relationship going through letters. A few years later, after we had both married and had started families, Ginny called me to ask if I could take over some freelancing jobs. I jumped at the chance. I started writing for Christian Retailing, then Christian Parenting Today, and eventually became a contributing editor for that magazine. And those relationships have opened other doors.

What inspires you to keep going?

SWF: This is an industry in which “no one is looking for you.” Behind every published piece, a writer has a fat file of rejection letters. But, ah, there’s just something about that published piece that makes up for that rejection file!

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?

SWF: Most favorite part? All of life is material. It’s all grit for the oyster. Least favorite? I still only make a dime an hour. And I still get plenty of rude rejection letters!

Please tell us all about what you are working on these days.

SWF: In late August, Grit from the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers, will be released from Vintage Spirit. I wrote Grit with three other very talented authors.

And another piece of great news! I just received a contract from Revell/Baker for a non-fiction book called Amish Peace in an English Life. It won’t be out until 2010…but it is taking up 90% of my brain right now.

After you finish your present project what plans do you have?

SWF: Writing, writing, writing!

Suzanne's Blog Tour Stops

6/2 On Being a Writer

http://vbrotherton.blogspot.com

6/3 So Many Books

http://somanybooks.blog.blogspot.com

6/4 Actual Unretouched Photo

http://www.unretouchedphoto.com

6/5 Cecelia Dowdy

http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com

6/9 RelzReviewz

http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com

6/10 Surviving the Chaos

http://survivingthechaos.blogspot.com

6/11 Mumblings of a Mommy “Monk”

http://mommymonk.blogspot.com

6/12 Delia Latham

http://delialatham.com

6/16 Bibliophile’s Retreat

http://forstrose.blogspot.com

6/18 Coming Home—A Christ Centered Blog by Christian Writer Miralee Ferrell

http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com

6/19 Dena Dyer

http://denadyer.com

6/20 Amber Miller Writer & Author
http://ambermiller.com

6/23 Portrait of a Writer…Interrupted

http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com

6/23 Theresa Slack

http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com

6/24 Diane Wylie

http://dianewylie.blogspot.com

6/25 Christy’s Book Blog

http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com

6/27 Tricia Goyer

http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com

7/08 2^nd Cup of Coffee

http://2nd-cup-of-cofee.blogspot.com

8/03 Trish Berg

http://TrishBerg.com

12/08 Lena Dooley

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Sherri Sand's Blog Tour - Leave it to Chance

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:02:00 +0000

Sherri Sand is a wife and mother of four young children who keep her scrambling to stay ahead of the spilled milk. When she needs stress relief from wearing all the hats required to clothe, feed and ferry her rambunctious brood, you’ll find her sitting in a quiet corner of a bistro reading a book (and surrounded by chocolate). Then to elude that calorie consumption you might see her running on the trails throughout Eugene, a city considered to be the running capital of the world. Sherri is a member of The Writer’s View and American Christian Fiction Writers. She finds the most joy in writing when the characters take on a life of their own and she becomes the recorder of their stories. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Oregon where she graduated cum laude.

New Release

Single mom of three, Sierra Montgomery is desperate to find a new job to keep from having to move back home and be smothered to death by her mother’s good intentions and overbearing love. So when Sierra inherits Chance, a quirky old gelding she doesn’t have a clue what to do with, she thinks her best bet may be to sell the horse to cover another month’s rent—a decision that devastates her children.

Enter Ross Morgan, a handsome landscaper who just happens to have an empty barn and fenced pasture…perfect for an old horse to live out his days as the pet of three wounded kids. Ross develops a soft spot for eldest child Braden…and he just might have one for Braden’s mother. But what he doesn’t have is time for distractions—he’s got a landscaping business to run.
But Sierra has a secret. She’s terrified of horses and—thanks to her past—wary of attractive men. Yet seeing the way her angry son idolizes Ross and adores that old horse forces Sierra to confront her fears. Will she remain distrustful and self-reliant, or will she seek help from God and those who love her?

Interview

How did you come up with the characters in your book?
They came to me. When I saw Sierra, I knew she was a mom who deeply loved her kids and wanted the best for them. Elise was so fun to write with her over-the-top ways. When she drove up to Sierra’s and pushed her ooga horn, I knew I was going to love her. And Sid is such a dear and reminds me so much of my father-in-law, Art. And Ross, how could you not love him?

Did the theme of forgiveness / unforgiveness that Sierra deals with come from your own life?
In a way it did, though I didn’t consciously implement it into the novel. Just like most of us living in this fallen world, there have been a couple significant events in my life that I had difficulty forgiving. I finally realized that if I waited until I felt like forgiving, it would never happen. And I desperately needed to forgive. The bitterness was choking the life out of me. So with God’s help and through His grace I made the choice to forgive and forgive and forgive. I wish I could say that there was instant peace and joy. Though I think that can happen for people when they forgive, I’d lived in unforgiveness for so long that I had to continually make a choice to forgive until the freedom came. And when that freedom came, it was a wow moment for me!

Thanks for stopping by Sherri Sand’s Leave it to Chance blog tour!

Here are the blogs featuring Sherri during her May 19-23 tour.

Amber Miller: http://www.ambermiller.com

Blog Tour Spot: http://blogtourspot.wordpress.com

Camy’s Loft: http://camys-loft.blogspot.com

Chatter Matters: http://jenndoucette.blog-city.com

A Christian Romance Writer’s Journey: http://www.eileenastels.blogspot.com

Cliffy’s Mom’s Blog: http://nancyjbailey.blogspot.com/

Fictionary: http://cballan.wordpress.com

Flying Changes: http://flyingchanges.wordpress.com/

The Friendly Book Nook: http://thefriendlybooknook.com

Horse Book Reviews: http://horsebookreviews.blogspot.com/

I Don’t Wanna Blog: http://elizardbreath8.blogspot.com

In the Dailies: http://www.tanyadennisbooks.com

Leap of Faith: http://marriageleap.com

lighthouse-academy: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

A Little Bit of Sunshine: http://footprintsinthesand.us/blog

Margaret Daley: http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com

Ma Space: http://grammaspace.blogspot.com

Musings on This, That & The Other Thing: http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com

Mystery, Suspense and God, Oh My!: http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com

Net’s Notes: http://www.annetteirby.blogspot.com

Novel Journey: http://noveljourney.blogspot.com

Penning Prose: http://www.audrasilva.com/blog

Portrait of a Writer . . . Interrupted: http://www.ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress

Readin N Writing with Patricia: http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com

Real Women Scrap: http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/

Relevant Blog: http://relevantblog.blogspot.com

Sharon Hinck: http://www.sharonswriting.blogspot.com/

Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria: http://peggyblannphifer.blogspot.com

Smells Horsey: http://www.smellshorsey.com/

Toni V Lee: http://www.tonivlee.blogspot.com

Writing by Faith: http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com

The Writing Road.com: http://www.thewritingroad.blogspot.com

Sherri would love to hear from you. Please leave her a comment to be entered in a drawing to win a free copy of Leave it to Chance.

The winner will be contacted via email, so don't forget to include your email address when you post your comment.

D.C. Stewart's debut book: WHERE WOULD COWS HIDE?

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:17:00 +0000

D.C. Stewart grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, and spent most of her childhood getting into trouble with her younger brother on their ranch. She began writing short stories in high school, and won a writing competition at a nearby college at age 17. After graduating, she attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in History, and also met her husband, Scott. She worked for a church in Maumelle, Arkansas as the Communications Coordinator for five years. After moving back to Oklahoma, she chose to stay home with their four year old twin boys, and six month old baby girl, and to pursue her dream of being a full-time writer. The Stewart’s live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Where Would Cows Hide? is her first novel.

Author Interview:

**How did you come up with your characters, Charlie and Brad?

A combination of what my brother and I were like as kids, the stories I heard about my husband and his twin when they were kids, and how I imagined my own twin sons acting when they reached eleven years old.

**Do you have experience living or working on a farm?

Any funny stories related to that? Everyone on both sides of my family are farmers, doing a combination of growing wheat and raising cattle. Our house was in town, but we spent most of our time, especially in the summer, on tractors, combines, wheat trucks, in pick-ups, and working cattle. The only funny story I can think of about me is helping my dad, mom, and brother one morning feeding and counting the cows. The cattle all came into the lots except one, and my dad told me to hurry and open the gate to let her in before the other cows could get out. As I pulled the gate open and trotted backward, I tripped over a concrete block used to hold the gate in place, and got hung up in the chain. I was stuck at such a weird angle I couldn't get myself loose and all the cattle were rushing at me to get out. I was kicking and waving all over the place trying to keep them back, but my family thought I was panicking because I was stuck. They still give me grief over that one.

**Brad and Charlie have a quirky younger sister who sometimes drives them crazy. Do you relate?

I have a younger brother who used to drive me nuts all the time, but we were also the best playmates because we are so close in age. I have friends who were the "younger sister" and I remember them getting yelled at by their older siblings all the time.

**Brad and Charlie stay at their grandparents for an annual summer vacation. What's your favorite place to vacation and why?

Honestly, I don't really have a "favorite" place to vacation. We didn't have the opportunity to travel much when I was a kid, so ANY vacation is awesome to me. I love to travel, eat different foods, take in the scenery, watch the people. It's all new and exciting to me.

**As a writing mom, how do you juggle the demands of your kids and your career?

With great difficulty. I have a wonderful and supportive husband who gives me time in the evenings and on weekends to write. Usually if anything suffers between my writing and taking care of the kids, it's our house. I'm more of a relaxed housekeeper (fancy title for slob), and I only move on the housework if there are no clean clothes, we have to order out because there is no room to cook in the kitchen, and if I walk across the floors and they crunch.

Buy Now: http://astore.amazon.com/whwocohi-20

The Parker twins, Brad and Charlie, didn't want to join their parents on vacation in Hawaii. A little sister can be annoying, but little sister, Zoey, was over the top. "The three of us aren't going to Hawaii," she told them. Her parents were shocked by her statement even though it was true. This was not the first time Zoey offered surprising knowledge of future events, nor would it be the last. Arriving at their grandparent's cattle ranch in Oklahoma, the twins learn of the disappearance of cattle from the ranch. This knowledge would set of a series of events that would challenge any detective. There were the mysterious neighbors, the strange lady at church, a psychic lazy dog, and a weird little sister to keep the twins totally confused in their efforts to solve this strange mystery.

Author D.C. Stewart is giving you a chance to win a copy of WHERE WOULD COWS HIDE?, and more!

Here’s how to enter for a copy of WWCH and to enter the grand prize drawing:

1) leave a comment on this blog post (or on any of the blogs participating in the blog tour);

2) email the contest coordinator at contest@novelinspirations.com with subject line “WWCH ENTRY”;

3) join D.C. Stewart’s ezine list by either sending a blank email to: dcstewart_ezine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcstewart_ezine/ and subscribing through the yahoogroups page.

Book winners and the GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be drawn on or before May 31st, 2008 and will be notified by email. Please make sure you leave a valid email address on applicable blog posts.

Blog Tour Stops:

April 15, 2008 : Lacy Williams at http://www.novelinspirations.com/

April 16, 2008 : Donna Moore at http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/

April 17, 2008 : Carolyn Strawder at http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity

April 18, 2008 : Margaret Daley at http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/

April 19, 2008 : Debbie Archer at http://debbiearcher.blogspot.com/

April 20, 2008 : Brittanie Terrell at http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/

April 21, 2008 : Gina Conroy at http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com/ http://ginawrites.ginaconroy.com/ http://writerinterrupted.com/

April 22, 2008 : Justin Boyer at http://fantastyfreak.blogspot.com/

April 23, 2008 : Charlotte Schofield at http://burnforgod.blogspot.com/

April 24, 2008 : LaShaunda Hoffman at http://lashaunda.blogspot.com,%20http://blog.myspace.com/lchoffman

April 25, 2008 : Jenny at http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/

April 26, 2008 : Laura Williams at http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/

April 27, 2008 : Mrs. Margaret Chind at http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/

April 29, 2008 : Myra Johnson at http://myra.typepad.com/randomly_/

April 30, 2008 : Laura Hilton at http://www.shoutlife.com/laurahilton http://www.myspace.com/lightboat http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

May 1, 2008 : Leslie Sowell at http://footprintsinthesand.us/blog

May 2, 2008 : Kathy Brasby at http://sunballo.blogspot.com/

May 3, 2008 : Camy Tang at http://www.camys-loft.blogspot.com/

May 4, 2008 : Karla Cook at http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/

May 5, 2008 : Carla Stewart at http://www.carlastewart.blogspot.com/

May 6, 2008 : Pamela Morrison at http://daysongreflections.com/

May 7, 2008 : Ashley at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/01charger

May 8, 2008 : Kim Ford at http://berlysue.blogspot.com/

May 9, 2008 : Christa Allen at http://www.cballan.wordpress.com/

May 10, 2008 : Heather Thomas at http://misadventuresofthedynamicuno.blogspot.com/

May 11, 2008 : Deena Peterson at http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/

May 12, 2008 : Michelle Kralicek at http://michellesgreatblogs.blogspot.com/

May 13, 2008 : Leah Sande at http://ponderingsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/

May 14, 2008 : Rachelle Arlin Credo at http://zyphe.blogspot.com/

May 15, 2008 : Amy Lathrop at http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/

May 16, 2008 : Janna Ryan at http://www.cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/

May 17, 2008 : Kristy Walker at http://ineedtoread.blogspot.com/

May 18, 2008 : Amy Riley at http://thefriendlybooknook.com/

May 19, 2008 : Mimi Baker at http://www.wovenbywords.blogspot.com/

May 20, 2008 : Kathie Nolasco at http://takingastroll.blogspot.com/

May 21, 2008 : Julia Graham at http://www.reviewzbyjewelz.blogspot.com/

May 22, 2008 : Ashley Rutherford at http://godslightuponme.blogspot.com/

Blog Spotlight - Vonda Skelton

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Vonda Skelton is an entertaining speaker with a heart for women and their families. Her first women's book, Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe, "takes a hilarious look at all things female as we search for truth in a counterfeit world." Her first two books are part of the Bitsy Mystery Series for children 8-14 years old. The third book in the series, Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island, will be released in the spring of 2008.

An RN and freelance writer, Vonda's articles frequently appear in magazines such as HomeLife, Christian Single, Focus on the Family publications, and New Man Magazine. An award-winning playwright and lyricist, her scripts have been performed in churches around the country. She is a frequent instructor at writer's conferences and enjoys mentoring and encouraging new writers.

As one who tries--and often fails--to be like Christ, Vonda is thankful God continues to take her messes and use them for His glory!

Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe

We have been seduced by half-truths and whole lies since time began. Remember the garden? In Seeing Through the Lies, author and speaker Vonda Skelton humorously addresses the disappointments women experience as they search for truth while believing a lie. Each chapter opens with amusing anecdotes from real life and ends with answers and guidance straight from God s Word. Exploring topics such as pride, fear, motherhood, and the busyness of life, this book offers practical steps for peeling away the layers of deceit and finding the joy of living in real truth. Through honesty and humility, Vonda takes women on a hilarious journey through all things female and brings them to a soul-searching point of decision. Readers will identify with both the positive and negative examples of women in the Bible, and will be encouraged by Scripture, as well as quotes from notable men and women. Each chapter ends with five steps for exposing the lie and embracing the truth of God s Word.

Are you striving to be a woman of excellence, but feel you're landing somewhere between mediocre and unfit?

Do you want to be your husband's lover, but feel more like his mother?

Are you convinced that busyness is next to godliness?

Are you trying so hard to be everything to everybody that you feel like you're nobody to anybody?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're not alone--you've simply fallen victim to the lies of Satan! But you don't have to be seduced by his masquerade any longer. Join the fun as we take a hilarious journey through all things female on our search for real truth in a counterfeit world.

From spider veins and webs of deceit to cartoon characters and feminist funnies, Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe will help you recognize the lies and take joy in the light of His Truth.The suggested Bible readings, small group discussion questions, and meditations on the very words of Jesus will help you discover not only the lies that bind you, but the keys that set you free.

Listen, girlfriend, it doesn't matter who you are or where you've been or what you've done, God is ready to give you a fresh start on a new life--one that can only come through the acceptance of His unchanging truth.

Interview with Vonda

Why did you write Seeing Through the Lies? Where did you birth the idea for this book? When? How did it come about?

This book was written out of my passion for women's ministry. We--not just women, but all of us --are deceived by so many lies! They are woven throughout today's culture. I wanted to help us get focused, or in some cases, refocused, on the timeless truths of God's Word. I knew I could reach many more women through a book than I ever could reach through my speaking ministry. So, I started with the key points from my Celebrating Womanhood presentation, where we look at the seasons of a woman's life and come to the conclusion that God can use each of us, no matter our age or situation. After several revisions and rethinking the needs of women, Seeing Through the Lies was born.

What takeaway points do you hope the reader pulls from this book?

I hope that after women read my book they'll realize that Satan works hard to make us believe his lies, but this is what God wants you to know:

Your worth is not dependent on your beauty, your busyness, or your stuff.

A happy marriage is one that endures.

Motherhood is an honorable profession.

God has the power to overcome your fear.

You win when you lose.

Your life won't be perfect until you reach perfection in heaven.

You can't win God's love because of your goodness, and you can't lost His love because of your sin. And that, dear sisters, is the truth.

How do you deal with your other obligations (family, job, church, etc.) when it's crunch time near writing deadlines?

Did you have to ask that question? In all honesty, this is one of my biggest struggles--balancing my time between my husband, my family, my home, my church, and my writing and speaking ministry. The truth is, my husband, Gary, is a dream husband. As I mentioned in the book, his mother made sure he knew how to cook, clean, change diapers, and iron long before we married. And I know you're not going to believe this, but I promise it's true: I never have to ask him to take out the trash, fix the car, or pay the bills. (And no--you CAN'T have him! He's MINE!) So on those days when he comes home from work at 6:30 and there's no dinner on the stove and I'm still at the computer in my pajamas, he doesn't say a word. He simply goes to the frig, pulls out the sandwich makings and asks if I've eaten anything that day. Can you tell I tend to get tunnel vision when it comes to crunch time? Yes, God has to rein me in over and over. I'm kinda like Paul, "I don't know why I do the things I do!" (Now, if somebody out there could just tell me how to go to the potty without having to actually leave the computer--just think how much more I could accomplish in a day!)

What's your favorite worship song, and why?

One of my favorite songs is "Majesty" written by members of Delirious. The line that says, "Your grace has found me just as I am--empty-handed but alive in Your hand" just gets to me. I can see myself standing before Holy God, falling to my knees...empty-handed, with nothing to offer Him. And yet, He takes me just as I am--selfish, self-centered, and proud--and cleans me up to be used by Him. I can't wait to get to heaven, 'cause I know that when I belt out the songs there, it will be beautiful! No off-key notes, no frightened, trembling voice--it'll be loud and clear and powerful! And Jesus will be there, smiling at me. Yep. I can see it now. I'm the lead singer and Hillsong is backing me up. And Jesus is smiling real big. As we say here in the south, it just don't get no better than that!

What do you crave (beverage or food) when you have writer's stress?

Oh, a banana split always works, as long as it's a real one. That means chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, real fruit, and wet nuts, with whipped cream on top. And anything chocolate, of course. But then you have to balance it with salt, right?

Can you share something with our readers about what God has been teaching you lately?

He's teaching me that I need to trust Him more. I recently had so many things going on that I couldn't prepare for three events as thoroughly as I usually do. I found myself feeling vulnerable, weak, and needy. Not that I don't ask for His help every time I speak, but this was different. I was crying out to God, begging Him to fill me with His words, His message. And you know what? Those three events were the most powerful, most amazing events I've ever had! Instead of working from a well-defined plan, I spoke the words God placed in my heart and mind. As always, I had been praying God would use the week's events to change hearts...and He did. He changed mine. I learned to relinquish my agenda and plans to His; to trust Him in a way I hadn't truly trusted Him before. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That week, God's power was made perfect through my weakness. I never want to work in my strength again.

What are some of the lies or myths women tend to believe? And what are the best ways for women to see through the lies and unmask the myths, in order to live the lives God would have for them?

You mean, besides the one that says we have to be a size 2 and perpetually 23 years old? Besides the lies we're most familiar with--like our worth is based on our beauty, our busyness, or our stuff--we look at nine areas of deceit women tend to struggle with, like the lies inadvertently promoted by the Christian community. How many times have we been told, "Just believe God and everything will be wonderful?" Or "If you have enough faith, you won't be sick." (The truth is, Jesus tells us we will have trouble in this world.) Or what about the lie that says we'll get married and live happily ever after everyday? The only way we can unmask the myths and find the truth is to go to God's Word. Read His instruction. Take to heart the Bible stories of people who lived through similar experiences and then apply the principals to our own lives.

What are the effects of women being sucked in to the lies? What are the benefits of overcoming this temptation to believe what the world and the enemy would want women to believe?

Regardless of where I go, I find that women are disappointed. We're disappointed in ourselves, in our marriages, in our lives in general. The problem is, we're trying to reach some impossible dream the world sets for us. Living in truth frees us to be what God uniquely created us to be. He wants us to live the abundant life. But we can't do that as long as we're falling for the lies.

I like how you utilize humor in your writings. What is your philosophy about integrating humorous thoughts into writings that have more serious subjects?

Some people believe that Christian women speakers have somehow "arrived." Ha! All you have to do is spend a day at my house and you'll see that's one of the biggest lies of all! Let's face it, we're all in the same boat. We're all struggling along this path called the Christian life. When we laugh at ourselves, we level the playing field and see that we're not alone. That in itself removes a mask. Then we can move ahead to the truth God has for us.

You give great discussion questions at the end of the book that really helps readers assimilate what they have read. Do you have some ideas or suggestions for how churches and other groups can use this book in a group study? How would a group dynamic enhance individual growth?

For a long time, I compared myself to women at church...and always found myself lacking. But when we come together and honestly confess our hardships and celebrate our successes, we encourage each other in the struggle. Isn't it great to have a team of prayer partners who will intercede on our behalf throughout the week? What strength! What love! Oh, just imagine what we can be for Christ when we take off the masks and become real! (By completing either one or two chapters a week, the study can be used as a 6 or 12 week study.)

Win a Free Gift!

You have the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a free gift selected just for you by Vonda. This is a GREAT prize! Be sure to leave a comment at the end of this blog tour post, to be included in the drawing, which will be held April 2, 2008. The winner will receive:

Designer Gift Box (looks like a piece of luggage with the words "Faith, Family, Friends" on the exterior).

One copy each of three books by the author: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe, Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island, Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island.

A stretchy bracelet with Sterling Silver Beads, Gold Swarovski Pearls, Turquoise and Blue Zircon Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Masquerade Mask Charm.

Bookmark custom-made with Sterling Silver Beads, Gold Swarovski Pearls, Turquoise, Blue Zircon and Clear Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Masquerade Mask Charm on a 4.75 inch Silver Plated Bookmark.

Gold Tri-fold picture frame.

Pewter-colored oval picture frame.

Jeweled decorated cross.

Peanut caramel clusters.

Caramel Truffles.

Mini-Yankee Candle.

Three-pack sample tea bags.

Sample Columbian Supremo Coffee.

Oh My! Itty Bitty Chai Packet.

Yvonne Ortega Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0000

With all the books on cancer survivors already out there, why did you chose to write this book on cancer?
Cancer shattered my world. I wanted a book full of Scripture, prayer, and hope that would assure patients and their families that God would never leave them or forsake them. I also wanted a book that, with honesty and boldness, would address the emotional roller coaster ride that cancer patients, even Christian ones, endure.

Was there anything good that came about through your illness?
Oh, yes. I am a stronger Christian today. I know God loves me and that he is faithful. I no longer doubt his call on my life as a counselor as well as an author and speaker. After going through the trauma of cancer, I counsel with more effectiveness. When clients tell me they are scared, depressed, or angry, I understand because I’ve experienced those same emotions.

During your illness and now in recovery, have you ever asked God, “Why” or “Why me?”
I didn’t ask, but I lashed out in anger at God. I knew he called me to be a counselor. So I spent hundreds of hours studying, writing papers, and completing projects and paid thousands of dollars for my master’s degree in counseling. Half-way through my residency, I received my diagnosis of cancer. I thought the timing was outrageous and let God know it.

Is there ever a time when you can laugh about cancer?
I asked God to help me keep my sense of humor. The day my hair started to fall out, I went to work with wet hair. My colleagues thought I had a power outage. I told them I was afraid to blow dry my hair because I might blow it all off and arrive looking like a Buddhist monk. I laugh now about how angry I was with God. I thought he had made a mistake. Now I understand he used the cancer for good in my life and the lives of others. I laugh every time I reminisce about George, my radiation therapist. He entertained me with stories about his childhood adventures.

What is the most important lesson you learned from your experience in having cancer?
In God’s economy, nothing is wasted, not even cancer. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I prayed that God would use cancer for good in my life and the lives of others, that it would be to his honor and glory, and for furthering his kingdom here on earth. I never dreamed he would do that through the publication of my book, much less through TV and radio interviews and speaking engagements.

Was the Bible real to you during treatment?
The Bible filled me with hope and peace. I clung to God’s precious promises during treatment and wrote verses with special meaning in my 3x5 notebook. Within days, I memorized those passages and repeated them daily. Terrified after my diagnosis, I slept with the Bible literally over my heart. I took my 3x5 notebook with me daily to radiation and reviewed my Bible memory verses on the way to treatment.

Why do some cancer survivors say cancer is the best thing that ever happened to them?
We say this because God has used cancer as a refining fire for us. He has used it to make us better people, stronger Christians, and more powerful in our careers and outreach.

How do you live differently today as a result of having had cancer?
I’ve learned to listen to my body. When I get tired, I take a nap. When I’m thirsty, I stop and drink water. Short breaks from my work help me relax. A weekend at the beach revives me. I don’t put off my plans and dreams because “next year” may never come. I signed up for a phone package with unlimited long-distance calls. Now I can call my family and friends any time. I appreciate the little things in life—thirty-minute walks to enjoy God’s beautiful world, a ride in my friend’s convertible, and sunrise and sunset at the beach. I also left teaching to become a full-time counselor because I felt God leading me to do so. I’ve never looked back.

How did you keep your spirits up while going through the cancer treatments?
I played praise and worship music every day and watched videos and DVDs by Christian comedians. During treatment, I planned the party I would have after completing my residency and obtaining my state license. I selected the music for the dance my friend would choreograph for us to perform. I dreamed about the sheet cake with white icing and hot pink roses with “Yvonne Ortega, LPC” and “To God be the glory” on the cake. I chose the Bible verses for my party invitations. After my diagnosis, I accepted an invitation to present a workshop on writing devotionals at the Maine Christian Writers Fellowship state conference the following August. I listened to tapes and researched the topic to prepare for my workshop and looked forward to the reunion with fellow writers in Maine and snacks of delicious Maine blueberries.

Did you ever think about giving up—that the treatments were too hard?
After my second treatment, my blood counts dropped to 500. Normal is between 4,000 and 11,000. My doctor hospitalized me. She said she would release me when my counts rose to 1,000. My counts dropped two days in a row. I called my parents to come see me, but Dad’s heart condition prevented them from doing so. I feared I would die alone in a military hospital more than an hour from my home.

After my final chemotherapy treatment, I thought I would never stop vomiting. I experienced a weariness that made my bones ache. I had to keep reminding myself that it would soon pass and in a few months I would travel to Maine for the writers’ conference.

What kinds of emotions did you experience during this time?
I experienced denial. If I didn’t talk about the cancer, maybe it would go away.

I experienced anger at God, the government, the Food & Drug Administration, televangelists who preached health and wealth, and anyone who told me Christians couldn’t be angry with God.

Fear overwhelmed me after my diagnosis and at times during treatment.

Depression forced me to my knees in prayer. When I found out the cancer had traveled to one lymph node and adjacent to another, I became depressed.

Are these emotions typical for every cancer patient?
Not every cancer patient will experience all of them. However, these emotions are typical. Also cancer patients don’t experience one feeling, get over it, and then go on to another one. They can go back and forth.

What can people do to help friends who are going through cancer treatments?
Listen without judging them. Expect cancer patients to ride an emotional roller coaster. Send cards, post cards, or e-mail greeting cards, especially humorous ones. Phone and visit them. Prepare a meal for them and take it in a disposable container or help with yard work and house work. Buy groceries and run errands for them. Take cancer patients to their chemotherapy and radiation treatments and pray with them and for them.

Coming on February 20 - Interview with Yvonne Ortega

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:42:00 +0000

Would you go to work wearing a surgical mask and surgical gloves? Yvonne Ortega did during aggressive chemotherapy. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s important to realize that cancer is a difficult illness to face. Ortega gives a message of hope and encouragement for those who are struggling with the devastating effects of cancer in her book Hope for the Journey through Cancer.

Yvonne Ortega is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, a clinically certified domestic violence counselor, and a member of the Virginia Board of Counseling. She celebrates her sixth year as a breast cancer survivor. Ortega is an inspirational speaker to groups of all sizes and makes her residence in Yorktown, Virginia.

Ortega says, “Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is a devastating experience. Our lives
are never the same. We are not losing our minds. We are frightened, and this is natural. It’s okay to cry. If we look around, we will see we are not alone. God would never think of abandoning us.” In sharing this experience, Ortega helps readers see that, though cancer is a difficult illness to face, they do not have to face it alone.

The book offers 60 short inspirational readings, each containing a part of Ortega’s own story from diagnosis to recovery. She shares her personal triumphs and setbacks with humor and refreshing candor, with hope builders to remind us that even when it looks like we are alone, God is with us each step of the way. Hope for the Journey through Cancer is written in a caring and compassionate voice from one who has been there.

Boldly honest, marvelously comforting, and desperately needed. Yvonne Ortega clearly and unashamedly brings the struggles and, yes, the joys of surviving cancer to light.

—Louise Bergmann DuMont, author of the devotional Faith-Dipped Chocolate

Interview with Delia Latham

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:42:00 +0000

Q. Who is Delia Latham?
A: I’m a Christian wife, married to a Pentecostal minister. My husband is the assistant pastor at our church, and I’m involved in the music ministry. I play piano and sing. I have four grown children and four beautiful, absolutely perfect granchildren – no, really, they are! We all live in Bakersfield , California . I was born here and have resided in or around this desert town my entire life.

Q: What books are on your nightstand right now?
A: Too many. I write reviews, so there’s always plenty of reading material in my room. Right now, I’m looking at Rainbow’s End by Irene Hannon, Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky, Abandoned Identity by Tamara Tilley – that’s just a few of the unread books. I just finished Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren and – a little detour from the usual – The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz.

Q: Your novel, Goldeneyes, is scheduled for release in March. What is it about?
A: It’s an historical romance about a depression-era man who does something horrible to satisy his alcohol addiction, and the ripple effect his action causes in the lives of two families over twenty years later.

Q: What inspired you to write Goldeneyes?
A: I grew up in Weedpatch, the little farming community where Part One of Goldeneyes is set. I’ve always wanted to write something using that location as a backdrop. This story has been brewing in my mind for several years, but it was hard for me to get past the reality of Weedpatch in my own life and get on with turning it into a fictional tale. I prayed a lot! Once God gave me the go-ahead, He also gave me the inspiration, and I’m very pleased with the completed product.

Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: Ahhh … the question every writer gets asked most often - and for me, quite possibly the hardest, because I’m not always sure. Sometimes I get ideas from little snippets of history; a few of my stories are major exaggerations of tiny occurrences in my own life or the lives of people I know; and sometimes I sit down to write with absolutely no idea what I’m going to write about. Oddly enough, those are the times I usually wind up being happiest with the results, maybe because I’m most open for God to take my writing wherever He wants to.

Q: So you don’t always plot or outline your book before you write?
A: How’d you guess? No, I write like I do most other things in my life – totally off the cuff. I’m what the writing community refers to as a SOTP: Seat-of-the-pants writer.

Q: Which authors have most influenced your own writing?
A: Too many to possibly mention here! As a child, I devoured just about every book I could get my hands on: Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Bobbsey Twins – even the Hardy Boys; I wasn’t gender specific as to reading material. As I got older, I graduated to romance and found Grace Livingston Hill, Barbara Cartland, Emilie Loring, and oh, yes – I discovered Harlequin Romance (oh, my!). Now some of my favorite writers are Joy Fielding, Lori Wick, Lori Copeland … the list goes on for miles. My favorite book of all time is Swan Song, by Robert McCammon – rather surprising for an inspirational author, I know, but it’s a beautifully written epic account of good vs. evil. Unforgettable!

Q: What other projects are you currently working on?
A: My current work-in-progress is surprising me by actually creating a connection between my debut novel and Goldeneyes, which I wasn’t expecting at all. I’ve also just completed something completely new - at least for me. While it’s still Christian romance, it will fit more easily into the Chick Lit genre, bringing in a touch more humor and lightheartedness than is in my other works.

Q: How can you be contacted:
A: I love to hear from my readers, and I'm not hard to find on the web.
Visit me at my website: http://www.delialatham.com/
My blog: http://www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
A group blog for writers, which I co-author with three others: http://www.dailymuseforwriters.blogspot.com/
Christian web community: www.shoutlife.com/delialatham
Or send an e-mail : delialatham@sbcglobal.net

Thank you for stopping by Delia and sharing so generously with us!

Delia will be holding a drawing at the end of her blog tour to give away a Goldeneyes T-shirt and an electronic copy of the novel. Leave her a comment to enter the drawing. The winner will be contacted via email, so please include your email address.

Goldeneyes Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:35:00 +0000

The old cuckoo clock on the shelf in the front room struck midnight. It’s persistent chirping irritated Jack Kelly’s already frayed nerves as he paced back and forth across the small room.

“Shut up! Shut up!” he growled beneath his breath, casting an anxious look at the crib in the next room. When no signs of disturbed sleep were forthcoming, he breathed a grateful sigh of relief. The last thing he needed right now was a squalling infant to further vex the burning demon within him. He had promised his wife he would not spend a cent on liquor. New babies meant new expenses, and those things must come first.

So far he had kept his promise; he’d had no choice. Every penny he earned with his hoe, day after blistering day in the cotton fields, was swallowed up in scratching out a meager existence. There never seemed to be a penny extra, to say nothing of the few dollars a bottle of whiskey would cost. With the addition of this new offspring, who knew when he would be able to quench the gnawing demon of thirst that drove him insane? He had to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. The arrival of more children would only make that job harder, and it was obvious Annie did not intend to stop at one pregnancy.

Another glance into the small bedroom revealed no unwelcome stirrings from the crib. A bright moonbeam, however, lay across the bed, and Kelly’s tormented gaze fell on the lovely face of the woman he had married. He had considered himself a lucky man when she said yes to his proposal, despite her goody-two-shoes, Bible-thumping parents. If he loved anything on this poor excuse of an earth, he loved Annie. She was a perfect wife.
Their home might be barely more than a shack, but it sparkled, and she was a real wonder in the kitchen. He could not remember her voice ever raised in anger, even when he had fallen through the front door, dog drunk, a week after she married him.

Kelly’s fevered mind wandered to his conversation with the poor fish in the cotton field. Had it only been eight or nine hours ago? It seemed an eon; every moment without the drink he craved was an eternity.

Poor fella don’t know how lucky he is. Only has to worry ‘bout that pretty little gal and hisself. I bet he could buy a bottle of whiskey if he wanted one!

With the thought, an idea was born, full-blown and itching for action. He actually stopped pacing for a moment, shocked to the core by the undiluted vileness of the seed taking root in his mind. He stood staring at the crib against the far wall and shook his head as if to toss out the evil thought.

“You’re crazy,” he whispered. His heart pounded painfully against his chest; little beads of sweat dotted his forehead and chin. “You’ve done gone stark, starin’ mad!”

And perhaps he had, for suddenly he found himself across the room, gazing down into the hand-me-down crib. He was horrified at the darkness within his imagination, yet knew full well he hadn’t the strength of mind or will to resist its powerful pull.

One more almost desperate glance at his wife’s face … if she would only wake up he would have to forsake this notion, and perhaps he could rid himself of the unforgivable intent. Indeed, Annie did stir a little and drew a deep sigh, almost as though she heard his desperate mental cry. But hers was the sleep of utter exhaustion and she slumbered on.

A few moments later, Kelly slipped silently out the back door of the little shack, clutching a tiny pink bundle in his arms and blinking back the tears of shame and self-loathing that sprang unbidden to his eyes.

Delia will be holding a drawing at the end of her blog tour to give away a Goldeneyes T-shirt and an electronic copy of the novel. Leave her a comment to enter the drawing. The winner will be contacted via email, so please include your email address.

Coming on February 7: Interview with Delia Latham

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:49:00 +0000

Delia Latham is a former newspaper Staff Writer and a frequent contributor to her hometown’s regional publication, Bakersfield Magazine. She also writes greeting card verse, short stories, articles, and songs. Her editing and proofing skills have been utilized by numerous authors, including Dr. Chuck Wall, founder of the Random Acts of Kindness movement.

A debut novel, Almost Like a Song, was released in June 2006; Goldeneyes will be released in March 2008 by Vintage Romance Publishing. Delia’s work is included in an upcoming short story anthology, The Shortstack: 20 Stories to Fill You Up.

The author lives in Bakersfield, California with her husband, Johnny, a Pentecostal minister. Her four adult children and four “beautiful, absolutely perfect” grandchildren daily light up her life. She loves to hear from her readers. Contact her through her website (http://www.delialatham.com/) or her blog (http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/.)

A man’s eyes are the windows to his soul … if he has one.

Deep in the darkness of a Depression-era night, a man addicted to alcohol sells something precious to obtain it. His vile action impacts the lives of two entire families, and it will be over two decades before the horrible wrong begins to be made right again.

Two young women – strangers to each other – unknowingly enmeshed in a Pandora’s Box of secrets that could prevent them from finding happiness with the men they love. Two adoring mothers who know more than they are willing to say. A newsman with a story he cannot tell. What is their connection, and who is the golden-eyed stranger who moves in the shadows of their broken lives?

Delia will be holding a drawing at the end of her blog tour to give away a Goldeneyes T-shirt and an electronic copy of the novel. Leave her a comment to enter the drawing. The winner will be contacted via email, so please include your email address.

Here's Delia's blog tour schedule...

Feb. 1 – Cecelia Dowdy

http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/

Feb. 2 – Diane Wylie

http://www.dianewylie.blogspot.com/

Feb. 4 – Tyora Moody

http://www.faithwebbin.net/share/authors

Feb. 5 – Jill Elizabeth Nelson

www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml

Feb. 7 – Toni V. Lee

http://www.tonivlee.blogspot.com/

Feb. 11 – Joe Prentis

http://www.PrentisAtPickwick.blogspot.com/

Feb. 13 – Grace Bridges

http://www.gracebridges.blogspot.com/

Feb. 14 – Teresa Slack

http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com/

Feb. 15 – Angela Wilson

http://www.WickedWordsmith.com/

Feb. 18 – Suzanne Woods Fisher

http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/

Feb. 20 – Cindy Bauer

http://www.cindybauer.blogspot.com/

Feb. 21 – Cindy Bauer

http://www.cindybauer.blogspot.com/

Feb. 24 – Shelagh Watkins

http://shelaghs.blogspot.com/

http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-YBhTm88ic6MDORhJ2w7ss1P4kF_DWA--?cq=1

Feb. 25 – Rhonda Clark

http://www.freewebs.com/rhondaclark

Feb. 26 – Cindy Bauer

http://www.cindybauer.blogspot.com/ (Guest Blog)

Feb. 28 – Julie Kornhausl

http://www.simplyromancereviews.com/

Mar. 2 – Mary Connealy

http://www.mconnealy.blogspot.com/

Mar. 4 – Dee Owen

http://www.marjo-mumswritings.blogspot.com/

Mar. 5 – Tabitha Robin

http://www.tabitha-robin.com/

Mar. 7 – Tori Close

http://www.toriclose.com/

Mar. 10 – Jennifer Hudson Taylor

http://www.jenniferswriting.blogspot.com/

Mar. 17 – Miralee Ferrell

http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/

Mar. 19 – Bonnie Winters

http://360.yahoo.com/indianabon

Mar. 20 - Cynthia Hickey

http://www.cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/

Mar. 24 – Pamela James

http://www.pammer.blogspot.com/

Mar. 24 – 28 – Tracy Ruckman

http://www.pixnpens.blogspot.com/

Mar. 25 – Christa Allen

http://cballan.wordpress.com/

Mar. 31 - Gina Conroy

http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com/

April 20 – Marian Merritt

http://www.marianmerritt.com/

April 27 – Margaret Daley

http://www.margaretdaley.blogspot.com/

Throughout February and March - David G. Boggs

http://www.freewebs.com/davidgboggs/delialathamsnewbook.htm
http://www.davidgboggs.blogspot.com/

What's Your Take on Christian/Inspirational Fiction?

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 12:44:00 +0000

Hello! Thanks for stopping by.

As you can see from my blog postings, I'm a Christian author. I am also an avid reader of romance novels and cozy mysteries. Here lately, my reading has been limited to romance novels. When I was reading cozy mysteries, I enjoyed M. C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth Mysteries and one or two other authors.

For years, I only read secular novels. To be honest, I was ignorant of the availability of Christian romance novels. There are tons of novels out there! So, I started to read those. For the most part, the books were well-written and the messages were in line with the bible.

I read some that I liked, and I bought new releases as they hit the shelves. Two of the authors that come to mind are Lori Wick and Lori Copeland (historical novels).

But then there were others. They were totally alien to my life experiences. I couldn't relate. Life is full of struggles, adversity, disappointments, and temptations for everybody, but the characters in those novels seemed to float above it all. Where were those failing human qualities--anger, bad attitudes, the burning desire for revenge, sexual temptation, jealousy, etc? Oops, I think I'm revealing too much. LOL! Yes, Christians struggle in these areas. Sometimes, we overcome. Sometimes, they overcome us. We are striving for perfection. We have not obtained it. Thank God for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness!

What I'm trying to say is that the characters and stories weren't real to me. They were tepid and whitewashed. I'd get halfway through the books--if that far--and toss them or give them away. I had spent my hard-earned money to buy these books, and to be completely honest, I felt cheated. So, I went back to reading secular novels. After skipping over the pornographic bedroom scenes, the books were pretty good. Truer to life. Oh no, someone is going to read this and condemn me to Hell! LOL! I'm not alone. Many Christian readers have confessed to doing the same thing. Guess I'll have company. LOL!

I am well aware that the enjoyment of the written word is subjective. I'm curious about your reading experiences with Christian fiction.

Do you read Christian fiction at all? If not, why not?
Have you read any good books--real page turners?
Have you read any books that you think do an adequate job of mirroring real life?
Have you read any books that you really disliked? If so, what didn't you like about the story or characters? It's not necessary to list titles or authors to express your point. I know from personal experience that writing a novel is not easy, so please respect the fact that authors have put in a lot of hard work to produce these books.

As I stated before, I read Christian romance novels. The characters and story must be real and give me a good giggle. I'd love to read your recommendations. Feel free to recommend some cozy mysteries as well that will tickle my funny bone.

When you post, please keep the following in mind:

There are readers out there who are genuinely interested in this topic. Please don't use this as a promotional opportunity.
I'm looking for respectful discussion, not bashing.
Some of my readers are young. Please keep your posts Rated G.

I look forward to hearing from you. Let's get this discussion rolling!

Miralee Ferrell Bog Tour - The Other Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:22:00 +0000

Welcome Miralee! Congratulations on the release of your first novel, The Other Daughter! I know you're excited, and we're all excited for you.

I'm fascinated by the primary topic in your book - that of an unknown daughter showing up on the doorstep, and the unavoidable upheaval in the lives of those people her appearance impacts. What prompted you to write about this type of circumstance?
A friend suggested that my first book be based on something true from my life, if possible, as I'd have an easier time fleshing it out. I began to brainstorm a few 'what ifs' from our marriage. What if the 18 yr. old girl who'd written my husband a letter claiming to be his daughter, had been a young teen without a mother instead, and we had to raise her? What if her conception had happened while he and I were dating, rather than prior to our meeting, as was the case? What if I were NOT a Christian and he was, and I struggled with Christianity and his faith? Hmmm....well, that's exactly what it took to ignite the story within and it grew from there and became, The Other Daughter. And to answer anyone panting to know, LOL---yes...the 18 yr old girl WAS his daughter from his 'Before Christ' days and yes, we keep in touch and have a solid relationship with her and her family.

I'm interested in your character development. How did you go about choosing the various personalities, quirks and habits of your characters? Are they based on actual people you know?
Excellent question and one I'll enjoy answering. In this book, the two main characters both have some aspects of my husband's and my personality or outlook on life. Susanne is much more of my hubby Allen, than me. He struggled with Christianity for years, even though he got saved prior to our engagement. His main issue was the need to be in control of his life and not bow to an outside authority, even God. He also dealt with some drinking issues, as did Susanne, and some of her arguments at one time or the other, came from his lips.

Josh and Megan, the two children of David and Susanne are very similar in personality and interests as our son Steven and daughter Marnee. Steven loved to dismantle things as a child and Marnee was horse crazy (still is as an adult).

I'm in there somewhere....probably more in the frustration David felt in dealing with Susanne's attitudes toward his faith and drinking.

What themes exist in The Other Daughter that you hope reader sees? Are there any overt themes that developed as the story progressed? The most important theme to me is the one of releasing control of your life to your Heavenly Father, and seeing that He cares more about your future than you ever can. Until a person bows their will to His and falls into His arms, there will be no true, lasting peace....and it's tough to find real forgiveness, or give it to others. The character of Grandfather, a part Native American relative of David's, didn't exist in the first rough draft, but came quite some time after. He was brought into the picture to help both David and Susanne examine their motives and reactions to one another and to Brianna on a deeper level. He's a picture of unconditional love that we all wish for in our lives and the type of person we could all use, when we're heading the wrong direction.

What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?
The most difficult parts were the revising. I didn't really experience any struggles in the initial writing...it flew from my fingers and mind onto the computer screen as fast as I was able to type. I did the initial rough draft in five weeks, but the revising and editing and additional scenes took several times that long, as I had so much to learn. I found it difficult to tone down a couple of people who needed to be rude and or snotty, but also had to do so in a believable way. My first attempt was very sad....they were straight out of a Grade B movie, LOL!

My favorite parts I think, were developing the characters....especially the children and Grandfather. They came alive for me. Of course, the two younger kids, Josh and Megan, were very similar to my kids, Steven and Marnee at that age, so they sprang to life with little effort. There are no similarities to anyone else real besides those two people, and David and Susanne. But characterization comes easy to me, regardless and my greatest joy is working to develop characters the reader will feel they know. That's what I look for in a book and what I'm trying to give to my readers.

Do you have any parting words of advice?
Keep your priorities in order…God first, family next, ministry and others (including your writing) third. Write for the Lord, and yourself, rather than to be published. It will cut way down on the disappointment and frustration level, and bring a deep sense of joy and accomplishment.

Thank you for stopping by Miralee!

You can read the entire opening scene of The Other Daughter at http://www.miraleeferrell.com/

The Other Daughter has been released and can be found in stores near you. You can also order it at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.christianbook.com/

Miralee is holding a drawing for a copy of The Other Daughter at the end of her blog tour, which continues through this month . Whenever you leave a comment at one of the posts on her tour, you'll receive another entry into the drawing.

Miralee's blog tour stops...

October

20th Karen Phillips---Sky-High View
http://sky-highview.blogspot.com/

LaShaunda Hoffman—See Ya On The Net
http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/
http://sormagtours.blogspot.com/

21st Angie Arndt---The Road I'm Traveling

http://psmcmanus.blogspot.com/

22nd Deena Peterson---Deena's Books
http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/

22nd Teresa Morgan---Teresa Morgan's Blog
http://www.teresamorgan.blogspot.com/

23rd Rose McCauley---Stories of Faith, Hope and Love
http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/

23rd Pattie Reitz----Fresh Brewed Writer
www.xanga.com/pattierwr

http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/

24th Cecelia Dowdy---New Christian Fiction Reviews

http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/

Tiffany Amber Stockton--A Fiction-Filled Life
http://www.ambermiller.com/

25th Bonnie Way---The Koala Bear Writer
http://thekoalabearwriter.blogspot.com/

Stormi Johnson---Write Thoughts
http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/

26th Robin Grant---Queen Of Perseverance
http://queenofperseverance.blogspot.com/

27th Delia Latham---The Melody Within
http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/

28th Jennie McGhan---Jen's Life Journey
http://www.shoutlife.com/cmpctjen
http://jenslifejourney.blogspot.com/

29th Susan Lohrer ---Inspirational Editor
http://www.inspirationaleditor.blogspot.com/

30th Carla Stewart---Carla’s Writing Café
http://www.carlastewart.blogspot.com/

31st Christina Berry--- Posting with Purpose
http://www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com/

November

1st Bonnie Leon---Bonnie's Blog
http://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com/

2nd Jan Parrish---Bold and Free
http://www.janparrish.blogspot.com/

3rd Tina Helmuth---The Ink's Not Dry
http://tinahelmuth.blogspot.com/

4th Teresa Slack---ShoutLife Blog
http://www.shoutlife.com/teresaslack
http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com/

5th Pam Meyers---A Writer’s Journey
http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/

6th Betsy St. Amant---Betsy Ann's Blog
http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com/

7th Megan DiMaria---A Prisoner of Hope
http://www.megandimaria.blogspot.com/

8th Christa Allan---CBAllan WordPress
http://www.cballan.wordpress.com/

9th Susan Marlow---Suzy Scribbles---Homeschool Blogger
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SuzyScribbles/

10th Jamie Driggers---Surviving the Chaos
http://www.survivingthechaos.blogspot.com/

11th Cindy Bauer----Christian Fiction Author & Speaker
http://www.cindybauer.blogspot.com/

12th Angie Breidenbach---God Uses Broken Vessels
http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/

13th Patricia Carroll---Patricia PacJac Carroll
http://patriciapacjaccarroll.blogspot.com/

15th Camille Eide---EXTREME KEYBOARDING
http://camillecannon.blogspot.com/

16th Lisa Jordan---Musings
http://lisadjordan.blogspot.com/

Coming on November 14: Blog Tour Interview with Miralee Ferrell, Author of The Other Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:49:00 +0000

Miralee's Personal Bio

I'm over 50, married for 35 years this July, and have two wonderful children, Marnee and Steven. I'm active at our small church, serving on staff with my ministerial license and working with women in a counseling/ministering capacity. My husband and I are looking forward to full retirement soon and taking off for a few months at a time on our 51' sailboat, where my writing will take on an entirely new creativity. We have a horse, a dog and three cats that my daughter and her husband will inherit while we're gone. Thankfully, they live on the adjoining property and are animals lovers.

You can find me at http://www.miraleeferrell.com/ and http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/.

Miralee's premiere novel, The Other Daughter, is the story of David and Susanne Carson, a couple with an already fragile marriage that’s rocked to its foundation when a young teenaged girl appears at the door...

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer to her trembling legs. "My mama's dead. He's my daddy."Susanne Carson knew that she could trust the love of her life—her husband, David—until she discovered a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David's daughter.Not that their marriage had ever been perfect—David's decision to embrace the Christian faith had strained their relationship. Susanne may not have agreed with his beliefs, but at least she trusted him. Had David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wanted Susanne to believe in his God, but believing hadn't done much to keep David out of another woman's arms.As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.

Tracee Lydia Garner Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:36:00 +0000

Tracee Lydia Garner is a national best-selling author. Family Affairs was not the first story she wrote but it was the first successfully completed and the one she says started it all. FAMILY AFFAIRS appears in the All That & Then Some anthology with BET/Sepia Books. Family Affairs won the grand-prize award, receiving an advance, a book contract, a trip to New York to accept her award and most importantly having her work published by BET Books.

Her fourth release, Love Unchosen, is three books in one about the Watt women: three, entrepreneurial sisters on the brink of love.

Tracee maintains that she is a creative writer as well as a journalist that enjoys writing "how to" articles, and articles of personal experience, both tragic and inspirational on the disability, African-American and woman experience, not necessarily in that order.

Tracee maintains that as her writing career takes center stage, she will always be disabled, and thus she must and always will be committed to the advancement and removal of barriers for persons with disabilities.

Love Unchosen: A Novel
By Tracee Garner

AuthorHouse
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434320715/shadesofromance

The Watts sisters have spent most of their lives focused on their careers-until big sister Geena launches her own design company, Watts Your Style. Not only does she find success, but she finds true love with her client Dr. Justin Webster, a recovering alcoholic. After getting married and giving birth to her son, Geena looks to her sisters to help run her company and hopes in the process they, too, will find true love.

At her older sibling's request, middle sister Vashton returns to Virginia from North Carolina where she has run to escape the demons of her past and finds herself falling head over heels for Romeyo Payton, her ex-best friend's brother-in-law who is raising his nephew.

At her sisters' urging, baby girl, Ellie, relocates her virtual job as a professional organizer to help out as well. When rude client Husten Montgomery comes in with his bratty daughter, Ellie is determined to ignore her attraction and stay as far away as possible from the handsome man to avoid reminders of the loss of her own daughter.

Despite their close bond and their drive, each sister comes to realize true love is the greatest gift of all.

Website: http://www.teegarner.com/

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

That I was so good at telling a story... And I’m not bragging. I didn’t know what I was. I still struggle with knowing what my direction and purpose is supposed to be doing/going; but I would have just felt better about whatever it was I meant to do here on this earth had I had an earlier validation. And not just so much validation cause I think becoming a good writer comes from my disability and experiencing things which then takes age and growth (AND TIME) and painful times of isolation but just the something, whether it was writer or what. I’m glad, at 24 I won the BET First Time Writer’s contest, and I’m still writing and everything is for an appointed time, but along with my writing came increased steam, and better self esteem and a coping mechanism and okay, being eternally hard on myself, yes, I get mad at myself sometimes for being so slow to get it. Yes, I know it happens when it happens, but still, my mind tells me, erroneously so, that I’m late once again that perhaps I should have been here already (if only I’d pay attention and stop goofing off).

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

That books aren’t perfect all the time. I still get upset when reviewers, the critics, say things, like “as an avid reader of so and so’s work this wasn’t her best.” I’m not mad, that’s what they do, but just frustrated. It’s like film, there are a couple of flops for some actors, oh well, you keep moving on. What’s more, no one has said this about me yet and I’m sure they will at some point, but why say it at all? If you don’t like, you just don’t like it, more often then not, you’ll pick up book two and three to keep giving a person a chance. Why write a really, really bad review just for the sake of writing it?

Join Tracee as she visits other stops on her tour. See what else she has to say on writing.

October 8

http://sormagtours.blogspot.com/

October 9

http://readzonebookreview.atwcl.com/
http://www.aakulturezone.com/wvoices

October 10

http://nevaehpublishing.com/
http://zyphe.blogspot.com/

October 11

http://www.rawsistaz.com/
http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/

October 12

http://www.shoutlife.com/lashaunda
http://www.margueritepress.com/eTours.html

October 29

http://sormag.blogspot.com/

Mary DeMuth Blog Tour - Purchase Link

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:42:00 +0000

The book we've been discussing, Authentic Parenting in a Post-Modern Culture, by Mary DeMuth is available now. You can purchase your autographed copy directly from Mary at the link above. I encourage you pick it up today!

Mary DeMuth’s Authentic Parenting Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:08:00 +0000

Promoting Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture

What does postmodern mean? And why should it matter to parents?

Postmodernism is the waiting room between what used to be a modern worldview and what will be. According to several postmodern scholars, we’re in a shift right now, leaving modern ideas behind, but what we are shifting to is not yet fully defined. Postmoderns believe that rationalism and/or more education doesn’t necessarily create a better society. They typically don’t embrace the notion of absolute truth, though they reach for the transcendent. They are skeptical, and often question whether science is something to be embraced or feared. The question for parents is how will we mine the current worldview, even as it shifts? What in it can we embrace as biblical? What is not biblical? What I’ve seen in the church is a fearful adherence to what is familiar. So we cling to modern ideas, even though they may not be biblical and shun postmodern ideas even when they might be biblical. Our children will meet this shifting worldview no matter what our opinion of it is.

You are the first to admit that being authentic might require a parent to apologize after an angry outburst. Are you saying that authentic parents don’t always have it all together as some would like to think?

Yep! We are all frail, needy humans. If we present ourselves as perfect parents, never failing, always doing this correctly, we show our children we have no need of Jesus. We also set up a standard of perfection—that to be a Christian, one has to be perfect. This can lead to our children creating elaborate facades or hiding behind masks. I’d rather have my children see that even mommies make mistakes. Even mommies need Jesus every single day.

You talk about the twin values of engagement and purity. What does that mean?

Many parents subconsciously believe that true parenting means protection at any cost. We received a lot of flak for putting our children in French schools because the atmosphere there wasn’t exactly nurturing. Believe me, the decision was excruciating. But through it all, I realized that Jesus calls us all to be engaged in the culture we live in, yet not to be stained by it. That’s the beauty of engagement and purity. Abraham understood this. After God told him to leave everything and venture to a new place, he obeyed: “From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD” (Genesis 12:8). Oswald Chambers elaborates: “Bethel is the symbol of communion with God; Ai is the symbol of the world. Abraham pitched his tent between the two.” As parents journeying alongside our children through a postmodern world, this concept of pitching our tent between communion with God and engagement in the world should encourage us.

Meet Mary and read her crazy blog here.

If you'd like to read an excerpt from the book, click here.

Be sure to check out the other blogs participating on the Authentic Parenting Tour this week. For a complete listing of the blogs participating in the six week tour, visit here.

Abundant Blessings
Actual Unretouched Photo
Bluebonnet in the Snow
child of divorce/child of god
Geaux2Girl
Good Word Editing
Halland
RappFamilyAixtremeLife
Ripples and Reflections
Spaghettipie
So Many Books...So Little Time
The Point
Tiffany Colter

My Soul Cries Out - A story that makes you go, “hmm.”

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:13:00 +0000

Sherri L. Lewis did a fantastic job of highlighting a controversial issue—the Christian response to homosexuality—with a liberal dose of humor and realism.

My Soul Cries Out makes you examine your beliefs in God’s redemptive and delivering power. Do Christians really believe that God is powerful enough to deliver a person from homosexuality and give them a new life? Do Christians really extend God’s love and acceptance to individuals who leave that lifestyle and become born-again believers? Is homosexuality a worse sin than any other sin—lying, stealing, pre-marital sex, etc?

Christians tend to put on their God-hat and put weights on sin. The novel addresses this with one powerful statement: Sin is sin.

The hero (Kevin) and heroine (Monica) are well developed, and you empathized with their pain and struggle.

One other character stood out for me, Trina. Trina, Monica’s best friend, had faced her own struggles with sin. Her struggle and eventual deliverance made her an empathetic and accepting Christian. This was another little nugget in My Soul Cries Out: Temper your judgments of others with total recall of where God brought you from.

My Soul Cries Out is edgy, funny, and REAL. It’s not a story you’ll soon forget.

Blog Spotlight - Suzanne Woods Fisher

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:45:00 +0000

What's the best thing about writing?

All of life is material. It's all grit for the oyster.

What's the worst thing about writing?

I still only make a dime an hour.

Taking care of your family, aging parents, training guide dog puppies, and writing a novel must create some hectic times. How do you rely on God to get you through all your activities?
Yesterday provided a perfect example of how to answer that question. Just as I was zooming downtown to deliver my hot-off-the-press novel to a store that had requested copies, the kids left a door open and the dog disappeared to explore the smells of our neighborhood. The next hour was spent dog hunting. I fought an interior battle of frustration: Grrr! I can’t seem to get anything done on my book without needless interruptions! But the Lord reminded me to release that book into His hands, and go find that dog (which we did).

Later that afternoon, when I finally did get to the store, I bumped into a friend. She was meeting with a woman who wasn’t a Christian. This woman saw the book in my hands and bought three copies! Who knows if God might not use the faith angle of that novel to reach her heart? I pray it will! And I realized that God had ordered my day, interruptions and all.

Coming on July 2: Blog Tour Interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher

noreply@blogger.com (Toni V. Lee) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:25:00 +0000

A contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, Suzanne has been published in numerous magazines, including Worldwide Challenge, Parent Life, Marriage Partnership, among others, and has contributed to five non-fiction books. She lives with her husband, four kids and a steady stream of puppies that she raises for Guide Dogs for the Blind in the San Francisco Bay Area. Find Suzanne on-line at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/.

Copper Star is a World War II love story set in 1943, as theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer smuggles a young resistance worker, Louisa, out of Nazi Germany. Louisa waits out the war in a dusty copper mining town in Arizona but can’t leave her resistance skills behind. Soon, she turns the town upside down, uncovering a mystery that leads her back to the Nazis and her war-torn country.

Released on June 30, the film rights of Copper Star are under consideration by a major motion picture studio. A contract for the sequel was offered to Fisher before Copper Star released. Pre-release orders have driven the book on Amazon’s sales rankings down into low digits.