Craving the Supernatural

Well, anyone who knows me also knows that I am a HUGE fan of Tricia Goyer's. I find her to be an amazing woman--friend, wife, mother, homeschooler, writer, minister... Being a homeschool mom myself, I'm absolutely intrigued that she can manage all these tasks. Impressed, really. Anyway, enough rambling...on to Valley of Betrayal.

It came in the mail today. I grinned shamelessly, but set it aside to read on my vacation a week later. An hour later, I walked past the book--and it snagged me. I picked it up, thumbed through it, read the back cover copy...again. Stared at the cover. Took it with me upstairs.

That was my first mistake. Before I realized what happened, I'd read three chapters. I was supposed to be working on things for a contest and preparing for our vacation. But that's what's so amazing about Tricia's writing. She makes you care. The worlds and characters she creates pull on your heart like 12 Gs!! You can't stop reading--more than that--you don't WANT to. :-D

Get sucked in like I did. Read the first chapter HERE!

The Story Behind the Novel:

A few years ago when I was researching for my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to his skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about. This is what I learned:

Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.

From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who have volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders, supported with troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted of thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side, half of which never returned home.

Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for.

Loyalists—also know as the Republicans were aided by the Soviet Union, the Communist movement, and the International Brigades. If not for the weapons and volunteers from these sources their fight would have ended in weeks rather than years. While many men fought side by side, their political views included that of liberal democracy, communism and socialism. The Catholic Basque Country also sided with the Republic, mainly because it sought independence from the central government and was promised this by Republican leaders in Madrid.

Nationalists—or Francoists were aided mainly by Germany and Italy. The Nationalist opposed an independent Basque state. Their main supporters were those who believed in a monarchist state and fascist interests. The Nationalist wished for Spain to continue on as it had for years, with rich landowners, the military, and the church running the country. Most of the Roman Catholic clergy supported the Nationalists, except those in the Basque region.

During the Spanish Civil war, terror tactics against civilians were common. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their own tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen . . . each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind A Valley of Betrayal.

Tricia Goyer, October 2006

My awesome best friend, Dineen Miller, posted a link to this kewl science-fiction site to determine which SF writer you are. Take the survey adn let us know who you are!

I am: E.E. "Doc" Smith The inventor of space opera. His purple space war tales remain well-read generations later.

Which science fiction writer are you?

WARNING: THE SITE HAS LANGUAGE IN IT, "POTTY" language as Neen called it. :-D
I was tickled with my results since, when I write in sf/f genre, I pen space operas. How kewl!! :-D

"He smelled good--rebelliously good--like leather and a hint of soap."

*sigh*

How can you resist that?? Or that two-day stubble and dimple??

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Nick Noble hadn’t planned on being the prodigal son.

But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle—the Noble family ranch—to Nick’s former best friend, he must return home to face those he left behind. And to make sure that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family.

Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she’s determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she first anticipated. So does resisting his charming smile.

As Nick seeks to overturn his father’s will—and Piper digs for answers—family secrets surface that send Nick’s life into a tailspin. But there’s someone who wants to see the Silver Buckle leave Noble hands, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it means taking a life.

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I got snagged into the life of these characters right from the get-go. In one of the first scenes, I could hear the clomping, see the dust in the air—I was RIGHT THERE. There are not many books that drag me in so quickly. Since I’m an impatient reader, that’s a good thing.

One of my favorite scenes is when Piper is up at the lodge and decides to trek down to the house. . .and gets into a tussle with a bull. This scene gave me one of those gut-birthed giggles (sad, huh?), especially when she' s staring down this thousand-plus-pound bull and saying, "Shoo!" Naturally, Nick comes to rescue her, but not after first getting a good laugh.

Susie builds a lot of depth into her characters that not only makes you care, but FORCES you to yearn, ache, and rejoice with them. You can’t help it. You have to because you’ve come to think of them like family.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

(*excerpt from page ~83~ of Reclaiming Nick)

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Visit Susie's website: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/ and blog: http://scribbles.susanmaywarren.com/

About a month ago, I was depressed. Truly, the closest I've ever come to being full-blown depressed. We'd just spent nearly two grand on fixing our primary vehicle. That drained our emergency and Christmas money. Then, Brian's truck breaks down. Do we have any money to fix it? Nope. Do we have the money to take on a monthly payment. Definitely not. So, we haul the truck down to Waco for a mechanic to work on. I got a rejection, one that didn't quite sting, but sure didn't help my confidence. I'd sent my manuscript to an agent, one that I'd had a quasi-hopeful spirit about getting signed with. Well, I also knew said agent didn't send out rejections after December 1st. Come mid-December, I was utterly convinced he was going to reject me. Great thing to look forward in the New Year, right? Then, we learned that my husband wouldn't have a job after January 1st--he was being laid off.

Anyway, during that time, I cried out to God asking Him where he was in all the disappointing and bad things happening in my life. And in that despair, I got this mental image of a large window to a shop. My view is mostly blocked, but I can see this man moving around inside the shop. He's arranging, rearranging, setting up, cleaning, moving... That "man" is God, and the shop is my life.

Only the other night did I realize how much that mental image has helped me. You see, when we talk about God's plans...doesn't it sound "far off," in the future, something to be or to come about at SOME POINT?? Well, to me, the image of God moving and arranging things in my life helped me see God ACTIVELY at work in my life.

No, I haven't had an astounding turnaround in anything in my life. I see potential. I see God rearranging and arranging, although nothing major has come to fruition...YET! Our primary vehicle is broke again. His truck still hasn't been fixed. And my husband is now unemployed. But I have hope in God. There IS HOPE in God!!!

Oh...and I did find out I am on that agent's short list. I haven't been rejected by this agent yet. Apparently, the reviews from the readers came back mid-December. Dare to dream, y'all...

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Okay, I promised spy stuff in my blogs. :-D I think I'll start with the poisoned spy, Alexander Litvinenko. Fascinating story. I've printed and stuffed in a binder all the articles I could find on him, including the reporter whose death he was investigating. Oh. Some of you might not know who I'm talking about. Litvinenko was a lieutenant colonel in the KGB and later the FSB, and once responsible for the protection of Boris Berezovsky when he held office. Once he sought asylum in England, he became a vocal critic of the Kremlin and Putin. At the time of Litvinenko's death, he was investigating the murder of a woman who was a former KGB officer and friend of his, Anna Politkovskaya, who was also a vocal critic of Putin and his "regime". In the weeks before Litvinenko died, doctors scrambled to figure out what was wrong with him. Only after his death, did they discover he'd been poisoned with plutonium 210, a rare and highly toxic chemical.

Is Russia responsible for the death of this outspoken critic? Or did someone whose secrets Litvinenko carry feel threatened? Or both? I can't even possibly pretend to know. It's certainly suspicious that traces of polonium 210 were found on two jetliners that made trips between Moscow and London. Of course, a friend who met with Litvinenko the day he was poisoned also was found to be contaminated.

I'm done with my contemporary romance, Rhyme & Reason. Oh, what's with the Spanish word, acabé, you might be asking? It means "I finished!" Darn thing gave me fits at the end, but I think I got it down satisfactorily. the first ending I wrote made me cry--cuz it was bad, not a tear-jerker. :-D But then I rewrote it. And rewrote it. Till finally--the ending felt right. I really love this story, and already it is affecting families. I've sent it off to Camy Tang for her to wield her wasabi genius at it. Here's praying I recognize my manuscript when it comes back.


It's a new year. Already my family is faced with HUGE uncertainties...my hubby is without a job. I'm not working in a fashion that brings in income...YET. When God told me this would be a year of transition, I should've been warned. But I'm okay. Really. I have a strong awareness of His activity in my life, and I'm confident that God is busy preparing, arranging, and maneuvering me for what's to come. I really look forward to this coming year. Neen told me it would be a painful year. I had a very painful time last yaer. I'm hoping this year is more about beauty of His promises.

So, now that my contemporary is written, I plan to get back into research for my next spy novel. For Christmas, my in-laws bought me this WAY KEWL book called The Spycraft Manual. It's amazing. I can't wait to read--no, STUDY--the rest of it. There's a ton of information in here and history on the craft of spying. Also, while all those startling revelations over the Russian spy who was poisoned came out in the news, I printed out every article I could find on his story, the story of the former spy-turned reporter who was assassinated, and many other fascinating articles in relation to Litvinenko. Why did I do this? Well, because my heroine is a former Russian spy. It makes sense, right, to know what's happening currently to make the story that much more relevant.

I think, for a while, I'm going to concentrate on spy stuff. I hope this will peak your interest, not only in the world around you, but in my books! *GRINS!*

Wow! Another jolly season is here! This year has flown by, leaving me dazed in its wake. :-D How did we get here so fast?? I'll be frank--while this year had a lot of wonderful times, and I wouldn't want to have missed it, I am SOOOO GLAD it's over. *sigh* I knew I was in trouble last December when God told me this would be a year of change. And it sure was!! For this next year, I believe it'll be a year of transition. That doesn't sound AS painful, but still quite challenging in and of itself.

I won't be around much for the next couple of weeks. With that in mind, I'm leaving you with some Christmas carol riddles. Enjoy!!!

Please have a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday time. Merry Christmas, my friends!!

Name the Christmas Carol described in each riddle.

1. Wanted in December:Top forward incisors

2. The lad is a diminutive percussionist

3. Oh small Israel urban center

4. We are Kong, Lear and Nat Cole

5. Our fervent joy is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season

6. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully

7. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe

8. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory senses?

9. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans

10. Leave and broadcast from an elevation

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1. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth2. Little Dummer Boy3. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem4. We Three Kings5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas6. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing7. Joy to the World8. Do You Hear What I Hear?9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen10. Go Tell it on a Mountain

First - GREAT news on the homefront. This morning I finished my degree plan for my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. I can't believe it's FINALLY over. This last course was in Criminal Justice and I might just make a perfect score in the course. I never, ever done that, and I'm thrilled by teh prospect. It all rests on my research paper, which I readily admit was quite difficult. Anyway, I'm asking all my friends to celebrate with me by going out and having a Starbucks drink or something.

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Now, on to more serious matters...

Last week I was contacted by a man for a company called m80 noting that they had read my blog about James Bond's Casino Royale movie and asked if I'd consider reviewing a TV series for Showtime. I was thrilled, yet very nervous! So, here's my official review of this show that airs from Dec 10-19 from 9PM ET/PT.

Sleeper Cell: American Terror
This show is quite interesting. It's a look at what I've always believed to be a reality--terrorists on our soil, allied to extremist causes and/or fundamentalist terrorists. I only got to watch one episode since I don't have Showtime, but what I saw kept my interest although at times it seemed to drag. I detected the normal liberal Hollywood bias here and there.

What I liked:

• Oded Fehr who plays Farik, the terrorist - he is practiced, cool, and realistic. Very well executed on Oded's part.
  
• Farik plays with his interrogator's heads quite well. Gotta admit how much I loved that "hot tea" scene. :-D
• The emotional value of Darwyn (played by Michael Ealy), the deeply embedded FBI agent's journey. I think this was well done. When his "handler" is killed, it sealed his fate and journey to stopping the terrorist cell.
  

What I didn't like:

• The sex scene. It was totally unnecessary, but-hey, surprise! It was Showtime.
  
• the pacing. For an hour-long episode, it semed to drag, which tells me that something was missing either in the plot or the development of the characters. I'd opt for the former.
  
• The shoddy way the terrorist cell is pulled together. Come on! You CAN'T convince me that Farik would be accepted as the leader after this short amount of time. Give me a break. Groups like this are much more careful and methodical. If the big cheese figured it out, I can't believe he didn't tell anyone else in his group. *sigh*

Well, there is my repose on this new series. I really would've liked to have watched the rest to see how it holds up, to see what they do with this main hero. Anyway--I appreciate the opportunity to look at this show.

The dark hull of a ship loomed ahead, lit by two laterns, one on the bowspprit and the other swinging on the hook on the mizzenmast. Dim light shone through a porthole below the quarterdeck. Three masts covered with tangled rigging towered against the moonlit sky like webbed claws ready to snatch Charlisse from the boat. Most likely an ex-merchant vessl, the tree-masted, square-rigged ship couuld hold up to forty guns. Charlisse wouldn't have known or cared about such things three years ago if she hadn't married a privateer and chosen a life at sea.
The longboat scraped and thudded against the hull of the larger ship, and the pirates secured it with cords that dangled from the bulwark. A rope ladder flew down the side, and Charlisse's heart dropped with its descent. The smell of damp wood and gunpowder drifted past her nose.
"Come on, littl' missy, up ye go." One of the pirates grabbed her arm and lifted her. He untied the rope binding her hands, then pusehd her toward the ladder. When she didn't move, he leaned over, showering her with his foul breath, and hesitated, his slobbering lips smacking near her ear.
Charlisse cringed and clutched the rope, desperate for any escape.
The man took a step back and swatted her bottom. "Begone with ye now."
The pirates chuckled.
Charlisse whirled. "How dare you?" She slapped him full force on his right cheek, but his thick beard softened the sharp impact.
Shock claimed the pirate's wicked features. He raised his arm to strike her, but a deep voice from above halted his hand in midair. "What goes on down there? Bring her up, or I'll have you stretched and scaled alive!"
That voice. Charlisse knew that voice. Tremors of dread etched their way down her spin. Gazing upward, she saw nothing but darkness and the eerie outline of an immense storm cloud drifting in over the ship.
A wave hit the longboat, and she nearly toppled overboard. The sea beckoned. Come. Jump in. Anything but go up that ladder! Laying a hand on her stomach, she thought of the growing life within her and glanced back at the rolling indigo water. Although she had only recently learned to paddle--at Merrick's insistence--she might indeed make it to shore. But could she risk it? She had more to consider now than her own life.
The pirate shoved her, and she clambered up the ropes despite the quivering in her knees.
At the top, a strong arm grabbed hers and assisted her on deck. Her silk broaced shoes hit the wood planks with a slap. A salty breeze tossed her wayward curls about her face. She looked up. Dark, sinister eyes bored into hers. A crooked grin spread over his lips.
"Ah, my sweet, we are together again at last." He sauntered toward her. the thud of his tall leather boots ground away at her courage. With one hadn on the hilt of his cutlass, he waved the other through the air, his fingers nearly hidden by a burst of white lace that bulged from the wrist of his black camlet suit. "I have dreamt of thsi moment for quite some time."
"Kent," Charlisse hissed between clenched teeth.
He flashed a stern look. "Captain Carlton, if you please." Doffing a black hat with a sweep of ostrich feather, he bowed. "Welcome to my ship, the Vanquisher, miss."
"Lady Merrick Hyde to you."
"Ah, yes. I heard you married that buffoon, Merrick." He shook his head. "Such a waste of your exquisite beauty."
Charlisse lifted her chin. "And your charm, sir, is wasted on me. You forget, I know you."
The rest of the pirates had climbed over the rail and shuffled off to their posts, casting quick glances her way.
"What do youwant with me?" Charlisse could hear the crack in her own voice despite her efforts to appear calm. She inched her way toward the railing.
Kent leered at her from under heavy lids, following her movments. "What I have always wanted with you."
The effect of his licentious comment crept up her spin like a poisonous snake. Charlisse glanced at the swirling water. Perhaps it was better, after all, to risk her life and her child's rather than endure the lecherous advances of this madman.

Last week, the infinitely fickle weather in TExas delivered a FIFTY DEGREE blow...On Wednesday, I picked up my twins from school in cozy 76 degree weather. The next morning, it was 26 degrees. YOWZA!! Here are some photos of my kiddos in the snow later that afternoon after the drizzle and white stuff (we see it so rarely, I'm not sure I remember what it's called LOL).

My dear friend Michelle visited me after a vacation with her family in Killeen (she's living in Georgia right now). Here are a few from their visit.

Last night, my hubby took me out to a movie and dinner--yes, in that order. We were having dinner at about 10:45. :-D anyway, we bought tickets for the 7:20 showing of CASINO ROYALE, the James Bond/Ian Fleming movie. The guy that checked our ticket (are print-ahead tickets not the best so you don't stand in line for 20 minutes??) and said, Right here in this line. So, we got in line. Guess what? He put us in the 8pm line. *sigh* naerly an hour of theater previews and commercials (is anyone else irked that now you have to view COMMERCIALS at the theater????). Anyway, Casino Royale was great. A typical Ian Fleming book come to life.

My assessment of the movie: This movie of how James Bond became a double-o-seven. Quite interesting. What I didn't like about this movie:

1. The super-duper-ultra long card game. Granted, it's the whole culmination of the movie, but it was WAY long. Totally saw the ending (of the game) coming, so it lost its UMPH.
   
2. The actress who played Vesper Lind (the heroine). She just didn't pull me. Didn't create in me an emotional tug that made me care for her. From the get-go, I was suspicious of her.
   
3. Edgier--and by this I mean it was much more like an action flick than an Ian Fleming/Barbara Broccoli film. Craig's first take down was much more violent than Bond normally is, but again, that was his first kill, so maybe it's explained that way.
   
4. The opening scene. You know what I'm talking about--where usually there are ghosted outlines of naked women. Well, this one was all about cards, but it was Craig's ghosted image constantly fighting, shooting...not the suave, debonair stuff we're used to.
   
5. The Casino Royale theme song. Again, they deviated a bit too much from the norm. The music had a great beat, but just didn't fit the Bond-genre.
   

Things I liked about this movie:

1. Romantic interludes are classic James Bond - more inuendos than flesh. :-D
   
2. This is the closest I've seen Bond come to death. GREAT scene in my opinion. I'd love to capture something like this in my books.
   
3. The car. LOL It's an Aston Martin (hey, Robin-Neen-Ron--it's the same car I have Everett Douglass driving and I nearly squealed to see that baby in motion!!). LOL
4. The opening scene in Uganda (I think that's where it was--or was that the terrorists) where Bond is chasing this dude and they take to the construction site where they end up at the top of a crane. I'm telling y'all, this guy Bond is chasing has super-human powers. He did things that I thought for sure would kill your average joe. LOL
5. The ending. Classic James Bond, where he (for the first time in Ian Fleming's books) says, Bond, James Bond. :-D Gotta love that line.
6. Daniel Craig. Okay, I wasn't sure I'd like this guy, but he pulled it off brilliantly. Through the movie, I never stopped once to wonder if I liked him, which I'd expected to do.
   
7. Edgier. LOL Laughing? Well, again, I wasn't sure if I liked the edginess, but it definitely added in some scenes.
   
8. Bond gets poisoned. I mentioned this where he nearly dies--and I loved that "human" aspect to this amazing hero, but I loved the whole sequence where he's trying to save himself. Totally loved that.
   

Of course, it really got my "creative juices" super-charged. :-D I'm just ITCHING to get writing again. I got snagged off on a tangent while Brian and I discussed the movie over salads, thinking about one of my secondary characters, Tony DeLuca, in Midnight Zone. This guy has started talking to me, telling me things. Interestingly enough, Tony looks like Daniel Craig--blonde hair, blue eyes. I realized last night that I can see myself totally writing a book for him. I was sitting there, this scene running through my mind, and Brian laughed. I'd apparently zoned out and he could see it in my eyes. LOL That's sad. . .nah, that's the life of a writer.

So, what research have you done that feuled you for writing???

Well, after careful thought, consideration and prayer, I've decided to run for Volunteer Officer with the American Christian Fiction Writers. This certainly was not an easy decision to make, and I'm sure I'm up against some wonderful people--and that's great! As Robin has said before, the more people running, the more options for ACFW membership to have. I agree completely. For me, I've loved ACFW since I joined in 2004 and knew even then, that someday I'd like to serve the organization filled with loving, caring people. At the end of 2005, I agreed to serve as a moderator, and that position began officially in January 2006. This last year taught me a lot about the various duties of the moderators and the List Hostess, as I've carried out the various duties. In December, I will graduate with my B.S. in Psychology (a long haul I am so glad is almost over!!), and my graduation will free up a great majority of my time. I still homeschool my two older daughters while my twins (who have tendencies toward Asperger's) attend public school and receive special education services there. My husband, Brian, is a breath away from being accepted into the FBI (who'd have thought 2.5 seconds could cost us 6 months of training??). LOL He'll most likely take the physical fitness test again in November, possibly early December. We would appreciate your prayers for that.

Well, last night, I did something I haven't done in several months--I stayed up past 1 a.m. writing!! It felt great to be so completely immersed in my story that I lost track of time. It's amazing to me that I've only "known" these characters for roughly 2-3 weeks, but I'm able to write them as though we've spent years together. It's quite an interesting tale of an assassin, a guardian, an old man, a scrawny boy nicknamed Twig, and a girl. So, tell me?

Have you ever been so immersed in a story you've written that you lost track of time and sensibility (to get to bed on time!!)??? :-D Drop me a note--I'd love to hear what you're working on now!

Last week, I stocked groceries in Freedom, Alabama. This week, I live in Nasvhille, Tennessee, about to take the stage at the famous Bluebird Cafe.

Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Only one problem. I've got stage fright. But after years of being ruled by fear and hiding from my dream, I confronted my limited reality and left home. Forget the hometown hunk who wants to make me queen of his doublewide. Forget Momma's doubt-inspiring tirade. I can make it in Music City...can't I?
So, I took a leap of faith, gathered my old guitar, my notebook full of songs, and packed up in '69 Chevy pickup. Look out NashVegas! With the help of some new friends, especially handsome Lee Rivers, my dream is about to find the light of day. But as I face my first night at the Bluebird Cafe, I realize...I might just do what comes naturally. Look for the nearest exit, and run!

--So reads the backcover copy of Rachel Hauck's fabulous new release, Lost in NashVegas. Right now, there are several sites involved in Rachel's blog tour. I encourage you to check them out and see what the rave is all about. Here are a some fans high-lighting this book:

Robin Carroll
Buddy Hollywood
Novel Review
FaithWebbin
Deidre Knight (Rachel guest blogs)
Marilyn Griffith (Rachel guest blogs)
Novel Journey (November 1, 2006 entry)
Betsy Ann

Rush on over to Amazon and buy this book for your next cuddle-up-good-book read!!

is Dona Watson. Congratulations on winning this really kewl book, Dona. If you'll take a moment to send me your address, I'll get this book in the mail!!

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Now--for this week's FREE BOOK -- DARK HOUR, book one of the Serpent Moon Trilogy by Ginger Garrett. I confess I have not read this book, but NavPress was so very kind to send two (I won one from Lena Dooley's blog), so I'm spotlighting it briefly to bless someone else. the back of this book reads: "One of the darkest and bloodiest stories of all time comes not from a medieval battelfield but from inside one of the most opulent palaces ever built. The strategies come not from men eager to extend their influence but from women bent on exercising their wit and prowess in a kingdom not their own. Treason and murder are fair game. Marriage is manipulation, a means to an end. Children are the enemy. and the days of the House of David are numbered--unless one woman can find the strength to conquer them all."

WOWZERS~! doesn't that sound wonderful? I know I plan to dig into this book very soon. So, drop a comment if you'd like to be entered into the book for a free drawing. And since I'm not "officially" promoting this book, I'm going to cheat a bit and link here to Neen's online chapter/interview for Dark Hour.

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It's been a busy week since I last posted. My revisions on MZ are finished, and I mailed them off to the agent Monday evening. He should have them by week's end. I admit that I'm scared. I mean, he wanted a satisfying ending. Well, I'm not sure about you, but what's satisifying to me may not be satisfying to you or to someone else. Ya know? I like my ending. It's the way **I** wanted it and originally wrote it. But what if the agent doesn't like the rewrite? Where does that leave me? You're probably saying, send it to another agent. Well, I have sent it to all the ones that I've been able to get my foot in the door with. So, if you know someone... LOL

My entire publishing career (can I call it that, yet??) is in God's hands. Come rain or shine, I will praise Him.

Whoa. Got to rambling, didn't I? :-D Sorry. Which reminds me...I'm starting a new space opera. What's amazing to me is how *easily* I can write the space operas. The spy thrillers, well that takes research, research, research, not to mention how HARD they are to write. But these space operas just ignite me. I love writing them. They come as natural to me as breathing. I'm getting bold (Stuart would be proud of me LOL) this time--using a non-human creature. Tis a bold step for this gal. It has a Protector , a gifted girl, a gangly youth, an old man (think Gandalf), and a secret assassin. One of them is the Lost Heir to a kingdom that is under foreign control. As they make the treacherous journey across enemy territory, can they survive predators, including the secret assassin who must kill the heir once discovered?

Okay--anyone who knows me, KNOWS that I adore Tricia Goyer's writing. I've promoted two of her books here and will continue to do so as long as she lets me. :-D When the offer came along for her non-fic book, Generation NeXt Parenting: A Savvy Parent's Guide to Getting it Right I hesitated for as long as it takes to blink. I mean, come on--she's a brilliant writer, she has three kids, and Hello! What parent of this generation wouldn't want help. :-D

However, what surprised me is how kewl this book is. The back reads: This book is designed like a magazine (not because you miss reading Seventeen, but because no parent has time to read a book cover to cover)... How right they are!! I guess I shouldn't have been. After all, it's Tricia. But man! This book is chocked-full with suggestions, encouragement, quotes, and TONS of practical advice. My eldest daughter is 13, and I'm so relieved to have this book to turn to in helping me rear my children. Look at some of these chapter titles:

• Automatic Man: Making Room for Daddy - can you resist a title like that?? :-D
• I Don't Know Much: Parenting Advice Overload
  
• Sun Always Shines on TV: Tackling the Media Monster
  
• Danger Zone: Organized Activities: How Much Is Too Much?
  
• In My Dreams: To Compare or not compare (rk here: OUCH! LOL)
• I Wanna Break Free: Freeing Your Children from the World's Idols

Blurb from the back: Generation NeXt ParentingIf 70s and 80s bands (Run DMC), fashion (hot pink anything), and technology (music on cassette) bring back vivid memories, is the resource for you. Like secrets exchanged at recess with a trusted freind, this book offers helpful hints for raising your children during this exact time in history. Extensive research, input from hundreds of Gen X moms and adds, and a variety of Scripture references will help you navigate even the thoughest parenting dilemmas.

All I can say--is THANK YOU, Tricia!!

Oh--and guess what? So can you. Now is your chance to win a FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY of this book by leaving a comment. Winner will be chosen November 1st.

Okay, I *hate* that picutre of me--but this isn't about me. It's about my gorgeous friend there, ROBIN MILLER who has just sold her first book -- BAYOU BURNING. I'm so excited for Robin--no, BEYOND excited. THRILLED! GIDDY!! She's worked so hard and been through so very much. This is just a small reward for her diligence and brilliance. Bayou Burning, a Cajun romantic suspense sold to Steeple Hill and is represented by Kelly Mortimer of the Mortimer Literay Agency. Let me tell you--this is one book you'll have to read! Robin is an amazing suspense writer and a fabulous friend. Please take a moment and send Robin congrats on this splendiferous news!!

How I pondered weak and weary...lol...ah, Edgar Allen Poe had it down pat, didn't he? :-D Well, yesterday was a head-stomping day. Mine got battered, but I kicked back. Then this morning, on the way to the track, a thick haze filtered around us. It was quite creepy, I'll readily admit. :-D I'm a big chicken despite writing thrillers. LOL Anyway, as we pulled up and parked by the track, I could feel the chill of the early morning seeping into the truck. When I climbed out, I shuddered. Not only did thick fog hang around us, the dampness made the early morning frost seem that much heavier. Walking the track, one of my favorite things to do is to look up. On most mornings (we're talking 6am), it's still dark and the stars are brilliant. I was disappointed this morning, thinking with this fog, no way will I see the stars. WRONG. I looked up--straight into a clear-blue/black sky with star glistening back at me. It was astounding, because all around me, I could barely see a few feet in front of me...then above, beautiful blue-streaked dawn. And God seemed to speak into my heart right then saying, "that's just like yesterday. Oppression and assault from every side, but when you looked up, you saw Me." How kewl is that??? I love it when he uses creation to speak to our hearts. And it's so true of our lives--if we look at the circumstances, we might be thinking we're dead meat. But if we look to God, we know we already have the victory in HIM!

So, I did my laps, then it was time to clock my hubby's run times. I stood on one side of the track, he was way around on the other side (doing 200 meters this time). All of a sudden, I hear this screeching in the sky. I sort of freak...okay, no, I REALLY FREAK. :-D I can't see a single thing, but I can HEAR it getting closer and...closer...until I swear whatever it was sailed right over my head. Still couldn't see the blessed thing. Yeah, my heart was pounding, especially when it happened again. but then I saw it--streaking over the football field. Two bats. BATS!! Holy batfield!! :-D (sorry, couldn't resist!).

Anyway, so I'm off to do the last of my rewrites on Midnight Zone. Have less than 60 pages left. Woo-hoo!!! Let's just pray it's read-worthy. :-D So, what're y'all up to?

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Gina Conroy is launching the first edition of her CARNIVAL OF CHRISTIAN WRITERS, and she's looking for submissions. In particular, she's looking for posts by writers about writing. Check out the guidelines here if you're interested--deadline is October 28th.

Wow, what a crazzzeeee two weeks since conference. I've had to write a research paper, read a half-dozen chapters in my physiology book, start an online discussion--and that was just with my college. LOL I've also drove to Arkansas for my hubby's grandmother's funeral (it's just so hard to believe Grandma Robertson is dancing with Grandpa in heaven, now. *sniffle*). In the midst of that, some great news has happened. My twin/clone, Dineen Miller, has an agent!! Neen signed with Mortimer Literary Agency and is busy getting her manuscript completed and edited to send off. I'm elated for Neen--she's worked so very hard and is such a fabulous writer! And this story she's working on--heavens! It's awesome!!!!! The photo to the side is of me and Neen at her house this past summer. (Isn't that quilt behind us gorgeous??)

On top of all that, I've been working like a madman to get my edits and rewrite of the ending of Midnight Zone done. right now, I have the interest of three publishing houses and two agents. I'm so very excited and hopeful--not in my abilities, but in the move of God. since my healing at conference, I've been balanced and focused. Moments of doubt have tried to grip me, but God has ever-so-gently pointed and said, See? See what this is really about? It's been so freeing to get His perspective on things.

My darling hubby rounded up the kids and let me have the day "off." Which meant I was at the library for 3.5 hours writing, and then on to Starbucks/Barnes & Noble (where I bought this really kewl spy book!! LOL). There, I wrote for about an hour, then headed home when hubby called and announced they were going to a movie. :-D At home, I wrote for another two hours and am finally nearing the last 1/4 of the book. It's been amazing doing these rewrites. I've felt so clear-minded. God has showed me where I held my characters back and where a scene needed an overhaul. It's great to be back!! Oh--and thanks to Shannon, Beth, & Jane for your crits. I sooo needed them and appreicate your help. You gals are great. And Robin--thanks for chatting with me on the phone the other day. Talking with you helped spawn a firmer ending.

Okay, I don't know if it's bad form to talk about all the wonderful things that happened at conference, but I'm going to do it. :-D First, the biggest and most wonderful thing that happened was the healing I received under the guidance of Brandilyn Collins' prayer Thursday night. that completely set the tone for me and my experience during conference. I'll have to admit that I am glad there is no photo of that! Envision red, swollen eyes and a nose to match! :-D

Now...on to the the other really kewl stuff: First, I met up with my crit buddies and that is just the ultimate to be in teh company of such wonderful ladies. I posted the picture with Camy the other day, so this time, I'll do the other photos. LOL


This is from the Early bird session hosted by Colleen Coble and Deb Raney, two absolutely amazing ladies who write some incredible fiction!! I wanna be like them when I grow up! :-D It is so fascinating to listen to them brainstorm stories that belong to other people--and they're just so good at it. I found myself praying that I could be that to others some day.


For me, the next best thing that happened was probably getting to meet Christy award-winning author John Olson. For the conference, I played personal slave to Johnduring the two classes he taught. One was on Thrillers: How to Wirte with Super Glue. The other was on writing CSFF. Both classes were phenomenal. I have never taken so many notes at ANY conference I've ever been to. Seriously. Several of his points hit "home" with me and resonanted so clearly. I bought his book Adrenaline (yeah, I know, I'm a bit behind in my reading list! *sigh*) and got it autographed. In John, I found a new friend and as he said in his autograph, a "kindred spirit." I look forward to seeing more of John's writing on the bookshelves. the guys' just way kewl, very intelligent (hello? Can you say computational biochemist???), and has a passion for writing (gave up his day job to enter ministry of writing and speaking). Thanks, John!! Can't wait to meet up with you again next year!

Ah, good friends, good times! I met Amanda Bostic last year. She was filling in at the time for another editor (she's an editor at WestBow) and I was her first-ever pitch. :-D I think we were both equally nervous--but maybe I was worse. LOL Anyway, we got to hang out last year, and it didnt' take me long to recognize the jewel that she is. I just love her! I felt like a million bucks when she walked down the corridor this year and spotted me, threw her arms wide and hugged me. It was so great--like a homecoming. She is so down to earth and so very sweet. If you haven't met Amanda yet, make sure you put her on your list of "have to" next year.



Wow--have I mentioend that this was an awesome conference? God was soooo good to me, as He always is! Thsi is a picture of me with fabulous author, Lisa Harris. She is a missionary living in South Africa, and it was such a great blessing to get to see her. Of course, time was against us--we didn't get more than an hour together--and that was during breakfast. I miss her so much already. If you haven't read any of Lisa's books, they really are a must. She's such a very good writer!!

I've returned from the FABULOUS ACFW CONFERENCE in Dallas. God did some really MIGHTY things that only He could have done. I'll be writing about those next week...but not now. For now, I have to write a research paper, read the next chapter in my psychology book, study for a test, take the test, and go out of town for a funeral--all before Sunday. *sigh*