Sharing the link to Tina Pinson's blog...

Tina Pinson is hosting authors, editors, and publicists over at her blog. She's titled the series Marketing 101. It's interesting.
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/

So far, I've found it interesting. Posting the link here, so it's easy for me to find, and remember. The blog is in my roll, but I don't always remember to check it.

It's the last day of July. The Olympics are in full swing. I've added a couple of books to my book reviews, including A.R. Norris The Telomere Trilogy book 1: Revelations of Tomorrow. Loved it.

Pinterest...

Yes, I'm on Pinterest.

http://pinterest.com/lhawkes/

I'm trying to learn the ins and outs, what's acceptable and what isn't. When I pin anything, I try to make sure it's attached to the link to which it belongs. I've created boards and deleted them and recreated them. I truly have no wish to step on anyone's toes. I have links tucked away in emails because I wanted to hang onto them and recheck them later. Now, I have a place to gather them, but I worry about violating someone's copyright law. It doesn't stop me from exploring, but I will always endeavor to keep it above board, so to speak. :-)

Blogs and more blogs...

Patty Froese shares a bit about her feelings on editing.
http://pattyfroese.com/?p=3344

Lynette Endicott hosts Nike Chillemi on her blog. If you enjoy WWII warm romantic suspense, you might want to take a look.
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/

 I really need to develop the habit of checking Tami Dee's Grapevine, though my budget may complain as I find more books I'd like to read.
http://tamidee.blogspot.com/

Naomi Musch shares some nuggets from her Great Lakes Getaway:
http://www.naomimusch.com/apps/blog/show/17462878-organized-and-energized-digging-out-the-nuggets-from-the-great-lakes-getaway

Stephanie Burkhart is interviewing Gerald Costlow:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com

Anne Patrick on ebooks at Heroines with Hearts:
http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/friday-friend-anne-patrick-and-e-book.html

Never give up...

This was shared on facebook by Godtube, and they requested it be shared:

Couple great blogs on writing...

Want to know about semicolons? The Oatmeal has a wonderful explanation. For the record, I usually hate oatmeal, but this is brilliant.http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon

Beth Trissel shared her journey in writing and gives some great writing advice.
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2012/07/25/my-writing-journey-and-a-nugget-of-wisdom-beth-trissel/

New blog...Susan Jaymes, author...

I'm adding this one to my list. Susan starts with a great topic: The Inner Critic.

http://susanjaymes.blogspot.com/

Adding her to my blog roll.

Did you know DBP spotlights a different author every week? So if you're looking for something new or different, try looking there where you can read about an author and their latest book.

How fun! Tami Dee is hosting A.R. Norris

http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-bad-boy-heros-we-love-to-hate-what.html

And A.R. Norris is hosting Tami Dee

http://tamidee.blogspot.com/2012/07/immortality-aint-what-its-cracked-up-to_24.html

Playing catch up...

Too much to do and too little time to do it all in.

I'm still in awe of the beautiful cover created by Carol Fiorilli for A Promise of Possibilities.

Hang Out has an online interview posted at YouTube called Indie Authors #20. It's a little over an hour long but well worth viewing. Jimmy Thomas, owner of RNC (Romance Novel Covers and Romance Novel Center) is a guest along with a couple indie authors, a cover artist, and the owner of InD'Tale Magazine, TJ Mackay. It's informative, packed with good advice from experts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0YAfphjGZc

Love of books

Budget. Do not forget the budget.
Yes, books and chocolate reside side by side on my list of priorities, pretty near the top.

A Promise of Possibilities is coming...

One month from today it will be released.

Carol's cover is perfect for it. When I saw it the first time I laughed and cried.

I'm still having a little difficulty believing it.

Thanks to the awesome team at Desert Breeze Publishing.

Thanks God.

Historical posts I enjoyed this week...

And other blogs, too.

Beth Trissel has a rich family history and loves history. She writes historical romance novels. On her blog, she shares bits of what she's learned in her research. http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/why-it-matters-the-battle-of-kings-mountain-beth-trissel/

Joan Leotta shares a yummy recipe for Caprese Salad. http://joanleotta.wordpress.com/

Hildie McQueen, paranormal romance writer, shares posts on a variety of topics, but the link I'm sharing is one of her organization ideas. http://www.hildiemcqueen.com/?p=4129

I'm enjoying Tami Dee's Grapevine. http://tamidee.blogspot.com/

Sue Perkins is featured over at Lynette Endicott's blog. http://www.lynetteendicott.com/

If you want to read blogs by edgy Christian romance writers, there's a site that posts a batch. http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com/

Patty Froese again had several posts I enjoyed this week. http://pattyfroese.com/

B.J. Robinson posted her book trailer for Whispering Cypress http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFSVAPKrmKU&feature=youtu.be

Explore. Have fun.

Heroes on the loose...a bit of fun...

Jack: So, Luck, a bit of a relief to see you're no longer rocking in the corner.
Luck: Praying, Jack. I was praying in the corner.
Jack: As you say.
Luck: I do.
Jack: So, everything is better?
Luck: Definitely. The re-write is done, and she's sent us off to her BFF.
Jack: BFF?
Luck: Before your time, Jack. BFF is a best friend forever.
Jack: Ah.
Luck: You know, you don't need to worry about any of this.
Jack: Mayhap.
Matthew: What sort of answer is that, Jack?
Jack: Perhaps she has something special in store for me.
James: Come now, Jack. What use would you have for such useless information?
Matthew: Jack, what are you thinking?
James: I don't know, but the look on his face is disconcerting.
Jack: Look? What look?
Luck: Leave her be, Jack. She's still working on my story.
Jack: You said she'd sent it to her BFF.
Luck: She did, for a quick check in continuity after the rewrite, but she needs to format and stuff.
Jack: Format?
Luck: Prep it for e-publishing.
Jack: Epublishing?
Luck: Books published on computers.
Jack: Computers?
Mark: Stop! Luck, you're telling him too much. He doesn't need to know.
Luck: I have an odd feeling he does.
Jack: Thank you, Luck.
Mark: I've got a bad feeling about this.
Luck: Don't go quoting Star Wars. Jack'll only ask more questions.
Jack: Star wars?
Luck: What did I tell you?
Jack: What is this war of stars?
Matthew: Cease this nonsense.
Jack: Why?
Matthew: You don't need to know.
Jack: In truth, I do. I had a delightful chat with our dear Miss Laurel Hawkes.
James: Indeed?
Jack: Oh, indeed, and I'm quite looking forward to what is coming.
Matthew: Pray tell, what is coming?
Jack: It's our secret.
James: Widgeon.

I need catch up time, so...

I'm sharing one of my favorite verses:

Be still and know that I am God. ~ Psalms 46:10

Though it's my favorite, I'm not very good at it. Fortunately, God is willing to remind me. I'm so grateful God is endlessly patient with me.

Liebster Blog Award...

 Patty Froese nominated me for the award. Thank you, Patty!

The rules are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who presented you with the award. Add the award logo to your blog.
2. Answer the eleven questions posted for the nominees.
3. Share eleven random facts about yourself.
4. Write eleven questions for your nominees and then…
5. Nominate eleven worthy blogs and contact those bloggers so they know about it! (No tag backs.)

The Liebster Blog Award is given bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning: sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

These are Patty’s 11 questions, and my answers:

1. Where do you blog–where is your computer right now? Where it's been for the last 12 years, at my desk. Someday, I'm going to own a laptop so I'm not chained to the desk.

2. Where do you get your ideas for your posts? Anywhere and everywhere.

3. If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be? I have to choose? Jack. Mind you, Jack already thinks he's pretty real. Saucy baggage.

4. What’s your favorite snack food? Chocolate... popcorn... bread... cookies... Cheetos...

5. What is your ideal job? Writing!

6. What is your favorite TV show? Scarecrow and Mrs. King

7. Drama or Comedy? Depends on the drama and depends on the comedy.

8. If you could be rich and famous, would you do it? As long as I don't compromise my integrity.

9. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes split–good or bad? None of my business.

10. What do you want for Christmas this year? Are we talking anything at all? or practical? I'm choosing anything at all: A home.

11. What was the happiest day of your life (besides marriage or childbirth)? I'm looking forward to it whenever it decides to show up.

11 Random Facts About ME

1. I love to be ambiguous. Perhaps that's already obvious.
2. I love dogs and horses.
3. I never planned to own china or crystal; my practical heart saw no need for it.
4. I collect single place settings and use them, including china.
5. I fell in love with the crystal used in Return to Snowy River, and bought some to go with my china.
6. I 'm a paradox, which is probably also obvious.
7. Biscotti is for dunking in hot chocolate, with marshmallows.
8. My favorite ice cream is Rocky Road, but it has to have the little marshmallows, not marshmallow cream.
9. Cooking is a creative outlet.
10. I'm a Ringer.
11. I enjoy costuming for the local Ren Faire.

11 questions for my nominees:

1. Who inspires you?
2. Where do you want to visit next?
3. Who would you like to learn more about?
4. Ocean or mountains?
5. What is one thing you like to do for fun?
6. Sun all the time or four seasons?
7. Favorite dish?
8. Do you have a recipe for your favorite dish?
9. By the book recipes or off-the-cuff?
10. What is one thing you collect?
11. Favorite holiday?

11 Tagged Blogs
1. http://junefoster.blogspot.com/
2. http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
3. http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/
4. http://nothingbutwriting.blogspot.com/
5. http://thewriterlimitsauthors.blogspot.com/
6. http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/
7. http://tamidee.blogspot.com/
8. http://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/
9. http://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/
10. http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com/
11. http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/

Writers In The Storm Blog...

This is one of those blogs I don't make it to often enough. They have some great posts about all things writing. The most recent blog I caught was "Slicing the Salami ~ When Is It Done?"

It's about editing. James R. Preston is the writer, and his title is a lot more fun.

http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/slicing-the-salami/

I actually love editing. It always makes the story better.

How did I learn to love it?

I didn't, at first. I've had people edit my work who would change it until it was something they wrote instead of what I wrote. I didn't ask for a rewrite or for someone else to write my story the way they thought it should be done. I want someone who will point out what doesn't make sense, what needs fleshing out or cutting, what will make it better, not what will please the person editing.

About ten years ago, I offered to edit a friend's story. The next thing we knew we were collaborating. It was for fun. I had to ditch my ego because it was her story first. She has edited work for other published authors, including Nicole Jordan, so I knew she had more experience than I did and knew what she was talking about. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and let her teach me to be a better writer.

I discovered I see a lot in my head that I forget to actually write down. She would write back a sentence revised so made more sense to her, and I'd realize what I'd missed. I'd rewrite what she'd sent and send it back to her. We would do this until we were both happy.

She is still my first reader, and graciously helps whenever I'm stuck. Working with her, I've learned to rewrite until it is as good as it is possible to make it and then let go. Could I go back and make more changes? Here and there. I'll learn something new or realize one word might be better than another, but it's also okay to leave it alone once it's done and let it stand on its own. The next story will be different, and I can use all the new things I've learned in the new story.

More cool blogs...

Arctic View, a photography blog similar to Nikon Sniper, has your dragon flies:
http://akelaine.blogspot.com/2012/07/dragonflies.html

Patty Froese bought tea cups. Why does this tickle me? I collect place settings, single place settings. Long, long ago, I remember reading "The Red Dress." It was about a woman who passed away and her daughter finds a beautiful red dress in the closet, never worn. It was being saved for a special occasion. Wear the red dress. I'm not very good at doing this with clothes, but I do use pretty dishes for my meals, so Patty's blog reminded me to take the time to enjoy those lovely little niceties. They aren't necessary to survival, but they do add a touch of beauty to everyday life.
http://pattyfroese.com/?p=2877

Naomi Musch has a new book out, book 3 in the Empire in Pine series, The Black Rose. A saga revealing the story of an 1800s Wisconsin Family.
http://www.naomimusch.com/apps/blog/show/15434162-launch-party-leave-a-comment-to-win-a-copy

Jennifer Hartz is a guest at A.R. Norris's blog, while A.R. Norris is a guest at Jennifer Hartz's blog. Double the fun. http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/
http://jenniferhartz.com/blog/

Tami Dee's Grapevine talking about books is well under way.
http://tamidee.blogspot.com/

Jane Richardson hosts Linda Swift.
http://janerichardsonhome.blogspot.com/2012/07/one-link-lowdown-onlinda-swift.html

What to do with a negative review...

The question was raised: How do you handle a negative review?

This is my take on it:

My sister is a professional photographer and one of her mentors told her not to listen to the positive reviews. He said that it was easy to enjoy the people who love you. He advised reading the negative reviews, not to beat yourself up but to consider another point of view.

Consider the source: Is it credible? Have they brought up something you might want to consider in the future? Did they bring up something you may want to emphasize even more in the future? Just because they didn't like some element about your book doesn't mean you were wrong.

Remind yourself that this person was NOT your target audience. You want to please your target audience. If your target audience loves your special element, then develop and enhance it in future work. You're on the right track.

When I complain about how stupid a commercial is, my brother, who's in marketing, always reminds me: "You are not their target audience. They don't care about you. Did they reach their target audience?"

Keep writing to your target audience.

Favorite cooking shows...

Julia Childs, anything Julia Childs. I remember watching her when I was little. She was my first foray into television cooking. I do remember the Galloping Gourmet, but didn't enjoy his show as much.

America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen. They have lots of great tips.

Nick Stellino. I love his idea of making your home into your favorite restaurant. I admit that he also makes me blush when he compliments the chefs who visit his show. I can't imagine someone talking to me that way.

Lidia's Italy has taught me a lot about Italian cooking, my personal favorite.

I don't grill but Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen has taught me a lot about the methods involved.

Bake Decorate Celebrate! is all about cakes and cookies and decorating them. I don't do it, but I find the creative process amazing.

I've also watched Jacques Pepin for years. He always makes it look so easy. I learned to properly flip food in a pan watching his technique. It helped when Julia Childs pointed out exactly what he did. Jerk back and pop. A little practice, and I use it all the time when I'm sauteing vegetables.

 There are a couple of Irish cooking shows I've enjoyed.

I didn't like Chef Ramsey, at first, because of his abrasive nature. I saw him on Kitchen Nightmares and realized how passionate he is about cooking. He really does want others to succeed. He expects others to give their best, because he gives it. Anything less than their best, and he resents having his time wasted. I watch anything he does now. I still don't like the swearing, but he's a grown up and I'm not his mother.

Burt Wolf has changed over the years. I enjoy his programs more now, sharing a few recipes and lots of background information about where foods come from and the traditions associated with them. Fascinating.

Simply Ming is watching an artist create a painting with food.

A Taste of History is my newest favorite. The chef explores American history and the recipes to go along with it.

I don't have cable so I know I'm missing out on the Food Channel. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm afraid if I had cable I'd be watching television all the time instead of living my life. :-)

Short break... other blogs to check out...

I loved having Anne visit and plan to host other authors.

Mark's Grace is outlined, with the beginning and the end written. Now, I'm filling in the middle. They're keeping me busy, but I'm still trying to at least pop in on different blogs.

Here are a few blogs to check out:

Tami Dee's Grapevine, talking about books, is busy already: http://tamidee.blogspot.com/

Tina Pinson has had several delightful posts: http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/

Lynette Endicott also hosted Anne Patrick, sharing three other books by Anne, and a book by Mary Eason: http://www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/

A.R. Norris shares and excerpt from Duty and Devotion: http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/friendship-peak.html

Have fun!

Anne Patrick

I took the opportunity to ask a few questions of my own. Anne will be back tomorrow to answer any questions or comments, so please feel free to share either and/or both.

-->

1. What inspired Fire Creek?

Initially, back in the nineties when I first came up with the idea, this story was titled Deadly Visions and it was going to be a paranormal.  When I went back and finished the story last year I decided to take out the paranormal aspect because, let's face it, the market is flooded with these type of books and I'm really out of my element writing one. As to what inspired it, I was a huge fan of Murder She Wrote.  This story/series is based very loosely on that premise.  Kasey is a lot younger though, and she has a handsome sidekick, or partner in crime, in Jimmy Little Raven.

2. Was there any special research involved in the writing of Fire Creek?

Although the town of Fire Creek is fictional, I did have to do a lot of research on the area of Montana where I chose to put it. I also researched the Blackfeet tribe and some of their beliefs, and my least favorite was laws concerning the execution of wills.

3. What was the most difficult part about writing Fire Creek?

Re-writing it from the original version was the biggest challenge and updating my timeline.

4. What was your favorite part to write?

Jimmy Little Raven playing his courting flute for Kasey. I still get goose bumps imagining it’s hallowed sound. How it would imitate the sound of a lone wolf and the scream an eagle.

5. What's coming next?

My next release will be Betrayal, book three in my Wounded Heroes series, February 15^th, 2013. Those following the series will be in for a treat as I bring all the earlier characters together for as special occasion. Readers can get a sneak peek at the characters of Betrayal and Dauphin Island here: http://woundedheroes.weebly.com/sneak-peek-into-betrayal.html

--> And now for a closer look at Fire Creek:

-->

Kasey Montgomery has returned to her hometown of Fire Creek Montana after the apparent suicide of her cousin. Within days of Beth's funeral, Kasey begins to find inconsistencies in her death. The local sheriff is quick to dismiss the allegations as figments of a writer's imagination. Kasey is determined to prove otherwise. Does the bronzed skinned stranger from Beth's funeral hold the answers?

Local park ranger, Jimmy Little Raven suspects foul play too. Beth was engaged to his best friend who died months earlier from a mysterious accident.  Risking his heart and his job, he teams up with the famous mystery writer to find the answers to both deaths.

EXCERPT

Kasey rounded the corner onto the street where she’d left her car. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Jimmy Little Raven leaning against the hood of the Firebird, his arms folded across his chest.

It took several seconds to recover from her initial shock before she walked over to her car. "What are you doing here?"

"Never mind that. What were you doing in Woodward’s office?" he demanded.

She avoided his glare, as her mind raced to come up with a logical explanation. Lying was out of the question, not that it'd do any good anyway. He had no doubt seen her through the window, explaining the noise she heard.

"Do you realize how much trouble you could get into if anyone was to find out you broke into his office?"

"No one’s going to find out... unless you rat on me. Besides, I didn’t break in, I had a key."

"You what!"

Before she could answer, her breath was yanked violently from her lungs as he lifted her up and dove, with her in his arms, onto the hood of the Firebird. The sounds of crunching metal, breaking glass and squealing tires followed. The earth seemed to rumble beneath her as their bodies rolled together onto the hard cement below.

Sneak peak: Tomorrow's guest...Anne Patrick...

Tomorrow, I will be hosting Anne Patrick on my blog. I've never hosted anyone before. I share links to other blogs, but I've never asked someone to come visit. I'm nervous and hope I do a good job.

Of all the writers I could have asked to visit, why did I ask Anne?

When I started writing I couldn't decide which direction to go in my writing. I was writing contemporary and Regency. I read Inspirational, but didn't feel any sense of my own voice in it. My world's messier. My impression was that Inspirational often meant sanitized. I enjoyed it, but I often wished I could read something I related to better.

I was leaning toward writing the traditional contemporary and Regency, but hadn't committed myself because my faith is so much a part of who I am.

What happened?

I read Anne Patrick's Lethal Dreams. She writes sweet suspense romance. It doesn't fall under the edgy category, but it wasn't what I was accustomed to reading in the sweet category. I loved it.

My thanks to Anne for opening a door I didn't even know was there.

Come back tomorrow and meet Anne for yourself, when she answers a few questions and shares a bit of her newest release Fire Creek K.T. Randal Book 1.

http://annepatrick.weebly.com/

Other blogs this week...

I have added A.R. Norris to my wish list. Her Damani has already captured my heart. (He loves his dog, 'nough said.)

http://thewriterlimitsauthors.blogspot.com/2012/07/hairy-characters.html

Anne Gracie is one of my favorite Regency romance writers. She was in Dubuque, Iowa, last year for the 4th of July. She shared pictures of the fabulous home where they watched the fireworks. (What is wrong with blogger that it doesn't know how to spell Dubuque? It know Albuquerque. Something against Iowa? :-) )

http://annegracie.blogspot.com/2012/07/year-ago.html

I loved Leigh Covington's short and simple tribute to Independence Day.

http://leigh-covington.blogspot.com/2012/07/proud-to-be-american.html

L. McMaken shares a lovely tribute to Thomas Jefferson, in keeping with the Independence Day theme.

http://www.makenwords.blogspot.com/2012/07/right-words.html

Tami Dee is starting a new blog, The Grapevine. It looks like fun.

http://tamidee.blogspot.com/

On a lighter note...and a peek at next week...

I know no one wants to be back at work after a holiday, needing a vacation from vacation, so a bit of stuff and nonsense:

Yahoo posted an article. I knew it was non-news, even though it was in the news section. Why did I read it? I was curious about what others would say. One of the commenters stated what was obvious and yet I'd never suspected about myself. Yep, I'm one of those who reads articles for the sole reason of reading the comments. Sometimes, the comments are so funny I laugh so hard I cry. Sometimes, I worry I take life and myself too seriously. Guess not. :-)

Next week, I'll be hosting my first visiting author. I'm nervous and excited. 

One of my favorite posts of all time...

I know this is going to sound odd, but Patty Froese's post, yesterday, is one of my favorite posts of all time. I read a lot of blogs, but this is an I want this:

http://pattyfroese.com/?p=2759

I'm not jealous or envious. I'm very happy for her. I love romance. I also freely admit it's only a part of my life in books. An ugly childhood has left me with scars inside and out. No, I'm not feeling sorry for myself. It simply is. Everyone has their trials and tribulations. I endeavor to be open with mine so others won't feel alone. Feeling alone is something I understand down to my soul. Then came the day when I finally realized God the Father and Jesus Christ never left me alone. I have turned my back on them, but they were still there. I only needed to turn around and face them. So many times I hung my head in shame. I would reach out a tentative hand, and they were there waiting, ready and willing to embrace me. I do have a sacred romance in my life.

Thanks, Patty, for sharing.

Happy Independence Day...

Otherwise known as the Fourth of July or as my brother is fond of saying, "Happy Rebellion Day."

God bless America.

Wordless

Time to regroup...

Manuscript is in. Rested, yesterday. Today, it's back into the fun.

I love writing. I've discovered I don't actually care for creating the original story. It's a painful process. I've spent my whole life trying to not be noticed. Hiding in the hopes of being safe. For the record: Hiding isn't safe. Live and learn.

Writing a story requires I expose to the world my insecurities and fears, my hopes and dreams. Sometimes the world is kind. Sometimes it isn't. I'm taking a terrible risk.

So why do I do it?

Not writing feels like living in a vacuum, devoid of food and water and light. The world is flat and colorless.

God gave me the gift.

Not writing is turning my back on the gift God has given me.

Writing is my way of thanking God for the gift.

What I love about writing: I love everything after the original story is written. Editing is about making the story it's very best.

Sometimes editing is about correcting mistakes, but more often editing is about finding the right word or phrase to convey the heart.

I love words. I love the English language.

Time to do some editing and creating.

Tolkien called himself a subcreator with God. I like that. God creates and then allows us to share in the process. The choice is mine. I choose to participate. I hope God isn't disappointed. Fortunately, He only asks me to give my best. I'm learning.