This week's post picks...

Writers In The Storm shared a great post about writers' rules:
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/3-writers-commandments-and-the-dreaded-s-word/

They are also talking about Hosting Companies for Websites or blogs. I need to do this one.
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/writerstrong-why-is-a-hosting-company-important-for-authors/

Over at Happily Ever After, Sam Cheever talked about TSTL characters: Too Stupid Too Live. Between her post and the comments, all my personal dislikes were covered. :-)
http://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2013/03/guest-author-sam-cheever-with-giveaway.html

Melanie Atkins is offering her short story Heads You Win, Tails You Lose free this week at Amazon. Free short reads are a great way to try a new author.
http://www.amazon.com/Heads-You-Tails-Lose-ebook/dp/B00BTKNEKI/ref=sr_1_19?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364230247&sr=1-19&keywords=melanie+atkins

For those into Spring Cleaning, according to Celia Yeary "It's fun!" She has some great suggestions. I tend to do my cleaning year round, a bit at a time.
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-cleaning-its-fun.html

 Marcy Dyer explains the difference between a clip and a magazine.
http://marcydyer.com/clips-versus-magazines/

Interestingly enough, this tied in with Diane Gaston's post over at Risky Regencies about the importance of Real Research:
http://www.riskyregencies.com/2013/03/25/real-research/

The Balanced Writer shared an Easter recipe:
http://thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com/2013/03/candied-bacon-for-easter.html

Steph Burkhart shares a few Easter traditions and more. Her book A Polish Heart introduced me to the traditional Blessing Basket, which I've made a part of my Easter traditions.
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2013/03/easter-traditions-2013-giveaway.html

Hunted on FB, last Friday...

James: He's gone.
Richard: Who is gone?
James: My brother.
Eric: Are you talking about the guy I saw walking out yesterday?
James: The same.
Eric: I don't know why you're acting so depressed. The way he was looking at the girl on his arm, I think he's pretty happy about it.
Richard: You gudgeon. Matthew isn't gone. He's published. They are not even remotely the same thing.
James: I'm alone now.
Richard: What about your younger brother, Benjamin?
James: I haven't see him in months.
Eric: Our lady's been a bit busy. I'm sure she'll bring him along soon enough.
James: Perhaps.
Richard: Of course, she will. If nothing else, she's tenacious. Never leaves anything undone, though she does take rather long to make her way around to some things.
Eric: Speaking of which, where's Jack?
Richard: He's here. Over there, in the corner.
Eric: What is he doing there?
James: She started outlining his story this morning.
Eric: He should be ecstatic.
James: I'm not sure he's entirely happy with how things are starting.
Richard: It's his own fault for being so complicated.
James: I think we can spare him a little pity.
Eric: Maybe, maybe not.
Richard: Buck up, Jack. She'll work it out in the end.
Jack: So says a man who doesn't have a storyline yet.
Eric: Ouch. Low blow.
Richard: It matters not. Do you trust her or not?
Jack: In this moment, I know not.
Richard: Fair enough.
James: A step in the right direction, anyway.
Jack: How so?
James: You are honest.
Jack: You don't know me.
James: No, but she does.
Richard: And she made you a hero.
Eric: So there must be enough redeeming qualities to save your sorry--
James: Enough.
Eric: No skin off my nose.
James: Not liking your own state of affairs?
Eric: I have to admit I understand Jack's misgivings.
Richard: And then we watch one of our own walk out with a lovely woman on his arm, and maybe it will be worth it…
Jack: Maybe it will at that.
James: Mark has been quiet.
Mark: I'm in a holding pattern, so to speak.
Richard: A what?
Mark: Editing is mostly done. Formatting still needs to be done. I've seen the cover, and it made our lady cry.
Eric: Do we need to take someone out?
Mark: No, she liked it.
Jack: Exceedingly.
Richard: I suppose we ought to celebrate Matthew's success in making it through.
Jack: Cheers, Matthew.
Eric: Go for it, Matthew.
Richard: Godspeed, Matthew.
Mark: Good luck, Matthew.
James: God bless, brother.

March 25 is Tolkien Reading Day...

I've lived in Arizona all my life, with a few odd trips here and there. This past weekend, my California friends celebrated Tolkien Reading Day. They gathered together and read passages from various Tolkien works. The Hobbit was the main focus, of course, what with the release of the DVD, last Friday.

This was the third year I missed.

For eight years, I went to L.A. once or twice a year, only for a weekend. I stayed with a couple of dear friends. Most of our activities were Lord of the Rings related. We talked. We laughed. I relaxed.

The first few years, there were no trips to the ocean. I didn't want to go. My memories of the ocean were of the northern California coast where the waves crashed so loud I couldn't hear myself think. I wanted to turn down the volume. It drove me crazy I couldn't make it stop.

Finally, one of my dearest friends talked me into eating at the Belmont Brewery, right there on Belmont Beach. We walked in the sand afterward, listening to the soft whoosh, whoosh of the tide. I was enchanted. Every time I visited thereafter, it was arranged for me to spend at least a little time at Belmont Beach, walking in the sand. I discovered the pleasure of walking close enough to the ocean for the tide to wash over my feet.

I've missed my friends in L.A., and I've missed walking along the beach. I've also missed the Reading Day event. There were two passages I particularly enjoyed sharing, the crossing of the ford and the destruction of the Ring. I was honored to be asked to do the latter several years in a row.

I miss the laughter. I miss the friendship, the camaraderie, the sense of belonging. I miss the sense of peace that always encompassed me.

Now, whenever I see L.A. on some television show, like NCIS Los Angeles, the first thought to race through my mind is "When are you going home?" I can't explain it. I only know that every time I fly there, there might as well be a giant magnetic force. As we fly over the mountains into the Los Angeles Valley, my heart sings, "Home. We're home."

Blog post picks...

Hobbit Sneak Peek, tomorrow:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/heres-sneak-peek-next-hobbit-133000477.html
Alas, the above link is no longer a freebie. Pity. Rumor as it an extended version will be coming out later this year. I'll be looking for it.

Patty Froese's book Perfect on Paper won the 2013 Epic Ebook Award in the Spiritual/Metaphysical category. I know I enjoyed it.
http://pattyfroese.com/2013/03/17/epic-ebook-award-winner/

Diane Gaston, over at Risky Regencies http://www.riskyregencies.com/2013/03/18/where-to-begin/ shared the following link (Posting here so I have easy reference):
http://prairiechickswriteromance.blogspot.com/2009/08/twenty-classic-romance-plots-part-two.html

Interesting post on the writer's perspective by J. Morgan about the anatomy of a WIP:
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/anatomy-of-a-wip/

For Sci-Fi lovers, A.R. Norris shares a tease for her upcoming book:
http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/yes-im-little-tease.html

And for those who like YA, Danielle Thorne is a guest over at Alana Lorens' blog:
http://alanalorens.com/2013/03/22/danielle-thorne-shares-story-of-a-divine-gift-and-a-young-woman-who-stands-strong-against-evil/

Alana Lorens also shares a sneak peek to her book:
http://alanalorens.com/2013/03/17/by-any-other-name-is-just-out-see-its-first-excerpt-at-sneak-peek-sunday/

So much to read, so little time.

Wordless

Latest conversation posted yesterday on FB...

James: Do you see what I see?
Jack: We've a new resident.
James: Regency or Contemporary, sir?
Eric: Name's Eric and definitely contemporary.
Jack: You appear a bit dazed, Eric.
Eric: I'm a blip of a character.
James: Do tell.
Eric: Next thing I know, she's dragging my backstory from Mark's Grace.
Jack: You were a secondary character?
Eric: Hardly. I made an appearance in two chapters, then BAM! My world is turned upside down, and it's a whole lot more complicated.
Jack: She does have a way of doing that.
James: That she does.
Jack: Welcome to the madness.
Eric: Why do I have the impression you're maybe a little too pleased.
Jack: Do not delude yourself.
James: Jack...
Jack: Yes, James?
James: You know how our lady feels about honesty.
Jack: Look, James, here comes another.
James: What?
Eric: From the look on your face, you know him.
James: Richard! What are you doing here?
Richard: A foolish question, I think?
Jack: Indubitably. James, I take it you know this gentleman?
James: Indeed, but I can't imagine why he is here.
Jack: It is obvious. Our lady found a story for him.
Eric: Or the story found him.
Jack: You're catching on.

Post picks for the week...

This first one is a link to an article about the possible finding of a Black Death graveyard in London. I don't write books in that time period, but my friend Kris Tualla has.
http://news.yahoo.com/rail-dig-may-found-londons-lost-black-death-094056561.html

Writers in the Storm... http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/how-to-use-your-logline-tagline-and-pitch/

Jude Urbanski, on her Wordsmith Woman, shared an interview with author Christine Lindsay:
http://judeurbanski.blogspot.com/2013/03/historical-writer-uses-spiritual-twist.html

Naomi Musch is a guest over at Casondra Poulsen's blog, sharing the language of flowers, something I've found fascinating.
http://casondrapoulsen.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/guest-blogger-naomi-musch-romance-friendship-vengeance/

J. Morgan shares an amusing perspective on maturity:
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/old-hippie/

A.R. Norris explores exoskeletons, for those who are interested in the science side:
http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/see-insect-be-insect.html

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

One more week...

Hidden Possibilities, book 2 in the Endless Possibilities series, will be released in one week.

Yes, I'm having a difficult time wrapping my mind around the idea.

I'm also in the midst of my usual rewrite of Unexpected Possibilities, book 3 in the Endless Possibilities series.

I'm sharing a snippet of Hidden Possibilities over at my author page on FB.

https://www.facebook.com/LaurelHawkes

Progress report...

I'm preparing Unexpected Possibilities, book 2 of the Endless Possibilities series, for sending to the publisher in another few months. I've been stuck on chapters 7 and 8.

Note to self: If it simply doesn't work with little changes and tweaks, then step back and re-write. Start by breaking up the paragraph you're stuck on into single sentences and figure out if they are related or if they're several thoughts, needing their own paragraph, crammed together.

Sometimes, my brain hurries ahead of my fingers, and I group several concepts together in an effort to cover everything, however briefly. In truth, they need to be expanded and developed. I'll figure it out and get the hang of this, eventually. :-)

Wordless

Post picks this week...

Writers In The Storm shares a blog on writing a synopsis. Not my favorite thing to do. Don't let the title unsettle you. The advice is sound, and there are some great comments.
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/a-sexy-synopsis/

Author Leigh Covington shares a little about the recently released anthology Overcoming Adversity:
http://leigh-covington.blogspot.com/2013/03/overcoming-adversity-anthology-release_4.html

A Woman Like Me shares a bit of inspiration:
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/2013/03/04/be-a-light-march-4/#more-261

Patricia Johns shares a wonderful idea for a Bible gift:
http://patriciajohnsromance.com/2013/03/04/a-family-bible/

Kris Tualla gives an inside peek to her hero Brander Hansen (a fascinating character):
http://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com/2013/03/death-and-taxes-well-death-anyway.html

May your day be blessed.

Interesting grammar article...

...posted over on Yahoo. I thought it worth reading.

http://news.yahoo.com/7-bogus-grammar-errors-dont-worry-060000215.html

Thank you, Ben Yagoda.

Ebook week...

I try to keep my link post to Saturdays. However, this is "Read an Ebook Week," and I didn't want you to miss out. Stephanie Burkhart shared a bit of history on ebooks.

http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2013/03/read-ebook-week-3-9-march-2013.html

I own an ereader, Kindle. I love it for trying new authors. Ebooks are generally less expensive than paperbacks. If I don't like the book, it's easy to delete. If I do like the author, I buy paperback.

The ereader is great for traveling. No longer do I need to figure out where to pack the books I want to read.

My preference is paperback.

Why?

Easy answer:

I have never had a paperback freeze, refusing to allow me to turn the page, or tell me I have to shut down and recharge the battery.

The link picks for the week...

Patty Froese shares how she bet her husband, over at Dora Hiers' blog (made me smile, definitely worth the short read):
http://dorahiers.blogspot.ca/2013/02/my-first-christian-guy-by-patty-froese.html

Barri Bryan shares a memory from the 30's:
http://barribryan.com/blog/who-steals-my-purse-a-30s-memory/

There were more, but editing means my time is curtailed.

God bless.

Wordless

End of February....

Already! How does this happen? One sixth of the year is gone!

Today, I'm doing an bit of personal inventory. It needs to be done every once in a while, to make sure I'm still on track.

This year, I promised myself the word for the year would be CREATE. I would create a haven where I live. I would create a healthier me. And I would create more stories.

How am I doing?

Next book out is Endless Possibilities series book 2 Hidden Possibilities, on March 21, 2013. Whoohoo! I've posted the cover. It's a perfect fit for the series.

I've been working on edits for The Silver Locket Sisterhood series boo2 Mark's Grace, coming out May 21, 2013. As always, with help from my editor, it's MUCH better.

I'm exercising more and eating healthier. I promised myself I would not step on the scale. I am not a number in a box. I also freak myself out if I lose weight. Long story. Measurements say I'm doing better. Yes!

My room is a little more organized. I have a "clutter spot," I struggle to tame. I'm much happier with all the changes I've made. Go me!

How am I doing?

I'm doing good.

Note to self...

Best editing music, ever:

Lord of the Rings

Howard Shore is a gifted musician.

This week's link picks...

Writers In The Storm has an excellent post on the accuracy needed in writing historical novels.
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/writing-historicals-how-accurate-must-you-be/

I love this kind of stuff. Beth Trissel shares a bit of herb lore:
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php?2548-Herbal-Lore-by-Beth-Trissel

Number One London is sharing their visit to London, and I particularly enjoyed this post:
http://onelondonone.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-couple-in-england-day-three-part-two.html

Lynette Endicott is hosting Mary Galusha and her new inspirational historical release:
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/563#.USgiMI7FW_V

Barri Bryan shared an intriguing short story:
http://barribryan.com/blog/kismet/

Debra Parmley added a Cover Model Corner to her website, starting with my favorite Jimmy Thomas:
http://www.debraparmley.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=112:cover-model-corner-new-on-my-website

Wordless

Patty Froese's newest release...

 

Eye of the Beholder

by Patty Froese

How beautiful are you? If you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, where would you land?

I don't think anyone is terribly comfortable with that exercise. We've been trained by the media to criticize ourselves. A droop, a sag, a blemish... Those are inexcusable. Actresses are publicly mocked for having gained a little weight or having some "cottage cheese cellulite" on their thighs, exposed by the prying lenses of unwelcome cameras.

Women have babies and are judged by their "bounce back" time, ridiculous as that may be.

A woman's value is not based on something as fickle as Hollywood ideals, but the constant battery of messages coming from the media would have us believe something else. Companies want us to believe that tubes and vials will make us beautiful, that certain styles will help us maintain our youth, that dyes will make us feel lovely. From diets to exercise machines, clothing lines to skin creams, the woman in this modern age is bombarded by messages that she just isn't enough, and she needs some help. Big time.

So when we look at ourselves in the mirror, what do we see? I always joke that it isn't fair to judge me only on my looks, because when you add in my personality, I get at least a three point lift on that number.  And while I'm only joking around when I talk like that, there is truth under the laughter.

Beauty is more than skin deep.

But how much more?

Would you still feel beautiful if you had to wear unflattering clothing? Would you feel beautiful if all your hair fell out? Would you feel beautiful if scars covered your face and distorted your smile?

And if you stopped feeling beautiful, would you feel loved?

Where does our beauty come from?

In Eye of the Beholder, my heroine loses her looks in a freak accident. She goes from stunningly beautiful, capturing the admiration of everyone around her, to scarred and pitied. Doors no longer fly open for her, and the face in the mirror seems to belong to a stranger. When she goes up to the autumn woods to try to make peace with what she cannot change, she's faced with more than the reality of her new looks--she's faced with a man from her past who lost more than she ever knew.

When a woman loses her looks, what is there left to love?

Blurb:

Tricia Hunter was an extraordinary beauty...before a horrible bus accident left her irreparably scarred. In an effort to accept the things she cannot change, she heads to her uncle's cabin for some time alone.

Forest ranger Jesse Reynolds recognizes Tricia the minute he sees her, but nothing flickers in her eyes. That's fine by him. The same accident that stole her good looks killed his fiance, and he simply can't bring himself to feel sorry for Tricia like everyone else in her life seems to do.

Thrown together in the autumn woods, they are faced with the past, an uncertain future, and a struggle to find out why God allows terrible things to happen.

Buy links:

Pelican Book Group: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/eye-of-the-beholder

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Eye-of-the-Beholder-ebook/dp/B00BG26H4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361214930&sr=8-1&keywords=eye+of+the+beholder+by+patty+froese

I've hosted Patty on my blog previously. If you'd like to see some other things she's been doing click on her name in the Labels section at the end of this post.