LeBlog--The Blog about life…writing, raising kids, chasing dogs, handling life and all its bit parts.

October 30, 2007

 

Prayers needed today

A more serious blog today. I'm taking my 9 year old son to have a CT scan and see if we can't find out why he's had this congestion and deep, asthmatic cough for over a month. He's already had a round of antibiotics and steroids. It may be a deep sinus infection. Prayers for diagnosis and quick healing would sure be appreciated.

Have a blessed day!

October 29, 2007

 

Dog on the loose!

I took our 6 year old lab, Liberty, to my son's flag football game. It was a beautiful fall day. Cool. Sun shining. Blue, blue sky. I was curious how Liberty would behave as she's never been to anything like that before. I worried she might bark at everyone but she didn't. She seemed to enjoy it. Unfortunately, I had a bad tendency to forget about her during exciting plays. She would get excited and run down the sidelines with the boys on the field. If the coach ran out on the field, she would too. She was on one of those extendable leashes and I'd have to pull her back. But she was very obedient. Until the end of the game.

Someone arrived with their puppy (not much smaller than Liberty). They were in the parking lot behind me. Lib saw them, started barking. I didn't know what she was barking about. The game had my attention. The score was close. We needed a touchdown.

But Liberty had other ideas. She strained to go behind me, barrelling between me and the chair next to me. With her tugging, utilizing all 77 pounds of her, my chair started to fall over backwards. She twisted my arm up and back behind me with the leash and I accidentally let go. Or maybe it was on purpose. Not sure. It happened so fast. And I was about to fall. I'm against that. Anyway, so off she went after this puppy. Usually Lib submits to any other dog. Even puppies. But not this one. They stood nose to nose. Gary and I raced across the parking lot to get her. Everything was fine. Whew! It was fun...before the disaster.

October 25, 2007

 

No exaggeration!

Warning: I'm about to brag on my kid. Sorry. It's a parent's job every now and then. Saturday morning, kids are in the back seat discussing the latest books they're writing. Yes, I know. They're 8 and 9. Anyway, I'm trying to keep my big white lab sitting down in the front passenger seat, while I drive, and at the same time not let the dog knock over my coffee mug and my daughter's hot chocolate. So I'm not really paying too much attention to what my kids in the back were saying. When I heard, "That's hyperbole, Caroline," I looked in the rearview mirror and almost missed my turn. Yep. My son used that word. I asked him if he knew what it meant. Yep. He did. He'd learned it in grammar at school. So there you go and that is no exaggeration!

October 24, 2007

 

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

Nah, I’m not crying. Promise. I love my birthday. I love fall. I love that I’m healthy and feel very blessed. Even when I’m starting to think I’m officially old.

My dh said the other day, “How old are you going to be? 29?” I should have slugged him. I’m not one to hide my age. Well, can’t. There it is. Right on my face and well, we won’t mention other body parts.  So I won’t be 99 year old and saying I’m 29. Okay. But folks only say you’re the perpetual 29 when they KNOW you’re old.

Not to mention the one gift I wanted this year is an iPod. What’s up with that? Do I think I’m 19? My daughter is actually more excited about my iPod than I am. I’m staring at it trying to figure out how to use it and I am trembling that I’m going to have to read the dreaded directions.

Then there’s the card thing. Now, you just have to know this about me. I’m not really the sentimental type. Okay, I am in some ways. But I don’t save cards. I don’t save anything. I’m a no clutter kind of gal, which is the kind of statement that if you saw my office at this moment would make you fall down laughing. But I digress. Every card I’ve received so far this year makes me think, “Oh, how sweet. Maybe I should keep this.” Yikes! I’ve turned into my mother…and my grandmother!

Now my grandmother was the type who said she was 29…until she turned 80. Then she felt as if she deserved an award for living so long so she wasn’t embarrassed to say her age at that point. Although, since she has passed onto her great reward we have discovered records that may indicate she was actually a year older than even she admitted. Would our dear, sweet grandmother lie? Perpetuate a lie? I mean, this woman lived in a time where she didn’t have a birth certificate, so when she was around my age (come to think of it) she had to go to the courthouse with her older sister who swore under oath that my grandmother was born on a certain date. Possibly a year later than her actual birth because we have census records showing an 11 month old baby girl (unnamed) was living in her family’s residence the month before my grandmother was supposedly born. Hmmmm.

Well, if you’ve made it thus far through the family saga and are still hanging out with me on my birthday, tell me how old you think I should say I am? The real deal? Or should I fake it?

October 23, 2007

 

Parenthood

You've heard growing up is hard, right? Well, parenting isn't easy either. And maybe not for the reason you're thinking. We were driving in the car and a teen driver in a smaller car whipped in front of us then made a couple of other crazy maneuvers.

"Idiot!" I said. Really. I didn't cuss. Promise.

"Mother!" came my daughter's voice from the back seat.

"I'm sorry," I said, knowing my children are highly sensitive to this type of 'bad' word. In our family, we don't use the word stupid or idiot or any other derogatory word. Trying to justify my reaction, I added, "But that guy was driving in a crazy, dangerous way."

"Mom," my daughter who is 8 said, "you're acting like Jonah."

Ouch! Her comment was not meant as a compliment. I felt that zinger straight through my heart. She was right. We'd been studying Jonah for his unforgiving nature in her homework for school. Jonah, of Old Testament fame, was told by God to go to Ninevah and tell the wicked people there about God. No, was Jonah's reply. The reason was not how it's portrayed in the Veggie Tale movie. Jonah wasn't scared. Oh, no. He thought the Ninevites deserved to be destroyed. He wanted them to be destroyed. He didn't want to go tell them about God, have them repent and then receive God's mercy. Nope. Fire and brimstone is what they deserved. And good riddance.

Not that I thought the crazy teen driver should be zapped or anything but my attitude toward him needed a little adjustment toward mercy. Not always easy when administered by my eight year old daughter.

October 22, 2007

 

Literacy Tea 5


Jane Porter signed her latest book, Odd Mom Out. She was very nice.

 

Literacy Tea 4


Here are a couple of Elvis fans getting their picture with the King.

 

Literacy Tea 3


Of course, Elvis made an appearance since I was giving away chapter samplers of Elvis Takes a Back Seat.

 

Literacy Tea 2


Tea for two and two for tea....
This is Lorraine Heath, New York Times best selling and award winning author who gave me such a wonderful quote for Elvis Takes a Back Seat.

 

Literacy Tea


I've been meaning to post these pictures from the literacy tea but I kept forgetting to bring my camera upstairs to my computer and was too lazy to retrieve it when I remembered. So here I am with my writing friend, Kara Lennox.

October 19, 2007

 

History in 3

This is a cool little video. If you have time, take a look:

http://yeli.us/Flash/Fire.html

October 18, 2007

 

May I interrupt this moment...

My editor emailed me today with a new quote, so I just have to share because I'm over-the-top happy about it.

“No one takes a back seat to Leanna Ellis, so put on your blue suede shoes and come along for a most entertaining ride to Memphis—and to the healing place closest to the heart.”

Debbie Macomber, New York Times #1 bestselling author

 

Literacy

I taught reading because I love books. That love eventually led me to write books. It also led me to be almost fanatical in teaching my own children to read. What a priviledge that was! But the knowledge that so many people in this country can't read is painful to me. Not only do people who can't read have a difficult time taking driving tests, reading 'out of order' signs on bathroom doors and filling out job applications, but they also can't enjoy the pleasure of reading a great book.

For that reason I participated this past weekend in a literacy tea in Richardson, Texas. Authors and readers came together to celebrate books and raise money for literacy. It was a smashing success with a fabulous booksigning with so many talented authors. Of course my book isn't out yet so I gave away many of my sample chapters that my publisher printed. I was asked to host a table of nine readers who were so enjoyable. Vickie Lewis Thompson was the keynote speaker. She read a moving letter she'd received from a woman who read one of her books. It was her first book to ever read.

In the next couple of days, I'll post pictures from the event. If you know a child, read a book to them. If you know a friend who can't read, encourage them to get help. Reading will change their lives.

October 16, 2007

 

No longer 10!

My son's flag football team had a fathers vs. sons game. My son was having dreams of victory. We were worried for a few days because it looked like my husband might have to go out of town on business. We prayed. God answered. Game was on!

Of course, I showed up with the video camera. The group of nine year old boys were bouncing around, so excited to be playing against their dads. The Gorillas were winning. The Dads weren't. My husband caught an interception and ran for a touch down. On the way, he tripped, fell and rolled. After the game, he proudly showed off the scrape across his scalp and 'strawberry' on his shoulder. He confided how he was reminded he isn't 10 years old anymore. Those falls HURT!

But it sure was fun cheering for my two little boys.

October 12, 2007

 

Movie

It's Friday and at our house that means movie night! Has anyone seen a good movie lately? My daughter and I enjoyed Becoming Jane not too long ago but I think we both liked Miss Potter better. My husband and I saw 300 (on video) recently and enjoyed it. There are several movies coming up that my family (kids especially) are looking forward to:

Enchanted which comes out Nov. 21

National Treasure (this is the second installment)which comes out December 21

and Water Horse which comes out December 25.

Now here's a question for you: Do you have to eat popcorn when you go to the movies? If so, buttered or plain?

October 11, 2007

 

Back from Birmingham

What a terrific time I had in Birmingham! I met many Books-A-Million store managers and signed many, many ARCs. I heard Jan Karon speak about her newest release which is Home to Holly Springs. She was warm, funny and gracious. Also speaking was Vince Poscente on his NY Times best seller The Age of Speed. He was a dynamic speaker and former Olympic athlete with an amazing story. I met a few fellow writers too, like Tosca Lee (her first novel is Demon, a Memoir), Robert Liparulo (his latest is Deadfall), Denise Hildreth (The Will of Wisteria) and Linda Nichols (In Search of Eden).

Sitting at the airport in Dallas, I saw a writing friend I've known a long time -- Geralyn Dawson. We ended up on the same flight, sitting across the aisle from each other. We enjoyed a nice lunch together in Birmingham talking about the book biz. Then we were on the same flight back. It's always nice to see a friendly, familiar face in a see of tired travelers.

B&H hired a media escort for me. Miss Ruth was fabulous! She reminded me of my Aunt Dorothy but with a very southern accent. I tell you what, I am totally spoiled now. I am also having a hard time getting rid of this acquired southern accent I seemed to have picked up while sipping sweet tea.

Can you believe that I forgot to take my camera? I did. So no pictures. I have to start remembering that!

Thank you Books-A-Million for having me!

October 8, 2007

 

Journey Part 7

Depressed and uncertain about my writing, I happened upon a blog of a fairly new writer who had her first book out in the CBA and was up for the Christy award. On her blog, she mentioned her editor's blog. So I checked it out. He talked about how the CBA was beginning to reach out to the unchurched to the secular markets. My heart began pounding. I cannot explain it more than that. It was a very powerful visceral experience. I wondered if God was now pulling me in the direction of the CBA. I didn't jump aboard at that moment because of a feeling but I began praying about it.

I contacted the writer, Deeanne Gist, whom I didn’t even know. She was going to the RWA conference in Atlanta. So was I. Hoping to learn more about the CBA market, I asked if she would mind meeting with me for a cup of coffee. It was truly answered prayer that she responded with a “yes!” We ended up having a two hour lunch where she really encouraged me to attend the ACFW conference in Dallas (my hometown) that coming September.

I can’t explain the fears I felt going to that conference. For some reason, I thought God had brought me through all of this and was just going to tell me at ACFW to quit writing. Well, those fears were ungrounded. In fact, I’m sure they were the Evil One’s attempt to distract, discourage and keep me away. I just prayed for some kind of sign that God wanted me to continue in the direction I was going. The first night of the conference, I was driving home late at night and talking to my husband on my cell phone. He said, “You had a message on the answering machine. Some agent really liked Elvis Takes a Back Seat.”

Agents don't call unless they're interested. Seriously. I sent her the full manuscript and it wasn’t long after that when I signed with her. It took a few more months but God really opened the doors! Which is kind of funny because 'Open Doors' was the original title of Elvis Takes a Back Seat. And he continues to open doors. I couldn't have imagined the wonderful support I'd receive from a publishing house. B&H Publishing has been fabulous! My editor, David Webb, has been great. My agent, Natasha Kern, has been a godsend. And it's all God's doing!

October 5, 2007

 

The Journey Part 6

About 2005, I felt like it was time to really start pursuing publication again. Even though I wasn’t writing romance anymore but more women’s fiction, I packed my bags and headed off to an RWA conference. It was an odd experience. I was published but I no longer fit in with my published friends as they talked of looming deadlines and such. I fit in more with the unpubs but then again I didn’t. It was a very lonely place to be. But it was good. It was a time of growth for me. I time of testing my dedication to what God was calling me to.

Again, I wondered about Christian fiction, but I felt God wanted me to write more for the general public not ‘preaching to the choir.’ So I kept sending out proposals. And I kept getting rejected.

Two weeks before Christmas 2005, I had taken my kids shopping for last minute Christmas presents. It’s our annual excursion with my sister. We always have so much fun. But the day didn’t end quite as I expected. I called my husband late that evening to see what we were going to do about dinner, maybe meet somewhere, when I heard something odd in his voice. “What’s wrong?” He was laid off that day. He came home and found our oldest dog had died in her sleep. And there was a rejection for a book. Whammo!

Now, all this could have been devastating. But with tears running down our faces, we knew each was a blessing. We’d been praying for three years about my husband’s job. We’d been praying for two years, knowing the end was coming for my sweet Muffet, wanting it to be peaceful for her and not too traumatic for our young children. And I’d been praying about selling to the RIGHT publisher. So all were answers to our prayers. But they were tough.

God really amazed us with his tender care over the next year and blessed my husband with some incredible consulting opportunities. He provided a wonderful vacation for us in our favorite vacation spot: Hawaii! But still, there was no clear answer for my writing.

By the summer of 2006, I felt like I was beating my head against the publishing wall. So last summer, I began asking God (again) if He really wanted me to write. One day, I was sitting at my son’s speech lesson and I saw a book sitting on my friend’s table. I thumbed through it, saw a chapter titled “If you’re called to your profession.” I had felt the call to write, so I was curious and read further. The book talked about ‘many are called, few are chosen.’ Uh-oh. What was this going to tell me? To write but never see publication again? That's almost like death to a published author. The authors of this particular book said that there is usually a long time period between a calling and a choosing. During that time, there is a testing and growth period. This is a time of preparation. Many fall by the wayside during this time, just give up and turn back. God was telling me not to give up.

I didn't know it, but He was about to pull me in a whole different direction.

October 4, 2007

 

Reviews

Just that word strikes fear into the hearts of most writers. It's like you've posted a picture of your first born child and allowed anyone to throw darts at that sweet, precious face. Whenever reviews come in for a book, I hold my breath. There's a moment of stark fear. Then I take the plunge into the words written about my baby, my manuscript, my book. This is such a subjective business and I know there is no way to please everyone. So when reviews and quotes come from authors I highly respect, then I am not only delighted (and relieved!) but soar. Here's one I received yesterday:

“Brilliant! Charming! I absolutely adored it! With memorable characters, Elvis Takes a Back Seat is an emotional journey well worth taking. I laughed, I cried, I sighed in contentment. Leanna Ellis is a gifted writer and a must-read.”
Lorraine Heath
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author

October 3, 2007

 

Journey Part 5

When my daughter was a year old, I made a tough decision. After selling twelve books, I walked away from writing romance. There were a lot of reasons involved and it took me a while to figure out the main reason. At first, it was because I needed a break from publishing. I know that sounds odd, but it was true. Publishing is hard work. There are so many things required besides delivering a good novel by the due date. There are line edits and galleys, publicity, book signings, websites, etc… My focus had become my children. And God was slowly turning my sight back to Him.

He is never demanding in that way. He wooes us. And I rediscovered my love for Him and my faith in Him. I continued to write but I wasn’t really seeking publication during that time. I joined a critique group where we did exercises and practiced our writing to improve out abilities. During that time, my writing grew and my faith grew also.

At first, I wondered if God even wanted me to write. I prayed for about three years for God’s will in this area. Often I would leave church and my husband would say, “How’d you like the message?” I would respond with some way God had spoken to me about my writing. This continued and continued. It wasn’t until a dear friend died that I finally took God at His word and got busy. Life is short and I was wasting time because He'd already given me an answer.

When I first left romance writing, I wondered if God wanted me to write in the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) rather than the secular world of ABA (American Booksellers Assoc.). I took a look at the books in that field and I did not feel called to that area. Looking back, I think it simply wasn’t the right time. But would it ever be the right time for me, for my books?

October 2, 2007

 

Trivia Game

If you go to my 'books' page, you will see a link to the Elvis Trivia Game. Let me know how you do!

Also, you will see the link to the video my publisher, B&H Publishing, did for Elvis Takes a Back Seat. It's on YouTube.

Have a blessed day!

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