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

September 28, 2009

 

New Additions to the Library?

What are you reading? I’ve been reading My Life in France by Julia Child. What fun insight into this interesting woman! Of course, I bought it after I saw the movie Julie and Julia. I love the descriptions of food (all the different kinds of butter!) and life in France, along with her discovery of a great passion. So what are you reading these days?

September 25, 2009

 

In mourning

We received the call at 3am last night. My husband's beloved grandmother, Edna Allen, had passed away. She had a very long life, living well up into her 90s. But she'd had almost a ten year battle with Alzheimer's, several battles with pneumonia, and in May of this year she broke her hip. She is at peace now, and I am happy for her. But I will miss her. I remember when she came to see us after our son was born. She and I were sitting on the sofa, holding my newborn son, and talking about babies and life. The conversation detoured to some difficult areas and she told me about taking care of her husband who had Alzheimer's and how difficult that was. "But God took my husband so that I could take care of Barbara." Barbara was her daughter who passed away six months after her father. She died of breast cancer that had gone to the bone. I remember when Edna was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She was angry at herself, not God. And just this week she told someone, "Ask God to come get me." She had a strong faith and she is at peace now. She will be greatly missed.

September 24, 2009

 

It's time for ...

Time is a gift. Lately, I’ve been convicted of squandering too much time with lazy endeavors. I was thinking of the passage from Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.”

So I am attempting not to squander my time but to use each moment, whether it’s enjoying my family, helping my children with school or writing. What do you need to spend time doing?

September 23, 2009

 

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

One of my readers sent me this recipe, so thanks, Edna! These are easy and yummy!

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Even a child can make these and they are delicious, I am diabetic and I can have these.

1 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 cup sugar (I use Splenda)

Mix together really good, drop on cookie sheet. Depends on the size of cookie you want, cook at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until they start to turn brown. Remove from oven, cool just a little, and remove from pan.
These are real brittle so be careful when removing cookie.

Edna Tollison

September 22, 2009

 

ACFW Book of the Year Winners

Just in case you missed the list elsewhere, here it is! Congrats to all my fellow authors, I had so much fun cheering for you at the banquet!

The 2009 Book of the Year winners are:

DEBUT AUTHOR:
A Passion Most Pure (Julie Lessman)

LITS
Sweet Caroline (Rachel Hauck)

LONG CONTEMPORARY
Symphony of Secrets (Sharon Hinck)

LONG CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Controlling Interest (Elizabeth White)

LONG HISTORICAL - TIE
My Heart Remembers (Kim Vogel Sawyer)
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires – Cathy Gohlke
MYSTERY
For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls (Nancy Mehl)

NOVELLAS
Stuck On You (Rhonda Gibson in A Connecticut Christmas

SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Family Treasures (Kathryn Springer)

SHORT CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE
Broken Lullaby (Pamela Tracy)

SHORT HISTORICAL
Family of the Heart (Dorothy Clark)

SPECULATIVE
The Restorer’s Journey (Sharon Hinck)

SUSPENSE
Fossil Hunter (John B. Olson)

WOMEN'S FICTION
The Shape of Mercy (Susan Meissner)

YOUNG ADULT
The Big Picture: Jenny B. Jones

September 21, 2009

 

Intervention



Terri Blackstock's new book Intervention was inspired by her personal experiences with her daughter's addictions. Six years ago she became aware that her daughter (then in her early twenties) had a severe prescription pill addiction that was killing her, and she hired an interventionist to convince her daughter to go to treatment. After a grueling few hours, her daughter agreed to go. As Terri put her on the plane with the interventionist, she was hit with the crushing feeling that her daughter was in the hands of a stranger, and anything could happen. That's when this book was born.

Over the past few years, Terri's family has been in a tornado of relapses and rehabs, with one emergency after another, and grace upon grace. But through all this, God has taught her to pray as never before, and he's shown her how many other families are experiencing the same thing. He's also shown her that many blessings can come from crises such as this. Terri has tried to fold all of those experiences into this suspense novel of desperation and hope. She's also added a page to her web site: "Hope for Families of Addicts," (http://www.terriblackstock.com/hope-for-families-of-addicts/ ) which has tips on dealing with a loved one who has addictions.

Though the book is fiction, Terri poured much of herself into Barbara, the mother who's desperate to save her daughter. And Terri's own daughter has given her blessings for Terri to talk about this, in hopes of helping other hurting families and raise awareness about the perils of addiction. To see/hear Terri share her personal story about Intervention, don't miss her interviews on American Family Radio's "Today's Issues" on September 24, Moody Radio's "Chris Fabry Live on September 25, and "The 700 Club" on September 29.

In Stores Everywhere September 22nd--
It was her last hope—and the beginning of a new nightmare.
Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment—and her interventionist is found dead at the airport—Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all.
Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed. Fearing for Emily’s life, Barbara maintains her daughter’s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he’s wrong about Emily.
The mysteries intensify as everyone’s panic grows: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?
In this gripping novel of intrigue and suspense, bestselling author Terri Blackstock delivers the page-turning drama that readers around the world have come to expect from her.
Watch the Intervention video trailer at www.youtube.com/terriblackstock
Order Intervention at http://www.terriblackstock.com/books/coming-soon/

September 19, 2009

 

Denver Day Three

Morning! I'm running late on this last blog as I admittedly stayed out too late last night! But what fun! It was a busy day yesterday and I unfortunately only made it to about ten minutes of Rene Gutteridge's workshop. I did get to hear Debbie Macomber speak after lunch. She's always terrific. Very inspiring. One thing she said, and I believe this is from her book Knit Together (which is terrific), she made a list of people she wanted to meet in her lifetime. This was a list of famous folks, and many on her list she has now met. But she also now has a blank list for those folks that God wants her to meet. Very interesting thought.

I also heard Harry Klaus speak. He gave a devotional yesterday morning that was incredible. He talked about how small we are in comparison to our great, big God. To really dwell on that is amazing. To consider what all our God does for us, how he continuously shows his love for us, reaches out toward us, and yet how tiny we are in his vast creation.

September 17, 2009

 

Denver Day Two

My head is exploding from all the information from Donald Maass' workshop. Very good stuff. If you are a writer, then you definitely need to read The Breakout Novel. Excellent. And get the workbook too. Here are just a few tidbits from his workshop:

1. The Breakout Novel is a way of story telling. It's fiction that feels BIG, as in high impact.

2. Writing is about giving to the reader.

3. If you are feeling resistance to changing something about your writing, then that could possibly be your guide to where the work lies. Get to work!

4. Inner conflict is pulling a character in two different ways.

5. Readers read for the extraordinary, special, moving and powerful.

6. Revel in your writing and in the creative process.

September 16, 2009

 

Denver Day One


If you're not able to go to the ACFW Conference this year in Denver and feeling left out, don't! Just check in here and on my Facebook page as well as www.twitter.com/leannaellis to see what's happening.

Today started out very crazy, trying to finish packing and getting out the door. It didn't help that The Hilo Monster got in my suitcase and pulled out all my unmentionables! Anyway, got packed and out the door and the kids off to school. When I arrived at my gate and was waiting for my flight, I heard someone clapping. I looked around and this guy about 20 feet away from me was clapping and clapping and clapping. I noticed others much further away were clapping. I was trying to figure out what was going on and then I saw. Soldiers were walking along the skyramp and people below were standing and clapping. It sent chills all over me as they walked by, one after another. Such a cool moment. I was so proud of them and to be an American.

After I'd boarded the plane, I was chatting with the woman sitting next to me who was coming to Denver to a computer conference. Nice lady. And since she learned I was coming to a writer's conference and she was reading a romance novel we started talking about books. I mentioned a couple of books that she might enjoy and the woman in front of my turned around and joined in the conversation. Eventually that woman somehow connected that she'd seen her local paper review Ruby's Slippers favorably. What a cool moment!

By noon, I was at the hotel and seeing writers left and right. I met so many new friends at the airport and on the shuttle to the hotel that my mind is a blur of names and faces. It is such a friendly atmosphere. I have seen my Dallas chapter, Ready Writers, many I haven't seen in months and months because I haven't been able to attend any meetings due to kid activities or my dad's illness and death. So it's been great catching up!

I've also seen friends: Julie Lessman, Rachel Hauck, Cara Putnam, Mary Connealy, Debby Giusti, Leann Harris, Jennifer AlLee and Miralee Ferrell (in pic with me). And many, many more! At dinner, I ran into Julie Gwinn, superwoman and marketing guru from B&H! I was thrilled to see her and can't wait till our meeting later this week.

I am so excited to be here! I'm so excited to hear Donald Maass tomorrow! I'm excited to hear Debbie Macomber, the keynoter. And I've even heard that Ted Dekker will be here tomorrow night as he recently joined ACFW. I hope you'll come hang out with me here or on Facebook or on Twitter. I'll try to update every chance I get and post little snippets of info!

September 15, 2009

 

Off to Denver!

I’m on my way to Denver for the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. I can’t wait! I’ll get to see so many friends. Only 4 years ago was my first visit to an ACFW conference and I didn’t know anyone. Now, I have friends I can’t wait to see! I’m also excited to see my editor, Karen Ball, marketing guru from B&H Publishing, Julie Gwinn, new publicist, Jeane Wynn of Wynn-Wynn, and of course my fantabulous agent, Natasha Kern, and her assistant, Becky. It’s going to be a very busy week. I’m excited to hear Donald Maass in his all day workshop on Thursday. I’ll hopefully post some of his tidbits here on Friday. I’m also looking forward to hearing Debbie Macomber, the keynote speaker. She’s always very inspiring and encouraging. And of course, she gave me a wonderful quote for Elvis Takes a Back Seat. Friday night, I’ll be having dinner with my wonderful editor and marketing guru, plus other B&H authors. What fun! Then Saturday is the signing at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. I hope you’ll come if you’re in the area. It’s from 4-5:30. Finally, Saturday night is the big banquet where the Book of the Year awards and Genesis awards are announced. I look forward to cheering for my many friends who are nominated. My book, Lookin’ Back, Texas, is also a nominee. I can’t wait for that evening because my agent always sits with her authors who are attending. Candace Calvert and Julie Lessman and I always laugh and laugh and laugh. It’s a delightful evening! I will try to blog and twitter about the events this week and next.

 

Between-the-layers Surprise Cake

Heres a recipe from my e-newsletter reader. Jane won my contest this month!

This is a cake my daughter created for one of her birthdays. She asked for it and told me exactly what she wanted.
I usually use a German Chocolate cake mix because that is what she likes but you can use the cake mix you desire.
1 cake mix, type you desire
1 can of cherry pie filling
Container of Cool Whip

Make the cake mix according to directions on package - making two layer cake.
In between first and second layer, spread some Cool Whip and add some cherry pie filling.
Ice cake with the rest of the Cool Whip. Put some cherries around sides and on top of cake.

The Cool Whip locks in the moisture and this cake is delicious. So much more so than with icing.

Jane Squires


P. S. My daughter sometimes even uses frozen strawberries instead of the cherry pie filling.

Sounds great, Jane! Thanks so much for sharing with us. And congrats on winning the contest this month!

September 14, 2009

 

Final Exposure

FOUR STARS RT Book Reviews Magazine.
Safety. Serenity. That’s what Jack Matthews wants, and what he seeks
in Lost Falls, Montana. A quiet retreat is just what Jack and his
orphaned nephew, Max, need—especially with gentle, beautiful Erin Cole
as their host. But when sirens in the night leave Max screaming,
Jack’s faced with the harsh truth. They’re not safe—not him, not Max
and especially not Erin. What is she hiding? What does the shadowy
figure stalking her want? And how much will Jack have to risk to keep
her safe?

Something new for Roxanne is her blog: ”All Creatures Great and Small Place.”

The name came from the lyrics of “All Things Bright and Beautiful,”
a Cecil Alexander hymn written in 1848. If you love animals, this is
the place to visit–where authors and writers can share stories (both
poignant and fun) about their pets. I live on an acreage in Iowa and
have horses, dogs, cats, and welcome strays too often!

You’ll also find periodic additions to “The Old Horse Trader
Tales”–true stories about the adventures (and misadventures!) of a
horse trader during the 1930’s -1980’s. I wrote them as feature
articles for a magazine about fifteen years ago, and look forward to
sharing all of the nostalgic stories about this charming old man.

I’ll also occasionally be featuring some cool new releases by my
favorite authors on this blog, too…so take a look!

When you finish there, please also check out
www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustand where I have a variety of other blogs
running, and some fun contests now and then. Come over for a visit!

September 11, 2009

 

FAQ 4

Well, I've already lost track of which number of Frequently Asked Questions this is supposed to be, so forgive me if I'm off on the actual number. But here's the question I'm often asked:

Have you always written?

I’ve always created. When I was young I made up shows and dances, but I was more comfortable with my hairbrush for a microphone and the mirror for an audience than an actual stage. I remember studying Edgar Allen Poe in 6th grade and having to write a story in his style. I wrote in first person and at the end my character was headed toward the gallows and turned the story over to an impartial journalist to finish the tale. But mostly for years I wrote in obscurity in a journal.

My creative endeavors continued as I taught dance, choreographed dances, even staged a show for a friend’s rehearsal dinner to entertain her large extended family. When I taught school, I continued to use my creativity to come up with interesting ways to grab students’ attention and teach new concepts.

So creativity has always been a part of my life. It’s one of the most valuable tools of a writer. And I believe we're all creative in some way. Sometimes that creative muscle has become lax and needs a workout. But we have a creative God and we're made in His image.

September 10, 2009

 

ACFW Conference

If you have to pick one conference to attend this year, this is the one! I love going to American Christian Fiction Writers every September. Of course I enjoy the classes and seeing friends, but the aspect I love the most is the worship time. Standing in a room with writers, editors, agents and praising our Maker is truly extraordinary. We are all trying to serve Him. Rachel Hauck does a fabulous job leading the worship. This year, the Early Bird session is very exciting with Donald Maass coming to talk about making our books even better. I can't wait! I've wanted to attend one of his workshops for a long time. The keynote speaker this year is Debbie Macomber! I'm very excited to hear her speak again.

So this year is in Denver, Colorado. If you're not a writer but a reader, and you happen to be in the area, then you should come to the book signing on Saturday from 4-5:30. There will be over one hundred authors signing. More information can be found on the ACFW website.

If you can't attend this year, then mark your calendars for next September. This is a conference not to be missed.

September 9, 2009

 

High Concept blurbs

Blogging today at Christian Author Network -- http://canblog.typepad.com/

September 8, 2009

 

Tuesday Tables

I hope y'all had a great Labor Day weekend. I spent the weekend in Houston for my son's fencing tournament, so have been off line for several days. Yesterday, I was able to go see a movie (and haven't been able to do that in a while!) and saw Julie and Julia, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. I loved it. And with all that cooking, it made me HUNGRY! I needed to make hamburgers because we had some buns that were going to go bad, so I bought 1/2 sirloin and 1/2 bison. We really like that combination. Then I added a twist, ala Julia Childs! Here's what her book says to do to spice up plain ol' hamburgers.

Add salt and pepper and fold in chopped onion and 3 Tablespoons sour cream. Then fry them in a pan on the stove. They were delicious! Thanks, Julia!

And now for the winner of my recipe contest on my e-newsletter: Jane Squires!

September 4, 2009

 

FAQ #3

Another Frequently Asked Question for today:

Where were you when you signed your first book?

Thanks, Dorothy! I’m sure my best friend asked this question because she gets a kick out of it. Okay, here’s the deal. My first book was about to come out. I was at the RWA conference in the Ladies Room, putting on lipstick, I’m sure. A friend of mine came in and had a copy of my first book with her. I hadn’t even seen it yet! So, right there, truly humbled, I signed the first copy of my book.

September 3, 2009

 

Passion!

Passion. It’s a topic I’ve often discussed whole heartedly because I believe in pursuing your passions.

When I was a kid, I was passionate about dance. But unfortunately, the church we belonged to looked down upon dance. And I felt torn between my passion for God and my passion for dance. How could I dance for God when my church said it was wrong? But I believe my church was wrong.

Fast forward many years, when I began pursuing writing. I suppose part of why I owned my writing and didn’t give it to God was rooted in that split that took place long before in another passion. But for a long time my writing was not God inspired, but amazingly looking back my 'God view' of the world can easily be seen in those books.

There came a day when I knew I had to give my writing over to God. I wanted both my passions, my love for God and my love of writing, to be one. At first, I feared God would tell me to stop writing. But fear doesn’t come from God. Fear comes from the evil one. What a blessing it has been to unite my passions, seeking God and feeling as if God is using my writing to touch other’s lives.

So if you are passionate about something – cooking, knitting, soccer, dancing, running – God can use that passion when combined with your passion for Him to touch others.

Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

September 2, 2009

 

Football vs. Pride and Prejudice

Football season has arrived! My husband is beside himself with excitement. That is until The Hilo Monster ate the remote (but of course we got it fixed ASAP). My daughter is excited too because it means at least a night a week when she and I will hole up in our media room and watch a girlie movie. I think we need a theme song or anthem like how Monday Night Football has one. So, what do we plan on watching this fall?

Wuthering Heights
Jane Eyre
Little Women
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibilities
Miss Potter
Becoming Jane

Do you see a pattern? These are also audio books that we are listening. What girlie book or movie would you recommend? And can you think of a good theme song?

September 1, 2009

 

Tuesday Table Servings

What's cooking tonight? Pork Chops in the crock pot! A friend of mine, Julie, shared this with me several years ago. These are mouth-watering delicious!

½ cup flour
1 ½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
6 lean pork chops
1 (10 oz) can condensed chicken broth
2 Tbs vegetable oil

Combine first 4 ingredients in a shallow dish; dredge pork chops in flour mixture and set aside. Combine remaining flour mixture and chicken broth in crock pot. Pour oil into a large skillet; place over medium-high heat until hot. Cook chops in hot oil just until browned on both sides. Place in crock pot. Cook covered on HIGH 2 to 2.5 hours or until chops are tender. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes or couscous.

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