Leanna Ellis - LeBlog

Book #2 of Plain Fear: FORBIDDEN

2012-01-10T10:41:00.002-06:00

Here's the new cover! It'll be out in August! I cannot wait!

WOW! An Awesome Christmas Deal!

2011-12-16T14:29:00.004-06:00

Have you been as busy as I have been getting ready for Christmas? Between all of my kids' activities and shopping, I've been running like crazy. I've also been working on a few new things for the coming year, so stay tuned to learn more about those in the coming months.

But here's something immediately that is pretty awesome!

Starting Dec. 17th through the 23rd, Amazon is offering Plain Fear: Forsaken for the Kindle at only $2.99. This is a great time to get the book if you haven't had time to read it yet or would like to let your friends know about it! So spread the Christmas cheer!

And if you didn't think THAT deal was good enough, then you'll be very happy with this one! For only ONE day, Dec. 17th, Plain Fear: Forsaken is the Deal of the Day at Barnes and Noble's Nook. For that one day, it will be only $1.99!

So let your friends know about this great deal! And most importantly, Merry Christmas! I wish you and yours a very joyous Christmas and a bright New Year!

Blessings,

Leanna

Book signing and Discussion

2011-11-08T08:13:00.002-06:00

Hey, y'all! TONIGHT, Nov. 8, from 7pm to 8pm, I'll be signing FORSAKEN at Barnes and Noble, Firewheel. This is in Garland, TX. Hope you'll drop by and say hello!

Great Deal!

2011-10-25T10:15:00.004-06:00

Because of the approaching Halloween season, Sourcebooks has lowered the price of PLAIN FEAR: FORSAKEN, ebook edition (Kindle and Nook), for one week! A great deal if you haven't read it yet! Spread the news!!!

In fact, I think this deserves a contest! I'll give away a mix for making soft pretzels, which I have to say are delicious. How to win: send the link to folks you know. I'll post a blurb of the book and link below. Then post a comment on my blog and tell me how many folks you sent the link to. You'll then be entered in the drawing. I'll draw a name November 4th!

Blurb for PLAIN FEAR: FORSAKEN

Hannah Schmidt, a young Amish woman mourning the mysterious death of her beloved Jacob, must decide between two brothers, between good and evil. When she learns her first love is now the vampire Akiva, she must forsake him and cling to a new love, a lasting love, one that will save her soul.

http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Fear-Forsaken-Novel-ebook/dp/B0057H76GM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319559162&sr=8-2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plain-fear-leanna-ellis/1102174612?ean=9781402255403&itm=1&usri=plain%2bfear3a%2bforsaken

Whole Lotta Gruntin' Goin' On!

2011-10-17T20:16:00.004-06:00

Shelley Shepard Gray saw them first! She said, "Look at the piglets!" So I looked and I saw this gigantic sow waddling along this fence line. "Uh, Shelley, that's one big--" And then I saw the two little piglets tumbling over each other and racing through the grass. But along with the two piglets were some mighty big pigs. And they were gruntin' and squealin' at each other. When we approached the fence, they really wanted to rub up against us but thankfully the fence prevented that. But aren't they cute? They sure had some long eyelashes!

Amish Country in Ohio

2011-10-16T07:04:00.004-06:00

I was in the southern part of Ohio, right on the edge of the Appalachians. Gorgeous country with rolling hills and ravines and creeks and all sorts of interesting topography, which in a way could be pretty creepy in a Sleepy Hollow kind of way. It really got my writer brain in high gear!

Before I went, I knew we were staying at Murphin Ridge Inn, so I looked it up and these trees and chairs were on the website and I knew I had to sit in those chairs. So I did. This is my fabulous hostess and friend, Shelley Shepard Gray, who is a New York Times best selling author of Amish fiction. We tried to find the pumpkin cannon, because I soooo wanted to try it, but alas I think they only had it on the weekends. Think I could do that in my backyard?

Ohio Amish Country

2011-10-15T05:37:00.007-06:00

This week, I flew to Ohio and visited with my friend, Shelley Shepard Gray, who writes Amish fiction. We celebrated her recent books and her new title: New York Times best selling author! Isn't that awesome? Anyway, she drove us to Murphin Ridge Inn where we stayed in a luxurious cabin (really roughing it!) and then showed me around the edge of Appalachia where some Amish live and where I'm setting part of my next Plain Fear novel: Forbidden.

It rained the first day but that didn't stop us from sampling yummy fresh soft pretzels or just pressed apple cider. Yum!

Since Autumn is my favorite season, I soaked in the colors of fall that surrounded us in these rolling hills and towering trees. What a great time we had!

Here are a few pictures of our trip: the cabin where we stayed (nestled in the trees), a covered bridge we traversed (built in the 1850s), a horse and buggy, and beautiful fall colors at Murphin Ridge Inn.

Upcoming Events

2011-10-06T08:53:00.002-06:00

It's going to be a busy weekend and I hope if you're in the area, you'll come see me at one of these events:

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 I'll be speaking at the DFW Ready Writers group about polishing your manuscript.
dfwreadywriters.blogspot.com

Saturday afternoon from 3 to 5, I'll be signing Forsaken at Barnes and Noble in Plano, TX.
www.store-locator.barnesandnoble.com

Sunday is a fun annual event called Buns and Roses, which raises money for literacy.
www.bunsandroses.org

Have a blessed week!

FACELIFT, Maggie Award Winner

2011-10-02T12:04:00.003-06:00

Hi, y'all! I've been busy finishing up my manuscript Forbidden, which is book #2 of the Plain Fear series, so I'm sorry I've gotten behind on blogging. Today, I was busy doing a little cleaning around the house when I got a call that FACELIFT had won the 2011 Maggie Award last night. Georgia Romance Writers had their conference and banquet this weekend when it was announced. I was sorry not to get to go to the award ceremony or conference but was delighted to learn FACELIFT had won! Thanks so much to the judges and to Georgia Romance Writers!

Believing in Yourself

2011-09-01T13:07:00.001-06:00

For many, many years, I didn’t believe in myself. I still struggle with that. So writing has been a journey of self-discovery and growth as I have gained confidence in my abilities and gifts. I don’t mean I’m proud or haughty about it, at least I hope not. But I do think we all have gifts and talents and abilities and should have confidence to use those. But for many, many years, I didn’t have any confidence. I was shy. It wasn’t publishing my first or nineteenth book that gave me confidence. No, confidence was hard won through lots of work and climbing that mountain of self-doubt. Taking the risk that I might fail or embarrass myself gave me confidence in knowing if I did embarrass myself it wasn’t the worst thing ever. If I did fail, then I could dust off and get back on my feet and try again or try something else. Failing wasn’t the worst-case scenario either. NOT trying, NOT risking was much, much worse.
Joining my first critique group was frightening. Reading aloud a chapter I’d written to other wannabe writers was a huge step. Each time I did it, I overcame another fear. Hearing the things that needed to be fixed, I learned things about my writing and gained confidence to try again.
Then this shy person had to start speaking to groups. I battled a whole bunch of other insecurities. But each time I spoke to a group about writing or my journey, again my confidence grew.
It’s okay to have fears. We all have them. But you have to battle them. Fear, I have learned, does not come from God. It is a tool of the evil one. Don’t let him win. Don’t let your fears get the best of you. Stand up to those fears. Battle them. And you will be the winner.
So what is your fear?

Dreams do come true!

2011-08-17T14:41:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, I heard that a golfer won the British open after trying for 20 years. Since I am not really into golf, I have not real details there and i apologize to all you golfers out there, but I definitely celebrated for that golfer. It takes tenacity to go for your dreams. They don't materialize over night.

A couple of friends of mine have a critique partner who just sold her first book after seven years of writing and submitting. That's a long time to hang in there! Here's her story on her blog:

http://authoraghoward.blogspot.com/2011/08/overwhelmed-ever-grateful-blessed-and.html?spref=fb

CONGRATS, Anita! And congrats to all of you out there pursuing your dreams as you wait for those dreams to come true.

Taking Risks

2011-08-12T10:59:00.002-06:00

Obviously, I’m a big believer in pursuing dreams. I encourage my own children to pursue their passions and set goals for reaching those dreams. At one point, my son wanted to be a director. I encouraged him, gave him tools that would help him. Eventually, that dream faded. And that’s okay. I've seen sparks of it coming back to life. Some dreams fade. Some dreams change and morph. Some grow more intense.

When I was a kid my dream was to be a Highlandette, which was my high school’s dance/drill team. I would march around my house as an eight-year-old, kicking my skinny legs and smiling wide just like a high-stepping Highlandette. I remember going to the football games with my family on Friday nights and watching the Highlandettes march out onto the field during half time. I dreamed I’d one day march onto the field wearing that red starched skirt and white boots and the audience would stand and cheer.

For many years I took dance and started teaching at my local dance studio when I entered high school. So I was well prepared when the time came to try out for Highlandettes at the end of my sophomore year. For two weeks we practiced after school, learning the routines. The tryout was in two phases. Cuts would be made, then another tryout for the selection of 55 girls who would be the next group of Highlandettes.

I made it through the first cut. But some of my friends didn’t. They were crying, and I was rattled. Before I’d dried my own tears and finished hugging those who had been cut, I was called to start the next phase of the tryout. My heart was back in the locker room with my friends. Suddenly I couldn’t remember the routine. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I marched out of the gym, knowing I hadn’t made the team. I was heartbroken.

For days I cried. My mother said, “Get over it.” And maybe I should have. But during the next year, I learned a valuable lesson. One week I would think, “I’m not going to try out again. No way.” But then I’d see my friends who were now Highlandettes performing, I’d remember my dream, and I’d change my mind. I did want to be a Highlandette. But I was afraid. I was afraid I’d fail again and there would be no other chance. Slowly over the year, I came to the realization that it was my last chance to become a Highlandette, and a solid determination formed inside me.

The end of my junior year in high school, I started the two weeks of learning the routines. It was during one of those practices that I pulled my hamstring. It’s very hard to do a high kick routine with a pulled hamstring. But I pampered my leg, wrapped it well, and kept focused on my goal.

Nothing was going to distract me. Nothing. So the day of the tryouts, I prayed, “Please, God, no matter what happens, let me be satisfied with my performance.” You see, during the last year, that’s what had eaten a hole in my heart, knowing I hadn’t done my best in the final tryout. I didn’t want to have any regrets. I wanted to give it my all.

All these many years later, the lessons I learned during my last two years of high school have become almost a mantra for me in the pursuit of my dream of writing. You see, I learned to focus on my goal. I’m talking laser focus. And I learned to never give up that dream. Hang onto it, nurture it, go for it with everything you have.

Well, I suppose you’re wondering how that tryout turned out. I will say that I marched out of the gym with a smile on my face. I was proud of my performance. I could live with that. No matter what. The next day, when I drove to the high school to await the names being posted in the school’s windows, I held my breath. Four posters were taped to the windows at exactly 2:00pm. I scanned each one, but my name wasn’t there.

Even though my heart was sinking fast, I lifted my chin, determined to be proud of my performance anyway, and I turned to leave, stopping to congratulate my friends who had made the team. Then, a girl named Cindy called my name. She hugged me. She was crying and smiling. I could feel my heart breaking because I knew she had made the team. But she kept hugging me, looking at me strangely. My brain slowly clicked into what she was saying, “You made it!”

“No,” I told her. “My name’s not up there.”

So together we looked at the posters. “No,” she said, “down here.”

I hadn’t seen the fifth poster in the last window. And there it was – my name – I was a Highlandette. The first of many of my dreams had come true.

I bet you have a dream too. Reaching a dream isn’t easy. It demands focus and giving you’re all. But it also requires you not to give up, to take risks. So hang on, try again, keep trying until you see that dream become a reality.

Dream Big

2011-08-10T10:30:00.002-06:00

When I was just starting out writing, I knew other beginning writers who would say, “Just writing a book is an accomplishment.” I agreed but then again…I didn’t agree. My dream wasn’t just to write a book (that was step one of many to get to my dream), but my dream was to be published by a real print publisher, preferably by a New York publishing house. That was my dream. By the way, those who said that statement about just completing a book only did that. They never went on to publish. So be careful how you phrase your dream.

When you are deciding, committing and disciplining yourself about your dream, be specific what that dream is. Yes, it is an accomplishment to complete a book. And if you are pursuing publication, then once you reach ‘The End’ of that very first book, you definitely deserve a celebration! But don’t pat yourself too hard on the back and for too long. The hard work is just beginning. Writing, someone famous once said, is rewriting.

Whenever you are pursuing a BIG goal, there are many smaller goals along the way that must be achieved. It’s all a building block and foundation for the bigger dream. Write those down, think about them, pursue each one passionately. Each step forward will put you that much closer to your goal. I've even known very visual folks who drew a map and marked off sections they completed so they could see how they were closing in on their dream.

So are you ready to share your dream? What do you want to do? If you still don’t know? What are you doing to figure that out?

Speaking of…reaching for your dreams!

2011-08-09T14:32:00.002-06:00

As I've mentioned before, my kids are big dreamers. I've encouraged them to chase after their dreams. This week brought about some very interesting developments for my daughter. She's a singer, dancer, actor. Recently, we saw a posting for an audition for a remake of ANNIE on Broadway. So we sent in a homemade video. Well, last week, we received a call from the casting company, complimenting Caroline, and asking if she'd like to be interviewed by the New York Times for an article on the online submission process. We agreed. We were interviewed by a New York Times reporter, who by the way was very nice. They even sent a photographer to snap her picture. So today, the article came out!

Here's a link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/theater/hopefuls-sing-out-from-afar-as-broadway-scouts-go-online.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=theater

Strange things happen when you reach for your dreams. You never know the twists and turns your journey will take.

Blessings,

Leanna

Got a dream? Part 5

2011-08-01T16:10:00.003-06:00

I hope you’ve enjoyed so far our discussions of pursuing dreams. Let’s review 1-4 first.

What does it take to pursue your dream?

1. Decision.
2. Commitment.
3. Discipline.
4. Sacrifice.

But it takes one more thing—guts. It takes guts to take a risk. I mean, really, who would have ever thought I could publish a book? Much less leave a job to pursue some wild and crazy dream. It would have been easier to stuff that dream and stay in that dusty classroom. But I took a risk. And believe me, people laughed. Which hurt. There were bumps and ruts and hairpin curves along the way. It wasn’t a ski lift ride to the top I can assure you. Heck, I’m not at the top yet. Maybe I won’t ever be. But I love writing. I love pursuing my dream.

I remember when my son first started fencing. He was five and when I'd asked what he wanted to do--soccer, basketball, baseball--he'd answered with fencing. So first I had to find a fencing club. After his very first lesson, he climbed into the car all hot and sweaty and with a great big grin said, "I'm living my dream!"

My daughter's experience with singing was not quite the same. She LOVED to sing and she sang everywhere. But by the time she was six or seven she was starting to get shy and wouldn't sing in front of others. That would be okay except my daughter had a pretty good voice. And she loved to perform. So when she was eight, I forced her (mean mommy that I am) to take singing lessons. She cried every week, saying, "I don't want to do the recital." At first I'd say, "Well, it's seven months away." But then I finally said, "We'll get through the recital and then you can quit if you want." Well, of course, my performing daughter LOVED it. And each year brought more and more confidence until she is really amazing. She makes it look easy now but it wasn't. It took guts for her to go to voice lessons each week. It took real courage for her to get up on that first stage and sing. I'm so proud of her for even trying. And it takes real courage for my son to put on his fencing equipment and face the blade of another fencer. And yes, it's a dangerous sport.

There are ups and downs along the way. I’ve achieved a few things and I’ve failed at others. That’s life. My son has won some tournaments and lost some. My daughter has gotten some parts and not others. But we keep trying. It all goes back to that first risk when I decided to be a writer, when they decided to fence and sing.

So are you gutsy or wimpy?

Got a dream? Part 4

2011-07-28T09:24:00.002-06:00

So far, we’ve discussed the three things it takes to pursue your dream. 1. Decide. 2. Commit. 3. Discipline. What’s next? Well, brace yourself. If I didn't scare you off yesterday then I might today.

Number four is: sacrifice. I already see you cringing. I know, I know. No one wants to even hear that word: sacrifice. Today, we like easy, comfort, instant, drive-thrus. We don’t like to wait and we don’t want to have to give up anything. We like to eat our cake and have it too. Well, if you’re going to reach for a dream, sacrifice is demanded.

There will be things you have to give up. For me, when I first decided and committed to becoming a writer, I sacrificed a lot financially. A decent paying job for one. Teaching won’t make you rich, but it will pay the bills. Without that teaching job, I had to figure out a way that I could pay bills and live and eat. But I didn’t eat at fancy restaurants. I clipped coupons. I didn’t go shopping. Yep, and for me that was a HUGE sacrifice. I didn’t get to see my friends as much. Still don’t. I have deadlines. When my kids were little, other moms were calling their friends during naptime and catching up, but I was writing so I could meet deadlines. Neither is right or wrong. But chatting with friends would not have gotten a book written and my dream was writing. Olympic athletes give up a lot to reach for their dreams. They wake up early and work hard. Some go to school part time or homeschool. Therefore, they often give up Friday nights at football games and prom. They give up hanging out with friends and eating fattening desserts. So before making that decision and commitment, figure out what you are going to have to sacrifice.

What is your sacrifice? Is the payoff worth it?

Got a dream? Part 3

2011-07-27T10:36:00.001-06:00

We’ve talked about making THE decision and making a commitment to pursue your dreams. So, let’s talk about the third thing it requires to pursue your dream.

Discipline. This is a huge topic and we may have to revisit this one later. But it takes discipline to pursue a dream. Malcolm Gladwell who wrote The Tipping Point says it takes 10,000 hours to get good at something. 10,000 hours. Think about it. That’s a lot of time. If you worked on your dream 40 hours for 52 weeks of the year, that’s a little over 2,000 hours. At that pace it’s gonna take roughly 5 years to get to 10,000 hours. Now don’t get discouraged. Remember, you’ve made a decision. You’ve committed. And now you gotta get as tough as a drill sergeant. Olympic athletes discipline themselves in how they work out, eat, and challenge themselves beyond their endurance. Any athlete who has won the gold medal would say, “It’s worth it.” At some point they had to get disciplined. Discipline is a muscle and requires working out to strengthen it. You won’t be disciplined over night. You’ll mess up. But recommit and begin again. Discipline yourself.

If you struggle with this area, we will talk about this some more because there are strategies for becoming more disciplined. But for now, begin. And if you need someone to help you, a partner in crime, so to speak, try to find someone you can trust with your dream (remember, no one who is going to laugh or harass) and ask that person to keep you accountable. Maybe you can help your friend if he or she is struggling too.

So does discipline come easily for you? Or do you struggle? What are some techniques that have helped you be more disciplined?

CONTEST:
Leave a post and I'll draw a winner on Friday for a free book!

Got a dream?

2011-07-26T09:59:00.003-06:00

(This is a continuation of yesterday's post: What it takes to go for your dreams)

So you’ve made a decision, right? You’re going to pursue your dream. Or you’re going to find out what that dream is. It all starts with a decision.

But what’s next? So you’re sitting on the couch, checking email, maybe googling how to climb Mt. Everest or where to find local writers groups. But what next? What to do? Don’t get up from the couch just yet. The next thing you need to do is make a commitment.

Yes, I know, you said you made a decision. Yay! That’s great! That’s the first step. But frankly, millions of folks decide on New Year’s Resolutions every January, but it takes more than a decision. It takes a commitment.

You have to push beyond all the questions and doubts and fears. Those are roadblocks that are going to immediately pop up in your path. Here’s a decision I often make: I’m going to get up at five a.m. and write. That is a sure-fire guarantee that one of my kids is going to wake up sick in the night or the cat is going to wake me. If you make a decision, a roadblock is going to immediately pop up and block your way. What are you going to do? Sleep in? Get up anyway? Commitment will get you out of bed when the alarm goes off and you’re muzzy headed and bleary eyed.

Or maybe you have different roadblocks. Maybe your mother just called as if she instinctively knew you made a decision to chase down that ridiculous dream you’ve talked about on and off since you were six. And she sets you straight. “You,” she says, “have responsibilities. You don’t have time to go chase a dream. Forget it. Be responsible.” Maybe pursuing your dream is being responsible to your Maker who planted that dream in your heart.

Or maybe as soon as you made the decision that little voice inside you started talking. Come on, you know the voice. It says, “Who do you think you are? You’re no (fill in the blank—writer, doctor, mountain climber, etc…). You’re too (fill in the blank—stupid, lazy, broke, etc…) to do that!” Don’t listen. Plug your ears, sing, “lalalala” and ignore that voice. It’s been telling you what to do for way too long.

Or maybe you mention your decision to your husband/boyfriend/significant other/best friend and they give you that look. You know, the look that says that’s ridiculous. S/he doesn’t have to say it but you know what s/he’s thinking, “Here goes another hair-brained idea.” Or maybe, “We can’t afford that!” Well, I can’t tell you what to do about your relationships but relationships should be supportive and encouraging. Or maybe that person laughs at your dream. Really, are you going to listen to that person? They’re probably too scared to pursue their own dreams.

Back to the commitment. This is a solemn commitment to yourself as sacred as a marriage vow that you are going to devote time, resources (including money), and courage to pursuing this dream. It’s not for Mom or Dad, hubby or kids, or best friend or worst enemy. This commitment is for you. If you’re a believer then make the commitment to God. I believe God planted that dream in your heart, so give it to Him, commit to follow that dream wholeheartedly. When I decided to write, I quit teaching. Not in the middle of the year. I fulfilled my contract. But I knew I had to commit fully to my dream of writing. Not everyone needs to take that drastic of a step, and you obviously have to figure out a way to feed yourself and live, but I made that commitment. And no, I didn’t have a husband to depend on to make the money for food and housing. I figured out a way to make it work.
Taking that step, I knew there was no going back. So, are you ready to make that commitment? If not, what’s holding you back?

CONTEST:
Make a comment and you'll be entered for a drawing at the end of the week for a free book!

What it takes to go for your Dreams

2011-07-25T08:47:00.001-06:00

Do you dream of doing something spectacular, something important, something beyond the normal nine-to-five job? Maybe, like me, you dream of writing a book. Maybe you dream of dancing, or painting, or sailing around the world. Maybe you dream of making an impact by helping the homeless or orphans. Or maybe you dream of learning a foreign language, like French. Or maybe you simply dream of losing weight. Everybody dreams of something, even if it only seems like a pie-in-the-sky kind of dream. Whatever your dream is, I believe you can and should reach for your dreams.
Twenty years ago, I decided to quit teaching and become a writer. Twenty years! I can’t believe this is the anniversary year of that pinnacle decision. It changed my life in so many ways. So after pursuing my dream for 20 years, and publishing many books, I hope I have a little bit of knowledge from the hard knocks I’ve suffered and the mountains I’ve managed to climb to offer you hope and encouragement on your journey, whether that’s writing or climbing Mt. Everest.
One thing I’ve learned: sitting around and dreaming will not put you on the path to making that dream a reality. You have to get up, you have to take tiny steps forward in chasing down that dream.
The first year I taught school, there was a teacher two doors down from my classroom. She’d been teaching thirty years. The same grade. The same classroom. Now, don’t get me wrong. Teaching is a noble profession. I admire teachers. I was one. But teaching was not my dream. For some, that is their dream and I honor that. The fact was: I didn’t know then what my dream was. And maybe you don’t either. But maybe you simply feel like: what if there’s more…what if I’m missing out on something. That’s how I felt when I thought of myself in the same classroom for thirty years. One person’s dream can also be another person’s nightmare. So teaching the same grade for thirty years scared me more than the risk of trying to find what my dream might be. So during my five years of teaching, I tried to figure out what my dream might be.
So if you don’t know what your dream is, fine. Simply commit to finding out what your dream is so you can pursue it. If you do know what your dream is, then decide today that you’re going to go for it. Because that’s the first step in pursuing your dream: making a decision.
Over the next few days, I’m going to tell you the five things it takes to pursue your dream. So today, the number one thing you need to do is: make a decision. No one can decide for you. No one can push you into it. That’s why you see kids rebelling when their parent decides they should be a football player (or cheerleader or sorority member) like the parent was. Sometimes parents push their kids into their own professions, like being a doctor or dentist or even a writer. But that desire has to come from within you. It can’t be external any more than a doctor saying, “you need to stop smoking or eating fried foods.” So the patient might attempt to stop smoking or to eat healthy but until that desire throbs within their own heart it won’t work. You simply have to decide you’re going to pursue your dream.
Twenty years ago, I made a decision to become a writer. I didn’t know anything about writing. I didn’t know anything about the business. I didn’t know anyone IN the business. I simply had a dream. And I made a decision. Are you ready to make that decision?
If you don’t know, it’s okay you can just say you don’t know but you’re going to find out. Resolve to find out. Maybe we’ll discover it together. Or if you know your dream, then decide today before it’s too late to pursue that dream. So what’s your dream?

Contest: I’m going to be giving away a book at the end of the week. To enter, just post a comment on my blog here. You can enter as many times as you would like.

And the Winner Is...

2011-06-27T06:54:00.001-06:00

Jerri Kelley! Congrats! Please send me your snail mail address and I'll pop the ARC of Forsaken in the mail to you. Thanks everyone for playing!

It's getting close!

2011-06-10T07:18:00.005-06:00

Have you ever had that feeling? You're a mile from Gramma's house and you can't wait to get there? Or the flight attendants are securing the cabin for landing and you're on your dream vacation? Or you're closing on that house you've always wanted and the movers are coming? Or you're ten months pregnant and you're waiting for that first labor pain so you can actually hold that sweet baby in your arms? There's much angst and excitement and nervousness in the anticipation of these events.

Well, I've been waiting a long time for this 'baby' to arrive. It's not a visit or a trip or a move or a real baby, but to writers we often refer to our books as our babies because we tend them with such care and devotion as a mother tends to her baby. And so, my baby is ALMOST here! Just a few weeks until August 1st when it officially releases! And just like packing for a trip or moving or preparing for the arrival of a baby, there is much to do.

Today, I've posted an excerpt on my website! I hope you'll take a look. This is not the usual first chapter of the book. But I hope you will enjoy it. A couple of weeks ago, I posted a different excerpt on my e-newsletter. So here ya go:

http://leannaellis.com/books.html

Just go to the book page on my website (www.leannaellis.com) and click on Plain Fear: Forsaken. You'll see the button to click on the left in red.

Whatcha Reading? Contest

2011-06-01T16:32:00.004-06:00

I'm running a contest this month for folks on my e-newsletter to win a copy of Dorothy Love's new book: Beyond All Measure. Comment on the picture of Sawyer and what you think he's reading for a chance to win. I will draw a name June 7th!

Bundles of Joy and baby boys!

2011-06-01T06:56:00.003-06:00

Thirteen years ago, I gave birth to my baby boy. It was a long, scary pregnancy, with lots of visits to the doctor, way too many sonograms, and all sorts of prayers tossed heavenward. Thankfully, all the fears were ungrounded, and he was born perfectly healthy. But then two weeks after his birth, we were sitting in the pediatric cardiologists office. Let me just say, I haven't experienced anything worse than that. It's not like your baby is born with a crooked nose or one ear higher than the other. We're talking HEART issues! And my husband and I were SCARED. Believe me, we hit our knees and prayed and prayed and prayed. Now I know many other parents who have had to face worse situations than this, and thankfully my son's issue resolved itself and his heart was healed. And my heart was changed. God really used that time in my life to change me, and I am so grateful. What a blessing it has been to watch my son grow and mature. He is turning into quite a man, and I am so proud of him and so blessed that God placed him in my care even temporarily. May God continue to bless my son and guide him in His will.

Stephen Bly's Throw the Devil off the Train

2011-05-31T06:34:00.001-06:00

It's 1880.
Catherine's got to escape from her hometown in Virginia. She heads west to marry a childhood friend she hasn't seen in 17 years. She needs a fresh start and he's got a booming business in Paradise Springs. She'll do almost anything to get there. . .except reveal her true last name.
Race heads west set to avenge his brother's death, with a body aching for sleep, and determined to avoid the conniving lady with a throw-away heart. But it's a long, cramped, chaotic train ride from Omaha to Sacramento.
The only thing these two agree upon: they despise each other. And something evil's on board. As they gnaw on each other's nerves, a holdup, hijack, kidnapping and gold mine swindle shove them together, then push them apart. Fiery, opinionated and quick to react, can they team up long enough to throw the devil off the train?

AUTHOR BIO:
Stephen Bly is a Christy Award winner for westerns and author of 105 books of fiction and nonfiction, some of them co-authored with wife, Janet. They live in north-central Idaho at 4,000 ft. elev. on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. They have 3 married sons, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Throw The Devil Off The Train can be ordered through your favorite local or online bookstore, such as www.Amazon.com. It's also available through http://BlyBooks.com

STEPHEN BLY’S SPICY ELK CHILI

Many of you have asked me. . .well, only one, maybe two. . .for my world famous recipe for chili. This is an expected and anticipated dish at every Wild Game Feed potluck at our northern Idaho church each November. It’s also a staple at our Broken Arrow Crossing events in the summer. Broken Arrow Crossing is the false-front town I’ve built beside our house. Wife Janet calls it our ‘theme yard.’

So, now the secret’s out. You can create your own chili sensation, Bly-style.

Ingredients:
2-4 pounds of elk meat (for my pals in Quebec, that’s Wapiti meat)
1 16-ounce jar of Pace salsa (“medium” for most gringos; I prefer “hot”)
2 cans of Hormel Chili With Beans (life is too short to wait for beans to soak)
1 green bell pepper (make sure it’s crisp…the red or yellow bells will work good too)
Several fresh jalapeno peppers (don’t wimp out; leave the seeds)
An unending supply of Montreal Steak Seasoning
Red Tabasco Sauce

Directions:
Apply for an out-of-state elk tag from the Idaho Fish & Game Department. Clean your Winchester 1895, 405 caliber rifle. Fly to Idaho and camp deep in the forest along the upper stretches of the north fork of the Clearwater River. Shoot your elk (whether you taxidermy the head or not is your decision). Pack meat in dry-ice and take it home with you on the plane. OR. . .accept that package of wild game meat your brother-in-law keeps trying to give you every Christmas.

The night before. . .put one cup of water, 2-4 pounds of elk (steak or roast) in the crock pot. Season with Montreal Steak Seasoning to taste. Turn that sucker on low, then go to bed.

Sometime the next day. . .drain most of the juices off the meat (yes, you can make elk gravy for breakfast, provided you don’t put it on biscuits that come out of a tube). Place meat in very large pan (the one on the bottom shelf at the back that takes forever to yank out). Dump in your two cans of Hormel Chili Beans (or more if you’re feeding the starting offensive line of the Green Bay Packers, or their equivalent). Important note: never use cheap canned beans that taste like they were soaked in fast food restaurant catsup.

Gut out your bell pepper and carve it into ½ inch squares, then sauté (that means fry ‘em in a skillet, but don’t burn ‘em black or let ‘em get mushy). Toss them in the big pan.

Cut the stems off the jalapenos, quarter them and toss them in. If your fingers blister while cutting the peppers, you have to invite me over for supper. Add a bunch more Montreal Steak Seasoning (bunch=6 tads) and red Tabasco.

Stir everything together and simmer the chili for an hour or so. (Simmer is what happens when you ought to throw another log in the stove, but you wait until half-time of the football game and the fire almost goes out.)

Now, it’s time for the taste test. After stirring the chili again (wooden spoons seem to be less susceptible to corrosion), take a small taste. You may want to add more Tabasco. (Note: if an obnoxious nephew is visiting, let him test the chili. It’s about right if he spends the rest of the day out in the yard with his head buried in leaves, sand, or snow.)

Serving size: this varies. Most times, the bowl is scraped clean with only 10 to 12 people. But, with luck, there will be some leftovers and you’ll get to have it cold for breakfast for several days.

NOW AVAILABLE! Throw The Devil Off The Train, western romance by Stephen Bly

Order through your local bookstore, your favorite online bookstore such as www.Amazon.com or get an autographed copy from http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm

Rambunctious kittens

2011-05-26T08:38:00.003-06:00

Here are a few more pictures of the kittens! The first is Sawyer and Hilo meeting. Hilo becomes very excited around the kittens, and I actually think the kittens like her too. The best way, right now, for them to play, is for me to hold Sawyer and then Hilo sits on the end of my bed. That way she doesn't jump and if she gets to crazy I can step back and put space between us. Hilo has gotten very good about sitting. When I do this, Sawyer begins purring. Hilo noses the kitten, licks her, and Sawyer licks her back and rubs his head against Hilo's. Very sweet!

My daughter is head over heels in love with these kittens. She loves to cuddle them and they seem to like it too. For not having been handled much before coming here they have adapted well to our almost constant attention.

The kittens like to jump to the edge of my bathtub. I found them one morning playing around the plants on the far edge, which are next to the window. Sawyer lost his balance and made a grab for the leaf but he ended up sliding into the bathtub. They are very adventurous and a lot of fun to watch.

And the winner is...

2011-05-23T10:57:00.002-06:00

We took our sweet baby kitten to the vet today for its first shot and discovered it isn't a girl it's a boy! Yep a boy! We were suspicious over the weekend but we're obviously not very good at this. They thought the momma cat was a boy and she turned out to be a girl…and pregnant…and delivered kittens on April Fool's Day. So there you go!

We have named our sweet boy Sawyer, after the bad boy in the TV show LOST. He's definitely a pretty boy and he likes to take things away from his sister. But he's sweet and loves to purr. So the name fits.

And now for the winners! Since we chose a name that wasn't suggested, I am drawing 5 winners! If you are one of the winners who entered my contest, please contact me via leanna (at) leannaellis (dot) com and give me your snail mail address and I'll send you one of my books! Thanks to all of you for the wonderful suggestions!

Winners:

Carrie Padgett
Angela from Kentucky
RubyKat
Jenny
Christy

Congrats! And don't forget to send me your information!

Blessings,

Leanna

Kittens…kittens!

2011-05-22T09:41:00.003-06:00

The kittens are very rambunctious! They are much more comfortable with us now. Since they haven't been handled much in the past, we are very pleased to how they have become accustomed to us, getting in our laps, purring for us, playing with us. They are very sweet. Our other animals are not too happy by all of this. Miracle, our 7 year old cat, growls at them. We let her stay in the bathroom with them, supervised of course, and she watched them playing for a long time. She's curious but very mad. Our sweet lab, Liberty, was curious about them but she scared them and they hissed and spit at her. So she lost interest. Hilo, our labradoodle, is very curious about them but she is too rambunctious to be near them. So we continue to introduce them. Don't forget to toss out a couple of suggestions for names, and you will be entered to win one or more of my books. If we choose the name you suggested then you'll win 5 books! But if we choose a name of our own, then I will draw 5 winners and give each a book.

Pictures of the kitten

2011-05-21T10:11:00.003-06:00

The kittens arrived yesterday evening. They were nervous and scared at first but they are now playing and purring for us. So sweet! The gray one will be my sister's cat, and the blond one is ours. We thought she was a girl but now we're not so sure. So please suggest some boy names! I'll draw for the winner(s) after we visit the vet on Monday.

Last chance!!!

2011-05-20T13:41:00.002-06:00

Last chance to enter the name the kitten contest! If you suggest the name that is chosen by us to name our new kitten, then you will win 5 of my books. If no one suggests the name we pick, then I will choose 5 winners to get a copy of one of my books! So make some suggestions. I will make the drawing on Monday! If you've already entered, you can suggest some other names to be entered more than once. That sweet little face needs a name!

Dining With Joy

2011-05-16T08:07:00.003-06:00

Hi, y'all! I'd like for you to welcome Rachel Hauck today! She's discussing her latest book and it sure looks good!

Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck

Thanks for having me today!

I’m no genius in the kitchen, but my heroine, Joy Ballard, finds herself doing a job she can’t do for all the right reasons. She’s a cooking show host who can’t cook!
When I started this book, that premise got a good laugh from those who heard it. Then, I’d ask, “But what’s that story about?”
The person would shrug. “I don’t know.”
“Yeah, me neither.”

I had to ask a lot of questions about what a woman hosts a cooking show when she can’t so much as fry eggs. I didn’t want an insincere, lying heroine. She’s not a manipulator or conniver.

Joy simply found herself filling a job she was asked to do – by her father. She was great in front of the camera. Just not behind the stove.

Not long ago, I stood on stage at church with my worship team praying before the service started. Head back, eyes close, I said in my heart, “Lord, help us. You have to help me. I’m so weak in leading worship. I cannot do it without You.”

While I’m a decent singer, and I can lead the people to worship Jesus, I’m not a musician. I’m not one who can skillfully bring the band and the worship sound together. And until I found myself with a “starting over” band, I never realized how gaping this weakness was for me.

A few days later, I was thinking of all the great worship leaders, singers and musicians. Of great writers. And I just felt weak and inadequate in the two main callings of my life.

Again, I went to the Lord. “Why can’t You find a good worship leader for church? Why can’t you help me be a more successful writer? I see people who are good at what they do, succeeding.”

This is what He said to me. “… most people won’t give me their weaknesses.”

I was stopped cold. I understood that a lot of times God invites us on a journey to participate with Him in some aspect of our lives or others, but because we are not good at that thing, or because we are weak with fear or shame or whatever, we say no.

It’s in our weaknesses His strength is manifest. God is not looking for mighty men and women, He’s looking for weak men and women in which HE can show His might.

Don’t misunderstand, God loves excellence, skill and devotion. While leading worship practices, I have to be excellent as I can be to bring the team and songs together.

I’ll never have a recording or national ministry as a worship leader, but for our little church in Florida, I’m God’s girl. For now.

That, in some ways, is Joy’s journey. She said yes to her father’s desire.
Can we say “Yes?” to our Father’s desire for us? Offer Him all of our strengths AND weaknesses? He’s more than willing to overcome.

In my story, Joy’s secret is revealed and takes a pretty good tumble, but love is waiting to catch her. In the form of cowboy chef and hero, Luke Redmond.

Sigh… Love wins.

One of the things Joy discovers along the way is her father’s banana bread recipe. It’s delish!

Here it is:

Charles Ballard’s Banana Bread
From Connie Spangler

1 3/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1t. baking soda
1/2t. salt
1/2t. cinnamon
2 eggs
3 mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup oil (I use canola)
1/4 cup plus 1 T. buttermilk
1t. vanilla
1/2 cup choc. chips
1/2 cup p.butter chips

In a large bowl stir together flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chips. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until it tests done. Cool on a rack 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Tips for baking banana bread:
DON'T over mix the batter, just until moistened. Banana bread is always best if after its cooled to wrap up and serve the next day.

ENJOY!

RACHEL’S BIO
Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and writes books from the second floor of what she calls her “turret tower.” A gift from the Lord. Besides “Dining with Joy,” Rachel has written fourteen other novels. Also out is “Softly and Tenderly” which Rachel wrote with country artist, Sara Evans.

Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com

Blessings!

Two for the price of one!

2011-05-10T16:13:00.003-06:00

Here are the latest pictures of our little kitten. All of the kittens are growing! They're about 6 weeks old now, and we are going to get them in about a week and a half! We're very excited! But we still don't have a name! So please make some suggestions. In an early post I described my giveaway of books, so you can look at that! When we settle on the name, I'll make the drawing.

Our kitten is the little blond one, hiding behind the gray one. My sister is adopting the gray one. We could use some suggestions for that name too! They are both female, or so we hope!

2011-05-09T07:17:00.005-06:00

Welcome, Julie Carobini! She's here to talk about her latest book, FADE TO BLUE! That is a gorgeous cover!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Sure! I write seaside stories filled with faith, flip flops, and waves of grace. My family and I make our home on California’s central coast, and I’ve written five novels plus hundreds of published articles on everything from parenting, to team building in the workplace, to Christian surf dudes on a mission.

2. How did you become interested in writing?

My father wrote magazine articles on the side, including interviews with entertainers such as Fred Astaire and Fred MacMurray. Always loved that! I too became an article writer almost twenty years ago, but I always yearned to create fiction. I wrote two novels that did not sell, but as they say, third time’s a charm, and my debut novel, Chocolate Beach, released in 2007 (re-released with recipes in 2011 as an eBook). By that time, I had a renewed faith in God as well as a redefined focus on the kinds of stories he was leading me to write.

3. What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

Ever since the inception of the Otter Bay Novels with Sweet Waters, I’ve wanted to set a book with the famed Hearst Castle as its backdrop. So much intrigue and mystery about that real castle on the hill and its eccentric, yet astute owner. Of course, novels are more than their location. So after writing the 2nd of these stand-alone novels, A Shore Thing, even I longed to know what happened next for the big-hearted, single mom from that story. Fade to Blue satisfies that curiosity … :)

4.What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

Writing this story was much like holding a seashell, constantly turning it over in my hand. Though they’re often tossed into the sea with nary a glance, seashells are intricately beautiful—even when broken. The more I examined the shattered life of Suz—the heroine of Fade to Blue—the more beauty I found. Only the One who restores our souls can make that happen.

5. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

I hope readers get lost in the story and the beautiful setting, that they revel in God’s creation as much as I did while writing it. I also hope they experience the Good Shepherd’s gentle leading (Psalm 23), and fall in the love with the concepts of forgiveness, sacrifice, and grace—as much as they do the breathtaking locale.

6. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

Although I’ve been compared to some amazing writers—something that humbles me—I also know that God made each one of us uniquely. I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5. One unique aspect of my books is the focus on God’s creation of the sea and everything in it. My characters have loved dolphins, sea lions, otters—even giant, glowing sea anemones. But they take that admiration a step further by drawing closer to the God who made such beauty.

7. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

This story reminds me not to dwell on the past, but to prayerfully, joyfully--and "hope"fully--move forward. Such lessons there! Suz Mitchell made mistakes in her past—so have I—yet healing brokenness and restoring souls is God’s business. Praise him for that!

8. Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

I have more than one favorite, but this one’s been spinning in my mind again lately: Psalm 19:14 NIV, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

9. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

I love to comb the beach, to jog the sand with Charlie the Dog, and take coffee
breaks with my husband -- so adore that man!

10. As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that I hope people reading this are encouraged to follow their heart’s desires with the Good Shepherd as their guide. God took all the lows and highs in my life and created something new with them. Although I’d always wanted to write, I had no inkling that I’d be writing beach-themed novels one day. I just kept praying and writing and seeking until an idea popped into my head. I followed that idea, and now find myself talking about my fifth novel filled with "waves of grace." Be encouraged!

Website: www.juliecarobini.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fade-Blue-Otter-Bay-Novel/dp/0805448748/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_5

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fade-to-Blue/Julie-Carobini/e/9780805448740/?itm=2

CBD.com: http://www.christianbook.com/fade-to-blue-otter-bay/julie-carobini/9780805448740/pd/448743?item_code=WW&netp_id=864211&event=EBRN&view=details

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-05-06T10:57:00.002-06:00

What an honor to have received this award! http://jenniferarcher.blogspot.com/

I will have to work up my list of obscure facts about me as well as formulate my own list of fantabulous bloggers!

Don't forget, I am still running the contest for naming our kitten. We have not chosen a name yet. So please keep the suggestions coming! You can read the post below this one to get the full scoop!

Kitten contest!

2011-05-04T07:58:00.003-06:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks around here as many of you know from the posts on my FB page. For those that don't know, my father-in-law passed away last week. Obviously, it's been very difficult. One thing about my father-in-law is that he LOVED animals. He had a dog and several cats. He had a new cat that he believed was a boy but that 'boy' turned out to be a girl when she delivered 5 kittens on April 1st. When we went up to Kansas City last week for the funeral, we decided to adopt one of the kittens. She is too young to leave her momma yet, so she'll be coming to our house in the next few weeks. The problem is: trying to find her a name! We have four very independent thinkers around here and we cannot seem to agree. At first, we thought we would name her Annie, because my daughter was in the musical last fall. However, not everyone likes that name. So we have come up with: Hula (as in Rock-a-hula baby because we love all things Hawaiian!), Beatrix (as in Beatrix Potter), and Harper (for Harper Lee). Alas, we have not yet agreed. So I'm appealing to you for help!

Here's the contest, offer as many suggestions as you would like. If we choose the name that you have suggested, I will give you a set of my books: Elvis Takes a Back Seat, Lookin' Back, Texas, Ruby's Slippers, Once in a Blue Moon and Facelift. If we do not choose a name that is suggested here, then I will still giveaway 5 books, one to each that I draw from those who offered suggestions here.

In the above picture, the kitten we will be bringing home is the one on the left. So go ahead: make a kitty name suggestion!

Sap rises and falls

2011-04-25T07:36:00.004-06:00

It's been an interesting week or so. My father in law had a heart attack a week ago and was scheduled for bypass surgery last week. My husband went to Kansas City to spend time with his dad before the surgery but then there were complications. Finally, after a long week in ICU, they are heading to surgery today. And we are praying.

All of these events have brought to mind several Easters past. What is it about this time of year? My mom has always said 'Old folks die when the sap rises and falls." That means spring and autumn. My grandfather died in April. A friend's father died in April. And yet, a dear friend who was not old at all died Easter weekend. And my own father's funeral was on Good Friday just two years ago. So instead of Easter bunnies and Easter eggs, I tend to think of funeral flowers and losing loved ones at this time of year. Makes me feel a little like Bryn, my character in Once in a Blue Moon.

This week, of course, we were very concerned that we would lose my husband's father. And I ultimately don't know what God's plan is and how the rest of this week will turn out. Quintuple bypass surgery is difficult and the recovery is not easy, so we are praying for Glenn. Surprisingly or maybe not surprisingly at all, I find peace in Easter. Because it doesn't all end here. I don't have to grieve for those who have gone on and who knew Jesus as their savior. Because in Jesus, who died for our sins and was resurrected, we find victory over all the grief and sorrow. In Jesus, we find life. In Jesus, we find resurrection. Because HE is the way, the truth and the life. Because He is the resurrection and the life. Because he holds the keys to heaven. He is the door through which we must go to receive eternal life. And for that, I am grateful. No matter if it's April or some other time of year, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves, whether the sap is rising or falling or somewhere in between, Easter holds the answer: the cross is the key. Through the cross, through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, we can find hope.

The Story Jar

2011-04-05T10:25:00.008-06:00

In time for Mother's Day giving...

THE STORY JAR
by Robin Lee Hatcher and Deborah Bedford

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A lovely novel of three women, their stories threaded together through the concept of

The Story Jar…

The jar itself is most unusual —not utilized in the ordinary way for canning or storing food, but as a collection point for memories. Some mementos in the jar: —hair ribbons, a ring, a medallion--are sorrowful, others tender, some bittersweet. But all those memories eventually bring their owners to a place of hope and redemption in spite of circumstances that seemingly have no solution.

Fresh, insightful, yet courageous in the face of difficult life issues, this collaboration by two talented writers first profiles a pastor’s wife with two young daughters who faces cancer just as her own mother did before her; and then a remarried mother working through a difficult relationship with a rebellious runaway daughter. The third woman, alone with two teenaged boys who no longer pay much attention to her and seem headed for trouble, discovers the long-lost “story jar” and its significance. She comes to realize she can bring her own sorrows and frustrations to the feet of the Good Shepherd, the Great Physician, the Healer of the brokenhearted. She too will have memories for her own story jar.

"…It captures with surprising sensitivity …communion with God, and some excruciatingly exquisite moments of parental love.…” Publishers Weekly

Included in the book are heart-warming tributes on motherhood from novelists such as Jerry Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Karen Ball, and Debbie Macomber.

************************

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She makes her home in Idaho where she enjoys spending time with her family, her high-maintenance Papillon, Poppet, and Princess Pinky, the kitten who currently terrorizes the household.

When Deborah Bedford isn't writing, she spends her time fly-fishing, cheering at American Legion baseball games, shopping with her daughter, singing praise songs while she walks along the banks of Flat Creek, and taking her dachshund Annie for hikes in the Tetons where they live.

********************

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY JAR
by Robin Lee Hatcher

In September 1998, I received a story jar as a thank you gift after speaking at a writers’ conference in Nebraska. The small mason jar, the lid covered with a pretty handkerchief, was filled with many odds and ends – a Gerber baby spoon, an empty thread spindle, a colorful pen, several buttons, a tiny American flag, an earring, and more.

The idea behind this gift was a simple one. When a writer can’t think of anything to write, she stares at one of the objects in the jar and lets her imagination play. Who did that belong to? How hold was he? What sort of person was he? What does the object represent in his life?

Writers love to play the “what if” game. It’s how most stories come into being. Something piques their interest, they start asking questions, and a book is born.

A week after receiving my story jar, I attended a retreat with several writer friends of mine, Deborah Bedford included. On the flight home, I told Deborah about the jar. The next thing you know (after all, what better thing is there for writers to do on a plane than play “what if”?), we began brainstorming what would ultimately become The Story Jar. We decided very quickly that we wanted this to be a book that celebrates motherhood, that encourages mothers, that recognizes how much they should be loved and honored.

The Story Jar was first published by Multnomah in 2000, but eventually went out of print. Thus Deborah and I are delighted that Hendrickson wanted to bring it out in a new, revised version because we believe these stories can inspire others, just as it did this reader back in 2001:

"I am an avid book reader and have read thousands of books ––maybe more–– since the age of 5. I can honestly say that [The Story Jar] has touched me more than any other I have read. I cried, I laughed, and I relearned things that I had forgotten long ago as well as realizing things I never knew. Thank you for sharing your stories with your readers. They are truly inspiring. I plan on giving it to all the ‘mothers’ in my life for Mother's Day."

You don’t have to be a writer to want a story jar. It can be a family’s way of preserving memories. Consider having a family get-together where everybody brings an item to go into the jar, and as it drops in, they tell what it means to them, what it symbolizes. We can learn something new about our loved ones when we hear their memories in their own words. Or do what my church did a number of years ago to create a memory for a retiring pastor. Inspired by The Story Jar, members of the congregation brought items to the retirement dinner to put into a story jar or they simply wrote their memories on a piece of paper to go into the jar. It was our way of saying thanks to a man and wife for all of the years they’d given in God’s service.

A story jar can be a tool for remembering all the wonderful things God has done in our own lives. As Mrs. Halley said, not all of God’s miracles are in the Bible. He is still performing them today in countless ways, changing lives, healing hearts.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin Lee Hatcher

The Story Jar on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1598566652/novelistrobinlee

The Story Jar on ChristianBook:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1138486&item_no=566659

Robin Lee Hatcher
http://www.robinleehatcher.com

Deborah Bedford
http://www.deborahbedfordbooks.com/

Tower Bridge and Cheese

2011-04-03T09:30:00.004-06:00

The day we went to the Tower of London, we took a little side trip to follow one of our favorite travel guides, Samantha Brown, and find the ultimate cheese sandwich in Burrough Market. It wasn't far from the Tower and we found it fairly easily. Noon, the popular local market was very crowded, and we had to que up for a sandwich, which is made with sourdough bread, leeks and onions. We had mixed reviews. My son and I really enjoyed the sandwich, which was VERY rich, but my husband and daughter didn't so much. However, daughter doesn't even like cheese so that was no surprise. We sat on the curb and enjoyed our sandwiches while a street performer played a song about Jesus.

After our quick lunch, my daughter kept seeing signs for The London Dungeon. She wanted to go so badly, so we did. Well, again, mixed reviews. My husband got claustrophobic in the mirror maze. It was crowded and dark. None of us particularly like to be scared. Still, my daughter enjoyed it.

From there, with lots of views of Tower Bridge, we made our way to the London Eye. I'll post pictures about that excursion tomorrow!

The Tower!

2011-03-29T19:32:00.005-06:00

Cue the music! Can you hear the bugles heralding your arrival? Welcome to the Tower of London.

This was our first stop in London on our first full day, because you simply have to visit this castle. So much history here! So much intrigue! It was at first a cloudy day but then the sun came out. We had a wonderful beefeater, who explained what a sought after position he held. Apparently, beefeaters must have served honorably in the armed forces, and this beefeater served in Afghanistan. He had quite a sense of humor and really enjoyed relating the procedure of drawing and quartering. So pleasant.

We visited the chapel where pictures aren't allowed to be taken, and hats must be removed. In this location, they discovered 1500 bodies buried beneath the floor. Only nine were identified through journals and writings. One was Anne Boleyn, because her head was placed beneath her left arm and she was wearing a green dress. Lovely.

You can see here a picture of The Tower Green where many a maiden (and Lord) lost their heads. Do you think Anne Boleyn regretted marrying Henry? The building at the back was built in her honor but it wasn't finished until after her death, so it was renamed and given to the caretaker of the Tower.

And here's a picture of King Henry VIII's armor. Go ahead and giggle. We did.

My mind was racing the whole time we were here. So many stories to tell about this place. It really feeds the imagination. If you get a chance to go to London, you simply have to go to the Tower. The views are amazing, but the history within these walls is the main draw.

Peter Pan

2011-03-28T15:52:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite stories is Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie, and so our first day in London we headed to Hyde Park where there is a statue of this wonderful character. It was quite cold that day, and we had to wear jackets to ward off the cold wind. It even decided to spit rain on us, but we were not deterred in the least.

By the way, a little added piece, a friend on FB gave me this link today about replicas of this statue around the world! Think we should go on a scavenger hunt for Peter Pan? Check this out: http://www.publicartaroundtheworld.com/Peter_Pan_Statue.html

I'm back!

2011-03-28T08:02:00.003-06:00

We had a fabulous time in London, where we not only saw so many things in and around London, like the Imperial War Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tower of London, Victoria and Albert Museum, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's where we took part in the Eucharist on St. Patrick's Day, Les Miserables and Billy Elliot, National History Museum, British Museum where we saw the rosetta stone, and British Library where we saw the Magna Carta, but also we traveled to Oxford and Stonehenge and Edinburgh. It was a fabulous trip. My favorite things were: seeing Les Mis again, this time with one of my favorite performers: Simon Bowman, who was fabulous as Jean Valjean, going to Stonehenge where we missed all the crowds, and seeing the British Library and Jane Austen's writing desk. We came back last Monday and I was sick. I had gotten sick with a cold or virus or some such and it turned into pneumonia. So I've spent the last week trying to recover, taking care of my son who also got the crud, and also working on line edits for Forsaken. Today, I get back to work on Forbidden, book #2 of the Plain Fear Series. I'm very excited about this book and getting really excited about the launch of book #1, Forsaken, which comes out in August.

Here's a picture of hubby and me in London. We could hear Big Ben chiming 6 o'clock.

Cheerio!

2011-03-08T08:53:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow I'll be taking the giant leap over the 'pond' to England. This will be my third trip but my children's first. The first time I went was way back in 1992. What a grand time that was. Not only did I see so many things that London has to offer but I also was able to do one of my all time favorite things, which is going to musicals. The second time I went to England was on my honeymoon. My husband had gone to school for a semester in college and loved England as much as I did. We drove from England up to Scotland and back. What an adventure! This time, we'll be showing the sights to our children, who are very excited to be going to England. It has always been one of our dreams to be able to take the children abroad as part of their education to show them where so much of that history they've been learning took place, to visit other cultures, to learn how others live. When I get back, I'll share pictures of our adventures here and on my Facebook page. Don't worry about the Hilo Monster while we're gone. We have a very special guest coming to stay with her, who will care for all of our pets and keep Hilo under control. Or so we hope!

Cheerio!

Unforgettable Author Trish Perry

2011-03-07T09:43:00.002-06:00

A little about Unforgettable:

Rachel Stanhope tries to see the good in everyone. But even her good graces are challenged when she meets Josh Reegan outside her Arlington, Virginia dance studio on a brisk fall morning in 1951. Admittedly, he’s attractive, but she finds his cynicism and cockiness hard to tolerate.

A hard-news journalist and former World War II Air Force pilot, Josh considers distractions like ballroom dancing frivolous wastes of time. He has yet to shed his wartime drive to defend good against evil whenever he can. Yes, Rachel’s confident nature is a refreshing challenge, but he wouldn’t tangle with her if his newspaper hadn’t roped him into covering one of her studio’s competitions in New York City.

Between Arlington and New York, between the melodrama of ballroom antics and the real drama of political corruption, between family involvement and romantic entanglement, Rachel and Josh have their hands full. The last thing either of them expects is mutual need and support. But once they stop dancing around the truth, the results are unforgettable.

A little about Trish:

Award-winning novelist Trish Perry has written eight inspirational romances for Harvest House Publishers, Summerside Press, and Barbour Publishing, as well as two devotionals for Summerside Press. She has served as a columnist and as a newsletter editor over the years, as well as a 1980s stockbroker and a board member of the Capital Christian Writers organization in Washington, D.C. She holds a degree in Psychology.

Trish’s latest novel, Unforgettable, releases in March, and Tea for Two releases in April. She invites you to visit her at www.TrishPerry.com

Happy Birthday, Miracle!

2011-03-04T11:08:00.004-06:00

Eight years ago, we rescued a sweet, chocolate and white cat. She had been hit by a car and was lying in the middle of the highway. We tried to find her a home because both my husband and I are allergic to cats, but because one of her legs was badly injured we couldn't find her a home. While she was at the vet, she had a kitten. It was ten days early and did not survive. The vet hoped she would be able to hold onto her other kittens for a few more days. But that night, she gave birth to two more kittens, which I had to deliver by hand. They were so small. They had no hair and couldn't keep their own body warmth. We were so scared they wouldn't make it. Momma cat had suffered a concussion as well as a leg injury and did not do the things Momma cats are supposed to do. She had no milk to offer, so we had to feed them by droppers. I remember my then three year old daughter praying for those tiny kittens. One only survived three days. But the other thrived. And she is still with us today. The momma cat lived with us for five years until she passed away. She was the sweetest cat ever. We named her Hershey because she looked like she had a smudge of chocolate on her upper lip. The baby kitten that survived we named Miracle, because it was a miracle that she survived and also that my husband and I aren't allergic to her. Today we celebrate her birthday, the amazing story of her birth that we had the privilege to be a part of, and the joy that she brings to our lives. Thank you God for giving us the opportunity to love her.

Prayers

2011-03-03T07:43:00.003-06:00

Do you believe in the power of prayer? I certainly do. Prayers can really carry you through difficult times, especially when you can't seem to pray for yourself and others are lifting you up. God does answer prayers, not always the way we want, but He listens, He hears, and He is moved. Sometimes we think there are certain things we shouldn't say to God, but honestly God already knows. He simply wants us to share with him how we're feeling. It's okay if you're angry. He gets angry too. The amazing thing about prayer is that laying our burdens at His feet can really give us a peace that cannot be explained any other way.

A few years ago, my husband and I had been praying about his job. He was very unhappy at work. It was a toxic environment. We'd also been praying for our little dog Muffet, because she was getting very old. She was blind and deaf. We knew her time was short. Frankly, I was worried that I'd have to make a decision about her life, and I really didn't want to do that. But even more than that, my kids were fairly young and I didn't know how I would explain that to them. Death is hard enough but telling your five year old you had to put your beloved pet to sleep permanently just seemed like a huge mountain. At the same time, I was praying for my book Elvis Takes a Back Seat because it was at a publisher's being reviewed for possible publication. Well, two weeks before Christmas, we received an avalanche of answered prayer. My husband was laid off work, and he came home early and found that our sweet dog had died in her sleep, and sitting in the mailbox was a rejection of my book. WHAM! All in one day. Talk about painful. It really was. But every one of those was answered prayer. I won't lie and say it wasn't scary when my husband was out of work, but his eventual consulting led to new opportunities that have been such a blessing. I don't think he ever would have pursued that if he hadn't been forced to. My sweet Muffet passed away peacefully, and even though we missed her so much it helped knowing I didn't have to make that awful decision or attempt to explain it to my kids. Also, that rejection helped God lead me to the inspirational market. It was a journey I never would have anticipated.

Prayer, I've learned, is also more listening than us blathering on about our problems. Over the past few years, I've lost a few people in my life and it has been a painful parting. It's been amazing to me how God has whispered in my spirit words of comfort and peace, and I have clung to those words and His hand during those times.

It's also a great privilege to be able to pray for others and lift them up in prayer when they are burdened. So I would encourage you if you haven't prayed lately, go ahead and give it a go. If you need prayer, don't hesitate to ask someone to pray for you. You will bless them with that opportunity and you also will be blessed. If you are a prayer warrior, I ask that you lift fellow writer, Diann Hunt up as she is again battling cancer.

Dorothy Love

2011-03-01T21:13:00.008-06:00

Way back in 1991, I went to my very first writing class. A woman sat next to me, and we introduced ourselves. She had been a principal and teacher; I had been a teacher. We'd both 'retired' and decided to write books. And that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We took two classes together and not long after that my friend moved far, far away. Back in those days, long before the internet or email or even Facebook, we wrote each other letters and once in a while we'd treat ourselves to a long phone call. We cheered for each other when we'd get our word count written for the day or a manuscript requested from an editor or we'd commiserate if something didn't go well and we received a rejection. I still remember when Dorothy called to tell me her first book had sold! Back then, she wrote children's chapter books. When I sold my first book, she was the first person I called. And so it's been down through the years as we've celebrated books and babies and puppies, and cried together over the loss of our fathers and dogs and experienced painful trials. Friends. Twenty years of friendship. It is a sweet and precious gift.

For many years, Dorothy has been an award-winning author of children's chapter books and young adult novels. But finally last year, she decided to write a historical novel for the adult market and Thomas Nelson bought the trilogy. The first book is coming out soon and the buzz is building. I cannot wait to read it! She's already garnered some amazing endorsements. So today I'm delighted to introduce you to my dear friend, Dorothy Love, who is launching her new website this week. I hope you will go take a look and also participate in her contest. You will definitely want to check that out!

www.dorothylovebooks.com

By the way, the pictures above are of Dorothy's beautiful cover, Dorothy and me at ACFW this past September (the first time in 20 years that we were actually at the same writer's conference!), and Dorothy getting a big, slobbery kiss from the Hilo Monster! I just have to say that Dorothy knows how to handle a big dog as she has 2 beautiful Golden Retrievers. When she came to my house this past September, she taught Hilo (and me and the kids) a few tricks on how to train a dog. I'm thinking Hilo should go visit Dorothy for a few more training sessions.

Gargantuan Contest

2011-03-01T11:08:00.002-06:00

My friend Jennifer Archer has a new book coming out: Through Her Eyes. It's her first young adult novel. I've already got my book pre-ordered! Jennifer is an amazing author. I first met her in 1995 when we were both up for Golden Heart Awards and we sat next to each other during the award ceremony in Hawaii. She's a terrific writer, and I am always eager for a new Jennifer Archer book to read! So as you go pre-order your book, check out her new contest, which has some exciting prizes! http://www.jenniferarcher.net/news_events.html

Where in the world is Leanna Ellis?

2011-02-28T15:55:00.004-06:00

Writer and friend Candace Calvert once upon a time was a nurse and she has implemented something new on her blog: asking authors to cover her shift. So, Candace asked me to blog for her today. Here's the link: http://candacecalvert.blogspot.com/2011/02/author-leanna-ellis-cover-my-shift-2.html

Hope you'll check it out!

And in case you're wondering where I've been…well, after I turned in my book last December I decided to take a much needed break. But the holidays weren't quite as relaxing as I had hoped. The week before Christmas, my uncle died, and the week after my dog Belle died. So my break extended into January…and I'm embarrassed to say February too! I have been writing and working on revisions for FORSAKEN as well as working up a couple of proposals, and I am slowly getting back in the groove. So I hope to be blogging a bit more regularly.

Blessings,

Leanna

Happy Thanksgiving Blessings!

2010-11-23T10:22:00.004-06:00

There are so many blessings to be grateful for and two have really kept me busy lately. One, my daughter has been starring in Annie as Annie. It's been a wonderful experience, chock full of learning, and we've met so many wonderful new friends at the theater. Starting in September, when she got the part, which was totally unexpected since it was only her 2nd audition and we were just hoping for a callback, she began rehearsals that were every week night and most of Saturdays. And now we've been in 3 weeks of performances and have four more to go. She performs three times a week. I can't say enough wonderful things about the folks she has met! Two, my book Forsaken, is due Dec. 1st, so I've been very busy working on it and am polishing it like crazy this week before I turn it in. And so, I hope that explains a little why I haven't been here much. I will try to blog more in the coming year leading up to the launch of my Amish/vampire book in August 2011. However, I am looking forward to just enjoying the holidays with my family throughout the month of December and reading book after book after book.

Blessings to you all,

Leanna

FORSAKEN's Cover!!!

2010-11-02T09:55:00.003-06:00

FORSAKEN

Hannah Schmidt, a young Amish woman mourning the mysterious death of her beloved Jacob, now a vampire, must choose between two brothers, between good and evil, between a lasting love and the damnation of her soul.

A Prairie Christmas

2010-11-01T06:27:00.001-06:00

A Prairie Christmas Collection

from Barbour Books

by Tracie Peterson, Deborah Raney, Tracey Bateman

and other favorite Christian authors

Settling the vast open prairies, weathering winter storms, and finding joy to celebrate during Christmas epitomizes the pioneer experience. In a unique collection of nine Christmas romances, Barbour Publishing brings readers A Prairie Christmas Collection where they can relive a prairie Christmas with all its challenge and delights as penned by multi-published authors, including Tracie Peterson and Deborah Raney. Featuring deckled-edge pages and a foil-stamped cover with fold-under flaps, the collection makes an ideal gift for the romance reader.

In this holiday romance collection, the warmth of Christmas will radiate new love from the high plains of Minnesota and Dakota Territory, across the rolling hills of Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, and down into the flats of Kansas. Filled with inspiration and faith, each story will become a treasure to be enjoyed again each year. Along with Peterson and Raney, other contributing authors include Tracey Bateman, Pamela Griffin, JoAnn A. Grote, Maryn Langer, Darlene Mindrup, Janet Spaeth and Jill Stengl.

For more information see Deborah Raney's website at www.deborahraney.com.

Available in bookstores everywhere, or order online at CBD.com, amazon.com or other bookstores online.

Legacy of Lies

2010-10-28T16:09:00.003-06:00

Secrets Buried Deep!Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother’s back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole’s grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she’s willing to accept Rich’s help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.

WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR ABOUT LEGACY OF LIES:
I'’ve always been fascinated by social dynamics in a small
town. Having lived in rural communities all my life, I’m intimately familiar
with the unique politics involved. Crafting a story about the shadow cast over
a town by its founding family came readily to me. I was particularly interested
to explore the affect past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community
and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God.
We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves
to be.

The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37:10-11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A
little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they
will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the
world.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373444087/jillelizabeth-20

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of
adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless
Adventure, Timeless Truth. She was
delightfully astonished this year to receive the prestigious Carol Award in the
Short Contemporary Suspense category for her 2009 release, Evidence of Murder. Jill speaks regularly at conferences,
writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When
teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to
her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in
rural Minnesota where they raised
four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild. Visit Jill on
the web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for book giveaways, excerpts, and information.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO HER WEB SITE!

Linda Lou's Book Trailer Reviews

2010-10-25T08:33:00.002-06:00

If you haven't read Linda Lou's blog, you are really missing out! Check it out! She's reviewing FACELIFT's book trailer today.

http://booktrailerpark.blogspot.com/2010/10/linda-lou-re-vus-facelift-by-leanna.html

Secretariat

2010-10-18T07:06:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the movie? If not, run to the closest theater, grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy this family friendly film! We took the kids to see it Friday night and it was sensational. When was the last time an audience applauded at the end of a movie?

Before we went to see the movie, several friends and family had recommended it to us. But I had also read a review of the film. Now the review I read is a very conservative reviewer, Christian, and the critique is often a bit over the top. But that way, I know exactly what I'm taking my kids to see. This reviewer only had one bad thing to say about the movie: that the mom (Diane Lane) abandoned her family for this dream of racing this great horse.

Now, I am not applauding anyone who abandons their family, but Diane Lane doesn't do that. She is trying to save her father's farm, and the best way to do so is with this wonderful horse. She's creative in her approach and breaks through a glass ceiling for women. But what I kept thinking throughout the movie was why didn't that reviewer criticize the husband for not supporting his wife. All he did was complain and make it more difficult when she had to be away. Not until Secretariat won is 2nd BIG race, leading up to the Triple Crown win, did the husband jump on board the support train.

I'm sure my perspective is skewed because of my own pursuits of writing. Thankfully, I have an incredible husband who has always supported and encouraged me in my writing, whether it's taking a class or buying a computer or going off to a writer's conference. These men who are encouraging of their wives should be applauded! Three cheers for those wonderful husbands!!! Because they are out there! I bet there are a lot more out there like my husband than the do-do in the movie Secretariat. Because even he finally admits that his wife taught their kids a valuable lesson that wouldn't have been learned otherwise. Maybe that reviewer needs to learn that lesson too!

Sandra Byrd's London Confidential Series

2010-10-11T08:14:00.002-06:00

London Confidential Series

Byrd's ability to provide a fun story that incorporates biblical truth will help teens relate to this new series. Readers will identify with the struggle to fit in while staying true to one's convictions.
Romantic Times, 4 star review

Book Three, Don't Kiss Him Goodbye, finds Savvy, now established in her quirky British village, working hard to get an article with her own byline published. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!

In a shocking turn of events, all writers for the Wexburg Academy Times will cast their votes for next year's editor—and it looks like Savvy's vote will be the tie breaker! In Book Four, Flirting With Disaster, Savvy must choose between a nasty-girl-turned-nice, with a sudden interest in letting Savvy get what she wants, and the prickly Hazelle, who promises nothing at all. Savvy then finds herself wrapped up in a new, seemingly innocent but potentially dangerous activity. It's all at risk in this book: her position on the paper, the boy she likes, the ministry she wants to go well. At a critical moment, Savvy must figure out how to rely on God rather than luck and to overcome temptation before it is too late.

London Confidential is a new series for tweens and teens where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

Please visit Sandra online at http://www.sandrabyrd.com/ The books can be purchased at amazon.com through her website or at other fine online or local bookstores near you. If they're not stocked, just ask!

Sarah Sundin and Daisy!

2010-10-04T07:40:00.004-06:00

Le: Last spring at the Mt. Hermon writers conference, I met this wonderful author. So please welcome Sarah Sundin and Daisy! Hi, Sarah! Thanks for coming here today! We’re talking about our beloved pets today. So, what is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

SS: Cats are my favorite. We had six cats for several years when I was a girl, which I don’t recommend, but I just love them. They’re beautiful and graceful, but I also love it when they lose their balance and put on an “I meant to do that” face.

Le: Oh, I love cats too. How many pets do you have today?

SS: We have a skittish little cat named Janie. And then there’s Daisy, the yellow lab.

Le: Oh, I have a yellow/white lab, who I adore. She is the best dog ever. Have you ever rescued an animal?

SS: My husband and I took in a stray cat when we were newlyweds—more accurately, the cat took us in. He chose us. He was a wonderful little cat.

Le: Ah, don’t you love how they do that? Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

SS: There’s a cow with a small speaking part in A Distant Melody, a donkey with attitude in A Memory Between Us, and a couple of cats on the sidelines in Blue Skies Tomorrow. A dog character is developing in my mind for the next series I’m working on.

Le: What was your favorite character animal?

SS: Sahara Sue, the donkey in A Memory Between Us. Jack’s bomb group in World War II flies a mission to Tunisia and one of his colleagues barters for a donkey. This was based on a real incident in the real bomb group I chose. I thought it was so funny that I had to adapt it for my novel.

Le: Ah, that’s great! Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

SS: Our dog Daisy is giving me ideas for the character in the next series I’m working on. In the meantime, Daisy has been the inspiration for numerous blog articles and Facebook posts. I get the most comments on Facebook when I mention something Daisy ate.

Le: LOL! That’s what happens when I mention something that The Hilo Monster has done. And she’s always doing something. What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

SS: I’ve enclosed the picture because words alone don’t do it justice. When we brought Janie home from being spayed, she was pretty loopy on drugs. I looked into the living room and found her on the couch like this. What you can’t see is that she was licking the inside of her Elizabethan collar. The kids and I laughed ourselves silly.

Le: It is hilarious! Poor kitty! Cats so want to be dignified, which is what makes that picture so wonderful! Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

SS: My kids know I talk to myself, but our dog Daisy knows the full extent of it. Daisy’s heard me ask my characters probing questions (“Why, why are you doing that?”), grumble about my writing (“You call that a sentence? Yeah, that’s what happens when a pharmacist tries to write books.”), and talk smack to the computer for being a computer.

Le: That’s funny! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

SS: Daisy is a two-year-old yellow lab. Her pet peeve about me is that I don’t play with her twenty-four hours a day.

Le: So inconsiderate of you, Sarah! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

SS: That she wants to play twenty-four hours a day. I don’t. I want to write. So she does the negative-attention thing. She runs off with random household items (wooden spoons, eyeglasses, retainers, etc.) so I have to chase her to rescue them. Doesn’t that sound fun? Daisy thinks it’s a blast!

Le: We should get Daisy and The Hilo Monster together. Hilo does the same thing. She’s a master at grabbing eye glasses. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Daisy a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Daisy! You are so cute! Thanks for coming to play today. Since Sarah is a writer, maybe you have some writing in you. What would be the title of your autobiography?

D: Eat, Play, Belly Rub.

Le: Very clever! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

D: She’d be the evil prison warden who doesn’t let me out of my cell to play in sunshine.

Le: Ah, poor Sarah. What’s your favorite movie?

D: Marley & Me. Marley’s my hero. I aspire to be like him. The scene where he stole the woman’s necklace—pure genius. And I think he’s really hot.

Le: Oh, I love that movie too! I can’t let our labradoodle see it because she might get some more ideas. She already rivals Marley. What musical instrument would you like to play?

D: The clarinet. It’s made of wood and you stick it in your mouth. Wood is very tasty.

Le: Brilliant! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

D: Cats are also very tasty. Not that my kitty will let me catch her. I don’t know why. I just want a little taste, but no! She scratches my lovely pink nose and hisses at me! Can you imagine?

D: Dogs—oh, I can’t get enough of them. I have a BFF named Violet a few blocks down. She’s a boxer and she’s soooo much fun. Mom says when we play it’s the Waltz of the Flowers. Mom thinks she’s so clever. Ha.

Le: LOL! Where do you sleep at night?

D: On my big cozy pillow on Mom’s side of the bed so I can trip her if she gets up in the middle of the night (oodles of fun), and wake her up with a big sloppy kiss. She loves that. She says so every morning. At least that’s what I think “Uggh. Go away, you dumb mutt” means.

Le: I’m sure you’re right about that! Maybe you should lick her again when she says it. I think that’s what she wants. What do you do when your friend is writing?

D: My purpose in life—and I take it seriously—is to keep Mom from that silver box thingy. All she wants to do is sit and tap her fingers on it all day. Boring! So I liberate her pens (very tasty) and make her get up and exercise. A round of chase-the-dog-around-the-house is good for her circulation. Why does she need those glass thingies she puts on her eyes anyway? They’re tasty. They’re meant to be eaten.

Le: Hilo agrees with you. She’s eaten ten pairs of those glass things. It’s so sweet of you to care for Sarah that way by getting her to exercise. What is your idea of bliss?

D: A long round of chase-the-laser-pointer. You don’t know fun until you watch that little red light. Then a swim. Then a long belly rub. And jerky treats. I like jerky treats. They’re tasty.

Le: The laser is fun, isn’t it? What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

D: Sitting in front of that silver box thingy! She’s crazy! And never once has she eaten a wooden spoon. Can you believe that?

Le: She doesn’t know what she’s missing! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

FACELIFT Lift Off

2010-10-02T06:18:00.004-06:00

Facelift has now officially released! It's available everywhere. If your local book store does not have it in stock, please request it! If you haven't downloaded the first chapter, please do so. It's on my website: www.leannaellis.com

Buns and Roses Tea

2010-09-28T07:16:00.002-06:00

The annual Buns and Roses Tea, which raises money for literacy, and gathers readers and authors together is fast approaching. It's October 10th from 2-5pm. You don't want to miss this fun experience where there are lots of gifts and prizes awarded, including stays in Scotland or Hawaii! Sign me up for those! Hey, it's to help literacy, right?

Anyhoo, check it out here and get your tickets now!

To purchase Tickets: Go to http://www.bunsandroses.org

Elvis Takes a Back Seat

2010-09-21T17:00:00.003-06:00

Spread the news! Elvis is in the house! Actually on the Kindle! And for FREE! Yep, until Oct. 8th, it will be FREE on the Kindle. Elvis Takes a Back Seat is my first women's fiction title! I adore this book and hope you will too. So rush over to Amazon.com and download it. Quick, while it's FREE!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/154606011

If you don't have a Kindle, don't worry. There are applications for FREE to help you download on your PC, iPad, Mac, iPhone. Check these out:

Kindle free application for your Windows PC:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000426311&tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=6386153591&ref=pd_sl_c0q9u5y7v_b

Kindle free application for your Mac:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_mac_mkt_lnd?docId=1000464931

Kindle free app for your iPad:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000490441&tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=5505446007&ref=pd_sl_88rlub1lit_b

Kindle free app for your iPhone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_iphone_mkt_lnd?docId=1000301301

So with a few clicks, you can easily download Elvis Takes a Back Seat for free! But you have to hurry! It's only available for free until Oct. 1st.

Charlene Ann Baumbich and Kornflake

2010-09-15T19:10:00.003-06:00

Le: Hey, y'all! Please welcome Charlene Ann Baumbich today, author of Divine Appointments, and her adorable dog, Kornflake! Hi, Charlene! Thanks for stopping by today! Let’s just jump right in, okay? What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

CAB: My favorite kind of pet is a waggin’ tailed, cuddle right up, licking your face, enthusiastic dog. Medium to large, although I’ve met many a tiny fascinating dog too. It’s hard to beat that swishing tail, an outward sign that all is well with the dog’s love for his friend, and anyone else he or she wants to bless.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

CAB: One pet: my dog Kornflake. However, in my past pet parade, horses, goats, gerbils, parakeets, a catfish, and hermit crabs have entertained me, as well as wondered about me. ;>).

Le: Ah, I have my own pet parade too. Love it! Have you ever rescued an animal?

CAB: Yep. We adopted Kornflake (considered a rescue in my book) from the Winona Area Humane Society in Winona MN. They thought he was about 18 months old. Bone skinny, stinky, ear infection … Now, he is silken and healthy and so grateful for every little thing.

In my youth, I once rescued a fish from a creek bed that was almost dried up. And I found a distressed baby rabbit. In the end, the rabbit did not fare so well, but I tried.

Le: Sometimes that’s all you can do. Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

CAB: Absolutely. Dogs and cats, mostly. And mostly dogs. ☺

Le: What was your favorite character animal?

CAB: Kornflake, the big red dog who appeared in the Dearest Dorothy series. Funny how he “just happened” to arrive in Partonville, not long after Kornflake (named by the volunteers at the humane society) arrived in my home.

Le: Funny how that works, huh? Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

CAB: Yep. I think I pretty much covered that base. But just for the record, Kornflake actually typed a line (no kidding!) in my nonfiction book, Don’t Miss Your Life! Pretty funny story, told in its full glory in the book. I was so happy the editors decided to leave it in!

Le: Terrific! What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

CAB: Kornflake bonded with the neighbor’s cows, as in they did, and continue to, surround him, lick him, and treat him like a calf! Of course he had to initiate the contact by slipping under the fence and carefully sauntering among them.

When we first got Kornflake, I worked hard to have him pay no attention to the cows, as his early instinct was to chase them if they moved. So, I took to making him settle down (training) outside the fence, not far from the cows, until he paid no more attention to them—or so I thought. Since cows are very nosey, they loved it when he was near. Something new to stare at while they chewed. Then one day when he was off leash, he just scooted under that lowest wire, believing, I guess, he’d “become one with them” rather than having learned to ignore them. And so, it was. They belong to each other—which isn’t that fun when they’re all standing in piles of cow pies. Thus, I try very hard to discourage their ongoing “oneness.”

Le: My dogs like to bark at cows. But one of mine has taken a roll in a cow pattie. So pleasant. Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

CAB: I’m sure there are many. There is something about the way Kornflake smiles and cocks his head ….

Le: What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

CAB: Accidentally rolling over his tail with my office chair as he cuddles near my feet while I write. He also doesn’t like it when I yell at my computer, which I’ve been known to do.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

CAB: How he goes deaf when he puts his nose to the ground and takes off chasing a scent, or acts like he LIKES standing in cow pies.

Le: Thank you so much, Charlene, for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Kornflake a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺ Hey, there, Kornflake! Thanks for coming by. What would be the title of your autobiography?

K: I’d like to think it would be My Peculiar and Happy Life With An Author, but I dunno. There is perhaps a better title, one that encompasses my life before her. Some things are difficult to think about … [I stop here, stare into space, doze off for twenty minutes during which I have a bad dream, one that causes me much whining and thrashing.]

[I awaken, yawn, stretch, sit and look out the window.] I’d love to tell the story about how and why I got to the place where I needed adopting, although I’m sure it would induce tears. My previous owner loved me, taught me commands, how not to pee in the house … and then one day—and this in-between part is what I’ve never told my owner, the one that would no doubt make her cry—there I was, all alone, out in the country, starving. I was on my own a long while, and oh, the adventures and loneliness. The heartache. But then, a kind gentleman discovered me (I was rolled up in such a tight ball, he thought I was a fawn!) and turned me in to the Winona Area Humane Society. Then came The Author, who loved everything about me, including all the good stuff my previous owner taught me, which, thankfully, I didn’t forget while I was out fending for myself.

So, autobiography title? It could be complicated if I started from the beginning. Maybe The Lifetime Adventures of a Big Red Dog.

Le: Ah, I love rescue stories. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

K: Where to begin with that question! Some days, I think she’d be a great bleeding-heart protagonist. Others, I’d write her as the bad witch in the Wizard of Oz. She can really YELL! But she gets over it quickly, so … I’m sure she would inspire something. Likely a series, since there is no end to how fascinating she is.

Le: That’s funny. What’s your favorite movie?

K: Anything starring the Chipmunks. I like to chase their cute little rascally backsides!

Le: What musical instrument would you like to play?

K: Banjo. My friend tells me I look to her like happy banjo music.

Le: That would be fu to watch! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

K: I think they can be interesting—or mean. Since I spend a good deal of time on a farm with seven cats that don’t belong to us, and are much beloved by the landlord, my friend tries to make me be Very Nice to them. But I am so curious … I don’t like their hissing, and when their tails “wag,” I’ve learned it means nothing. As for other dogs (or cows or any other critter that looks at me), let’s play!

Le: Where do you sleep at night?

K: When we’re at The Farm, where my friend goes to “hide” and write, I have a cage covered with blankets. The door is always open, but it’s my favorite hideaway. When it’s too hot though (no air conditioning there), I plop down wherever I can catch a breeze. When we’re home, I usually sleep on a cheap dog bed (an overstatement, since it’s really more like a rag) near the couch.

Le: What do you do when your friend is writing?

K: Mostly, I keep her company, near her feet. Sometimes she waits too long to get up, and she’s old, so I worry about her getting all stiff and kinky. So, first, I put my nose on her keyboard to lift her hands and make her pet me. If I wag my tail real fast, she knows it’s time to get up and walk around a little. Or play ball. Yes, let’s play ball! Let’s play ball! Let’s play ball!

Le: It’s good that you’re there to take care of her. What is your idea of bliss?

K: “Wanna go for a ride?” or “Wanna chase the ball?”

Le: What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

K: Me at her side, family and friends across from her (especially her grandgirlies), sitting on the front porch at The Farm (where we can all see the cows), a nice breeze, and maybe a margarita.

Le: Sounds perfect! Thank you so much, Kornflake, for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

K: You betcha.

Interviews and book giveaways!

2010-09-08T08:20:00.002-06:00

Hey, y'all! A couple of interviews I did have now posted and I'm giving away a copy of Facelift on each blog, so you might want to check them out! Hope you'll stop by these blogs and say hello!

www.trishperry.blogspot.com
www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Review of Facelift

2010-09-07T20:55:00.004-06:00

"Facelift by Leanna Ellis is my favorite book by this author so far! When Kaye Redmond reluctantly
accepts the challenge of taking care of her ex mother-in-law during her recovery from surgery,
things can’t get any crazier! I love Kaye’s “can-do” attitude and I can’t help admiring how she
handles single parenthood, caregiving and her job. This is one of those stories where you forget
this is a work of fiction because the characters just work their way into your heart."

Susan Choy Lee aka The Reading Mom
www.readingmom.net (under construction)
join her e-newsletter by emailing thereadingmom@gmail.com

Pain

2010-09-04T18:18:00.004-06:00

"Pain."
That was Clubber's response in the Rocky III movie when asked, "What's your prediction?"
"Pain."
It's a great moment of self-indulgent over-confidence by Rocky's nemesis.
And it's probably something the Evil One says in his prediction of what he desires in our life. And since we live in a fallen world, we're pretty much guaranteed some pain in life.
So the question isn't IF we'll have pain, the question is HOW will we respond to it?

Pain comes in so many forms. There is physical, emotional, psychological. You've probably experienced your share. I've experienced mine as well. Recently, I was dealt a heavy blow. Maybe you've been knocked to your knees too. Maybe you're grabbing onto the ropes, like Rocky, trying to catch your breath, trying to pull yourself back up. Maybe you're asking God, "Why?" Maybe you're still in shock and flat out on the floor. Maybe you feel like Goliath just won. Maybe you feel as if you've been cast in the lion's den and no angel has come to shut the lion's mouth. Or maybe you've been tossed into a fiery furnace. Maybe you've been dealt a real knock-out. Whatever the source of your pain, your heart is aching.

I know that pain. You do too. But here's what I also know, even as I feel the repercussions of a blow resonating through my entire heart....

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10:35-39

To me, God is saying, 'Hang in there! Persevere! Don't give up! Jesus is coming! Don't shrink back. Don't back down. We are His children! We are righteous because of the blood of Christ. Believe."

What is He saying to you?

Happy birthday, Grandmommy!

2010-09-01T06:09:00.003-06:00

Today would have been my grandmother's 111th or 110th birthday. We're not exactly sure. You see when she was born, you didn't get a birth certificate. It wasn't until she was in her 40s that she had to go to the courthouse and get her birth certificate. She had to take someone who was a witness of her birth. So she took her older sister, Ruby, who is in the picture above with my grandmother, Jewell. So her birth certificate says she was born Sept. 1, 1900. BUT the question comes when my sister discovered was that there was a census taken in 1900, before my grandmother's 'birth' and it states there was a baby in the home already. So was she born in 1899. And if so, why would she change her birth date for her birth certificate? The only reason we could figure out is that if she was born in 1899 then she would have been a year older than her husband, my grandfather, who is in the other picture with her above on the day they were married. I can totally see her not wanting that!

But no matter what year she was born, I still miss her even though she passed away in 1984. She was such an enthusiastic person, so full of spunk and fun. She loved to eat and she was a fabulous cook! My grandfather called her 'Burleson' because that was the sweetest honey. I have such fond memories of her and my grandfather sitting side by side and reading their bibles. I can't wait to see her again one day!

Establish the Work

2010-08-25T06:47:00.005-06:00

Lately, I've been working very hard, working on two books. One is due September first. I always get a little crazy as I near a deadline. I'm not having to write thousands of words to get finished…that would put me way over the edge, but I'm mostly tinkering with this and that and making sure the book holds together. But it's a lot of details to keep in my little brain. Anyway, this morning as I was having my quiet time, I was reading in Psalms. This was such a good reminder for me. Of course, you don't have to be a writer for this passage to impact you. No matter what we do, taking care of our children, cleaning dishes, laundry, taxiing our kids, homeschooling, going to a nine to five job, whatever our job may be, we want the Lord's favor on what we do.It's a particularly good passage as many of our kids are beginning a new school year, and their 'work' is homework and studying. And so I offer up these verses as a prayer this morning...

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:14-17

So what are your hands busy doing?

Lessons from First Grade

2010-08-23T08:48:00.002-06:00

Do you remember your first day of school? I do. We walked down the hill to the elementary school, my mother by my side and my new lunchbox in hand. I was starting first grade and I was a little nervous. My mom was probably thrilled because I was her baby. Now she'd have the days all to herself. I was also a little sad because my best friend, Jennifer, was not in my class. My teacher was Mrs. Kunnell. She had dark hair, swept up on top of her hair, and she wore a white dress. Now, I've been a teacher and I can't imagine wearing white with a roomful of first graders. But I digress. She also wore hose and heels. Anyhoo, she knew my family because my older brother had her when he was in the first grade. She came right up to us and gave me a big hug. Which was a bit disconcerting because I didn't really know her. Still, she was friendly and had a nice smile. I was excited because we were going to learn to read and I couldn't wait to get started.

I ended up sitting next to a girl named Deborah. She was nice and had very interesting hair. It was brown with red and blond streaks in it. The blond turned golden in the sunlight. We became friends and I wasn't so afraid or nervous anymore.

I only remember a few things about first grade. If you were good all week, then you got a happy face on Friday. If you got the chickenpox, the teacher would sit you far away from all the other kids when you came back to school. That happened to my friend, Michelle, and I was mad at Mrs. Kunnell about that for a while. And sometimes kids called you names. I had one of those names that rhymed with things like piana, banana, etc… Please don't write me and tell me anymore. This one boy kept calling me names. I tried ignoring him, turning the other cheek, calling him names right back. But nothing stopped him. Finally, he made me so mad, I slapped his face. Well, of course, he ran to tell Mrs. Kunnell. And I started sobbing. I'd never been in trouble before and I knew I was this time. Oh boy was I! But Mrs. Kunnell took the time to find out what had happened and why I'd reacted so…well, violently. She gave me one of her famous hugs and wiped my tears. And I loved her.

Later in the year, after my friend Deborah and I shared a sleepover or two, we greeted each other one Monday morning. I said, "Did you have fun over the weekend?" She said, "My mother died." I didn't believe her. I think I actually laughed. I thought she was joking. But later, Mrs. Kunnell sent her out of the room to run an errand to the office and told the class that her mother had passed away and that we were taking up a collection of money and buying her a present, a necklace, to give her. That summer, my friend moved away. I don't know what happened to her. I'm hoping one day she'll turn up on Facebook. I'd like to know that in spite that trauma to her little life that she was able to continue on and do all right. As if any little girl really does okay without her mother.

So first grade was a big year for me. I learned to read. Or to read better. I learned violence has a short term effect but not necessarily a long term one. Although, come to think of it, I don't think Greg called me names after that. Hmmm. I also learned that teachers can be your friend. And I learned that mothers die.

I hope the lessons learned this year as school starts are not quite so traumatic. But lessons will be learned. Lessons of the mind, lessons of the heart, and lessons of the soul.

Belle

2010-08-17T08:01:00.004-06:00

Happy birthday to my sweet Belle! She's 15! When my husband and I got married, he gave me Belle for my birthday! The birthday present that keeps on giving. She has always been such a sweet girl. She's deaf now and couldn't hear us sing her happy birthday and she can barely see but she's still moving and grooving. And nobody has a better sense of smell than she does. What does she need to hear momma opening something in the pantry for? She can SMELL it and she comes running.

Chapter One of Facelift

2010-08-16T07:22:00.002-06:00

The first chapter of my upcoming release, FACELIFT, is now on my website. Go to the book page and click on the cover of FACELIFT and it will download!

http://leannaellis.com/books.html

Dust to Dust

2010-08-12T08:15:00.001-06:00

Last weekend, I went to a funeral. Something about funerals, the end of a life, the reading of a person’s accomplishments, always gets me thinking about my own life. The man who passed away was a wonderful pastor. He was well loved and respected by his family, churches where he had served and friends. It was an honor to honor him by attending his funeral. Hopefully, there are many years before I follow him to meet my maker, but hearing a eulogy always makes me think of my own life, how I’m living it out, what others might say about me. It’s a wonderful way to set goals. So I challenge you to think about what others might say about you today if you were to suddenly find yourself at Heaven’s doorstep. And then, contemplate what you would WANT them to say. Sometimes there is a wide gap. And that’s how we can learn and grow and stretch ourselves to run the race that has been set before us. But ultimately, it doesn't matter what others say about us. Ultimately, we want to live our lives so that the Lord will greet us with "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Presenting: Tamera Alexander and Jack!

2010-08-11T07:56:00.004-06:00

Le: Hi, y’all! I’d love to introduce you to Tamera Alexander! She just won the RITA award, so congrats, Tamera! And she brought her special friend along today. Her silky terrier, Jack. So, Tamera, let’s get started. What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

TA: I’m a dog lover all the way. I don’t wish cats harm, by any means, I just wish them “away” from me. But only because I’m horribly allergic to them. I’m also allergic to most dogs too . Jack, our silky terrier, has hair instead of fur so that’s the defining difference.

Le: I suffer allergies to cats as well. Not fun. How many pets do you have today?

TA: Only one. A ten-pound silky terrier named Jack Brennan Alexander. Named after a character in Remembered, which I was writing when we got Jack.

Le: Ahhh! Love it! Have you ever rescued an animal?

TA: Joe and I were taking a walk not long ago and we heard something “bawling,” and not in a good way. We followed the sound and came upon a baby goat with his head stuck in a fence. I provided moral support while Joe pried the wire open so the goat could get his head out. I know that’s not what you meant by rescuing, but that’s as close as I come.

Le: Oh, no! Rescuing can be many ways! It’s taking the time to do something that is what is important! That poor little goat! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

TA: My hero, Daniel Ranslett, in From a Distance had a sweet beagle named Beau. The scenes with Daniel and Beau together were really fun to write.

Le: Ahh! I like writing those kind of scenes too. What was your favorite character animal?

TA: Hmmm…I’d have to say Beau in From a Distance. Since he’s the only one so far!

Le: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

TA: Not yet. So far I’ve written Colorado historicals (1870s) and a “Jack” dog would have been an appetizer for the coyotes. But maybe someday.

Le: LOL! Not so funny actually. And you have to be true to the time period. Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

TA: Yes, but I can’t tell you what it is.

Le: Ah, no fair! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

TA: That I won’t give him more table food.

Le: I hear that a lot! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

TA: He freaks out over squirrels and geckos, and scares the next sentence right outta me!

Le: LOL! Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Jack a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hiya, Jack! Aren’t you cute! What would be the title of your autobiography?

JA: It’s a Ruff Life

Le: LOL! Good one! You’re very clever. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

JA: Probably not. She’s not exciting enough. All she does is sit around all day and write.

Le: I hear that a lot about writers. So, what’s your favorite movie?

JA: Whatever Mom is watching.

Le: Very good. What musical instrument would you like to play?

JA: A chicken flavored clarinet.

Le: Love it! I wonder if they make those. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

JA: Love ’em all! I especially love to run with the big dawgs!

Le: Oh, then you should come visit at my house! Where do you sleep at night?

JA: Anywhere I want to.

Le: Good for you! You have your friend trained very well. What do you do when your friend is writing?

JA: Sit and stare out the window, then back at her, then out the window, then back at her, then out the window, then back at her, then…

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

JA: Never having to hear the keys jangle, followed by the words “Mommy will be back!”

Le: Oh, that’s so hard to hear, isn’t it? What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

JA: Taking me to Sonic.

Le: Ooh! That sounds like fun! Maybe you can get her to take you there today. Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear? And congrats, Tamera, on your latest book that just released!

Presenting: Susanne Lakin and Coaltraine

2010-08-10T08:00:00.001-06:00

I’d like to introduce a fun author, Susanne Lakin, I met at Mt. Hermon this past spring and I also got to meet her puppy, Coltraine! So let’s get started! Hi, Susanne! Thanks for stopping by with Coltraine! Should I hazard a guess here…what is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

SL: It’s a toss-up between dogs and cats. I’m right on the boundary line. They each have their own specialness that endears me. Some days I’m a cat person, other days a dog person.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

SL: I have a new black lab puppy named Coaltrane and three rescued kitties: Skritz, Thelma, and Louise.

Le: LOL! I love those names! I guess I have the answer to the next question: have you ever rescued an animal?

SL: Yes, our kitties and our former dog, Sweetie, were all rescues. I worked with a rescue organization up in the mountains and found it very rewarding to help find homes for abandoned pets.

Le: Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

SL: I do. My contemporary novels rarely have animals, but my fantasy series has a plethora of them. In fact, many of my animals speak—some quite well-educated and others a bit rough around the edges. My fat white pig, Winston, in The Map Across Time (releasing spring 2011) was lovingly patterned after the tour guide who took us to Stonehenge and postulated that the stones were set up by aliens. His verbiage was pretty hilarious so I had a great time making him a predominate character in my book. (He’s really not a pig, but I’m not going to tell anything more.)

Le: Funny! What was your favorite character animal?

SL: I like Disney’s Pluto—kinda feel sorry for the chump, and I like Tweety bird and Tasmanian Devil.

Le: All animated. Interesting! Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

SL: Ah yes! Aside from some of my animal characters being inspired by humans, my book, The Wolf of Tebron, releasing now in August 2010, was very much inspired by many dogs I have known collectively, but Sweetie did influence me as I wrote the book. The wolf embodies many characteristics of a loving, loyal God, so I felt it would be the best animal to use to portray God’s unfailing love.

Le: How cool. And readers, run out and buy Susanne’s book! So, what is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

SL: Well, they sure do a lot of funny things. I once had a kitten that likes to sleep in a small wooden box. She fit just fine as a six-week-old kitten. But when she was full grown, she was determined to keep sleeping in that tiny box. She’d stuff part of her back into it, with limbs all hanging out—head too, and somehow manage to nap. They must get very confused as to why objects like that tend to shrink over time!

Le: I would imagine. All my pets think my lap has shrunk, when the opposite is probably true, because no matter their size, they climb in my lap constantly. Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

SL: The Bible says all creatures know their maker. Here’s a cute story. Once Lee and I held hands and Lee prayed over dinner. While our eyes were closed, Sweetie placed her paw on our hands and closed her eyes too. I’m sure her prayer was a little different from ours: “Lord, please move their hearts to hand over their plates…that chicken smells divine.” When I asked Sweetie if she knew God, she just looked at me and her eyes said, “Well, duh!” On a sadder note, the hour we got ready to take Tracy, our old Dalmatian, to the vet to have her put down, we were praying and crying and holding hands. Tracy rested her chin on our hands through the prayer and it sure seemed as if she was telling us she understood and it was okay that we had made this tough decision. It’s the only time in her whole life she’d ever done that.

Le: Ahhhh. You’re gonna make me cry. What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

SL: The cats are mad that I love the dog. The dog is annoyed I show attention to the cats. Thus, the war continues. They all take walks together though with me around the golf course.

Le: I bet that is quite a sight! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

SL: I wish they could take care of themselves for a week so Lee and I could go on vacation.

Le: Wouldn’t that be nice! Or if we lived next door to each other, I’d watch Coltraine and the cats. But you might not want to reciprocate and watch The Hilo Monster. ☺ Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: hey, there Coltraine! You are very well behaved. Maybe you could come teach The Hilo Monster. What would be the title of your autobiography?

C: Actually, I’m the fictionalized character in a novel my human is writing entitled” A Dog after God’s Own Heart.” My character’s name is Fido 57 and he’s in the pound about to be put to death. Sure glad it’s not really me!

Le: Oh, dear! I guess so! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

C: Not sure which friend you mean. I have tons! Even some cats are my friends, but shhh, don’t tell any of my canine pals.

Le: A friendly sort! I like that! What’s your favorite movie?

C: Babe, for sure!

Le: I love that movie! What musical instrument would you like to play?

C: Definitely NOT the saxophone. My owner’s husband plays that thing and it makes my ears hurt. I howl and screech! I think I would like to play the piano, as it’s fairly easy to make some cool music just walking across the keys.

Le: What do you think about cats? Dogs?

C: Well, I love all other dogs. I’m very social and love to play. I love cats too, but for some weird reason, they just don’t seem to want to play. And when I jump on them, they hiss at me, Just what is their problem, anyway?

Le: I don’t know. Our cat is persnickety that way too. Where do you sleep at night?

C: On the floor on a bunch of blankets next to Lee. In the early morning, once I go out to pee, I get to climb in bed and snuggle in all the down comforters. It’s my favorite thing!

Le: Sounds perfect! What do you do when your friend is writing?

C: I bug her so much she doesn’t get anything done. But she tells me I’ll grow up someday and hang out on the deck and leave her alone. Ha! In her dreams!

Le: Maybe you and The Hilo Monster have more in common than I thought! What is your idea of bliss?

C: Endless food.

Le: LOL! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

C: Same.

Le: Knew I liked Susanne! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Interview at Where The Map ends

2010-07-30T20:12:00.001-06:00

Thought y'all might want to see this interview about my upcoming Amish/vampire novel. This is such a cool site on speculative fiction!

http://www.wherethemapends.com/Interviews/current_interview.htm

Island Time

2010-07-27T20:36:00.003-06:00

Aloha! I'm back from vacation but am still trying to get back in the groove. I think I like the laid back feel of the islands better than the rush-rush of my everyday world. I spent plenty of time on the beach, just lazing beneath the sun and reading up a storm. I thought I'd share a few pictures of the next few days of our trip. This is one view from our lanai. I love how the same view can have so many different looks. The last was taken early in the morning as the sun was rising. Another midday. And the first was taken just as a storm was blowing through. Storms in Kauai crop up every day but they don't last long. And so it is with life, eh? Storms crop up but hopefully they don't last long. But the storms are important because that rain makes the island so lush and beautiful. And the storms in our lives help us to grow strong. If you're experiencing a storm in your life, I hope it blows over quickly. But mostly I hope you're having a clear-blue day! Because we all need to enjoy those! Aloha!

Going fishing…no, surfing!

2010-07-15T07:09:00.002-06:00

It's the count down to my vacation. Boy, do I need it. So you may not see me around in the next few days. And that's okay. No worries though, my wonderful sister is here taking care of the pets, including the Hilo Monster. Boy, I wish she could go with us. Wish The Hilo Monster could too as I would dearly love to see her attack the surf and roll in the sand. But not this trip. Catch on the flipside!

Blessings,

Leanna

Welcome author Patti Hill and Tillie!

2010-07-14T08:18:00.001-06:00

Le: Hi, y’all! Please welcome author Patti Hill today! Hi, Patti! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and introduce us to your Tillie. So let’s get started! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

PH: We’ve had just about everything living in our house, except snakes. I draw the line at snakes. My favorite, hands down, are dogs. It’s the unconditional love and slobbering affection that wins my heart. I don’t think our first son would have graduated middle school if not for Katie. She slept with him every Sunday to offer comfort for the approaching Monday.

Le: Ahh, how sweet! Pets can be so comforting and calming. How many pets do you have today?

PH: We have one dog, Tillie the personal trainer. She’s an Australian Shepherd. The breeder warned us that she needed a job to be happy. Her job is to walk my husband (before sunrise) and me (at a more reasonable hour) two miles day. If weather or a busy schedule cuts into her “working” time, she experiences doggie depression.

Le: What a good task for Tillie! The Hilo Monster walks me too. Have you ever rescued an animal?

PH: We rescued our previous dog, Katie. That dog knew how to love exuberantly. She was the perfect dog for our growing boys…and me.

Le: I love that! Isn’t it amazing how God brings just the right animal to us. I think they bless us more than we bless them. Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

PH: I can barely imagine life without a dog around, so I do incorporate dogs into my novels. There’s Blink, a huge black Labrador in my Garden Gates series. What a galoot! He’s a shoulder to cry on and a tail to duck! Bee, short for Miss Bee Haven, is the yellow Labrador in Seeing Things. She bridges the gap between Birdie and her grandson and creates a chasm between Birdie and her daughter-in-law. Bee is one busy dog. Tonto is a wiry mutt in my work in progress, Goodness and Mercy. He chases trains and gives a young boy a warm back to nuzzle at night.

Le: I love that! And love your descriptions: ‘a tail to duck!’ Boy, if you have a lab then you know that’s true! What was your favorite character animal?

PH: Black Beauty! Sorry for shouting. I loved horses as a young girl. Imagine my delight to get inside the head of the amazing Black Beauty. I learned to love reading and horses from Black Beauty.

Le: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

PH: When I need a dog that sheds her body weight daily, I’ll draw on Tillie. The rest of my canine characters have been a composite of dogs I’ve known and loved.

Le: That’s hilarious! I have a dog that sheds like that. What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

PH: Katie loved to sit on my husband’s lap after dinner. He scooted his chair away from the table and up she hopped. Katie wasn’t a lap dog. She weighed 50 pounds! And she sat in his lap, hind legs extended, like a child.

Le: That’s hilarious! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

PH: Only Tillie knows I ask her for help when I get stuck on a story. She’s brilliant, really. She knows how to help me without saying a word.

Le: Tillie, the muse, huh? Love it! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

PH: “My owner only feeds me two times a day. Can you imagine? I’m starving! I work hard. I deserve more kibble.”

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

PH: The shedding. The shedding. The shedding. Did I mention the shedding?

Le: I feel your pain. Really! Thank you, Patti, so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺ Hi, Tillie! What would be the title of your autobiography?

PH: Walking Patti

Le: I bet it would be filled with adventures. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

PH: I’m sad to say that Patti is way too boring to be in a novel. She spends most of her time at her computer. Talk about dulls-ville!

Le: I hear that complaint a lot from author’s pets. Must we why so many authors have pets. We need excitement in our lives. So, Tillie, what’s your favorite movie?

PH: It’s a toss-up between White Fang and Lassie. I see myself as the wolf, protecting my owner without sacrificing nobility. However, Lassie is my cerebral self. I can’t decide between the two. Did you know I catch popcorn with my mouth?

Le: What a brilliant trick! I’m impressed. What musical instrument would you like to play?

PH: I do a great imitation of a whining trumpet. It’s the only thing that will get my owner out of her recliner to open the door. But honestly, I long to play the drums. You see, I don’t have a tail. I’m quite envious of other dogs who get to pound out their happiness on the ground, a door, or a human for that matter.

Le: That just might be the perfect instrument for you! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

PH: Cats are, well, aloof. They never want to play with me. And I am a bit of a party animal. Small dogs aren’t much better. They snarl at me, and I’m the kindest, most fun-loving dog you will ever meet. My best friends are other Aussies, but I have quite a fondness for Labradors.

Le: Me too. But I love Aussies too! You are so smart! Where do you sleep at night?

PH: Thank you for asking. Although I must wait until my owner finishes her night-time ritual, I have my own room, the master bathroom. I’m not one to share my space with snoring humans. I need my room for dreamland romps. The floor is soft and no one steps on me.

Le: Sounds perfect. What do you do when your friend is writing?

PH: I lay right there beside her. She will occasionally ask me to leave when I, well, pass gas. She’s a flighty thing.

Le: How persnickety! What is your idea of bliss?

PH: Please, don’t be offended, but I enjoy running sans clothing (leash and collar) through fields of wildflowers. I can smell whatever crosses my meandering path without comments from my owner. Is it my fault she hasn’t developed a liking for more exotic aromas? Of course, I also love my kibble, the more the better.

Le: No offense taken! Sounds heavenly! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

PH: This is a tough question. It’s rather difficult to tell with her. She spends hours staring at her computer, but how could that be blissful? She also rushes about with a toilet brush in her hand from time to time. Certainly that can’t be her bliss. All right, if I must give one answer, this is it: walking with me. How could it be anything else?
What is more fun? More satisfying? Yes, she lives to go for walks with me.

Le: I think you are very perceptive, Tillie! Thanks for being here with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya

En Guarde!

2010-07-05T19:08:00.004-06:00

I'm traveling this week and had to leave hubby home guarding all the animals. But the kids and I are in Atlanta for the US Fencing Nationals. This is a picture of my son fencing at a tournament earlier in the year. This is his 2nd Nationals, and it's always very exciting. It reminds me a lot of going to writers conferences. You can feel the energy in the air when you're surrounded by people who LOVE what they do. Today was an important day as we arrived in Atlanta and bought what equipment we needed and had my son's equipment checked. This is a very important part of a tournament. The fencer's helmet, lame and cords must all be checked and in working order. After all, they are jabbing at each other with metal. My son's coach told me of a Russian fencer who died when his opponent's blade snapped. The other fencer was at full tilt and couldn't stop. His broken blade went straight through the Russian's helmet. Serious stuff. Helmets are now made even stronger. And so they must be tested. They also have to have an underarm protector as well as a chest protector. There's also their jacket and then the lame over that, along with a glove. When equipment doesn't pass inspection, new equipment must be purchased. They stamp each piece of equipment to show it has been checked.

Fencing isn't for sissies. It's a tough sport. A couple of weeks ago my son came home from fencing camp. When he got out of the shower, I saw his bare chest. It was covered in bruises and scrapes, all from where the weapon had jabbed him above his chest protector. Quite often, he has bruises all over his legs from more jabs.

Watching my son fence has reminded me of what we as Christians should do each day…as we are not in a battle of flesh and blood. And we have equipment--breastplate, shield and sword… Have you checked your equipment lately? Is it ready? Are you armed? Stay on guard, because we are in a tough battle.

Blessings,

Leanna

Holley Gerth and Katie!

2010-07-01T07:48:00.003-06:00

Le: This past spring, I met Holley Gerth at the Mt. Hermon Writers Conference. What a sweetheart she is! So I’m happy to welcome her here along with her adorable dog, Katie! So, Holley, let’s jump write in: what is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

HG: I’m a fan of dogs because they like to sleep and eat food as much as I do!

Le: They do indeed! How many pets do you have today?

HG: I have one dog, a beagle-basset mix (aka “bagel”) named Katie.

Le: And she is so cute! Have you ever rescued an animal?

HG: Yes, we rescued Katie from an animal shelter in a neighboring state. She was the featured dog on petfinder.com. I saw her picture, fell in love, drove two hours to put a deposit on her (we were leaving on vacation the next day) and came back for her a week later!

Le: That’s a wonderful story! What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

HG: Our poor little Katie just had a cone on her head for about a week. Being the most laidback and uncoordinated dog in the universe, she bumped into all sorts of things. The funny part was that it didn’t bother her a bit! She’d just wag her tail and keep on bumping.

Le: They look so pathetic in those things, don’t they? Is there a secret that only Katie knows?

HG: She knows how much chocolate I truly eat and where in my house to find it.

Le: Uh-oh! That’s not good. No sharing chocolate with our pets. Not that we’re selfish with our chocolate, right? But it’s so bad for them! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

HG: She thinks I need more exercise…specifically, the kind that involves her, a leash, and a walk around the block.

Le: Oh, yes, I have one like that too. Katie just cares deeply about you and knows that walking is the best exercise. What is your pet peeve about your pet?

HG: When she trees a squirrel or possum in the middle of the night, she howls like a madwoman and refuses to come inside. Anything that disturbs my sleep makes the pet peeve list!

Le: I hear ya on that one! Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us, Holley! Now, I’d love to ask Katie a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺ Hi, Katie! Aren’t you cute! I think you should write a story about your life in the shelter and how you were found by Holley. What would be the title of your autobiography?

K: Sleep is good. Food is better. How to quit your job and get all your needs met just because you’re cute.

Le: That would certainly attract a lot of folks I know. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

K: Yes, she would be the moody one who controls the milkbones. But we’d all love her anyway because she “accidentally” drops food on the floor.

Le: A good habit for a friend to have. What’s your favorite movie?

K: Hitch. It’s her favorite movie and she pets my head the whole time she watches it.

Le: Ahh! What musical instrument would you like to play?

K: The tuba. It sounds just like my howl.

Le: That’s funny! So you could just play that tuba when those squirrels or possums storm the house. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

K: I think both of them smell really good.

Le: Where do you sleep at night?

K: I used to sleep in a crate but I used my sad eyes to convince them to let me sleep on a blanket in front of the couch. Have you ever tried the “sad eyes” trick? You should. I’m telling you, pure genius on God’s part.

Le: Yes, indeed it does! I was the baby of the family and it works well. What do you do when your friend is writing?

K: The same things I do when she’s not writing…sleep and eat. Haven’t you read my autobiography?

Le: Of course! What is your idea of bliss? Wait! I bet I can guess…

K: The moment when I watch, in slow motion it seems, a piece of my favorite food slip from the counter and into my waiting jaws. It makes me so happy I sometimes wonder if my tail will fall off.

Le: What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

K: Chocolate. But I’m not telling where she keeps it.

Le: Oh, Katie! That’s so unfair! But thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Marlo Schalesky and Jewel

2010-06-25T10:15:00.004-06:00

Le: Hi, Marlo! Thank you so much for being here with us! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

MS: Definitely a horse because you can ride them and have adventures!

Le: Yes, probably not a good idea to ride a cat around the house. ☺ How many pets do you have today?

MS: Six – four horses, a cat, and a goldfish

Le: Have you ever rescued an animal?

MS: We rescue wild birds from our cat all the time, which is appropriate since we rescued the cat too (somebody dumped him on the side of the road and he found us).

Le: How do they have that ability to find the people they need? But I definitely believe they do. Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

MS: All the time. Jewel makes an appearance under a different name in my latest book, Shades of Morning.

Le: And Shakes of Morning just came out! What was your favorite character animal?

MS: Max, the iguana. He’s Marnie’s one and only pet in Shades of Morning. I don’t know why that woman had to pick an iguana for a pet when I’ve never had one, but she did. Insisted that I write in an iguana for her. I suggested a nice kitten or hamster, but she’d have none of it. It was an iguana or nothing. So, I had to learn all about iguanas just for her. Turns out Max was pretty cool.

Le: Isn’t that funny how characters make their own choices. ☺ Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

MS: Jewel, in Shades of Morning. I also have a new idea I’m working on in which my daughter’s little Paint mare, Oreo, is a main character.

Le: Ah, I love Paint horses. And Oreo is a great name. What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

MS: For six months, Jewel braided her own mane by rubbing against a post in her stall. THAT was a sight to behold!

Le: I bet! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

MS: I don’t mind scooping horse poop as long as I get a few minutes of peace and quiet while I’m doing it (sometimes it’s my only quiet of the whole day). Shhh… don’t tell my daughters because I told them that poop-scooping is their job!

Le: What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

MS: I don’t ride her often enough, and we don’t go fast enough. Jewel loves to go!

Le: Love that! Go Jewel! And did I tell you that Jewell (two l’s was my grandmother’s name?) What is your pet peeve about your pet?

MS: She doesn’t like to open her mouth for the bit, even though she LOVES for us to go riding. Silly girl!

Le: Well, I’m not sure I’d like a bit either. Hilo doesn’t like her collar but she loves to go for a walk and as soon as we get back home she is trying to get that thing off. ☺ Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Jewel a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Jewel! You are beautiful! Thanks for coming by. What would be the title of your autobiography?

J: Let’s Ride! Tales of a horse who loves to go.

Le: Well, of course! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

J: Sure. She’d be the one with all the kids.

Le: Ahhh. What’s your favorite movie?

J: Seabiscuit.

Le: A very good movie! What musical instrument would you like to play?

J: The drums, with my hooves of course.

Le: What do you think about cats? Dogs?

J: Cats are fine. They keep the mice away in the barn. Unless of course they’re very big cats (like mountain lions) that eat horses. I don’t like big cats at all. I snort at them. I don’t like dogs either. I don’t see the point of them. (My friend likes dogs a lot, though, so she must see something in them.) My philosophy is to ignore dogs completely.

Le: I would imagine a dog like my Hilo would be annoying as she likes to bark and would want to chase you. You would not like that! Where do you sleep at night?

J: In my stall, at the barn, next to my friends Valentine and Smokey.

Le: Ah, tell Valentine and Smokey hello and that they’ll have to come by sometime. What do you do when your friend is writing?

J: I take care of everyone at the barn and make sure they are all getting along. It’s my job to run things in a reasonable and equitable fashion so that there’s no fighting, biting, or kicking.

Le: I bet you do a great job! What is your idea of bliss?

J: Turning the last barrel and running as fast as I can back through the timing poles. I love gymkhana!

Le: I want to come watch some time! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

J: Turning the last barrel and running as fast as we can back through the timing poles! I think she likes gymkhana too. We have fun!

Le: Thank you so much, Jewel, for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear? Thanks again, Marlo! And everybody go by Shades of Morning so Jewel can have lots of oats to eat. ;)

What do you see?

2010-06-20T20:10:00.003-06:00

When you're going 55 miles per hour or even 70? When I was in Amish country a couple of weeks ago, my friend Julie, her daughter, Alex, and I took a buggy ride. It was rather pleasant. It was a beautiful day. Still in the morning, it wasn't yet too hot. As we were clip-clopping down the highway, Julie noticed how we could really see the things along the road--a fruit stand, beautiful daisies, a farmer plowing a field behind horse and plow. If we'd been in a car, traveling at a high speed, all would have been a blur. Or we might have seen one thing and missed the others.

We felt the swoosh of air as a truck passed us and reminded us of how in our non-Amish world we're always in a hurry. How many times do I say, "Hurry, kids! Get in the car. We're going to be late!" We race here and there and everywhere. We race to church. We race to leave and get to the restaurant before anyone else can. We race through our lives. Are we seeing and yet not really seeing?

No, I don't really want to ride in a buggy and give up my car. I value my air-conditionin and the heated seats and that it can take me from Dallas to Memphis in a day. But I want to take the time to notice the fruit stand and stop and buy some fresh strawberries that actually taste like strawberries. I want to notice the flowers, the petals, the white petals and yellow and black center, rather than see a blur. I want to notice the farmer, and if he's a neighbor wave hello or stop and chat.

So maybe we should take a horse-drawn buggy tour of our lives. And I want to enjoy every minute of this life, noticing every detail.

A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher

2010-06-20T20:08:00.006-06:00

A MATTER OF CHARACTER
by Robin Lee Hatcher
Historical Romance
June 2010

Who says a woman can’t keep a secret?
It's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs. But Daphne has a secret.
A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories … except Daphne.
When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life.
View the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84yGMuj21Uo

About the Author:

The author of over 60 books, best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She makes her home in Idaho where she enjoys spending time with her family and her high-maintenance Papillon, Poppet. She invites you to drop by her web site and her Facebook Page to learn more about her and her books.

Web site: http://www.robinleehatcher.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-Lee-Hatcher-Novelist/48662178098?ref=mf

By the way, I interviewed Robin and her dog, Poppet a couple of weeks ago, so if you missed it you might want to read it now!

Gail Martin and Jinx!

2010-06-17T14:14:00.006-06:00

Le: Hey, y’all! Please welcome author Gail Martin to my blog today! Hi, Gail! Thanks so much for being here! Let’s just jump in and get started! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

GM: I can’t pick between dogs and cats. I’ve owned both and I love each for different reasons. Dogs are faithful and welcoming. Cats are whimsical and independent.

Le: I love both too. How many pets do you have today?

GM: Sadly, none. When my last cat died, we were pet-less and because we travel so much and sometimes for long periods of time when we are in Europe, we decided it wasn’t fair to the animals. Once I settle down again and stay home more, I would love a small dog or a cat or both.

Le: Traveling is good though. And very responsible of you not to leave a pet behind. It’s so hard on our animals. Have you ever rescued an animal?

GM: Yes, my cat Waifer who lived to be 20 was abandoned in northern Michigan. We had a popup trailer on my parent’s property and one night we heard a rustle outside. We assumed it was a possum so we decided to open the door and let our Samoyed and terrier outside to scare the pest. When we flung open the door, this tiny little kitten sat mewing up at us. We took her in, and then the next day went out to homes that were further down the road to see if they’d lost a kitten. Everyone laughed. They said people always dumped their kittens in the woods. We decided to take her back home to the Detroit area and find her a good home. We did. Ours. Since she was a little waif in the woods, we named her Waif-er.

Le: Ah, that is such a sweet story. Waifer was certainly blessed to find y’all. Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

GM: Yes, I’ve had cats and dogs in my novels and would love to have a parrot sometime. One book that stands out in my mind is Dooley, an Irish setter, who is a great character in my novel, The Christmas Kite. My series out right now is based on three women who are involved in a dog shelter. The first book, Dad In Training, is about Molly who wants to own a dog shelter. The second book, Groom In Training, is her best friend, Steph who runs a doggie day care in her home and wants to move it to the back of Molly’s shelter. Steph owns a border collie named Fred and he’s a great character in the first two books. The final book, Bride in Training, to be released in less than a week, is the story of Emily who is a part-time employee at Time For Paws, the dog shelter, and who also has a dog walking/sitting business.

Le: I love that! Love the premise of the series and new book. Very cool. What was your favorite character animal?

GM: I would have to say Fred the border collie. He is a fun dog, well-behaved and such a good friend to Steph. And best of all, he’s also a romantic too. He falls in love in book two, Groom In Training.

Le: Too funny! Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

GM: Yes, both Jinx, a terrier-mix and Teddy, a Samoyed, inspired scenes and events in my novels. Jinx lived to be twenty as well and influenced my life very much. Teddy was a real character with separation anxiety. He was so powerful, that when we hired someone to stay at our home while we traveled for a month, he moved large pieces of furniture from room to room – like overstuffed chairs – and tore up every houseplant as well as the baskets they were in. The young woman asked our neighbor to help her find a way to keep Teddy in the basement when she left the house, but Teddy didn’t like the idea. He ate the basement banister which we had to repair when we came home. She swore she would never own a pet or have children. She did have children eventually.

Le: Oh my! And I thought the Hilo Monster (my labradoodle) was trouble! Do you have anymore funny stories?

GM: I have two funny stories. We fed Jinx canned dog food and when we bought cans of doggie stew, we realized Jinx didn’t like peas. He ate all around the peas and made a little pile of them on the outside of his dish. Teddy on the other hand liked everything. One day my husband came home from work and I was thrilled to tell him, I’d made chicken paprikash for dinner and homemade spaetzel (German noodle). He walked into the kitchen and called to me asking why I’d made such a small amount. I said I’d halved the recipe because I thought that was plenty. He said there’s less than a cup here. I knew he was wrong. I had made them, put them in the frypan with butter and bread crumbs to brown when he arrived home. I had a whole pan full. When I went in the kitchen, he was right. We looked down and saw Teddy sitting beside us with a large smile on his face. . .that’s if dogs could smile. But we knew he was guilty.

Le: Oh, boy! Now that is something the Hilo Monster has done. Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

GM: Not really a secret, but people always think I’m very sweet and loving. Ask the dogs. They know the truth. I do get crabby, and that means raising my voice a lot. . .even if it’s just at myself. Or you could ask my husband. : )

Le: Our pets see all sides of us, don’t they? And they still love us. What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

GM: Our travels would have to be the answer. When we went up north to the trailer, they came along and loved it. They were both good riders. But taking dogs to Europe or on cruises isn’t a good idea. We love to do both.

Le: I’m with your pets about the cruises. Am I green just thinking about it? But I’m a different kind of green thinking of your trips to Europe. I definitely want to come along on one of those trips! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

GM: Dogs have one bad feature that cats don’t have. Cats use litter boxes. Dogs use the yard. That’s my pet peeve.

Le: Yes, they do. Or as one of mine (and I won’t name names) likes to use the inside. Sigh. Thank you, Gail, for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺ Hi, Jinx! What would be the title of your autobiography?

J: Hi – This is Jinx and if I wrote my autobiography it would be, A Terrier’s Adventure. Since I hate to think of what happened to me, I’ll let my master tell the story. When he was about 16 or 17, he’d lost his sense of smell and his sight wasn’t good. He followed our other dog out of the yard when a meter-reader came to our house and didn’t lock the gate. Teddy came back, but Jinx was gone. We did everything—kennels, police, signs, etc. – and after two weeks, we gave up. With tears in my eyes, I picked up his doggie dish and toys to get rid of them. Everyday my heart broke wondering his fate. The telephone rang that day and it was our vet asking if we still had Jinx. I told him until two weeks earlier, yes. He said I think he’s here. The secretary went out to lunch and spotted him hanging around the building. She thought he looked familiar. The vet looked at him and then called us. He wore his dog tag so we checked the number and sure enough. We picked him up – and though his foot pads were raw and he smelled like garbage, we were thrilled to have him home. The strange part of the story is that our vet was many miles from our home across two major highways. How he found his way there only the Lord knows.

Le: Wow! That is some adventure! If you were to write a novel (and sounds like you might have one), would your friend inspire one of the characters?

J: She might inspire a story. She’d done a 360 degree turn since she was young to now. She was very shy and had no confidence in herself at all. Today she is a speaker at churches and conferences all over the country. Plus she loves acting and is a solo singer. I think writing a story about how God can drag out people’s talents and change them for the better would be a good lesson for anyone who read it. I was always confident and talented so I couldn’t write that kind of a story about myself.

Le: Oh, isn’t that wonderful how God works! I’ll have to have Gail back sometime and talk to her about the changes in her life. So, Jinx, shat’s your favorite movie?

J: Easy. Lady and the Tramp. I’m sort of a tramp at heart. I suppose my adventure story shows that, and I’m also a lover. My girlfriend used to live next door and we had some romantic times together, although we never had a spaghetti dinner like the one in the movie. I always wanted to take her out, but no sense in talking about should haves. That’s one thing my master has taught me. She says in life and in novels those are in the past. We try to look to the future.

Le: That is definitely good advice. And I love Lady and the Tramp too. It’s one of my all time favorites. What musical instrument would you like to play?

J: I think I’d like to play the maracas. I could shake those babies and dart around the room. Sounds fun to me.

Le: What do you think about cats? Dogs?

J: I had little choice. Where I lived, they brought home dogs and cats so I had to deal with it. Teddy and I became good friends, but the cats. I tolerated them, but we weren’t exactly friends. For one, Waifer always tried to steal my spot in bed.

Le: Just like a cat! So, where do you sleep at night?

J: Where else? With my masters on their bed. Sometimes I like to sleep between them, especially in winter when it’s cold. I’ve even slipped beneath the blankets. I’m not really welcome there, but what’s a guy gonna do?

Le: Exactly! What do you do when your friend is writing?

J: Either bark to get in or out or, my favorite, curl up on a rug in the sun and take a nap.

Le: That definitely sounds like a good idea! What is your idea of bliss?

J: I love the sandy beach outside Mackinaw in northern Michigan. We had a long stretch of sand, some woods to visit, and best of all flocks of birds to chase. I even went swimming occasionally.

Le: That sounds lovely! And fun! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

J: Probably the same. They spent many long weekends on that beach although they didn’t chase birds. They swam, went for walks, and, at night, sang around campfires. You don’t know what stars look like until you’re on a beach like that.

Le: They didn’t chase the birds? Huh! Thank you, Jinx, for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Simple and Sweet

2010-06-16T10:10:00.003-06:00

One of the things I love about summer is simple eating. Strawberries. Blueberries. Watermelon. Simple and sweet. Fresh. Ripe. Delicious.

When I was in Amish country last week, I bought these beautiful strawberries at an Amish farm. They were wonderful. I didn't eat dinner one night and just munched on these sweet strawberries. Yummy!

Simplicity is one of the things I love about the Amish. Their lives are simple. Slower-paced. Without email and texting and television, they can focus on each other, their work, their families. It's a simpler way of life. I think that's one of the attractions to their culture and one of the reasons for the popularity of Amish fiction. Simple and sweet. Although I love my life, love the opportunities my children have with all of their activities, love that I am blessed to be writing and publishing my stories, sometimes it's all overwhelming. It's busy. Going here. Going there. Go. Go. Go. There's always something to do. It's hard to find quiet moments to just be still and quiet and think. Simplicity is something I'd like to strive for in my own life. But not something easily achieved. What do you think? What do you think is the attraction to Amish fiction? Do you crave simplicity in your own life? What's something you could delete to make life simpler?

Let there be light!

2010-06-14T18:17:00.004-06:00

Last week, I went to Lancaster County, PA for research on my book, FORSAKEN, an Amish/vampire story in the Plain Fear series. This is a picture from a tour we took of an Amish style house. The lamp is gas powered and sits on wheels. You can wheel it from room to room. So, why do the Amish go to all of this trouble to avoid electricity? They do not want any ties with the outside or Englisch world. Electricity requires wires and such. Gas does not. They use a lot of gas-powered things or even propane powered machines. It is definitely a different world that they live in, but I respect them for their faith and for their commitment to their beliefs. In our world, we like to make things easier. 'Better' we call it. But is our world really better? Is easier better? Not always.

Summer is HERE!

2010-06-14T06:15:00.003-06:00

My kids have been out of school a month but it hasn't really felt like summer as we've been running here and there and everywhere. For the past five weeks, we've taken a trip each week--to graduations and family reunions and also a research trip. But this week, as far as I know at this point, we are home! Yea! Feels good. We still have activities but maybe I can finally get my suitcase unpacked and put away. Or so that's the plan. I'm also hoping for some good writing. I'm on the home stretch for two books and would love to get finished with these drafts over the next three weeks. But what I'm most looking forward to is a bit of time spent at the pool. So look out, y'all, I'm diving into summer! How about you?

Book Signing today!

2010-06-12T06:32:00.000-06:00

Hey, y'all! If you're in Highland Village, TX, or nearby, I'll be at the Barnes and Noble signing Once in a Blue Moon! Come by and say hello from 2-4pm! I would love to see you!

Interview with Nancy Mehl and Watson

2010-06-07T20:33:00.006-06:00

Please welcome, author Nancy Mehl and Watson!

Le: What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

NM: I love all kinds of animals, but I’m probably drawn more to dogs than anything else. They are so loyal and unique. Every dog I’ve owned has had a different personality.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

NM: Just one now. Last year was tough. We lost two dogs that had been with us for many years. Rosie was fourteen, and Eddie was only nine. He had cancer. He was my best bud.

Le: Oh, I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose our beloved pets. I lost a cat two years ago and I still miss her. She was our rescue kitty. Have you ever rescued an animal?

NM: Every pet we’ve ever had except one was a rescue animal. Our current dog was rescued from the Humane Society.

Le: That’s terrific! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

NM: Yes. In fact, I can’t think of a novel that hasn’t had an animal! LOL! I have two new series debuting this year. In my Harmony series, there is a cat named Snicklefritz and a dog named Buddy. Buddy is fashioned after Eddie. And in my Curl Up and Dye series, there is a dog named…Watson! Funny thing is, I wrote the book before we got “our” Watson. And I’d totally forgotten about the fictional Watson since publication of the book was delayed for a while due to changes with the publisher. It was quite a surprise when I remembered the connection!

Le: Oh, how fun! What was your favorite character animal?

NM: Oh, my. When I was a child, I’d have to say it was Black Beauty. Now, it would be hard to pick one, although I adored Eddie, the dog in Frasier.

Le: I love Eddie! Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

NM: Yes, Eddie is Buddy in my Harmony series. And although the Watson in the Curl Up and Dye mysteries is an eight-year old pug, and my Watson is a one-year old puggle, they are definitely connected.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

NM: They’ve all been rather funny, but Watson is really hysterical. He’s the first dog we’ve had who watches TV. If any kind of animal comes on, he runs to the TV, stands up on his back legs and stares at them. Many times he barks too. (One day he put his paw up to touch a dog and changed the channel!) Oh, just thought of something else. We have a fireplace stove with a glass door. One day he saw himself in the door. He stared at the image for a while, and then he peeked behind the stove, trying to find the dog he saw looking back at him from the glass! LOL!

Le: That’s funny! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

NM: Too many to mention.

Le: Not fair! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

NM: Well, he doesn’t like it when I won’t play “tug the rope” with him. He keeps tapping my leg with his rope until I give in.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

NM: We’re still trying to convince him that he doesn’t have to protect me when my husband wants to hug or kiss me! LOL!

Le: Ah, how sweet…and uh…well, not so sweet. Funny though. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us, Nancy! Now, I’d love to ask Watson a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Hi, Watson! You are sooo cute! What would be the title of your autobiography?

W: The Long Walk by Watson Mehl. (Yes, I know Stephen King wrote a book with the same title, but walks are my very favorite thing! Besides, I don’t think he wrote about the same kind of walk. Although I wouldn’t know because I can’t actually read.)

Le: If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

W: Yes, the main character. I love her sooooooo much. She’s my best friend.

Le: That’s so sweet! What’s your favorite movie?

W: I’ve only seen one movie. My owners checked it out just for me. It was called “Hotel for Dogs.” I loved it. I barked a whole lot. Even though it’s not a movie, my favorite TV show is “The Dog Whisperer!”

Le: That is a good show! I haven’t seen the movie but I’ll have to rent it for my doggies. What musical instrument would you like to play?

W: Hmmmm. Well, I toot a lot so I guess a trumpet. But I’m not really talking about that kind of “tooting.”

Le: LOL! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

W: I love all of ‘em, but cats are a little different. There’s a cat in our neighborhood that comes right up to visit with me. I like him, but if I get too close, he makes a funny hissing noise. I don’t like that.

Le: Where do you sleep at night?

W: In bed with my owners. Where else would I sleep????

Le: That sounds like the perfect spot. What do you do when your friend is writing?

W: Sometimes I like to sit on a special seat she put in her office just for me. I can look outside while she works. Sometimes I take a nap on the seat, and sometimes I take a nap by her feet. But other times I get bored and go downstairs. Then I take a nap in her special chair.

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

W: Hmmmm. A walk with my owners. And cuddling up with my best friend while she snoozes in her favorite chair.

Le: That sounds lovely. What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

W: Cuddling up with me in her favorite chair – after her writing is done for the day!

Le: Now that does sound perfect! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

W: I will. I promise. One other thing – my friend typed all these answers for me because I don’t know how to use a computer and I don’t have fingers. Just wanted to be honest about it…
Le: Well, I appreciate that Watson. And your friend is a professional at the typing thing. ;)

Gone…writing

2010-06-07T20:27:00.003-06:00

If you've wondered where I've been…besides to San Antonio, Lubbock and to a family reunion…I've been writing. I'm not off to Pennsylvania to do a little research on the Amish/vampire book I'm writing for Sourcebooks. Be watching, I'll post pictures when I get back. Until then, Wednesday I'll have a new author/pet interview posted. You won't want to miss cute Watson!

Shades of Morning

2010-05-28T07:38:00.003-06:00

SHADES OF MORNING
By Marlo Schalesky
Published by Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers
Shades of Morning is Marlo’s third “Love Story with a Twist” (think a Nicolas Sparks type love story with an M. Night Shyamalan type twist!).
A BIT ABOUT THE BOOK:
Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church - they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness. Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome - and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit—and Taylor—work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?
FROM ROMANTIC TIMES:
Top Pick! 4 ½ Stars! “Schalesky has a knack for weaving a surprising spiritual twist into her tales. The touching plot will make readers examine how they deal with past regrets, and how God moves them through it. A not-to-be-missed, stunning novel!”
A BIT ABOUT MARLO:
Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of numerous books, including her latest novel Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist. Marlo’s other books include the Christy Award winning Beyond the Night, and its sequel If Tomorrow Never Comes. Marlo is also the author of nearly 700 articles, the mother of 5 young children, and holds her Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. When she’s not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves sipping Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and talking about finding the deep places of God in everyday life.
FIND OUT MORE:
www.marloschalesky.com/fiction
www.facebook.com/MarloSchalesky

Where have I been?

2010-05-27T08:00:00.004-06:00

Not floating away in the flood, as this Elvis pic that a friend sent me from the Nashville floods. And not sunning myself in a lounge chair reading a fabulous book as this adorable pic of Martha Ramirez's niece. But I've been snowed under. Not literally. It is after all May. But just saying May should explain things. With two out of town graduations, two books that I'm writing, a family wedding, company, dance recital, voice/piano recitals, well…that's where I've been. I've managed to keep up with my writing but a few things fell by the wayside. I'm sorry. Working to catch back up. But warning…family reunion is coming and then a research trip to Lancaster, PA. Can't wait for that! And I'll take plenty of pics to share here. So in the mean time, please forgive me.

Softly and Tenderly

2010-05-21T08:32:00.000-06:00

I hate to admit this, but there have been times in my life when I have strayed from the path I knew I should take. Why? Stubborness? Rebelliousness? Probably. Hard lessons I had to learn. And all the while, Jesus softly and tenderly called to me to return to Him. Have you been ignoring His call?

Softy and Tenderly
Will L. Thompson, 1880

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Come home, come home,
You who are weary,
Come home;
Earnestly, tenderly,
Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?

Time is now fleeting,
The moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering,
Deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.

Oh, for the wonderful
love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned,
He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.

Come home, come home,
You who are weary,
Come home;
Earnestly, tenderly,
Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Rachel Hauck and Lola

2010-05-19T06:45:00.003-06:00

Please welcome my sweet friend, Rachel Hauck and her dog, Lola, today!

Le: What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

RH: Dogs! I love, love dogs. Mostly because I grew up with them, and have had four since my husband and I got married. But I think if I’d had a horse my answer might be different. I like animals that can “relate” to me. Like, my dog is voice trained so it’s like having a kid. Only she doesn’t talk back. ;)

Le: Doesn’t talk back? Wow, I like that. My sister had a Siberian Husky and she definitely talked back. My Hilo Monster does too. Maybe it’s all in the training. ;) How many pets do you have today?

RH: We have a mini Schnauzer and an 18 year old cat. We love him, too. He’s out lived three other dogs. He’s king of the house.

Le: Wow! 18 years. That must be more than 9 lives, huh? Have you ever rescued an animal?

RH: I kind of rescued our dog Pal, a Sheltie-Beagle mix. Our friends had him from puppyhood, but they were not pet people. So my husband and I took him in. After all, our dog Jack was his dad. A-hem. But we didn’t want two dogs and I thought I’d find a good home for him. Never, ever, ever put an ad in the paper, “free dog.” All the weirdos come out of the wood work. Lesson learned. I rescued Pal from that situation a few days after I gave him away. We did have a few more responses to the ad that sounded like really good families, but I couldn’t bear to give him away again. He died a month before his 10th birthday.

Our Schnauzer I kind of rescued. I found her walking down the road. A few days later, the owner responded to my “found dog” ad in the paper and gave her to me.

Le: Oh, how sweet! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

RH: Yes! There’s a dog in The Sweet By and By who I just loved.

Le: I can’t wait to read that book! What was your favorite character animal?

RH: Bugs Bunny. Hobbs.

Le: My kids love Hobbs too. Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

RH: Not really. I suppose the dog in the Sweet By and By is a combination of all my dogs.

Le: Gotta use those experiences, don’t we? What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

RH: The list is long and varied, enhanced by the fact my husband and I picked up a trait of my brothers: talking for the animals. We’ve had some fall down laughs talking for our cat, then watching the cat “do” what we “said” he was doing.

The funniest thing though was with our cat and our Sheltie, Blue. One week we noticed Blue hanging back when it was bed time. He wasn’t crossing the living room into our bed room. We’d call him and he wouldn’t come. Finally, one night my husband decided to walk him to our room. As Blue passed by the darkened dining room, Red the cat (yeah, we know, Red the cat and Blue the dog, but my parents named the dog) jumps out of the shadows, paws waving, attacking the dog.

Blue darts into our room, growling, and jumps on the bed. Red, casually, oh so casually walks in as if he had NO idea what was going on. He sat at the foot of the bed catatonic. Suddenly, he jumps up and whaps the bed right by Blue with his paw. “Wam! Wam! Wam!”

Oh, it was so funny. He was intentionally hiding from Blue, leaping out to spook him, then taunting him.

Le: That’s hilarious. Love it! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

RH: They know nothing!

Le: Hmmm. Sounds like they know a lot. Can’t wait to talk to Lola. ;) What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

RH: What? They adore me!

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

RH: The cat comes in my office every night and meows really, really loud. It’s really nerve wracking when I’m on deadline.

Le: I bet. Those kind of yowls can go right to the base of the spine, can’t they?
Thank you so much, Rachel, for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet, Lola, a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Lola! So good to have you here today. What would be the title of your autobiography?

RH: My Mom is the gweatest!

Le: Ah, I love to hear that! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

RH: She would be the kind Queen of the Universe.

Le: Rachel is one of the nicest people I know. What’s your favorite movie?

RH: Hm, we don’t watch many movies but I wuv the dog Eddie on Frawsier.

Le: Oh, yeah. Frasier is a hoot! What musical instrument would you like to play?

RH: I’m a singer. Ooowwwwwllll

Le: And quite a lovely voice you have! You should help Rachel with worship. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

RH: Dis is Lola, da dog. Cats bug me. Dogs annoy me. I wuv peoples.

Le: And peoples wuv you. Where do you sleep at night?

RH: Between my parwents.

Le: A very good place indeed! What do you do when your friend is writing?

RH: Sleep at her feet. She needs me.

Le: I’m sure she does! I bet you’re good at brainstorming. What is your idea of bliss?

RH: Widing in the car wif my mom to McDonalds. Especially of the top is down.

Le: Does she give you any fries? She should. ☺ What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

RH: Same as mine of course.

Le: Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend, Rachel, now, ya hear?

RH: Thanks for having us!!

Le: My pleasure, Rachel! And Lola too!

Run the race

2010-05-17T08:34:00.002-06:00

This weekend was filled with a graduation as my niece graduated from Texas Tech University and also my children's piano and voice recital. Both events showed what hard work can accomplish. When I'm in the nitty-gritty of a project, it seems like I'll never get to the end of that long, arduous road. But watching the young children who have been learning piano, sitting in front of a keyboard five days a week for a whole year, it showed me what can be accomplished in just a few minutes a day. Pushing forward day by day is not always easy but that's what the Bible encourages us to do when Paul tells us to run the race set before us. There's no sitting down in a race. No time to take a break. Keep pushing forward…you will get to the end of the race and be able to look back then and see what you have accomplished with the Lord's help.

What are you working on that is taking patience and diligence?

CHANGE!

2010-05-13T21:57:00.003-06:00

This month is full of graduations and weddings. School years are ending. Summer is beginning. It all means CHANGE. Now, change to some folks is good. But others see change as painful, difficult, scary.

When my son was a toddler, I would change his crib sheets or later his toddler bed sheets, and every time I did he would scream and cry, painful wracking sobs. This was a child who did not like change. When I was a kid I moved my furniture in my room weekly. I was a kid that looked forward to change. When my husband and I dated, he decided we would not eat at the same restaurant twice for an entire year. I'm not sure I was fully on board with that change. Probably because he decided it. But that's a whole other issue. Still, it was good trying new things. But at times I wanted cheese enchiladas from my favorite restaurant. So then that made the no-restaurant-twice-pact a bit annoying.

With all these graduations lately though, change has taken on a little bit different meaning for me. My nieces are grown. My kids are rapidly growing up. And I'm getting old. Okay, old-er. So maybe change isn't as appealing as it once was. But how do you like change? Do you see it as positive and exciting or the exact opposite?

Almost Forever

2010-05-13T07:27:00.000-06:00

Almost Forever
by Deborah Raney
A Hanover Falls Novel
from Howard/Simon & Schuster

Unearthing a lost memory may cause her to lose everything she holds dear. but could it also set her free?

Volunteer Bryn Hennesey was there at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter the night five heroic firefighters died at the scene. Among them was her husband, Adam.

Now a terrifying absence of memory has her wondering if she might, in some way, be responsible. Garrett Edmonds' wife, Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. He was supposed to protect the woman he loved.now she's the one who's died a hero. How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss? And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer...

Deborah Raney books always captivate me! Almost Forever is a beautifully written and enthralling read. It made my heart sing, dance, cry, and turn more than a few flips!
~CindyWoodsmall, New York Times best-selling author

As a fan of the very talented Deborah Raney, I expected a great read and I got it in the richly emotional Almost Forever, a story of faith, forgiveness and redemption. It began with a gripping scene and proceeded to hold me enthralled to the end. Don't miss this one!
~Karen Young, author of Missing Max and Blood Bayou

DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her 20th novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Almost Forever, first in her new Hanover Falls Novels series, will release in May from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. They are new empty nesters with four grown children and two precious grandsons, all of whom live much too far away.

Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com
Order her books here: http://snipurl.com/raneybooks

Robin Lee Hatcher and her dog, Poppet!

2010-05-12T05:55:00.003-06:00

Hi, y'all! Sorry I haven't blogged in a couple of days. I was out of town and fell behind, then fell sick. But I'm better now and so excited to have Robin Lee Hatcher here with us today! And also, her adorable dog, Poppet! Please help me welcome them!

Le: Hi, Robin! Thanks so much for being here today! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

RLH: I have owned lots of different kinds of pets (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, parakeet). I like most animals, although I prefer to keep a distance from snakes and mice. But if forced to choose just one favorite kind of pet, I guess I would have to go with dogs because they truly want their humans’ company. As much as I like cats, they are often perfectly content to never see their humans, as long as they have food and water.

Le: That is so true. How many pets do you have today?

RLH: Just one.

Le: Have you ever rescued an animal?

RLH: Yes, a number of my pets over the years have come from the local shelter.

Le: Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

RLH: Frequently. Dogs, cats, and horses mostly. And one of my dogs was included on the cover of one of my books , and that really endeared that cover to me.

Le: I bet! How wonderful! What was your favorite character animal?

RLH: LOL! I’m laughing because in my second book, the reader is put into the POV of a wild stallion. Had to love that, especially now that I see it as a “slight” POV problem. I suppose that my favorite animal character would have to be the Irish wolfhound “puppy” named Joker in my historical, When Love Blooms.

Le: I think we’ve all got things like that in our earlier novels. ☺ Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

RLH: Yes, my border collie Misty was the inspiration for the dog in Dear Lady.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

RLH: Sometimes Poppet will get all wound up with excitement and will race around the house, hopping onto the sofa and then down the hall and then looping back to do it all over again. In my previous home, she could run a full circle going from room to room (living room, hall, kitchen, dining room, living room). She runs as fast and low to the ground as a rabbit or a fox. She’ll run like crazy until she’s exhausted and lays down.

Le: Ah, that’s so cute! Is there a secret that only Poppet knows?

RLH: Maybe she’s the only one who knows if I snore since she sleeps with me?

Le: I love her name by the way. What is Poppet’s pet peeve about you?

RLH: That I don’t just drop everything to play with her when she wants to.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your Poppet?

RLH: She loves to bark at any activity going on outside (people walking or talking, car doors closing, UPS or FedEx trucks, the mailman, other animals). And her bark has a very high pitch to it, so it hurts the ears.

Le: I can understand that! I have three that bark at everything. Even butterflies. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Poppet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Poppet! You are so cute! Come here and let’s talk. What would be the title of your autobiography?

P: SHE’S SO CUTE! Because that’s what everyone said when they met me as a puppy and lots of humans still say when they see me today.

Le: It is very fitting indeed! If you were to write a novel, would Robin inspire one of the characters?

P: Sure. My human is my best friend.

Le: That’s so sweet! What’s your favorite movie?

P: My Dog Skip.

Le: Oh, that’s a good one! What musical instrument would you like to play?

P: Drums. They’d go nice with my barking.

Le: Ah-ha! You like to make some noise, don’t you? What do you think about cats? Dogs?

P: Cats should not be allowed to tease and torture me from the other side of my fenced yard. If I could get to them, I’d teach them that.

Dogs are usually okay, as long as they understand I’m the alpha female in the neighborhood and should be obeyed at all times.

Le: Of course! Where do you sleep at night?

P: In my human’s bed, against her hip while she’s reading, then I move over to my own space when it’s time to sleep.

Le: What do you do when Robin is writing?

P: Usually I lay on the floor nearby.

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

P: Chasing the Frisbee or tennis ball in the backyard.

Le: What is Robin’s idea of bliss?

P: Being with her kids and grandkids and other family members.

Le: I’m sure being with you brings her bliss too. You’re a cutie! Thanks for being with us today! You take care of Robin now, ya hear?

Power in the Blood

2010-05-07T07:57:00.001-06:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about blood recently. I know, kinda weird. Part of it comes with the territory of writing an Amish/vampire story. With vampires, you have to deal with blood. One reason I think this is such a powerful spiritual story is because blood is used in scripture. A lot. There is power in the blood. Jesus’ blood. He shed his blood for you and me, for our sins, so that we might be washed free, cleansed of our sins. I love this old hymn.

Power in the Blood
By Lewis E. Jones
1899

Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s pow’r in the blood,
Pow’r in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.

There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Deborah Raney and Biscuit

2010-05-04T20:58:00.003-06:00

This week I'm pleased to welcome Deborah Raney and her adorable cat, Biscuit!

Le: Hi, Deborah! Thank you so much for stopping by today with Biscuit! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

DR: I love cats because they are so independent––like a well-behaved teenager, and because they add such warmth and personality to a home.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

DR: We have three cats in the yard: Frosty, Biscuit and Sundae.

Le: Have you ever rescued an animal?

DR: Yes, our cat Biscuit showed up on our doorstep about 4 years ago. She presented us with 9 kittens (2 litters) that summer and fall. We kept one of the kittens, Sundae, and the others all found good homes––thanks in part to author Kim Vogel Sawyer, who adopted Maizie herself and found homes for several other of the kittens.

Le: Oh, I love that! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

DR: I try to put a cat or dog in almost every book. Sometimes it just doesn’t suit my characters, but usually a pet adds a wonderful spirit to a book.

Le: What was your favorite character animal?

DR: I loved the rabbits in Watership Down, especially Hazel. My newest book has two dogs that have been adopted by homeless shelter residents. Sparky and Boss end up bringing my hero and heroine together rather delightfully, I think.

Le: That’s terrific! Makes me want to read your book even more! Although, I always want to read your novels. Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

DR: I tend to write cat characters more than dogs, mostly because we are currently cat people. I grew up with a wonderful series of dogs on the farm, but haven’t owned a dog since early in our marriage.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?
DR: We have an old black cat named Frosty and when Biscuit showed up on our doorstep, he wasn’t exactly pleased. My husband had built a large “dog” house on the back deck, but Frosty refused to share with Biscuit. When Biscuit was about to give birth to her kittens, we set up a makeshift shelter for her (built from Styrofoam coolers). One day that March, I went out to the deck and discovered Frosty in the Styrofoam hut. Sure enough, Biscuit was in the doghouse with newborn kittens!! I have no idea how that all went down––either Frosty is more of a gentleman than we knew, or Biscuit put her foot down.

Le: Good for her! That’s hilarious! Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

DR: See above. ☺

Le: I like that. Maybe Biscuit will share later. ☺ What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

DR: That we don’t let them in the house more often. They have all the comforts of home…a beautiful fenced garden, a cat door offering free reign of the house. But they prefer the kitchen.

Le: My cat likes the kitchen too. I think she wants to be near us. What is your pet peeve about your pet?

DR: They shed too much!

Le: I hear ya on that one! Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your Biscuit a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Biscuit! You are so pretty! Thanks for stopping by today. Tell us, what would be the title of your autobiography?

Biscuit: Three Cats in the Yard, Life Used to Be So Hard

Le: If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

Biscuit: The brave and beautiful heroine, of course.

Le: Deborah would make a wonderful heroine! What’s your favorite movie?

Biscuit: Homeward Bound

Le: I like that one too. What musical instrument would you like to play?

Biscuit: Actually, I DO play the piano. With four paws, I can play duets single-handedly!

Le: I love it! Do you play on Deborah’s computer keyboard? My cat Miracle likes to do that sometimes. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

Biscuit: Four words: cats rule, dogs drool (that’s actually a line from my master’s next book.)

Le: Very good! My cat would agree! Where do you sleep at night?

Biscuit: On a cushion in the garage. I take catnaps on the kitchen windowsill.

Le: What do you do when your friend is writing?

Biscuit: When I was a kitten, I slept on her lap while she wrote, or on top of her manuscript. The day I tried to help her with some typing and “accidentally” erased a chapter was the day I was banned from her office.

Le: Oooh! I can understand that. Sorry, my cat would be out then too. What is your idea of bliss?

Biscuit: Licking yogurt lids.

Le: Yum! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

Biscuit: Watching my kittens play.

Le: Ahhh. I’d like that too. Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Accident or Providence?

2010-05-03T07:59:00.001-06:00

Two days before I went to Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference, I was having my regular quiet time, a part of which is reading a Psalms a day. So was it any accident that I read these verses? “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.” Psalm 133

Things like that happen to me all the time. Do they happen to you? So was that just an accident or providence?

Some days...

2010-04-30T07:38:00.001-06:00

There are some days that are just harder than others. For whatever reason, some days we simply feel down or discouraged. Maybe it’s been triggered by something happening, someone saying something to us, maybe it’s hormone induced, maybe it’s just a gloomy day. But this is one of my favorite hymns, written in 1905 by Civilla D. Martin:

Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,”
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth,
But one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Calculated Revenge

2010-04-29T08:43:00.002-06:00

Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Steeple Hill Romantic Suspense
(c) 2010

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s been eighteen years since Laney Thompson’s sister was abducted and killed, but the pain Laney feels has never faded. And now the murderer is back, taunting Laney with mementos of her sister and threatening Laney’s young daughter. School principal Noah Ryder is her best hope for protecting her daughter—if she can convince the former investigator to take the case. As the threats accelerate, a string of clues leads Laney to uncover old secrets. Unless Noah steps in with his expertise, how can she piece together the puzzle before her child—like her sister—is lost to a killer’s revenge?

READER REVIEWS:

I just finished your book. I love Christian Suspense books and this one is the best one I have read in a while. I never figured out the solution until it was evident to all. Wonderful suspense weaving throughout the book. Thanks, I will look for more books by you. I could not put it down once I got started.

Excellent, excellent book! It caught my attention from the first page and was so hard to put down! Keep on sharing God's love and gospel thru your writing - it is important to those who need encouragement as well as need to know our precious Savior!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an award-winning author of mystery and suspense. She writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. She and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild.

Visit Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s website at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for excerpts, book giveaways, and contests.

You can order this book directly from your local bookstore, retail stores such as Walmart, or online here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373443900/jillelizabeth-20

Laurie Alice Eakes and Nick

2010-04-28T07:13:00.003-06:00

Thanks, Laurie Alice for stopping by today! It's great to have you and Nick here today!

Le: What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

LAE: This is difficult, as I love cats and dogs both for different reasons. Today, though I’ll focus on my dog.

Le: And your dog is Nick, right? How many pets do you have today?

LEA: Officially, two. Unofficially, ten.

Le: Oh, I hope you explain that! Have you ever rescued an animal?

LEA: Yes, I’m rescuing animals right now. It started out with one stray kitten someone threw over our fence into our backyard. We fed it. Then we had two cats, then four. Now we have four adults and five kittens and are awaiting an appointment at the not quite free, but inexpensive charity vet hospital to get them neutered and vaccinated to maybe find homes for them. The kittens are totally friendly with people and live on my porch, while we foster them. My two cats are also rescue kitties, though I didn’t do the rescuing.

Le: Love that! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

LEA: Absolutely. In The Glassblower, the kittens play a significant symbolic role and are comic relief and a bond between the hero and heroine. Those cats’ descendants make an appearance in the second book in the series The Heiress. I have a cat in my current work, too, out next year from Revell.

Le: What was your favorite character animal?

LEA: In one of my books? Something that hasn’t been published yet. A dog. A golden retriever. In other people’s books, I’m not sure. I’ve read so many it’s hard to pinpoint them.

Le: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

LEA: Yes, again, though, not yet published. A golden retriever, who I made a female in the novel and named for my dog’s litter mate sister.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

LEA: I’d moved into a new neighborhood, so didn’t know my way around. One morning, I went for a walk quite early—and got lost. I stopped and looked at my dog and said, “Colin, I am clueless. How do we get home?” He glanced around then took off running. I followed until he came to a screeching halt and sat down. I glanced up…He’d taken me to a bus stop.

Le: Hilarious! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

LEA: Many, but I’m not divulging it here, or it wouldn’t be a secret.

Le: What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

LEA: I don’t let him play outside enough. He’d run all day if I’d let him.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

LEA: He’s a little hyper. I really don’t want 70 lbs of golden retriever jumping on me every five minutes.

Le: Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Nick a few questions. Hey, Nick! You are beautiful! Glad you’re here! What would be the title of your autobiography?

Nick: Naughty Nick—How I got away with Breaking the Rules

Le: I like that! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

Nick: Definitely. She’d be the heroine.

Le: Ah, that’s sweet. What’s your favorite movie?

Nick: 101 Dalmatians. I love puppies.

Le: Me, too! What musical instrument would you like to play?

Nick: The drums. That way I could use all my paws at once and be awesome.

Le: Good thinking. You’re a smart one! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

Nick: I think cats are…the cat’s meow. We have so many around here and they are better than cartoons.

Le: That’s great! Where do you sleep at night?

Nick: On the floor on a rug next to my person’s bed.

Le: Forget the floor! Jump on the bed! Oops. Your friend may not appreciate me telling you that. What do you do when your friend is writing?

Nick: Sigh a great deal and try to bug her now and again. When she really ignores me, I do naughty things like get into the trash or the cat box. Mostly I sit at the window and watch the cats and birds in the yard.

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

Nick: Riding in the car forever with my person petting me.

Le: What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

Nick: Going to the beach, which is pretty all right with me.

Le: Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?