April 2006 Newsletter

BLUE MOUNTAIN BACKROADS

It's April in the Ozarks, which means it's the time for spring showers, spring flowers, and spring tornados. So far the storms have missed our little corner, but they have left destruction and devastation all around us.

On a bright note, spring beauties, those tiny pink blossoms with a darker pink stripe are blooming in the woods back of the church. Jonquils are winding down, and creeping phlox are in full bloom. Redbud, or Judas tree, as it's known in some parts of the country, is aglow with deep fuchsia blossoms, and the dogwood won't be far behind.

Legend has it that the dogwood tree was used to form the cross on which Christ was crucified. The four petals represent the cross, at the edge of each petal is the mark of the bloodstained nail and the hard center is the crown of thorns Jesus wore. Of course it's just a story, but it serves as a reminder each year when the hills are awash with the white blooms. We should never forget the painful price our savior paid for our salvation.

Next Sunday is Easter and we are having Sunrise Service at our church. I know many of you will be doing the same. Let me be the first to wish you a Happy Easter, and may God bless each one of you, now and always.

WRITING NEWS OF THE MONTH

Rhonda Gibson's book, Enchanted Bride, has sold to Heartsong Presents, Barbour. Her release date is September 2007. I've read this one. It's a winner. Congratulations, Rhonda. Proud of you.

Deborah Raney is a finalist for the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence with her book Over the Waters.  Here's my vote for her (and I wish it could count). Good book, good writer, good gal. Congratulations, Deb.

Last Resort, by Hannah Alexander (Cheryl and Mel Hodde), was a finalist in the Holt Medallion contest, long contemporary inspirational, and also in the southern theme category. Note of Peril was a finalist in short contemporary inspirational. Way to go Cheryl. Great news.

Jeanette Hanscome's book, Want More? Joy,  Book #3 in the Brio Devotional Series was released this month. It's a Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale. This book will be featured in the book review section of my May newsletter. Can't wait to read it.

Nikki Arana signed a contract with Revell for a fourth book, a stand alone to be released in March 2007. Great news Nikki. Congratulations.

Susan Davis has several up coming releases. The next three are from Heartsong Presents at Barbour. The Oregon Escort, set in Wyoming in 1860, will be released in April 2006. The Prisoner's Wife, set in Maine, 1720, will be released in July and will be featured in the July newsletter, book review section. The third, Weaving a Future, set in Virginia, 1848, will be released in October 2006. Wow, Susan. Sounds like you've been busy. Way to go.

Deborah Piccurelli will be interviewed on Maryann DiOrio's blog, “Musings That Matter” on April 12th. Maryann will not only be asking questions about Deborah but also about her book, In the Midst of Deceit, which was featured in the book review section of my October 2005 newsletter, and it's a good one. You can catch the interview at www.maryanndiorio.com/blog/

Deb was also interviewed on March 20th by LaShaunda Hoffman at http://www.lashaunda.blogspot.com.  I got this news too late for the March newsletter, but just want to remind you of the good job Maryann and LaShaunda are doing to publicize their fellow writers. Check out their blogs--you'll be glad you did.

LaShaunda Hoffman has two blogs, both worth your time to visit. See Ya On The Net is her personal blog. Each Monday she features an interview with some of the hottest authors in Christian literature.

Sormag's Blog is her blog for Shades of Romance Magazine, an online magazine for readers and writers of multi-culture books. Each Monday it features an interview with some of the best authors in multi-cultural literature. If you're looking for multi-cultural books, you'll find them here.  Both blogs are great and LaShaunda is doing a super job promoting her fellow authors.

Kara Sandusky has a new website at www.karasandusky.com.  Her Pearls of Wisdom page is designed to enlighten the reader with a thought provoking quote or story, one that may challenge or simply entertain. It's definitely worth checking out. She also has a survey that will change periodically. Neat Site, Kara. Good work.

Cathy Messecar's book, The Stained Glass Pickup—Glimpses of God's Uncommon Wisdom, will be released at the end of April. In The Stained Glass Pickup, you'll find God waiting for you in unpredictable places; a denim-clad rancher, an orphan train adoptee, and a wedding dress, become road signs pointing to God's wisdom. You'll encounter the Almighty in a Houston theater, a cross, and a "grace shaker."

Sounds great, Cathy. I can't wait to read it. The Stained Glass Pickup will be one of the featured books for a review in the May newsletter.

The NOLA STARS (RWA Chapter) conference was held in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 3rd and 4th. Amid wonderful workshops and agent/editor appointments, the awards luncheon was held on Saturday.

Members Margaret Daley and Lenora Worth were presented with "Shooting Stars" awards and Robin Miller was presented with the "Reach for the Stars" award—for their writing accomplishments in 2005. Congratulations to all three for their well earned recognition. Proud of you.

Lenora Worth, received her Nola Stars 2005 Shooting Star Award as a finalist in the Texas Gold Contest for Published Authors with After the Storm; Released her first hardcover (with Lauraine Snelling) Once Upon a Christmas; Signed a two book contract in a new category (Harlequin Next); Released eight books in 2005, four new releases, four reissues; and contracted for four books—making this her 26th through 29th sales. Now that's one busy lady. Very impressive. Congratulations, Lenora. And what do you do with your leisure time?

The new issue of Aspiring Retail only reviews ONE fiction book and that book was. . .Just As I Am, by Virginia Smith. Not only did she get a great review but there was a color  photo of the cover. That's wonderful, Ginny.

Denise Hunter sold a four book contemporary romance series set in Nantucket to WestBow Press. (Thomas Nelson) That's great, Denise. Can't wait for them to come out.

Denise's book Finding Faith is featured in the book review section of this newsletter. It's a good one

Margaret Daley was honored by the Nola chapter of RWA with their Shooting Star award for her accomplishments in 2006. She contracted to write her 45th, 46th and 47th books during the year.  I'm amazed at the number of books she's written. I'd say she deserved that honor. Congratulations, Margaret. Doing good.

Kacy Gramckow's The Heavens Before has been translated into THAI. She can't read it, but it sure adds glitz to her bookshelf.

Jill Eileen Smith has sold her article “My Stress Release Valve” to Spirit Led Writer.  Also, on her website, www.jilleileensmith.com, she spotlights Tamera Alexander and her debut novel Rekindled. Drop by and check it out. Jill is another one who is doing her best to promote other writers. We owe these ladies a vote of appreciation.

Laura Fulkerson showcases new writers on her website. Each month she will announce a New Writer of the Month. The winner will be featured on the website and announced in her monthly newsletter. The winning piece will be posted for everyone to read. Also, Camy Tang has agreed to give a free critique to each winner of fifteen pages and a two page synopsis. Guidelines are available at http://www.laurafulkrson.com . Also if you're not receiving Laura's newsletter you're missing a lot of good information about writing.

Shirlee McCoy won Romantic Times reviewer's choice award for best Love Inspired Suspense. The winning title was Die Before Nightfall. That's really great, Shirlee. Congratulations.

Martha Johnson, writing as Marty Perry, is a finalist for the Holt Medallion for Unlikely Hero. Wonderful, Marty. Happy for you.

Cheryl Wyatt finaled in Yellow Rose, RWA's Winter Rose and was a double finalist in Colorado Romance Writer's Heart of the Rockies with two different manuscripts, inspirational category. Cheryl has been a finalist with five different manuscripts in nine contests. Sounds like a winner to me. Way to go Cheryl. Keep it up.

WHACKY NEWS OF THE MONTH.

(News too weird to make up)

What would you do if a city employee driving a city dump truck backed into your car, doing considerable damage? File a claim? Well, that's what happened recently in California. The city rejected the car owner's $3,600 claim because the city employee driving the city dump truck backed into his own car. He even admitted it was his fault, but still he sued.

The city suggested that he was, in essence, suing himself, which wasn't technically legal. When his claim was rejected, his wife got involved, filing her own claim. The city's attorney pointed out that a wife couldn't sue her husband, unless she was suing for divorce. I didn't know that! There goes my plan to sue Charlie for leaving his dirty laundry for me to pick up.

The wife's claim was for $4,800. "I'm not as nice as my husband is," she said. Nice? That's not the word I'd apply to these two. Tacky, maybe, but nice?  I was unable to verify a rumor that they received an award from the California legal board for the Lamest Case of the Year.

WRITING TIP OF THE MONTH

Structure

 Structure, when applied to writing, means a sense of order. Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction your material must be organized in an orderly fashion. A disorganized story is an irritating story and a disorganized non-fiction book will drive the reader into a hair pulling, foot stomping fit.   Writers are a varied bunch. Some of us write from a strict outline, some write by the seat of the pants, but it still helps to have some idea where you are going and how you are going to get there. In structuring your story, there are some things you need to keep in mind.   First, complication: Your story must be well salted with things that complicate the situation for your main characters. A story with no complications and no barriers to overcome is a boring story. We've all had days when nothing seems to go right. It needs to be like that for your character. As soon as she solves one problem, you need to hit her with another. And don't make it too easy for her to solve problems. Nothing is easy in real life. It shouldn't be easy in fictional life either.   Second, developments at least one to a chapter: Each chapter must have something that develops your story, moving it forward. At the end of each chapter you should be one step closer to the end. The development need not be something big, but it should show the reader something new about your story.   One problem beginning writers have is writing scenes that have nothing to do with the story. Make sure each scene develops your story a little bit more. And focus on the story. If your story is about stolen identity, focus on that. If your story is about the give and take struggles of a man and woman falling in love, focus on that. If you have a beautiful scene that doesn't develop your story or move it forward, then cut it. Learn to be ruthless.   Resolution. The end. Make sure your story ends with a punch. One mystery writer I know of writes a good story until the end of the book and then it just seems to quit. I don't read her books much anymore. You need to build to a climax. Make it seem like all is lost, and then bring it a satisfying end.   Make sure you have a definite beginning, middle, and end. That seems so elementary, but it is an important part of structuring your story.  

Keep your paragraphs limited to one subject, and write related paragraphs in order. Don't insert a paragraph out of order that has nothing to do with the subject.

Formula structure is not the same thing as formula writing. Formula structure means having an orderly plan for writing your book, making sure you have the necessary ingredients. You have the freedom to write anything you choose, not writing to a strict formula of how many love scenes or certain words you have to use. That's formula writing. Formula structure simply means you have all of the ingredients on the counter to mix up your story. That way you don't leave out some important ingredient necessary to make your book shine.

Formula structure doesn't mean a lack of flexibility or a lack of fresh writing, it simply means putting your story in order and making it easy on your reader. Before you hit that keyboard, spend a little time getting your ingredients in order. You'll be glad you did.

NEED TO READ BOOKS OF THE MONTH

Front Porch Princess by Kathryn Springer

  When I saw the really clever cover of Front Porch Princess, I expected a sarcastic, funny type of story. It's all that and more. Front Porch Princess is also a serious story of one woman's search for God and contentment. I started this book at 8:00 p.m. one night and finished it at 12:15 p.m.   Elise Penny never wanted to move to Prichett. She certainly never intended to stay, but what else could she do when she fell in love with a twenty-year-old farmer with sky blue eyes and a crooked smile. Who'd have thought a thin gold band and a marriage ceremony would forever bind her to the small town of Prichett. Unfortunately, Sam, her husband's, first love was one hundred acres of fertile topsoil. Elise came in a close second.

When she was eighteen, Elise won the county fair's miss Sweetheart contest. She still had the tiara. She always felt she was meant for bigger and better things than Prichett had to offer. Denied the fulfillment of her dreams by marriage, she would do anything to keep Bree, her daughter from making the same mistake.

Bree, fresh out of high school, with a mind of her own, is bound for college, but Riley Cabott, a local boy is hanging around much too often for Elise's peace of mind.   Bernice, Elise's friend has a secret, one she has never told anyone, including Elise, but a phone call from her past threatens to destroy Bernice's carefully built life. To complicate matters, Bree has entered her mother in a Proverbs 31 Woman Christian Beauty Contest, which brings old problems between Elise and Sam bubbling to the surface.   Kathryn Springer has a unique voice and a writing style all her own. I am happy to recommend Front Porch Princess for your Need to Read list.

Morning Sky by Judith Miller

 

Morning Sky, the second book in the Freedom's Path Series is just as good as First Dawn, book one. Morning Sky continues the story of the Harban and Boyle families. It is also the continuing story of growth and the struggle to survive in Nicodemus and Hill City, Kansas. Nicodemus is predominately settled by African-American citizens while Hill city is mostly white. 

Life ran a lot smoother for Ezekiel Harban before Lilly Verdue, his deceased wife's sister, came to stay in Nicodemus. Lilly is running from someone, which doesn't surprise Ezekiel one bit. Lilly always lived by her own rules, and he doesn't want her in his home, corrupting his daughters.

Lilly soon begins to meddle, causing exactly the sort of trouble Ezekiel expected. First she tries to break up Truth's engagement to Moses Wyman, feeling he is much better suited to Jarena, Ezekiel's oldest daughter. Thomas, Jarena's fiancé is in the army, fighting Indians and Lilly is sure he wouldn't be suitable anyway.

Truth leaves for New York to see about Macia Boyle, daughter of Dr. Boyle. Macia is enrolled in an exclusive finishing school, but has been ill ever since she arrived in the city. Truth finds Macia is much worse than she expected, and discovers a diabolic plot, which could be fatal for her friend. Would the New York police take the word of a young African-American woman from Nicodemus, Kansas against the well-known Caucasian owners of the elite school?

Morning Sky is an intriguing story with strong, skillfully developed characters. You will feel like you know these people from the moment you meet them. Judith Miller is an expert at pitting her characters against each other in a manner guaranteed to involve the reader's emotions. I'm delighted to add Morning Sky to the Need to Read List.

The Encore by Sarah Anne Sumpolec

This is book five in the Beka series and I'm sorry I missed the earlier ones. Beka's senior year should have been great, but everything seems to go wrong. First the song she wrote for a school assignment mentioned God, which gets her in trouble with Mrs. Brynwit, the principal. Then there's Mai, an avowed enemy who wants Beka's job as editor of the school newspaper. Lucy, Beka's younger sister is running with a rough crowd, their mother died two years ago, and her father is getting married again.   As if that wasn't enough, Beka is torn between Mark, a fellow senior, who says her loves her, but doesn't want to talk about anything serious, and Josh, who is away at college, and says he wants them to be friends. A girl can't love two boys at the same time can she? And then there's God. What does He want from her?   Sarah Anne captures the very essence of what it's like to be young, undecided, insecure, and seeking answers when you're not sure of the questions. Beka doesn't seem like a character in a book. She's a real person with real problems, trying to be everything to everyone, but never feeling she succeeds. Buy this book for your teenage daughter. She'll love it. I'm happy to add The Encore to the Need to Read list.

Along Came Love by Carrie Turansky

 Single mom, Lauren Woodman, has returned to her Vermont hometown with her six-year old son, and a secret past only her Aunt Tilley knows. When she sees a man walking in a Vermont blizzard, she drives on, afraid to stop. A deer runs across the road in front of her, causing her car to slide into the ditch. The stranger helps get the car back on the road, and although she's still nervous, she takes him home with her. Lauren and her son, Toby, live with Aunt Tilley.   Wes Evans has been a missionary in the Middle East. Arrested for sharing the gospel and accused of being a CIA spy, he spent eighteen months in prison there, suffering brutal interrogations and torture. Now he's hiding from the press until he can decide what to do with the rest of his life. All he knows how to do is to be a missionary and now that door is closed to him.   Lauren is attracted to Wes but how would he feel if he knew the truth about her. Meanwhile, Wes is having trouble dealing with his own past. It takes a near tragedy to teach them about God's wonderful gift of forgiveness. Along Came Love is a heartwarming story of love and acceptance. I heartily recommend it for your Need to Read list.

The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett Gramckow

Book one of the Genesis Trilogy. I liked this book so much I bought rest of the series.

Twenty-five years ago Annah witnessed the brutal murder of her father, by her brother, Yerakh. When he noticed her cowering in the shadows, Yerakh ordered her not to speak. Annah, a young child at the time, took him literally. Shocked and terrified for her life, she hasn't spoken since. The villagers think she is mad.

Then Annah meets Shem, Son of Noakh, and suddenly, for the first time she can remember, she is loved, considered a person of worth. Naomi, mother of Shem, makes Yerakh an offer for Annah he can't refuse and he gives her to Shem in marriage. Finally she is safe, among people who love her and treat her well.

Noakh and his sons are building an enormous, dark rectangular structure of wood they casually refer to as the pen. The villagers laugh at them, but the wooden storage chest was built on the instructions of the Most High. Annah doesn't know what to think of the wooden structure, but then one day the animals arrived, coming two by two, and calmly entering the pen. A short time later the rains came.

The Heavens Before is a fascinating story of the people who lived in the days before the flood. Kacy Barnett Gramckow brings Noah and his family to life and gives us a taste of what living must have been like on the Ark. This one is a must for your Need to Read list.

Finding Faith by Denise Hunter

  Paula Landin-Cohen craves something bigger and more exciting than life in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Then Paula is offered a chance at her dream job as a TV reporter in Chicago. Her marriage is already in trouble because David, her husband, is convinced she has cheated on him. She's innocent of the charge, but she is hiding something from David that she doesn't dare tell.   Paula has never allowed anything to stand in the way of her career. Now she is following a real scoop that will practically guarantee her the coveted anchor position. Telling the story will destroy several people, including Paula, herself. Will she once again put her career ahead of doing what is right?   Linn Caldwell made a lot of mistakes, some of them really bad. Linn is a new Christian and trying to do better. Against her will she falls in love with the one man she can't have.    Two women who have sinned face the same question. Will the men they love ever be able to forgive them? Will God? Finding Faith is book three in the New Heights Series and is a heart tugging story two women struggling with real life issues of guilt and forgiveness, and is a reminder of the way everything we do affects other. Finding Faith will be a great addition to your Need to Read List.

Minnesota Brothers by Lena Nelson Dooley

Four stories of romance set in the Minnesota farmland.  

The Other Brother

 Olina Sandstrom left her home in Sweden to marry Lars Nilsson. It had been a long hard journey, made even more heartbreaking by her father's threat to disown her if she went to America. Olina knew it would be all right when she was reunited with Lars. Except Lars didn't meet the ship.

Instead his older brother Gustaf was there with the news that Lars had moved to Denver and was married. Frightened and alone, Olina was grateful to the Nilson family for taking her in and giving her a home. Although she was angry and hurt by Lars betrayal she found herself strangely attracted to Gustaf, who was strong, steady and dependable. All the things Lars wasn't. But did Gustaf only see her a friend?

His Brother's Castoff

August Nilsson had always loved Anna Jenson, but his brother, Gustaf, won her affection. However, Gustaf fell in love with Olina Sandstrum and broke Anna's heart. Then before August could bring himself to approach Anna, she fell in love with Olaf Johanson and it looked like he had lost again. Olaf died on a hunting trip and Anna decided God didn't plan for her to marry. Could God heal August from the dark sin of jealousy? Could shy, quiet August Nilsson teach Anna to love again?  

Double Deception

  Ollie and Lowell Jenson, Anna's brothers, are in love with the same woman. Pierre Le Blanc and his daughter Rissa, arrive in town and while the Jenson brothers don't like Pierre, they both want to get better acquainted with the daughter. The trouble is they never know how Rissa will behave. Can the two brothers resolve their hard feelings over a woman who seems to be attracted to first Ollie and then to Lowell? Does Rissa love either of them or is she just playing with their emotions? Was Rissa Le Blanc all she claimed to be?

Gerda's Lawman

Gerda Nilsson's brothers had each found love and although she loved their wives, she couldn't help feeling envious. Would there never be a romance for her? Then Frank Daggett, a former lawman rode into town hot on the trail of a lawless gang. Frank fell in love with Gerda the first time he saw her, but where she was concerned, he couldn't do anything right. Her family accepted Frank as a friend, her brothers liked him, but Gerda knew she could not allow herself to fall in love with an unbeliever. Could Frank break down the wall Gerda erected between them?

Minnesota Brothers is four stories of young immigrants who found love in their new homeland and will be a good addition to your Need to Read List.

In the Enemy's Sights by Marta Perry

Ken Vance is back in Colorado Springs, on medical leave from the U.S. air force. The jet he was flying was brought down over South America by a shoulder-fired missile. Ken, who had never wanted to be anything other than a pilot is left with blurred vision, which bars him from flying. His friend Quinn Montgomery owns a construction business that has been plagued with vandalism. He hires Ken to provide security. A lot of bad things have been happening to the Vance and Montgomery families lately.

Julianna Red Feather had a crush on Ken when they were in high school together, but the Red Feather's and the Vance's lived in two different worlds. Now they are adults and the rules have changed, but Ken only plans to be around until his eyes heal and he can start flying again.   The vandalism accelerates, becoming more deadly, and Julianna and Angel, her search and rescue dog, become targets because of her close friendship with Ken and his sister Holly. The Vance and Montgomery families have a deadly enemy, related to the destruction of a drug cartel, a year ago. Now the enemy has set a trap he hopes will destroy them all. Can Ken and Julianna discover the truth in time?  

In the Enemy's Sights is a fast paced story about two people who find love in the midst of danger. It will keep you turning pages to the end. A great addition to your Need to Read List.

Fair Warning by Hannah Alexander

  Life is good for Willow Traynor, cop's wife, mother-to-be, and respected ICU nurse, a job she loves. Then her husband is killed in a drug raid, a deliberate hit and run incident causes a miscarriage, and Willow quits her job and moves to Branson, to stay with her brother, Preston, until she can recover. A fire destroys Preston's home and it is a miracle they both escaped. The police say it was arson, and there were other fires set in Branson that night. Were they the work of a local firebug or has Willow's enemy followed her to this southwest Missouri resort town?   Preston works for Graham Vaughn, local doctor, who owns a lodge in Branson. Graham treats Willow's injuries as a result of the fire, and is intrigued by her and by what Preston reveals about his sister. Preston thinks Willow is having illusions, because she is sure someone is trying to kill her. She has nightmares that leave her crying out in her sleep. The police suspect she might have had a hand in setting the fire. Graham and Ginger, his sister, insist Willow stay with them in Hideaway until Preston is well enough to leave the hospital. Even there, she isn't safe from the person stalking her.   Graham, is attracted to Willow and believes she is in danger, but can he discover the name her enemy in time to save her life? Fair Warning is a story of love, danger, and revenge, set in the beautiful Ozarks. It is another great addition to the Hideaway series by Cheryl and Mel Hodde, husband and wife writing team.  You will want this one for your Need to Read list.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

He who is always blowing a fuse is usually in the dark.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Barbara's Bread Sticks

Pat thawed, frozen bread dough out flat from supermarket into a greased 9x13 pan. (you want this rather thin)  Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder ( I use quite a bit) Sprinkle with grated cheese (I like packaged, pre shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack  and again, I cover it well, not thick, but not too thin either). Let it sit in a warm place for a few minutes.

You don't want this to rise very much, maybe half an inch. It will rise a little more in the oven. Bake 375 degrees.  When bread is done and cheese melted, remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes and cut into squares while warm, but not hot.

If you get the idea this is recipe is not well organized, you're right. That's because it's original and I am not an organized person. It would be hard to mess it up though, and it is larruping good.  Enjoy.

Barbara

Blue Mountain Editorial Service

www.barbarawarrenbluemountainedit.com

 

 

But they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk, and not faint.

    - Isaiah 40:31 KJV

 

 

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