Tuesday greetings with a few random comments for your perusal.
I've been busy writing an article on the Pulitzer Prize. You may want to check it out by visiting NovelJourney.
http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com/ April 3rd post - The Pulitzer Prize
And a person near and dear to me posted one of the funniest posts I've read in awhile. I think it's his masterpiece. Of course, the fact that I know him well and can picture this event is screamingly funny. Some day I may share some of his early driving experiences. Let's just say the garage has never been the same. And he may or may not share a genetic bond with a certain Pat. http://jordanius.blogspot.com/index.html Me, My Wife and the Wii - March 27th post.
I'll be reviewing "In High Places" later this week. Alas, no interview yet. But a powerful novel.
I've spent some time in Nannyland recently. Nothing like spending time with small children to help get your priorities straight, and to infuse you with simple pleasures in life.
When was the last time you squealed and clapped your hands?
Try it. If nothing else, it will buy you plenty of space as others recoil and walk on the other side of the street to avoid you.
Parent teacher conferences. Gotta love them. And that's all I'm going to say.
I'm thrilled I'm not a teenager, and grateful that most of us do grow up.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Serials and Scenarios - What's Up With Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren boldly answers the questions you were dying to ask.
Some out there in writing land have strange rituals. Share yours.
I am the queen of procrastination – I’ve been known to even do laundry instead of writing a scene! And I’m very strange – my favorite place to write is on my bed – even though I have a nice office. I also have to have my research books within reach so I can grab them at a moment’s notice. Finally – during heightened moments of stress, I have to eat crunchy foods…like Apple Jacks!
If you were assured of writing a best-seller, what genre would it be? Give us a sliver of information, a characteristic or glimpse of a scene.
I love romantic suspense, but with great lighthearted scenes as well, so I’d write a book that has both suspense and comedy in it – something that makes us laugh between the moments of stress. I like to balance a book – have equal parts romance and suspense – for example, I love it when characters have a crazy fight right before they have to do something stressful – it relieves their stress and bonds us with the characters.
What period of history intrigues you the most?
World War 2. The heroism and sacrifice of that era really calls to my spirit.
What makes you feel alive?
Worship music, walking on the beach during a summer day (I have a beautiful rocky beach near my house), laughing with my children during dinner, seeing a passage of scripture in a new and transforming way.
How does something worm its way into your heart? Through tears, truth, humor or other?
Humor – I love to laugh, and humor is such a brilliant way to bring truth into a person’s life. I think humor really helps truths to take hold.
Book, music, person, food you would take with you on a very long trip.
I would take the Bible, some good worship music, or maybe my Brad Paisley CD collection, my husband, and cheetos. *g*
Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? – and why.
I’d love to visit the Holy Land, but my husband has always wanted to go to the deep seas, and I would love to go there with him, just to see his joy.
Favorite season and why?
Fall – because I love football and the changing of the seasons, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, and the anticipation of winter.
Favorite book setting and why?
I love to write books set in Russia because it is so rich in flavor and smells and characters, and of course, because I miss it and it brings me back to a land I love.
Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?
I recently received a letter from a reader who told me that reading my books was like reading an applied bible study. She said she loved learning more about scripture and the truths that transform my characters lives. I was really blessed by that because my desire is to weave scripture and spiritual truths into a story in such a way that the reader takes away encouragement in their own walk of faith.
What would you do today if you knew you had only a week to live?
I’d pack up my family, go down to the Caribbean and find a secluded beach and soak in every moment of laughter and stories and relaxation with the people I love.
What is your favorite word?
Sosheea. It’s a made up word in our family that means...enough! My oldest son made it up when he was five.
Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?
Flying, of course.
Thanks, Susan.
Happy Weekend, everyone.
Some out there in writing land have strange rituals. Share yours.
I am the queen of procrastination – I’ve been known to even do laundry instead of writing a scene! And I’m very strange – my favorite place to write is on my bed – even though I have a nice office. I also have to have my research books within reach so I can grab them at a moment’s notice. Finally – during heightened moments of stress, I have to eat crunchy foods…like Apple Jacks!
If you were assured of writing a best-seller, what genre would it be? Give us a sliver of information, a characteristic or glimpse of a scene.
I love romantic suspense, but with great lighthearted scenes as well, so I’d write a book that has both suspense and comedy in it – something that makes us laugh between the moments of stress. I like to balance a book – have equal parts romance and suspense – for example, I love it when characters have a crazy fight right before they have to do something stressful – it relieves their stress and bonds us with the characters.
What period of history intrigues you the most?
World War 2. The heroism and sacrifice of that era really calls to my spirit.
What makes you feel alive?
Worship music, walking on the beach during a summer day (I have a beautiful rocky beach near my house), laughing with my children during dinner, seeing a passage of scripture in a new and transforming way.
How does something worm its way into your heart? Through tears, truth, humor or other?
Humor – I love to laugh, and humor is such a brilliant way to bring truth into a person’s life. I think humor really helps truths to take hold.
Book, music, person, food you would take with you on a very long trip.
I would take the Bible, some good worship music, or maybe my Brad Paisley CD collection, my husband, and cheetos. *g*
Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? – and why.
I’d love to visit the Holy Land, but my husband has always wanted to go to the deep seas, and I would love to go there with him, just to see his joy.
Favorite season and why?
Fall – because I love football and the changing of the seasons, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, and the anticipation of winter.
Favorite book setting and why?
I love to write books set in Russia because it is so rich in flavor and smells and characters, and of course, because I miss it and it brings me back to a land I love.
Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?
I recently received a letter from a reader who told me that reading my books was like reading an applied bible study. She said she loved learning more about scripture and the truths that transform my characters lives. I was really blessed by that because my desire is to weave scripture and spiritual truths into a story in such a way that the reader takes away encouragement in their own walk of faith.
What would you do today if you knew you had only a week to live?
I’d pack up my family, go down to the Caribbean and find a secluded beach and soak in every moment of laughter and stories and relaxation with the people I love.
What is your favorite word?
Sosheea. It’s a made up word in our family that means...enough! My oldest son made it up when he was five.
Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?
Flying, of course.
Thanks, Susan.
Happy Weekend, everyone.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Serials and Scenarios - Reclaiming Nick
The book:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/141431017X
The Author: www.susanmaywarren.com
The Review:
Susan May Warren excels in writing men. I didn't warm up to her main heroine until several chapters into the book, but Nick grabbed me right away.
Warren has a way with words. Bursts of beautiful prose fill "Reclaiming Nick."
Tragedy marks each major character, and as I read, I began to root for them, hoping they'd find what they needed.
A touch of mystery added to the read. Enough detail was provided that the conclusion didn't shock me, so those of you who don't do well with intense suspense should be able to read it with ease.
The underlying spiritual themes of redemption, forgiveness and God's sovereignty were thoughtfully written. Christianese was not overdone, but the spiritual truths were strong.
The relationships covered in the book were handled well, also. "Reclaiming Nick" didn't feel sitcom surreal (perfect resolution in seventeen and a half minutes.)
Warren stuck to her genre guidelines and crafted mostly believable, almost real characters. I will finish the series.
The interview: Come back tomorrow.
The Author: www.susanmaywarren.com
The Review:
Susan May Warren excels in writing men. I didn't warm up to her main heroine until several chapters into the book, but Nick grabbed me right away.
Warren has a way with words. Bursts of beautiful prose fill "Reclaiming Nick."
Tragedy marks each major character, and as I read, I began to root for them, hoping they'd find what they needed.
A touch of mystery added to the read. Enough detail was provided that the conclusion didn't shock me, so those of you who don't do well with intense suspense should be able to read it with ease.
The underlying spiritual themes of redemption, forgiveness and God's sovereignty were thoughtfully written. Christianese was not overdone, but the spiritual truths were strong.
The relationships covered in the book were handled well, also. "Reclaiming Nick" didn't feel sitcom surreal (perfect resolution in seventeen and a half minutes.)
Warren stuck to her genre guidelines and crafted mostly believable, almost real characters. I will finish the series.
The interview: Come back tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Scribbles and Scrambles - Groundhog Spotted in Macarthur Park
I have a ground hog person in my life.
No, this person is not a rodent, nor does this person predict the weather.
Rather, life for him/her is like Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day.” But instead of the actual events repeating daily, it’s kind of an emotional/mental mind flush thing.
Confused yet?
Me too.
Seriously.
This individual wakes up with a clean slate each morning. Based on the behavior and choices I witness, this really potentialful and great person apparently thinks that consequences, good and bad, disappear overnight.
Granted, God’s mercies are new every morning, but my actions yesterday pretty much determine many of the obstacles I face today. The whole “charge it!” shop-a-thon coming back to bite me during the next billing cycle nightmare. Or, if I leave the cake out in the rain, I may never find the recipe again.
While you’re pondering that, ponder this.
How does one go through life not getting this monumental truth?
I’m completely confused.
Is there a chemical process that erases the concept of cause and effect?
Do “aha! Eureka! I’ve got it!” brain cells die at different rates in different people?
Is this a personality type that I’ve not been up close and personal with before?
If you’ve got answers, I need them. Talk to me!
I could use a bit of help with Macarthur Park, too.
No, this person is not a rodent, nor does this person predict the weather.
Rather, life for him/her is like Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day.” But instead of the actual events repeating daily, it’s kind of an emotional/mental mind flush thing.
Confused yet?
Me too.
Seriously.
This individual wakes up with a clean slate each morning. Based on the behavior and choices I witness, this really potentialful and great person apparently thinks that consequences, good and bad, disappear overnight.
Granted, God’s mercies are new every morning, but my actions yesterday pretty much determine many of the obstacles I face today. The whole “charge it!” shop-a-thon coming back to bite me during the next billing cycle nightmare. Or, if I leave the cake out in the rain, I may never find the recipe again.
While you’re pondering that, ponder this.
How does one go through life not getting this monumental truth?
I’m completely confused.
Is there a chemical process that erases the concept of cause and effect?
Do “aha! Eureka! I’ve got it!” brain cells die at different rates in different people?
Is this a personality type that I’ve not been up close and personal with before?
If you’ve got answers, I need them. Talk to me!
I could use a bit of help with Macarthur Park, too.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Scribbles and Scrambles - Babies Are Agile
My family may be really odd, but…. Oh, wait. We ARE really odd.
For just a split-second, I forgot we capitalize the fun in dysFUNction.
One of our favorite family things would be inside jokes.
I knew my daughter-in-law would fit right in the day she doubled over in laughter while standing in front of our refrigerator.
This is a little twisted -- but bear with me. Our son. The eldest offspring carrying the banner of odd, found magnets amusing. Oh, not the poetry magnets…those would’ve gotten buried on our fridge.
Our community believes in information fairs that provide a plethora of pertinent magnets. Somehow, somewhere I picked up a magnet from a shaken baby syndrome task force. The white magnet read “Babies are Fragile.” Nice sentiment, all too true, wonderful public service.
But one day my son asked. “Mom, what does it mean that babies are agile?” (I won’t tell you how old he was.) Annoyed, (which I often was when my very intelligent, old-teen kid asked me nutty questions) I glanced at the magnet.
Someone had used White-Out on the fr. Mr. Comedian laughed it up, I shook my head, but smiled inside. Every once in awhile, his sister or father would clean off the White-Out, bringing it back to fragile.
Then the fr would disappear again.
So, the girl who loves my son, asked about the magnet. I told her the story. She laughed. They got married. And we talk about agile babies every once in awhile.
Words that bring a flood of memories and a laugh or two include:
Coco-nutty Day
Sea biscuits
Chee chago
Coinkydink
Sticky Buns
Johnny Cat
The list goes on and on.
Now that I think about it. My brothers and I still laugh about “You’re bending my glasses.”
Did I mention we were odd?
For just a split-second, I forgot we capitalize the fun in dysFUNction.
One of our favorite family things would be inside jokes.
I knew my daughter-in-law would fit right in the day she doubled over in laughter while standing in front of our refrigerator.
This is a little twisted -- but bear with me. Our son. The eldest offspring carrying the banner of odd, found magnets amusing. Oh, not the poetry magnets…those would’ve gotten buried on our fridge.
Our community believes in information fairs that provide a plethora of pertinent magnets. Somehow, somewhere I picked up a magnet from a shaken baby syndrome task force. The white magnet read “Babies are Fragile.” Nice sentiment, all too true, wonderful public service.
But one day my son asked. “Mom, what does it mean that babies are agile?” (I won’t tell you how old he was.) Annoyed, (which I often was when my very intelligent, old-teen kid asked me nutty questions) I glanced at the magnet.
Someone had used White-Out on the fr. Mr. Comedian laughed it up, I shook my head, but smiled inside. Every once in awhile, his sister or father would clean off the White-Out, bringing it back to fragile.
Then the fr would disappear again.
So, the girl who loves my son, asked about the magnet. I told her the story. She laughed. They got married. And we talk about agile babies every once in awhile.
Words that bring a flood of memories and a laugh or two include:
Coco-nutty Day
Sea biscuits
Chee chago
Coinkydink
Sticky Buns
Johnny Cat
The list goes on and on.
Now that I think about it. My brothers and I still laugh about “You’re bending my glasses.”
Did I mention we were odd?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Scribbles and Scrambles - Don't Get Out Much...
Do you ever realize that your memories are not exactly reality?
Or that there are reasons that you may not be invited back to a moderately fancy restaurant?
My eldest daughter and a few of her friends invited me out for a nice dinner.
Their first mistake. I’d been to the restaurant before, so I didn’t turn them down.
This place has the most amazing bread. Kind of a do-it-yourself garlic bread bar at every table. Garlic infused olive oil (EVOO for you Rachel Ray fans), chopped tomatoes, real parmesan cheese (that’s right! Not the stuff from the can – do we know how to pick a classy place or what?) And the very best part… roasted garlic cloves that you use like butter, smearing the yummy contents across your bread.
I told the girls that I thought we could all eat for around $10.00 a plate.
Did I mention that I hadn’t been to that particular restaurant in ten years or so?
The food, yummy as I remember. The price? Well a whole lot different.
So $20.00 a person later, we realized there might be a reason they put us by the kitchen.
They, over the delicious aromas, smelled trouble.
We didn’t lack for water refills (none of us could afford pop) nor did we lack for hilarity.
From movie line quotes meeting with a mis-swallowed gulp of water, to excessive spillage, we had a great time. I’m sure the patrons around us thought maybe we’d just fallen off a farm truck when we enthused about the mouthwash dispenser.
Ah yeah, we had fun. Laughed til we hurt, and ate until we nearly burst. Good thing, we won’t be able to afford another night out for a long time.
Or that there are reasons that you may not be invited back to a moderately fancy restaurant?
My eldest daughter and a few of her friends invited me out for a nice dinner.
Their first mistake. I’d been to the restaurant before, so I didn’t turn them down.
This place has the most amazing bread. Kind of a do-it-yourself garlic bread bar at every table. Garlic infused olive oil (EVOO for you Rachel Ray fans), chopped tomatoes, real parmesan cheese (that’s right! Not the stuff from the can – do we know how to pick a classy place or what?) And the very best part… roasted garlic cloves that you use like butter, smearing the yummy contents across your bread.
I told the girls that I thought we could all eat for around $10.00 a plate.
Did I mention that I hadn’t been to that particular restaurant in ten years or so?
The food, yummy as I remember. The price? Well a whole lot different.
So $20.00 a person later, we realized there might be a reason they put us by the kitchen.
They, over the delicious aromas, smelled trouble.
We didn’t lack for water refills (none of us could afford pop) nor did we lack for hilarity.
From movie line quotes meeting with a mis-swallowed gulp of water, to excessive spillage, we had a great time. I’m sure the patrons around us thought maybe we’d just fallen off a farm truck when we enthused about the mouthwash dispenser.
Ah yeah, we had fun. Laughed til we hurt, and ate until we nearly burst. Good thing, we won’t be able to afford another night out for a long time.
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