Scribbles and Scrambles - Taking My Checkerboard and Leaving

Does anything get any more heart-rending than parenting? I suppose marriage comes in a close second.

But right now I’m a parent who’d like to take my checkerboard and go home.

Unfortunately, I can’t afford the tiny apartment; so I’ll be staying put.

I feel like I owe a public apology to God.

God, I’m sorry for all the times I’ve clenched my fists and raged at You. I’m sorry I’ve accused You of not loving me because You say no. I’m sorry for not trusting that You say no because yes will gut me and leave me squirming in spiritual, emotional or physical agony or a nice mix of all of the above.

Do you ever find it amazing that God only flooded the earth once? If it were up to me, I’d probably start over with a literal clean slate every generation. Why would God, who can even see our yucky thoughts not only LET us populate His earth, but send His Son into it to offer salvation?

And our response is a lot like a snotty, selfish teenager or a defiant three-year-old…You haven’t done enough God! I want my way. NOW!

Please forgive us. Thank You for Your great mercy which keeps lightning bolts and floods restrained.

Serials and Scenarios -The Return

This will be a review intensive week at the Dregs. For those of you who aren't so into the book reviews/interviews, hang in there. I'll think of something off-the-wall that will hopefully entertain you. So stay in touch. Besides, you might find something that will interest you.

My first review of the week is The Return. You can click on the book cover to be directed to Amazon for more information. Or visit Austin Boyd's website by clicking here.

Austin will be dropping in (ha, ha, his book is about space, hee, hee) later with an interview. You won't want to miss that.

My Review:

I need to go on record here...I'm not a sci-fi lover. So when I picked up The Return, the next book on my stack not knowing what to expect and turned to the first scene set on Mars, date 2020, I nearly choked.

This novel is 460 pages long, give or take a few.

But, I had committed to reading the book and writing a review. And since I try to find good things to say in my reviews, I was a little concerned that I could find something good at all to praise.

Then I started reading.

Well done, Mr. Boyd.

Boyd nails character, story and believability. I'll admit that there were a few techie spots that I skimmed. Seriously, details on titanium from Russia and DNA strands and windows for rocket launch do nothing for me. But I was seriously impressed with Boyd's skill with characterization, plotting and his solid and sometimes beautiful writing style. He takes the reader to Mars through the mind of a grieving astronaut and into the thoughts and heart of a confused fifteen year old girl, as well as another dozen or so characters throughout this novel.

After a few paragraphs I turned the book over and read all about Austin. Talk about a techie genius...Yikes. But a techie genius who writes poetry.

Not only has he mastered the basics, he has a great touch with realistic spirituality. Though Christian conversions happen within this novel, they are thoughtful and believable and lack the platitudes that have bothered those who complain about unrealistic pie-in-the-sky Christian fiction.

I'm not going to suggest that those who detest sci-fi run out and grab a copy. But I will suggest that anyone who likes a great story check further into Austin Boyd.

Very, very impressed, Austin Boyd.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Sunday Dinner

Martha Stewart, I'm not. I'm not even her backwoods third-cousin fifth-removed.

Therefore, no chance of fancy at my place.

No fall-flaired decor, unless you count the leaves that sneak in on various forms of footwear that may or may not find themselves hastily swept up.

Does this stop me from inviting people to my home?

No.

It may stop people from accepting my invitations...but that's beside the point.

Today I decided to make chili dogs and invite a few people for Sunday dinner. Of course, lunch wasn't ready til two because I had to throw everything together. And clear a few spots. Oh, and decide about the menu (you can't just serve chili dogs) and work around the family members who wanted to be helpful with great ideas of their own.

Finally, after a last minute attempt to make Rice Krispie treats, without recipe or measuring, which resulted in a small fire...

You think I'm kidding. I have witnesses.

After managing to decorate my entire chest and abdomen with chili sauce... We sat down to eat.

We had the best conversation and a relaxed time. Go figure. So, try to stuff that in a gourd, Martha.

Serials and Scenarios - Matt Bronleewe in the Spotlight

Illuminated's Matt Bronleewe dropped in for a visit.



Fiction character you would most like to be or most identify with and why?

I feel like I’m slowly becoming more and more like my main character in Illuminated – August Adams. He may be smarter and handsomer, but I’m trying to give him a run for his money in the adventure department! He has a love for rare and mysterious books, and that’s certainly something I’ve caught the bug for too.


Some out there in writing land have strange rituals. Share yours.

During the last week of finishing a book I lock myself away in a hotel room and live on nothing but Red Barron frozen pizzas and Mountain Dew Amp Tallboys. What a rush!!!


What crayon in the box describes you on a good day? Bad day? Which one do you aspire to be?

Crayon? I’m more like the sharpener on the back of the box!


Pick one…..Pink iguana, purple cow, periwinkle giraffe. Which one and why? Can be negative or positive.

Ummmmmm. I pick plaid wildcat. Or speckled muskrat. Or…sorry…what were the choices?


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’d take THRILLER (luckily, the genre I’m already in!) because there are so many different approaches. Historical thriller. Serial killer thriller. Wild mutant forest creature thriller. (Ok…I made that one up…but why not??)


What period of history intrigues you the most?

The Middle Ages. Secret societies, massive religious wars, political zaniness… Huh. I guess some things never change.


What would you write if there were no rules or barriers? (epic novels about characters in the Bible, poetry, greeting cards, plays, movies, instruction manuals, etc.)

Rules? Barriers? What are those?


What makes you feel alive?

Spending time with friends and family. Writing is fun, but in the end I have to remind myself that IT’S ALL JUST MADE UP! NONE OF IT REALLY EXISTS! I feel alive when I see my little girl smile, or my wife laugh, or my boys playing in the backyard.


Book, music, person, food you would take with you on a very long trip.

War and Peace. (You said LONG trip, right?) My wife Karin. And as for the food…well, we’d just have to hit every non-chain joint along the way!


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 would love to go to Antarctica. I just completed my second book – HOUSE OF WOLVES – and Antarctica acts as one of the settings. (I can’t tell you why! It’s a secret!!) Getting to Antarctica was impossible for me…so I had to read as much as I could to get it right… But maybe someday!! (Anyone willing to let me hitch a ride??)


Favorite season and why?

I know I’m supposed to say SUMMER or FALL or whatever, but I choose THE HOLIDAY SEASON!! Thanksgiving, then my birthday, then Christmas, then New Year’s…it’s madness!


Favorite book setting and why?

For whatever reason, I love any stark, cold environment. Maybe it’s because it puts an immediate edge on the story – it’s intrinsically hostile. I like it so much that I decided to place a portion of my second book – House of Wolves – in Antarctica. But I can’t reveal why!!


Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?

A friend told me that my first book – Illuminated – didn’t sound like me. “Why is that?” I asked. “It was funny and intelligent,” came the reply. Huh. Thinking about it, maybe that wasn’t a compliment.


Superhero you most admire and why?

Batman is pretty great because all the other heroes have lasers shooting out of their eyes and knives ejecting from their forearms and all kinds of cool stuff and all Batman has is a lousy utility belt. He must feel cheated at times, but it doesn’t keep him from kicking butt. Good on you, Batman!!


Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?

The ability to detect the thoughts of barnyard animals.


Favorite chore

I’m sorry, did you say favorite CHORE? Does watching dvds of the tv show 24 count? What about eating pizza? Does that count?


Societal pet peeve…sound off.

Yeah. How about that person behind the counter at the movie theater who moves at a snail’s pace while my movie starts and I’m missing the trailers and it shouldn’t matter because it’s just the trailers but then again sometimes they take SO LONG TO GET MY POPCORN “DID YOU WANT BUTTER WITH THAT?” HE ASKS FOR THE 2 MILLIONTH TIME and then the movie actually does start and now I’ve missed the first all-important ten minutes where the whole plot is set up and “I’M SORRY SIR, DID YOU SAY BUTTER OR NO BUTTER?” oh my word I’ve told this guy NO BUTTER so many times I think maybe now he’s just trying to sell me on the idea of adding butter JUST GIVE ME THE POPCORN!! NOW!! WITHOUT BUTTER!!



Just hand over the popcorn and have a great weekend!

Serials and Scenarios - Illuminated

Action, adventure, history lovers...this one's for you.

Click on the book cover to visit the Amazon page for more information. Click here for Matt Bronleewe's website. Come back Friday for an interview with Matt.


My Review:



If you threw National Treasure, The DaVinci Code, Red Eye and the Indian Jones movies into a blender, you'd end up with something very similar to Illuminated, but in book format. Bronleewe has crafted a novel full of mystery, intrigue and fascinating puzzles. If Illuminated is not made into a movie, I'll be disappointed. This story screams for the big screen.

Respectful-of-Christians fiction without heavy Christianese so Illuminated should have great crossover appeal. Normally I'm all over character driven fiction and Illuminated is plot, action, plot. But I ended up bonding with the characters. Sometimes a plot heavy novel ends up with stereotypical characters that are as appealing as cardboard cut-outs. Bronleewe has developed heroes with a stereotypical brush, but he has given them a charm of their own, individually. He isn't afraid to slow down and show a positive characteristic within the baddies, and the good guys are not polished to the point of nausea.

I was thoroughly charmed with the humor and personality of this first novel. History is so easily grasped when sandwiched inside a great multi-faceted story. Historical fiction lovers, fans of the above mentioned movies, and story lovers should consider looking into Illuminated. I'm anxious to see Bronleewe grow as a writer. He's one to watch.

One note to Big Honken Chicken Club members...there are some ewwww elements.


Normally I don't add the author's bio, but Matt's is a story in itself so I thought I'd share it with you.

Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Constructive Thoughts

A good wife would be stretched out over the steps hanging onto one side of the chunk of drywall as her husband attached it to the wall.



Even if he said he didn't need help, she'd stand by and get in his way while he worked just in case he might need her.

She might hold an iced beverage or a steamy mug depending on the temperature...just in case he grew thirsty.

She'd definitely keep him from being stalked, annoyed or otherwise molested by the indoor livestock.

If she was really good, she'd have a soft towel to blot any wayward drops of sweat.

If she was really, really good, she'd hang the drywall herself while he was at work.

This wife is blogging.

Scribble and Scrambles - How Does God Do That?

God multiplied time for me.

As odd as that sounds, it is true. I invested hours of prep time into the speaking gig over the weekend. What's the rule? For every half an hour of talk time you should invest three hours of prep? Something crazy like that.

For weeks I've been sweating what I'd say. I had the verse right away -- Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not faint. The reason I was sweating? Because I've been struggling with fainting myself. I've been a little spiritually light-headed of late.

Beyond the pivotal verse, "it" wasn't there, I couldn't get my hands around it, nor my mind, nor my heart for that matter. Eww. So aided with the adrenaline burst that comes with procrastination -- something I avoid at all costs -- the procrastination, not the adrenaline -- and a pathetic prayer, I forced myself to sit down and begin to gather my swirling thoughts.

And things just began to flow. As I typed, I grew more convinced that the jumble of words and ideas began to make sense.

Then came Friday with the sunshine and life-charged breeze. I ended with hours on my hands to relax and soak up peace before driving to deliver my words, His words, to a group of women who needed them as much as I did.

I began my Saturday morning with peace, and again Sunday, a jam-packed day with a family wedding shower that required games, devotional and food from me.

This should have been a stress-pumped weekend, but it was not. Instead it was a fresh breath from the God Who does not grow weary or sleep, the God Who is mindful of sparrows and aware of the number of hairs on my head.

Wow. Thanks, God. You are so faithful to this foolish, stubborn sheep. And thanks to those of you who prayed.