Serials and Scenarios - Tamara Leigh Splits Hairs and Splitting Harriet Reviewed

Harriet Bissett, spunky, buttoned up, way up former prodigal may come by her sassy personality naturally through the connection with her creator. Read Tamara Leigh's answers to the dregs questions. Keep reading for a review. Click on the book cover or here to learn more about this fun read.

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

Hmm. Keeping in mind that what may look strange to others makes complete sense to the “strange” one, I would have to say that my laptop-toting trips to Starbucks have a bit of ritual attached to them. It goes something like this:
Ah, Decaf Venti Extra-Hot Caramel Macchiato. My favorite! Take a sip—ooh that’s hot—now set it BEHIND the laptop. That’s right, wide arc and set it BEHIND. Back to writing. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. Well-deserved break. Reach, wide arc back toward the mouth, sip, wide arc and set it BEHIND the laptop Behind!
I know it looks odd—people do stare—but if you’ve ever knocked a drink onto your laptop and even a slight amount of liquid has poured out through that little drink hole, you’ll understand. Sticky keys was not the worst of my disaster. The screen blotched from one corner and spread upwards. Not a pretty sight—nor the repair bill!


What period of history intrigues you the most?

I’m not much of a history buff, but there is one time period that captures my imagination —the medieval ages. My first seven published books were set between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries and I loved poking around and dabbling in the details and events that drove that period of time.


Favorite season and why?

That’s a toss up between spring and fall. After a cold winter, spring with its warming weather and new growth makes me feel alive. After a hot summer, fall with its cooling weather and beautiful colors makes me feel restful and content.


What would you do today if you had only a week to live?

Now that’s a familiar question. When our family seems to get in a rut, my husband often poses that question in an attempt to jumpstart us. My answer is always the same—spend every possible moment with my loved ones (no matter how crazy they make me).


What word annoys you more than any other?

Two words—“literally” and “honestly”. Is “literally” really necessary in exchanging everyday information? If you tell me that you “literally” went to bed early last night, you don’t really think I’m going to believe you’re exaggerating, do you? And unless you have a reputation for being a liar, I don’t need to be told that you “honestly” don’t like broccoli. But what annoys me the most is when I hear those words pop out of my own mouth—they’re catching, you know!


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

The first that comes to mind is Elizabeth Bennett of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Why? For one, unlike Elizabeth, I’m only spunky and quick-witted on paper. For two—which should really be one—Mr. Darcy!


Favorite chore.

None of the above—though I do keep a neat (as opposed to deeply cleaned) house.


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

Pink iguana. Hmm. No, you can pretty them up with pink, but they’re still creepy creatures. Purple cow. Maybe. Does it give purple milk? Periwinkle giraffe (she consults dictionary). No, that would look exceedingly odd out on the savanna. So I guess purple cow it is. Uh, is this like an inkblot test? Roschardt?


If you could change something in a novel, what would you change about it and why?

The POISONWOOD BIBLE comes to mind, probably because I took it to the beach with me this summer (I know…not exactly “beach” reading). The story was powerful and life-impacting, the characters unique and almost real enough to touch. However, I thought there was enough story and emotion in the sisters’ childhood/adolescent years to bring the tale to an earlier end. Though their adult lives were interesting, I don’t believe they significantly added much to the story.


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

Let’s start with “person”. That would be my husband. He makes me laugh and makes me feel loved. Music? Probably Enya. Her music is so relaxing. Too, should I need some time alone while I’m on this very long trip, the strains of Enya have a strange effect on my husband that makes him seek peace and solitude elsewhere. Book? I’m a writer, so my “book” of choice would be a huge notebook. Food? I know Caramel Macchiatos aren’t considered food, but they have lots of milk in them. And milk equals protein…

My Review:

I've never had more fun with church politics and upheaval. Did I say fun? Yes. Anyone looking for an entertaining and possibly convicting story needs to look into Splitting Harriet. This read contains a quirky grouping of characters, play dates for cats, and internal angst centered around a church. Harriet, a one woman crusade, attempts to keep her church family intact while keeping her carefully controlled life under wraps.

A fair amount of romance, some inner generational girlfriend fun, and loads of twists and confusion make Splitting Harriet a quick and snappy read.

The twist on the usual chick-lit is realistic and the not so flattering revelation of the humanity that explodes in church inner workings and leadership is too.

I ended up enjoying my time with Harri, and was glad that things weren't so neatly sewn up that we don't have a reason to revisit her life down the road.

Chick-lit lovers, quirky character collectors and those who take church politics a little too seriously might want to look further into Harriet.

Thanks, Tamara. I loved meeting both you and Harri.

Serials and Scenarios - Lisa Samson and Hollywood Nobody

Lisa Samson dropped by the Dregs to have some wacky fun. Her character Scotty may have influenced some of her answers...you never know. Keep reading for a review of Hollywood Nobody. Click on Lisa's name and/or the book cover for more information on Hollywood Nobody and Lisa's other great novels. I tend to love deep thinkers with a quirky side and Lisa qualifies. Enjoy.

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

Nick Carroway from The Great Gatsby seems like a fine character to be because you get to hobnob with the wealthy, but you don’t have to act so stupid!


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

My ritual is that I have no ritual, no schedule, no set strategy. I wing it every day. It’s great because it keeps the guilt complex healthy and I forget things all the time thereby digging myself into holes. Overall, I’d say it’s a fantastic strategy.

If you could change something in any novel, what would you change about it and why?

I’d make Club Sandwich a little less personal. I’d do this because real life is cluttered, and that doesn’t make good fiction.

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

Good day? Magenta. It’s hot and cool at one and the same time. Bad day? Timberwolf. My daughter told me this. It’s light gray, by the way. Also Screamin’ Green when I’m mad. I think, however, I’d like to be Cornflower, that annoying, clearish blue that always clumped a bit when you dragged it across the paper. (Just kidding.)


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

Periwinkle giraffe. Long necks are sexy.


What makes you feel alive?

Sitting around a table of great food, with friends, family and wonderful conversation.


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

I’d take my daughter Ty, some Kurt Vonnegut, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, and a bag of Starbursts.


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.

Well, given who I’d travel with, I think we’d go to NYC at various points in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

Favorite season and why?

Autumn. I love the break in the weather, getting to wear sweaters and drink hot drinks without anybody looking at you like you’re crazy. (I drink hot drinks all year round.) The smell and the color of the leaves. It also feels like a chance to start over again, until New Year’s rolls around.


Favorite book setting and why?

On the Road, by Jack Kerouac. See answer to travel question above.


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

“Your book saved my life.” A reader was on the brink of suicide when she read one of my novels and decide to try again. I cried and cried.

What criticism has cut the deepest and why?

Oh my gosh! A review of The Church Ladies on Amazon.com. The woman was so mean. Compared my writing to a kindergartner smearing around fingerpaints. Years later, I look back now and I can see how it’s filled with sour grapes, but I still hear her voice over my shoulder telling me, Lisa, “You’re no wordsmith.”

What would you do today if you knew you had only a week to live?

I’d take a portion of my savings, rent out a beach house and invite anybody who wants to come, to come. (Boy, you’d sure find out who your friends were too, if they weren’t willing to shift their plans! Ha!)

What is your favorite word?

Two words: heavy cream

What word annoys you more than any other?

Three words: Internal Revenue Service

Superhero you most admire and why?

Batman. Because he’s not inherently a superhero. He has to rely on gadgets and smarts, and he has a very interesting back story!

Super power you’d love to borrow for awhile?

I’d like to be able to teleport. I’d be all over the world all the time!

Favorite chore

Sweeping.

Grammatical pet peeve…sound off.

When people say, “She don’t like it.” Don’t instead of doesn’t makes me want to scream.

Societal pet peeve…sound off.

All the entertainment industry’s awards shows. For cryin’ out loud! How many of these things do they need? Isn’t a bazillion dollars, fame and the Oscars enough?



CREATIVE CORNER:

Pick any of the following and have fun with it.

Chick-Lit meets Dr. Seuss

Purse. Purse. Purse. Purse.
Shoes. Shoes. Shoes. Shoes.
Andie loves her purse and shoes.
Over rent, these she does choose.
(Conveniently, the landlord never shows to claim
A portion of her paycheck.)

Chocolate too. Oh dear, oh dear.
Chocolate calories on her rear.
Chocolate, chocolate in her desk
Chocolate, chocolate makes a mess.
(On her clean white shirt
Ten minutes before a presentation. Naturally.)

And then the men, the men, the men.
Sexy, hunky, lovely men,
Gorgeous men who make her dream.
Men who leave her gobbling up ice cream.
(Alone in her apartment, on her couch,
In her “fat pants.”)


My Review:

Full of opinion on Hollywood happenings and trapped in a nomadic edge-of-Hollywood lifestyle by her mother, Scotty really has no other outlet than to secretly blog her insider facts and opinions. Self-schooled and mature enough to be the adult when her mom can't hack it, Scotty spends her days turning activities into units and projects for higher learning and her nights wondering if she will be awakened at three a.m. and told that they are moving on.

Scotty's thoughts are years beyond her biological age because she has such an atypical life, yet there is an innocence and insecurity that pops up when life gets ubercrazy. With a cynical and world-weary voice delivered through teen angst and confusion, Scotty burrowed into my heart. A twist at the end will make me grab the next installment.

No empty preaching here. Just a girl who's wondering what the point is? What's truth? What is life supposed to be anyway?

Scotty's story crosses age barriers. Teens and adults alike will find themselves sucked into Hollywood Nobody.

Scribble and Scrambles - Is Time Flying or is it Just Me?

November 11th.

Wasn't it just August?

Before I begin blabbing and blathering about time, let me throw out a "Thank You!" to all of America's armed service members past and present.

I am not ignorant of the "gift" of time won by you and your sacrifices.

Thank you.


Now, back to my blather.

Thanksgiving is breathing down our necks, and when that happens Christmas is just around the corner. Part of me delights in the family and togetherness of these holidays. But part of me never "feels" ready.

Now that the stores cleaned out Halloween on the first of November and replaced it with Christmas I feel rushed.

We even saw a Salvation Army bell ringer the other day. Wow.

I can hear the tick-tick-tick of the stopwatch (or the ring, ring, ring of the bell).

So much to do and times a wasting.

Help me out here. Share a memory of your most laid back and relaxing holiday ever.

I'll see what I can come up with.

This week is full of book reviews and interviews. So fiction lovers, make sure you check in every day. James Scott Bell gave me some superb responses. If you are a fan, you must come back on Friday for his interview. Lisa Samson and Tamera Leigh were loads of fun to "talk" to also.

And I'll share a holiday memory sometime this week.

Serials and Scenarios - Liparulo Drops...uh Falls In

If you've read my review of Deadfall, you know I'm a big fan of Robert Liparulo. Bob gave us loads of fun answers to the 2nd version of the Dregs Questions. Enjoy. Oh, and James Byron Huggins, thanks for encouraging/pestering Bob!!!


If you could write in another language, which language would you choose? Why?

At first, I was going to say something like Tartessian, a dead language that looks like a child’s sketch of a floor plan. But considering my heritage, and that my youngest son— who’s really into his heritage right now would kill me if I didn’t say this—I chose Italian. Plus, it’s a poetic language. I speak a little, but can’t write a lick—or una leccatura, if you will. Arrivederci.

Flora and fauna or meat and potatoes? Why?

Meat and potatoes, definitely. Flora and fauna is way to formal. “Meat and potatoes” makes me hungry for my favorite steak place in Colorado Springs (Steaksmith to anyone within a thousand miles—definitely worth the trip). “Flora and fauna” makes me want to run, kicking and screaming, from a university amphitheater. Are there any wrong answers in this? Any right ones?

Favorite ice cream or candy bar.

Ice cream from Cold Stone: Cheese cake with graham cracker crust and raspberries mixed in. Oh man, we may have to finish this later...

Rename any object - make it Latinized or practical or sci-fi it up.

Diaper = poopini (although that does sound a bit like food)... Can you tell I have a two-year-old?

No fair looking these up. Make up or guess a definition for one of the following words. Use it in a sentence, or a scene. Found at Dictionary.com

I know a lot of these because I was a rare football-playing nerd in high school. I thought reading the dictionary was the height of cool. No one else did, which made it even cooler. Anyway, I’ll pick one I don’t know.

chary \CHAIR-ee\, adjective:

This one kind-of fits “Deadfall.” It’s someone who died in a fire (the original pronunciation \CHAR-ee\ was last as the word came from Europe through the Caribbean): “We don’t don’t know who the victim was, because it was chary.” Ask any pathologist or fireman.

Favorite cartoonist?

Chuck Asay, the political cartoonist for The Gazette in Colorado Springs. The guy’s brilliant and often gets his cartoons syndicated.

Favorite Blog or Website?

Not counting my own? OK, then... Drudge. Where he comes up with the crazy news he does, I’ll never know. The best example of truth being a whole lot stranger than fiction.

If you could only own three books, which ones would you own?

Bible
I Am Legend
C.S. Lewis’ The Weight of Glory

Best backdrop for a kiss. Give us a peek.

Big Beach, Maui (which isn’t big at all—but incredibly beautiful). After a long day digging in the sand, basking on towels, playing in the surf, the kids have already gone over the berm to the car. My wife Jodi and I are watching the red red sunset as the sun dips below the watery horizon. Somewhere in the distance, the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans (“Elk Hunt,” to be exact) comes drifting to us. I turn to her... fade to black.

A mix up on the traditional --- Pick one and give us some words: Or come up with your own odd mix and surprise us….
Give a premise/tagline, character name, first line from a romantic suspense set in a convent or monastery.

Can I borrow from Emberto Eco? I won’t, but here goes: “Brother Francisco sniffed the air—redolent with the fragrance of his secret love’s favorite perfume—but when he pulled back the heavy wall tapestry, expecting a kiss, he received instead business end of a quill through his wildly beating heart.” (Not sure if that’s exactly what you asked for, but artists have to improvise, right?)

Give a premise/tagline, character name, first line from a romance set in a sewage processing plant.

Oh, don’t tempt me.

Share a moment when you realized that you really are a writer.

I was 18, way late on my car payments to my Dad. He was about to repossess it (really). The day before I was supposed to pay up or hand him the keys, a sizable check for a short story I sold came in the mail. At dinner the next day, the family was sullen (me too), waiting for the boom to drop. My Dad frowned and held out his palm for the keys. I counted out hundred dollar bills into instead. It was a sweet moment. My writing saved my car.

What did you say right before you received "that" look? (no help here – you can pick any "that" look you want – funny, serious, oh no.)

“We’re getting married.” We married relatively young. My father (again) was used to my making rash decisions. He gave me his “you gotta be kidding, but I know you’re not, and there’s nothing I can say or do that will change anything” look. So he said, “Pass the salt.” Then he got my look.

Favorite mindrot/mindless pursuit.

Horror movies, the sillier, the scarier, the better. Not necessarily the slasher pics, but the “Don’t go upstairs, you idiot!” kind.

Which book of the Bible fascinates or touches you most?

Proverbs. I can never get enough of that advice. Every time I read it, something jumps out that completely new and revolutionary, but I know I’ve read it a thousand times before.

If money/responsibilities were no object what would you do with one day?

Spend it with my family, preferably at the beach. We’d Jetski all day, picnic there, wear ourselves out.

Share one quote or comment that has changed your life.

“Get it on the page.”--the Christian novelist James Byron Huggins, telling me ten years ago to stop talking about the novels I would write someday and “get it on the page.” He repeated that phrase to me every time we spoke—about once a week—until I signed my first contract years later. Everyone needs a friend like that.

Happy weekend, everyone. Thanks, Bob!!!!!!!!!!

Scribble and Scrambles - Double Trouble

Lily and Lola...



At 45 lbs. each, lounging post-surgery on a queen size bed.

Did I mention they are still growing?

Just in their 6th month of life. Used to be their human could carry one under each arm. Ha. Now they drag her.

I think this might be my shortest post ever. But you know what they say about pictures.

Yes. That.

Serials and Scenarios - Deadfall

Robert Liparulo's latest, Deadfall, is a power-packed read. He returns to the Dregs on Friday. In the meantime click on the book cover or here to find out more about Robert and Deadfall.

Read the special offer at the end of this post!

My Review:

If you aren't already watching Robert Liparulo's climb to the the inner circle of big gun contenders in Christian fiction, you really need to. Robert Liparulo will become one of the names that defines thriller.

Deadfall starts with a bang and ends with a well-deserved sigh. Every chapter in between is a tension driven page-turner full of twists, realistically rendered impossibilities and narrow escapes. Not only is the book driven, its full of characters that grab at the heart of the reader. Evil has faces and heart -- misguided, but painted like a real, living, breathing human being with subtle nuances, dysfunction and a definition of justice and humanity.

Technology that could be real, could be in existence right now or will be in just a matter of time is terrifying in its potential misuse, just as Liparulo demonstrated with biology in Germ. There is no preaching in Deadfall. Just a sense of evil's destruction paired with a fragment of hope and a hint of God's hand.

Those who can't handle thrillers need to leave this one alone. Blood and guts are present but not overdone and certainly not gratuitous. Fans of Monster by Peretti will likely love Deadfall. Lovers of sport, video games, fiction with twists and turns, Dekker fans, hunters and those who love the stories of overcomers and against-all-odds tales should find much to like in Deadfall.

It won't be long before Liparulo joins Dekker and Peretti.

A NOTE from Bob:

I’d like to give away five signed copies of Deadfall to readers of CFBA blogs during my tour.

All they have to do is sign up for my e-mailing list (they won’t be inundated!) by going to my website (www.robertliparulo.com) and going to the “Mailing List” page. Or email me with “CFBA giveaway” in the subject line.

And a second NOTE from Bob:

I wanted to let you know that I’m holding a contest on my site:

**one winner a week till the end of the year for a signed Deadfall

**one winner a week till the end of the year for an unabridged audio MP3-CD of Deadfall

***and on Dec. 31, I’m giving away an iPod Nano, pre-loaded with an unabridged audio recording of Deadfall

Winners are selected from my e-mailing list—sign up at my site. If a winner has already purchased what he/she wins, I will reimburse them for the purchase price (or give them another—whichever they choose), so they don’t need to wait to see if they win before buying Deadfall.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Vessels and Vanity

I hopped over to Novel Journey to catch my friend Janet's Sunday devotional and discovered it talked to me where I'm at today.

How often I look at others and envy what they have. But how often am I willing to walk in their shoes? Or live in their life?

I tend to want to pick and choose from the grocery store of life with the option to discard the consequences of those choices like a banana peel. Kind of "have it my way....always." Belly up to the deli counter, load up on summer sausage and ask for the cholesterol on the side, thank you very much.

Janet shared a story nearly as old as time. Cain and Abel. Not that I'd ever want to murder someone for their talent or attitude or success, but occasionally I've toyed with the green-eyed monster when he whispers sweet nothings in my ear.

My aunt sent me a couple of links about Paul Potts. If you haven't seen this here's your chance. Watch the faces of the judges and audience as the video progresses.

Is there anything more wondrous than raw material or an imperfect vessel in the hands of God? Is there anything more amazing than the God of the universe attaching talents, gifts and good works to earthen vessels here today and gone tomorrow?

So, who are we to question God's choice of who will receive what? Who am I to envy the success or talent of another when I don't necessarily tend to my own path. Maybe I should plant gardens along my road instead of eyeing the beautiful patches belonging to my fellow sojourners.

Thank You, Lord for Your incredible patience and wisdom. Help us to discover who You want us to be, and what You've given us to complete, and help us find the joy and the peace in the journey.