Serials and Scenarios - Around the World in 80 Dates

Christa Ann Banister - reviewer turned novelist dropped by the Dregs for a visit. Like what you see -- visit her website.

My Review:

Around the World in 80 Dates is adorable. The description above does not do the book justice. Christa Ann Banister has a perfect chick-lit voice and is not afraid to use it. Classic stuff...shopping, name brands, coffee shops, ice cream binges, girlfriends, guys and drama.

Chick-lit fans need to check it out. Those with a love of quirk need to check it out. Great descriptive writing through the eyes of sarcastic-witted Sydney as her life unfolds in the classic "what else can go wrong" format, with wacky inserted omniscient peeks into the lives of her inner circle.

A spiritual message that will encourage patient twenty-and-thirty- something ladies-in-waiting. I will caution the more sensitive readers...if you have any issues with alcohol, dating, or movie choices for Christians, consider yourself forewarned that you may disagree with some of Sydney and company entertainment choices.

This is one of the more fun reads I've invested time in this year. I will definitely look forward to more from Christa Ann Banister. I'd also love to have a cup of coffee with her the next time I visit Mall of America.

The Interview:

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

There’s several books written by Sophie Kinsella in her “Shopaholic” series. Beyond her obvious love of shoes, purses, etc., I feel like I can relate to the “Shopaholic” protagonist Becky Bloomwood. She’s got a distinct voice and sometimes her best intentions would often turn into a huge misunderstanding, something that’s happened to me on occasion. Plus, I’ve also shared her secret hope (especially in my college years) that my VISA bill would magically disappear along my balance.

If you could ask any person, living or dead, a random question -- what question would you ask of whom?

I’d ask Princess Diana what she was thinking about just before she passed away—her last thoughts.

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

I wouldn’t say that I have any strange rituals. But if I don’t have my lead line or paragraph just right, I can’t move on to the rest of the text. They’d also encourage you in school to just write and edit later, but I have to edit as I go along.

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

In Pride & Prejudice, I think it would be interesting to see what Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth would be like on a date. So I’d have Jane Austen add a section that gave readers a glimpse into their lives before the walk into the sunset.

Favorite turn of phrase or word picture, in literature or movie.

I love how Hemmingway describes Paris in A Moveable Feast through the meals he eats, the walks he takes, the people he meets. It’s better than any travel writer any day…

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 don’t care so much about writing a bestseller, although I won’t lie, that would certainly be a nice perk. But I want whatever I write, whether it’s chick-lit, non-fiction, a devotional, to be the highest quality I’m able of achieving. And if it’s chick-lit, I want them to be able to relate to the character, get a good laugh and maybe even learn something about him/herself in the process.

What period of history intrigues you the most?

I think it would’ve been cool to have been around in the Beatles’ hey day in the 1960s.

What makes you feel alive?

My faith makes me feel alive because I know that life actually has a purpose, and I know true hope. Enjoying the sunshine and a cup of coffee with my husband on a leisurely morning with my husband definitely makes me feel alive. Seeing something like the Rocky Mountains or the ocean always has that effect on me, too.

How does something worm its way into your heart? Through tears, truth, humor or other?

If you’re referring to a book, a particular book makes its way to my heart vis å vie a compelling story. For me, a good sense humor is instantly captivating. Or a well-written account of an underdog who makes his/her way to the top. A story of someone who’s battled adversity—all these things make a book appealing to me. Characterization is really important—if a character is written well, I will definitely enjoy the book and will read it more than once.

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

I’ll pretend this very long trip is a road trip from Saint Paul to northern California, say San Francisco. Since we’re going to California, one of my husband and I’s favorite places, I have to bring my husband along. We’d just pack whatever books we are reading at the moment (he’ll probably be reading theology or philosophy, I’ll be reading who knows what) and the iPod. I know, I know, that’s cheating. But that’s the only way we’ll have everything from Coldplay to Keane to The Beatles to Bob Dylan all in one handy place. As for food, we’d bring things that wouldn’t go bad very quickly—smoked turkey and pepperjack sandwiches, Sun Chips, granold bars, Dasani water and Reese’s peanut butter cups for when we need our chocolate fix.

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 have an insatiable travel bug, so there’s about a billion places I want to go—just ask my husband. But the top destinations at the moment are Italy, France and the Greek Islands.

Favorite season and why?

I love Fall. The leaves turn such gorgeous colors up here in Minnesota, and that means it’s time to get out the sweaters, which I love wearing. Plus, fall brings all kinds of exciting things like football (Go Packers!), Thanksgiving, pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks and is also the perfect time for me to make my favorite chili recipe! Yum!

Favorite book setting and why?

I guess it just depends on the story. But I do love my fair share books that are set in London.

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

It’s been such an honor to receive so many amazing reviews for Around the World in 80 Dates. But I love it most when people say they can relate to the characters. To me, that’s the highest compliment.

What criticism has cut the deepest and why?

I’ve been really fortunate not to have a criticism that has cut very deep. I’ve definitely had my share of red marks on things I’ve written over the years, but that only helps sharpen my skills. I’ve always believed that every writer needs a good editor, and that definitely includes me.

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

Make the most of it! Maybe I’d travel somewhere I’d always wanted to with my husband, Will. I’d also make sure I spent the majority of the time with family and good friends. Aside from that, I guess it wouldn’t really matter.

What is your favorite word?

Oh there’s so many…maybe epiphany. I’ll say epiphany.

What word annoys you more than any other?

I have a whole list of them—pus, bunion, lubricate. Ok, there’s a few for starters.

Superhero you most admire and why?

I wouldn’t say there are any superheroes I admire. I like superhero movies, but no character really stands out from the rest in terms of my admiration.

Super power you’d love to borrow for awhile?

From time to time, I think it would be cool to have the ability to clone myself. Maybe the clone could write my CD reviews for the day while I took a nap. Or better yet a vacation. Now that would be fun.

Favorite chore

I’m assuming you mean a household chore, so I’ll go with vacuuming.

Anything you’d do but don’t because of fear of pain? What is it? Ex. Bungee jumping, sky diving, running with scissors.

I would never skydive because I’m sure I’d forget to pull the parachute at the crucial moment, and I’m not too eager to splat on the ground. I’m not a big fan of needles either, so shots aren’t my favorite thing, either.

Grammatical pet peeve…sound off.

Using the wrong form of there, their or they’re. Especially when people use they’re when something belongs to someone else. They’re=they are. Their=possession. There=location. ‘Nuff said.

Societal pet peeve…sound off.

Rudeness, and about anything to do with driving. Can people please try using those turn signals? Or how about speeding up when you’re merging into the freeway. Yeah, that would make the world a better place…better drivers.

Scribble and Scrambles - Just a Few Post-Thanksgiving Hints...

I've always dreamed of writing for Martha Stewart's Living....

You think this article might make the cut?

uhhh. Don't try these at home. And if you do, don't sue me.

Don't Throw That Out:
Uses for Leftover Thanksgiving Yummies.

After a week of eating home-grown sage stuffing and organic cranberry compote you may need a culinary break. But the good news is that none of the food needs to go to waste. If you are very creative, you too, can sleep guilt free tonight, bothered only by the residual reflux from your Thanksgiving gorging.


If you live in one of the cooler regions of the world you may discover that air seeps in around tiny cracks. This is where stuffing and mashed potatoes come in handy. By now they are likely the consistency of paste (yes, the kind you used to eat in kindergarten). Simply get out your spackle knife from your color-coordinated tool chest, scrape the right amount into the offending crack and voila!; money in your pocket and toasty toes.

One note. You will want to scrape this out before the spring thaw.

Are you getting low on toothpaste? Simple. Carve out your pumpkin pie filling (no, don't toss that shell) and mix it with equal parts of baking soda. Your smile will be festive through the remaining days of the holiday celebrations.

Looking for creative and inexpensive decorations? Simple. Get waxed paper and clear off a countertop. Now, melt the remainder of the cranberries. Then simply "paint" holiday shapes onto the waxed paper, I suggest Christmas balls, candy canes, Santa hats and gumdrops. Let your art dry completely and instant "earth friendly" window clings.

We can't leave out the turkey, can we? By now you've probably exhausted any edible use for turkey including pancakes and ravioli. Not all uses! Shred the remainders into a bowl. Now in an additional bowl pull together a simple pancake recipe. Mix in the turkey dregs and enough additional flour to create a cookie dough texture. Now, roll it into balls and smash onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle the "cookies" with garlic salt. Bake them at 350 for 25 minutes. Let them cool and you have just turned into Fido's fairy godmother. Keep away from humans. Turkey addicts may smell the cookies baking and line up for the next serving of turkey, but these are for Fido.

Finally, I know you've been wondering about that soggy pie shell. Wonder no more. Sprinkle it will cinnamon, sugar, a hint of nutmeg, butter and crushed nuts.Bake at 350 until browned. Let cool and crush. Scoop ice cream into bowls, drizzle with caramel sauce mixed with a little leftover egg nog and top with pie crust crumbles.

Happy Holidays -- next month I'll tell you what you can do with the gross of candy canes you got at the post-Christmas clearance.

Serials and Scenarios - Christmas Books #1

I have several Christmas books that I'm reviewing. Some of you may be looking for just such a thing. I'm going to drop in with a book review and Amazon link periodically throughout the next couple of weeks. My goal is to read every book I've committed to read and review for 2007 in 2007. I see the end in sight.

I suppose I'll post a few times a day on really crazy days. Join me. I plan to actually create a Top Ten (suppose I can narrow it down to ten? oy vey!) list of my very favorite books of 2007. Look for that over the change of year.

Since Advent in right around the corner. Here's a review of a devotional book for the Advent season. Click on the book cover should this interest you.

I'm not organized enough to participate in advent. But I like the idea. I'm all for anything that can help me to focus on Jesus and His blessings in my life and the reordering of my priorities in this busy season. If you actually participate in Advent devotions and are looking for a devotional series,you might want to look into The Miraculous Journey: Anticipating God in the Christmas Season.

I don't think think this study is appropriate for families with young children because of the subjects and vocabulary, so if you are looking for family friendly, you might want to look elsewhere. Need material for your personal study, for older children who are ready for meaty discussions on what Christ in us means and how we should respond to His birth in 2007, or small group study, keep reading.

Denomination detail: The prayer within the chapters, prior to the daily journaling section, is the same liturgical prayer. Theologically, there could be a conflict in that Bullis twice mentions receiving the Holy Spirit upon baptism. If neither of these are issues for you, keep reading.

According to a Google search Advent 2007 begins on December 2nd.

Marty Bullis has provided a slightly different slant than what I've seen in other Advent materials. His focus is less on the baby Jesus and more on the man and the God. Taking each of the twenty-eight days and tackling passages from the four gospels, Bullis gives thoughtful reflections regarding our response to Christ's coming. He covers Jesus and His relationships with His F/fathers, the time of His wilderness testing, the political climate of the day, Jesus' family tree and our humanity, among other topics.

To get even more out of this study, and it has elements of study because Bullis is obviously a teacher as he uses tools to teach and help the reader understand, commit to digging further into the Bible to enhance the short lessons. I didn't begin to grow in the Word until I began to read it. For years I fell into the trap of reading pretty words written about God's Word, but failed to read His Word on my own.

Serials and Scenarios - Jeffrey Overstreet Colorized Part 2

Jeffrey Overstreet visited in September and answered the first eight questions here. (and then scroll down a bit)

My review of Auralia's Colors (and a bonus from Tina F.) are here.

If you haven't looked into Auralia yet, click on the book cover for more info or here for Jeffrey's website.

9. What would you write if there were no rules or barriers?

I’d write a story in which I didn’t have to censor the ugly details about evil, or censor the details about the source of redemption. The Scriptures are full of gory details about sin, and that has something to do with why the glory of redemption shines out so boldly in its pages. But there are quite a few people out there who are so afraid of offending people that they fail to engage with the reality of sin. Thus blunt the power of a redemptive story.

I would also write a story that celebrates the sensual details of creation. God made the world into a sensual, beautiful place, and he made men and women into sensual beautiful creatures. Many artists are too afraid to portray that beauty for fear that it will offend people. That results in “safe,” bland, sanitized art… art that fails to shake us and transform us.

Let me tell you a story: I know a Christian writer who compared his central character, a virtuous young woman, to another famous character — that virtuous youngster in the beloved book called Heidi. In a rather amusing, blunt fashion, he described his character as being “Heidi with breasts.” When he read it to me, we both had a good chuckle. But he was then told by his editor that he had to delete the reference to “breasts” because it might be offensive to the readers. So he ended up with… what? A woman without breasts? How frightened we’ve become — we cannot even mention parts of the human form for fear that somebody somewhere might have an inappropriate thought. What other good and proper things must we pretend are non-existent simply because somebody somewhere might respond badly? Should we outlaw chocolate chip cookies because somebody with an eating disorder might consume too many of them? This is not the way to respect and celebrate the good things God has made.

10. What makes you feel alive?

Suffering and prayer. Suffering, because it confirms for me that the world is broken, and that the world was meant to be better. And prayer, because it is the proper response to suffering — I acknowledge that I am not capable of saving the world, and I open myself to the source of healing and restoration.


11. What books, music, people, and food would you take with you on a very long trip?

Books: The Scriptures and the writings of the saint in the early church, because the scriptures are full of truth, and the writings of the saints help me to avoid misinterpretation and to see that truth more fully. And then, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Richard Adams’ Watership Down. Mark Helprin’s Winter’s Tale.

Music: Handel’s Messiah. The complete works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The complete catalogue of albums by Over the Rhine, U2, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Sam Phillips, and The Innocence Mission. And the inspiring songs written by a dear, close friend — Nathan Partain.

Person? My wife, Anne. Of course.

Food: Well, if I’m going on a long trip, than I’m going from Seattle to Santa Fe, so I look forward to spicy New Mexican cuisine.


12. What’s your favorite season and why?

Autumn. It’s the most colorful season. And it’s stormy and dramatic, but not too cold. It sends me into the coffee shops to read and write, and into the movie theaters for the pre-Oscar-season rush of wonderful new films.


13. What criticism has cut the deepest and why?

The truth always cuts deepest. Once, someone responded to one of my film reviews and said, “You will be a better writer someday when you get over your sense of outrage.” That hurt. It hurt because it was true. I was responding to things that bothered my by writing with a tone of condemnation. It’s better, and more fruitful, to speak the truth in love… even if you’re criticizing.

I’d rather receive insightful, bold criticism of my work than any kind of praise. I’ve been blessed with teachers and editors who aren’t afraid to tell me when I’ve written something terrible. But they are able to express this to me in a way that conveys respect and love. When someone offers you criticism in love, they’re telling you that they care about you. But they’re also telling you that they value your work enough to look at it closely and respond.


14. Who’s the superhero you most admire and why?

I wrote a whole chapter in my book Through a Screen Darkly in which I celebrate my favorite heroes, and point out how many superheroes are really just self-centered. Check it out, and let’s talk!


15. What’s your grammatical pet peeve?

Here’s one that always bothers me: To reign is to rule. A rein is a tether.

So, you don’t “reign someone in” or “take the reigns.” And there’s no such thing as a “rein of terror.”

Thanks, Jeffrey!

Serials and Scenarios ~ for parents only

Teens in your life? This may be a resource you need.

My review:

If you are anything like me, you spend part of your parenting moments congratulating yourself for surviving and the rest of the time kicking yourself for failing.

Even though everyone told me to enjoy them while they're young, I wished away the whining, the diapers, the clinging and the neediness of the younger years. Shouldn't everything get easier as they get older? Doesn't a parent's alternate life as a person begin when the kids learn to drive?

Sigh.

I jumped on the opportunity to do this blog tour because I'm exhausted. My bag of parenting tricks is empty. I also never expected to feel this way,.I'm generally the one my friends come to when they've reached into the burlap sack of ideas and grab air.

I read for parents only within a two hour time frame, and closed the book still feeling exhausted, but a different kind of exhausted. I'm not alone. There is hope.

Rice and Feldhahn write from different perspectives, one a parent of small children, the other a seasoned parent of teens. They've discovered a handful of keys that parents aren't easily discovering in the heaps of emotion, puddles of drama and endless parental/teen miscommunication within their own homes.

A small book with chapters marked for easy readability, statistics and solid suggestions. I don't know that I can guarantee that reading this will make your life easier. But I found one thing to grasp a hold of that is going to get me to the next obstacle. Then I'll reread a few key points and see what else jumps out at me. That's worth $14.95 in my book.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Completely Lost in Translation.

The theme of my holiday weekend seemed to be translation error.

For starters, I finally watched Lost in Translation with Bill Murray. Note: read reviews if you are tempted to see it. I just posted mine at Amazon. It will appeal to a very specific people group...make sure you are within the group range or you may not like it.

And now for the story.

A family member who shall remain nameless (no, not Pat) recently discovered something new in our multilingual world.

To quote this person. " I just found out that hola meant hello."

To which one other unnamed family member shook her head and said "Hola!!"

By now you may know that my family rarely lets anything go. If there is humor in it, it will be milked. One of my childhood nicknames is completely politically incorrect or I'd share it with you. (Yes, this is probably why I am what I am!)

So, in light of this lovely family trait, this information was shared with two more family members at a small family gathering. "Hey, nameless-to-protect-face just found out that hola meant hello."

One of the tellees snickered and joined in. The other said. "What. What does that mean?"

In a quickie replay of Who's on First, the statement was repeated a few more times with the same response. Finally, exasperated, the tellee said. " I don't get it. What's a holameanthello?"

Good question.

So, when you are out and about tomorrow, watch for the holameanthellos.

And if you don't get this...consider it a translation error. Seems to be the theme.

Serials and Scenarios - Tricia Goyer's A Shadow of Treason

Hope your Thanksgiving was grand. Here's a book review if you are in the mood for a good historical.

Tricia Goyer continues the story of the Spanish Civil war and paints a picture of sorrow, pain, fear and hope. As in any war, the loss is considerable and the opportunities are endless for a chance to become a reluctant hero.

Sophie went to Spain to find true love and ended up finding real love while sacrificing for a greater cause. That cause, as often happens in conflict, becomes nebulous and hard to hold on to when faced with the belief and passion of the enemy.

Is Sophie helping the right side? Is either side right?

Powerful plot, deep characters, vivid writing -- if you like Goyer, you'll want to get a copy. If you like reading about obscure bits of history and overlooked wars check into this series.