Serials and Scenarios - Marilynn Griffith - Unleashed - Part 2

Marilynn stopped in for another visit and exposed another glimpse or two of her psyche.

So, Marilynn (now that I can spell your name correctly and think we'd have a fun time together) if you aren't busy Saturday night we have a ladies night planned at my church. Drop in if you'll be in Iowa. It's going to be the loud church on the edge of town. Can't miss it.


I interupt this interview for a quick news flash:
Construction update:
I've put some of my stuff in my new closet. No shelves or rods yet. My girls have carpet. This remodel thing is going to be behind me soon. My hubby is uber-wonderful.
I'll soon have a writing area to call my own. Others often call this "office space."

Red - Me - Blue - Marilynn


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

The Bible, a hymnal, Patti Labelle. and a full kitchen. She'd cover the music and the food, not to mention giving me some great hairdos. I'd need my mpe player and some running shoes. My huband's coming too, right? LOL


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 go to Nigeria and meet my father's family there. I've never been.


Favorite season and why?

Fall. Anyone who knows me will suck their teeth if they read this since I have a nervous breakdown like every October, but I love the leaves, the food, the holidays, all of it.


Favorite book setting and why?

Strangely enough, I love fictional settings like Middle Earth from Narnia. Southwest settings intrigue me. I love Ohio settings, probably because I was born there.


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

Having Sharon Ewell Foster and Lisa Samson endorse my first book meant the world to me. I respect both of them very much.


What criticism has cut the deepest and why?

Oh my, you're going there aren't you? My first and only Publisher's Weekly review was brutal. Too much deepening faith and resolved relationships. I was down for a bit and then my husband said, "You're made because you wrote a book with faith and resolution? Who are you trying to please?" Did I say he was a good catch?


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

Eat a lot of cookies and write really, really, fast. :)


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

Oh how I would love to have rituals. Instead, I have seven children. So...my rituals go like this: run, hide, turn on computer, type furiously, ask if child banging at door is bleeding, wipe blood and remember rest of scene, hug child and scribble in notebook... You get the idea. Most of the rituals I'd like to have are in my books!

I went to bed early but woke up in the middle of the night thinking about that writing ritual question. The Lord brought to mind that although that is the way I wrote most of my books, in the past few months, I really don't write as much when my kids are home. I thought about Tangerine and Turquoise and in truth, my writing ritual went more like this: walk, drink water, read Bible, pray, tea, write a while, check email, run errands, edit, pick up kids, etc.


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

Kelly, kelly what are you doing ot me? LOL Let's see... If I could be any fiction character, it would have to be Stargirl from Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I would just love to be that perky for a few minutes. LOL


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

Oh my! Let's see, that would have to be my wonderful grandmother, Goldie B. Freeman. She went to be with the Lord in 1987. My question for her would be why she called me Mary Lynn all my life when my name was really Marilynn! LOL I didn't find out my real name until I was 19. I guess my mom was tired from the birth and forgot what she named me. :)


Thanks, Marilynn. It's been loads of fun.


Here's Marilynn's web addy again:http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

And the link to "If the Shoe Fits." http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373785763

Have an excellent weekend, everyone.

I'll be packing and moving and hauling and tossing and HOPEFULLY sleeping at some point.

Serials and Scenarios - If the Shoe Fits

Apologies to Marilynn Griffith. I left out an "N" on my previous posts. This is the FIRST mistake I've ever made since becoming a blogger : ) and hopefully my last.



MarilynN has a new Chick Lit book. Check out the link.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373785763

And the Website:
http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/


And my review of "If the Shoe Fits."

If you like feet and Chick Lit I think you’ll enjoy “If the Shoe Fits.” Should you love Christian Chick Lit with sassy point of view character with lots of faith elements thrown in -- ditto. Toss around Sistah or girlfriend or have a love for shoes, fashion design or handsome and sometimes fawning men? Find a copy.

Interesting exercise to read the story of Jean in “Tangerine” and Chelle in “If the Shoe Fits” so close together. Marilynn Griffith’s stories contain deep spiritual themes of prayer, redemption, forgiveness, sin, grace and the power of Jesus.

Chelle is a little more sassy than “Tangerine” Jean, so sassy in fact, that she manages to Tae Bo her way through some challenging scenarios. As in “Tangerine” the spiritual aspects of Chelle’s story are deep, personal and a little challenging.

I like the fact that Chick Lit can stomp on my toes just a little and make me rethink some unhealthy attitudes. Pun intended, of course. I rate “If the Shoe Fits” high in quirk, character and entertainment. High marks in faith elements. Well-written though Chelle maybe explained a few emotional moments with too much clarity.

Chelle and Marilynn would be great girls to have around when life slaps upside the head and a good book or an appointment with Ben, Jerry or Mr. Baskins is needed.

Come back Friday for more comments and sass from MarilynN.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Unearthed Treasures

Remodeling Update:

My closet is done except for the hardware. My bedroom is done except for my closet.

I've been packing stuff so that I can move it to it's new home.

When I say stuff, I mean just that.

Why do I keep items I don't use?

Visualize three years of dust layered upon a black leather purse and an emerald green leather bag.

I've kept them: a) because they are leather. b) because something in my life might change and I may downsize my purse needs so my junk might fit into the sweet black tiny purse, or I'll buy the perfect outfit needing an emerald green leather bag.

I think not.

I scraped off the layer of fur and shoved them in a "going to Goodwill" sack so maybe they'll be of more use to someone than filtering fuzz from my airspace.

I cringe when I calculate how many dollars in junk I've donated to Goodwill in the past three or four months. Suppose this tells me a bargain isn't a bargain unless I need it? Or that need and want are miles apart in meaning?

I did unearth a treasure. A piece of antique lace that I found in my previous house. But why was it tucked away and hidden? No one can value the beauty of the treasure when it's buried away, especially when it's buried with things of no value.

Spiritual application? I think so.

Here's hoping you clean out some junk and find some treasure today.

Serials and Scenarios - Generation NeXt Parenting

Tricia Goyer not only writes fiction, she has a new parenting book fresh off the presses.

Here's my review.



"Generation NeXt" turned out to be an intriguing read for me. I am on the line between Boomers and GenXers. Different sources have placed me in each camp, so if I'm a GenXer, I'm an old one.

My review will be from the perspective of an old GenXer with a teenager and young adult children. At times, as I read "Generation NeXt" I felt exactly that, old, but then I'd turn a few pages and identify with exactly what Tricia had penned.

Had I read this book when my children were younger, I think I would have gained insight leading to freedom from some guilt baggage I lugged around for far too many years.

Tricia's "Generation NeXt Parenting" is an encouraging pat on the back with plenty of spiritual and practical challenges tossed in. She doesn't take traditional problems and toss out advice on how to handle it as much as she covers the holistic issues of parenting and Christlikeness.

If you are looking for another parenting book that has an index and multiple tips on how to handle potty training, you won't find much in "Generation NeXt." However, if you desire to dig to underlying motivations on your part and your children's behaviors, there is help offered here. Of course, a lot of the advice is what we who call ourselves "Christian" know because it's preached from the pulpit, radio and other books. But it bears repeating until we "get" it. Tricia gives practical ideas for how to get on track or back on track spiritually so that you can be the parent God calls you to be.

I learned far more from "Generation NeXt" than I thought I would. Tricia peppers her thoughts with those from other struggling parents and facts regarding the unique building blocks GenXer's have been given.

I thought of several friends who have younger children who could benefit from this book and intend to get a copy to them.

Here's the Amazon link to Tricia's book with access to other reviews etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Generation-NeXt-Parenting-Parents-Getting/dp/1590527488/sr=8-1/qid=1169223681/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-4281468-8740742?ie=UTF8&s=books

Happy Weekend, one and all.

I look forward to giving a remodeling update soon. My hands are currently curled into little claws from clutching paintbrushes, hammers and screwdrivers. But my oh my, does my hubby do nice work.

Serials and Scenarios - Tricia Goyer - Spills It! Pt 1

A peek inside the mind of Tricia Goyer.... Next month part 2....



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

Periwinkle giraffe . . . I like the way it rolls off my tongue!"



Where would you most like to travel ex. moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? – Why?

I would love to go to Hawaii with my husband and relax on the beach. Sigh.



Favorite book setting. Why?

I was going to say anything World War II . . . but I also love anything European. Both is best.



What period of history intrigues you the most?

World War II, including the decade before and after. I have four published novels about this time period. Next month, my first book in The Spanish Civil War releases. It takes place just prior to WWII and it part of three book series.

This was a time of heroes rising to a challenge, and it inspires me to see what ordinary people can accomplish when rising to a call!



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

Ohhh . . . I love the beginning of Sound of Music. It's as if God swoops down and notices a women dancing in the mountains and forgetting all the world's cares.. I often think of that scene . . . be reminded that God swoops down to look upon me with joy.



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

Bible, coffee, sister Lesley, and peanut butter . . . it goes with everything--bread, apples, spoons.



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

Open my house to all my extended family and talk, laugh, and soak in their smiles.


If you missed the links to Arms of Deliverance and Tricia's website - here they are. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802415563

You can read chapter 1 on Tricia's blog: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

Back tomorrow with a review of Tricia's Generation NeXt Parenting.

Serials and Scenarios - Arms of Deliverance

Tomorrow I'll have a few words from Tricia to share with you. And on Friday I'll share my thoughts on her non-fiction Generation NeXt Parenting. Tricia is multi-faceted. In the meantime, check out the details of her latest fiction. (Do read her first chapter, available on her website.)

Arms of Deliverance - the info : http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802415563


Arms of Deliverance -- the first chapter -- go to Tricia's blog:
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

Arms of Deliverance -- the review.


I'm impressed.

Not only has Tricia Goyer crafted a fine novel with an intriguing series of story lines, she didn't bore me to tears with the technical scenes in the plane.

I can't imagine how many hours of research she invested to write this story. She writes from the point of view of a high ranking Nazi officer, two women reporters driven by different desires, and a young Jewish girl who is given her freedom because she passes for Aryan, yet finds herself in another sort of prison.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to know the characters as well I prefer to know them, but this is just a technical and personal issue. The plot makes up for any lingering sadness over incomplete bonding with the characters.

The later chapters are very plot driven, and I wanted Tricia to slow down, but again, I tend to dig in to meaty characters.

I was pleased with the final chapter in the book. Deep and rich, it sewed all the loose ends in place leaving me hopeful and satisfied.

I'll be reading more of Tricia's books.

Serials and Scenarios - Book Reviews Inside Out or My Views on Reviews

I’ve dipped my toes into the lake of book reviews and am now ankle deep. Let me share some thoughts.

For starters, there are some excellent writers putting out some excellent books. I’ve said this before, but if you haven’t tried Christian fiction for several years, you may want to do some investigating. If you are concerned about finances, see what’s available at your public library. Many libraries have a budget for new books and will buy requested books, or they will do an inner library loan and borrow it from another library. Most authors would love to have you request their book(s) at the library.

I always try to slant my reviews on a positive note but some of the books I’ve read I wouldn’t have finished because they just weren’t my cup of tea. Amazon lets me rate a book 1-5, with 5 being the best. I’ve read many 4.5’s but only give them 4 because 5, to me is as close to perfect as it gets. I would probably not review a 2 on Amazon because I would struggle with finding redeeming things to say.

My taste differs considerably from many of you. Powerful writing, the kind that paints pictures and draws me to a wistful state makes me weak in the knees. Humor is huge for me, if I laugh, I can overlook other smaller issues, and clever or twisted humor is the very best (go figure). Pain also grabs my heart, as does suspense when it forces my heart into my throat. I like to learn but not with long pages of technical or historical facts but with the characters by experiencing what they encounter.

In general, sweet romance novels make me gag. But if it’s twisty, funny or edgy I can fall in love with romance. Sci-fi is not on the top of the list of books I like to read. Comic-book style writing, where the action is so non-stop that I never get to know the character or care that an assassin approaches, leaves me cold. Christian platitudes tossed in, or use of dialogue to explain things to the reader by using characters who wouldn’t have that conversation in real life bugs me. Anything that becomes author intrusion like a repeated pet phrase, or telling, or passive writing pulls me out of the story.

Peace Like a River sucked me in and drove me to the next word, thought, phrase and page. It didn’t let go of my heart until the story finished and I released a satisfied sigh. I compare other books to that reading experience. If I put a book down with wistfulness at the ending of a poignant read, the book is a 4+ working toward a 5. If the story is good, but I find myself distracted by mechanics I’m going to give it a 3+ working toward a 4.

High points are awarded for quirk. With a healthy dose of humor I will overlook several author mechanical issues or negatives because the novel becomes so fun to read.

Now you know a little bit more about the way my mind works. Scared?