The Importance of Writing Conferences

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Write to Publish conference in Chicago for the first time, so I wanted to share some pictures from there and some thoughts on conferences in general with you. Please add your comments below and tell us about your favorite conference experiences!

The classes and meetings with editors and agents are all very helpful, but my two favorite parts of Christian conferences are the worship services and all the wonderful people to meet and fellowship with.

Marty Nystrom, who composed "As the Deer Panteth for the Water" and many other Bible-based praise songs, was our worship leader at WTP. He did a great job of focusing our minds and hearts on Christ and letting Him work through us instead of focusing on ourselves.

Mary DeMuth whose site you can check out at http://www.marydemuth.com/ was our keynote speaker each evening. She gave several examples of tough real-life experiences God brought her through and which she has shared in her writing, and encouraged us to "infuse truth in our writing" by going with Jesus into "that tunnel of healing" where "He will go with you and grieve with you and walk out hand in hand with you."

I am sharing some pictures of some of the great writing friends I met at WTP, some for the first time, but we felt like "kindred spirits" from the first moment. In the top picture I am with Lanita Boyd and Jill Orr, two of my new friends whom I spent a lot of time with. Lanita only lives about an hour from me, so she invited me to ride up to Chicago with her. We met Jill our first day there. She was another "newbie" to the conference, so Lanita kindly mentored both of us.

One of the favorite things Lanita, Jill and Marjean Brooks and I did was visit The Wade Center on the edge of the Wheaton campus. This stone and brick home surrounded by an English garden houses many of the works of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, J.R.R. Tolkien and four other authors. It also contains C.S. Lewis's desk where he wrote and a wardrobe from his home that was built by his own grandfather. The wardrobe is filled with fur coats like the one in "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" so I am sharing a picture of myself and Marjean ready to go inside and visit the land of Narnia. If you are in Chicago, this is a place you should check out for sure!

Another picture is of Millie Samuelson, my suite-mate (each dorm suite has two separate bedrooms with a shared bath in between) and a new friend Emily Downs. Emily and I both write fiction, so shared many classes together. I had met Millie at the last ACFW conference, so was glad to see her familiar face when I first arrived! Check out Millie's site at http://www.milliesbooks.org/ to learn more about her books and the various places she has lived such as China!

There were several ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) members at WTP also, and some of us met one evening for supper. From L to R we have Kenny Noble, Millie, Deb Read, Lisa Lickel and myself. Several of us were in the great fiction workshop taught by Jeff Gerke. Check out his brilliant ideas at http://www.wherethemapends.com/

Posting about the WTP conference has made me look forward to the ACFW conference in Denver in September. Hope to see many of you there. If you are not familiar with the BEST Christian fiction writers' organization and conference, hurry on over to http://www.acfw.com/ and join us!

Contest winner and new book contest and review--Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts

Congrats to Sharon Ball who wins a copy of Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills. I have another great book to offer this month. Anyone with a US mailing address who leaves a comment and a way to be contacted is eligible to win Deb Vogt's debut novel. The release date for Snow Melts in Spring is today, July 1.

I met Deborah Vogts several years ago at one of the first ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conferences. I am so happy for her success at landing super-agent Rachelle Gardner and having her first novel published by Zondervan. Congrats to Deb and Rachelle! You can check out more about both of these ladies and this book at www.cba-ramblings.blogspot.com

Deb loves the Flint Hills area of Kansas and has written a lovely story placed in this lovely setting. Deb also loves horses which play a main part in this story. Here's a snatch from the back cover blurb to whet your appetite for this book. One person will win it, and I hope the rest of you will buy or order it soon! Happy reading!

"Mattie Evans grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Although her family has lost their ranch, she still calls this land home. A skilled young veterinarian, she struggles to gain the confidence of the local ranchers. Fortunately, her best friend and staunchest supporter is John McCray, owner of the Lightning M Ranch. They both love the ranch, and neither can imagine living anywhere but in the Flint Hills.
When Mattie is called in to save an injured horse, she finds herself unwillingly tossed into the middle of a family conflict. Secret pain, passions, and agendas play out against the beautiful landscapes as love leads to some unexpected conclusions about forgiveness and renewal."

Tourists in Venezia and Tuscany and Florence

It has been almost a month since I last posted some pictures from our Italy trip last month, so here are a few more. Hope you enjoy travelling vicariously with me!

In Venice we did a lot of touristy things--like feeding the pigeons in St. Mark's Square, taking a gondola ride on our 41st anniversary, and eating lots of gelato! We also took a water taxi to the Isle of Murano off the coast of Venice and watched an experienced glass blower turn melted sand into beautiful objects d'art.

After two days in Venice, we travelled down the road to Florence, another magnificent city filled with century-old treasures. We ate more gelato and toured the beautiful Santa Croce church seen here with the star of David on top. Inside are many frescoes and the tombs of several Italians such as Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini. We later saw Michelangelo's famous David and several renditions of it. We saw where the Medici families lived when they controlled Florence and Tuscany for over 300 years. I hope you can see the distinctive skyline of Florence in the picture behind me and my husband. Notice the church spires and bell tower. The dome-shaped one to the left of my head is the top of the Duomo.

On our way back to Rome, we spent several hours at a picturesque Tuscan village which was one of our favorite stops of the tour. San Gimignano is a real Renaissance village with watchtowers intact, known as the "medieval Manhattan of Tuscany." It even has a set of "twin towers" to prove it! I hope you can see the hand-carved stones in the ancient walls behind me and my husband eating...more gelato!

Back in Rome, our last night included a farewell Italian dinner, complete with opera singers and pasta at the Papa Rex Ristorante--a lovely ending to a lovely time. Arrivederci, Roma!

Books by Kim Sawyer--My Heart Remembers and Where the Heart Leads

With all my travels this year, I am waaay behind on my book reading. This past two weeks I have allowed myself the pleasure of reading the last two of my dear friend Kim Sawyer's books that I hadn't read yet. You can read more of Kim's journey to publishing on her website at www.kimvogelsawyer.com and can even order the books there.

I love all of her writing, but I have to say that these two stories really tugged on my heartstrings at all the characters had to go through to follow where God was leading their hearts. I know your heart will be blessed in reading them, too.

Besides being a great writer, Kim is also very prolific. She self-published 4 books in the Mountain Lake series, then in 2006 she had two books pubbed by major publishers-one by Barbour and one by Bethany House. In the past 3 years, she has had 9 more books plus a novella in an anthology and had 2 of her sets of books compiled into 3-in-ones. She is one busy lady!

If you want to see a picture of me with Kim, then scroll down to the April 25th, 2009 post. Now we only have 2 more months to wait until her next book comes out in August of this year. It is entitled Fields of Grace and I can't wait to read it! I hope you will check at your bookstore or library for any of of Kim's books you haven't read yet and use them to keep you enjoyably occupied while waiting for the next one to release!

Book Review--Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills

I just returned from the Write to Publish Writing Conference 5 days ago and all the aspects of great writing are still swirling through my head from the many wonderful teachers and the classes I attended .

I have to say that this book by DiAnn Mills is definitely great writing and then some--well written hero and heroine you immediately feel drawn to--with high morals, yet flawed like the rest of us; also well-rounded minor characters; superb description; exciting plot with escalating conflict and tension; and many unexpected twists and turns that will keep you reading long past your bedtime like I did!

Here is the back blurb description of the heroine: Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader--Daniel Keary, a just-announced candidate for governor of her state--whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappears and starts a new life as a small-town librarian."

If you read this book, I guarantee you'll never look at your librarian with the same eyes! And you'll be caught up in this book like a movie unfolding before your eyes. Come to think of it, this book would make a great movie!

DiAnn has graciously offered to mail a copy of Breach of Trust to our winner this month. Please leave a comment by June 30th to be eligible for the drawing on July 1. And leave your email addy or some way of contacting you if you win. Must have US mailing address.

And the winner is...

Lisa Lickel who will receive a copy of The 100 Most Important Bible Verses in honor of my 100th blog last month. I had 30 blog comments last month, so keep them coming.

This month's book to win is a Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills. Since I am packing and getting ready to leave for the Write to Publish conference in the morning, I will have to cut this short and post a review of the book after I return. I will tell you that I think it's one of the best DiAnn Mills' books ever, and I am a big DiAnn Mills' fan!

Arrivederci, Roma!
This month has held several celebrations including my 100th blog post (see May 1st post) and my 41st wedding anniversary on May 11th. It also held the second crashing in the past three months of my four year old computer. It would not turn on at all last week, but I am very thankful for a young neighbor who was able to save almost all my files and finally has my new computer up and running so I can post this.

The first night we arrived in Rome, we took a bus to see the Trevi Fountains and the Spanish Steps. My hubby took this picture of me, Kathy and Dave, and Louise, a new friend from Australia whom we met on the tour, in front of the crowded steps. We all are carrying roses and Dave even has one in his teeth! A street vendor "gave" them to us, then took some back when we didn't offer him as many Euros as he'd hoped!

Another picture above is of my hubby and me with two of our best friends, Kathy and Dave, who were celebrating their 25 anniversary on this trip, also. We are standing in the Colosseum where we could still smell the dried blood of those slaughtered in this arena almost two millenia ago. The Colosseum held up to 55,000 spectators at one time. I just finished reading A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers which contains several scenes of fighting in this same location. I highly recommend this book and any book by Francine Rivers, BTW. She is one of those very talented Christian writers who successfully writes both historicals and contemporary stories. She also has published several Bible studies that are great.

You can find the old mixed with the new on almost every corner of Rome. The triple arches are the Arch of Constantine. The picture of the hole in the top of a building with the sky shining through was taken inside the Pantheon. Our very knowledgeable guide, Salvatore, said this massive structure would not have been able to hold together without collapsing upon itself without the hole.

We also toured the Catacombs, but they didn't allow any pictures there. We were allowed to shoot photos inside the Vatican and Sistine Chapel as long as we didn't use flash, so my pictures taken there are not very clear.

We celebrated Mother's Day and our last night in Rome by eating with our friends at a local Italian restaurant. I ate delicious eggplant and some ravioli and a caramel dessert. The picture at the top is of my husband and me taken at that restaurant.

Next on to Venice, but that will have to wait for a few days. I'm off to Chicago on Tuesday, June 2nd for the Write to Publish Conference. Prayers are much appreciated, and perhaps I'll see some of my readers there! Let me know if you read this blog.

I'm on a roll...in wooden shoes!

I think there is a mixed metaphor hiding in my title somewhere! I'm on a blogging roll as I seldom blog two days in a row, but all your comments and congratulations on my 100th post have inspired me. Plus I wanted to pass along the info below about Robin Jones Gunn's latest Sisterchick adventure--Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes. (That's Robin in the photo above wearing the wooden shoes!)

The latest Sisterchick book will be in stores on May 5--that's next Tuesday, just in time for Mother's Day gifts. If either of my daughters are reading this, hint, hint!

Here's a summary from Robin's newsletter: "Summer and Noelle, two pen pals since 4th grade, meet for the first time in the land of tulips and windmills. An abnormal mammogram sends Summer on a quest to fulfill her lifelong wish before she begins the same struggle her mother fought against breast cancer. The story of these two Sisterchicks is brimming with hope and cheer and will bring encouragement for any woman who has faced a fearful future."

Since I have read many of Robin's books, I can tell you that reading one of her stories will encourage ANY woman, so buy it for yourself if you don't get it as a Mother's Day gift.

And in case I don't post again before Mother's Day, prayers for blessing on all women the world around. Even if you aren't a mother, or if, like me, your mother is living in your heart instead of on this earth, I'm sure you can find some woman who needs a word of encouragement and hope--and maybe a gift of a book! Hint, hint!

A Milestone--my 100th blog post!

Can you believe it? This is my 100th post since starting this blog in September of 2006! In honor of this milestone, the book I will be giving away this month is The 100 Most Important Bible Verses. I hope we will have lots of entries for this special collection. The inside back cover states "Let the truths of the 100 most important Bible verses change your life, forever."

Every one with a US mailing address who leaves a comment during the month of May is eligible for the June 1st drawing, except for Sharon Ball who is this month's winner of Stand In Groom by Kaye Dacus. So, celebrate with me by leaving a comment and you may be celebrating even more next month if you win!

Book Review--A Promise for Spring by Kim Sawyer

If you have been following my blog for very long, you've read several reviews of books by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Besides being a wonderful author, she is a dear friend, and I am always happy to have the privilege to read and review her books. But you will have to buy your own copy, as I don't use her books as giveaways, although I do share them with neighbors!

Kim has a soft, gentle voice and demeanor, and her books are soft and gentle reads with much emotion, and you become so involved with the characters that you feel like you want to sit down and talk with them even after you finish reading the book!

A Promise for Spring is no exception. I usually empathize with the heroines in novels, but in this story, I felt great compassion for both the heroine, Emmaline Bradford, and the hero, Geoffrey Garrett. The young couple had been promised to each other back in England, their home country. Neither knew it would be five long years before they would see each other again, or how much each would change during that time. It reminded me of when my husband was overseas in the Air Force and I was back in KY attending college. Although our time apart was a little less than one year, we still had many adjustments to make to each other and the changes that had taken place in our lives.

Imagine traveling half a world away to marry a person whom you haven't seen for five years. Emmaline and Geoffrey have both gone through huge changes in their relationship with each other and with God. They each need to renew their faith in Him and in each other before their new life together can flourish. I hope you will buy and read this book to find out if and how a "well-bred Englishwoman" will "become a wildflower bride."

Kids are kids all over the world

I recently returned from a mission trip to the Ukraine with the mission organization known as Goin' Fishing. GFM (see more info in previous blog, January 29, 2009) was started several years ago by a man very dear to my heart and the hearts of many others, including my family. Bro. Earl Mullins was the principal of Portland Christian School, my Alma mater, for many years. After he retired, he started GFM so he could "Go Fishin" for men! And he did, in many places around the world, with an emphasis on Russia. Since Bro. Earl's death in 2006, Paul Kitzmiller has led Goin' Fishing Ministries and the mission trips. He and his wife lived in Russia off and on for over three years.

Our team was composed of Bro. Paul, his wife Virginia, a lady from Sellersburg, IN, Libby McMahan, and my neighbor and friend, Joan Marsh. God truly blessed this trip with financial support and much prayer support. We thank all of those who shared those blessings with us so we could pass on the blessing to the Ukrainians, and receive a rich blessing ourselves.

We had many eye-opening experiences and met many fine Ukrainian Christians, but as a former elementary teacher and mother and grandmother, the best part for me was the interaction with the kids!

I have been given the opportunity to travel to several countries, and I can truly say that "kids are kids all over the world." The Ukrainian children were no exception. Their smiles lit up the rooms and our hearts.

Much of our work was with about thirty sixth and seventh grade students at the Rainbow Orphanage outside Donetsk. The children swarmed around us when we arrived, and met us at the door or on the front porch on following days. We divided into three classes. I taught the Bible lessons while Joan did skits that emphasized the theme of the lessons, and Libby aided the students in making crafts that also correlated with the Bible theme. At the end of each hour, the students rotated, while we teachers stayed in the same room and taught the same lesson three times each day. Kind of a mini-VBS!

Our overall theme for the week was God's love--using stories of God's creation, Adam and Eve's sin, and Jesus' birth, death, resurrection and ascension. Our team was pleasantly surprised at how much Bible knowledge the students already possessed, and we pray that as they remember the lessons we shared they will internalize and accept God's love and salvation into their own hearts.

On the last Saturday of our time there, the kids were treated to an outing at the Circus. Although we did miss seeing the circus through their eyes, due to the tickets being for the wrong date, we were very happy the circus manager made it possible for the kids to experience it, and we did get to hear about their favorite parts later when the children were brought to a Ukrainian church for a meal and treats. They also performed a concert for us, displaying their talents at singing popular songs and Scripture songs.

The one thing different about these children compared to American children is that when the meal was finished, the kids immediately stood and began clearing the dishes from the table, an example American kids should emulate! I even have the picture to prove it! (see first picture above.)

We met several children at the three churches we attended, including the young boy shown with his mother above. I also had the opportunity to speak to the 8th graders at the Christian Day School on the campus of Donetsk Christian university where we stayed. All of the Ukrainian children spoke much more English than I could speak Russian! The picture of me with a pretty young teen girl shows one of the students I met at the Christian school who came to tell me "good-by" or "Das Vadanya" on the day we left.

I miss the children and pray for them every day. I hope you will join me in prayer for these orphans and all those who work with them--orphanage employees and local church groups who visit and teach them weekly. And I encourage anyone who has the opportunity, to open your hearts to the possibility of taking a mission trip to the Ukraine or where ever God leads you.

Ann Gabhart wins Love Finds you in Valentine Nebraska by Irene Brand, will you be the next winner of Kaye Dacus's book Stand-In Groom?



Congrats to Ann G. I hope many of you will leave a comment this month to have a chance to win a copy of Kaye Dacus's heart-warming story Stand-In Groom, the first book of The Brides of Bonneterre series.



Although this is Kaye's debut novel, the writing is so great that it reminds me of Liz Curtis Higg's contemporary books with characters who seem like people you know, a plot with many turns and twists, and emotion-packed scenes filled with humor and pathos.



The main character, wedding planner Anne Hawthorne, is introduced to a man by her cousin. George Laurence and Anne share a mutual attraction--until Anne discovers he is the groom-to-be in a wedding she is slated to plan. But, things are not always as they seem. You'll enjoy the highs and lows of this roller-coaster journey as you travel the path to the altar with Anne and George and the other characters.

I hope you will read more about Kaye and her upcoming books at www.kayedacus.com. Leave a comment anytime this month to be eligible for the drawing of a copy of this book, or head on over to www.amazon.com or www.cbd.com if you want to enjoy the read even sooner!

Thanks to everyone who prayed for our Ukrainian mission trip. I am about recovered from my jet lag and hope to post some pics and some highlights of the trip soon, so check back next week.

Robin Grant wins again and new book contest

Our winner of Megan DiMaria's book Out of Her Hands is Robin Grant. Robin is one of my faithful few bloggees. She is the only person who will not be eligible for March's contest. Anyone else who has a USA mailing address and leaves a message on one of my posts during the month of March will be entered in the drawing to take place on April 1st or shortly thereafter. (If you scroll down to previous posts, you can read about the mission trip I will be taking to a Ukrainian orphanage March 19-31st, so depending on flights, jet lag, etc. I may be a few days late with the drawing. Also prayers for our team and all those we will meet with over there are much appreciated.)

The book you can win this month is Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska by Irene Brand. It is autographed by Irene who is a very prolific writer of over forty-five books with over two million copies in print! Very impressive! I have met Irene, and she is as sweet as she is prolific!

Here is a blurb from her website www.irenebrand.com
"A thoroughly modern young woman is drawn into an ancient feud that has nothing to do with her--or so she thinks. When Kennedy Blaine inherits Circle Cross Ranch in Valentine, her first impulse is to sell it. Her second impulse is to travel to Valentine, a town that seems to have come right out of the pages of an old western, and visit the ranch. Kennedy finds herself charmed by the ranch--and by its attractive manager, Derek Sterling. She questions her decision to sell the Circle Cross, especially when her cousin, Smith Blaine, mysteriously conceals the identity of the person who wants to buy it.But when Kennedy decides to spend the summer in her ancestral home, she's subjected to a series of harassments. When Kennedy and Derek try to discover who's behind these offenses, they're drawn into a feud that just might divide the town--and place Kennedy's own life in danger."

While on her site, you can also see a YouTube video about the book and check out more about Irene and her many fine stories. So hurry on over there and discover a whole library of books to order. And leave a post here for a chance to win a copy of this one.

Book Review--Love Finds You in Miracle, KY by Andrea Boeshaar

As a native Kentuckian, I can assure you that Andrea Boeshaar has the mood of a small town in the Bluegrass state and its down-home folks and their friendliness shown very realistically in this book. As a retired elementary teacher, I can also tell you that the author does a wonderful job of portraying the heroine, Meg Jorgenson, as a caring, involved teacher. Meg moves from Chicago to Miracle to get a fresh start at life, and to renew her relationship with her grandmother. Meg grows very close to one of her students, and the student's father. It will take several miracles to work out God's will in the lives of these realistic characters. I hope you will read this book to find out how that happens. Finding Love in...followed by a name of an actual town in the United States is a new series by Summerside Press. This book was the first one I read in the series, and I enjoyed it so much I am now on my third! So hurry up and order this book. I bet you will enjoy it so much that you do the same!

Book review--Love Finds you in Last Chance, California by Miralee Ferrell

I just had to stay up late last night to finish Miralee Ferrell's latest book--Love Finds you in Last Chance, CA. This book is one of the first in a new series by Summerside Press. All the books start with "Love Finds you in... followed by the name of a real town in the USA. Miralee and her husband visited Last Chance and she describes it as "now a ghost town with only one small shack and a cemetery attesting to the thriving mining town that once existed."

Using that bare bones scene as a starting point, Miralee has written a fascinating fictional story set in 1877. The hero and heroine are both characters you will find yourself falling in love with. Add some quirky secondary characters and some missing cattle and gold, and you have a page-turner that will keep you up late reading to find out what happens next. I hope you will check out this book and this series of books for some great reading.

Book Review-- Out of Her Hands by Megan DiMaria

Megan DiMaria's second book lives up to the writing standard (4 1/2 stars Romantic Times magazine!) she set in her first novel, Searching for Spice. In Out of her Hands, the heroine we met and loved and identified with in Searching for Spice, Linda Revere, continues on her journey as a working mom, wife, and everywoman who continues on her journey to learn to trust God more.

With her best friend moving across country, the need to help her widowed father-in-law move on with his life, and her son set to marry an unbeliever, Linda's life often seems out of control until she remembers that it is all out of her hands anyway, and in the hands of the only One who can make sense of it all.

I hope there is a third book in this delightful series. Leave a comment anytime this month to be eligible to win a copy of this book in my monthly drawing. (See last post for requirements.) And if you haven't read Searching for Spice, be sure to get a copy of it. Happy Reading!

Have you heard about the ice storm in KY last week?

That's the reason my posting of the contest winner is so late this month. We were without electricity for 7 days. Then it stayed on for one day and went out again the next. Ever since it came back on the second time I have been experiencing computer woes. I had the son of friends here today and he got my internet explorer to work without error messages so far, but he still can't get my outlook express to open with all my emails.

Our winner of Longings of the Heart is Ginger. I have contacted her and will send the book as soon as I receive her home addy. This would be a good time to mention the contest rules for my monthly book drawing. You must leave an email or way for me to contact you for your addy if you are the winner. Also you must have a US address, and the same person cannot win two months in a row. Check back next week to find out more about this month's book--Out of Her hands by Megan DiMaria. Every time you leave a message each month, you will get an entry into the contest, so let me hear from you!

NEW Blog Launches: "Writer to Reader" ~ Where writers & readers connect by Peg Phifer

I am proud to announce a new blog recently started by Peg Phifer for both writers and readers. So, if you fit into either or both categories (doesn't everyone?) go to http://www.writer-to-reader.com Peg is setting up a schedule that will include postings of book reviews, contests, and interviews and more. I especially like the "Road Signs" segments which remind me of the old Burma Shave signs, except they all are pithy sayings about reading or writing. This site is a real treat. My only problem is that I could visit it for hours and not get any writing done! LOL I hope you'll mosey on over today.

Prayer requested for mission trip to Ukraine, Mar. 19-31, 2009

Dear Family & Friends, (I am interrupting my regular blog about books to share this information with you, my readers. And I plan to share more info and pictures when I return from this trip.)

Greetings! It is my prayer that this letter finds you and your family doing well. I am writing to make you aware of my intentions to participate in a mission trip to the Ukraine in March, 2009. Our team is planning to depart on March 19 to work in Donetsk, the second largest city in Ukraine, for about twelve days. During that time we plan to conduct a day camp with Bible lessons, crafts and drama at one of the local orphanages and visit several churches in the area.

To say I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of this mission team and serve the needs of the Ukrainian people is an understatement. I hope that you can share my excitement and join me in this ministry. I am asking for your support and prayers for this mission trip.

The trip is being funded entirely through donations and by those going on the mission trip. The trip itinerary and activities will be under the direction of Goin’ Fishing Ministries which is based in Louisville, Kentucky. My goal is to raise at least $2000 for this project. The money collected will be used to pay for expenses related to team travel and ministry to Ukrainians, especially orphans.

If you are able to assist financially, please mail a check to “Goin’ Fishing Ministries” (P O BOX 2474, Clarksville, IN 47131) along with a copy of this letter. On the memo line of the check, you may designate: “Ukraine trips” Do not include my name on the check if you intend for your gift to be tax deductible. You may attach a note or write my name on the flap of the envelope if you wish your support to be credited for my part of the trip expenses. On behalf of everyone taking this trip, I thank you for your prayers and financial support. I hope you will copy and post this letter with its heading on your frig as a reminder to cover us in prayer. May God bless you richly! Rose McCauley

And the winner is...

Robin Jones Grant. Robin is a frequent bloggee on my site, so I am pleased to announce that my hubby chose her again as the winner of the latest book drawing. Read the post for Dec. 21st to find out more about this month's book contest for Longings of the Heart by Bonnie Leon. It is an enjoyable book. Check back around the first of February for a winner. Everyone with a US mailing addy except Robin is eligible so leave a comment.

Merry Christmas to all my readers!

Thanks to all who have read and left comments on my blog posts this year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Check back the first of January to see our latest winner and our new book contest.

Book Review--Longings of the Heart by Bonnie Leon

Have you ever wanted to take a trip to Australia? Well, you could watch the movie that is out by that name, or in the almost three hours it takes to view the movie, you could read and enjoy Longings of the Heart and enjoy a great story set there while learning about the history and scenery of Australia. And you won't even have to leave your nice warm house to drive to the theatre. (It's 5 degrees above zero here in KY as I type this!)

This book is the second in the author's Sydney Cove series. The first one is entitled To Love Anew, and they are both published by Revell. Here's some of the back cover copy to whet your appetite:

"Hannah and John have embraced the wondrous land of Australia as their own. As they venture into the unknown to start a sheep farm, they must rely on God and each other to scrape out a living and fulfill their dreams of having a family of their own. But life on the fledgling ranch is fraught with pitfalls and hidden danger. And the past is finally catching up with them.

When a mysterious woman shows up in town, Hannah is in danger of her own dark secrets being revealed. Can John and Hannah weather the storm? Or will the harsh realities of life tear them apart?"

I hope you will order this book from Revell or check for it at your local Christian bookstore so you can be swept away to the sunny shores of Australia. It's summertime down under!

Time for a new winner and new book review--A Taste of Murder by Virginia Smith

My fabulous hubby who does most of my book drawings has selected Karin as the winner of Rhapsody in Red, so the book will be in the mail as soon as she sends me her mailing info.

Anyone who posts this month will be eligible for a drawing on Jan. 1st for an autographed copy of A Taste of Murder by Virginia Smith. (see picture of Virginia and post on Nov. 2)

This is one of the five books I read this past month and I really enjoyed it. It is set in Owensboro, Ky which is just a couple hours' drive from where I live. Jasmine Delaney is a member of a musical ensemble which has been hired to play at a wedding in Owensboro during the Kentucky Bar-B-Q festival. Ginny Smith combines murder, a budding romance and lots of local color into an entertaining read which will keep you reading and turning pages. I was happy to read in her newsletter today that this book will be the first of a series of three, one highlighting each ensemble member. Check it out at www.VirginiaSmith.org and order some of her other books. Just remember to leave a post here this month if you wish to be entered in the drawing. The two rules are you must have a US mailing addy and I have to have some means of contacting you if you win. Happy reading!

Book Review--Rhapsody in Red by Donn Taylor

Well, this post is 28 days after my last one, but I did manage to keep my promise to post again this month. Barely! My husband and I returned this past Tuesday from a 10 day vacation--5 day cruise to Mexico and then a stay at Orange Beach, AL. I was without computer access the whole time, but did have plenty of time to read!

First I want to give my own personal review for Donn Taylor's book Rhapsody in Red. I will draw tomorrow, December 1st, then post the winner of this book. They are in for a real treat. Donn's writing and characters draw you in from the very start. There is a musical quality to his writing and a musical theme throughout the book that adds much to the storyline. I even suggest you play some of the classical pieces his hero, Preston Barkley, is hearing in his head, while you are reading this book, to heighten the mood and the effect of the words.

I don't want to give away much of the plot line other than the back cover blurb I quoted from in my last post. I will share that Donn is a master at working all the subplots together seamlessly into a whole that will keep you guessing who the murderer is because he introduces us to so many well-written red herrings that you may not figure out the villain until almost the very end like Professor Barkley. The last line of the book leads me to believe there will be a sequel, and I certainly hope so. Preston Barkley now seems like a friend with whom I want to stay in touch. So, hurry up and write more, Donn.

Contest Winner, New contest and Excuses, excuses...

The winner of Ann Gabhart's The Outsider is Diana. I know she will enjoy it muchly. I saw Ann a couple of weeks ago at her booksigning in Lexington, KY, and she said a sequel is in the works, so I am eagerly awaiting it! Ann is on the left in the red jacket and Virginia Smith who also signed books that evening is in the red jacket on the right. I'll post more about Virginia later on this month, so check back to read about her and one of her new books. The other two ladies are members of our Unity Christian Church book club, Ellen Whitaker and Thelma Taylor, who also attended the signing at Joseph-Beth with me.

This month's book contest is for Rhapsody in Red by Donn Taylor. Don is another ACFW member whom I have met at conferences, along with his lovely wife, Mildred. Although I am only about 1/4 way thru this book (see excuses below!), I can already tell you that I am very impressed. Not only has Donn hatched a plot that has me wanting to stay up past my bedtime to see what happens, he has also done it with the cadence and lyrical writing one would expect from the poet that he is! Here's a blurb from the back cover copy to whet your appetite and make you want to leave a post so you have a chance to win this book:

"Preston Barclay is a self-made recluse (and he likes it that way). Teaching college history allows him time to grieve the loss of his pianist wife and find relief from the musical hallucinations that have been playing in his head since her death. But when he and a headstrong colleague, Mara Thorn, discover the body of another instructor on campus, Press's monotonous solitude is destroyed. When the preliminary evidence singles out Press and Mara, they must take some chances (including trusting each other) to build their own defense--by bending the rules just a bit...Otherwise they both might end up unemployed, behind bars, or worse..." Sound exciting? Leave a post!

Now for the excuses part. I really hate to make excuses for not finishing this book sooner and for not blogging more this past month, but...I was taking two online classes, plus working on getting my final rewrites done before sending my two requested proposals off, plus had friends visit for nine days... So, although November looks to be a busy month also, I pledge to write at least one more time this month--once I get said proposals sent off and read Virginia's book so I can post a review of it. Hope you will check back and keep me accountable!

Book Contest Winner and new contest for The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart

This month's contest winner of the two Trish Cunningham mysteries by Candice Speare is Cecilia Dowdy. I hope she is ready to read because you won't want to stop these books once you get started. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Our next book drawing will be for a new book by a multi-published Kentucky author--Ann H. Gabhart. I met Ann at one of our Kentucky Writers' meetings and at the booksigning where I bought this book . This story centers around a place not too far from my home and Ann's home--Shakertown. In fact, she only lives 30 miles from Shaker Village and "has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a convincing and colorful backdrop for The Outsider"--back cover copy

This is a historical story of love and of decisions which will affect the characters throughout their lives.

I, too, have walked the paths of Shakertown and toured the buildings where the Shakers lived and worked. In fact, I have a funny story to tell about one of the times we visited there. My husband and I decided to spend the night for an anniversary trip one year. We stayed upstairs in one of the buildings. I awoke early in the morning and told my hubby he had to hurry and get up because I smelled smoke and thought the building was on fire. It turned out that the shop downstairs dyed the wool and I smelled the fires the workers were preparing for that job!

I am happy that Ann's publisher, Revell, has provided a book for me to use in this drawing so I can keep my own copy. All those who leave a blog comment with a US mailing addy and a way for me to contact you will be entered. (except for Cecilia. She'll have to wait a month to win again to give more people a chance.) Happy reading!

2008 ACFW Conference

Last weekend I attended the 7th annual ACFW conference held in Minneapolis, MN. I want to share a few of the highlights with you and some pics, too.

I again had the privilege of traveling from Kentucky with Ruth Seamands, who at 91 is the Mama of our group. We arrived on Wednesday, and I spent part of the afternoon helping ready the bags for the attendees. That night a group of us went to TGIF's for supper. Here are Ruth and I with Kim Sawyer (check out her site at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/) and Margie Vawter.

On Thursday morning I was honored to introduce Margie Lawson as our Early Bird speaker for the second year in a row. After taking her class last year at conference, I devoured all three of her online classes this past year, and rewrote my WIP using her techniques. I am already signed up for her October advanced class. If you have taken a Margie class before, you know how helpful this will be, so hurry on over to http://www.margielawson.com/ and sign up!

The third picture was taken at our awards' banquet. Mama Ruth in the middle is dressed in her sari, flanked by me and my wonderful roomie, Jennifer Johnson. Check out Jen and her books at http://www.jenniferjohnsonbooks.com/

The only bad part about conference is leaving and knowing that you won't see many of your new and old friends for another year. But, we have our ACFW loop to keep us in touch. If anyone is reading this who is interested in writing fiction, hurry on over to http://www.acfw.com/ and sign up for the best writing organization in the world!

So Long, Farewell, auf Weidersehen, Adieu...

In a day and a half I will be on my way to the airport to fly to Minneapolis for the annual American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, so this will be my last post until after I return.

I am so excited at the prospect of seeing old friends from past conferences and meeting new friends in person with whom I've only cyber-chatted. I also have a book critique scheduled and meetings with an editor and agent, not to mention all the great classes we'll have from early in the morning to the Late Night Chats. But my favorite part of conference is the times of Spirit-led worship. There is something very special about hearing 500 voices lifted in praise to our God. No matter what style of worship we are used to in our home churches, we all come together to praise Him. "Your Name is a strong and mighty tower, Your Name is a shelter like no other, Your Name--let the nations sing it louder, for nothing has the power to save like Your Name!"

Please pray for all of us travelling and attending the conference, and all those unable to attend. May we all learn to better use our talents for Him alone Who is worthy of our praise.

And the winner for last month's comments is...

Robin Johns Grant. As soon as I receive her mailing addy, Ramona will mail Robin an autographed copy of Sweet Forever. Congrats to Robin, and many thanks to Ramona! The rest of you need to go to http://www.heartsongpresents.com/ and order you a copy before they are all gone!

This month's winner will win 2 books by Candice Speare...

Murder in the Milkcase--Will Trish Cunningham's discovery sour her on milk forever?
AND
Band Room Bash--This murderer is playing for keeps.

These books are the first two in the Trish Cunningham murder series. And I can't wait for the next one! Trish is a mom, wife, stepmom and business partner who somehow manages to do all that and still get involved in her town's murders. Candice, another fellow ACFWer, writes about murder in a fun, unconventional way that will keep you reading while laughing and identifying with the characters. You can find out more about her at http://www.candicemillerspeare.com/ and if you don't want to wait a month for the drawing, you can order them now at http://www.heartsongmysteries.com/

Happy reading everyone!

Nashville, Indiana-- His Book Shop and The Cornerstone Inn

I didn't post last weekend after a three day trip to Nashville, Indiana with a longtime friend. I had never been before, but my friend Jane goes every year. And now I can see why she enjoys it so much!

We stayed at a lovely Christian B&B named The Cornerstone Inn. (see picture above of me and jane in the swing in front of the Inn.) The rooms are decorated mostly Victorian style, and each room has an open Bible. There are also Bible verses on lovely pictures throughout the building. They already have expanded to another building where they have a floor of suites called The Upper Room! And they are in the process of building cottages next door to the original Inn. Even if the rooms weren't so nice, I would stay there again just for the delicious food! They have a wonderful buffet breakfast each morning with at least two hot dishes and a table full of baked goods. Then each afternoon and again in the evening they put out several more snacks and sweet treats. Plus tea and coffee are available all day and night.

From the Cornerstone Inn you can walk to anywhere in Nashville. We went to several stores and watched a lady play 35 bells all by herself on Thursday night before closing time, then went to a very professionally done play presented by the University of Indiana players. On Friday we made our rounds to the rest of the shops. Nashville has three scrapbook stores where I bought some unique papers. I had looked thru one of the travel guides and saw there were two bookstores in town, so I told Jane we had to go to them. My favorite was called His Book Shop. When we walked in, I said, "I could stay here all day." I meant it literally. We did stay for over an hour, browsing the well-stocked bookshelves and chatting with the owners, Terry and Rusty Caldwell. They had recently purchased the shop and have many old classics as well as new books on the Christian best-seller list. See picture above of Jane in front of the store. Check them out at www.hisbookshop.net

Friday evening we went to a fun patriotic show called America, the Music. Nashville is definitely a family place. Several of the shop owners and workers were Christians who spoke of how their town was becoming better all the time. If you have ever visited Nashville, I hope you will list your favorite places. I certainly plan to go back again and encourage you to visit also!

25 Great Bits of Advice and Guest Blog

I was already planning on blogging today to let everyone know that I am guest blogging tomorrow on Kaye Dacus's blog at www.kayedacus.com about the top 10 things I have learned at ACFW writers' conferences. Kay is having guest bloggers this whole next month as a build up to our annual Christian writers' conference in September, so I hope you will check it out and leave a comment there or here. Remember that anyone with an address in the US who leaves a comment on my blog during the month of August is eligible for the book drawing. (See last week's post for more info on that.)

Also I received an email today from a special "Forever Friend" from my college days--Judy Alexander from Ohatchee, Alabama. I usually don't post email forwards here (I don't think I ever have!) but this one was too good not to share. I'm gonna print out a copy for my frig and suggest you do the same. Thanks, Judy! ps. Perhaps everyone can tell us what their favorite bit of advice is or one they are going to start doing every day.

Subject: 25 bits of advice ~ so good!
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. 5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries,wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. In stead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Please send this to everyone you care about.

Book Contest winner and a chance to win Sweet Forever by Ramona Cecil

Happy August everyone! Diana is the winner of the drawing for Mustering Courage by Lynn A. Coleman. The first number my hubby picked belonged to Tiff (Amber) Miller Stockton, but she re-donated the book as she had already read it. Thanks, Tiff, for your generosity! This month's contest will be for an autographed copy of Sweet Forever by Ramona K. Cecil. Ramona has generously offered to sign and mail a copy to our winner chosen from all those who leave a comment this month. So, let me tell you a little about this wonderful book and its author.

I met Ramona at one of the first ACFW conferences and we have kept in touch ever since. She lives in the neighboring state of Indiana, and she and I and our dear hubbies spent the day in Madison, IN a couple of years ago, touring the town where her debut novel is set. She is the proud mom of two daughters.

If you like historicals , especially one set on a riverboat and river town, then this is the book for you. Here's the back cover copy: "A notorious riverboat gambler killed Rosaleen Archer's husband and has taken her captive, forcing her to do unspeakable things. Convinced God hates her, Rosaleen looks to luck for help as she attempts to escape when the riverboat explodes. She awakens in the arms of a stranger who carries her from the riverbank to a new life and a fresh start, outwardly free of her past. Reverend Jacob Hale senses Rosaleen's innate distrust of God, but as she reveals her past to him, he understand. He finds himself irresistibly drawn to this lovely creature, but can love survive between them despite their differences? Can Jacob convince Rosaleen that God loves even her? Can Rosaleen ever escape the pain and shame of her past?"

To find out, order this book from http://www.heartsongpresents.com/ or leave a comment with your email info to have a chance at winning a copy. It is book # 792 on their site.

A Dichotomy--sad, yet rejoicing at Homecoming of Kristy Dykes

Today is a sad day for myself and many of our ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) members. Most of us learned this morning of the death of our dear sister Kristy Dykes. Below is a copy of the announcement her hero husband Milton made on her website.

Kristy Dykes
August 2, 1951 ~ July 21, 2008
My beloved is healed and is dancing on streets of gold. I will share soon about her glorious transition from my hand into the hands of her Lord and Savior. She is rejoicing with her mother, father, and dear loved ones in heaven. Milton

Rose again: Yet, even in our sorrow, we rejoice to know that she is in the Lord's Presence and no longer suffering from the brain tumor that took her earthly body.

I encourage you to check out her website at www.christianlovestories.blogspot.com and read all of her early blogs about her marriage to Milton and then continue on to the more recent ones where Milton did as Kristy asked and continued to blog throughout her cancer and treatments. All of the stories are of what true love is all about. You will laugh and cry along with Kristy and Milton as you enter their lives through their honest and heartfelt writings. And you will learn what a true Christian marriage is meant to be.

I hope you will also check out the list of Kristy's books and order any that are available. You will be blessed by the writings of this preacher's wife who touched many lives through her writings and her giving nature. I will cherish her memory and the autographed books I have of hers.

Blog Tour for Amber Miller's debut novel--Promises, Promises

I am very pleased to be part of Tiff's (Amber's first name) blog tour for her first novel. Tiff and I used to be in a critique group together, so I had read the first part of this story in its beginning stages, and was glad to finally get to read the happy ending! I hope you will order this book from the author at www.ambermiller.com/books.html

The story is set in 1739, and Tiff does a great job with the historical details, from the setting and clothing of the era to even a visiting sermon from Jonathan Edwards. I'm going to copy the back cover copy to whet your appetite for this delicious read.

"Raelene Strattford knows God has promised never to leave or forsake her. But after the catastrophic deaths of her parents, she doesn't believe it. What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice?

Gustaf Hanssen has admired Raelene from afar for awhile, but his poor attempt at courting her in the past has made him unwelcome in her life. When Gustaf promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined.

To keep his word must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?"

I hope you will order this book from the author at www.ambermiller.com/books.html While you are on her website, you can also check out Tiff's own "Storybook wedding" with pictures of her and her hubby, Stuart Stockton, who also happens to be an author. In fact, when I first saw Promises, Promises, I emailed Tiff to ask if they used her and Stuart as models for the cover!

Book two in the series, Quills & Promises, just released this month, so you can also order it at the site above. Here's the book blurb for that one:

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--

With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

Author bio: Amber Miller is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband in beautiful Colorado Springs. They don’t have any children yet, but they do have a vivacious puppy named Roxie, who is half Border Collie and half Flat-Haired Retriever. Already nearing 65 pounds, she keeps them on their toes. And with her penchant for rising at 6am on the dot, Roxie is giving Amber and her husband a good taste of what it's like to be parents. Amber has sold four books to the Heartsong Presents line of Barbour Publishing with the promise of two more before the end of the year. She is currently pursuing an expansion into trade-length historical fiction as well. Other writing credits include several writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and nine contributions to the book, 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage. A born-again Christian since the age of seven, her faith in Christ has often sustained her through difficult experiences. She seeks to share that with others through her writing.

Check out more about Tiff and her books on the following sites:

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature) - http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/

July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com/
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
July 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com/
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com/
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/
July 11 - Rose McCauley http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com/; Long and Short Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity
July 14-19 - CAN! blog spotlight http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com/
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight http://www.footprintsinthesand.us/blog
July 16 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://www.blogger.com/
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/ / http://novelreviews.blogspot.com/
July 17 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://www.blogger.com/
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at Squirrel's Treehouse http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
July 18 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://www.blogger.com/
July 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
July 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews http://www.faithwebbin.net/cbreviews
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom http://jeffstacyandvader.blogspot.com
July 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft http://camytang.blogspot.com/
July 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com/
July 21 - Trish Perry (interview) at Reading, Writing and the Stuff In-Between http://www.trishperry.com/
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/category/plain-talk/
July 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
July 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary http://cballan.wordpress.com/
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com/

7th Annual American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

There's a lot of buzz about the upcoming ACFW conference in Minneapolis, MN, September 18-21, 2008. To find out more details and read more blog entries about it go to http://www.acfw.com/ or www.acfw.com/conference. I've been reading several of the blogs and thought I would do something a little different--an acrostic like some of the chapters in the book of Psalms. So, here are a few of the many things I am looking forward to at conference!

Angie Hunt, our keynote speaker
Christian friends
Fellowship--the best this side of heaven!
Wow Worship!

Classes galore
Old friends
New friends
Forever friends
Eating with friends, and editors and agents
Reminiscing about past conferences
Excitement of new contracts
Note-taking
Chocolate party and choir
Expectations of God's blessing

I've already registered and got my hotel and plane reservations. Hope you'll join us for all this and more!

Book Drawing Winner is...

Megan DiMaria. My son is staying here tonight so he got the honors of drawing her name for this month's contest. Mary May Larmoyeux's book on Help for Busy Moms is on its way to her. I started out last month with a blogging blitz, posting 4 times in 4 days, then didn't post again the rest of the month. I promise to do better this month. I already am taking part in two blog tours next week--July 9th for our upcoming ACFW conference and July 11th for Tiff (Amber) Miller's first Heartsong book, so be sure to check back next week for those.

One reason I failed to post was that I went to Florida for a few days with our youngest daughter to give her time away to study for her dental boards she is taking on July 7th. Prayers for her to pass would be muchly appreciated. Another reason is that I have spent most of my "spare" time this month (LOL) working on an anthology proposal with 3 other authors. We just sent if off today and are praying that it will be picked up by Barbour Publishing. It was fun working with this wonderful group of ladies and discovering some new characters! Now tomorrow it will be time to go back to the rewrites of my women's fiction.

The prize book for this month is by Florida author, Lynn A. Coleman, who also is one of the founders of ACFW (originally ACRW). Anyone interested in writing and/or reading good Christian fiction should definitely check out their site at www.acfw.com. The title of the book is Mustering Courage. Lynn is a great writer who was very gentle with me when she did my first ever crit at my first ever writer's conference. She gently told me that my book should start with chapter 3! So leave a comment with your email addy if you wish to be entered in the drawing. And check back next week and post again if you want to be entered more than once. Anyone in the US is eligible except for the past month's winner.

Why Did A Big Honkin' Chicken Cross the Road?

I'm a member of Brandilyn Collin's Big Honkin' Chickens Club (BHCC)--people who read her women's fiction, but not her "seatbelt suspense" books. I love everything about her writing, especially her "feel like you're in their skin" characters. But, she is currently only writing suspense novels, so I have been in a dilemma the past couple years. Do I dare cross over to the dark side or do I read her Bradleyville series over again and again? (If you haven't read them, stop right now and rush out and get them!)

Brandilyn herself told me that Violet Dawn, the first book in the Kanner Lake series, is a little milder than some of her other suspense books, so I promised her I would read it and have been gathering up my courage. This past weekend our whole family spent 3 days in a cabin in the Smokies, so I figured it would be a good un-scary time to start the book with 11 people in the house!

Since I knew the first scene took place in a hot tub I decided to begin my read there, but you will notice in the picture that I only put my feet in the water. Once you read the book, you will find out why. BWAAAAH! And once you start reading it, you won't be able to stop even if you are a scaredy-cat like me! I stayed up past midnight last night to finish it, and now I want to read the next one in the series, Coral Moon, because one of the minor characters in the first book is the main character in the second one, plus I want to find out what is happening with the other inhabitants of Kanner Lake. In other words, I got hooked by one of the best "hook-ers" in the business of writing Christian fiction.

So travel on over to Brandilyn's website at http://www.brandilyncollins.com/ for more info on all her books and/or to join the BHCClub. And if you are interested in writing, you have to check out her other site http://www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/ for some of the best writing tips and market info around. Plus the true story of Brandilyn's healing! Enjoy! Just don't blame me if you never want to get in a hot tub all alone again!