>In six short weeks, I’ll be headed to Indianapolis for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ annual conference. This is one of my favorite events of the entire year. My sweet friend, Cynthia Ruchti – aka debut author and President of ACFW – penned a proposal for this year’s gathering. With her permission, I’m sharing it with you. You’ll notice that …
>The Art of Appreciation
>Today I received what I believe is my first fan letter (email) from a complete stranger. Yes, I’ve received many lovely notes from people I know – childhood friends, writing friends, friends of friends. Indeed, it is more than my heart can hold sometimes when I receive a sweet message, a surprise review, or a shout out on Twitter of …
>CHASING LILACS Book Launch and Party
>I’d been planning the day for a year – the book launch of Chasing Lilacs. It was a day I wanted to share with the folks who’ve walked beside me since the beginning of my writing journey. And having it in the Texas Panhandle where the book is set was a perfect choice. AND because of the era of the …
>ACFW Carol Award Finalists
>ACFW has just announced the finalists for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year). These awards recognize excellence in Christian fiction in a variety of categories, and represent fiction titles released in 2009. Here are this year’s finalists: Debut Author Bonnie Grove – Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)Liz Johnson – The Kidnapping of Kenzie …
>Chasing Lilacs featured this week
>Hello Friends, Just wanted to let you know that Chasing Lilacs is being offered in a giveaway at my friend, Margaret Daley’s, blog this week. Read about it and enter here. Also, the folks at Novel Journey are hosting me today and asked some great questions. Find out which childhood book first made an impression on me, get the scoop …
>Confessions of an ACFW Conference Junkie
>I’m a guest today on the ACFW Conference Blog. It’s no secret that I love the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference. Come see why on today’s installation of the ACFW Blog.
>What to do on a Saturday morn . . .
>If by chance you’re lolling around this morning, nursing another cup of coffee, and deliberating whether you really want to venture out into another hot day, I have an alternative. I’ve been on the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance this week. Wow! Some of the reviews have blown me away. I’m grateful and tickled pink with the kind words of affirmation …
>My First Book Signing
>I thought I would lump my two signing/launch events together, but then I decided that my first book signing should have its own post. What a fun evening. My publisher set up the signing with the Mardel Christian Book store in Tulsa and provided beautiful posters and flyers announcing the event. And the host store was so accommodating, I kept …
>The time is . . . NOW!
>Book Launch Week! I’m not sure I ever thought this week would ever come. I’ve been busy with preparations for the parties – that’s what I’m choosing to call the book signings because it’s a time to celebrate friendships, make new friends, and just have fun. We’ll have gift baskets to give away, some fun “retro” snacks like Chik-O-Stix candy, …
>CAFE SPECIAL OF THE WEEK – Coconut Cake
>In times of bereavement, bringing food is a ritual meant to comfort the family and create a bond within the community – a sacred bond. In Romans, Chapter 12, Paul talks about life within God’s family: love, devotion, honor, joy, patience, faithfulness, and in verse 15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” When a death …