From Max Lucado

Permission to forward.....

 

Found in Crosswalk UpWords from Max Lucado

 

The Gift of Hope
by Max Lucado

The aspiring young author was in need of hope. More than one person had told him to give up. "Getting published is impossible," one mentor said. "Unless you are a national celebrity, publishers won't talk to you." Another warned, "Writing takes too much time. Besides, you don't want all your thoughts on paper."

Initially he listened. He agreed that writing was a waste of effort and turned his attention to other projects. But somehow the pen and pad were bourbon and Coke to the wordaholic. He'd rather write than read. So he wrote. How many nights did he pass on that couch in the corner of the apartment reshuffling his deck of verbs and nouns? And how many hours did his wife sit with him? He wordsmithing. She cross-stitching. Finally a manuscript was finished. Crude and laden with mistakes but finished.

She gave him the shove. "Send it out. What's the harm?"

So out it went. Mailed to fifteen different publishers. While the couple waited, he wrote. While he wrote, she stitched. Neither expecting much, both hoping everything. Responses began to fill the mailbox. "I'm sorry, but we don't accept unsolicited manuscripts." "We must return your work. Best of luck." "Our catalog doesn't have room for unpublished authors."

I still have those letters. Somewhere in a file. Finding them would take some time. Finding Denalyn's cross-stitch, however, would take none. To see it, all I do is lift my eyes from this monitor and look on the wall. "Of all those arts in which the wise excel, nature's chief masterpiece is writing well."

She gave it to me about the time the fifteenth letter arrived. A publisher had said yes. That letter is also framed. Which of the two is more meaningful? The gift from my wife or the letter from the publisher? The gift, hands down. For in giving the gift, Denalyn gave hope.

Love does that. Love extends an olive leaf to the loved one and says, "I have hope in you."

Love is just as quick to say, "I have hope for you."

You can say those words. You are a flood survivor. By God's grace you have found your way to dry land. You know what it's like to see the waters subside. And since you do, since you passed through a flood and lived to tell about it, you are qualified to give hope to someone else.

What a wonderful God we have--he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.
(2 Cor. 1:3--4 TLB)

From A Love Worth Giving: Living in the Overflow of God's Love
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2002) Max Lucado

Tricia Goyer's My Life, Unscripted.

I am surrounded by teens, tweens and girls approaching that time. 98% of them are girls. When I read an excerpt of Tricia Goyer's My Life, Unscripted, I let several of my nieces read it. I really wish this book would be recommended reading for junior high and high school girls. LOL! How I wish I'd read a book like this when heading into my teen years. Boy, would my decisions have been different.

Tricia's candid story and her insight was really touching and a pleasure to read. I got to know her a bit when my husband and I contributed to one of her previous books. GenX Parenting. You may still be able to order it on www.amazon.com. Check it out.

I was so impressed by that GenX Parenting book that I couldn't wait to get my hands on Unscripted. Now, I know you're not here to hear about me. So here's what Tricia has to say about her new book:

Tricia’s Script:


Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder … What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn’t. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.


Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.


I lived my life completely unscripted … and, well, it didn’t go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who’s Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME … with the guidance of God, My Director.

If you have teenagers, especially girls, or work with teens, do yourself and them a favor by ordering this book, or picking it up at your local bookstore. It should be available anywhere books are sold.

Another great place you could get it is at your local Barnes and Nobles. It’s part of their back-to-school endcap promotion!

INTERVIEW WITH TRICIA
__________________________________
my life, unscripted

Summary:


Drawing on Biblical prinicples, My Life, Unscripted guides girls through the tumultous teen years by teaching them to have a plan of attack before temptation or hardship come.

Tricia's Script:

Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.

Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.

I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who's Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME ... with the guidance of God, My Director.

________________________________
An interview with Tricia Goyer!

Q: Tell me about My Life, Unscripted



Sure! With real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, My Life, Unscripted helps teen girls explore their own inner struggles and outward relationships. It's my hope they'll learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise.


By contrasting real-life with TV/movies, it's my hope that teen girls will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. They don't have to face situations as they arise, but rather they can think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before they hit the big screen of their lives.



Q: Is it true that much of YOUR story shows up in these pages?



Gulp. Yes, I'm afraid so. In fact, I shared parts of my story that I SWORE I'd never tell a soul.



My teenage script (portrayed in the book as Trish Valley) wasn't one I'd suggest my daughter, nor my readers to copy.



Q: Tell me about these scripts.



The introductory script of Trish Valley shows a scene where Trish urges her mom to follow Trish's boyfriend into the McDonald's parking lot so she can "spill her news." The other girl in the car and her boyfriend's response to Trish's pregnancy are unfortunately not fiction. I wrote out the scenes as they would appear in an actual script. I even use all the correct terms and layout.





Q: In addition to teen pregnancy, what are some of the other "scripts"?



Do I have to tell? Well, I guess it's in print now! Let me see: fists fights with a rival, sneaking out of my parents' house, getting caught by my boyfriend kissing his best friend--does that give you an idea? Do I have to go on?



Q: No, you can stop there. But WHY? Why did you decide to share these stories?



First, because I want girls to understand the heartache of unwise decisions. I want to them to be able to relate to me, rather than feeling preached at. Also, I wanted to share my stories because many young women have faced the same type of situations, or they know friends who have. And finally because they are great object lessons for the importance of following biblical truth. That is something I did learn!



Q: What does your teenage daughter think about this book?



Leslie thinks it's great I'm able to connect with other teens. She's heard these stories for a while! She was 11-years-old when we first started volunteering together at a support group for teenage mothers together. As I taught the young moms things like nutrition and potty training, Leslie assisted adults in babysitting the toddlers. And while we loved giving and serving, it was the ride home that soon became the most meaningful part. As Leslie sat in the passenger's seat, I could see her mind considering my life as a teen mom, and she started asking questions.



Although it was hard to talk about my past mistakes, I knew this was an ideal opportunity to share real-life truths with my daughter. Each person walking this earth has regrets. Our talks showed me that instead of hiding my past troubles (and hoping my kids didn't find out) sharing my mistakes could actually give my daughter a better understanding to why values and wise decision-making skills are important.



Q: So now you're "having a heart-to-heart" with other teens through this book?



I sure hope that's how they see it! Those first talks with my daughter brought us closer, but I knew not every girl has had someone to offer advice such as: "build a supporting cast of people you can trust" or "consider the character qualities you'd like for a leading man."



Q: Okay, so your book is for teens, but what about the moms out there who feel they have past mistakes they don't want to share?



Well, they could each write a book about their teen years! Ha- just kidding!



But for those moms out there, maybe your teen years were not as drama-filled as mine. Or, if they were, maybe you are fearful of sharing them with your teen. The truth is, teens learn best not with information and knowledge, but rather by hearing life examples and understanding how decisions can affect all parts of our lives. So, time to get brave, Mom. Open your heart and share what worked and what didn't. It just might help your daughter write a better script for herself.


Oh, yes, and consider buying your daughter My Life, Unscripted! Hopefully every teen girl can get some take-away to scripting a bright future!



Places you can find Tricia on the net:

Tricia’s Blog: It’s Real Life

Tricia’s Website: www.triciagoyer.com

Tricia's Upcoming Releases:

A Shadow of Treason (Moody Publishing) 2007
Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah) January, 2008

Also, on Wednesday, October 30, 2007, I’ll do a drawing for a copy of Tricia's My Life, Unscripted. To participate, simply leave a comment on this post!


Thanks for dropping by my blog!

Cheryl Wyatt aka "Squirrel"

Steeple Hill Harvest Festival This Week!!

Hey all!

Steeple Hill is having a Harvest Festival. Come on over and join the fun! Many of your favorite authors will be there. Many opportunities for prizes the authors have donated...so what are you waiting for? Come visit at

http://community.eharlequin.com/webx?50@@.4a84a266/0

Schedule of Events:

Monday October 22nd
Harvest Cook-Off with Allie Pleiter
(Readers will post candy-related recipes on the boards. Winning recipe will
be announced on Friday)

Great Moody Pumpkin Writing Challenge with Janet Tronstad
(Using 250 words or less, write a partial scene set in a pumpkin patch
anywhere in time or place that shows a mood. Winner will be announced at the
end of the Festival)

Referral contest: For every person who posts and says they were referred by
someone, the referrer will be entered in a drawing for a prize on Friday.

Delurking contest: Every person who posts saying they've delurked will be
entered in a drawing for a prize on Friday.

Tuesday October 23rd
Dunking for Authors with Cheryl Wyatt
(since Cheryl's books aren't available yet, we'll be giving away books from
other authors as prizes)

Wednesday October 24th
Buried Secrets Scavenger Hunt with Margaret Daley
(Readers will read excerpts from Margaret's recent release, Buried Secrets,
and answer questions)

Thursday October 25th
Pin the Tale on the Author with Cheryl Wyatt
(Again, we'll have prizes from other authors. Readers will match correct
author and title)

Friday October 26th
McKaslin Moments with Jillian Hart
(A trivia game based on Jill's McKaslin books)

--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com  www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com  www.Loveinspiredauthors.com

ATTENTION STORY STARTER ENTRANTS

Hey all,

 

Before I announce the big winner (or winners..that's right...could be TWO!) for the annual prize of a six month subscription to any Steeple Hill line of your choice, I want to double check that I didn't miss any entries to Spam.

 

For the next week, until Nov 1st, please comment here if you have entered my prompt contest 10 or more times out of the last 12 months.

 

The first week in November I will be notifying the winner or winners and, with their permission, posting their names here on my blog.

 

I will also post the top ten entrants for this past year, so stay tuned.

--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com   www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com  www.Loveinspiredauthors.com

BLUSH AND CRINGE

Okay, since I was tagged with a Blog Friend Forever award by my friend Camy Tang ( Web site: http://camytang.com/ or Blog: http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/  ) and she mentioned my infamous Blush and Cringes (do u know how many of those I've chickened out and deleted seconds after sending? LOL!) I thought I'd better post one.

 

Today after church we were eating at what my husband calls the human food trough (Golden Corral). I'd been praying to be able to remember teachers who encouraged my writing journey. Difficult since we moved three times during high school.

 

As I came back from getting my second helping of scrumptious food, I passed a man who looked familiar. Though he wasn't actually one of my teachers, I remembered him coordinating the Friends in Christ club....which is one of the places I came to know God for the first time. I asked him if he was Mr. Carrol, and he said yes. I remember thinking how unfair that he doesn't look a day older than I remember him, and yet I'm sure I've aged in 20 years. LOL!

 

Anyway, I asked him if he remembered the creative writing teacher's name. He went through a couple names. I remembered one as being a teacher who encouraged me to pursue writing. I told him her doing that and about me recently contracting two Christian novels with an Inspirational publisher. http://SteepleHill.com/ He was very happy for me. Prior to that though, his face kept kind of twitching and he'd eye my neck. I knew I'd layered my clothing so it couldn't be too much cleavage or something. I thought maybe as I told him what year I graduated, he thought I had to many jaw wrinkles for that or something.

 

I go back to the table, sit down......and discover I have a huge splotch of potatoes, gravy and corn below my neck, above my collar. I mix those items together and eat them like that. I'm not kidding when I say there was a quarter size glob on my skin. Have no idea why I didn't feel it hit. Who knows. Anyway, I'm 99.9% sure he noticed it but was too nice to mention it. LOLOL! No wonder he was twitching and blinking and trying not to stare. LOLOL!

 

God knows how to keep us humble, eh?

 

I tell you, people don't believe me when I tell them I need an adult size bib when I eat. LOL! Until after they eat with me.....
--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com  www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com  www.Loveinspiredauthors.com

SONY READER OR IPOD?

I'm holding a contest in a couple of months where I'll be giving away either a Sony Reader, an iPod. I thought about giving away an Alphasmart before, but I'm trying to have a prize that appeals to readers, writers and non-writers alike.

 

So let's have a vote.

 

Would you prefer the newest iPod, or a Sony Reader?

 

Don't know what a Sony Reader is? It's a digital book reader.

 

 

 

Check out this site for more info.

 

http://SonyStyle.com/   

 

 

And the link for eBooks:

 

http://ebooks.connect.com/

 

Please leave a comment, or an e-mail letting me know which you'd prefer.

--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com  www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com   www.Loveinspiredauthors.com

Dear King....

Ever have those moments when life's flurry melts away,

 

and you realize

 

an emptiness so deep

 

it stops you in your footsteps

 

to wonder

 

why you're feeling so down and out of sorts

 

when moments ago you were laughing?

 

Then you recall how long it's been since you

 

connected with Him

 

Then an answer so swift and truth so sweet and a longing so strong

snuffs out the melancholy

 

drizzle

 

of forgetting

 

if even for an hour

 

what it's like to be with Him.....

 

 

I had that kind of moment today. So I wrote Him a letter......and, upon the tablet of my heart, through knee-mail...I felt His answer scripting across my soul....

 

Maybe it will minister to you, but mostly, I hope it causes your spirit heart to take pause, and the lungs of your soul to breathe deeply

 

of Him

 

and live again

 

in His presence

 

in unbroken communion.

 

I'll post the poem here:

-----------------------

Dear King

by Cheryl Wyatt October 15, 2007

Dear King,

It was bloody and brutal
and I cannot

imagine
you having to
die
without honor
so willingly.

 .      .        .       .      .

Dear Princess,

I was humbled and honored
and I could not

imagine
me having to
live
without you
for eternity.

 

 

--------------------------

Introspective Squirrel

--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com   www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com   www.Loveinspiredauthors.com

BAYOU BASH WITH ROBIN CAROLL

Hey Bloggers!

Welcome to this "limb" of Robin's blog tour!!!

I have the extreme pleasure of posting from Arkansas where I've spent the weekend with Robin Caroll.

Her family and friends put together a Bayou Bash to honor her for the release of her debut novel, Bayou Justice.

We traveled with Robin to Louisianna for her Bayou Bash and book signings at Shreveport Barnes and Noble, and Pierre Bossier Mall's Border Books.
I got to see the Bayou up close! I've never seen one before.

Great news.....Robin SOLD OUT OF BOOKS AT BOTH SIGNINGS!!! She sold close to 100 books in all! She also held a drawing for a Cajun basket, which she put together. Her agent, Kelly Mortimer, handmade her THE cutest alligator soap bar! It was even glittery! Bayou Bling!

I hope you enjoy her Bayou Bash and debut book signing pictures as well as her interview. (Posted below)


Robin’s Interview.

1. If your main characters from Bayou Justice could blurb you, the author, what would they say?
Coco: Robin can be demanding and stubborn, but at least she understands the area and the wildlife.
Luc: Robin is grounded spiritually and creative.

2. What is the best part of working with an editor? Seeing how someone else in the industry interacts with my characters, and getting her perspective.

3. What is it like to get reader feedback from non-writers? It’s gratifying to hear people discuss these characters I’ve lived with for so long, as if they’re real people.

4. Bayou Justice is book one in a series. Though each book can stand on its own, what links your stories together? Clearly, the Bayou setting. But also the strong family ties that are so popular in the Cajun culture.

5. Out of all the characters in your Bayou Series books, who has been the most challenging to write and why? Felicia in book three (Bayou Judgment, to be released from Steeple Hill Suspense in May 2008) because she is the least like my own personality. I had to use other inspiration to capture her traits and qualities.

6. On that note, where do you draw inspiration from for your characters and plots? For plots, from news, newspapers, and I ask a lot of “What if?” and I imagine the opposite. Meaning, I ask, “What if the opposite had happened?” Example: A court removing a child from foster care because of abuse, I would “What If” the court was removing the child from foster care when it was in the child’s best interest to stay? That’s how my mind works when I’m plotting. Characterization: I draw inspiration from aspects of people I know or have met, a little of myself, and by observation. I’m a huge people watcher. I love to study how people interact.

7. Speaking of reader feedback, what would be the highest compliment a reader could give you? That the story spoke to them or moved them in some way.

8. You recently had your first book signings, which were a HUGE success! (Robin sold completely out of books at both locations-Shreveport’s Barnes and Noble and at Borders! Wahoo!) What would you advise debut authors regarding coordinating their first book signing? Set it in an area where you have a lot of support such as the area surrounding the setting of your story, or your hometown, etc.

9. With a published book out now, people (aka bookstore owners, librarians, etc) will introduce you as “Robin Caroll, the author of Southern Mysteries of Suspense to Inspire your Heart.” What part of your identity prior to publication would you least like to lose? Meaning, if God Himself were to introduce you to a group of people or angels, what would you hope Him to say? “This is my daughter who is obedient.”

10. If aspiring authors could have seven tools crucial to publication, what would you say those are? Strong prayer life. A desire to learn. A good network of other writers. Strong critique partners. A vast reference book library. (Example: Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook). Determination. Perseverance.

Thanks for a wonderfully insightful interview, Robin!

You're welcome!


Thanks for stopping by Robin's blog tour! Don't be shy....pull up a seat, post a comment and spend some time with this fabulous Romantic Suspense author.

Visit Robin's Web site here: www.robincaroll.com
There are more pix of her Bayou Bash and book signing there...and you HAVE to see the Cajun basket she put together! It even had crime scene tape around the basket! LOL!

Bayou Justice is IN STORES NOW!
Be sure to order the next books in Robin's Bayou Series:
Bayou Corruption Feb 2008
Bayou Judgment May 2008
Bayou Paradox Sept 2008

Link to Robin's site or blog for news on upcoming releases.

C'est tout! (Cajun for "That's all!")

Squirrel

VIEW MY COVER ON BARNES AND NOBLE DOT COM!!!

Hey! I made a cool discovery this morning. I searched to see if my book was available on Barnes and Noble for someone who has a gift card.....

It's not only available for pre-order there now....YOU CAN SEE THE COVER!!!!

Go to http://barnesandnoble.com and type in the search bar, "A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt"

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that cover!!!!!!!!!

Hope you all go take a look and pre-order the book. Heck, order two or three or five or ten and give them away to your friends and family. LOL!


Warmly,

Squirrel

FEEDBACK REQUESTED and WRAP-UP OF SQUIRREL'S STORY STARTER CONTEST

Hey all,

 

Lacy's comment reminded me I need to bring you up to speed on what's going on with the contest.

 

The annual winner will be announced in November. I am going over all my spreadsheets for the year and making certain of how many entries each person had. Then I'm e-mailing entrants to verify numbers.

 

This is taking some time. Winners will be announced in November. If you've won, I will be contacting you with permission to announce your name (or names!) on here. Yes, there could be a tie, which means more than one of you would get the 6 month Steeple Hill subscription.

 

You guys have been wonderful, wonderful, wonderful this year and I have seen your writing grow from one entry to the next.

 

Next year, I might consider implementing the offer of sending your entries back critiqued. I will be asking for your feedback on that. The critique/feedback would be confidential between the entrant and I. As in the entries, nothing is made public.

 

Next year, I'm also considering announcing the monthly winners on the blog. Let me know what you guys think about that. If you've entered, don't be shy, let me know what you'd like changed as well as what you hope doesn't change about the monthly prompt contests. I'm open for suggestions and comments here.

 

Also, there will be more incentives to enter next year. If you send a friend to enter, that will earn you more points toward winning the annual prize.

 

I may change the way I do things because people coming in in June don't have the same chances that someone coming in in January have to win the annual prize. Once the contest grows so folks know about it, that won't be a problem. But right now, folks are still stumbling onto the contest for the first time.

 

Suggestions are welcome.

 

Talk away!

 

Squirrel

--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com   www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com   www.Loveinspiredauthors.com

TALLADEGA!

' DEGA BOUND!!!

Gentlemen....START. YOUR. ENGINES!!!!

Can you hear the Vrrooooom?

I'm back from the races and can still hear it. LOL!

Was MIA from blogdom for a few days. Went to the NASCAR race in Talladega, Alabama.

Since my good friend Camy Tang informed me that ideal blog posts are 250 to 400 words, I'll keep these shorter from now on. LOL! I'll spread the info out.

Above are pics from the Mountain Dew Series Truck races.

I'm sorry to inform you that all the good wrecks happened as we left the park Sunday. LOL! Seriously, glad no one got hurt, but cars got crunched for sure. Disappointing for drivers.

We hope to be in Atlanta Motor Speedway at the end of the month.

Met some wonderful people while we were there. More info and pics in a different post. For now, suffice it to say we got to hang the entire weekend with some of the greatest people to walk the planet. Downhome kind of people who, once you meet them, you don't want to leave their presence.

Most were affiliated with the River band who does NASCAR entertainment. http://www.abandcalledriver.com/ and Bob's Party Bus folks. Fun weekend! Great music!

Took lots of notes while I was there and got several ideas for really unique character careers. In addition, for future sensory descriptions I had notecards. At the top of each, I'd written: "Sight", "Sound", "Touch", "Smell", etc. I filled out each of them. So when I go to write these stories, I'm not having to rely solely on my brain to recall it all. LOL!

I took copius pictures of the strangest things so I could get my scene and setting descriptions accurate and realistic. Took lots of notes and asked tons of questions.

If you write and go on vacation or a research trip, take notecards with you.

I kept them on me at all times as I walked around. I tried to be supersensitive to everything. Even down to what the red dirt looks like. (Do you know how hard that stuff is to get out from between your toes?)

Talladega has THE most wicked fire ants. Found out that sensory detail the hard way when one crawled in my dusty crock and couldn't get out. So it kept stinging me. That, or there were two in there. OUCH. Still hurts. Write down everything you sense, see, hear, smell, see, feel, touch, taste (like the mouthwaterint jumbalya our cajun friends served us. Needed a fire extinquisher when I breathed afterward though. LOL! GOOD food. Great people) even if you don't use it. Even nuances of their accents, I listened.

When one of my senses took something in, I'd write a description of it. Be intentional about it. If I didn't know what something was, I'd ask the people with us, or experts around me what that was. For example, the alcohol gasoline smell and why there are a team of rappellers gearing up before the race.

Tune in this week to find out more. I'll devote the time to talking about where some of my character and story ideas come from...because this weekend...after being around 400,000 people....I have some GREAT character ideas. GRIN!

No story ideas yet. On this future racing story, I'll have to know my characters first I guess.

Remember, I'm working on my PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series right now. I worked on the synopsis on the drive to Talladega, bowed out of Friday's concert and race to proofread, then polished it on the way back. I'll probably keep tweaking it until I get my critique partners' verdicts then mail it off.

I start researching books 6 months to five years before I begin writing them. Since I'm contracted and things may move a little quicker, it will probably be more like six months to a year before I switch gears (pun intended) and speed off with a new, non-military series.

We'll see what comes of it. Regardless, we had a BLAST this weekend.

ROBIN CAROLL's BAYOU JUSTICE

Robin Caroll's first book in her Bayou series will be hitting the shelves ANY DAY NOW!

Robin also writes for Steeple Hill. She's sold four books now to Steeple Hill Suspense, all in this series.

So I hope you will order her book or pick it up anywhere books are sold.

Her work has gotten rave reviews from top places like Romantic Times Magazine, etc.

She is an outstanding writer and a wonderful friend and I feel like I'm telling the world about my new niece or nephew being born as I'm posting this.

I'm so thrilled for her. We've cried over rejections together on the phone, and we've celebrated our finally contracting our books. I count it a blessing that I got to be on the phone with her the very moment her debut novel arrived at her home. She sqeaked! Then was utterly speechless except for sniffling...and I was shrieking and crying! LOL! I hope she gets to be on the phone with me when my books arrive. Or maybe not....I may blow her eardrums out. LOL!

Check out Robin's site here! She has a contest going on right now for a cajun basket giveaway!

www.robincaroll.com

Squirrel

Above Photo: Copyright © 2007 by Harlequin
Enterprises Limited, Harlequin and Steeple Hill
® and ™ are trademarks of the
publisher

A SOLDIER'S FAMILY AVAILABLE ON PRE-ORDER

Hey all!

 

The second book in my Wings of Refuge Series (about a team of U.S.A.F. Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts), A Soldier's Family-to be released from Steeple Hill Publishers in March 2008, is now available on www.amazon.com for pre order. You can also probably order it on Border books too, or any online bookstore. The books are also available in Large Print.

 

It will eventually be available on www.eharlequin.com or www.SteepleHill.com

 

AND.....I got the cover art for my first book (A Soldier's Promise) today! It's a Soldier (decked out in desert camo) hugging a little boy with a vivid blue pond in the background! I so badly wanted a cover with a soldier hugging a little boy...and I got it!!!! The scene is serene, poignant and emotive and I am so pleased with it. The soldier has a slight smile on his face and deep, kind eyes. The little blond boy is hugging his neck. If you look really close, you can see what looks like an eagle superimposed on the denim of the little boy's shirt. (Yes, I looked that close and that long! I am so taken, I just keep looking at it! For the past four hours, I bet I've peeked at it fifty times! LOL!) The green foliage around the pond looks EXACTLY like the woodsy area this series is set in! And there is a blue sky with clouds, which I'm glad for since the soldier is a Special Forces skydiving Search and Rescue paramedic.

 

I am SO excited!

 

I will post a picture of my cover when I gain the legal permission from my publisher so STAY TUNED!!!

 

Squirrel

--
Cheryl Wyatt   Gal. 2:20   Pouring my vial of words over Him.

www.CherylWyatt.com   www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008

www.Steeplehill.com   www.Loveinspiredauthors.com