CONGRATULATIONS to Doreen, who is the winner of Patti Lacy's wonderful Irish story, AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE. Thanks, Doreen and all the others who stopped by the cafe and entered the drawing. Watch for more giveaways in the future.
And a special thanks to Patti Lacy for sharing this haunting, yet heartwarming story with the world.
WELCOME
Showing posts with label Contest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contest. Show all posts
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Review and Book Drawing for AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE
MY REVIEW
An Irishwoman’s Tale by Patti Lacy (see blog entry below) is based on a true story. The fact and fiction are woven together to tell Mary Freeman’s story—a delightful and sometimes haunting tale of her being torn from her mother’s bosom in a dingy Irish cottage and sent to live with a couple in Chicago.
Mary’s lifelong yearnings are to have a best friend and to understand why her mother let her be sent away. Living with a new mother who is distant and cold and a philandering father of prominent social stature who buries himself in the bottle, Mary’s bears her longings alone, unable to trust herself or others. Paul Freeman, a gentle, hardworking man gently guides and encourages her, both in their marriage and in the difficult relationship with her adoptive parents. But it isn’t until Mary opens her heart to Sally, a new acquaintance at the tennis club, that Mary really begins her journey to learning who she is.
The settings are evocative with detail and voice that put the reader in the wilds of Ireland, an American home where love is not expressed, a parochial school classroom, a farm in Indiana, and Mary’s own tortured heart. The prose is achingly lovely, and while the ending is satisfying and complete, there were times I wanted to know more about Sally, the friend, who gives unselfishly of her time and her presence to travel Mary’s road with her. In Sally, Mary does find the friend she’s always wanted and through Sally’s insistence, a trip to Ireland to unravel her past.
Friendship. The unseen grace of God. Deliverance. And hope.
An excellent read that I will be dwelling on for a long time.
WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?
Leave a comment on this post before noon on Friday, November 7. In the post, tell me your all-time favorite setting for a book and your contact information.
Mary’s lifelong yearnings are to have a best friend and to understand why her mother let her be sent away. Living with a new mother who is distant and cold and a philandering father of prominent social stature who buries himself in the bottle, Mary’s bears her longings alone, unable to trust herself or others. Paul Freeman, a gentle, hardworking man gently guides and encourages her, both in their marriage and in the difficult relationship with her adoptive parents. But it isn’t until Mary opens her heart to Sally, a new acquaintance at the tennis club, that Mary really begins her journey to learning who she is.
The settings are evocative with detail and voice that put the reader in the wilds of Ireland, an American home where love is not expressed, a parochial school classroom, a farm in Indiana, and Mary’s own tortured heart. The prose is achingly lovely, and while the ending is satisfying and complete, there were times I wanted to know more about Sally, the friend, who gives unselfishly of her time and her presence to travel Mary’s road with her. In Sally, Mary does find the friend she’s always wanted and through Sally’s insistence, a trip to Ireland to unravel her past.
Friendship. The unseen grace of God. Deliverance. And hope.
An excellent read that I will be dwelling on for a long time.
WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?Leave a comment on this post before noon on Friday, November 7. In the post, tell me your all-time favorite setting for a book and your contact information.
Thanks, and may the luck of the Irish be wi’ ye!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Guest Blogging Today at Seekerville
Drop by and see what I've been up to with my recent novel revisions.
See you next week!
Monday, September 29, 2008
HUMBLE PIE
For the past few months, I’ve spent nearly every writing moment finishing my Genesis entry which was fortunate enough to final in the 2008 ACFW contest. My preliminary scores were good—two very good and one so-so, but it propelled me into action. Top priority—finish the thing in time for the conference. I made it, pinging out at 72,000 words. Then the awards ceremony, and truthfully, I thought it could go either way. I wanted to win (the competitor in me), but if I didn’t, then I could live with that (not my time, other entries were better written or more compelling to the judges).
But, I did win. Gloriously. Took my bow. Brought home the trophy (okay, it was a plaque, but beautiful nonetheless) and basked in the victory. For almost a week.
Until.
Big breath.
I got my scores from the finals judge. Let’s just say, I have work to do.
Two things come immediately to mind:
1) Getting the opinions of two editors is extremely valuable. They gave of their time to read my entry (and four others) and rated my writing on twenty different points. This is a tremendous spectrum of information that I can use once I’ve brushed myself off and picked up my manuscript for revisions.
2) Winning is not the ultimate goal in a contest. Becoming a better writer is. I’ve put my work out there to be evaluated by others, subjected myself to the critical eye of fellow writers, and yes, even editors. Their opinions matter if I’m going to improve my craft.
And just in case you’re wondering, I had a Café Americano with my Humble Pie. I’ve printed off my manuscript and dug into the rewrites. I’ll let you know how it goes.
On another note, I’ve been tagged to write Seven Random Things about myself. I recall doing this a few months ago, so I guess it’s come around again. As usual, I’m not tagging anyone, but if you’d like to keep this thing going around the world and don’t want the wrath of the wrinkle fairy to assault you in your dreams, you can pick it up and run with it.
Seven Random Things About Me:
1) I saw Mama Mia (the movie) this summer—Loved it! Love the music. Love the drama.
2) I do not like cantaloupe.
3) Or squash.
4) My favorite color is animal print, but I am also partial to red.
5) I have delivered kittens, puppies, and human babies. Human mamas yell louder.
6) I have seen kittens, puppies, and humans take their last breath. They’ve all made me cry.
7) My Redeemer lives. And that makes my heart soar!
Blessings to you all.
But, I did win. Gloriously. Took my bow. Brought home the trophy (okay, it was a plaque, but beautiful nonetheless) and basked in the victory. For almost a week.
Until.
Big breath.
I got my scores from the finals judge. Let’s just say, I have work to do.
Two things come immediately to mind:
1) Getting the opinions of two editors is extremely valuable. They gave of their time to read my entry (and four others) and rated my writing on twenty different points. This is a tremendous spectrum of information that I can use once I’ve brushed myself off and picked up my manuscript for revisions.
2) Winning is not the ultimate goal in a contest. Becoming a better writer is. I’ve put my work out there to be evaluated by others, subjected myself to the critical eye of fellow writers, and yes, even editors. Their opinions matter if I’m going to improve my craft.
And just in case you’re wondering, I had a Café Americano with my Humble Pie. I’ve printed off my manuscript and dug into the rewrites. I’ll let you know how it goes.
On another note, I’ve been tagged to write Seven Random Things about myself. I recall doing this a few months ago, so I guess it’s come around again. As usual, I’m not tagging anyone, but if you’d like to keep this thing going around the world and don’t want the wrath of the wrinkle fairy to assault you in your dreams, you can pick it up and run with it.
Seven Random Things About Me:
1) I saw Mama Mia (the movie) this summer—Loved it! Love the music. Love the drama.
2) I do not like cantaloupe.
3) Or squash.
4) My favorite color is animal print, but I am also partial to red.
5) I have delivered kittens, puppies, and human babies. Human mamas yell louder.
6) I have seen kittens, puppies, and humans take their last breath. They’ve all made me cry.
7) My Redeemer lives. And that makes my heart soar!
Blessings to you all.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Home from the conference
It's hard to believe the 2008 ACFW conference has come and gone. It was all I hoped for, and most of the things that I fretted about, simply turned out to be pre-conference jitters and negative self-talk, which writers are very good at it.
I'll be writing more later about my reflections of the conference, but for now, I want to congratulate my friend, Erica Vetsch, for receiving her first contract at the conference - in front of 500 people at that. She also placed in two Genesis categories:
FIRST in the "lit" category and THIRD in historical romance.My Genesis category was the last item of the last award of the evening . . . you know, the one where people have started looking at their watches and hiding yawns behind their napkins. Luckily, I won the category (Young Adult) and still have a surreal feeling about the win. Blessed. Amazed. Humbled. And honored.
Having Denice with me made the night so much more fun!
Two of my local WIN buddies also placed in the Book of the Year Award. Vickie McDonough got a second and a third. Margaret Daley took home a second place win, and Linda Goodnight won a first in her category. It was thrilling to see other ACFW friends from far and wide and be able to cheer for them when they won or placed in their categories. Special congrats to Susan Meissner, Deb Raney (3 first place wins), Kim Sawyer, Camy Tang, and Mary Connealy. These gals have impacted my life and my writing so much. I want to be like them when I grow up.The 2008 ACFW Genesis Winners:
Chick lit, mom lit, lady lit Category:
1st: Erica Vetsch, Pam On Rye
2nd: Lynda Schab, Mind Over Madi
3rd: Tiffany Kinerson, Stand On My Own Two Hands
Contemporary Fiction Category:
1st: Dan Case, The Voice
2nd: Christina Berry, Undiscovered
3rd: Jim Rubart, Book of Days
Contemporary Romance Category:
1st: Annalisa Daughety, Love is a Battlefield
2nd: Kathleen Haynes, The Quarterback Club
3rd: Cara Slaughter, Joanna's Treasure
Historical Fiction category:
1st: Mona Hodgson, A Thimble's Worth
2nd: Rachel Moore, A Trail of Waves
3rd: Lori Benton, Trouble The Water
Historical Romance category:
1st: Patty Smith Hall, Flights of Freedom
2nd: Karen Witemeyer, Cloud by Day
3rd: Erica Vetsch, Marriage Masquerade
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category:
1st: Jane Thornton, Menace
2nd Donna Alice Patton, Wrestling Demons
3rd: Janice Olson, Don't Look Back
Romantic Suspense category:
1st: Jenness Walker, Deja Vu
2nd: Dani Pettrey, Quest
3rd (tie): Kelly Ann Riley, A Cowboy's Prayer
3rd (tie): Jane Thornton, Be Anxious
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Allegory category:
1st: Chawna Schroeder, Metamorphosis
2nd: Lynda K. Arndt, The Song of Blood and Stone
3rd: Valerie Comer, The Girl Who Cried Squid
Women's Fiction category:
1st: Heather Goodman, 50 Things To Do Before I Turn 30
2nd: Cynthia Ruchti, They Almost Always Come Home
3rd: Kristian Tolle, When Autumn Comes
Young Adult category:
1st: Carla Stewart, An Unexpected Journey
2nd: Stefanie Morris, The Dragon of Delarest
3rd: Kasey L. Heinly, Broken Glass
Tomorrow I'll post more pictures and tell you about the book signing at the Mall of America.
See you then!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
TWO LITTLE WORDS
Two little words. Only six letters. Oh, but they sound so lovely. Look so smart sitting there on the page. Yes, today I typed THE END! I finished my Young Adult manuscript that is an ACFW Genesis Finalist. The title for the contest is AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, and I’ve never been crazy about it—it just not too catchy, you know? Ta Da! The new title, and one I hope will hook my intended young adult audience—MUDDY WATERS. This is much more fitting with the mystery twist that drives the story and all the trouble my teen protagonist gets into. Can’t say anymore about that right now.
Having a first draft done is not to say I’m done. Next come the edits, numerous passes for all the weasel words I’m so fond of using, checks for passive writing, layering in more of the five senses,
checking the tension in each and every scene, and reading it aloud for awkward sounding passages. I actually enjoy the rewriting more than the original draft and am looking forward to making the words sing.
To celebrate, we ordered pizza for supper and took Zelda for a walk. Not earth-shattering, but my load feels a little lighter tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll be back at it.
What’s the latest “big news” you’ve had? It doesn’t have to be writing related. Here at the café, we celebrate ALL our accomplishments. Let me know.
Having a first draft done is not to say I’m done. Next come the edits, numerous passes for all the weasel words I’m so fond of using, checks for passive writing, layering in more of the five senses,
checking the tension in each and every scene, and reading it aloud for awkward sounding passages. I actually enjoy the rewriting more than the original draft and am looking forward to making the words sing.To celebrate, we ordered pizza for supper and took Zelda for a walk. Not earth-shattering, but my load feels a little lighter tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll be back at it.
What’s the latest “big news” you’ve had? It doesn’t have to be writing related. Here at the café, we celebrate ALL our accomplishments. Let me know.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Winner of CALICO CANYON
Pull on your cowgirl boots, folks—we have a winner for Mary Connealy’s latest book Calico Canyon. What a wonderful bunch of entrants and a few drive-by comments from Mary. If you missed her wit, you can read back through the interview and comments here.
Now, for the winner. Congratulations to Carolynn W of Canada. Happy reading!
Hope to see you all again next time.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Interview with Mary Connealy (CALICO CANYON) and Giveaway
I’m so happy to have Mary Connealy at the Café today. At the end of the interview you can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of her latest book. Now, to tell you about the book . . . here’s Mary.
Welcome, Mary! And congratulations on your latest book in the Lassoed in Texas series, Calico Canyon. I laughed my way through this one and am delighted to have you here at Carla’s Writing Café. In the words of Joan Rivers, let’s talk.
Where did you get the idea for this series?
Calico Canyon came to me as I was writing Petticoat Ranch. That book was full of a clueless man trying to deal with a bunch of woman. It seemed only fair to tell the flip side of that story, a clueless woman trying to deal with a bunch of men. Then in book three, I had to mix things up. Find a family with boys and girls.
You are gaining quite a reputation for writing hilarious historical romance. Did you start out to write humorous stories?
I didn’t exactly make a decision, Carla. It’s more like, I’m writing along and an opportunity comes for one of my characters to speak and I just always go for the sassy line. I can’t resist. :)
Your method certainly works. Where do your ideas come from? Personal experience, divine intervention, or outer space?
There are echoes of personal experience in these books. I’ve got four daughters, like Petticoat Ranch. My husband’s from a family of all sons, like Calico Canyon. My own childhood was a family of eight, both boys and girls, in a tiny, ramshackle house, Gingham Mountain is a fit for that.
In my cozy mysteries series, my heroine in Of Mice and Murder is scared to death of mice…like me.
But beyond those passing similarities, I just go nuts.
How long have you been writing?
I started seriously trying to write a book the year my youngest daughter when to kindergarten. My first book released in February and she graduated from high school in May. So it was a LONG, LONG TIME.
During that time I know you won a few contests. Has that helped you on your road to publication?
I really believe in writer’s contests. They’re great for the critique you get, win or lose. They’re a great way to get your work in front of editors and agents who might otherwise not accept your submission. They’re great practice taking rejection … lots of that in the publishing world, and they give you a big dose of deadlines and following rules. These are all good things.
Everyone’s got contest horror stories of a judge who is just particularly cruel or where one judge said, “I hate your hero.” And another says, “I hate everything in this book except your hero.” So they aren’t perfect. But I think, big picture, they’re worth it.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from contests?
I’ve just learned so much. When I started writing I had no idea about setting a scene, Point of View, passive voice, showing instead of telling, back story dump. Most non-writers have never heard of this stuff. At first when I’d get a critique back and there’d be some dashed of note saying, POV error…I didn’t even know what that mean. But I learned. You HAVE to learn. I feel like I have always told a good story. But telling it skillfully was something I had to learn.
What is you writing process like? Are you a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer?
I can do both. I honestly prefer seat-of-the pants, but I think that’s mainly because plotting out a book is a lot of work. Even with sotp, I still have a fair idea of beginning, middle, end and what story I want to tell.
How do you develop characters? Charts? Interviews? Or do you just start writing?
I just start writing. I get to know my characters as I write, then have to go back and revise the book once I figure out who these folks are.
As the mom of four boys, I identified with the antics of this gang of characters. Where did you come up with all their pranks?
FOUR BOYS!!!!!!!!???????????????
Carla, you are SUPERWOMAN.
My mother-in-law has seven sons, she can tell little boy stories forever.
Back to writing, what is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
The best writing is re-writing.
The worst?
Well, I had a bad agent for a year, that really tripped me up for a while. I’d say, trying to be object, that slowed me down getting published by three years.
Coffee? Tea? Sparkling mineral water? Or . . .
Diet Coke.
I wish you the very best with this fun book. What other book projects are you working on? Any exciting news you’d like to share?
I’ve got a lot coming
Of Mice and Murder, a cozy mystery, coming in November
A three book Heartsong series
Buffalo Gal - October
Clueless Cowboy - November
Bossy Bridegroom – December
Book #3 Lassoed in Texas series
Gingham Mountain – February
Another cozy in February, Pride and Pestilence
Then one in April The Miceman Cometh
Then the cozies get re-released as an anthology in June called Nosy in Nebraska.
That wears me out, but I am thrilled for you. It’s your turn. Any closing thoughts?
I’ve gone on long enough I can’t imagine anyone wants to read more!!!
If you want to hear more about me…first consult your psychologist…then, if he can’t talk any sense into you, you can find me at:
http://www.maryconnealy.com/
http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Mary, for being my guest here at the café. You’re welcome to stop by anytime.
Now for you, dear readers, the opportunity to win your own copy of Calico Canyon. Leave a comment here with your contact information (required) to be entered in a drawing. Deadline: This Friday, August 22. Noon. Good luck and comment away.
Giveaway limited to US and Canadian readers only.
Welcome, Mary! And congratulations on your latest book in the Lassoed in Texas series, Calico Canyon. I laughed my way through this one and am delighted to have you here at Carla’s Writing Café. In the words of Joan Rivers, let’s talk.Where did you get the idea for this series?
Calico Canyon came to me as I was writing Petticoat Ranch. That book was full of a clueless man trying to deal with a bunch of woman. It seemed only fair to tell the flip side of that story, a clueless woman trying to deal with a bunch of men. Then in book three, I had to mix things up. Find a family with boys and girls.
You are gaining quite a reputation for writing hilarious historical romance. Did you start out to write humorous stories?
I didn’t exactly make a decision, Carla. It’s more like, I’m writing along and an opportunity comes for one of my characters to speak and I just always go for the sassy line. I can’t resist. :)
Your method certainly works. Where do your ideas come from? Personal experience, divine intervention, or outer space?
There are echoes of personal experience in these books. I’ve got four daughters, like Petticoat Ranch. My husband’s from a family of all sons, like Calico Canyon. My own childhood was a family of eight, both boys and girls, in a tiny, ramshackle house, Gingham Mountain is a fit for that.
In my cozy mysteries series, my heroine in Of Mice and Murder is scared to death of mice…like me.
But beyond those passing similarities, I just go nuts.
How long have you been writing?
I started seriously trying to write a book the year my youngest daughter when to kindergarten. My first book released in February and she graduated from high school in May. So it was a LONG, LONG TIME.
During that time I know you won a few contests. Has that helped you on your road to publication?
I really believe in writer’s contests. They’re great for the critique you get, win or lose. They’re a great way to get your work in front of editors and agents who might otherwise not accept your submission. They’re great practice taking rejection … lots of that in the publishing world, and they give you a big dose of deadlines and following rules. These are all good things.
Everyone’s got contest horror stories of a judge who is just particularly cruel or where one judge said, “I hate your hero.” And another says, “I hate everything in this book except your hero.” So they aren’t perfect. But I think, big picture, they’re worth it.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from contests?
I’ve just learned so much. When I started writing I had no idea about setting a scene, Point of View, passive voice, showing instead of telling, back story dump. Most non-writers have never heard of this stuff. At first when I’d get a critique back and there’d be some dashed of note saying, POV error…I didn’t even know what that mean. But I learned. You HAVE to learn. I feel like I have always told a good story. But telling it skillfully was something I had to learn.
What is you writing process like? Are you a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer?
I can do both. I honestly prefer seat-of-the pants, but I think that’s mainly because plotting out a book is a lot of work. Even with sotp, I still have a fair idea of beginning, middle, end and what story I want to tell.
How do you develop characters? Charts? Interviews? Or do you just start writing?
I just start writing. I get to know my characters as I write, then have to go back and revise the book once I figure out who these folks are.
As the mom of four boys, I identified with the antics of this gang of characters. Where did you come up with all their pranks?
FOUR BOYS!!!!!!!!???????????????
Carla, you are SUPERWOMAN.
My mother-in-law has seven sons, she can tell little boy stories forever.
Back to writing, what is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
The best writing is re-writing.
The worst?
Well, I had a bad agent for a year, that really tripped me up for a while. I’d say, trying to be object, that slowed me down getting published by three years.
Coffee? Tea? Sparkling mineral water? Or . . .
Diet Coke.
I wish you the very best with this fun book. What other book projects are you working on? Any exciting news you’d like to share?
I’ve got a lot coming
Of Mice and Murder, a cozy mystery, coming in November
A three book Heartsong series
Buffalo Gal - October
Clueless Cowboy - November
Bossy Bridegroom – December
Book #3 Lassoed in Texas series
Gingham Mountain – February
Another cozy in February, Pride and Pestilence
Then one in April The Miceman Cometh
Then the cozies get re-released as an anthology in June called Nosy in Nebraska.
That wears me out, but I am thrilled for you. It’s your turn. Any closing thoughts?
I’ve gone on long enough I can’t imagine anyone wants to read more!!!
If you want to hear more about me…first consult your psychologist…then, if he can’t talk any sense into you, you can find me at:
http://www.maryconnealy.com/
http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Mary, for being my guest here at the café. You’re welcome to stop by anytime.
Now for you, dear readers, the opportunity to win your own copy of Calico Canyon. Leave a comment here with your contact information (required) to be entered in a drawing. Deadline: This Friday, August 22. Noon. Good luck and comment away.
Giveaway limited to US and Canadian readers only.
Friday, July 25, 2008
DESIGN GRAB BAG
My friends, George and Ashey Weiss, the uber-cool people from Tekeme Studios (hint: they designed this blog for me:-)) are sponsoring another contest -- DESIGN Grab Bag. There are a number of items you might win by leaving a comment on their blog site. This couple does a great job, and since they are just getting established, now is the time to take advantage of their super services. Perhaps you'll be a winner.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
And the winners are . . .
Congratulations to the winners of Robin Jones Gunn's latest book, SISTERCHICKS GO BRIT.
They are: sphinx63 and ckbarker. Now to look at those monikers you'd never guess what these two readers have in common, but it turns out they are both named Cheryl . . . So, to Cheryl and Cheryl, blessings. I hope you enjoy the books.
Thanks to all who entered the book giveaway. Stay tuned; I'll have another one in the near future.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Review / Giveaway of SISTERCHICKS GO BRIT by Robin Jones Gunn
MY REVIEW:
This latest installment of the popular Sisterchicks series finds two midlife mamas off to merry ole England. Liz has always wanted to meet Big Ben face to face, while her best friend Kellie’s dream is to have an interior design business. The two dreams become a reality through the not-so-subtle maneuverings of Opal, a sprightly Brit, who needs someone to accompany her across the pond to visit her sister.
Mishaps and adventure await. This is a fun read, especially for anyone who has visited England before or pants to make that first trip. Be prepared for a few chuckles and tears as the two visit the usual must-see attractions and experience some of the lesser-known delights of England.
I found myself longing to return myself (it’s been 20 years since I’ve been), to have a perfect cup of tea, to navigate the Underground, take in a play, or meander through the countryside. In the meantime, Robin’s book carried me there.
Need to get away? Take an afternoon off and visit England with the Sisterchicks. It may be the nicest thing you’ve done for yourself this summer.
BONUS GIVEAWAY
Now, for the good news. I’ve been blessed with two extra copies of The Sisterchicks Go Brit, and am passing my good fortune on to you.
Leave a comment on this blog before noon on July 22, and I will draw for TWO WINNERS. As always, leave your contact information in your comment.
This latest installment of the popular Sisterchicks series finds two midlife mamas off to merry ole England. Liz has always wanted to meet Big Ben face to face, while her best friend Kellie’s dream is to have an interior design business. The two dreams become a reality through the not-so-subtle maneuverings of Opal, a sprightly Brit, who needs someone to accompany her across the pond to visit her sister.
Mishaps and adventure await. This is a fun read, especially for anyone who has visited England before or pants to make that first trip. Be prepared for a few chuckles and tears as the two visit the usual must-see attractions and experience some of the lesser-known delights of England.
I found myself longing to return myself (it’s been 20 years since I’ve been), to have a perfect cup of tea, to navigate the Underground, take in a play, or meander through the countryside. In the meantime, Robin’s book carried me there.
Need to get away? Take an afternoon off and visit England with the Sisterchicks. It may be the nicest thing you’ve done for yourself this summer.
BONUS GIVEAWAY
Now, for the good news. I’ve been blessed with two extra copies of The Sisterchicks Go Brit, and am passing my good fortune on to you.
Leave a comment on this blog before noon on July 22, and I will draw for TWO WINNERS. As always, leave your contact information in your comment.
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sisterchick Go Brit
Multnomah Publishers (May 20, 2008)
by
Robin Jones Gunn
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin grew up in Orange County, California and has lived in all kinds of interesting places, including Reno and Hawaii.Robin’s first novel was published in 1988, and she has continued to write between two to five books a year. Her 63 published books include 47 novels, all of which are still in print. Sales of her popular Christy Miller Series, Glenbrooke Series and Sisterchicks Series, including Sisterchicks in Gondolas and the new Katie Weldon Series including Peculiar Treasures all of which are approaching four million copies sold, with translations in nine languages.
Robin’s passion for storytelling and travel are evident in all her books, especially the Sisterchicks novels, and she has received thousands of letters from readers around the world who have come to know Christ through her writing. She sees this as her dream come true. Her novels are traveling to foreign lands and her characters are doing what she always longed to do; telling people about God’s love.
She and her husband currently live near Portland, Oregon and have been married for 30 years. They spent their first 22 years of marriage working together in youth ministry, and enjoying life with their son and daughter who are now both grown.
As a frequent speaker at local and international events, one of Robin’s favorite topics is how God is the Relentless Lover and we are His first love. She delights in telling stories of how God uses fiction to change lives.
Robin is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Mt. Hermon Pacesetter Award, the Sherwood E. Wirt Award and is a Gold Medallion Finalist. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and the Board of Directors for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK
SISTERCHICK® n: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.Two midlife mamas hop over to jolly ole England and encounter so much more than the usual tourist stops. Liz does have a bit of a childhood crush on Big Ben, and she has hoped to “meet” him ever since her fifteenth birthday. Kellie dreams of starting an interior design business and figures Liz needs to be a part of that equation–a calculation that hasn’t added up for Liz yet.
Nothing on the excursion goes the way these two friends had envisioned. They start with a village pancake race and end up being held for questioning on The Underground. Kellie and Liz take a wild tour through the land of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien and then find themselves swept up, up, and away in a hot air balloon over the Cotswalds. London beckons with the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, shopping at Portabella Road in Knotting Hill, and of course, reservations at the Ritz for a posh high tea.
A few detours along the way and the possibility of being lost in a London fog of wonderment aren’t enough to stop these two Sisterchicks! Each step of their regal journey is lined with evidence of God’s gracious compassion, and both come to realize that God knows their every wish. He is the One who planted every dream in their hearts.
And, oh, what a surprise awaits them when they return home!
To read the first chapter, go HERE
“Robin has done it again! You and your Sisterchicks will love taking this new adventure together!”
- Karen Kingsbury, New York Times best-selling author of Between Sundays and Ever After
- Karen Kingsbury, New York Times best-selling author of Between Sundays and Ever After
“My only complaint about Robin’s latest is that now I want to hop a plane to England! But combine a cup of Earl Grey tea and this charming story and you’re halfway there. Another delightful tale about women helping women to live their lives to the fullest.”
- Melody Carlson, author of These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking and A Mile in My Flip-Flops
- Melody Carlson, author of These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking and A Mile in My Flip-Flops
“Sisterchicks in Gondolas is a true delight. The characters shine, and evocative language will make any reader want to visit Venice. Biblical truths are portrayed simply, yet will touch hearts and lives with their realistic application.”
- Romantic Times magazine
- Romantic Times magazine
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Two "Cool" Sites for Authors
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com%2Fadphoto.jpg)
It's here! The Christian Fiction Online e-zine! The brain child of Bonnie Calhoun at CFBA, Michelle Hutchinson Sutton is the editor of the newest, grooviest place to read about your favorite authors and catch the latest industy buzz from a huge line-up of authors, editors, agents, and other industry professionals. Click on the magazine cover above to take you there. Once you're there, click the cover to see inside. Then, have a cuppa your favorite summer brew and enjoy!
Also, in case you've missed their earlier promos, Tekeme Studios is offering another monthly contest. This time you can win a discounted Basic Identity Package or a free blog design. Curious? Check it out here.
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Drumroll for the Winner, Please
I held the drawing today for the $25 Barnes & Noble gift card to celebrate my blog makeover. I did things a little different this time to add to the suspense. Instead of putting the entrant's name on a slip of paper for the drawing, I used the "log" of where I put the contest commenters. This time there were 27 hopefuls, so I used numbers on the slips. My grandson is visiting this week and had the honor of picking the winner. Number 13! We checked my notebook and found the winner.CONGRATULATIONS to Bethany!! May you be blessed with many happy hours of reading.
To all the rest of you . . . please keep checking out the Cafe for the next contest. I have them when the spirit moves me or I'm feeling generous. You never know when that might be.
Monday, June 16, 2008
EXTREME MAKEOVER
How do you like the new look here at Carla’s Writing Café? All the credit goes to Ashley and George Weiss from Tekeme Studios. I heard about them from my friend, Mary, after they designed a new blog for her. This amazing couple really knows how to design with the customer’s dream vision in mind. I happened to be one of the winners in a recent contest from Tekeme, but their everyday prices are very reasonable, with exceptional hands-on attention. Plus, they are very fast. Check out their current contest here, and while you’re there, look at some of their blog and website designs. You might be next for a great makeover on your site. THANK YOU, Ashley and George!Now, to celebrate my good fortunate, I’m giving away a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. That way you may choose to buy books or splurge in the café while writing on your novel. It’s easy to enter. Leave a comment on this post with contact information. I’ll draw for a winner at noon on June 30.
If this is your first time to visit the café, I hope you’ll have a look around and then sign up for an email subscription in the FeedBlitz box in the upper right hand corner. I wouldn’t want you to miss future contests or any café happenings. If you’re a regular here, thank you for your support. You are a dear bunch of friends, coffee afficionados, fellow-writers, and lovers of books. What could be better than that?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
An Apology and a Rabbit Rant
My apologies for not drawing for D.C. Stewart's book Where Would Cows Hide? on Friday, as promised. Poor planning on my part as I knew I would be traveling this weekend to my youngest son's college graduation (Go Sooners!). I abandoned my computer and cyberspace for some real people interaction and celebration (more about that tomorrow). So without further ado, here are the winners of the two BONUS books for Denice's blog tour:
windycindy--who writes that she has visited the blog tour every day--Wahoo!
carolyn w--who wants to read the book to her little sister--Enjoy!
Your books will be sent out as soon as I get back you mailing information. Wasn't that fun?
Now, on to the not so fun part. I returned home today to find that the wretched baby bunny (cute, furry innocence in serious question here) had eaten all the choice leaves from my newly sprouted Hyacinth beans and has also developed an appetite for fresh coneflower leaves and violets. When we lived on the farm this was a shooting offense, but here in the middle of the city, folks get worried about gunfire, and honestly, I wouldn't know how to load, aim, and fire a gun let alone have the heart to do it. But, the furry critter and I have some serious differences of possessions here.
Hark! The internet. I looked up some safe, non-violent remedies for ridding the garden of furry pests and came up with a recipe. I whirred the cocktail in the blender--garlic and hot pepper sauce (I used Tabasco). Mixed it in a squrt bottle with a few teaspoons of dish detergent, filled it with water, and sprayed the garden. We'll see what happens.
There are plenty of weeds for the bunny lad to munch on, and I am anxious to see the hyacinth bean vine grow taller than two inches. Why can't we all just get along??
Hope you all had a pleasant weekend.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
2008 ACFW Genesis Finalists
Yesterday, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) announced the 2008 Genesis Finalists—a full week ahead of schedule, thanks to the magnificent efforts of contest coordinator, Camy Tang, and her very capable crew. If you scroll all the way to the bottom, you will find that I have a particular reason for this post. Yes, I am, by divine grace, a finalist again this year. Different category. New story. Still humbled and blessed.
I’m also thrilled that my friend Erica Vetsch is a DOUBLE finalist. We became friends last year through our finaling in the same category and cheering each other on in Dallas. I also need to point out that my friend and critique partner, Myra Johnson, is a repeat finalist. Kudos also to D’Ann Mateer, a great writer from Texas who I met last year at the conference and is a finalist in the Women's Fiction category. To everyone else, I wish you the very best and look forward to seeing you all in Minneapolis in September. What a thrill to be among these up and coming authors. God bless.
Congratulations to all the finalists of the 2008 Genesis contest!
Chick lit/mom lit/lady lit:
Annalisa Daughety
Tiffany Kinerson
Sara Richardson
Lynda Schab
Erica Vetsch
Contemporary Fiction:
Christina Berry
Dan Case
Lynne Gentry
Jennifer L. Griffith
Jim Rubart
Contemporary Romance:
Annalisa Daughety
Kathleen Haynes
Cara Slaughter
Sandra van den Bogerd
Linda Yezak
Historical Fiction:
Yvonne Anderson
Lori Benton
Mona Hodgson
Christina Miller
Rachel Moore
Historical Romance:
Patty Smith Hall
Myra Johnson
Allison Studer
Erica Vetsch
Karen Witemeyer
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
Ed J. Horton
Melanie L. Jones
Janice Olson
Donna Alice Patton
Jane Thornton
Romantic Suspense:
Dani Pettrey
Kelly Ann Riley
Julie Scudder
Jane Thornton
Jenness Walker
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory: (there are six finalists because there was a tie for the 5th finalist spot)
Lynda K. Arndt
Valerie Comer
John W. Otte
Jim Rubart
Chawna Schroeder
Stuart Stockton
Women's Fiction: (there are six finalists because there was a tie for the 5th finalist spot)
Heather Goodman
D'Ann Mateer
Sara Richardson
Linda Rondeau
Cynthia Ruchti
Kristian Tolle
Young Adult:
Kasey L. Heinly
Stefanie Morris
Susan Miura
Janet Rubin
Carla Stewart
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Winner of A SOLDIER'S FAMILY
Congratulations to Denice, the winner of A SOLDIER'S FAMILY by Cheryl Wyatt! I know you will love the book. Thanks to all who stopped by the Cafe and left comments. Come back soon for more book giveaways.
Monday, March 24, 2008
MY GUEST FOR TODAY, CHERYL WYATT plus a GIVE-A-WAY OF HER LATEST BOOK
Today I am pleased to have Cheryl Wyatt as a guest blogger. She is going to share about the importance of having the support of other writers. Without further ado, here's Cheryl . . .
Though it took me more years to get published than I'd ever dreamed it would, I wouldn't trade that journey for anything. For in it, I have met women who have become some of my closest friends today. Only another writer can truly understand a writer and the process to publication. I think most people think it's much easier to get published than it is. I thought that too at first. LOL! Rejection alerted me that I had no clue what I was doing however, so I started visiting the eHarlequin site. I spent most of my time on http://www.steeplehill.com/ because that was (and still is!) my dream publisher.
The support and friendships I garnered there as well as knowlege about crafting fiction and the publishing industry were absolutely crucial in helping me get to a point of being publishable. Both in the development of my fictional characters and in the betterment of my craft. The forums there are free to join and there are readers and writers alike. It's a great place for both readers and aspiring writers to interact with their favorite authors.
Another helpful community is http://www.acfw.com/ (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Romance Writers of America. The dues are well worth it and the conferences are invaluable. Networking in this industry is a must in my opinion. That can happen online, sure, but there's nothing that beats a face to face meeting with editors, agents and fellow authors. I am a part of the Faith, Hope and Love Chapter as well as a military writer's group called Romancing the Military Soul. All of these as well as my local writers' group.
I encourage every aspiring author out there to get support from somewhere. It is so important to have people (other than family members) review your work so they can give you an honest, unbiased "cold read." Meaning your friends and family may love you too much to see errors in your writing. Plus, we are all blind to our own trouble spots.
Another great support group is a blog I contribute to called The Seekers http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/
With that, I'd also like to take a moment to talk about digital marketing.
This group was birthed out of several unpublished authors who, for years, finalled against each other in contest after contest. One of us started contacting the rest of us. We decided to band together and start praying each other into publication. SInce that time, half of us have contracted! So, even if you don't have time to maintain a blog of your own, you might consider banding together with a few other writers so you each can begin to develope a Web presence, even before you are published. Digital marketing (I believe) is a wave of the future, and it's important to start getting your name out there and creating buzz. Having a group blog takes the pressure off each individual person to have to come up with three to five blogs a week. One thing you don't want to do is let that overtake your writing time. I use blogger but there are many other free blog hosting sites.
Publication is HARD! But not impossible. And especially not if you decide early on that you're not gonna give up for anything. Praying for all you aspiring writers out there. I'm proof that it CAN happen.
Carla here: Cheryl's second book in her Wings of Refuge series is making a big splash. You can win a copy here by leaving a comment with your contact information. NOTE: Cheryl has graciously agreed that international entrants are welcome!! Woo-hoo! All you readers from Canada, New Zealand, and Timbuktu may now join in the fray! Before you do, I'd like to share a little more about Cheryl and her book, A Soldier's Family.
The support and friendships I garnered there as well as knowlege about crafting fiction and the publishing industry were absolutely crucial in helping me get to a point of being publishable. Both in the development of my fictional characters and in the betterment of my craft. The forums there are free to join and there are readers and writers alike. It's a great place for both readers and aspiring writers to interact with their favorite authors.
Another helpful community is http://www.acfw.com/ (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Romance Writers of America. The dues are well worth it and the conferences are invaluable. Networking in this industry is a must in my opinion. That can happen online, sure, but there's nothing that beats a face to face meeting with editors, agents and fellow authors. I am a part of the Faith, Hope and Love Chapter as well as a military writer's group called Romancing the Military Soul. All of these as well as my local writers' group.
I encourage every aspiring author out there to get support from somewhere. It is so important to have people (other than family members) review your work so they can give you an honest, unbiased "cold read." Meaning your friends and family may love you too much to see errors in your writing. Plus, we are all blind to our own trouble spots.
Another great support group is a blog I contribute to called The Seekers http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/
With that, I'd also like to take a moment to talk about digital marketing.
This group was birthed out of several unpublished authors who, for years, finalled against each other in contest after contest. One of us started contacting the rest of us. We decided to band together and start praying each other into publication. SInce that time, half of us have contracted! So, even if you don't have time to maintain a blog of your own, you might consider banding together with a few other writers so you each can begin to develope a Web presence, even before you are published. Digital marketing (I believe) is a wave of the future, and it's important to start getting your name out there and creating buzz. Having a group blog takes the pressure off each individual person to have to come up with three to five blogs a week. One thing you don't want to do is let that overtake your writing time. I use blogger but there are many other free blog hosting sites.
Publication is HARD! But not impossible. And especially not if you decide early on that you're not gonna give up for anything. Praying for all you aspiring writers out there. I'm proof that it CAN happen.
Carla here: Cheryl's second book in her Wings of Refuge series is making a big splash. You can win a copy here by leaving a comment with your contact information. NOTE: Cheryl has graciously agreed that international entrants are welcome!! Woo-hoo! All you readers from Canada, New Zealand, and Timbuktu may now join in the fray! Before you do, I'd like to share a little more about Cheryl and her book, A Soldier's Family.
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Both of her debut novels (Books 1 and 2 in her Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill) have received Romantic Times Top Picks. Visit Cheryl Wyatt on the Web
Or her blog http://www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
Or her blog http://www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
FROM THE BACK COVER OF A SOLDIER'S FAMILY: 
On A Crash Course With Love, she was the woman of pararescue jumper Manny Péna's dreams. But he'd stuck his foot in his mouth the last time he met Celia Munez. Now, grounded after a parachuting accident, he was desperate to make amends with the beautiful widow. But Celia wasn't having it. The last thing she needed was another man with a dangerous job—even if he had given his life to God. Yet Manny's growing commitment to her and her troubled son began to convince her that perhaps she should take her own leap of faith.
ISBN: 037387474XPublisher: Steeple HillOrdering Link: Order now!
On A Crash Course With Love, she was the woman of pararescue jumper Manny Péna's dreams. But he'd stuck his foot in his mouth the last time he met Celia Munez. Now, grounded after a parachuting accident, he was desperate to make amends with the beautiful widow. But Celia wasn't having it. The last thing she needed was another man with a dangerous job—even if he had given his life to God. Yet Manny's growing commitment to her and her troubled son began to convince her that perhaps she should take her own leap of faith.ISBN: 037387474XPublisher: Steeple HillOrdering Link: Order now!
Cheryl's book is more than a great romance. You get a peek at what a military pararescue jumper does and will love the characterizations of not only the hero and heroine, but also Celia's son who takes them all on a thought-provoking journey. It's a great read, and I'm excited that you can enter to win a copy of the book here. Cheryl will be stopping by sometime, so if you have a question for her, please leave a comment. I'll be drawing for a winner this Friday, March 28, at 9 PM.
Thank you, Cheryl, for being my guest, and your generous offer of the book giveway. God's best to you as you continue writing.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Winner of A PASSION MOST PURE
Congratulations to Vicki McCollum! She is the winner of Julie Lessman's A PASSION MOST PURE. Thanks to all who entered the Romantic Contest and stopped by the cafe. Watch for more book giveaways right here!Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Romantic Contest For You
This is the week for lovers and those who LOVE romantic escapades, right? I’ve got just the thing for you—the chance to win a copy of Julie Lessman’s A PASSION MOST PURE.From the back cover: She’s found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister. Book 1 of The Daughters of Boston series, A PASSION MOST PURE, will carry your heart from the sophisticated streets of Boston to the green hills of Ireland as men go off to war and women long for their return. Full of passion romance, rivalry, and betrayal, it will captivate you from the first page.
My Review:
I don’t normally gravitate toward romance novels, but I had heard so much about Julie’s book that I wanted to give it a try. I’m glad I did. Nothing formula about this. Faith O'Connor loves Collin McGuire, but her sister Charity has the engagement ring. Collin's an Irish rogue forbidden to both of them by their father. The sisters battle with each other brings their devout parents practically to their wits' end. At times, only their faith binds them all together. The interwoven personalities of this fiery Irish family give a nice depth to the book. While Faith and Charity remain at odds with each other, a greater crisis hits the O’Connor family—the U.S. enters WW I. Two O’Connor men and Collin McGuire are called to fight for their country, leaving loved ones behind to worry and keep their lives together. The ending will knock your socks off, and if you think you’ve figured out what’s going to happen, trust me, you haven’t. A lovely read.NOW, for the good news. You may win a copy of this stellar novel by leaving a comment right here. US addresses only, please. I’ll draw a name at noon on Friday. You can’t win if you don’t enter.
Happy Valentine’s Week!
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