Writer in the Pines

Strange Weather

2008-05-22T11:53:00.002-07:00

Calendar - 2008 - check
Month - May - check
Day - Thursday - check
Date - 22nd - check
Weather - freezing rain, hail, snow, rain - check?
Music - Bolero, played at a deafening level to drown out the thunder - check

American Idol Finale

2008-05-21T22:44:00.002-07:00

A couple of years ago, who knew I would be such a reality show junkie? Okay, let me qualify that. I watch two reality shows: American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.

Let me tell you. Yesterday was horrible. The shows played head-to-head, along with the season finale of NCIS. Without TiVo, what's a girl to do but flip channels all night? I know, I can get the DVDs for the series show, but the reality shows are live!

Tonight's American Idol finale was very enjoyable. So nice to see members of the Top Twelve back. I thought Carly and Michael were very hot in their duet of "My Baby Wrote Me a Letter." In addition to the regulars, the night was star-studded, and sometimes in surprising ways, like Gladys Knight and the pseudo Pips: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey, Jr. I hope the downloads make a mint for charity.

Graham Nash and Brooke White rocked. So did David Cook and ZZ Top. Fernando Lapuz did much better in the audition round than he did tonight with "I Am Your Brother," though. However, George Michael looked and sounded even better than he did all season on "Eli Stone." His first American tour in 17 years kicks off in San Diego soon. The power of television is wonderful.

And the winner? Although I speed-dialed for my choice for two solid hours, with a lead of 12 million votes, it was David . . . . .

Spoiler Alert

Spoiler

You can look now

. . . . Cook!

Congratulations to the two Davids!

In Honor of Miss Snark . . .

2008-05-20T10:56:00.006-07:00

. . . the literary agent, who retired her blog one year ago. Miss Snark, we appreciate all you did for us, unworthy writers that we are.

Patricia has put up a blog site entitled "Snarklights" here, where devotees of Miss Snark can gather to post comments today. Her purpose is not to lure Miss Snark out of blogging retirement, but to honor her service to writers.

Whoopeeeeee!

2008-05-15T17:19:00.006-07:00

You may have guessed that today went better than yesterday. Yup, you're right. MSWord played nice, and I submitted the manuscript for my novel, Trail of Storms, to two terrific publishers.

You gotta love email!

Now I have to take the advice I've given dozens of writers: have patience, and go do something else while you wait to hear the fate of your darling baby.

Yeah. I will. Have patience, and do something else. I'll take deep breaths, go catch Lost tonight, watch Brigadoon and a couple of other movies, sleep for a day, read a Bernard Cromwell novel I have to take back to the library soon, write up more Author Interviews, read a couple of ARCs, and dig out my uncompleted novel, Slim and the Schoolmarm, which is my next WIP.

In the meantime, rejoice with me for this accomplishment! Then go fill out that contact information form I put up on my website so I can let you know where to buy Trail of Storms.

Counting chickens too early? Nah. Just building up my publicity resources. The novel will be published!

Frustrations

2008-05-14T22:51:00.002-07:00

It's been a heck of a day.

First of all, I can't seem to get my fingers to hit the right keys. I think that's because, even though it's almost the middle of May, for gosh sakes, I'm freezing. My fingers are kinda numb.

Second of all, MSWord seems bent on killing my novel. It keeps telling me it has encountered a problem and has to shut down. Then it's been telling me it doesn't want to recover my book file because somewhere along the way it became corrupted. Pish and tush! Not true!

So, I decided to turn off the computer for a couple of hours and see if that helps Word get over its snit. I haven't tried it yet, since I just turned the computer back on, and remembered that I was suppose to blog on another site today.

The third thing is, Blogger is acting kind of weird. First I got the little yellow pencils that tell me I can edit the post. The problem is, I was on someone else's blog. Then I tried to log in, and Blogger wouldn't let me. I finally got on. I'm here, but I don't have much to say.

Fortunately, on the novel thing, I have backup files all over the place, and another computer with a better behaved Word. Right now, though, I'm going to bed and see if the morning brings a better outlook on life and some warmth to my house. C'ya later.

Author Interview: Michele Ashman Bell

2008-05-13T16:17:00.009-07:00

It's my great pleasure to have as my guest today LDS author Michele Ashman Bell. Michele is known for both satisfying LDS romances and children's books in the "Latter-day Spies" series. Her newest book is A Modest Proposal. Michele lives with her family in Utah.

Welcome, Michele. You've had success in several areas of LDS fiction. What made you start writing?

For me, writing evolved out of my love of reading and books, and my diligence in keeping a journal as a youth. Growing up, reading was a passion for me. In fact, I used to get in trouble in high school because I would hide my novel inside my text book and read during class. Not always a smart idea. I devoured books and still count reading as my favorite past-time. As for journal writing, I realize now that writing my emotions and feelings down in my journal was a natural and comfortable way for me to express myself. In fact, I distinctly remember a time in high school when a boy I was dating really hurt my feelings. I was sad and mad and extremely upset. I didn’t have the guts to let him know how I felt, so I wrote a six page letter telling him exactly what I thought about him and what he did to me. I never gave him the letter because once I got it down on paper, it was out of my system and I was over it. And him! Great way to clear one’s thoughts and vent one’s emotions.

Skip ahead a few years and the thing that started me writing, or at least attempting to write, happened one day when I was a young mother with two small children. While they were both napping I sat down to read my issue of Good Housekeeping. At the time, they used to include short stories in their magazine. This particular time I read the story and was amazed at how dumb I thought the story was. As I threw the magazine down, I remember saying out loud, “I could write a story better than that!” This became a personal challenge for me and I decided to see if I really could. I took my kids and off we went to the library in search of “How to Write” books. The rest is history.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?

Great question. I started writing twenty years ago. (When I was five.) (Okay, I was ten.) (Never mind.) Anyway, I am always a bit bugged and jealous when I hear about people who got their first book published. It took me ten years! I have a stack of rejection letters that is over an inch thick. I kept every stinking one of those rejections because I thought that one day if I ever did get published I would be able to look at them and realize how wrong they all were. My first book sold in 1998. Now that I look back, those ten years were really my education and refining years when I really figured out how to write and what kind of books I enjoyed writing. I wouldn’t trade them for anything because of all I learned. It also helped me become very thick skinned, which is helpful in this line of work.

Robert Newton Peck said ten years is about right for a writing apprenticeship. What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?

I am a control freak so it’s probably no surprise that I plot my stories and work off an outline. I compare it to a person going on a trip without a map. You know where you want to go but without a map it’s difficult to find out how to get there. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t take little side trips and explore all the possibilities, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t find another route, if it begins to work better or fits the story better. I like the structure of an outline, but I’m always revising it and changing it. As freaky as it sounds, my characters take on a life of their own and surprise me all the time. They are like children, they don’t always mind. But sometimes that’s a very good thing.

I know how it is, dealing with stubborn characters. How do you choose your characters' names?

It’s a lot like naming a child. Certain names fit certain characteristics and names are very important to me. Depending on the character some names are trendy and current, some are traditional and common. I’ve borrowed names from family members, friends, my kids, my kids’ friends, and people in my ward, in my stake, and out of the phone book. I am careful not to give a bad guy or jerky character the name of a loved one, because I wouldn’t want them to think I think they are like the character. You have to be careful. But I like to have fun with names.

What is your daily schedule like?

I “try” and spend time writing every morning. Of course, I’m a mother; therefore I don’t always have control of my time or my life. I usually get beds made and dishes done, then I’ll go to my office and catch up on email (which can be a mistake because I get distracted) then I get to work. I am not able to spend more than two or three hours a day writing, if that. I do start with prayer and I believe Heavenly Father helps make up the difference. I can never, ever put my writing in front of my children or my calling. That’s a promise I made to myself and my family.

How do you handle life interruptions?

Unless I have a killer deadline, I make myself walk away from my computer if someone in my family needs me. That doesn’t mean my mind stops working on the story and I’ll usually jot thoughts and ideas down for when I can get back to the computer. I try really hard not to answer the phone if I’m working, but I am curious and always look to see who might be calling. People don’t always get it when they call and ask what I’m doing and I tell them I’m writing. They don’t understand and of course continue to talk. I try to be patient and nice, but sometimes it eats up my writing time. I try not to let it make me crazy, but it is a challenge to keep it all in balance.

Do you write to music? If so, with lyrics or only instrumentals?

I get too distracted, so I don’t write to music. I tried, and I ended up daydreaming and listening to the songs.

What food or snack keeps the words flowing?

Pretty much anything. I have nothing specific. I find that if I get sleepy or experience any writers block, I will take a break and go get a snack, then go back to my story and usually sort things out and move forward. Depending on the time of day, I’m always up for peanut M&M’s or Hot Tamales. I am a snack food junkie so I will eat a handful or pretzels or crackers too. I am a gum chewer so I keep plenty of that handy.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?

I love it when you get so lost in the story you don’t even realize you are writing because it is like you are watching the movie of your story in your head and you are merely acting as scribe and writing down what you are watching. There are times I’ll go back and read what I’ve written and not even remember writing it.

My least favorite part of writing is revisions. Even though revising always strengthens the story, it is a chore trying to make changes and make everything flow and be consistent with changes you make.

Tell us about your new book, A Modest Proposal.

I got the idea for this series as I sat at book signings and marveled at how many of the wonderful women I met were either with, or talked about, their women friends and/or family, their support group, so to speak. As I realized this I began asking women about it. Nearly all of them had a group they were very close to. Either it was sisters and sisters-in-law, or friends from school, from their ward, work or neighborhood. I love this about women and wanted to write a series based on this. My story is about five friends in high school who experience a traumatic incident on graduation day that bonds them together for life. They realize that they are all heading out into the world, going their own directions, and they wanted to stay in touch. So they promise to meet once a year and have a reunion.

The book skips ahead to when they are turning thirty and picks up on where they are in their lives. Each book in the series will be the story of one of the women in the group. The first book, A Modest Proposal, tells about Lauryn, who becomes a dress designer in New York and is convinced that she can design high fashion clothes that are still modest. I chose this theme because I have daughters and we get frustrated with this all the time. It’s difficult to find clothes, especially prom dresses, that are beautiful and stylish, but also modest. My book is dedicated to all the moms and daughters who have spent time in dressing rooms crying because they are so frustrated.

What is your next project?

Of course, I will be writing the next book in my series, but I am also going to write sequels to some of my existing books. I’ve had many wonderful fans request sequels and I’ve promised I would write them. I’m excited to go back and visit old friends (characters in books) and see what’s going on in their lives. I also want to continue my children’s series.

What is your advice for other writers?

Other writers, meaning people who want to become writers, or people who are writers? I have no advice for people who are already published, because I feel like I am still learning the craft and draw inspiration from the wonderful books and successes of my peers. For those who want to become writers, the best and only advice I would give is to write what’s in your heart and don’t ever, ever give up if you want it badly enough. I am not the most gifted writer, but I am a very hard working writer. You can make up for talent with hard work.

Thank you for being my guest, Michele.
Thanks for having me.

Michele Ashman Bell has a long list of published work:
An Unexpected Love, 1998 - Covenant Communications
An Enduring Love, 1998 - Covenant Communications
A Forever Love, 1999 - Covenant Communications
Yesterday’s Love, 2000 - Covenant Communications
Love After All, 2000 - Covenant Communications
Love Lights the Way, 2001 - Covenant Communications
Written in the Stars, 2001 - Covenant Communications
A Candle in the Window, - booklet 2001 – Covenant Communications
Without a Flaw, 2002 - Covenant Communications
Pathway Home, 2003 - Covenant Communications
Finding Paradise, 2004 - Covenant Communications
Timeless Moments, 2003 - Covenant Communications
Forget Me Not, 2005 - Covenant Communications
A Cardboard Christmas - booklet, 2005 - Covenant Communications
Perfect Timing, 2006 - Covenant Communications
A Candle in the Window, - hardcover 2006 - Covenant Communications
Happily Forever After, 2007 - Spring Creek Book Company

Children’s Books
Latter-day Spies: Spyhunt, 2004 - Covenant Communications
Latter-day Spies: Dragon’s Jaw, 2005 - Covenant Communications
Latter-day Spies: Rescue, 2006 - Covenant Communications

Updates to my Website

2008-05-08T23:45:00.004-07:00

There are a couple of changes on my website. I've moved the News feature into a column alongside the books display. I've also added a link to a new page with a form. The purpose of the form is to collect your contact information so I can get a hold of you to let you know when my next novel is available for purchase.

I know it's been a long time between my last novel and this one. Therefore, I don't want to extend the wait for you, if all it takes is an email, a letter, or a phone call from me to let you know it's out!

Because I can't get a CGI form email script to work on my website hosting server (TMI, yes, I know), a click on the link will transfer you to an old free service I keep around for just such a reason. The form runs just fine from there. Sorry about the Yahoo ads. Once you send the form, you will be returned to my regular site.

I will collect and preserve your information in a confidential manner, and no one else will get their hands on it. I promise.

Mother's Wisdom

2008-05-07T10:43:00.003-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that an essay I wrote about lessons I learned from my mother has been published in a book recently released from Leatherwood Press, Mother's Wisdom: Lessons from Sons and Daughters. The hardcover compilation is available at Deseret Book stores, and online at Deseretbook.com. My essay is entitled "Perfect in Salt, Perfect in Soda."

Author Interview: Sherry Monahan

2008-05-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

Today's Author Interview is with Sherry Monahan. Her unique book, Taste of Tombstone, was originally published in 1998, and received two 1999 Glyph Awards from the Arizona Book Publisher’s Association. Featuring a new cover and updated information, Taste of Tombstone was just re-released by the University of New Mexico Press.

Sherry is a member of Women Writing the West, Western Writers of America, and the North Carolina Writer's Network. Her articles have appeared in True West Magazine and Arizona Highways. Her previous books include The Wicked West: Boozers, Cruisers, Gamblers, and More; and Pikes Peak: Adventurers, Communities and Lifestyles. She resides in North Carolina.

Welcome, Sherry! What made you start writing?
I visited Tombstone back in the 1990s and fell in love. We visited there a few times to look at buying land, and it happened on one of those trips. I love to write and love to cook, but had not done either professionally. I started wondering what they ate in Tombstone during its heyday…and that’s how it began.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I actually wrote for my high school newspaper, and had a job writing policy and procedure manuals before I wrote Taste of Tombstone. However, I didn’t begin researching and writing that until 1995. By sold, I assume you mean when a publisher first accepted my book. My first, being Taste of Tombstone, came in January 1998. However, the publisher’s letter of acceptance was issued September 16, 1996 (I still have the letter).

You have published several non-fiction works, as well as worked in television. Have you ever been tempted to write fiction?
You know, I have, and have been working on one.

How do you decide what topics to write about?
It started with Tombstone from my visit, but then I wanted to branch out. My next book, Pike Peaks: Adventurers, Communities and Lifestyles, is really a family book. One of my relatives lived in Colorado Springs in the early 1900s and they photographed the area. Many of the photos in the book were taken by them, and the woman on the cover is my Great great Aunt Ivah. Next came, The Wicked West: Boozers, Cruisers, Gamblers, and More, which is a super collection of stories from all over the west. Lastly is Tombstone’s Treasure: Silver Mines and Golden Saloons.

It’s kind of funny, but the last two books were actually one when I started. I hired a professional editor to go over the book before I sent it to a publisher. I wanted to attract more than Tombstone readers so I tossed in a few stories from all over the west. She thought it wasn’t focused and had me delete the non-Tombstone stories. Well, I couldn’t just let all that good research go to waste, so I created the Wicked West. Now I have two books instead of one.

From your blog and Taste of Tombstone, I've deduced that you enjoy good food and adult beverages. When you're writing, what food or snack keeps the words flowing?
Yes, you deduced well. I love food and enjoy a good bottle of wine. However, I don’t drink during the day because I like to stay focused and alert. I love to snack on salted almonds, buffalo jerky, and I try to drink a lot of water.

Do you write to music? If so, with lyrics or only instrumentals?
Sometimes I do. It’s usually the local radio station. Once in a while I will listen to a CD, but it’s mostly silent.

How do you research your topics?
Wow, that’s a tough one. It really depends upon my subject. Right now I am using old newspapers online. I also visit local archives and historical societies.

You have a day job. What type of writing schedule do you have?
Yes, I do. I work full-time as a marketing writer. The schedule can be crazy some days because our clients have deadlines.

How do you handle life interruptions?
As they come. I get stressed when I can't work on my books, but sometimes the distractions can be good. I always say that things happen for a reason.

What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven't yet?
A best-selling book!

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
I get to share some awesome historical stories with people. Trying to get my book(s) published.

Tell us about Taste of Tombstone.
It’s been out for 10 years. When I wrote that book I never thought it would be around for that long and still going strong. Well, that is, thanks to the University of New Mexico Press! The original publisher went out of business two years after it was published and the last copies were dwindling down.

It’s a book about Tombstone’s hospitality businesses – ice cream parlors, bakeries, hotels, restaurants, etc. It’s half history and half recipes. The recipes are based on the “Bills of fare” or menus that were printed in the 1880s Tombstone papers. I like to say that you can actually taste history and eat what Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday ate while they lived there.

What is your next project?
I have three going right now, but the one that is done and needing a publisher is a book about pioneer Anglo women who left their eastern and Midwestern homes and went west. Its focus is about the food they cooked along the trails. Yes, it includes recipes that would have been made by them.

What is your advice for other writers?
Persistence is key. You just can’t give up or it will never happen. Authors, especially first-timers, need to offer publishers more than a great book. They want someone who has a marketing plan, an internet presence, and something other than a book they can market. They have lots of great books, so ask yourself what makes you and yours so special?

Thank you for being my guest for today's interview, Sherry.
Thanks!

Sherry has published a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Tombstone, which is available at her website, www.wildwestinfo.com. She is also a contributing editor for True West Magazine; the 2007 & 2008 Vice President-Marketing for Women Writing the West; and the Historical Consultant for the movie "The Territory”. You can see her on the 2007 Lost Worlds episode called Sin City of the West on the History Channel; and she has appeared on the Wild West Tech series in the Gold Rush Tech and Gambling Tech shows. You can also catch her in the Investigating History series in the Wyatt Earp episode.

Read Sherry's blog, An Author's Journal, at http://www.sherrymonahan.blogspot.com/.

Listen to the Spirit

2008-05-04T15:46:00.002-07:00

Today is Fast & Testimony Meeting in LDS congregations around the world. That doesn't mean it goes quickly, but that the members gather for worship in a state of fasting and prayer, to share their testimonies of and thanks for the role of God in their lives.

In the LDS Church, we don't have a paid clergyman who gives a sermon each week. After the congregation participates in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, spiritual talks are given by assignment by members of the ward or branch (the former is larger than the latter). However, on the first Sunday of the month, the worship service follows a slightly different format. Talk time is given over to whichever members may be inspired to get up on shaky legs, approach the pulpit, and share their personal testimonies. The shaky legs part comes not so much from infirmities of age, but from nerves or hesitation or being overwhelmed with spiritual emotion. It's certainly not required, but is a frequent state among those who come forward.

I have a bird's eye view of the pulpit, since I play the organ for meetings. I get to see tiny children stretching up on tippy toes to speak into the microphone to witness to others what they know in their young hearts of Jesus and His gospel. I see young men and young women baring their souls in gratitude for a personal Savior. I see adults of all ages brought to tears by their belief in a Heavenly Father who loves them, no matter their trials and faults. They strengthen my faith.

Sometimes, God, this Heavenly Father we love so much, has messages for us, and sometimes they come as we are moved by the spirit that others share in such meetings. That happened for me today. The message isn't important for you to know. What is important is that I was listening and received it, and acting on it will have an impact far beyond my insulated life. How grateful I am that I could hear His message in my heart. It might have passed over me if I hadn't been in a quiet, reverent state, listening to the impromptu speakers with a soul open to a heavenly message.

The people of this world need to do that more: listen, receive, act. Can you find that quiet place today, where God can speak to you?

I Have Finished!

2008-04-30T19:27:00.003-07:00

I don't know for sure how it is with other writers when they finish a project, but for me, completing Trail of Storms brought elation, tears, and a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of creativity, in that order.

Thank you, all you readers and critiquers who have put your souls into giving me advice. It is well and truly appreciated.

I already have a one-sentence summary written. I will write the one-page synopsis tomorrow, and then I WILL SEND IT OFF!

Now I've got to let the emotions drain out of my fingertips. I feel very weak, and very humbled.

Visitors

2008-04-28T14:13:00.004-07:00

Last week I got two unexpected visits from folks in the Valley.

The first was from my oldest son and his three boys. They stopped in to say "hi" as they journeyed to an annual camping event known in Mormondom as "Fathers' and Sons'".

Said campout commemorates the restoration to the earth of the priesthood that Aaron, the brother of Moses, held. This is called the "Aaronic Priesthood." Since this restoration took place in spring in the early 1800s, each church family unit (ward or branch) sponsors an overnight activity in April or May for fathers and sons. They typically pitch a tent, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, get breakfast cooked by the leaders of their unit, hike, climb hills (often as a competition), sometimes engage in shooting matches, and return home covered with sunburn and/or mosquito bites. Fatherless boys or boyless fathers often adopt one another for the occasion.

Anyway, my kin came to say hey and use the bathroom, and I introduced the younguns to the exciting task of removing spider webs ('tis the season!) from the house with a cute little tool called "The Webster." Mine is quite ancient, and since the original telescopic wand expired years ago, my late husband duct-taped the round green head to a yellow broom-handle pole.

I can't find a picture of Webster on the Internet web, and I'm too lazy to take a picture and upload it, so you'll just have to imagine 3-inch-long green nylon broomstraws poking out of a half dome, brush-like head.

All too soon, the visit was over and the boys were on their way to camping adventures.

The very next day, my __________, well, my __________, the father-in-law of my other married son (someone needs to invent a word describing our relationship!), knocked on my door in the late afternoon.

He had been camping up on the Rim, decided it was too cold to stay another night, and broke camp. That is, he attempted to break camp. His pop-up camper declined to pop back down. Very slowly, he drove down to my place and asked if he could leave the recalcitrant camper in my park overnight, as he didn't think it was safe to try getting home in the dark.

We found a spot, he backed up and unhitched, and that was that. He and the kids (my son and wife) came up the next day and fetched the tag-along home.

I imagine I'll be seeing more drop-ins in the next few months. The weather is balmy, the breeze is fresh, and campers will descend in droves. I only hope they'll contain their campfires and put them DEAD OUT before they leave! I sure don't want to leave home, like last year, due to a wildfire.

I Love Being a . . .

2008-04-23T12:40:00.006-07:00

Of course you expect me to fill in the last word of that declaration, and it should be "Writer," yes? Of course I am a writer. And of course I love it.

But, last night I had a little blip. My inner musician surfaced and caused me to lose sleep.

I blame it on the music in my head.

This is the week I'm supposed to finish up all the little corrections on my book and send it off to a certain publisher, right? Well, instead I've spent at least two days checking out blogs and doing research on the Internet--but not anything relevant to my book or my next novel. I've been downloading MIDI files of patriotic songs.

Why? you ask (and I do, too).

Because I bought this music program several years ago that I've put off installing on my computer. It's notation software, for writing down/printing off any musical compositions or arrangements I might have lurking in my head (and they've been coming out lately!). I had the notation software, and I have this electronic keyboard, plus a cable thingie to hook it up so I could play and see the notes appear on screen. At least that was the plan. For someday.

I opened the cable thingie last week and discovered that my new computer doesn't have the 15-pin joystick interface I needed to attach it. Bummer! I found a USB powered interface on the Internet, ordered it, received it, opened it (discovering that the manual is not there, but I think I can figure out how to install it), and it's still sitting near my computer. Waiting for someday.

Late last week I installed the notation software and let the icon sit on my desktop. I even moved it around a bit, but I didn't open it. You see, I have this novel to finish!

Well, last night I remembered that I'd left my dial-up connection open, and returned from watching "Deadliest Catch," to check my email.

That's when everything went to heck!

I OPENED THE PROGRAM!

Not only did I open the program and discover that when I opened the MIDI files in it, I could see the notation guts of the songs--some in up to seven tracks--I scrounged around and found some long-ago-written music and entered it into the program.

Do you know how alluring hearing your music played flawlessly on a piano, or a church organ, or by a string ensemble, is?

Sheesh! I didn't get into bed until 5 a.m. this morning.

AND MY NOVEL STILL ISN'T FINISHED! Yes, I'm yelling, but it's at myself. Today I'm headed for the library with my laptop and flashdrive to get away from the music so I can finish those last little changes.

Did I ever tell you how badly I can get distracted? It's the ADD.

Author Interview: Christine Thackeray

2008-04-22T10:52:00.006-07:00

The Music in my Head : Today I woke up to the lilting melody of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's CD Consider the Lilies. (I only had to look at two CD's to find the title!)

~~~

My guest today is Christine Thackeray, the author of the newly released novel about visiting teaching from Cedar Fort, The Crayon Messages.

Welcome, Christine! What made you start writing?
That is a tough one. The truth is that writing has always been a way for me to organize all the crazy thoughts floating around in my head and I've done it forever. When I was young, I'd give my brothers and sisters little books that I had written and illustrated for their birthdays. When my father passed away he still had one that I had totally forgotten about.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
It is shocking but The Crayon Messages was my first completed manuscript that I'd really polished and sent in - and it sold! I'm still pinching my arm but I did have 13 rejections and a major rewrite (it was originally a murder mystery- long story.) For a book in the LDS Market, 13 rejections is quite an accomplishment- I think I sent it to every possible publisher.

What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?
It depends on the project. I am doing a new non-fiction book with my sister called Latter-Day Truths in Narnia. That is actually much more "simply flying" because the more research I do, the more my pre-conceived notions fly out the window. With fiction I usually see my most poignant scenes with complete clarity and then write and rewrite to get there in the most realistic way. For me there is always a point, a heart, to what I'm trying to share so when you finish, you see with my eyes. For me that is goal. With fiction it is all about emotional response and personal growth.

How do you choose your characters' names?
Where do you come up with these questions, Marsha? Names are REALLY hard. I do have seven sisters, have moved nineteen times and have always been quite social so usually I use the names of the people I am copying. My fiction is like a script and most of my characters are people I've known that I imagine are acting in a whole new set of circumstances (so I guess it isn't really them.) But if I picture them (acting as my character) I find the individuals in my story stay more true. So Sonja is a great friend of mine that has an edge about her and Cath is my incredible sister. Other names I had to change so they didn't have the same first letter or same ending. Names are tough. But I think I've talked to most of my friends that are in the book so I won't be in so much trouble. (The bad guys are never real, though--they are made up.)

What type of writing schedule do you have?
My children get on the bus at 8 a.m. and then I go walking until 9:30 with friends. From 9:30 to 2:30 I try to focus on writing. Unfortunately, I'm very naughty and too often don't put my work away when the kids are home. I'm trying to get better at that.

How do you handle life interruptions?
I fail at it. So often when something else comes up, I drop the ball and focus on what screams the loudest. Sometimes it's children, YW's or bills. I try to simplify but most often just get less done. My son is going to the MTC soon and rather than stress about it, I'm leaving for Utah the week before to go out and stay with my mother so we can do all our shopping there. Rather than spending months nitpicking over every little thing, we are just going to blitz it. By compartmentalizing, I don't let things bleed into everything else but often a lot of things just don't get done.

Do you get blocked? Any hints on how to stave it off?
So far I haven't had time to get blocked. My problem is the opposite--too much input. I can't write fast enough for all my ideas and then my language gets sloppy and redundant. Now ask me that in a couple of years and we'll see where we are. Right now I know my next five or ten projects and am dying to have the time to crank them out.

What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven't yet?
The other day a neighbor of mine knocked on the door and told me she had stayed up the night before reading my book. Then she said the strangest thing--that I had to write a book on depression. I was shocked because I don't think The Crayon Messages is about depression at all, but ironically I do have a thick folder file of research on the subject and someday in the next few years I'm going to write the book that has been brewing in my heart for years, Dealing with Depression Through Gospel Principles. I think there needs to be this watershed of ideas both from general authorities, professionals and individual experience. Don't get me started but that one is coming--someday.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
I love creating something new and beautiful. I love the actual writing of writing. Unfortunately, that is only a little portion of writing. I wish I had a personal editor that could read my mind and do all my rewrites (like James Patterson.) I also struggle with rejections and poor reviews because I want everyone to love me. Doesn't everybody?

What is your advice for other writers?
When I used to practice the piano my teacher said, "Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect." I worry that some writers continue to write and write with plotlines that aren't marketable and word choice or sentence structure that isn't up to par. If you are going to write, then learn from people in the industry. Join writer's groups, use critique forums, take classes or workshops. Read good books and figure out what makes a scene really good. Improve as a writer. I think it is idealistic to think that persistence alone will cut it. Also, be willing to reach into non-fiction even if your heart is fictitious, write articles for magazines and newspapers, and be willing to co-author.

Tell us about your new book.
The Crayon Messages: A Visiting Teaching Adventure is a story about Cath, who has just moved to a new ward. Her husband is traveling and she doesn't feel like she has a friend in the world. When she gets a visiting teaching route she is excited, hoping to make some friends, but then she is told it is only a letter-writing route consisting of the most inactive people in the ward, who have requested no contact.

When she calls the woman assigned to be her companion, Gwen, the elderly woman says she's in a nursing home and hasn't had visitors in months. Cath calls all the sisters on her route and guilts them into visiting Gwen, but when she gets there she finds Gwen asleep. Gwen has KLS, a sleep disorder where she may sleep for weeks at a time. Cath decides to grab some crayons and have the women write her so that when she does wake up, she'll know the world hasn't forgotten her. What no one suspected would happen is that Gwen writes back, changing each of these women's lives forever.

My main character, Gwen Keen, was a real woman I visit taught in a nursing home. Unlike the story, when she died there were only a handful of people at her funeral and her grave was paid for by a charitable organization. It made me sad because she was such a hoot--I loved her!

What is your next project? What do we have to look forward to next?
Latter-Day Truths in Narnia is completely written and should be coming out in the next few months. Then I'm working on my next visiting teaching adventure called Lipstick Wars, about a young mom with a toddler who likes to escape, which causes her to meet a reclusive neighbor who changes her life. It's a great story. I'm also working on an historical fiction piece about King Herod, showing the other side of the story--I think he has been too demonized. His mistakes are more similar to our own than many of us would imagine.

What other work of yours has been published?
This is really my first one, if you don't count roadshows and letters to the editor. I'm brand-spanking-new.

Thank you for the interview, Christine.
Thanks, Marsha.

The Music in My Head

2008-04-20T16:27:00.008-07:00

For some reason, I've been waking up lately with a song going through my head.

You know, the sort of annoying thing that stays with you throughout the day?

Yes. That kind of thing. Well, I noticed it right away when the song was "Bringing in the Sheaves." I know this is a hymn sung by various Christian denominations, but I never really learned it, as it's not commonly used in LDS services. I thought maybe it was because I recently had seen the film, 3 Amigos, which features the song in one of the final scenes.

The next day, the same song floated through my head with the rising sun.

And the next day.

And the next.

I tried to think if it had any significance in my life. Was I going to be called on a mission? Did I need to upgrade my food storage?

The next day the song changed. Now it was "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet." In light of the recent change in LDS Church leadership due to the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, I figured that was appropriate.

The song changed again. Yesterday. "The Star Spangled Banner."

Let's see. What is the nearest patriotic holiday? Flag Day is in June, but that's a couple of months away. Then there's the Fourth of July after that. But Francis Scott Key's poem, "Defence of Fort McHenry," was written in September, during the War of 1812.

Aha! Someone sent me an email claiming that Barack Obama doesn't like our current national anthem and would change it--if he had his druthers--to something less . . . patriotic, like, "I Want to Teach the World to Sing." Yikes!

I did find out the fact is that was a creation of a humorous columnist, so I got hoaxed. The mere thought of changing out a song dear to the heart of the majority of Americans (even though it's difficult to sing) must have sent my brain into spasms.

At any rate, I want to let you all know how much I revere this beautiful anthem. Whether it's sung in a ballpark or stadium, at a picnic, at a display of fireworks, or in a church service, the majesty of its music and profound words touches my heart and brings out deep emotion. It is my fondest hope that we, as Americans, will do our part so that ever and ever, until the Lord shall come, "the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Working My Way Through the Notes

2008-04-19T14:36:00.002-07:00

I mentioned earlier that I have six pages of critique notes to plow through. I've now almost finished with Page One, which has six items.

I've addressed the first five--deciding not to make changes relevant to one--and am working on the sixth, which needs to be dealt with in several places in the novel. You can imagine that just finding the location the notes relate to takes time. Yes, it's slow going, but I'm picking up speed.

Some of my notes are quite cryptic, like "Inconsistent: Brother Jeff & Miss Becky". Others give me clear goals: "Heppie and Jessie look daggers at Ned for swearing in cafe--make it clear." Okay, that may not mean much to you, but it works to jog me into clarifying the wording of a sentence that is currently a bit ambiguous.

Other notes say things like, "Becky needs to coo over the baby." A small thing, yes, but a detail that will bring additional warmth to that scene.

Oh goodie! I can check off this note: "Ned's curly yellow hair? Put in somewhere earlier. Does Jessie like it? So different from James! George, sandy hair?" I found a place early in the book where I'd already mentioned Ned's hair, but it was light-colored and straight. Oops! I fixed that, and found an appropriate spot to talk about George's hair color, too. Check mark!

I believe I've addressed part of the "lament . . . the pain of broken ribs again" problem, but can surely add a word or two there. Half a check mark!

This final tinkering process is part of the work of re-writing and fleshing out the characters and their actions, and it's a fascinating part. I owe a great deal to all the critiquers who have helped me make my book stronger. Thank you!

AML President Has His Say

2008-04-16T19:15:00.002-07:00

Eric Samuelsen, President of the Association for Mormon Letters, gave this Presidential Address, entitled "Towards a Mission, minus the statement," at the AML Annual Meeting in Provo, Utah, on March 8, 2008.

I found it quite profound and thought-provoking.

Back to Work

2008-04-16T11:47:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday I had that all-important chat with my final critiquer. It lasted for maybe three or four hours as she scrolled through my manuscript, giving me her insights. I frantically took notes, since she's that good and I pay careful attention to her comments.

The tax stuff is over, and I've even put most of the files away, resolving to keep better tabs on my paperwork this year so next year's paper-gathering doesn't take so long. It's a yearly resolution. Somehow, I still spend a couple of days making sure I have all the records I need.

I've made the requisite separate trips to town to mail my taxes and shop and get my temple recommend renewed. When I locate the Jiffy-Lube coupon, I'll be back down the hill to have car maintenance done, but that can wait until next week.

Now I have six pages of scribbles to decipher and digest and use to tweak my manuscript. I may have to re-write a few scenes to deepen them. Amazingly, my friend didn't suggest any scene cuts. She liked the one I was having second thoughts about. Hurray!

All right. Back to work.

Well, This is a Surprise!

2008-04-09T18:08:00.002-07:00

It's snowing!

That's right folks. Up here in the high country, it's 34 degrees and snowing. April 9th, 2008.

I glanced out the window to see how hard the "rain" I heard on my roof was coming down, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but large puffy white flakes that hit my hand when I opened the door with a splat of water. Now the flakes are larger and starting to stick on the ground.

It's after Easter, for heaven's sake!

Word Verification Now On

2008-04-09T10:48:00.003-07:00

Sorry, folks. Due to a little six-comment high-jacking this morning, I have turned the aggravating word verification on. I hope it won't be for long, just long enough to discourage Jason and his ilk from advertising his $900-a-month-extra-income site from my blog. Of course, wouldn't you know it, he has hidden his profile, the cowardly little so-and-so, thus I can't post comments on any blog he may have put up. Not that I would ever deign to do something like that.

~Marsha

Author Interview: Jaime Theler

2008-04-08T14:05:00.003-07:00

My Author Interview today is with delightful writer Jaime Theler, whose new book, Enjoying the Journey: Steps to Finding Joy Now, was just released by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Welcome, Jaime! What made you start writing and how long have you been doing it?
I actually can’t remember when I started writing. My mother is a writer and so I just grew up writing down ideas and stories. In fact, I still have a notebook full of stories from when I was seven or eight.

What other work of yours has been published?

My first book is Parenting the Ephraim’s Child: Characteristics, Capabilities, and Challenges of Children who are Intensely MORE. It was published in 2004 by Horizon Publishers.

Your published books are non-fiction. Do you have fiction projects inside you?
I am very comfortable writing non-fiction, but as a reader I am addicted to fiction. I have tons of ideas in my head. I am learning more every day on how to craft a good story, and I am actually almost finished with my first novel. It’s been fun!

Your mother was your co-author on your previous book and had input on your new one. What is it like working with a collaborator who is your mom?
My mom and I are already very close, so working on writing projects together just gives us more to talk about! It is wonderful to have someone who cares as much about the details as you do to bounce ideas off of. As collaborators we can bring different experiences to the table to give the book more depth. I have loved working with her.

How do you decide what topics to write about? Does your publisher make suggestions?
I once attended a leadership meeting where a successful BYU professor and author spoke. He was a very engaging speaker with a great sense of humor. I can't recall the topic he discussed, but I can remember a flippant comment he made at the beginning of his talk. He said if you want to really know how to do something, write a book about it. So my first two books came about because I needed to figure out something in my own life. My publisher doesn’t make suggestions, but will tell me what they think when I approach them with a possible topic.

How do you research your topics?
I always do extensive research as the first step of my writing. In fact, for this most recent book I have three huge binders full of talks and articles that I first sifted through. And that doesn’t count all that I still have saved in folders on my computer (because I was tired of using so much ink). It is really through research that I figure out what the framework of my book will be. I will look into almost anything that comes to my mind and see what direction it takes me.

What type of writing schedule do you have and how do you handle life's interruptions?
I wish I had a writing schedule. I fit it around my family’s crazy schedule to the best that I can. Luckily, I have three days a week where all three of my children are in school for a few hours. I also try to write after my kids are in bed for the night. I have cut out any time I might watch TV and use that for writing instead. My husband is great at taking over and ordering me to go work, too. The best thing for me in handling life’s interruptions is to make sure my attitude is in the right place. I write when I can, but when life gets in the way, I don’t wail and beat my chest. I just take care of what comes up, and then get back to writing as soon as I can.

What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven't yet?
I have always dreamed about writing a really good fiction novel, the kind that people will stay up to read. I also want to write stories that make children’s eyes shine. I just love the faraway look children get when gripped by a good story.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
The thing I like most about writing is looking at the finished product and realizing that I did that. And better yet, that other people want to read it too. The thing I like the least about writing are the days when you get tired of looking at your own words, when every letter on the keyboard feels like you are pushing through mud to get it there. Writing has its good days and bad days.

Tell us about your new book. I love the joyful cover!
My new book is called Enjoying the Journey: Steps to finding joy now. As Latter-day Saints we strive for joy in eternal life, but there came a time when I realized that I was not finding that promised joy on the way there. We all know people who glow with joy, and who attract others because of it. The Lord wants us to be happy—right here and right now. There are many good books on joy, but I had heard from many people that they wish that those inspiring messages would go a step further and tell them how to apply the ideas in life. So, each chapter of Enjoying the Journey guides you through important principles with specific steps to help you apply what you learn to your feelings, thoughts, and actions. It is my hope that my book helps others reach for their full potential as a child of God and find the joy the Lord intends for each of us during our journey back to His presence.

What is your next project?
My next project is children’s fantasy, which I plan to send off in the next few months. I also have a couple more non-fiction ideas bouncing around, but they’re still nebulous at this point.

What is your advice for other writers?
The most liberating thing for my writing has been to understand and embrace the fact that rough drafts are usually pretty bad. Most of us don’t have the most wonderful work of art pour from our fingers from the starting gate. It is through the rewriting that the polish and shine of your work comes through. So my advice is to keep going!

Thank you for being my guest, Jaime.

Thanks for letting me do the Interview!

Charlton Heston - Defender of the Constitution

2008-04-07T12:11:00.002-07:00

America lost a great defender of the Constitution this weekend with the death of actor Charlton Heston.

Heston, who died on Saturday, April 5, suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for several years, just as had another American hero and fellow actor--former President Ronald Reagan. In addition to serving as president of the National Rifle Association, Heston was elected president of the Screen Actor's Guild six times.

Known as an advocate for Second Amendment rights, Heston took great pride in being an American. He and his wife, Lydia, sent the following message to US troops in Iraq in 2003:

"There is no duty more noble than that which has called you across the world in defense of freedom. Yours is a mission of hope and humanity for the oppressed. Rest assured that while pretend-patriots talk of supporting you, even as they condemn your noble cause, an unwavering vast majority of Americans share and take pride in your mission. You represent all that is good and right about America and are the true face of American patriotism. You walk in those same righteous footsteps of all those patriots who, before you, fought to preserve liberty for all. Our prayers and our personal gratitude are with you and your families. May God Bless You, Charlton and Lydia Heston."

Heston was presented with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, at the White House by George W. Bush in July, 2003.

My Gratitude Journal

2008-04-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago, author Kerry Blair inspired me to start a "Gratitude Journal." Alas, I suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which has a component of short-term memory loss. This means that unless I can embed a task into my schedule so deeply that I cannot forget to do it, the task will go undone.

I do have a few thing in my schedule that almost always get done. I pray when I arise, I take my pills. At night I reverse that sequence. If I am interrupted, I may forget my pills, but that does not happen too often. I have my medications in a weekly container so I know at a glance if I need to catch up on the day's allotment.

Unfortunately, after three days of entries, my Gratitude Journal got buried under a map and a couple of credit card statements, and I stopped writing in it.

Today I listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir before LDS Conference began. Such waves of gratitude to my Heavenly Father swelled over me that I knew I needed to unearth that brightly-covered little book and jot down my feelings. I went to get it, and now I will list a few things that came to me.

1. Gratitude that a young boy sought a private place to pray about which church he should join, thus opening the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.

2. Gratitude for the orderly succession in the Presidency of the Church, and a new Prophet of God.

3. Gratitude for music--another passion of mine. Especially, I am grateful for the clear way music brings me messages from my Heavenly Father: "Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand" (Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, #85, "How Firm a Foundation"). I needed that message of love and uplift when we sang it as brothers and sisters all over the world.

4. Gratitude for the opportunity to listen to prophets of God twice a year in General Conference.

5. Gratitude for the chance to stand during a Solemn Assembly and raise my hand with my Relief Society Sisters--and later, with all the members of the Church,--to sustain a new prophet of God and presidency of the Church, and a new apostle, through the exercise of the principle of common consent that we use in the Church.

6. Gratitude that I am not the person needing the helicopter that is circling overhead.

I am going to put my Gratitude Journal in a new place, and intend to embed writing in it into my rising or bedtime schedule so that I will draw closer to God through my expressions of gratitude.

Dragging My Feet

2008-04-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it is with you, but when I know I'm doing a final edit on a book, I can hardly bring myself to get to it.

This week was supposed to start out strong with the final polish of my manuscript before I sent it off to the prospective publisher. Well, Monday and Tuesday flew by in a blur, and I never even opened the file!

Today I buckled down, and went through the whole thing, doing a side-by side comparison with a critiqued file from another writer, including extensive notes. I made a lot of little changes, ignored some suggestions, and arrived at the end.

The End!

That sounds so final.

It is pretty final, except that I have one more much-valued critiquer to hear from. It might be a week before I get all the notes from her, as she works a full time job. I know she's up to page 106 of 295, so maybe I'll know more by the end of this week. I hope so. I don't want to get into foot-dragging mode again, 'cause it takes a couple of days to get beyond that. I'd prefer to have the manuscript out the door so I can get on to something else.

Like taxes.

Oh gag!

Why can't we just pay a flat rate like a tithe and be done with it?

Sorry. Rant off. Subject closed. Have a great day!

Author Interview: Rachel Ann Nunes

2008-04-01T13:23:00.004-07:00

Our Author Interview today is with Rachel Ann Nunes, one of the most best-selling and beloved authors in the LDS market. Rachel is a busy wife and mother of six children, and lives in Utah with her family. She also is the founder of LDStorymakers.

Hi Rachel. Welcome to my blog. This new book is your 27th novel. What made you start writing?
I've always loved to read, and I began to dream of writing my own book very early in life. By the time I was in seventh grade, I knew the goal of being an author was firmly fixed in my mind.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I wrote several short stories in seventh grade and started my first novel when I was seventeen. Then I was busy with school, a mission, getting married and having children. I wrote some during those years, but it was only after I'd had my third child that I really became serious about my writing. Since I'd planned to have more children, waiting until they were grown wasn't an option. I wrote two days a week for that first year, and then five days a week the next, and it was during that second year I wrote Ariana: The Making of a Queen. It was accepted in 1995 and published in 1996, selling out of its first printing in little over a month.

What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?
I never make detailed outlines. In fact, the only time I ever did that before beginning a story, I never actually started writing it. I guess I already knew what happened, so what was the point? Usually, I know where I want to begin and generally how I'd like it to end, and a few scenes in between. I like to be surprised with the rest and where the journey takes me. Sometimes the book doesn't end up where I thought it would.

How do you choose your characters' names?
In the beginning I used names I liked or made up. I've even used a few of my children's names over the years. Now I mostly look through the phone book to spot a name I want. The only exception is if I'm searching for names in a specific country, like say, India. Then I'll use online sources.

You have six children. What is your daily schedule like?
Busy. I'm in the car a lot. I now listen to books on CD so I don't hate the carpooling as much as I used to. I write in the morning after I get most of the children off to school. I work better when I'm fresh. I usually write in my pajamas, and I don't bother to comb my hair until later. The book must come before such mundane things! I'm thinking I should post a sign at the door: SCARY-LOOKING WRITER AT WORK! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK.

I still have a child home at this point, so I'm interrupted a lot. Sometimes I have to leave my computer on all day to reach my daily goal. I would normally be able to finish in a few hours if I didn't have the interruptions and errands that are associated with running a household full of children. After the children come home from school I rarely write. I'm too busy helping them with all their homework and driving them to lessons.

How do you handle life interruptions?
Interesting question. When I was younger, I could easily keep my mind on two or three things at once. I could pause in the middle of writing an exciting scene--maybe to solve a dispute or pick up a child from a piano lesson--and come back and start writing exactly where I left all with no change in the flow. I could write with children talking around me, or holding a wiggly infant on my lap. But lately I find I crave more solitude for writing, and if I'm interrupted during a scene, I'll sometimes need to read through it again before I can pick up where I left off. If the kids are making noise around me, I'll stop whatever I'm doing and get them settled--and out of my office--before I attempt to write. But I thing this is a natural progression of both my age and my position as a published author. These days I'm not so anxious about getting something written in record time. I have time to be more particular about how I get the writing done.

I know I could solve a lot of interruptions simply by shutting my office door, especially during the summer when the kids are home all day, but I very rarely do so. I want my children to know they come first. They're pretty good to come in and out as they need me. They've grown up with me writing, so it's a part of their lives. Setting your own schedule has a lot of rewards. I get to go on all the school field trips and see all their performances. Interruptions might just be what keeps authors from becoming completely eccentric.

Do you write to music? If so, with lyrics or only instrumentals?
Very, very rarely do I write with music on, and never with lyrics. Occasional I find music will help me catch a mood, but mostly music just interferes with the voices in my head. I need to hear them to get the story right.

What food or snack keeps the words flowing?
I have one food rule: Never eat chocolate at the computer. Since I love chocolate and writing, I might never leave my office again. I do often eat lunch, fruit, or vegetables at the computer. It's a good way to get in the veggies. Other foods are off limits because it'd be too easy to take in mindless calories with little or no nutritional value.

But occasionally when I'm under a stressful deadline that requires overtime writing, I will buy one of those huge bags of peanut M&M's, turn the household over to my husband, shut my office door, and break my chocolate rule. I'm a morning writer, but chocolate will keep even me writing all night, if necessary.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
The act of sitting down and seeing that first draft emerge from my imagination, as real to me as anything that is going in the real world, is always magic. Sometimes writing is like slogging through mud, one word at a time, but often I'll hit a time when the story is coming so fast I can barely type in the ideas fast enough. Those are times I live for.

The thing I like least about writing is the business end. It's the accounting part, the tax returns, mailing contracts, letters, and manuscripts. Leaving my family for a book signing or to speak at various places is also a challenge. While I love talking to my readers and enjoy enriching the community, appearances take a heavy toll on me. Something usually suffers when I'm away from home, and you can bet I'm making sure it's not my family. Usually, it's my sleep or my writing time that suffers. I've had to cut way back appearances these past years in order to keep up my writing pace and my health.

What is your next project?
I just finished a manuscript called Eyes of a Stranger that will be out around September 2008. Now I'm working on another novel. I don't even have a working title yet, but the opening scene has a man kidnapping his own child in order to protect her from the mother. The story was inspired by a clip I read in a newspaper some years ago. It has strong potential, and I'm excited to see how it'll turn out.

What is your advice for other writers?
Read everything you can get your hands on in the genre you wish to write. Attend writers conferences, network with other authors, and write regularly. I'm a firm believer in the saying "Writing is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration."

Tell us about your new book.
Fields of Home, published by Shadow Mountain, is not quite like any other book I've published. It's similar to other nationally published women's fiction, though without the smut and questionable values.

After fighting her way through a bitter and hurtful past, my character Mercedes Johnson has painstakingly carved out a life of quiet contentment on a Wyoming farm with her husband, Wayne, and their three sons. All that changes when the birth father of Mercedes’ oldest child returns to Riverton. Dr. Brandon Rhodes threatens the carefully balanced life she and Wayne have created, but especially Mercedes' own perceptions of her life because she still cares for this man who should have been her husband.

In Fields of Home, everything happened because of one decision Mercedes made many years ago, a choice that can never be altered. Or can it? My purpose in writing this book was to tell a story that could belong to any woman. I've found that many of us wonder what might have happened if we had taken a different path at some point in our lives. Where might it have led?

Yes, I've often wondered the same thing. What other work of yours has been published?
As you said, I have twenty-seven book published. Some of the most popular are the Ariana series, originally published by Covenant in 1996. In April/May 2008 Deseret Book is republishing the first three Ariana novels in one book called The Ariana Trilogy. Other books include Winter Fire, No Longer Strangers, Chasing Yesterday, and The Independence Club (a Whitney Finalist novel)--all published by Deseret Book in the past three years. Shadow Mountain also released my novel Flying Home, just last fall. Though I am primarily a novelist, I have two award-winning picture books, The Secret of the King (2005) and Daughter of a King (2001), published by Shadow Mountain and Covenant, respectively. To see all of my titles and read sample chapters, please visit my website, www.RachelAnnNunes.com.

Thank you for being my guest today, Rachel.
Thanks and HAPPY READING!