Michele Ashman Bell

Paul Rimmasch, author of "The Lost Stones"

2012-02-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Rimmasch was born and raised in the Salt Lake Valley. He graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics and a minor in Photography. Paul has spent the last fourteen years working as a Crime Scene Investigator for Weber-Metro CSI and is active in Forensic Science education and Law Enforcement training. He lives in Ogden, Utah, with his wife and three children and is an avid hiker and gardener.
Paul had parlayed a life long interest in Book of Mormon Archaeology and LDS Church History into this, his first novel.

In a recent press release about the book author, Paul Rimmasch, says this about the story;

“The Lost Stones is a story about Ammon Rogers, an Iraqi war veteran who is trying to rediscover his faith after returning from his military service. Ammon is struggling in this process, however, due to the gulf that he perceives to exists between science and religion.”

When Ammon is introduced to a self-styled “forbidden archaeologist” and his daughter, he is plunged into an adventure where he learns that the rift between what he learned in school and what he learned in church is not as wide as he once thought.

“The spiritual and emotional journey Ammon undergoes as the story unfolds mirrors my own,” Rimmasch continues. “As a young person, I had faith and science neatly compartmentalized in separate regions of my intellect. It wasn’t until later that I discovered that there was a whole world of archaeological, anthropological and other evidence that lends credence to matters spiritual. It is a whole world of evidence that mainstream academics in the best case casually dismiss, and in the worst case downright suppress.”

“The Lost Stones is the product of extensive research and contains copious footnotes and an extensive bibliography,” Rimmasch said of his work. “While I definitely want those who read my book to enjoy the adventure and romance of the story, I also want to enlighten and educate the reader.”

The themes of The Lost Stones are extremely relevant today, in a day and age where the drum beat of science seeks to drown out all things divine. “Every person who is conscientiously trying to come to grips with the faith vs. science debate must go through virtually the same process Ammon does in the pages of this book,” argues Rimmasch.

Although written from an LDS (Mormon) perspective, the messages of faith, friendship, and personal discovery will resonate with readers of all faiths.

Interesting Facts:

1600s Mexico- The Aztec Prince Ixtililxochitl writes that the first people to inhabit his land came from the Tower of Babel at the dividing of tongues…Scholars dismiss his writings as myth.
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1800s Mid Western United States- Settlers dig into ancient burial mounds and discover thousands of slate tablets covered with a strange hieroglyphic writing and drawings depicting Jesus Christ…these artifacts are denounced as a hoax.
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1909 Arizona-a newspaper runs a story describing how a cave containing metal artifacts and Egyptian-type hieroglyphics was discovered in the Grand Canyon by a group of Scientists from the Smithsonian Institute…the Smithsonian categorically denies the account.

About the book:
The world of forbidden Book of Mormon archaeology is a world BYU student and Iraqi War veteran Ammon Rogers never knew existed. He is thrust headlong into this world when he asks the enigmatic adventurer John Byrd a simple question. When John is kidnapped in Mexico, Ammon joins forces with John’s beautiful daughter in a desperate attempt to not only save John, but to find his answer…an answer that will change the world…an answer one sinister foe will do anything to suppress.

I found this book exciting and interesting from the very first page. I love the whole premise of the story and appreciated the depth of research that went into Rimmasch's book. The story is a great blend of fact and fiction and kept me entertained the entire time. Great characters, plot twists and turns, and vivid descriptions will make this story come alive. I'm thrilled to know it's the first in a trilogy and can't wait for more!

I was fortunate to be able to interview Paul and find out more about his writing and some background on the book.

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Paul: I’m embarrassed to say that being an author was something to which I never aspired. Writing The Lost Stones was a form of catharsis. The story and characters so preoccupied my thoughts that writing it down was the only way to find peace.

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?

Paul: I have a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science from Weber State University and work as a Crime Scene Investigator. The only writing I did before The Lost Stones was crime scene reports. I know that sounds terrible.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

Paul: I love doing the research. That is the most enjoyable part for me. I also love taking someone to a place they’ve never been before. It is very gratifying when someone comes up to me and says, “Is the stuff you wrote about in chapter twelve real? I’ve never heard of that before.”

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Paul: When I finished the manuscript for The Lost Stones I was pretty pleased with how it had turned out. Ignoring the advice of some friends, who thought I should wait and clean it up first, I submitted it to a publishing company. They turned it down so I sent it off to Cedar Fort. They accepted it and the rest is history. Knowing what I know now about how hard it is to get published I think it was rather naïve of me to send out my first draft like that. But it all worked out.

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Paul: Oh yes! That first rejection letter really stung. It made me definitely question whether I was wasting my time or not. But I got over it. I had a good feeling about my story so I kept on going.

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?

Paul: I squeeze writing in when I can. When I’m in the thick of a project I don’t watch much TV. It’s typical for me to come home from work and write a little bit before dinner. Then I write some more before having to rush off somewhere like the store or to pick up a child from some activity. I’m usually anxious the whole time because I want to finish some scene before I forget something I had in mind. Then I come home and stay up later than I should. That’s the way it goes most of the time.

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is
good enough to write a book about it?

Paul: Most of my ideas for The Lost Stones came from a nationally syndicated overnight radio program called “Coast to Coast AM.” That show has gotten me through many a long night shift. What makes it so wonderful is its eclectic subject matter. They talk about UFOs, ghosts, lost civilizations, ESP, conspiracy theories, alternate energy, astronomy, religion and everything in between. That show is very fertile ground for ideas. A month before my book came out I scored a two-hour interview on that show. It was a great experience.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?

Paul: I can’t really say. The story just crystallized over the course of several years.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

Paul: I went for the trifecta. I hope people are entertained, educated and uplifted. The ending of the book was written to foster hope and faith.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Paul: The story was pretty much outlined in my head before I started. I did write down certain “vignettes” that I didn’t want to lose and had a general event chart but I didn’t have an extensive outline.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Paul: Yes, of course. I have great difficulty writing descriptive sequences. I do much better with dialogue. There are times when I just can’t figure out how to describe a room or a building or whatever. I get through it by trying and re-trying. I’m surprised the “delete” key on my laptop still works. I also tend to get bogged down in the middle of the story. I’m excited to start and to finish but the middle is a slog.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Paul: I don’t actually need quiet. As a father of three active children, I’m not even sure what that word means. I do listen to music at times. In fact, there are certain scenes that have certain songs associated with them in my mind. Listening to that song gets me in the right frame of mind to write that particular scene. The only thing I can’t listen to and write at the same time is someone else reading aloud, like when my wife is reading to the kids. I think it throws the “voice” of my own characters off-kilter.

M.B.: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Paul: So far I have had a concept of what “factual” things I want to cover in my “fictional” work. Doing research into these areas has never let me down. Main plot points have always presented themselves.

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Paul: That is a hard question. The love and support of family and friends has certainly given me the strength to go on when I wondered what I was doing. Style-wise, Michael Crichton and Dan Brown have had the greatest influence on me.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the characters in your books come to life?

Paul: I tried to avoid clichés and stereotypes. I realize that is almost impossible to do completely, but I tried. I am, by no means, a strong writer. My wife was my main reality check. She would “screen” the actions and words of my characters. I relied on her opinion a lot. If Sariah Byrd is a pleasing character to female readers, you can thank my wife.

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

Paul: I haven’t so far. When I wrote The Lost Stones I was so new to the game that I didn’t even know such things existed.

M.B.: What is something about yourself people don’t know?

Paul: I’m addicted to raw sunflower seeds.

M.B.: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Paul: I have a small fridge full of Dr. Pepper right next to my writing desk.

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Paul: Believe in yourself. Don’t let people talk you out of chasing your dream.

M.B.: What are you working on now?

Paul: The manuscript for the sequel to The Lost Stones is finished. I’m currently in the research phase for the third book in that series.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share?

Paul: I have noticed that there are many people who are in love with the “idea” of writing a book but never do it because they are not in love with the hard work and sacrifice that it takes to actually do it. If writing a book is your dream, learn to love the work. Only then will you reach your goal.

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Paul: The Lost Stones is at both Deseret Book and Seagull Book, as well as online at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

Links-
www.loststonesbook.com

www.facebook.com/theloststones

http://www.youtube.com/user/paulrimmasch

For more information on The Lost Stones visit www.facebook.com/theloststones

Bippity Boppity Boo! Creating Magic aka Writing a Novel

2012-02-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

As a published author I am often requested to speak to various groups. In those presentations I find myself attempting to explain how I'm constantly amazed at the creative process and how magical it can be at times.

I find it completely fascinating that a fiction writer can conjure up in their imagination; characters, worlds, dialogue and emotions and then write a story that somehow, at least for me, is as vivid as a movie that plays out in their mind. Then, this story is published and a reader picks up that book and the connection is made and they have their own experience as they are transported to possibly another place and time, even to another world, and they are pulled in and held captive by the magic of the story. In fact, many readers tell me that as they read they too can see a movie playing through their minds.

What is that??? It's magic. Call it imagination, call it synergy, call it crazy if you want, but when that connection is made; from writer's mind to reader's mind, it's pure magic.

I just finished a project and am ready to start on my next one. I have two completely different stories in mind, two completely different genres even. I am not sure which one I want to write first. Again, I have to defer to the magic factor. I've decided to start writing both, and wait for the magic to happen, wait for that moment when my passion for the story and the character's ignites and I can't not write the story.

Many people ask me at the writing/book presentations, "How do you know an idea is good enough to write?"

For me, it's about the passion. If I feel passionate about the story, the story writes itself. If I feel that strongly about the story, chances are, the reader is also going to feel those same emotions. I thought it might be interesting to see what other people said about the "magic formula" for write a best-selling novel. The comments are varied, but all of them, I think, are true.

Here are some of the thoughts I found:

There's no "magic formula," unless you consider writing a great novel with an interesting plot and engaging characters a "magic formula." One of the best pieces of advice I could give a new writer (other than to read, read, read) would be to internalize all the mechanics of plotting, pacing, dialog, etc., and then to turn off the little inner editor and Write, Write, Write.

The only formulaic part of successful writing is as follows: there must be a beginning, middle and end, in which there is a conflict, a resolution, and an emotional payout for the reader.

There is a formula, but it's different for every writer and every book. You have to figure out you own.

There is not one magic formula. Instead there are thousands of them. Maybe hundreds of thousands or even more... because there is one inside the head of every agent and editor and it changes every day as they learn new things and add new variables to it. It also changes based on uncontrollable factors - how tired is the agent/editor when they read it? How annoyed are they? Have they just read an article saying that X concept which is just what you have written is really big right now? Have they read an article which says X is really not selling at the moment? Is the sun on their screen when they read your work?

There are a few things that you can do that will make your novel stand out, and one of the most important is to give the readers something that they haven't seen before - something that is a different than most of the stories that you've heard before.

What are your thoughts? Have you found a tried and true formula that works for you? Do you agree with some of these statements? None of them?

Do you believe in magic?

Faithful, Fit and Fabulous by Connie E. Sokol

2011-12-09T10:05:00.004-07:00

Connie Sokol is the mother of six, a local and national presenter, and a former TV host, radio host, and columnist for Deseret News. She is the author of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color, Life is Too Short for Sensible Shoes, and Are You Ready for a LIFEChange? as well as numerous talk CDs. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time with her family and eating decadent treats.

As a fitness enthusiast I’m always interested in books that can help motivate and inspire me to eat health, stay active and take care of my body. I've learned that these three things aren't just a physical effort, but need to be part of a healthy lifestyle and keeping balance in our lives, which is probably one of the most difficult tasks for women. That's why this book resonated with me. Faithful, Fit and Fabulous by Connie E. Sokol, addresses the importance of healthy eating and exercise, but claims it is just one of eight areas we should focus on, that can help us go from stressed to fabulous in eight weeks.

Faithful, Fit and Fabulous is a book that will help the reader create a life plan and achieve it by setting goals in these areas; Holy Habits, A Person Life Plan, Being Fit & Fabulous, Your Finances, Joy in Womanhood, Balance in Motherhood, Organization, and Relationships.

Filled with humor and “I can relate” life experiences, this book will give you a boost and make you feel like you can do it! Using gospel principles, Connie E. Sokol makes goal-setting fun, simple and rewarding.

With the beginning of new year just around the corner this would make a great gift for others and for yourself!

Visit Connie's web-site HERE

You can purchase the book by clicking HERE

Interview with author Victoria Fielding, author or A Piece of Time

2011-12-02T13:06:00.005-07:00

Victoria Fielding is a mother of six, an educator, and a writer. She is currently the academic director of a residential treatment center for troubled teens in Utah. It is there that she works with some of the best kids in the world. Victoria has had a life-long career in public and private education, having taught all ages, but mostly high-energy teens (and she still has her sense of humor—amazing!). As a classroom facilitator, she has trained professionals in the use of various software packages. Also, she was the state director for Kaplan, a national test prep company.

Victoria has lived a full and abundant life. Her life experience provides much of the background for this novel. Victoria is also mindful of all her ancestors, some of whom play a role in A Piece of Time. Her great, great grandmother, Sarah, really did lose her best friend on the plains; Lillie—who loved Teancum dearly-- really did misplace her button, which became a fob for her father-in-law’s watch; the farm house does exist, as well as the attic bedroom and the card-table gone mad. Lastly, departed loved-ones have indeed returned to warn, to reassure, and to inspire the discovery of a golden find in a barn loft.

Victoria’s real claim to fame is her family of six awesome kids, their spouses, her two grand-daughters, and all of her other grandchildren waiting to take their turn on earth. When she isn’t working with kids or playing with her grandkids, Victoria loves to hike, garden, write, dance, scrapbook, and eat chocolate (yes, she’s addicted to chocolate).

It is Victoria’s sincere hope that when the last page has been read and the book cover closed, you will recall all the times YOU have been prompted, directed, warned, and comforted. WHO are your guardian angels?

Victoria shared with me why she wrote this book and why she feels so strongly about sharing it with others.

Currently I am the Academic Director at a residential treatment center for troubled youth in Springville, Utah. We just keep filling beds. Four years ago, we had a 33-bed facility; then a 38, then a 44-bed Center. Now we are expanding to 60 beds because of the epidemic of addictions, self-harm, attempted suicides, depression and anxiety among our children. This story is dedicated to “the children, the precious children.” Much of this story was literally “given” to me and I felt compelled to write it. This is not an LDS novel but, as Jennie pointed out, draws on concepts held by most Christian faiths. Many Christian youth, teetering on the edge, may never pick up scriptures or a ‘religious book,” but they would pick up a novel like a PIECE OF TIME. It is NOT about the money for me; it IS about the message, and I strongly feel that this book –the Plan of Happiness disguised in a novel format—will make kids think twice about drugs and suicide, and it will motivate them to choose their associations more wisely. Lastly, it will teach them that there IS a PLAN for them. I feel so strongly that--for less than the cost of a pizza--parents, Bishops, ministers, and counselors--can use this book as a tool to help children and adults alike remember their value.

About the book:

This is everyone’s story, not just Lilly Hunt’s.

Like Lilly, who hasn’t endured peer pressure and fought low self-esteem?
Who hasn’t been angry for their losses and heartbroken at losing a loved one?

Whose life hasn’t been impacted with the scourge of an addiction?
Who hasn’t stumbled under the weight of forgiving someone?
Or, harder yet, forgiving oneself?

It isn’t only Lilly who questions why life is so hard, and what IS the point, anyway?

Like Lilly, we wonder—when we set this world down—what will be behind death’s door?
Lilly discovers what lies far beyond that door. And now, you just may too.

This story is for everyone.

My interview with Victoria:

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Victoria: I started writing ‘books’ when I was nine years of age; I started illustrating my books when I was twelve. Those first attempts—fortunately—went the way of my Barbie dolls. Then life caught up with me—college, marriage, six children, divorce, single parenting, working—and writing was set aside until my kids were grown and on their own

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?

Victoria: I learned that I had writing talent from Mrs. Spencer, my senior year English teacher, when she encouraged me to continue writing short stories. However, the only regular writing I did was for the high school newspaper. I graduated with a B.A. from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. I majored in Speech Communications and minored in Business, and earned a secondary teaching certificate. The only writing course I took at the Y was a Creative Writing class. I loved the class but I was under too much pressure with a full course load plus working to invest in classes that were not required; so again, I had to set extra-curricular writing aside.

When I was in the middle of a divorce, I badly needed at outlet for the swirling emotions I was feeling at the time. I enrolled in an exceptional writing course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. After completing the first course, which centered around writing short stories, I was recommended for an advanced course which has helped me immensely in honing my writing skills.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

Victoria: There have been periods of my life that have been so full of learning opportunities that they could have been another, separate life. All of us have much we could share, but I want to know if my writing about them can help someone else find their way through.

It is very rewarding to have others share with me. . .
• “Wow, I felt just like that growing up in a home where my dad struggled with addiction.”
• “I thought it was just me that felt negated as a human being when my spouse was unfaithful.”
• “I never thought I could forgive him/her. But, as you wrote, my progress stopped until I did.”

To be able to strike on a familiar chord is to hopefully help others know they are not alone in their challenges, in their losses, nor in their eventual healing. The light comes.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Victoria: When a writer takes so much time to bring forth a book, it is—in a very real sense—his or her baby. It is awfully hard to turn that baby over to a publishing house that doesn’t view your baby quite as cute or charming as you do. And, being very independent, I have always tended to take the other fork in the road. So, I determined early that I would self-publish. It is not difficult to take the few necessary steps from the final, edited manuscript to a professionally formatted and bound book. And the sense of achievement is so much greater.

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Victoria: I have a very demanding job, and I tend to always have a Church calling, so I have almost nonexistent time to write. I would literally grab a half-hour there, forty-five minutes here--on a Sunday afternoon, on a weeknight before crashing in bed--to try to write a few paragraphs. The discouragement would come when I was “in the zone”, when thoughts were coming fast and furiously, and I would look at the clock to see that it was 3 a.m. Knowing I had to be up in four hours to get ready for work, I would have to stand up and turn off the computer. Hence, the reason it took almost three years for me to write A PIECE OF TIME.

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?

Victoria: I am now writing the sequel to A PIECE OF TIME. The title is A PIECE OF LIGHT. There is nothing that would be more delicious than to be able to write full-time; and I still hope for that. But for right now, it is still grabbing a minute here or there when I still have some functioning brain cells after a long day.

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Victoria: I didn’t. Before I started to write A PIECE OF TIME, I just felt like a book was definitely in me. I prayed for guidance, mentioning that ‘I didn’t know what to write about.’ The answer came: “You have the story. It’s your life.” So, with that directive, I sensed that my ideas were good enough to comprise a book.

With the sequel, A PIECE OF LIGHT, I am in less chartered territory. I feel like I am only a few feet away from a darkened path; but I am confident that as I advance, the path will be lit and the inspiration will come.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?

Victoria: Once I knew that I was to bring various facets of my life into a novel, I grabbed a yellow pad of paper, crawled between the sheets, and--propped up on my pillow—started writing a rough outline of a book. I still have that initial first step, and it isn’t too far removed from the final story of A PIECE OF TIME. Some of the chapters were moved around to better build to the climax, but it is pretty much the original idea.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

Victoria: I sincerely hope that the reader, when he or she turns the last page, will set the book down knowing that we are here to learn, to love, to thrive; no matter what, TO THRIVE. And then we get to go home.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Victoria: I do not rely too heavily on my initial outline, but I do have one. It serves to be just a general guideline so that I do not swerve off the path too drastically. Plus, I want to identify—in that outline-- the key characters initially, their looks, their personalities, their idiosyncrasies, so that they are standing in the wings, there to be called on stage when I am ready for them. Within that wide, fluid perimeter, I just start typing. The thoughts, the feelings, the dialogue comes as I type. I tend to let the character lead me to what is next, and next, and next.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Victoria: I always know what scene should come next. For me, the snag or writer’s block is when I experience absolutely no creativity buzzing inside my head regarding that scene, no inspiration flowing to me. Then I just sit, perched on my chair, staring at a blank screen, knowing that ‘tomorrow is another day.’ Knowing that happens, I now don’t even attempt to sit down and write unless the ideas and thoughts are crowding my mind so much that I feel compelled to get it down on paper.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Victoria: I like to have Enya, Adele, Susan Boyle, Casting Crowns, Paul Potts, the Mormon Tab Choir playing in the distance. They truly help my inspiration.

M.B.: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Victoria: As I go through my daily life, I will hear someone say something funny, and I will grab a notebook I always have with me and write it down. Just a funny phrase, “that is better than a poke in the eye,” or “I feel like death on a cracker.” They will find their way into my book.

Making a thirty-four mile commute twice a day leaves a lot of time for creative processing. The trick is to remember it until I can get somewhere and write it down. The blurb on the back of my book was literally ‘given’ to me when I was driving to work. I screeched into the parking lot, dashed into my office, and grabbed a pen!

When I am reading, if the author writes something that stirs a feeling inside of me, I will write the reaction or feeling in the margin, write “Book #2”, and know that THAT feeling will make it into my next book. A line in a song by Leonard Cohn became the idea for a whole chapter in A PIECE OF TIME. Church talks have been fodder for a lot of ideas that helped form direction for a chapter. I have scraps of paper, several notebooks with scribbles, all having to be sifted through at some point, and assigned to a certain chapter of my book.

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Victoria: Sincerely, knowing that the Lord wants me to write, and that He has a vested interest in what I have to say. I want to write truth. I love fantasy, but would not spend the few precious, spare minutes I have writing of something that is not real. I want to write stories that did happen, can happen, will happen, to all of us. No matter what happens to us, the core of your story and my story is that Christ is there, always, no matter what.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Victoria: I think of a friend or a nemesis from high school, or college, or work, or one of my children. How did they walk, dress, talk, act? My children that were the most difficult to raise are the easiest to bring to life on the page because their behaviors have left an indelible imprint on my brain.

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

Victoria: When I felt I could not possibly polish the manuscript for A PIECE OF TIME more than it was, I copied off twenty-seven copies—at no small expense—and handed it out to friends to pass on to people who did not know me. Their comments were invaluable in helping me tweak the areas that needed some help.

M.B.: What is something about yourself people don’t know?

Victoria: Being a new author, there is tons about me that people don’t know; but as I keep writing, they will.

M.B.: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Victoria: Hot chocolate in the winter, diet Coke in the summer, and almonds

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Victoria: Keep forging ahead. With every paragraph you set down on paper, you are closer to your goal. You have a story inside you. Write it. Share it.

M.B.: What are you working on now?

Victoria: As mentioned, I am working on the sequel, A PIECE OF LIGHT. I deliberately left some major questions unanswered in A PIECE OF TIME. (One reader said that he had such mixed emotions at the end: A part of him cried and wanted to hug me; the other part wanted to slap me). THAT was a real compliment considering that this was not a woman, nor a young adult, but a sixty-ish rough and tough former CIA agent!

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

Victoria: I feel The message of A PIECE OF TIME is very timely for Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day" I hope your readers will be curious enough to seek out A PIECE OF TIME . Judging by the reaction I have received from a few hundred plus readers, they will not be disappointed. The two main reactions have been:

(1) “I Looooovvvvvved it” , and

(2) “Weeks later, I am STILL thinking about it; I will have to read it again.”

This book holds the interest of readers twelve years of age on up, with more than a few saying that this book has been life-changing for them.

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Victoria: A PIECE OF TIME is on Amazon (also on the Kindle), as well as in a few selected Costco’s along the Wasatch Front (Murray, West Valley, and soon Lehi and Orem). You can also refer to victoriafielding.com for the story behind the story. I would SO APPRECIATE hearing their honest opinion of A PIECE OF TIME. Lastly, Jennie Hansen recently reviewed the book for Meridian Magazine, on line. It was a great review!

Visit Victoria's blog HERE

Wolfhound, by new author, Kindal Debenham

2011-11-11T10:20:00.004-07:00

Telling stories has been a part of Kindal Debenham’s life ever since he first put down a book, looked around and asked himself ‘But what happened next?’ That question led him to write his own stories to find the answer he was looking for, and from then on he was hooked. Writing became a passion that followed him through school and led him to the writing group where he met his incredible wife-to-be, Emily. Somehow, she continues to tolerate him, and they recently had their first baby girl, born in March 2011. Writing has brought him this far, and he hopes it will continue to accompany him for the rest of his life. He’s still trying to find the answer to what happens next, and he is grateful to all those who are supporting him in his journey. Thanks for your support, and he hopes you enjoy the story!

About the book:
Ensign Jacob Hull never intended to be a hero. As a newly commissioned officer in the Celostian Navy, his goal was to serve well until the day he could retire. Then disaster strikes on his first cruise aboard the CNS Wolfhound, and he will have to display all the courage, skill and determination he has in order to keep the remaining crew members out of danger. Because if he does not, the only ones to tell the tale will be prisoners of war—if there are any left at all.

My Interview with Kindal:

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

AUTHOR: Well, I’ve always had the dream to become an author. I have always loved to tell stories, and my first real book was one I tried to write and refine as a high school student. As for when I decided to try to be a professional author instead of just writing in my spare time, that choice came much more recently. Basically it took me trying two different career paths and realizing that the only thing I was going to get excited about doing for the rest of my life was writing. And so here we are!

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?

AUTHOR: I graduated in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University. As you might imagine, that gives me a bit more of a scientific outlook when I’m writing a story. As for my writing background, besides the tinkering I did in high school, I took just about every creative writing class I could fit into my schedule. I was also a part of a writing group set up by a local science fiction and fantasy club at BYU, named Quark. That kind of formed the basis for my writing up until now.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

AUTHOR: It’s a combination of things, really. Writing is one of the best ways to explore new ideas and concepts, and I love the feeling of creating a totally new world for my characters to run around in. The independence a writing career gives me is incredibly nice as well. Not having to accommodate other people’s concerns or schedules just to do my work is a really big bonus as well. Combine all of that with the sense of satisfaction that you get when you finish a good story and the enjoyment that other people can get out of it, and there’s no better career path than this one for me.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

AUTHOR: As an independent author, it was a bit different than what I assume most writers would go through. While I didn’t have to wait for agent responses or negotiate contracts with publishers, I did need to find my own cover artist and copy editor, and will need to market my own book. I was fortunate that my wife Emily is such an able manager. Her brother, Paul Hamblin, was the genius behind our book cover, and we’ve managed to organize everything else as well.

M.B.: I really love the cover. It really helps set up the story. So, were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

AUTHOR: Part of writing is getting discouraged every now and then. The fact is, most people are going to look at you like you’re a bit crazy, and to be honest most of us are. Rejection can get pretty rough sometimes as people disagree with the way you are writing something, or want to ‘help’ you choose an alternate, more profitable career path. That’s just how it goes.
In dealing with that sort of thing, I’ve found it useful to keep in mind that there is discouragement and obstacles in every career path. For every starving writers and artists out there, there are just as many doctors and lawyers scraping the bottom of the barrel or dropping out to pursue other careers. You have to remind yourself that not everyone is going to like what you write, and that not everyone is going to appreciate what you’re trying to do and how. The important thing is to remain committed to your course and find your own way through the obstacles you face. Don’t let a few failures ruin your vision.

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?

AUTHOR: I think that depends on your point of view. My wife thinks I’m mildly crazy, but I’m betting people like Brandon Sanderson wouldn’t be very impressed. I typically write about twelve thousand new words a week when I am working on just one book. Most of the time I tend to be rewriting one book while I write the first draft of another one. That means I usually write about six to eight thousand new words on one book while I rewrite about ten to twelve thousand words on another one. I’d write more, but the full time job kind of takes up too much of my time for that to work.

M.B.: That's some serious discipline. I'm impressed! Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is
good enough to write a book about it?

AUTHOR: Basically, if I’m excited to read my own story I decide it will be good enough to write about. After all, if I’m not excited about it than no one else will be either. I grab my ideas from anywhere I can, really. Articles I find that pique my interest, concepts I discover in other people’s writing, even the occasional song on the radio. Most of my best ones come from a combination of ideas that I found interesting. Things just kind of all fit together sometimes, and out comes a new idea.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?

AUTHOR: Well, there wasn’t really a specific moment when Wolfhound came together for me. It was actually much more of a progress, or maybe a recipe. I started out with an idea for a science fiction book based around some of the heroes I’d learned about when I was young. I threw in some ideas from the USS Constitution and the War of 1812, as well as some other themes I was thinking about at the time. It all kind of mixed together well.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

AUTHOR: Well, I wrote Wolfhound at a time when I was feeling a bit discouraged at the course my life was taking. In essence, it is a story about how someone can face all the obstacles and disasters that this life can throw at us, and how that person can choose to rise above those challenges instead of being crushed by them. In a way, that’s what I came away with from writing Wolfhound, and I would hope that my readers are able to have that as well. Along with an intense appreciation for railguns and explosions, of course.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

AUTHOR: I come up with a lot of story ideas a bit out of the blue. I typically have a bunch of facts, possible plots and story ideas all running through my head, and occasionally some of them just happen to mix together and form an idea compelling enough that I have to write it down. From there, I tend to sketch out a rough outline of where I am going to go with the story, but I never consider myself bound to it. If the story starts to bend a bit out of line from where I was originally going to go with it, I let it happen. Writing is always at least half structured planning and half lucky discovery for me.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

AUTHOR: I hit writer’s block for one of three reasons. Either I’ve burned out, I don’t know where I’m going next, or the previous section is bad enough that I need to rewrite it before I move on. Burning out is a result of my own reckless behavior; I’m still new enough at this career path that I look at a project and say “Hey, I can work a full time job and still revise half a book this week.” It…doesn’t always work out that well. Rest can really help with that problem. If I don’t know where I am going next, it is a very good time to sit down and sketch out a better outline of where the story will go, which will get me excited enough to start in again. As for writing the occasional bad section, that happens every so often when I am working on a first draft. It’s like replacing a bad foundation so that the rest of your building can stand strong.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

AUTHOR: I don’t need absolute quiet to write—if I did there wouldn’t be much opportunity for me to get anything done! Occasionally I do listen to music. Certain songs can help me to get into a particular perspective for my stories and characters.

M.B.: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

AUTHOR: Inspiration from music, history and other works of literature are typically what I try to draw on. I’ve tried to draw on the people I see as the heroes of the past in order to create my characters, and the stories of people who have faced the kind of challenges that my characters have to face are a big help in that way. Coupled with the right kind of a theme song, it can really create something that is interesting to read.

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

AUTHOR: My wife. Without her none of my efforts would have ever amounted to much. She’s the one who has always encouraged me in this career path, and she has never questioned my ability to do what needed to be done. Of course, she also seems to have ended up with the marketing brains as well, so that helps me be able to focus on the writing while she helps me that way.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

AUTHOR: Practice. Lots and lots of practice. Along with some very, very patient editors. I’ve also found that the more I talk with other people and interact with them on a social level, my dialogue improves. Working in the emergency room can provide the opportunity to talk to a lot of different people, so that may have helped.

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

AUTHOR: Absolutely. The writing group that I have now is crucial to me as I’m trying to refine my work. Each person that reads my rougher drafts provides a good perspective on how the book can improve, and it really helps to get the words looked over by someone who isn’t making the same assumptions that I am about what I’ve actually written.
The other reason I’ve appreciated my writing group so much is the support. It makes a world of difference when you have a group of people actually interested in your crappy story. When someone tells you that they really enjoyed something you’ve written, it gives you a wonderful burst of enthusiasm to tackle to next part of the story. That alone makes the group worth it.

M.B.: Which of your books is your favorite, and why?

AUTHOR: Honestly, it depends on the mood I’m in. Wolfhound and its sequel, Badger, are good for when I want a rough and tumble science fiction adventure. Iron Angels works when I want a story with giant space robots and relationship issues. The Hector Kingsley series sates any need that I have for Victorian prose, steampunk ingenuity, and sarcasm flavored intrigue. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that my mood tends to effect what I’m working on, now that I think about it.

M.B.: What is something about yourself people don’t know?

AUTHOR: I place next to no importance on being called the correct name. I once spent an entire semester of college being called Paul. Okay, so it was just the one class, but the pattern kind of continues from there. For instance, my Quark writing group—including my future, lovely wife—only knew me by the name Jakeson for the first three months I attended. That’s probably more the effect of having a weird first name that lots of people pronounce wrong though.

M.B.: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

AUTHOR: Popcorn. Contributes to the cinematic flow of my writing. ☺

M.B.: LOL! What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

AUTHOR: Don’t give up, and don’t overlook the opportunities you are given. There are plenty of people willing to help you learn what you need to know, and the nature of publishing today is open enough that anyone who is willing to work hard enough at it will have at least some success. Just don’t let the occasional failure or discouraging friend turn you away from what you really love.

M.B.: What are you working on now?

AUTHOR: I’ve just finished the second draft of Badger, the sequel to Wolfhound. Now I’m working on the second book of the Hector Kingsley series, a steampunk detective novel called The Continued Adventures of Hector Kingsley: Mysteries in Whitechapel. I’m also trying to revise another book called Iron Angels at the same time. As you can see, I keep myself a little bit busy.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

AUTHOR: Just thanks for the interview! I really appreciate the chance to talk about my work. Anyone else interested in what I’m up to can visit my blog at www.platmeusa.blogspot.com. Hope all goes well for you!

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

AUTHOR: Wolfhound will be going up on Smashwords and Amazon. People can also order my books through Wandering Leaf Publishing’s website. The book will go up on November 28th.

My thanks to Paul Jakeson Kindal Debenham! Check out his blog and watch for the release of this amazing book!

Great organization to help children - My Own Pet Balloon

2011-11-06T21:41:00.002-07:00

Loyalty, friendship and fun create a special connection between a child and a pet comparable to few other things. Canines for Disabled Kids, a non-profit organization, is helping children with disabilities gain independence and participate more fully in society. This meaningful interaction helped inspire the MyOwnPet balloon line, allowing children to simulate that experience (using a little imagination) with any animal. Right now, for every MyOwnPet balloon purchased, $5 will go directly to help Canines for Disabled Kids.
Balloon artist Treb Heining turned an unlikely skill and a daydream into a worldwide industry. While working as a balloon vendor at Disneyland at age 15, Treb discovered he was a wizard at tying balloons. He dreamed of turning his unusual talent into a career and the results have dazzled millions of people around the world. Over the past 40 years, he has invented awe-inspiring displays and stunning spectaculars, including balloon arches, columns, lettering, sculptures and more. Treb also invented the most popular balloon in the world, the magical Mickey Mouse “Balloon within a Balloon.” Here are just a few highlights of his amazing career where he has taken balloon art to new heights:
• 16 Super Bowls.
• Seven Academy Awards ceremonies.
• Two presidential inaugurations.
• Three Guinness world records.
• The 200th Anniversary of the U.S. Constitution
In addition, 2011 will be Treb’s 20th year as the Times Square “Confetti King,” responsible for dropping upwards of 3,000 pounds of confetti on New Year’s Eve.
Now, with MyOwnPet Balloons, Heining brings the fun to your home with a whole menagerie of inflatable pets to capture the imagination of the young and young at heart.

You can visit the web-site HERE

New Releases - Christmas Notes by Clint G. Cox - enter TODAY to win an autographed copy! Also, a new version of Candle in the Window available!

2011-10-18T13:30:00.007-06:00

It should be obvious by now that I am a Christmas addict. I love the beautiful decorations, the inspiring music, the uplifting stories, and the wonderful feeling of love and brotherhood that people share. That's why I'm excited to tell you two things.

First . . . the book, Christmas Notes is a wonderful story that has a very special message. Here's a little more info about it.

"Christmas Notes is an emotional life-pondering story that teaches a grand Christmas message." --Merrill Osmond, Entertainer

Bah! Humbug! That is Max’s attitude toward everything, including Christmas. The reason for it is uncertain but it has been building up inside him for a long time. When his wife wants to take an orphan child for one month during the Christmas season, he reluctantly agrees. Feeling inadequate to be a father to an orphan child for a short time and his bad attitude toward the season, he isn’t in the best of moods. After picking up the five-year-old girl from the orphanage, something begins to happen to him. Day by day, his heart begins to soften and his relationship with his wife improves. His attitude begins to change for the better. Could this one small girl affect his life so much? But that’s not all. There’s much more! This precious darling changes everyone’s life.

Book Give-Away October 10 - 17: To win Christmas Notes, leave a comment about this interview with your e-mail. International.
Lave a comment at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the relationship between Max and his wife. They are such a fun and cute couple. This story is filled with compassion, love, and humor. But make sure you have a hanky ready for those very tender moments. You’ll need it! “Christmas Notes” will touch your heart as it did mine.

Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of a historical sweet romance series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” and a mystery series, “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”

ALSO ANNOUNCING!!!!!

My illustrated book, "A Candle in the Window" is going to be re-released this year in a soft cover, small-sized booklet. It will retail for around $3.50 to $4.00. Perfect price and perfect gift for family, friends, neighbors and teachers. I'm always happy to send autographed copies to you.

Have a great day! Thanks for following my blog.

The Gift You Give Yourself.

2011-09-02T09:02:00.000-06:00

This has nothing to do with writing. It is still a message I am anxious and passionate to share.

PLEASE GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!

My sweet mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 months ago. After a double mastectomy and months of chemotherapy we thought she had it beat. 2 months ago we found out the cancer had returned and was terminal. Any day now she will leave this mortal existence and pass to the other side. She has been valiant throughout this journey. She has maintained her sense of humor and delightful outlook on life. She has been an example of enduring to the end. I am so sad she is leaving us. She is only 68 years old.

She hadn't had a mammogram in 10 years.

Please, please, please don't put off your mammograms, or your colonoscopies, or your annual exams.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Spread the word.

Conversations with a Moonflower by author Chris Hall - A MUST READ!!!!

2011-08-29T12:30:00.006-06:00

I am thrilled to have a chance to be part of the blog tour for Conversations with a Moonflower, a book by new author Chris Hall.

Whenever I read a book that I love, I want to tell everyone about it in hopes that they will have the same experience I had reading it. That's how I feel about this incredible book. One way or another the messages in this book will speak to you, warm you soul and touch your heart.

The writing is inviting and personable and each chapter gives the reader an "aha" moment of introspection and connection. It's delightful and insightful.

From the back of the book:

What on earth had just happened to me? It was a plant, for heaven's sake! And with the exception of the bright yellow blooms, it looked more like a weed than anything you would purposely put in a garden. But this mysterious plant had captivated me, and I couldn't wait to tell the others what I had seen.

Chris's life is anything but peaceful when she returns to Carraugus County to clean out her deceased grandmother's home. But her life changes forever when an Amish woman invites her to watch a moonflower open. Chris never would have believed that a simple plant could lead her on such a remarkable journey — a journey that would remind her of truths she had long ago forgotten.

This debut by Chris Hall is guaranteed to uplift and inspire long after the story ends.

Once in a great while a book comes along at the exact moment you need it and changes your life. Let Conversations with a Moonflower be that for you as it has been for me. Thank you Chris. I will bloom as soon as I'm ready. — Amanda Dickson, radio announcer and author.

I asked the author a few questions that I had about her and the story and thought you might enjoy reading what she had to say.

1) Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My inspiration came from my moonflower itself. Within minutes of seeing the first moonflower open at our Amish friend's home, I felt as if it was speaking to my heart. After I brought the moonflower back to Utah and planted in our yard, I spent many, many evenings sitting quietly - waiting for it to bloom and I always learned something as I waited.

As the summers passed, I became accustomed to learning something new whenever I would sit quietly with it. The lessons I learned were profound to me - and yet so universal.

Those first summers after we brought the moonflower home, it was unusual to not have a number of visitors come to our home close, to sunset. They would bring lawn chairs and blankets and sit quietly with their children and grandchildren, as they waited for the moonflower to begin blooming. As I would listen to their reactions to this amazing plant, I began to realize how much it was touching everyone, and they my friends were also feeling peace as they watched it open.

2) In the story you talk about the Amish. For those of us who haven't interacted with them, what would we be surprised to know about them?

The Amish are a people known for simplicity in their dress and lifestyle, but what might surprise people is to know how much we are alike. Amish are devout Christians and their lives are centered around their families.

The Amish are averse to technology because they feel it weakens the family structure. The conveniences that the rest of us take for granted, such as electricity, television, automobiles, telephones and even tractors, are considered to be a temptation that could cause vanity, create inequality, or lead the Amish away from their families and their close-knit community.

They are devoted to their families and they laugh and have fun just as we do. They find joy in their daily lives. But they seemingly live their lives in a much quieter, less demonstrative way. To be among them almost feels like you are watching a movie that is just a little slower motion than we are used to, with the volume turned down.

I think when you get to know an Amish family, you would be surprised, not just with the serenity of their lives, but also by how their serenity calms and slows you down too.

3) What was your experience like writing this story?

It has been a remarkable experience for me from the beginning - and completely unexpected. I had never thought about writing a book. But a few years ago, ideas began to come clearly to my mind whenever I was out working in my yard, and somehow I just knew it was important for me to write the thoughts down before I forgot them. So I would leave my flowerbeds and go straight to my computer and type until I had all the ideas out but I had no idea what I was going to do with whatever I was writing.

After a few weeks, I realized that I was writing a book. The thoughts that were coming to me weren’t really organized into chapters or even topics, and I didn’t know what to do with all of it, but I just kept writing down the ideas as they came. By September, I felt a sense of urgency to begin organizing all these pages and pages of ideas into chapters and begin writing the book. I was aware that part of my sense of urgency was to get all of my ideas written while they were still fresh and clear in mind.

But I had a full-time job, a large family, and a very time-consuming responsibility in my church. I found it increasingly hard to find a block of time long enough that I could actually focus.

One night, the thought clearly came to me that I needed to ask the partners in the firm I work for if I could change my hours for a few months so that I worked longer days Monday through Thursday, and take Friday off. I promised them that as soon as it was finished, I would return to my regular schedule and they graciously agreed. (The best part is that about six weeks later our company switched over to a four-day workweek.) With Fridays off, I now had blocks of time to write and the book was finished in a few months.

After I finished the book, I spent the next 15 or 16 months editing it. I have a dear friend who is a professional editor. She read the manuscript and loved the story and was anxious to help me. But she was working about 70 hours a week at her own job. She would read the manuscript and make suggestions of things I needed to change or rewrite. It would often take me a month to make the changes before I got it back to her. There were a few times when a month or two would go by before she had time to look at it again. The manuscript went back and forth for about 16 months. I was hesitant to submit it, because every time I read through it I found more things I had missed, but finally, last September, we both decided the time had come to submit it.

4) How did you find a publisher for your book?

About six months before I submitted the manuscript, I spent hours on the Internet, researching everything I could find on all the publishing companies in Utah. There were several that looked interesting, but I kept seeing one name come up: Cedar Fort Publishing. The only problem was that CF required a chapter synopsis to be submitted with the manuscript. For most authors, this would probably be an easy task - but I couldn't figure out how to do it. When I don’t know what I’m doing, I can put something off for weeks, but I finally began the process in September. During that time, another friend suggested I send the manuscript to a different publisher who had much easier submission requirements, so I did. But I kept working on the chapter synopsis, getting ready to submit everything to Cedar Fort.

One morning, near the end of October, I took a couple of hours off from work and drove down to Cedar Fort in Springville and hand-delivered my manuscript. As soon as I walked in the building I had such a great feeling about them, (which was the reason I wanted to drive down rather than submit it electronically. I wanted to get a feel for who they were.) I have been so pleased that they published it. I could not have hoped for a better place to be.

5) What do you hope readers will get from your book?

I hope my readers will get a sense of how unique and amazing they are, and know that their lives have a divine purpose, which is unique to them. The chapter, "Exactly As I Am” summarizes the most important lesson I learned from the moonflower, and what I hope my readers will also learn. Let me share a short portion of that chapter:

One afternoon, as I sat on the bench with my moonflower, I wanted to ask it one more question before winter set in.

“Have you ever wished you were different?” I finally ventured.
“Like what?” the plant responded.
“Well, like a flower that smelled really beautiful, or one that bloomed in the day when everyone could see you. Not many people know anything about a moonplant unless they happen to come by at sunset when you are blooming. They never know how enchanting you are. I just wondered if you have ever wished that you were a rose, or a lily, or even a daisy.” The plant was quiet for several minutes, but when it answered, its voice was thoughtful and gentle.
“It has never occurred to me to try to be anything but what I am,” the plant began. “I know who and what I am. I know better than anyone what I can do and be. I wasn’t created to have an intoxicating smell that would become perfume, or to be used in floral arrangements that would grace the most joyful and sorrowful occasions in people’s lives. I was created to instill a sense of wonder in those who come my way, to help them slow down, ask questions, and listen. I know who I am and what my work is. I am a unique and amazing creation, and I have much to share exactly as I am.”

My greatest hope is that my readers will also come to know that same thing for themselves.

6) Are you working on anything now?

I have a second book in the works. And by “in the works” I mean that once again, I have many, many pages written but I’m not quite sure what to do with them or where all of this is leading me. I once heard a toddler described as “A little child who has learn how to walk but has no destination in mind!” I feel a little bit that way about my second book. But I am having such a great time with Conversations with a Moonflower, so I keep writing the thoughts that come to me, and have great faith that when the time is right, it will become clear to me what I need to do.

Thanks so much, Chris.

Make sure you pick up a copy of Conversations with a Moonflower for yourself, and while you're at it, get a few more copies. This book would be a perfect gift for anyone.

You can find Chris's book at: Barnes and Noble, Deseret Book, Cedar Fort or Amazon.com.

To learn more about Chris and her books you can visit her web-site, click HERE

2011-07-31T07:42:00.000-06:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

Interview with Silvina B. Niccum, author of Veiled

2011-07-19T15:41:00.006-06:00

Silvina B. Niccum was born in Rosario, Argentina and raised in Buenos Aires. Her family immigrated to the US, when she was fourteen. She attended the University of Utah and studied Spanish Literature. Silvina now lives in Dallas, TX. with her husband and her three homeschooled children.

Tess is an unborn spirit, who is about to embark on a much awaited journey into mortality to a brand new planet called Earth. She is chosen by the Eternals for an important mission, and is put under a rigorous training by a half-human, half-lion Seraph. This training exposes Tess to some of her darkest fears and insecurities. These experiences force Tess to work on her gift as a discerner of thoughts and reader of auras—thus helping her become one of Heaven’s most powerful angels. But even angels falter, and deep inside her a gnawing fear is growing. Will she meet her soul mate in life? Will their love be strong enough to overcome the forgetting effects of the Veil? And, is she prepared to take on the responsibility of keeping the most dangerous renegade and leader of the Fallen Angels at bay during mortality?

I had an opportunity read Silvina's book and was amazed at the creativity and imagery of this story. The author paints a vivid picture of a pre-earth existence and the training and preparation required before coming to earth. Silvina's writing is fresh and fun and the story is interesting and captivating. I enjoyed reading about the main character, Tess, and her friends as they interact with other spirits and learn about their own gifts and strengths that will help them when they finally go to earth. A fascinating read that is both thoughtful and entertaining.

Silvina was kind enough to answer some questions about her journey to becoming an author.

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

AUTHOR: When I was in fourth grade, our teacher taught us how to make little books of our own with staples. We were supposed to do one for school, but I ended up making a whole bunch of them. In fact, I don’t think I ever stopped making them, but that is the earliest memory I have of wanting to be an author, luckily I never gave up on that dream!

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?

AUTHOR: I studied Spanish Literature in College, but the best “background” that anyone can boast of (in my opinion) is writing a lot and reading a lot. English is my second language, so in High School I actually had to work very hard to learn English. I actually had to look up every word in the translation dictionary, just so I could get my homework done. Tenacity and a love for reading were my best tutors, and still are. I think a lot can be accomplished that way.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

AUTHOR: We were made to do something in life; I believe this with all my heart. We were all put on Earth to DO something. Once we find what that something is, we feel it in our bones, it becomes part of us, it runs through our veins and we just have to do it! And when we do…we feel happy and truly alive!

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

AUTHOR: I queried agents, much like everyone else. But one day a friend of mine put me in touch with another friend who had just gotten picked up by a publisher. I queried TreasureLine Books & Publishing and about a month later I was on board! It was, as anyone could imagine, a great feeling to know your book was going to be in print. But the other side of it was the fact that they found the topic interesting. Outside the LDS world, the pre-existence is unfathomable. I wrote Veiled with this in mind, I didn’t want it to be an LDS audience only book, I wanted people from any Christian religion to read it, enjoy it and speculate.

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

AUTHOR: I think we all feel discouraged at one point or another. Sending queries out was not my favorite thing in the world, but I felt empowered by the fact that I was working toward something. I felt very strongly that Veiled should be published; I knew it wasn’t perfect, but I was willing to fix it until it was.
Sometimes I still feel a little discouraged if I hear that someone didn’t like my book for whatever reason…but así es la vida…opinions and butts…we all have one!

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?

AUTHOR: I wake up at 5 am every morning excluding Sundays. I workout, read scriptures, then write for two hours until my kids wake up and my husband comes to eat breakfast! Then my day as a home schooling mom starts! At 2:30 pm I take a mandatory 30 min. siesta and my kids get to read or watch TV. After that, my kids get free time and I sit at the computer to blog, promote and check emails. Then dinner, baths, scriptures, and bed!

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

AUTHOR: I have way too many ideas all the time about all kinds of different books and stories. For the Veiled series I have a pretty clear picture of what the whole series will be like. I know the characters and I know how they would each react to whatever I feel like subjecting them to. I usually run scenarios in my head while I clean the house. Then I put them on paper, then edit until the thought or scene is just right. Most of my ideas though, come from the scriptures themselves. I might read a few words that send my mind in a total whirlwind! I speculate what was meant by that particular word. Then I look up the same scripture in my Spanish scriptures and see how that specific word was translated and what meaning it carries. Then I let my mind loose and loose it gets…I wouldn’t put any stock on my speculations…but they sure make for a fun ride.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?

AUTHOR: I was studying the Pearl of Great Price in Abraham. I was reading about the pre-existence, and then the thought of the veil popped into my head and the question arose— how did we feel standing there, ready to cross over, knowing that we would soon forget everything and everyone?
Then the two main characters came to me, their plight and their fears. I started writing right away the last chapter of my book. Every day after that more and more ideas kept coming and I felt so frustrated because I had no time to write them all. It was like a faucet was turned on full blast and I only had a tablespoon to catch it with.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

AUTHOR: Fun. I want everyone to just sit back and enjoy the ride. I’m not pretending to be very deep or very profound. I wrote this for fun and I want people to read it for the same reason. For those who don’t know the Plan of Salvation, I would like for them to open their minds to the possibility of pre-mortal life. So far I’ve had a great response from those of other faiths; the idea resonates with all of us.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

AUTHOR: I had no set plans when I started writing Veiled. The story came to me in chunks, as vivid as a movie in my head. It came complete with all the supernatural characters and a picture of Heaven (to me it looked like a Thomas Kinkade painting). I wrote just to see what would happen next; my subconscious seemed to know the story.

But I’m a huge fan of outlines and summaries. So to keep the time line coherent I eventually came up with a summary. I’ve been doing the same with the second book that I’m currently writing. So the answer I guess is Yes, both.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

AUTHOR: I think that blocks come when you’re spending too much time writing and not enough time living your own life. I experienced this when I binged one day on writing. I burned out and I got stuck. My mind was tired and I got sick of the story. After that I wrote for only two hours a day and that was it! I’ve had more success this way. While I’m not physically writing, I let the story simmer in my head. I run through several scenarios of how things could work out, and then I pick the best.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

AUTHOR: I do need quiet. In fact I need quiet and semi darkness. The screen light is enough. I also need Yerba Mate that I drink the traditional Argentine way, out of a wooden cup and a metal straw. (I’ll give you a picture) Yerba Mate has no caffeine, but it derives from it, it’s non habit forming but does have mind alerting properties like the Brazilian Guarana.

M.B.: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

AUTHOR: Music. That’s perhaps one of the most inspiring tools. Life in general too. I like to people watch, and I examine how they behave. In my mind I narrate in 3dr person what I see as if I were writing it all down. It’s a great exercise!

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

AUTHOR: My mom. She’s been my teacher and mentor since I was little. She is a Literature Professor, and the first person I showed my finished draft. It was scary because she is not an overindulgent parent. In fact she is unable to give a fake compliment. She is painfully honest and she also happened to write a 500 page dissertation on verbs! So when I got her stamp of approval, I knew I could proceed.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

AUTHOR: Making great characters is hard. They need time to become whole. I think that as the story progresses so does your knowledge of the characters. Then you need to go back to the beginning and implement the changes based on what you know of them.

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

AUTHOR: I have trusted friends and family members who read my work and who speculate with me. I belong to writers’ guilds, but I don’t attend meetings because I have no time. But I can always find a willing friend who wants to proof read for me, and I tell them to be brutally honest. I have thick skin.

M.B.: What is something about yourself people don’t know?

AUTHOR: Hmm…I went to Culinary School and I love to cook from scratch. Bread, Tofu, Yogurt, raw chocolate bars, crackers, Rice Milk, Almond Milk, Hemp seed milk. I also sprout all the time…I’m not vegan or raw foodist, but…I’m a bit of a health nut-a-holic. I also do Yoga with incense and I home school my kids.

M.B.: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

AUTHOR: Mate with crackers.

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

AUTHOR: Live your life as it now is, enjoy the journey! Read a lot, work on your book every day and never give up.

M.B.: What are you working on now?

AUTHOR: I’m writing the sequel to Veiled, it’s called Living Soul and it chronicles the main character’s life on Earth. The third book, Endless, is in my head. It covers the afterlife and will finish this particular project. I do have 5 other summaries that I’ll tackle once this series is done.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

AUTHOR I think I’ve said enough!

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

AUTHOR: My web site http://www.sbniccum.com or www.amazon.com type in Veiled by S.B. Niccum, otherwise you’ll get to see a whole lot of cleavage! =)

Also you can click HERE to go to Silvina's awesome blog.

Silvina will be giving away a copy of her book, Veiled, to one lucky reader. All you need to do is comment on this post and you will be eligible to win.

Hula Hooping Exercise

2011-07-05T15:15:00.002-06:00

Hula Hooping Exercise

Anyone interested in joining me for a class leave a post and I will give you my schedule!

Interview with Elizabeth Mueller, author of Darkspell

2011-06-29T16:18:00.005-06:00

It is such a thrill to introduce new and upcoming bestselling author, Elizabeth Mueller. Elizabeth and I met a year and a half ago and have been friends ever since. She's a beautiful, giving, talented and dynamic woman and her book is out of this world!

Here is a little background on Elizabeth:

I'm a mother of four wonderful kidlets who, more often than not, drive me nuts. I'm very grateful that I can be home at the crossroads for my children and have been blessed with that privilege. I've been writing for as long as I can remember.
I've finished 8 novels, and 3 children's books and have tons more stories waiting to be told. I believe with all of my heart that it takes a lot of guts to be a writer--especially an aspiring author. There are so many rules to be learned, mountains to conquer, and many layers of skins to grow (yet, be teachable at the same time).
I have done most of my growing the past few years. I don't know what my Father in Heaven has planned for me, but I have no doubt that I am destined for great things. It is my desire to be a mentor to those who dream to reach beyond themselves.
If you ever need cheering, a friend, or anything at all--you can always count on me! ;)
*I've recently been picked up by TreasureLine Books. I felt like a dog chasing the proverbial car. Now that I've caught it, what do I do next? I've worked myself sick with worry. I didn't jump right away at the chance when they loved Darkspell, but I prayed and prayed and prayed if this was what I should do. After much consideration and twisting nausea, I listened to the Lord and said yes.

I got to interview Elizabeth and I think you'll have as much fun as I did getting to know her.

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

ELIZABETH: I’ve always enjoyed writing. It wasn’t until 2009 that I had a sudden passion for becoming published.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

ELIZABETH: The first thing that comes to mind is escapism—ideas, characters, plots and settings flow so freely, it’s better than movies! I feel alive and powerful every time I write.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

ELIZABETH: I felt like a dog who finally caught the proverbial car. Now what? I got sick to my stomach. Really. I didn’t jump at the first chance and say yes, but I prayed and studied up on the company to make sure we were a good match even though I was the one that submitted. Crazy, isn’t it?

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

ELIZABETH: I know it’s good enough when I can touch, see, taste, hear and feel the world in its seedling stage. When passion moves me and the story just blooms wide.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

ELIZABETH: I’m hoping that they know that staying true to yourself by following your dreams is certainly achievable!

About Darkspell:

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.
As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.
Will love prove thicker than magic?

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

ELIZABETH: First an idea floats by and I pluck it from the air and entertain it. I wonder how a person would react if placed in a certain situation and how others would respond to him or her. The story just widens the more I think on it. I jot down a rough summery or introduction to get my magic flowing for later if I’m unable to do it right then and there.

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

ELIZABETH: My husband. He has always supported my drive for writing and has always had faith that I would become published. I am endearingly indebted to him!

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

ELIZABETH: Not during my writing process. I have many writerly friends whom I trust and go to any one of them if I need to bounce ideas. When I’m done with a story, I send it off to several non-writing but avid readers, as well as writing friends for general feedback. I have to admit that critique groups scare me—not in the way you may think.

I can take a criticism, it’s having to read ten different papers from five different people within a week—adding to the weight of my own writing! Don’t get me wrong, I’m always helping others with their writing. Always. I’m very independent that way, but they are also willing to help me in return.

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

ELIZABETH: Always make sure your book is ready for submission. I know that you’ve been working on it for ages and you’d like to see it off and away. Ask yourself this: Is it really ready to be on the shelves? If it’s hard to imagine, then imagine printing it up and handing it out to people who intimidate you. What do you think they’ll say? Can you feel questions and concerns rising already? Address those now while you still can!

It could either make you look bad or great. Do you want to promote something that could embarrass you?

Can you tell I’ve learned the hard way?

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

ELIZABETH: Follow your dreams!

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

ELIZABETH: My book releases fall of 2011, but please keep tabs over at my website for updates! Here are the places where you can buy my books: Amazon.com, the TreasureLine Books online bookstore, Barnes & Noble ebook and paperback, ebooks: B&N, Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Borders, Diesel, Sony, and Scrollmotion.

You will be able to order/reserve a personalized copy through my website soon!

Please join me in my celebration for Darkspell’s fall release all July long! A pre-book launch party if you will. Click here for details.

Elizabeth's blog HERE

Elizabeth's website HERE

POST ON LATTER DAY WOMAN MAGAZINE

2011-05-25T17:24:00.003-06:00

It's always a thrill to be included in this wonderful magazine. Check out my article HERE and while you're there enjoy all the wonderful features and articles they offer.

TV spot on Channel 2, Fresh Living

2011-05-18T14:26:00.003-06:00

I was asked to go on the show, Fresh Living, on Channel 2, to talk about my fundraiser for Mothers Without Borders.

To watch, click HERE

A Perfect Fit - now available, Booksignings Announced

2011-05-10T15:15:00.008-06:00

It's always so exciting to have a new book released. In fact I can hardly contain my excitement. If you heard a high-pitched squeal of excitement last Wednesday, yeah, that was me. My girlfriends, The Butterfly Box Girls are back and I'll just say, life just keeps getting crazier for them. I think you're going to love this book. It's got a built-in vacation, as well as romance, adventure and suspense. So, I am launching a book tour and would love to see you at one of my book signings.

Here is my book signing schedule. I will be adding dates and definitely let you know when that happens. To find the address of a Seagull Book near you, where I'll be signing you can click HERE.

May 14th Saturday
Centerville Seagull Book and Tape - 10:30 - 12:00
Redwood Road Seagull Book and Tape - 12:30 - 2:00
Provo Seagull Book and Tape - 2:45 - 4:30

May 21st Saturday
Family Center Seagull Book and Tape - 10:30 - 12:00
West Jordan Seagull Book and Tape - 12:30 - 2:00
Sandy Seagull Book and Tape - 2:30 - 4:00
Fashion Place Seagull Book and Tape - 4:15 - 6:00

June 18th Saturday
Harrisville Seagull Book and Tape - 2:00 - 4:00

COME SEE ME! I am also doing a fundraiser to raise money for Mothers Without Borders, a wonderful organization that helps orphaned children in Zambia, Africa. I will be selling bookmarks for $1.00. Please come and support me in the cause. Besides, I will have chocolate. Need I say more?

A Perfect Fit is also sold at Deseret Book, and Amazon, also in Ebook format.

Room Makeover, please pick me!

2011-04-30T23:09:00.009-06:00

I entered to win a room makeover from the blog "Vintage Revivals." They are giving away a room makeover valued at $1500.00! This is seriously awesome and exciting AND I WANT TO WIN!

My basement has a severe identity crisis. It's also a little schizophrenic. Somedays it attempts to be a game room, somedays it's a family room, or a movie room, or lately, it's been my nephew's domain. But sadly it is not a place that our family likes to hang out. All of the furniture in the room is leftover stuff that didn't fit anywhere else in our house, the fireplace and counter are covered with sky blue tiles, and the walls are a boring cream/off-white. I can't believe I'm posting pictures of it on the internet because I won't even let people who come to my house go down there. It's a useless space that has a ton of potential, but I don't have the skill or ability to even know where to begin decorating it. I'm the type of person who walks into Lowe's or Home Depot and starts to hyperventilate because I'm so overwhelmed.

I would love to turn this room into a place where my children could invite their friends, or we could have family parties and get togethers. But the way it is now, it is simple an ugly furniture cemetery.

Please "Vintage Revivals," help me. You're my only hope!

WINNER of Gluten-free cookbook announced!

2011-04-25T13:27:00.003-06:00

The winner of Gluten-free Cooking Made Easy, by Susan Bell is . . .
SIAN BESSEY.

Congratulations to our winner.

More contests and updates on the way. PLEASE MAKE NOTE of my upcoming booksigings. Hope to see you there!
May 14th 10:30 - 12:00 - Centerville Seagull
May 14th 12:30 - 2:00 - Redwood Road Seagull

May 21st 10:30 - 12:00 - Family Center Seagull
May 21 st 12:30 - 2:00 - West Jordan
May 21st 2:30 - 4:00 - Sandy South Seagull

Review of Gluten-Free Cooking Made Easy by Susan Bell, ENTER TO WIN THIS COOKBOOK

2011-03-11T16:58:00.005-07:00

*****CONTEST EXTENDED ONE MORE WEEK!********
Enter now to win this fabulous cookbook. Instructions on how to enter below.

I'm so proud to introduce to you a new cookbook by my sister-in-law, Susan Bell. After discovering that she, and several members of her family, had celiac disease, Susan spent years finding ways to feed her family yummy meals that were gluten-free. This wasn't an easy task, but she didn't give up. The result is this yummy cookbook, one that all families will enjoy not just families with members who have celiac-disease.

I've had fun experimenting with her recipes and have been fascinated by her creative use of ingredients to create dishes that are similar to those containing gluten. As with any recipe, most chefs will add their own personal touch to fit their family's taste and liking. With this recipe book, people who are unable to eat gluten will praise the delicious dishes and large variety of recipes this book contains.

From the back of the book:

Susan Bell has taken many of the bet comfort foods and made them gluten free. She has also filled this book with tips and advice on cooking and eating gluten free. If you feel deprived of your favorite comfort meal, just open the pages of this book and get started on gluten-free cooking. --Amy Yoder Begley, celiac Olympian

People with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity need to own a copy of this book. It is a great resource presented in a beautiful way. The recipes add diversity and nutrition to a diet that frequently lacks these important components.

Think you'll never be able to eat your favorite foods again? Afraid you'll never again taste a delicious muffin or slice of bread? Gluten-Free Cooking Made Easy: Delicious Recipes for Everyone is the solution you've been looking for. Peter HR Green, M.D., author of Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic

No more preparing two separate meals at dinnertime - one for family members with celiac disease and one for those without it. With Susan Bell's kitchen-tested recipes, you can serve meals your entire family will love. In this book, you'll find delicious breakfasts, breads and muffins, main dishes, soups and salads, side dishes, desserts, drinks, and even home-canning recipes. This informative cookbook also features:

* Gluten-free kitchen basics
* Tips for eating out
* Shopping lessons and warnings
* Main-dish meal planning

With Gluten-Free Cooking Made Easy: Delicious Recipes for Everyone, you can eat your favorite foods again!

I had a chance to interview Susan and find out how she has learned to cope with celiac disease and all the work she does to help others suffering with it.

MB: Why did you decide to write a "gluten-free" cookbook?

SLB: I have a desire to help others who have celiac disease to find something delicious to eat. I remember the day after I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2003. I was crying and felt hopeless because I didn't know what to eat except tortilla chips! Once I got over the process of mourning over the foods I couldn't eat, I got busy and started the process of converting my favorite recipes over to gluten-free recipes. I feel my cookbook is full of recipes that everyone can enjoy, whether or not they are on a gluten-free diet.

MB: What is it like to have celiac disease?

SLB: Before I knew I had celiac disease and went on a gluten-free diet, I had a lot of stomach aches and other digestive symptoms. Now that my intestines are healthier, I feel much better! If I accidentally ingest gluten, I have stomach and intestinal pain that is quite severe. It is worth it to me to be very careful about what I eat. In addition, I know I have a better chance at avoiding auto-immune diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, if I am eating a gluten-free diet.

MB: It seems like there is an increase in the amount of people being diagnosed with the disease. Why do you think that is?

SLB: Gratefully, many more doctors are aware of the symptoms of celiac disease, and are realizing that irritable bowel syndrome, etc., may not be the proper diagnosis. In addition, the general public is learning more about celiac disease through the media and they are asking their doctor about how to be tested. The average number of years for proper diagnosis of celiac disease is about 10, so it will be great to see this decrease.

MB: Is celiac disease genetic?

SLB: Yes. My mother was diagnosed in 1996. Our family had no idea we should be tested until about 7 years later when my sister researched on the internet and found out celiac disease is genetic.

MB: What happens after a person finds out they have the disease?

SLB: The process of reading food labels begins. :) People with celiac disease cannot eat wheat, barley, rye, and oats (unless the oats are raised separately from wheat and processed in a factory separate from wheat). When I was diagnosed, I was shocked about the number of food items in my pantry and in my fridge that had wheat in them. I found it hard to believe that artificial crab, soy sauce, and even lipstick can contain wheat!

MB: What kind of support is out there to help with the transition?

SLB: Many communities have support groups for people with celiac disease. My sister and I started a local support group. It has been helpful to realize that we are not alone in our trial, and we learn a lot from the others in the group.

MB: How did you decide which recipes to use?

SLB: My family was extremely helpful and they evaluated any new recipes I invented or adapted. I feel my cookbook is "kid-friendly." I also tried to include a variety of bread and muffin recipes, because our children can't buy a gluten-free hot lunch at school in our area, and I wanted them to have something tasty to take in their sack lunch.

MB: What are your challenges with converting recipes?

SLB: The texture and consistency of bread dough is much different when using gluten-free flours. It is a challenge to get the blend of flours just right, with the right amount of xanthan gum to hold them together. I had to adjust my thinking to realize that gluten-free bread is different than bread with gluten, and I wouldn't be able to knead the dough--but instead I learned to "scoop" the dough into the bread pan. I also struggled with the starchy taste of gluten-free pancake batter, and I made about five experimental batches of batter before I got the flavor just right. My family loves the pancake and waffle recipe from my cookbook, and even when I serve them to guests who are on a regular diet, they are delighted.

MB: Who is your target audience? Is it just for people who suffer from celiac disease?

SLB: My hope is that anyone who loves great recipes will buy the cookbook, not just those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease. It is filled with delicious main dish and salad recipes, so the part of the cookbook title "Delicious Recipes for Everyone" is a real thing. The cookbook will also be handy for those who have an occasional visitor to their home who has celiac disease or a wheat allergy, or for those who need to provide a dessert for a church activity where someone attending is on a gluten-free diet. It is a great gift idea for someone who has just been diagnosed with celiac disease, when they are particularly discouraged and need to know there are many foods they can eat.

MB: What do you miss being able to eat?

SLB: I miss stuffed crust pizza from Pizza Hut! However, nearly every other food I miss can be replaced with a gluten-free food. I am grateful for the progress the gluten-free food industry has made. There are many great products out there.

MB: What have you learned to like or what food have you discovered since being diagnosed with celiac disease?

SLB: I love the brand Tinkyada. They make gluten-free pasta and it is very good. I also love gluten-free donuts made by Kinnikinnick.

MB: What advice do you have for people who have celiac disease?

SLB: I would advise them to love life and live life to the fullest! A gluten-free diet is difficult, but it can be done!

MB: Is there a cure in sight?

SLB: Not yet, though researchers are hard at work. At least our treatment is to eat a gluten-free diet, instead of surgery or medication.

MB: What do you do when you go out to eat?

SLB: My experience has been that restaurant employees are very helpful and understanding. They have even been willing to bring out a food package or container with a label for me to read, to make sure there is no gluten in it. Many restaurants now offer a gluten-free menu, which is awesome!

MB: What do you do at family gatherings?

SLB: I try to find out what the menu plan is and bring something gluten-free that matches it as closely as possible. You, and all of our extended family, have been willing to help in any way you can when we have a family dinner or event. For example, you e-mailed me and let me know the ingredients of the salad you were making, and served the croutons to the side. All of those little things mean so much.

MB: You seem to sense the importance of educating people about this disease.

SLB: I truly do feel a strong desire to help. I hope the first section of my cookbook, entitled, "Lessons and Warnings," will prevent someone getting sick from eating something they didn't realize would contain gluten. I appreciate your willingness, Michele, to educate others about celiac disease through this interview. There are many who still haven't heard of celiac disease and may ask their doctor if this could be the source of their problems.

MB: What are some of the most common symptoms of celiac disease?

SLB: I had a lot of abdominal pain and bloating. Some people have diarrhea. Mayoclinic.com adds the following:

Sometimes people with celiac disease may have no gastrointestinal symptoms at all. Celiac disease symptoms can also mimic those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, parasite infections and anemia. Celiac disease may also present itself in less obvious ways, including:
Irritability or depression
Anemia
Stomach upset
Joint pain
Muscle cramps
Skin rash
Mouth sores
Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
Some indications of malabsorption of nutrients that may result from celiac disease include:

Weight loss
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating
General weakness and fatigue
Foul-smelling or grayish stools that may be fatty or oily
Stunted growth (in children)
Osteoporosis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy, blistering skin disease that also stems from gluten intolerance.

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319/DSECTION=symptoms)

MB: What was your journey like?

SLB: We were tested by a lab in Texas (see www.enterolab.com) and through a blood test our doctor authorized. Many people are tested by an upper gastrointestinal scope, to find out if the villi are flattened in the small intestine. Initially, we went off of all dairy products, along with gluten. This was extremely difficult, and gratefully after two years we were able to re-introduce dairy products. It took a while to start feeling better, but it is huge blessing in our lives to have better health now.

MB: Where can I get a cookbook?

SLB: They can be ordered on amazon.com (see http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Cooking-Made-Easy-Delicious/dp/1935217860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1299105893&sr=1-1), deseretbook.com, latterdaylightbooks.com, and barnesandnoble.com. It is also available at Deseret Book. Almost any bookstore or health food store will be able to order it for you, even if the store doesn’t have a copy.

Here is the information you will need to give the manager if you want your store to sell the cookbook: Gluten-Free Cooking Made Easy is published by Walnut Springs Press, an imprint of Leatherwood Press, and is distributed by Brigham Distributing (brighamdistributing.com). For more information or to place an order, please contact Barry Reeder at (435) 723-6611 or brigdist@sisna.net.
MB: Do you give presentations or demos?

SLB: Yes, I enjoy speaking to support groups and bringing samples to share.

MB: How do we get in touch with you?

SLB: Feel free to e-mail me at gfcookingmadeeasy@gmail.com.

Susan is giving a way a free copy of her book. All you have to do to enter is:

1 entry- post a comment on this blog
1 entry- follow this blog
1 entry- post a comment on Susan's blog
1 entry - follow Sue's blog

CONTEST ENDS March 25th!

WE HAVE A WINNER! Another Pen Pal from Zambia highlighted AND info on a fabulous Zumbathon to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy!

2011-03-04T09:18:00.006-07:00

I'm so excited to announce the winner of THE PRINCESS SISTERS by Stacy Lynn Carroll contest. The winner is . . . "LISA and RANDY". Please email me at micheleabell dot blogspot dot com and verify that you are the winner and Stacy will send an autographed book to you. CONGRATULATIONS!

ALSO as the countdown to my book launch continues I will be offering a wonderful book prize in a few weeks so stay tuned. PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES

This week I am highlighting another child from Zambia.

AND FINALLY . . .

Come join me, my daughter and other instructors at the the Life Centre Athletic Club on March 12th from 8:00 to 10:00 AM for an AWESOME and AMAZING Zumbathon to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. The Life Centre is located directly south of Alta View Hospital at 9844 South 1300 East Sandy, UT 84094-4673 - (801) 571-7200

MAY 2011 - RELEASE . . . The Perfect Fit, Book 3 of the Butterfly Box Series

2011-02-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true! The third book in the Butterfly Box series will be released sometime in May. Just for the sake of having a date because I'm dying to do a countdown, I'm shooting for the 15th of the month. I will be having an abundance of autograph signings and launch parties as soon as I have a firm date so check back for updated information. I am partnering with the wonderful organization called, "Mothers Without Borders," as I promote my book. I will be doing giveaways on my blog all month long as well as trying to raise money for the school in Zambia. Watch for more details soon!
Mothers Without Borders is building a school for children orphaned by Aids in Zambia, Africa and I am hoping to help raise money for this worthy and special cause. Each week prior to the release of a book I will be posting about some of the children who live in Zambia, and are hoping that this school can be built to help them. PLEASE help me raise money for this wonderful cause!
Here's the first of many pictures and stories I will post about these amazing children in Zambia.

When Bwalya was eight years old his parents died. His older sister took on the heavy responsibility
of caring for him and his young siblings. His family was in a desperate situa- tion. The younger children were abused and often went without anything to eat. To provide for her siblings’ most basic needs, Bwalya’s sister became involved in prostitution. A social worker from a local non-governmental organization became aware of this family’s situation and made arrangements for the three youngest siblings to come to the Mothers Without Borders Children’s Resource Center. Now 12 years old and in grade 4, Bwalya has put the memories of his difficult situation behind him. He is actively engaged in school and sports. He is helpful in
the schoolroom and fast on the soccer field. Bwalya has an amazing ability to love and forgive.

Stacy Lynn Carroll author of The Princess Sisters -- BOOK GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English, learned how to western swing, and watched as many of her fellow students became ‘True Aggies’. She then finished her BA at the University of Utah where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. She and her husband have one daughter and are expecting their second in April. They currently reside in Layton, Utah (which was the inspiration for the setting of this novel). Stacy can be reached at stacylynncarroll@gmail.com.

What happens when you mix five modern teenagers with five fairytale princesses? Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White Princess are cousins (and best friends) stuck with names they're not too fond of...and now together they must face the challenge of getting ready for high school--a world where fitting in is definitely a must. But how will they ever fit in when they're destined to stand out? Or, perhaps more importantly, how will their friendship ever survive when the five Princesses all set their minds on one Prince?

“The Princess Sisters” is a fun, young adult fiction novel about friendship, finding yourself, and learning how to tell apart a prince from a frog. It's geared toward tween and teenage girls, but the pop culture references and themes of boys and friendship can be enjoyed by women of all ages! The book is available through Ecko Books, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

Here is my interview with Stacy:

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Stacy: I always enjoyed writing, English was always one of my favorite subjects in school. Then when I was in ninth grade, I entered a writing contest for some extra credit. Not only did I win at my school and district level, but then my piece went on to state. That’s when I realized this was something I could do.

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?

Stacy: I’ve won several writing contests from middle school on through college, but this is my first published book. I went to both Utah State and the University of Utah where I got my degree in creative writing.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

Stacy: I love watching a story come to life! When I get an idea for a book and begin writing, it never ends up where I think it’s going to go. Once I start writing, the characters really come to life for me and I feel like they control the story. I’m merely the messenger, chosen to write it down for them.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Stacy: Not easy. But then again, it never is. I looked into many publishing companies, but none of them were the right fit. I wanted to be able to keep control over my book, but there were companies who wanted to add inappropriate scenes or language that I felt wasn’t needed in my story. I also was working with a friend on cover design. I knew exactly what I wanted for the cover and wasn’t willing to relinquish that right to a publisher. So after many frustrations, I came across a company called Ecko House Publishing. I had to pay my own printing costs, but I was able to keep the control over my book that I wanted. Ecko has also helped get my book on major distribution lists and in many stores.

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Stacy: Yes. The first major edit with my editor was discouraging as she pointed out many things that needed to change. But when I realized she was trying to help make my book the best it possibly could be, I was able to move forward and my book is much better because of it. I was also discouraged with the publishers I was coming across, but I kept pushing myself forward. It may sound silly, but a fortune cookie helped me keep going. When I was in the middle of my book, we had Chinese for dinner one night. My fortune read: “The world will soon be ready to receive your talents.” I taped that fortune to my computer and whenever I was feeling discouraged, I would look at the fortune and remind myself to be patient. The world is almost ready for me, I just need to wait.

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?

Stacy: Oh boy, that is a good question. Being pregnant, I don’t have a lot of energy right now and don’t write as much as I was. But when my first daughter was born, I would write during naptime and after she went to bed. I try and fit in time to write whenever possible, but don’t keep to a strict schedule. At least not at this time.

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is
good enough to write a book about it?

Stacy: Most of my ideas for stories and books have actually come from dreams I’ve had. I usually know it’s good enough for a book if I start writing it and the story carries itself. Sometimes you start writing, and realize the story just doesn’t go anywhere.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?

Stacy: My husband and I were driving in the car one day and we got on the topic of baby names. I remembered when I was little, I always wanted to name a daughter Aurora after my favorite princess (Sleeping Beauty). As I got older, I really liked the name Belle, but that doesn’t go well with my last name. Then the idea hit me. What would happen if a mom named all her daughters after fairy tale princesses? How would those girls feel, and how would their names affect their lives? I went home that night and wrote the prologue.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

Stacy: First and foremost, I hope readers will find it entertaining! But I also want readers to know it’s okay to be different and we need to embrace our differences. That’s what makes us individuals. I also talk a lot about dating in my book. I think there are too many girls nowadays who don’t know how they should be treated and they end up settling for complete jerks. I want all girls to know they deserve a prince, who will treat them like a princess.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

Stacy: I always just dive in and start writing. If I spend time outlining, I end up making lots of changes anyway. I think the characters drive a story more than anything else. I do take notes as I write though, so when ideas for the future chapters come to me, I don’t forget to include them.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Stacy: I definitely do! Most of the time when I hit a block, I step back from the story for a couple days and just take a break. Usually when I come back to it, I find my mind is ready to move forward. If that doesn’t work, I have a friend or some other outsider read a little bit and then I discuss it with them. Usually discussing the story with another person, and having a set of fresh eyes, helps get ideas flowing again.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Stacy: It honestly depends on the scene I am working on. If I feel pretty confident in the scene I am writing, I like some music playing quietly in the background. But more difficult scenes or intense moments in the story require silence, otherwise I tend to find myself distracted.

M.B.: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Stacy: I find myself people watching more. I watch how people talk to and interact with each other and think how my own characters would react in those same situations. I also draw inspiration from movies. I am an avid movie watcher and like to wonder if my story were made into a movie, who would play each of my characters?

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Stacy: I can’t pinpoint one specific person, but I have had some writing teachers who helped and inspired me to pursue writing. My husband has also been a great support. He always encourages me and pushes me to work on my books.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?

Stacy: I compare my characters to people in my life, or actors in movies and figure out how my characters would react in similar situations. Once the story gets going, I feel like the characters come to life a little on their own. By my telling their story, it makes them come to life.

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

Stacy: I don’t have a group, but I do use individuals who are good at writing and/or editing throughout my writing process to give opinions and help make corrections.

M.B.: What is something about yourself people don’t know?

Stacy: I’m obsessed with the color Pink. I even used to drive a hot pink Nissan Sentra (not a car you would typically find in that color).

M.B.: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Stacy: It changes daily. But I do enjoy an occasional Coke to sip on while I’m working.

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Stacy: Don’t ever give up! The world will soon be ready to receive your talents too!

M.B.: What are you working on now?

Stacy: Currently I am working on “Frogs and Toads”. That’s the working title for the sequel to “The Princess Sisters”. I am also working on something completely different from YA fiction. I am also writing my father-in-law’s biography. He was in a diving accident at age 18 and became quadriplegic. After the accident, he met his wife, got married, had two kids, graduated from college, and got a steady job. All without the use of his hands or feet. It’s really an inspiring story!

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

Stacy: Write every day. No matter if it’s one sentence or several chapters. But the consistency will help you in your writing and no matter how long it takes, you will eventually have a completed book.

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Stacy:
Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Ecko Books

Or if you are interested in ordering signed copies directly from the author, e-mail her at stacylynncarroll at gmail dot com you can also visit her website at://www.stacylynncarroll.com/

Stacy is giving away a free copy of her book. To enter you can do the following:

1 entry - leave a comment on this post
1 entry - follow my blog
1 entry - visit Stacy's web-site

GOOD LUCK!!! Winner will be posted MARCH 4th!

CONTEST - Win $25.00 gift certificate and INTERVIEW WITH Marlene Bateman Sullivan

2010-12-17T09:17:00.001-07:00

The December "Summer in Paris" contest is still going strong. Enter to win a $25.00 Walmart gift certificate.

TO ENTER:
Purchase the book "Summer in Paris" from your local Walmart.
Email me at micheleabell at gmail dot com and let me know which store you bought it from.

Winner will be announced December 30th!

NOW . . .

Let me introduce to you a wonderful author, Marlene Bateman Sullivan.
Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in Sandy, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they are the parents of seven children. Her hobbies are gardening, card-making, and reading.

You can read one of her stories in this collection.

Both laughter and tears will fill your soul with this heartwarming collection of a dozen true Christmas stories from favorite LDS authors, ordinary people whose lives have been touched in extraordinary ways. Discover lighthearted surprises, faith-affirming treasures, and thought-provoking insights about the greatest gift of all in this wonderful keepsake book. You'll want to share these timeless holiday tales of peace, hope, and love year after year.

Contributors include: Anita Stansfield, Betsy Brannon Green, Clair M. Poulson, Jerry Borrowman, Jennie Hansen, Julie Coulter Bellon, Connie Angeline, Jeri Gilchrist, K.C. Grant, Susan Aylworth, Michele Paige Holmes, Marlene Bateman, Kenneth M. Page

Light on Fire Island is one of her most popular books.

Five years ago, Celena Jackson was banished from her home on Fire Island, New York by her father because of her allegiance to the Church. Her eleven-year old brother, Joshua, is the catalyst for her return when he calls to report that their father, the keeper at the Fire Island Lighthouse, has suffered a serious accident. Tearfully, Joshua begs Celena to return to help run the light until their father can take over. Celena agrees to put aside her bitterness and returns in order to fulfill a promise she made to her mother before she died.

Soon, Celena discovers that her father’s accident was no accident, but that someone deliberately tried to kill him. As she sets out to discover who attempted to kill her father, and why, Celena becomes worried about her old friend, Ethan. Although he has always been a simple minded man, Ethan appears to have become unhinged after his wife, Sarina, drowned two years ago. Ethan is convinced his wife was killed by ‘bad men’ and embroils Celena in the mysterious circumstances surrounding Sarina’s death.

Two men, the charming Clint and handsome Daniel, bring romance into Celena’s life, but there are so many mysterious incidents that Celena doubts she can trust anyone.

Through it all, Celena has to struggle with her tangle of mixed emotions toward her father. New information about her banishment surfaces, helping dissolve the bitterness she has harbored for so long. Celena is prompted to listen to the Spirit and is surprised to discover that her father has had special promptings and experiences of his own, with astonishing and unexpected results.

Celena is close to finding out who is responsible for her father’s near-fatal accident and Sarina’s death when an attempt is made on her own life. At that point it becomes chillingly clear that someone wants Celena stopped permanently.

Here is my interview with Marlene:
M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Marlene: In Jr. High. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a writer. In high school I made a time line of my goals in life, which included having five books published by the time I was thirty! I didn’t quite make that, since when I was in college, I got married and had children and put my dream on the sideline for a while.

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?
Marlene: After my fourth child was born, I started writing magazine articles and was published in a lot of magazines, including the Ensign and Friend.
Then, I started writing non-fiction and over the years, wrote six books. The first two were Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, Volume One, and Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines Volume Two. These books are compilations of true stories about people in early Church history who actually risked their life in defense of the gospel. I love all of the stories that went into these books—the people trusted in God completely and their stories are so inspiring and faith promoting.
My next three books are also compilations of true stories in early Church History, and are about angelic experiences. The first book in this series is called; And There Were Angels Among Them. As I started researching for this book, I found thousands of stories about angelic visitations and knew I had to narrow it down. So I selected only those experiences when a person either saw or heard an angel.
The second book in this series is called, Visits From Beyond the Veil, and the third is; By the Ministering of Angels. Researching and writing these books was a marvelous experience. It made me realize how much Heavenly Father loves his children and that He is completely aware of us and our lives. I think it shows how much Heavenly Father loves us when He sends angels to help us in time of need.
My latest non-fiction book, published last year, is called Brigham’s Boys. It tells the story of sixteen men who worked closely with Brigham Young as he brought the Saints across the plains and colonized the Great Basin area. The men who worked alongside Brigham were amazingly devout and hard working. They were always willing to serve, no matter how difficult the challenge.
My first novel, Light on Fire Island, was published in March. It is a mystery, with a bit of romance in it and has really done well. I’m so happy it was a bestseller. I’m glad people have enjoyed it so much.
Opps, almost forgot to answer the question about my education. Since I dropped out of college to get married and have children, it was always one of my goals to go back and graduate. It took two tries, as I went to Utah State and finished a year there, then went to the University of Utah years later and graduated with a Bachelors in English.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?
Marlene: It’s just a feeling inside me. I’ve always wanted to write and the passion has never died down and I don’t think it ever will. It’s just part of me.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Marlene: I decided to start at the top, which for me was Deseret Book. They liked it my first book, but wanted a few changes. I had seven children at the time and by the time I got the manuscript back to Sheri Dew, who was then an editor at Deseret Book, she said they had just accepted a similar book and so, wouldn’t be able to publish mine. I was way disappointed, but with children, what do you do? They come first. I continued submitting and eventually found an LDS publisher who accepted it. So, my advice to new authors is never give up!

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Marlene: It was very discouraging to write for magazines because it involves a lot of rejection. Part of my discouragement came from my lack of time and energy, being the mother of seven. I never did develop a thick skin, but I just kept telling myself to perservere and each time I got rejected, I would just redo the article and send it out again.

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?
Marlene: I try to start working at 10:30 in the morning, after doing housework and yard work. I work until 12:30, when I take an hour and a half break to eat lunch, read, and if possible, take a 15 min. snooze. I return to work, knocking off about 6:30. But there are a lot of things that eat into my writing time, such as dentist or dr. appts., visiting teaching, cub scouts, etc., but I just try to go with the flow.

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?
Marlene: My ideas come from other books. I pay attention to novels I read and often when I’m done with a book, write up a short summary. Then, when its time to come up with a new idea, I read through all of my summaries, spend a lot of time thinking and pondering, and eventually I am able to come up with a basic plot.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?
Marlene: So long ago I can’t even remember as I started it approx. 15 years ago. I was going to do a children’s book, but when I researched the market, found it was VERY bad for children’s mysteries, at least in the LDS market. So, I changed Light on Fire Island to an adult mystery.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?
Marlene: First of all, I hope they will be entertained. For that is the primary job of an author. However, as an LDS author, I also want to enlighten and inspire. I hope that after reading this book, people will understand the importance of forgiveness and that when you are angry at someone, you are giving them YOUR power. If you want to be mentally healthy and whole, you must forgive. I also want people to understand there are always two sides to every story. One of the parts in the book that deal with this is when Celena thinks about how she was an angel growing up but Rueben tells her different. It was a bit of a shock for her. Also, Celena learns that her father had his own reasons for behaving the way he did and so it wasn’t all as one sided, with her father being the bad guy, as she had thought.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?
Marlene: I’m a very organized person and I couldn’t write without a plot in place. After coming up with the basic idea, I start plotting. This takes months as I plan out and add scenes and the plot line. I write many scenes part way during this process.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?
Marlene: It doesn’t happen often. But sometimes I hit a snag or a problem that needs figuring out, So I don’t get overwhelmed, I write down the problem in a file and when I have some free moments, go to that file and really think about the problem until I come up with an answer. I also think about the problems when I take my dogs for a walk, or wake up early in the morning. That’s a good time to think, when all else is quiet, Eventually, solutions will come. Then its on to figure out the next one!

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?
Marlene: As a mother, if I needed absolute quiet to write, I’d never have become a writer! I’ve learned to tune things out, although I admit a messy kitchen keeps calling me, so I shut up my inner voice by cleaning it before I start writing.
As for music, I do sometimes listen, but only to CD’s that have soothing sounds (NO distracting lyrics) like “Rain” or “Sounds of the Forest.” I like them because they don’t break my concentration.

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?
Marlene: I’d have to say a teacher in Junior High. By then, I was writing stories and she offered to read some and let me know what she thought. Her encouragement bolstered me and gave me the courage to keep at it.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?
Marlene: I write down everything I possibly can about each character. So I REALLY know the character. Most of the information, I don’t use in the book, but it helps me create a real character. As I write, I try to imagine myself as that character and imagine how he or she would respond to each situation I put them in.

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?
Marlene: I always have family and friends read my manuscripts and give me feedback. Recently, I joined a critique group and find their comments to be extremely helpful. I think I am usually “too close” to my manuscript to be able to see things that others might pick up on. So, a critique group and friends and family give me lots of “eyes” to catch things I miss.

M.B.: Which of your books is your favorite, and why?
Marlene: Of my non-fiction books, I like “Visits From Beyond the Veil” the best. (Which is published under my full name, Marlene Bateman Sullivan) It was so heartwarming to read about when a person’s life had been touched for good by seeing or hearing an angel. Probably my second favorite is Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, which is another compilation of true stories, but these are true accounts of people in early church history who risked their live for the gospel. They were so brave and true to the gospel, they are such an inspiration to read about.

M.B.: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?
Marlene: I keep a bowl of candy by my computer. I never dip into it in the morning, but save it for the afternoon. Also, I don’t keep high calorie candy, but rather fill it with smarties, gummy bears, jolly rancher, lemon drops, butterscotch disks, and various types of gum. Sometimes nuts. I also keep a supply of dried fruit nearby, which my husband makes during the summer. If I get tired or stuck and need to think, I grab a piece or two or three, but I make sure I limit myself!

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?
Marlene: Persistance is the keyword. Don’t give up. Also, keep studying and improving. Take classes, read writing books and write, write, write. Over time, your writing will improve and if you do not give up, you WILL get published!

M.B.: What are you working on now?
Marlene: I recently had my second novel accepted, Deception. It features Erica Coleman, who works as a private eye. Deception has a bit of a romance in it and also has a collection of ten wonderful recipies!
Now I’m working on two books. One is a novel that is set in Oregon and is called Charade. It is a mystery and again, has some romance in it. I recently traveled to Oregon, to Florence and Lake Oswego, the two cities where the novel is set, to do research for the setting. I took hundreds of pictures and lots of notes so that the background will be accurate.
In Charade, Erica Coleman is once again called on to solve a murder mystery. And once again, there will be ten new, delicious recipies.
The second book I’m working on is non-fiction, and is called; Gaze Into Heaven. I’m very excited about this book, which is a compilation of true, near-death experiences in early Church history. There have been a lot of books written about modern day near-death experiences, but this one focuses solely on those that occurred in the early days of the Church. It has been an incredible spiritual experience to research and compile these stories. My testimony of the gospel has increased and it is awesome to see how well these experiences agree with LDS church doctrine.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share
Marlene: I think I’ve jabbered on long enough. But I would like to thank people who read. Without them, where would I be?

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Marlene: My novel is available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Barnes and Noble and many independent LDS bookstores. My non-fiction titles are no longer on the shelf, but you can order them in at any Deseret Book or Seagull book store.

To see a full list of Marlene's books go to www.marlenesullivan.com

Latter-day Woman Magazine - With Bells On / SIGNINGS / CONTEST win $25.00 Walmart gift card

2010-12-04T09:58:00.004-07:00

This fabulous women's magazine, Latter-day Woman Magazine, featured me in their December issue. It's was such an honor to be asked and is like an early Christmas gift.

To read the article go HERE"

CHRISTMAS SIGNINGS - COME SEE ME!
12/11/10 Seagull Book - Clinton, UT 11:00 - 1:00
12/18/10 Seagull Book - Brickyard 10:00 - 11:30

And finally . . .
To promote my book "A Summer in Paris" in Walmart stores NOW, I am giving away a $25.00 gift certificate on December 31st.
To ENTER just purchase a copy of "A Summer in Paris" the post or email me micheleabell at gmail dot com and tell me the date you bought it and which store you purchased it from. Your name will go into a drawing for the gift certificate.

Wait, one more thing . . .
I have been showcasing authors on my blog on Fridays and I would also like to start showcasing readers. Let's face it, without readers, writers are just weirdos who live in a fantasy world and spend ginormous amounts of time in front of a computer. So, if you would be interested in being a featured reader on my blog, email at the above address and let me know and I'll interview you. In the words of my darling 2 year-old granddaughter, "it be so fun!"

Love and hugs!

Michele

Interview with Tiffany Fletcher, author "Mother Had a Secret."

2010-11-17T08:24:00.003-07:00

Tiffany Fletcher is the second oldest of six children, born to a mother diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. It was her love of writing that helped Tiffany cope with the difficulties of her childhood and offered her peace in the mist of chaos. That peace led Tiffany to serve an LDS mission in Independence, Missouri, with a special assignment to serve in the LDS Visitors' Center. After her mission, Tiffany received her Associates degree from Rick's College and went on to receive her BA in English from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. While at Weber, Tiffany met and married the love of her life and they are now the proud parents of five young children. Tiffany enjoys reading, writing, and playing her flute and spends her spare time home-schooling her five children. Tiffany and her husband reside in Eagle Mountain, Utah where there is plenty of room for small children to grow.

As a teenager, Tiffany Fletcher knew that her mother, Vickie, had been brutally abused as a child. She knew that the abuse caused her mother’s severe mental and emotional instability, which brought painful complications for the entire family. But until a horrific car collision landed Vickie in the hospital, Tiffany didn’t know that there was a name for the turmoil gripping her home: Dissociative Identity Disorder, which produces multiple “personalities” in victims of profound trauma. It’s hard enough having a mother with one personal identity — Vickie had fifteen.

The true story of this complicated mother-daughter relationship unfolds in a weave of memory and emotion as Tiffany recounts the challenges of growing up in the care of a woman held hostage by her own shattered mind; a woman who inadvertently hurt the children she only wanted to love and protect; a woman whose premature death brought deep waves of loss, but also much-needed healing. Poetic, poignant, and heart-wrenchingly honest, this riveting narrative offers hope to victims of mental illness and their families and provides insight to readers unacquainted with this struggle. It invites compassion and inspires positive action in our most treasured relationships.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tiffany and having her tell me about her book. Immediately I was impressed by her depth of humility and strong desire to share her story, hoping to give help, insight and hope into mental illness and those who are affected by it.

This book is raw, emotional, and inspiring. Tiffany opens her heart and shares her experience with complete honesty and courage.

Here is my interview with Tiffany:

M.B.: When did you decide you wanted to write this book?

Tiffany: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but I knew I wanted to write this particular book when I was in college. I took a
journalism class where the assignment was to do a profile piece on a person who had an interesting life. I chose to do the piece on my mother. When I interviewed her, I realized that there was much more to say than could fit in a 600-800 word article. I kept the notes from that interview, and collected other information that I thought I might need for a book. After my mother died, I knew I wanted to write the book, but didn’t get up the courage until four years later, in 2008.

M.B.: Because this book was so personal, did you have a hard time sharing something the was so emotional and close to your heart? How did you break through that barrier?

Tiffany: This book was very personal, which made it very difficult to write at times. There were times when my husband would come home from work and I would be in tears because of the memories and emotions that I was recalling. He would lovingly force me to take a break just so I could get back to a place where I could function again. After a day or two, I would jump back in and once again go through the cycle. It was very therapeutic, though, and by the time I was done, I felt a huge weight lift from my shoulders. During those difficult days, it was the power of prayer and the love of my husband that brought me back to reality and helped me see the beauty and blessings around me.

M.B.: What was your experience like to write this book?

Tiffany: As I said before, it was very therapeutic. It allowed me to see my mother from a different perspective and to appreciate her for the good things she brought into my life. Seeing how she forgave her own father helped me forgive her and to see her as God sees her. This book is very dear to my heart because it was my journey from anger and hate to love and understanding. It’s not just a book to me, it’s my life outlined with every imperfect detail written in black and white for everyone to read about. My experience writing it was both bitter and sweet, up and down, disheartening and spiritual, and I wouldn’t change any of it.

M.B.: What is your writing and educational background?

Tiffany: I have a BA in English with a minor in Communications and I have been writing since I was in the first grade, where I won an award in the Young Author’s Fair. I was Editor-in-chief of my High School’s literary magazine, and Feature’s Editor of my college newspaper. I have published poetry, but “Mother Had a Secret” is my first book.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your book published?

Tiffany: After I wrote the book, I sent query letters to several different publishers and agents and the majority of those letters were returned with a rejection, or were left unanswered. One of the publishers forwarded my query to an acquaintance of theirs who owned a literary agency. The agent then sent me an email asking if they could read my manuscript for possible representation. After reading the manuscript, the agent told me that the book read more like a family history book rather than a story, and requested that I change it before they could represent me. With the help of my husband, we were able to revise the manuscript into what it is today. My agent submitted the manuscript to several publishing companies, and again there were several rejections stating that because of the economy, narrative non-fiction was on the chopping-block, and without a following (they called it a platform) that it would be difficult to sell.
I decided to put the first two chapters of my book on my blog and ask people to leave a comment if they wanted to read more. Then, with the help of a friend, I made an account on Facebook and immediately found friends and allies. I started a group entitled, “Mother Had a Secret” with a link to my blog and a plea to read the chapters and share it with their friends. After a few months, I had over a thousand people join who wanted to read more.
A few months later, my husband, who is a school teacher, was planning to take a group of his students to Utah Valley University for the Book Academy. He kept asking me if I wanted to go as a chaperone and I kept telling him that we could use the money for other things. Finally, the day before the conference, my husband sat me down in front of the computer and showed me the list and biographies of the people who would be presenting at the conference. Among the names was Kathy Jenkins, senior editor of Covenant who had a background in advocating for mental health. Although Covenant had been one of the publishers who had rejected me a year earlier, I felt prompted that it was worth a try because my book was about mental illness, and I immediately registered for the conference.
On the day of the conference, with my husband’s students in tow, we attended the Book Academy. I took classes that I thought would help me learn how to get the publicity I needed to gain a publisher’s attention. One of the classes I attended was taught by Kelly Smurthwaite, a publicist from Covenant. She asked if anyone wanted to pitch their book to the class and I raised my hand. I decided I was here to get noticed, and that was a good start. After I pitched my book, the class was buzzing with enthusiasm. At lunch, Kelly found the table we were setting at and joined us. She proceeded to ask questions about the book and even offered her services if I ever needed good ideas. Kathy was speaking on a panel of editors during our lunch, and Kelly’s interest gave me the courage I needed to approach Kathy. After everyone had left, I walked with Kathy out the door and pitched my book to her. She was excited and told me to re-submit the manuscript to Covenant and to put her name on it. Four months later, after meeting Covenant’s board of directors, “Mother Had a Secret” was accepted for publication.

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Tiffany: You bet I was discouraged. It was tough getting all of the rejection letters but I decided that I was determined to tell my story and I wasn’t going to let ‘no’ stop me. It was great too, to see how other people received the story and the first two chapters. Of course there were some negative comments made, but for the most part, people kept telling me how my story was going to touch lives. It also helped that I have an incredible husband who has always been supportive and encouraging. He always believed in me which made it easier for me to believe in myself. It also helped that my agent believed in me. It is not very often that a writer gets an agent requesting to represent them and I felt honored that I had been given that blessing. She is also very supportive and kept telling me that we just had to find the right person to read the manuscript. That person was Kathy Jenkins. I also felt Heavenly Father guiding me. I knew that if He wanted it to happen, it would.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

Tiffany: I hope that every reader gets what they need. There are some people who read this book who may come away with a better understanding of those who suffer from mental illness. I hope that it allows them to have more love and compassion for those who are different. Others may come away with hope and the knowledge that they are not alone, that there are others who suffer, and that no matter what, God loves them. Even others may come away with a better understanding of forgiveness and a desire to be more forgiving in their own lives. I hope that after reading this book, people are kinder, more compassionate, more loving, more understanding, and more hopeful. I hope that we can all see people as God sees them and love them as God does. We all suffer from something, and if we can all strive to be a little more like the Savior, healing will take place in all our lives.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Tiffany: I like quiet. It allows my thoughts to flow and the spirit to whisper to me. My husband on the other hand, listens to music while he writes and I can never understand how he can get anything written with the music blaring. But it works for him, and he is a much better writer than I am. Maybe I should give music a try. ☺

M.B.: To let readers get to you know you better, what is something about yourself people don’t know?

Tiffany: My life is an open book, literally. Writing this book has opened up all of my secrets and put them out there for everyone to see. I suppose, though, that the thing that I get the most comments about is that I home school my five children (which is probably the main reason why I like quiet when I write, because solitude is absent from most of my day). I do not home school because I am ultra-conservative, but because I have a background in education and I figure why am I sending my kids to school so someone else can teach them when I paid big money to get a degree in it. It just didn’t make sense to me. I have a degree in English and Communications and was also trained in music, and my husband is a high school teacher with a degree in both history and physics and a minor in math. We figure that between the two of us, we have every subject covered, so why not teach our own children.

M.B.: What are you working on now?

Tiffany: There are a few things I am toying with. I have a poem about the Savior that I am having someone draw pictures to for a possible gift book, similar to “Touch of the Master’s Hand”. I am also thinking about a couple of other non-fiction books. I am waiting to see how well “Mother Had a Secret” is received before I make any definite plans.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

Tiffany: I would like to thank you for your willingness to review my book and conduct an interview. All of this is so new to me and I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from not only readers, but other authors who have helped me feel so at home in this strange new world I find myself in.

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

AUTHOR: My books can be found at Seagull Book, Deseret Book, Costco, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.com, including a Kindle edition.

Feel free to visit my blog at http://motherhadasecret.blogspot.com