A Latte and Some Words

Milford-Haven 11-11-11 Contest!

2011-11-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

The contest is underway!

Don't miss your chance to WIN a FREE BOOK . . . or to WIN a FREE CLASSIC KINDLE!

Whether you'd like to join Mara Purl in honoring our Veterans, or are just intrigued when the numbers align . . . have some fun, and win a book or a fantastic e-reader.

The contest STARTS TODAY and ENDS . . . when we reach the 111th purchase of What the Heart Knows.

How to play? Please visit Milford-Haven Novels 11-11-11 Contest at Facebook!

And here's an ADDED BONUS. When you POST a review of What the Heart Knows to Amazon, you'll receive a downloadable collector's edition of When Hummers Dream, readable whether or not you have a Kindle.

So . . . happy shopping and happy elevens!

Sandra D. Bricker | Sandra D. Bricker: Kind of a Funny Story | FamilyFiction.com

2011-10-15T13:45:00.000-04:00

Sandra D. Bricker | Sandra D. Bricker: Kind of a Funny Story | FamilyFiction.com

Livestream Chat with Mara Purl

2011-10-06T22:00:00.004-04:00

Mara Purl, author of the new release, What the Heart Knows is back to tell us about her livestream chat on Monday, October 10 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific/8:00 p.m. Eastern

Those that have been with me on my virtual voyage know that my ship has traveled far. As a guest blogger and blogging back I wrote 44 blog posts reaching 17 million readers. Wow!

Now, we are set to launch the hardcover of What the Heart Knows.

What’s more exciting than breaking a magnum of champagne over the bow? You can be a part of the launch! Join me LIVE, for a fun-filled, 90 minute visit.

What did you want to know that wasn’t covered in our blog tour? Ask me! Plus, there will be shout-outs to those “on air” & special autographed packages of the book available and more. Follow the link for more details.

So make sure to register and grab your seat. Plus if you want to ask me a question you must be registered.

Click here to join me. You won't want to miss it!
www.MaraPurl.com/launch

Looking forward to our chat. Talk with you on …

Monday, October 10, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific/8:00 p.m. Eastern

ACFW Conference

2011-09-30T11:18:00.000-04:00

I just returned from the 2011 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. In one word, a-maz-ing. Okay, three syllable breakdown. You get it. I loved it.

I joined ACFW in 2004 and at the time around 400 people were in the group. Now, they boast over 2,500 peeps. Serious writer peeps. The conference was the largest yet with over 650 attending. We loaded up and landed in St. Louis. The hotel was steps from the arch, which is close enough for me, because I am pretty darn sure I am not going to go up in the sit down elevator. Nope.

For several days we took classes, met other authors, listened to our keynote speaker, Tracie Peterson, and best of all, we worshiped. It was awesome. I love the fact that I can walk in to a bookstore, check out the Christian fiction and know that the books have been prayed over. By several people. The author, their friends, their editor and the publisher. Once the bookstore owners get it in their hands, they are doing some praying as well. I love it!

ACFW has to be one of the finest groups I've ever been a part of. The Awards Gala was so professional and Oscar-ish this year. They even had a live blog going. Pretty cool, eh?

So, this is my plug for ACFW. They are an amazing, mentoring, Jesus-loving group. And I am happy to be a part of it.

A Visit With Mara Purl

2011-08-21T22:15:00.008-04:00

I had a chance to talk with the beautiful and talented Mara Purl, author of the Milford-Haven Novels, this past week. Her newest release, What the Heart Knows, will be out this September. Mara starred in Days of Our Lives, wrote scripts for Guiding Light, articles for Rolling Stone, and is an award-winning novelist.

You can visit Mara at www.marapurl.com to read more about her and pre-order What the Heart Knows. Be sure to check out the preview to book one while on the site, When Hummers Dream.

Mara shares with us how she started writing and important mentors in her life, as well as some tidbits about the cast of characters in What the Heart Knows. Here's what she had to say:

LSW: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you started writing.

MARA: I’m what’s known in the entertainment business as a “hyphenate”—in my case, a writer-actor-producer. Both the writing and the acting started very early. At about 3, I thought the hearth in front of the fireplace was a stage, so I did a show every night for my parents. I thought everyone did! I started actually writing stories down on pages over the next couple of years, and I remember doing illustrations and getting help from Mom “binding” my first book (with red yarn) when I was about 5. And one of my favorite things was visiting my Grandmother Dorothy. In her attic, I always found empty notebooks and filled them all up with poems and stories. Years later, I found out she “planted” those for me to find.

I’ve written in many different formats and genres. My first job as a journalist was at age fourteen, when I started writing a column for a newspaper in Tokyo, where I grew up. Later I was a staff reporter for the Financial Times of London, and then a freelancer journalist for Rolling Stone and the Associated Press. But I also always wrote scripts for theatre and for television. And eventually created an original radio drama, which became a hit on BBC radio. When I started writing books, I began with non-fiction, but always had it in my heart to write fiction. So I feel now I’m in the “sweet spot”, writing narrative voice in Women’s Fiction.

LSW: Your Milford-Haven Novels were broadcast by the BBC. Tell us how the books were transformed into the radio series.

MARA: Actually, the radio drama came first. (I tend to do things backwards sometimes.) Milford-Haven U.S.A. was a half-hour serial created about life in a small town. Underlying issues were pitted against one another to create the drama: the environment versus development; corporate greed versus artistic endeavor; social-climbing affairs versus true love. When the radio drama was contracted by the BBC, we didn’t know whether or not this American show would find an audience in the U.K., but indeed we had a bonafide hit with 4.5 million listeners. My radio show followers began asking “When will there be novels?” That was my cue to get started writing them. At first, I was published by a small press and early editions were developed to test the waters in the U.S. As I began to attract a following in America, a New York publisher picked up the series. So we’re all very excited that book one will be published in hardcover next month!

LSW: You've had a series of mentors. Can you tell us a little bit about them and how they influenced you?

MARA: Mentors have always been a very important part of my life, particularly when it comes to writing my novels. One primary mentor was Louis L’Amour, the great Western writer. He confirmed for me the vital importance of research, something I’d learned as a journalist. He also showed by example that an author must find his or her theme, something so inspiring and compelling that he or she can build their fictional world upon it. For Louis, it was the old West. For me, it was California’s Central Coast. Our topics are then not limited to this region, yet it becomes foundational, the fixed foot of the compass. Two other mentors were teachers, Don Carlo taught history, a brought it vividly to life. Bill Dixon was a world-class musician and taught us to “play every note to change the world.” His focused not only on technique, but on intention. “Intents and Purposes” was the title of one of his seminal albums, and it was an important premise he shared. So I always ask myself why I am writing something, and what its purpose is for me and for my readers.  

LSW: Your newest release, What the Heart Knows, is coming out in September. Tell us a little about the story and your cast of characters.

MARA: Much as I adored the radio drama, the story as it is evolving in the novels is so much richer and deeper! The protagonist is Miranda Jones, a painter who’s just started achieving good success in San Francisco galleries. However, while her head tells her she should stay there and ride the money-and-fame wave, her heart tells her she should establish her own roots in a small coastal town she finds called Milford-Haven. Meanwhile, she befriends Samantha Hugo, twenty years her senior, a PhD who runs the local environmental planning commission, but who years earlier gave up a child for adoption and is now haunted by her decision. There’s a rather large cast of characters: Sally, who runs the local breakfast-and-lunch place and loves to eavesdrop; Zelda, who runs Miranda’s career but has ambitions of her own; Zackery, a wealthy young man who stumbles across a painting of Miranda’s and feels compelled to buy it, and maybe to buy her too; Cornelius, an astronomer who grew up in this little town but now works for NASA; Jack Sawyer, a builder-developer who’s Samantha’s ex and wants to run things his own way; and Chris Christian, a television journalist who gets in serious trouble. Throughout this whole first book, each character is wrestling with some issue of the heart . . . and what the heart knows.

By the way . . . one of my favorite places to write is in little cafes, and I sometimes think I could live on lattes!

LSW: Thanks for the great interview Mara! We look forward to your next release What the Heart Knows. I will be enjoying it with a latte myself.

Sweet Baklava is Truly Sweet

2011-03-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading the book, Sweet Baklava, by Debby Mayne. The contemporary romance takes place in Tarpon Springs, a city west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon is considered the sponge capitol of the world and is a large Greek community.

Mayne takes us into the lives of Paula Andrews and Nick Papadopoulos, two Tarpons Springs residents. Nick, now serving in the military, is from a large, loud, very involved Greek family. Paula, an only child, is determined to take care of herself. She owns a candle shop, a house and doesn't have anything standing in her way. Until now.

Nick, her one true love and high school sweetheart, comes back in to her life. Mayne weaves a love story so true, I caught myself praying for them once or twice. I had to remind myself it was only a story. Paul and Nick love each other so much they can't imagine being away from one another, yet real life stands in the way. Careers, a past, the military and future goals create bumps in the road, making it hard on Paula and Nick.

Throw into the mix a needy and irresponsible mother, a young teen in trouble and a Greek family determined to see Paula and Nick together and you have a story that comes off the pages. Mayne gives us real characters with real problems, and she doesn't throw a solution out there, just to make it happen. The characters work through the problems, creating a story that stays with you long after you put the book down.

Mayne has a knack for taking us right on to the page and in to Tarpon Springs, which comes alive in the book. It feels as though you are actually there in town . . . craving baklava, smothered in honey, pecans, walnuts and lots of sugar.

Sweet Baklava releases in March 2011. Published by Abingdon Press.

Fudge for Christmas

2010-12-15T09:54:00.001-05:00

All these years I thought I loved Christmas more than any other holiday. I still do. But, it dawned on me that what I really love is everything that leads up to Christmas day.

Don't get me wrong. I still love everything about that day. Family, the fact that Christ was born on that day, opening gifts, and eating. Lots and lots of eating. I'm specifically thinking about fudge and mashed potatoes. No holiday would be complete without those two dishes.

For me, the season starts with one thing. The Charlie Brown Halloween special. That's right. Halloween. My mother tells me every year that Halloween should not be celebrated because of the implications. It celebrates evil. While I must agree with that, Halloween--to me--is all about candy. As Jerry Seinfeld put it, "get candy, get candy, get candy." What other day in the year can you run around, dressed like something you clearly are not, and beg for candy? Yummy.

Charlie Brown signals the beginning of the holiday season. After all, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And we all know that Christmas right behind Thanksgiving. I love the hype, the build up, the shopping, the planning, the cooking, and all the anticipation of the day.

Every once in a while I have to be reminded of why we celebrate. Sad really that I have to remind myself. Christ doesn't have to remind himself to think of me. He has me on his mind all the time. That's right, all the time. He doesn't get distracted by lights, or whether or not he has all the fudge ingredients. He not only thinks of me throughout the season, but all year, day and night.

What an incredible thought. He loves each of us so much that he came to this earth, to this place of sin, to save us. If that's doesn't spell the meaning of love, I don't know anything else that does.

So, this season, I am planning on remembering what Christmas is really all about. Christ.

Finally Cold Weather

2010-11-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Well, the cold lasted for about one day. Actually, one morning if you want to be specific. I love the cold. These are the months I miss Colorado and the snow. I am going to make the most of it and wear sweaters, even if I get hot. I will read Christmas books, and drink hot chocolate with marshmallows floating on top. I will make my own kind of cold, even if I have to turn the air condition down in our sunny Florida home!

So, in the event you are ready to pick up a few books for Christmas, here are a couple suggestions:

Peace for His Children

2010-08-31T12:48:00.001-04:00

Someone pushed my six-year-old yesterday. How can that happen? He's so sweet and loving. Gotta admit, my gut reaction is to follow my son to school, walk him in, and protect him all the way (and push the little kid off the swings on my way back out to the car). It's hard not to stress over it happening again.

I told my son to ignore the little boy and he would go away. My husband said, "It's not that easy. Bullies don't just go away. They keep it up, until you stand up for yourself. I'm speaking from experience." This, of course, didn't slow down my mothering instincts at all.

It's tough to stand back and let things happen to our children. They have to experience life just as we did. I dropped him off this morning, and drove out of the parking lot-after resisting the urge to walk behind him looking for the mean little boy. I know that's not the solution. So, I showered him with prayers. I've been doing it all day.

My little boy just wants to go to school and learn and have fun. As I prayed for him, it hit me that Jesus despises this type of behavior. Sure, it's pretty innocent pushing a little kid. But, his heart breaks when someone hurts us or gives us cause to worry. God not only understands my concern over my son, but he loves John so much more than I do (hard to imagine someone can love my child more than me) and wants to see him flourish and be a happy child.

God reminded me that He is always there waiting to hear our prayers. He cares about whether or not my son gets pushed. Bullies may not go away, but what a blessing that we can pray them away. Our God is bigger than any bully you might come across. He knows just how to deal with the difficulties in our lives. We can lay our worries at his feet, and He promises to wrap His arms of love around us and give us peace.

I know John might get pushed again. But I know with prayer John will learn how to deal with the other little boy. (My optimistic heart is hoping it could turn into a friendship). It doesn't always happen the way we want it to, but regardless, God is in the mix. He will see us through.

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Back to School--And I Am Sad

2010-08-23T21:51:00.000-04:00

Well, school is starting tomorrow, and my two young boys will be gone all day. My emotions are all over the place. I've been excited that I will have more quiet time during the day. But, as I shopped for last minute school supplies, I passed by the baby section in the grocery store. I had to work hard to keep from crying. My two little men are growing up.

Mind you, the younger one is still in Pre-K, but he will be in school longer throughout the day. All I could think about was how little they used to be, jumping in their jumperoos, crawling on the floor, and sitting in their highchair eating and smiling as babies. I wish they could be that small again.

I know this opens a new chapter in their life, and I am excited for them. They met their teachers today, and they are ready for a new year. Ethan wanted to stay in class and play with the toys longer. He didn't quite understand why we couldn't stay and eat lunch, even though the lunchroom wasn't open for business.

I'll get over this emotional time. But, it's moments like these that make me long for the days of little baby boys sitting in my lap, and bouncing on my knee.

School Starts Soon - I Already Miss Summer

2010-08-04T22:44:00.000-04:00

School starts again in just a few short weeks. I've enjoyed having the boys at home for the summer. We've giggled, swam, read books, colored, and even played lots of video games (well they have). But, it's all about to come to a screeching halt.

I've loved every minute with my little guys. I'll miss them during the day, although it will be nice to have a little more quiet time.

Going back to school also means the onslaught of new television shows. Castle being my favorite. What is better than being a writer, watching a writer? The writers who write the show, know writers and their idiosyncrasies, and I love it. Say that five times fast.

The Office-yet another great show. Not too many shows get my attention these days, unless I am trying to scrape my jaw off the floor in disbelief at what I am watching. Thankfully, I have no problem walking away from those. But, the Office keeps me guessing. It's a fun show.

And of course, Dancing With the Stars. I'll never be able to dance like those people, but it's fun to try and live vicariously through them.

The summer went by too fast, but nonetheless, I enjoyed it. Here's to a wonderful new school year.

American Christian Fiction Writers 2010 Conference

2010-07-19T00:43:00.003-04:00

It's hard to know where to start when talking about the 2009 ACFW Conference. Besides the fact that I would be traveling back to my hometown, visiting family, and meeting up with friends, I had many more reasons to be excited about going to my first conference.

As a newbie last year, I decided to head to Denver without expectations. That's right, none whatsoever.

I had appointments set up with an editor and an agent. While trying to still my nerves and keep my knees from knocking together all the way into the room, I was immediately put at ease by both women I met. They listened, gave me ideas, and took the time to answer my questions. I couldn't have asked for more.

Along with meetings, I attended different classes offered throughout the weekend. I was so excited to learn more about the craft of writing. Some of the best writers, editors, and agents taught classes that were not only fun, but informative.

I saw friends from home and had a lot of laughs. I also met a multitude of new friends, which I immediately felt like I'd known for years. I was encouraged by Debbie Macomber's stories about her rise from unpublished writer, punching the keys on a rented typewriter, to becoming a New York Times bestseller.

But, beyond the writing, the meetings, the classes, and the friends, I was astounded by the love of Christ filling the hotel. People prayed in the hallways with each other. Editors and agents prayed for the people they met. Competition was non-existent, and a genuine concern for each other's goals and dreams was evident. The music brought us all together to praise God at such a time.

At the end of the conference I left feeling more empowered to share the love of Jesus with others. I came home on fire for Christ! I didn't expect it, but I got it. And I'm very thankful for it.

Here's a link to the conference: http://www.acfw.com/conference

2010-06-08T20:48:00.000-04:00

This pictures doesn't really match. But it was pretty.
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-11.

I love the story of Samuel, a young boy, living in the temple with the prophet Eli. One hot, steamy, summer evening (it's always hot over there, right?), Samuel heard his name. He ran to Eli (just the opposite of my boys, who would run the other direction) to see what the old man needed.

"I didn't call you," Eli said. He probably kissed the boy on the forehead and sent him back to bed.

Minutes later, Samuel heard his name again. "Samuel . . ." someone whispered on the wind. He ran back to Eli, only to get the same answer.

"I didn't call you. Now, get back to bed." In his patience, he might have walked Samuel back to his room, tucked him in. Finally, some rest.

Moments later, Eli turned over in his bed, only to find Samuel standing there. "You called?"

After thunking himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand, Eli realized the Lord was calling Samuel.

Wow, to hear those words for the first time. Samuel didn't even know it was God. He'd never spoken to the child. Yet.

That's about right. We hear our names called over and over, yet we don't know who is calling us. We go back to bed, or work, or our lives, and never hear God speak. He keeps calling our names, but we don't hear, or listening doesn't always come easy.

Could God be calling you to service, just as he was calling Samuel? Are you hearing a voice, but don't know yet where it's coming from?

Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." It's not always easy to hear, but He's there calling us, and still waiting patiently for us to listen.

My Addiction to Blogger Backgrounds

2010-06-05T23:04:00.001-04:00

I recently figured out that I am addicted to blogger backgrounds. Didn't know that could happen. I don't think they've come up with a Blogger Backgrounds Anonymous yet, so I will keep on checking daily for the best one around.

I'm amazed at the amount of talented people, capable of creating things for the web. It's all confusing to me. I'm lucky just to get on there and surf, let alone create something worthwhile.

Until then, I will shop around the blogger background sites. The best part . . . most are free!

Here's a few:
http://scrappinblogs.blogspot.com/
http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/
http://hotbliggityblog.com/
http://leeloublogs.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Layouts
http://sashwhystudio.com/free-blog-backgrounds/
http://www.shabbyblogs.com/backgrounds.html
http://daisygraydesign.blogspot.com/search/label/pink

Mess Maker, Mess Maker . . .

2010-06-04T13:43:00.001-04:00

Summer is upon us. I know this, because my kindergartner comes home from school every afternoon and tells me the exact number of days until he is done for the year.

I usually spend my summers walking behind my six and four-year-old boys with a vacuum, cleaning up the dirt they've tracked in from our grassless backyard. The whir of the Hoover is a familiar, and comforting noise.

I often wonder if God walks behind us with a holy vacuum, cleaning up our messes. I am guilty of making bad choices now and again. I'm betting He changes the bag a couple times before His floor is shiny again, after dealing with me.

Aggravation eats at me, after I've told the boys to wipe their feet, for the four or five-hundredth time. Then I think about how many times God has told me to behave, be a good listener, and make smart choices, and I don't. I blow it. Again.

He tells us in Isaiah 43:25, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more" Wow. He blots out our sin. He doesn't look back at the tracks I've left behind.

I can't count the number of times I've turned my head back the other direction, searching for the tracks my kids left behind. But, thankfully, He keeps His eyes focused ahead. He sees what we are capable of, and what is in our future. Thankfully, He forgives . . . and forgets.

This summer, I might have the vacuum, but I won't be looking back.

Another Week

2010-03-15T22:40:00.003-04:00

It's been two week's since my Mom had brain surgery. She is now in a rehab, which helps with getting energy levels back up. Her left side has a slight bit of drag to it. She walks fine, but tends to start moving to the left. You have to make sure you walk on her right, otherwise she'll slam you into the wall. No, not really.

I am continually amazed at her growth on a daily basis. She is incredible. She has a desire to get back to normal life, and she will. It just takes time. Having someone go in and mess around with your brain is bound to have an impact on your healing process. But, she'll get there. Her prayers have not ceased and I know the Lord will bless her tremendously more than He already has!

My Mom and her Jesus

2010-03-04T20:24:00.004-05:00

It's been a whirlwind of a week. Only last Wednesday, my mother felt dizzy and fell, right in the middle of an art store.

After a trip in an ambulance, a series of tests, and three brain meningiomas (say that three times fast) later, she faced surgery.

We were told, of all the types of brain tumors, these are the best a person can have-if that's possible. They are rarely cancerous, and much easier to remove.

So, that's what they did. Monday rolled around the corner, and she underwent brain surgery to remove the egg-sized tumor, with success. So much success in fact, she left the hospital today-only three days later.

It's hard to understand how a person can go through such a traumatic event, and walk the next morning. But, it's possible.

There's only one explanation. Prayer. Total, complete, utter reliance on prayer. And lots of people praying those prayers.

My Mom handled this with grace and dignity. With all the tests they put her through, she kept a smile on her face. She felt comfortable in any situation, and went through the surgery like a trooper. I'm not sure I could say that for myself.

My favorite thing to report is that every person walking through her hospital door heard about Jesus. No holds barred. She not only told them about her Savior, she prayed for them. Wow, what a Mom.

A week-and-a-half ago I would never have guessed we'd be sitting in a waiting room while my Mom underwent brain surgery. But, with lots of prayer, here we are-a healthy mom, and a lot of people that know more about Jesus than they ever did before.

Mom, what a great witness!

Learning to Make Use of My Time

2010-02-22T15:36:00.002-05:00

It's not easy focusing on one thing--at least not for me. I tend to stray from what I am doing on occasion.

Lately, it's come to my attention that I am not always the best steward of my time. I could be getting a lot more done in the small amount of time I am given. So, today, I have been more committed to staying on course, not checking my email every two minutes (not like I ever get anything exciting anyway), and aiming to finish my tasks.

So far, I have done pretty well. Tomorrow is a new day, with new challenges. So, I will take it one step at a time!

A New Day

2010-02-19T17:22:00.003-05:00

Today was a good day. I spent most of it writing in the local coffee shop, the Taste Cafe. They are so great. It's usually quiet, the smell of coffee floats through the air, and the pastry counter is only steps away. Just the way it should be.

Tonight I am taking little John to Chuck E. Cheese for a birthday party. These are the times to cherish, when they are little. They live for games and pizza.

My son's artwork he created on my phone!

2010-02-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

Writing Sites

2010-02-18T10:19:00.004-05:00

I recently discovered some new writing sites. Associated Content, Seed.com, and Demand Studios, among others. The idea is that the websites cater to writers, photographers, and artists wanting to get published and get their name out there. The companies in turn publish your article on one of their many sites. Everyone wins, right?

It seems like a great idea. You sign up, write an article, take a picture, submit the piece and wait to see if it will be accepted. Not so different than the way we typically submit, just faster.

I'm going to read more about this and get back. It's peaked my interest, and I'm curious about what others have to say about it.

I'll let ya know. Until then, back to the book...

Back to Posting...

2010-02-17T10:05:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since I have posted anything. I don't have a good excuse, but a lot of things going on around the house.

I finished a job in Georgia last August. I worked for a company that builds natural gas pipelines. I handled the payroll out in the field. I worked for them for around eleven years. I hung up that hat to be a stay at home mom. I am figuring things out as I go.

For now, I am still working on finishing my contemporary short novel, and sending articles off in hopes of publication (my fingers would be crossed, but it's hard to type that way)!

So, I after today I will make the effort to add more to the blog. Sorry for the absence!

2010 ACFW Conference In Indianapolis

2009-10-09T12:16:00.001-04:00

Get this widget!

2009-09-09T12:38:00.006-04:00

"The Premier Christian Fiction Conference"
STANDING FIRM...MOVING FORWARD
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
DENVER, COLORADO SEPTEMBER 17 - 20, 2009

Bestselling authors, publishing industry representatives, and newcomers to Christian fiction writing will gather in Denver at the American Christian Fiction Writer’s annual conference September 17-20 to compare notes, learn from each other, and encourage one another in the pursuit of publishing goals.

This year’s conference theme , Standing Firm…Moving Forward, will especially inspire the full range of talent and dreams in the ever-changing publishing world today.

This amazing conference will feature representatives from major publishing houses like B & H, Guideposts, Zondervan, Harvest House, Barbour, Steeple Hill, Summerside Press, Bethany House, Waterbrook Multnomah, Marcher Lord Press, Tyndale House, and Thomas Nelson, and top literary agents who will meet with writers and identify promising proposals from both new and veteran novelists. Conferees will have access to publishing panels, professional critiques, and customized workshops based on skills and interests.

The keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber, who has more than 100 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Learn more about the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference by visiting www.acfw.com. Click on the left sidebar on Annual Conference.

Anita Higman Shares About Writing and Life

2009-02-21T14:55:00.006-05:00

We're back with Anita Higman, author of Love Finds You in Humble, Texas. Anita's characters in this new novel entice you to forget about supper, homework, and even sleep! Be sure to go pick up a copy at your local bookstore. You'll be so grateful you did!

Thanks for sharing with us, Anita!

Here's the rest of the interview:

When did you realize that you were going to be a writer?

At a young age I tried writing a novel. It was truly terrible, but I know those were the first little signs of what I would someday be. I should have taken the signs more seriously. But I didn’t. I walked away from my desires and dreams for a very long time. I had an appalling lack of confidence. And so when I was about thirty, I was reading a novel, and I thought, “Okay, I can do this.” I think it was God gently nudging me again. This time I listened. And I kept going, and have been writing ever since. I wish I could tell you the name of the novel I was reading when I had that epiphany, but the name of the book is lost from my memory. But I will never forget the way I felt when I made that decision to write—to finally allow myself to follow my dream.

What does an average workday look like for you?

I get up around 5:30, eat oatmeal and grapefruit, and then take a mug of coffee upstairs to my office. I catch up on my email, and then I start writing. I break for an early lunch, and then I either run a few errands, or I go back to my writing. After dinner, I’m usually back in my office working again or I’ll spend the evening reading a good book. I don’t watch TV, but on the weekends I do love to rent new movies. Watching someone else’s story unfold is my treat after working hard all week, trying to tell my own story.

Where do you get the ideas for your novels?

Everywhere I go, ideas come to me—whether it’s a book concept or a new character or a twist in the plot or a unique phrase. Sometimes I’ll be grocery shopping or picking up the dry-cleaning, and I’ll think of something to add to my work. That happens so often that I’ve come to accept errands as a blessing in disguise.

What are some of your favorite books?

I enjoy reading the classics. I loved Oliver Twist, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romance of the Forest, Pride and Prejudice, and The Woman in White.

Do you have any tips for writers?

1. Read. I have discovered that the more I read the better I write.

2. Follow all leads from networking opportunities, writer's conferences, and tips from writer friends.

3. Look for "holes" in the marketplace. One way of finding holes is to talk to booksellers and librarians. You might discover that there is a real need for a certain kind of book. Perhaps a number of patrons have asked repeatedly for a particular subject and there are few or no books written on it.

4. Try brainstorming when you are out of ideas. Then when the ideas do flow, start a file for later use. For example, you could have a file with character profiles, bits of dialogue, fresh book titles, or other elements that you could eventually use in a new piece of writing.

5. Read all your work out loud. It sounds a bit simplistic, but it’s a valuable tool.

6. Titles are important. Make sure that your title is the very best it can be for your work. If you don't like it, brainstorm until you find a new one, or use a dazzling phrase from your manuscript.

7. If you feel a burnout approaching, and you're actually thinking about throwing in the towel, put your work aside, read a book for fun, start a journal, go on a writer's retreat, or take a break by writing something outside your genre.

8. Try making a habit of writing, even when you don't think you're in an inspired mood.

9. Pray that God will guide you and help you be the best writer you can be.

10 Many popular authors have known rejection, so you’re not alone if you have a drawer full of rejection slips. (Years ago I collected enough to paper a small room!) The bottom line is—if you feel called to write, don't give up.)

Where can readers find you online?

I’d love for you to drop by my web site. I’m at www.anitahigman.com.

Thanks for inviting me, Julie!