Kelli Hughett--Romantic Suspense Author

California Dreamin' Blog Hop Party

2016-05-25T08:17:00.001-06:00

This is so exciting! Welcome to Kelli Hughett's stop on the Smoke and Mirrors Blog Hop.

Housekeeping: If you would like to win any of our two amazing prizes, please remember to post a comment on all 7 blogs! (Comments must be posted by May 30)

Prizes include:

7 print novels from today's bestselling Christian Authors!

and a grand prize: A Kindle Fire! (and titles to start)

My favorite summer destination is Southern California, which is why I set my latest novel, Dangerous Alternative, there. There's something about the beach that soothes my soul. The pull of the waves, the scent of the sea. The heat from the sun.

My family likes Seal Beach for the view, the quieter beach and the memories we've already made there!

I can spend days on the beach with a book, my sunglasses, and a bag of snacks (essential to share with seagulls!)

It's a perfect summer setting!

I've never been scuba diving, but Dangerous Alternative features a deep sea dive that ends in terror! I think that might be a fear of all of us...

What's your favorite summer destination?

Keep hopping to win the grand prize Kindle Fire or the Book Prize! Click HERE to hop to Alana Terry's blog and learn her favorite summer destination!

Don't forget to grab your copy of Smoke and Mirrors during your hop today!

Missed a stop on the hop? Go back to Heather Gilbert's blog HERE!

Smoke and Mirrors is here!

2016-05-23T16:27:00.002-06:00

Get your copy of Smoke and Mirrors today! It's still just .99 for a very limited time. Got Beach? Get Smoke and Mirrors!

8 reasons to read the 8 titles in Smoke and Mirrors:

Settings span the country from Alaska to the east coast.
Sweet summertime vibes in every title
Unforgettable characters will stay with long after you've finished reading.
Catch up with today's bestselling Christian suspense authors.
Never before published
Well balanced romance and suspense
Clean reading. (Smoke and Mirrors won't offend your soul)
It gets dark later. Read longer.

Smoke and Mirrors: A Romantic Suspense Collection

2016-04-18T21:32:00.000-06:00

It's finally here! Smoke and Mirrors is a Romantic Suspense Collection from today's bestselling Christian Authors! Check out my title, Dangerous Alternative which is set in Southern California.

Pre-Order price: .99! Click here to pre-order Smoke and Mirrors. (official release May 20, 2016)

Dangerous Alternative by Kelli Hughett:
Summer in Southern California doesn't get any hotter than this!
When Levi Boulter agrees to work for the FBI behind the scenes in Hollywood, he never plans on becoming an operative working to thwart a plan to assassinate the President's wife--or on keeping a secret from the woman he loves, Mahari Gillaspie. When Mahari is kidnapped, Levi makes the gamble of his life in order to save her. Will Levi's secret divide them forever, or will they come together in time to stop an assassination?

This new book is a Catch Of a Lifetime!

2015-11-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Catch Of a Lifetime is a romance after my own heart. If you loved Red Zone, you're sure to fall in love with Catch Of a Lifetime!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103944/

I was able to catch up with Cassie Parker from Catch Of a Lifetime...I tracked her down at an apartment complex just south of Front Range University. Let's see if she has a minute or two to talk to us.

Hey Cassie! Can I come in?

Y'all come on in and thanks for stopping by. Pardon the mess, but I just moved in yesterday and am still trying to figure out where to put things. This studio apartment sure seems a lot smaller than the online listing made it appear. Then again, once I get some of these boxes cleared out it should feel bigger. I hope. But that's moving for you. Can I get you something to drink?

Water would be fine. Thank you.

I've been guzzling water ever since I got here. Sure is drier than I'm used to. Right now I'm craving a large glass of sweet tea but my pitcher won't fit into that tiny fridge. Don't worry. I'll figure something out 'cuz a Southern girl needs her tea.

How are you liking Colorado so far?

I went for a walk this morning to work the road trip driving kinks out of my back and couldn't believe how perfect the weather is in August. Cool. No bugs. And those mountains are stunning. Is the sky always this blue?

More often than not. I think it's because of the clean air. But I've also heard it's because of the high altitude and being closer to outer space.

Believe me, I'm feeling the lack of air.

So, what's on your horizon this week? Are you looking forward to another school year?

I am definitely looking forward to this year. Today the plan is to finished getting settled in and then tomorrow I'll head over to campus. I still need to stop by financial aid to give them my new bank account information so they can deposit my stipend and I'll have money for books. I still can't believe I'm getting a free education and money to live on in exchange for teaching aerobics and Pilates classes to undergrad students.

Have you met any cute guys yet?

Not yet, which is a good thing since I'm all sweaty and still wearing my move-in clothes. Maybe tomorrow. Then again, I'm not exactly looking either. After the heartache of the last couple of years, it just feels so good to be somewhere new. To get a fresh start. I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for me this year.

Get to know Cassie better in Catch Of a Lifetime by Candee Fick

Unfortunately, Cassie's fresh start is about to turn into her worst nightmare, but God has a plan. Read more in Catch of a Lifetime.

Blurb: He breathes football. She shudders at the very mention of the sport. After a tragedy involving a football player destroyed her family, athletic trainer and graduate student Cassie moves across the country looking for a fresh start, but a change in financial aid lands her in the middle of her worst nightmare. Meanwhile, rookie coach Reed worries his dream career will slip away as injuries plague his players and his star receiver teeters on the brink of ineligibility. As the two work together to salvage the season, sparks fly, and Reed must eventually choose between the game he cherishes and the woman he loves.

Ordering link: on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103944/

Bio: Candee Fick is the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy with her day job or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at football, basketball, baseball, and Special Olympics games. In what little free time remains, she enjoys exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

www.CandeeFick.com

https://twitter.com/CandeeFick

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Candee.Fick

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHTwYjEu6vI

4 Marketing tactics that will sell your novel

2015-10-30T19:50:00.000-06:00

You want to sell books! Here are 4 proven strategies that will help you sell your novel.

1. Quit marketing to other writers. Your peers aren't your target audience, yet a lot of newbie writers engage the writing community with their marketing.

Gear your social media posts to readers, not writers, even if you're just starting out. (have you targeted your audience? If you haven't check out this post.)
Focus on growing your reader base, rather than your Facebook friend list.

2. Use the 80/20 rule. Marketing isn't about YOU, it's about YOUR READERS. What are your readers interested in? Do you write nineteenth century fiction? Why not post pictures of historical homes and clothing? Did you write a steam punk novel? Why not showcase some great tattoos?

Avoid being selfish:I hate it when writers talk about themselves all the time. Be humble and feature lots of other books that your readers will love!

Think of your posts as bait. What will make your readers bite? Make it smell good, look good, taste good!
80% of your marketing is "bait"(reader interest) and 20% is "hook"(your books)

3. Schedule your posts. When you've determined what you're going to use as "bait" for your audience, start a list of scheduled posts.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest can all be managed with a monthly subscription to http://www.hootsuite.com TIME IS MONEY, especially in marketing!

4. BE YOU. Marketing is very personal. What works for you isn't going to work for another writer. My brother sells cars with slap-stick YouTube videos...they are hilarious! (Wanna see them? Go here) These ads are working great for him, but I don't think they're the right fit for selling my romantic suspense novels!

Make a list of the things that define you as an author. (if you mention professional coffee drinker or chocolate hound, may you be cursed forever! So cliche!) Use these things to define your marketing. Are you funny? Take good pictures? Create nail art?
Readers LOVE authenticity. Be YOU and no one else.
Consider your budget. Spending too much on marketing will sink you faster than a lead balloon. If you don't have marketing money, don't spend it! Do what you can, sell what you can and put your profits back into marketing! (do this on 10 books and you can go to Bermuda on the proceeds)

To Die For

2014-11-18T18:30:00.001-07:00

This article originally published by comefillyourcup.com

Last Sunday morning, I chose an outfit that made me feel amazing. I always feel my best when the things I wear reflect my personality. Fitted jean jacket, long tiered skirt, turquoise jewelry. I did my hair in an angled French braid around to my shoulder and pulled a few wisps to curl around my face. I glanced in the mirror, happy with my reflection and ready for worship. I pulled on my favorite cowgirl boots and headed out the door, feeling a bit of confidence buoy my spirits.

Then I arrived at church and saw her.

Nearly 10 years my junior, she was, as usual, dressed to the nines in calf-length high-heeled boots, clingy sweater with trailing ribbon flower and a short black skirt. Did I mention in addition to being 10 years my junior, she's at least that many pounds lighter?

I wiggled my toes in my snub-toed, gray cowgirl boots and felt the confidence I'd left the house with float away like a helium balloon cut from the bunch. My shoulders fell as any illusions of my beauty on that particular day burned to ash.

Oh, what a Leah day!

Leah, the unloved. The dim-eyed sister who could only catch a man through trickery and deceit. Did she feel the same way I did Sunday when she compared herself to Rachel, the beautiful sister everyone loved? Did she feel dowdy and ridiculous like I had? Unworthy of notice, like a stump compared to cherry tree in full bloom?

I'm betting everyone reading this article has experienced a Leah day. A day in which, compared to another woman, we feel like an unloved, dim-eyed sister.

But there's a powerful lesson in Leah's story that's often overlooked. In Genesis 29:31 The Bible says, “Now the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, and He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.”

The Lord saw Leah.

The Creator saw her. Not as dimmed-eyed Leah, but as a precious child. He saw her emotions and struggles. Saw that she was unloved. The scripture does not say the Lord saw she was ugly. It says He saw her. And he acted on her behalf. He opened her womb—like a father watching over a favored daughter, the Lord intervened and blessed this woman he'd created and loved.

Isn't that what we're really looking for? To be noticed. Seen?

1 Samuel 16:7b says, “...For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Similar to Leah's situation, when God looked at your heart He thought,

“She so beautiful—She's to die for!”

Just like Leah, He saw you. Your flaws. Your accomplishments. Your struggles. Your gifts. Your sins. And he declared you beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that He sent His son to die for you, so that in His beauty, yours would be complete.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a complete beauty? Yes. You. Completely Beautiful in Christ.

Colossians 2:10b says, “...and in Him you have been made complete...”

Colossians 3:3 says, “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

There are few things more beautiful than a bride, but quite possibly more beautiful is the expression on the face of the groom when he sees his beloved for the first time. Read Ephesians 5:25b-27 with yourself in mind as the bride:

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her; that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.” (Emphasis mine)

Next time you're having a Leah day, one where you find yourself comparing your outward beauty to another woman's; when you have a day like mine, when you're wondering if anyone ever really sees you—remind yourself of this truth: You are worthy of His notice. He sees you, his gorgeous bride and

You're to die for!

Kelli Hughett is a fiction writer, minister's wife and homeschool mom. Her first love in ministry is working with women. She and her family make their home in Windsor, Colorado. Kelli is available for speaking at Ladies events throughout the year. Look for her debut novel, RedZone, on Amazon.com. Follow Kelli on Twitter @KelliHughett or on Facebook: Kelli Hughett: Author and Speaker or at www.kellihughett.com.

photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faizan89/6891352479/">Muhammad Faizan 89</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

Interview with Marcy Farris

2014-11-14T12:13:00.003-07:00

Get to know Marcy Farris, the heroine from Red Zone: (Available on Amazon.com)

Occupation?

Of the mind? Oh, you mean a job. Well, does cleaning toilets count?

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

They don’t call it Loveland for nothing. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. The views of the mountains opposite the plains can’t be beat.

What’s your favorite food?

It would be easier to tell you which foods I don’t like. Sweet pickles. Yams. I think that’s about it. Brant (My 16 year old) would insert #chocolateaddict if this were a twitter interview.

Describe your favorite outfit.

I’m not much of a “fashionista”, I leave that to my daughter, Haley. But my favorite outfit has to be my faded jeans, a pair of black suede boots, and a vanilla sweater. I love wearing knit hats!

What is your greatest regret?

I regret that I didn’t see the signs before my husband committed suicide. Maybe if I’d done something more…

Are you interested in another relationship after spending 5 years as a widow?

Yikes! That makes me feel so old. No, I’m not looking for a relationship. No guy needs this kind of baggage in his life.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My kids are my MVP’s. I’m so proud of them! Brant’s made the Varsity Football team at TVHS (Thompson Valley High School) this fall and Haley is the sweetest darling in the world. (She’s still missing those front teeth) Raising them is quite an accomplishment!

Marcy Farris Look a like

Red Zone by Kelli Hughett

2014-10-31T14:55:00.000-06:00

My romantic suspense title, Red Zone releases this Sunday, November 2, 2014! I can't tell you how excited I am!

Where can you get a copy? By clicking here, of course!

A lot of readers ask me how they can help make Red Zone a success:

1. Buy Red Zone!

2. Post a review on Amazon.com, Barnesandnobel.com or Goodreads.com (All three would be amazing!)

3. Tell your friends on social media or by word of mouth (@KelliHughett or Kelli Hughett: Author and Speaker)

I would love to connect with you if you've read Red Zone! Comments welcome. Thanks for reading!

Getting to know the Author

2014-09-19T09:53:00.002-06:00

"To fall in Love with God is the greatest Romance; to seek him, the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest achievement." Augustine

A good morning at my modern Colorado farmhouse begins with a cup of flavored coffee and a few minutes with my husband. Since our house overlooks a pond, we sit outside and watch nature's effect on the water and chat before we both dive in to our busy day. He's a minister and I spend my time home schooling our three kids and helping him with Church work.

That said, I don't spend my days writing, but I squeeze it in where I can. From my office window, I see barns, the Rocky Mountains, yards of farm fence and wide swathes of green grass surrounded by trees that are just starting to turn this fall. You'd imagine me writing Amish or Prairie Romance, right?!

Many people who know me well have asked me why I chose to write suspense. It is a little out-of-character for me, I suppose. I collect tea cups, read Austen and classics regularly, wear frilly dresses and dote on agricultural landscapes. My favorite book is Anne of Green Gables. So, why suspense?

I guess it taps an unseen part of my personality. What's more exciting than a murder mystery? Suspense is the spice of life, even if we aren't standing over dead bodies all day. It enhances marriages, gives authority to news and announcements, and makes our hearts beat fast. No book, no matter the genre, would be interesting without a little suspense!

And what story is complete without romance?

I hope you'll find my books entertaining without offending your soul. I hope you'll discover the magic of ordinary days and characters in extraordinary circumstances. Maybe you'll find yourself in one of my books. I know you'll find little pieces of me.

The smell of progress

2014-05-06T11:16:00.000-06:00

The smell of progress is wood shavings and saw dust.

View from dining into kitchen

Kitchen exterior

View from Front Door

Upper living room windows

Best view from the kitchen :)

Tuesday, May 6: Trusses go up. More pics to come

No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Cakes

2014-05-01T09:27:00.002-06:00

This week, we've had horrible winds and were not able to continue framing, so I'm busy in the kitchen.

Here's a delicious recipe for easy spring-time cakes: No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Cakes

12 Dessert Cups (Typically found in produce Aisle, shortcake cups another name)

1 Small container Lemon Curd (Jelly Aisle)

12 tsp Raspberry Preserves

1 container fresh raspberries

1 small container heavy whipping cream

1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup-1 cup Powdered Sugar

smidge of salt

12 mint leaves (optional for garnish)

No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Cakes

Fill 6 dessert cups with lemon curd and put 6-8 fresh raspberries in the curd.

Fill 6 dessert cups with 1-2 tsp Raspberry Preserves.

Turn the raspberry ones over on top of the lemon ones to form cakes.

***Kelli's quick secret: If there is a divot in the top, fill with a dollop of lemon curd or preserves.

For Topping: Whip 1 small cont. of heavy whipping cream until fluffy

add 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2-1 C. powdered sugar (To taste), tiny smidge of salt, zest of 1 lemon and juice of 1 lemon. Whip for 20 seconds on high.

Top the waiting cakes with the lemon cream topping and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.

These are amazing with tea. (I'm thinking wedding/baby shower!)

Things you do when you're NOT framing

2014-04-23T20:56:00.000-06:00

We were supposed to start framing today, and I was disappointed when my framer, Rick, called to notify me he couldn't start until later in the week.

When I arrived this afternoon to survey the progress, I noticed a LOT of water pooling at the entrance. A few moments later, a neighbor arrived saying they thought the water was due to an irrigation line break. They'd fired up the pump that feeds irrigation water to the whole neighborhood and it was obviously flooding from below.

As the minutes passed, more neighbors arrived. At first, we just made attempts to get the culvert open so the water could flow back to the pond. I was not dressed for a foray into the mud, nor did I have the tools. (I'm glad I had those excuses. I'm still embarrassed about admitting my limitations after my fusion surgeries last year. I feel like a weakling with a million tired excuses)

But as you can see, Conner and Karli had no problem putting those worries aside and diving in. Literally. A few neighbors arrived with shovels and we started digging where the water seemed to be boiling out of the dirt.

We never did find the leak, so we turned the main pump off and plan to get a digging crew together for Saturday.

So, instead of framing today, we learned what we'd already suspected: We've got some great neighbors! (oh, yeah, and a broken irrigation pipe)

Let's hope we start framing tomorrow!

So, I'm a rookie and it shows.

2014-04-08T14:37:00.003-06:00

Everything on the build went smoothly until we changed trades from excavating to concrete. Apparently, a person (me) is supposed to read the tiny print on the side of the engineered prints. Doh. In this tiny print, it says that the soils engineer must come and inspect the open hole to see if the dirt looks good. (Imagine the fun of that job, eh?)

We had a hole, but no engineer to inspect it.

Whoops.

After the engineer came, we thought the concrete would be poured in four consecutive stages:

1. Set Footers
2. Pour Footers
3. Set walls
4. Pour walls

So far, we have 2 out of 4. Which is bad news for my schedule because I have workers coming to put a damp-proof product on walls that aren't there yet. Sheesh. And then I sent guys out to measure those invisible walls and looked like a complete idiot! (So, I'm a rookie and it shows)

Whoops.

In addition to that little snag, we lost our FRAMER! So we scrambled to find someone else. (Granted, the foundation walls are poured)

Thankfully, we found a framing crew. Albeit, they cost more, but we're getting desperate here and the guy said he could do the whole house in 8-10 days!

It's been 2 very stressful weeks! Add in a little tiff with a neighbor who disagreed with our property lines/rights...Maybe it's good we've had a delay so we can catch our breath and live to fight...ahem...build another day.

Next week: Framing

Good Planning and Breaking Ground

2014-03-31T21:48:00.000-06:00

We thought we heard the Hallelujah Chorus as we pulled up to our property and saw the HUGE excavating equipment already at work, carving the dirt like icing on a cake.Who knew dirt could be so exciting! Monday was GROUNDBREAKING!

Goals for this week: dig the water line, expose the curb-stop for the water meter install, build a 225 foot road, install a 15' culvert and dig the foundation for the house.

There were times throughout the process that my husband thought my planning was excessive. He wondered why I was spending so much time on a project that wouldn't happen for months and months. But those months dwindled into weeks and the weeks into days...Finally Monday, Ground Breaking Day, arrived.

All that planning paid off: Kirt was even kind enough to give me a few kudos about the seamless execution:

The utility locates were done

The portable toilet dropped-off

The excavators were already at it when we arrived, their heavy equipment had already been delivered

Weather checked and double checked

Building permit paid for and put on property in a special mail box just for that purpose

First inspection (set-backs) called for

Concrete workers put on call for day after foundation dig

Framer scheduled

Floor pack at will-call (Floor pack is the building material used for first phase of framing)

Monday morning arrived and things started happening like the ticking seconds of a clock. Unlike many other days, we felt things going our way all day long. The excavator began building the culvert and road to the house just after 8am. We took the kids to see the apartment we'll be living in while we build (They loved it and so did Kirt!), closed on the construction loan, chatted with some neighbors, had a meeting about the house elevations and were home in time for dinner and relaxation.

I know every week can't possibly go this smoothly, but I do hope the extra time I've put into planning will pay off as we head deeper into the building process.

Next week: Concrete

Wake me when it's time to choose paint colors!

2014-01-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

After more than 70 showings: THE HOUSE IS UNDER CONTRACT!

The last time we signed a contract on this house, it fell through, so we're cautiously optimistic going forward. Here's the 411.

We close in February.

But we don't have to move out until June 1!

We are ecstatic about this plan. We'll be tenants of our own home starting in February while we build the new one. (So, there will be 6 weeks where we're homeless, but who's counting...)

Assuming everything goes well throughout the contract process, I plan on breaking ground on the new house February 20.

When building was a dream, it looked easy and fun. Now I'm staring it in the face, I have to admit I'm a wee bit nervous.

House plans are fun. Tile and carpet selection is fun.

Getting the necessary permits: NOT FUN.

Here's what I've done so far. (You might find this list helpful when you begin your project)

1. Download and print the County Building Permit Application form. They've got a checklist of things I need.

2. Ignore the checklist. Look at house plans. Choose tile. Dream. Vibrate with excitement.

3. Make last minute changes to house plans. Order large plats from printer.

4. Fill out the permit application.

5. Notice a lot of blanks. I don't know the answer to a lot of the questions!

6. Decide to read the checklist again. Oh, I have to have a septic permit? Wait, what's a site access permit?

7. Panic.

8. Call the county.

9. Digest the news. Yes, I have to have a septic permit prior to submitting for my building permit. AND IT COSTS $750.00. Ouch.

10. Learn about a Site Access permit. This was the first one I applied for. I had to take pictures of the lot and even make a "traffic control plan" to keep all those cars who drive on my rural cul-de-sac safe from large trucks! LOL.

I couldn't believe all the tedium. I'm not really a "paperwork" person and the permit application process is all about paperwork. Could someone just wake me up when it's time to choose paint colors?

I'll apply for the septic permit Monday morning, and then pull the building permit with the county about a week later.

Stay tuned: I'll be blogging about every step along the way

If you're acting as the General Contractor on your home project, feel free to ask me questions in the comment section. I'm an open book (maybe you'll learn from my mistakes!)

DIY, building, decorating, HGTV, general contractor, build, do-it-yourself, house, planning, house plans,

Building a house or making a home?

2013-12-20T16:56:00.003-07:00

These are our original drawings

Last summer, we decided to undertake the process of building our dream home in Northern Colorado. So, we're not pioneers or anything. Lots of people have done this before, right?

Well, maybe.

When I say "build our dream home" I simply mean we will act as general contractor on the project. I've had too many back surgeries to merit swinging a hammer, but we are prepared to be responsible for the hiring of sub-contractors and for the ultimate outcome.

Scary, I know.

We didn't plan on this journey, it sort of found us. We'd made plans for a major remodel of our current "forever" home, but one day, when I was supposed to be writing, I was shamelessly searching the internet. Just looking at some real estate sites.... when I came across a picture of a gorgeous tree-lined pond. My born-in-Colorado intellect rebelled. That picture was photo-shopped, for sure. I didn't think real estate with a view like that existed around here for under a million bucks.

View from my car

A week or two passed, and I couldn't get that pretty picture out of my mind, so I persuaded my husband to drive to the address one weekend. Lo and behold! This country lot with a view of a tree-lined pond did indeed exist and it was FOR SALE!

Just like that, everything changed.

Suddenly, we weren't going to remodel, we were going to build the home we'd always dreamed about! My blood pounded as we crunched the numbers. What we wanted didn't exactly fit with what we could afford. So we crunched some more numbers and adjusted our plans. We talked about foreign terms like "price per square foot" and "construction loan". (Affordability was huge for us. My husband is a minister and I homeschool, so we aren't exactly rolling-in-dough if you know what I mean...But that didn't stop us from dreaming!)

A few weeks and some prayers later, we decided we COULD do this. We should take the opportunity that felt like it had landed in our laps. I couldn't have dreamed of a prettier spot -- right here surrounded by my family and church friends at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Ten minutes from our church and current community. This place has it all.

Real estate was selling like hot-cakes (do hot-cakes really sell well?) and we imagined selling our current home would be a breeze, so we purchased the lot and put our house on the market. All systems GO.

Here's what we did first:

Closed on the lot (Wow. That was so exciting!)

Started working with an architect on house plans. (Wow. That was so exciting!)

Bought the water tap (Wow. That was so exciting!)

Waited to sell our house.

Waited to sell our house.

Waited to sell our house.

Finalized drawings on the house and started getting bids from sub-contractors
Ordered soil and perk tests
Finalized engineering on plans and soils

Waited to sell our house.

I think you get the picture. We are STILL waiting to sell our house. So much for all systems GO. We are stuck like a sailing ship on calm seas.

But, we were almost glad for the wait. Almost.

We hit some snags:

SNAG 1
Here in dry Colorado, basements are the norm. Almost every home has one. They're awesome for future growth, storage, kids rooms... and we'd always planned on having one.

But our lovely lake-front property? Unless we wanted to debut as the next Noah's ark, we'd need to build high to get out of the water table which was at a shocking 4.5 feet in some places.

That meant NO basement and back to the drawing board with our house plans.

Waited to sell our house.

SNAG 2
Bedrock is awesome for foundations! But not so good for septic systems. After soils engineering, we found we'd need an engineered system. No problem, right?

Wrong.

The engineering was the easy part. Because of the slow-perking bedrock, our system was colossal. The bid came in just under $20,000. Yep, that's 4 zeros....to digest and dispel poop!

Budget blown. Dreams shattered.

Waited to sell our house.

But we aren't giving up. We are still going to build our dream home. Someday. SOON.

Join me on the journey. I'll be blogging about each step along the way. Our triumphs and disappointments. And maybe, you'll be inspired to learn from our mistakes and build your dream home one day, too.

Meet Zeke: Character Interview

2013-11-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hear No Evil, by Mary Hamilton is the first in the Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. Today I'm posting an interview with Zeke, Camp Director of Rustic Knoll. Zeke possesses an amazing talent for influencing campers for Christ.

Hear No Evil, Mary Hamilton Available on Amazon

Interview with Zeke:

You have quite a talent for drawing. Have you always illustrated your sermons?

I’ve always enjoyed sketching and drawing. But I didn’t start illustrating my sermons until I became director here at Rustic Knolls. Keeping kids’ attention during my evening talks wasn’t easy. I thought back to when my daughters were little. We’d talk about Bible stories and they loved it when I drew the lions that Daniel spent the night with, or the ark with the animals. I figured if it worked for them, maybe it would work for teenage campers.

What led you to accept the job of director of Rustic Knolls Bible Camp?

I pastored a church for many years and saw how difficult it was to keep kids involved in the church. There are so many things pulling them away, things that didn’t exist when I was growing up. I grew interested in camps as a way to get them away from all their electronics and artificial entertainment for a few days so they can really focus on who they are and who God is and how those two ideas can fit together. Being director of Rustic Knolls Bible Camp has been a dream come true.

What do you see is the greatest need for kids today?

Stability. Security. So many families are crumbling and splintering and the kids don’t have a sense of belonging to a definite family group because that group keeps changing. If kids lose that sense of identity that tells them who they are and where they came from, they’ll go looking for it in the wrong places. Kids need parents who are committed to each other first, and then are committed to the kids.

How does Rustic Knolls try to meet those needs?

Kids come to camp with a lot of baggage, and I’m not talking about their suitcases. All the problems they’re dealing with at home come to camp with them, influencing how they interact with others, how they see themselves, how they respond to God. We try to learn what they’re struggling with and show them a different perspective, a godly perspective, so they can develop better ways of managing those struggles when they go back home.

With all the other things available to kids these days, from sports programs to arts and science, what do you think Bible camps offer that’s unique for kids?

Personally, I need a vacation every so often to get away from the rush and the demands of daily life. When I don’t have to deal with my own responsibilities each day, I usually get a clearer picture of where I want to go, what I want to accomplish. Sometimes those goals and desires get lost in the urgency of the daily grind. Kids need the same thing. They need a break from the daily stresses and problems of growing up. Bible camp offers a chance to see the big picture and reset their dreams, their goals. At Bible camp, they learn God values them for who they are, not what they can do or how they look. Even though it’s hard from them to disconnect for a week, it’s good for them to get away from the noise and listen for God’s still small voice.

Bio:

Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a camp much like the setting for her Rustic Knolls Bible Camp series. She started out writing articles for magazines, and a Christmas play, Homespun Angel. Her faith is a strong influence in her life and writing. When she’s not writing, Mary loves the outdoors and nature, as well as opening her home to youth Bible studies, pancake suppers and breakfast with her special recipe waffles. She and her husband live near Houston, TX, within range of her three grown children.

How to connect with Mary

Website: www.maryhamiltonbooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks

Twitter: @mhamilton122

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks

What is God's role in our everyday lives?

2013-10-07T16:06:00.001-06:00

This fall I'm studying something I've always taken for granted. I've always believed that God cared about the nuances of my life and was active in it on an everyday level. My prayer life has been fueled by this belief.

But the other day someone said something like, "I don't think God really cares about any of that. His goal is your salvation, beyond that, His perspective is eternal and He doesn't bother with the earthly things of this life." (loose quotation)

This little thorn has been prodding my heart, so I've begun studying the scriptures specifically for this answer. I'll be sharing some of what I find along the way. I hope it encourages you to study God's word for yourself.

But for now:

What do you think?

What is God's role in our everyday lives?

This is it!

2013-08-08T20:46:00.000-06:00

This is it. THE milestone every author dreams of: My novel, Red Zone, has been accepted for publication by Lighthouse Publishing.

There were times I thought I'd never see my name on the cover of a book. Writing and re-writing. Editing, deleting. Critique groups. Contests. But it happening. In E-reader, Kindle, Nook and Paperback.

I have to admit, the work of writing feels suspiciously fun. I loved every second I spent making Red Zone what it is...and I know it will be a lot of work to make it ready for you all to read! But, I'm still hoping it's fun at the end of the process.

If you like Romance

If you like Suspense

If you like Football or the NFL (or like someone who does)

You'll love Red Zone.

Coming Fall 2014

Big News: A career milestone!

2012-06-04T13:01:00.000-06:00

I'm proud to announce I've signed with The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc.

Blythe Daniel has been representing literary clients since 2005 and boasts an impressive client list. This year, she welcomed agent Jessica Kirkland who works with fiction clients. It's an honor to work with them on my current, and hopefully, future projects.

What does an agent do for a writer?

An literary agent is much like a real estate agent. They represent writers to publishers and negotiate the sale of a work. For this service, they are paid a commission. Unlike real estate agents, literary agents choose their clients from a huge pool of writers.

Signing my contract

Why does a writer need an agent?

There are many reasons to contract a literary agent. Chiefly, because many publishers won't even consider a work by an "un-agented" writer.

Second, an agent understands the current market. They make their name on knowing what's selling and what's not. A good agent has extensive connections in the publishing world and knows what publishers are looking for.

Third, they assist an author with publishing contracts, levy for advances, etc. They are the author's advocate in all negotiations. In most cases, the author's income is paid to them through the agent.

The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. offers many benefits to its clients, and Jessica and Blythe are certainly multi-talented and bring loads of experience and connections to the table.

I thank them for their faith in my writing and my vision for future projects.

Again, His fingerprints are all over this deal!

Heavenly Father,

I place my career as a writer in YOUR hands. I submit to your authority and pray your guidance on all my decisions. I place my dreams in your hands, praying that you are glorified by each step of the journey, be it long or short. Use me as you will.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Genesis Finalist

2012-05-31T19:46:00.000-06:00

I'm so thrilled to announce that I am an ACFW Genesis finalist again this year! I've been working hard on perfecting my craft and feel blessed to be in such talented company.

I am one of three finalists in the Romantic Suspense category, which is a newer sub-genre to Christian Fiction.

The winners in each category are announced in late September at a gala banquet at the ACFW conference in Dallas. The prize is basically the pride of winning and the visual push your book could receive with agents and publishers. (You also get to accept the award in front of a huge crowd and give a few words of acceptance) Last year, I was stoked because I got a special ribbon on my name tag and a table reserved for me and my friends.

My own tagline reminds me where my heart is: Suspense with His fingerprints all over it.

His fingerprints have been on all the good things in my life.

pssst: I have more AMAZING news coming tomorrow: Stay tuned!

Why Write?

2012-04-30T15:21:00.001-06:00

So many times in life we start out with the right motives, and end up with the wrong ones. I spent some time with Christian writers at a retreat this weekend and I was challenged to realign my purpose once again. (Funny thing is, this was not the theme or purpose of the retreat)

Lately, I've been writing for Kelli. I wanted the notoriety of a contest win. The acclaim of obtaining an agent. The fame of a published book.

A reminder from a simple verse was all I needed:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... Colossians 3:23

I have been working at writing with all my heart...but it's been for me. The cool thing is that repentance is so easy. I'm turning around today and writing, with all my heart, to please my heavenly Father.

Consider this promise:
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

I pray my plans for publication succeed, but they are God's plans now. I surrender my plans in exchange for HIS! And when I think of what He's capable of, I realize how wrong I've been. Today, I've realigned my heart and my purpose.

So I ask you: Why Write?

Evidence of Passion

2012-04-14T18:29:00.002-06:00

Think about the word passion. It evokes all kinds of emotion. Romantic passion. Passion for God. It's a GOOD word!

There are few people in life that boast true passion. Most people experience a benign existence at best. Think of those people who exhibit passion. What drives them? How does it effect their lives?

Evidence of passion: you put more time into something than truly necessary. It's a voluntary sacrifice. And you love every minute of it!

So, do you have passion? Tell me about it!

FREE book give-away!

2011-11-15T11:28:00.001-07:00

I understand it's important for writers to have a strong blog following, but how does one go about creating a following? I've been thinking about it. In Colorado, all I have to do is mention Tim Tebow and I imagine I'd have a thousand hits. (maybe I'll blog about him next time) Anyway, in order to increase my followings, I'm offering a give-away. Well, maybe it's a bribe...

I'm giving away a copy of Sandi Rog's Biblical fiction, Yahshua's Bridge to the person who refers the most blog followers. (no tie breakers) The second book in the series, Yahshua's Bridge will not disappoint:

An Amethyst stone draws him to his past. An elusive maiden draws him to his future. Alexander is born into slavery under an abusive master: a master of his own flesh and blood... a man he will never call father. Determined to break away from his master's hold, Alexander devises a plan to purchase his freedom. But what's he to do when he finds himself shipped off in shackles to Egypt, disappearing from the lives of everyone he knows and loves?

Click here to purchase the first book, The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog from Amazon.

You have one week to complete your mission. Next Tuesday, November 22, I'll announce the winner. Following is easy. Just sign up with an email address. Use comments or email to alert me to how many you referred or were referred by..... kellihughett@gmail.com.

Will you take my bribe? Repost this on your FaceBook Page, email the link etc.

Ready, Set, Go!

I've signed with an Agent: Jesus

2011-11-07T10:10:00.003-07:00

Have you ever made a mistake? I didn't think so. Well, this is my blog and I confess to making tons of them. Today, I really messed up. I sent a manuscript to an agent with a mistake in it. Ouch, that hurts. I looked for the "suck a bad email back" feature on my computer, but alas, I clicked "send" before I realized the mistake.

(I'm an impetuous person, this isn't a new lesson, I'm afraid)

The pity party that followed helped me see something. If my own life had just one mistake, like the manuscript I sent, I'd be doing pretty good. The truth is, my "agent" has already agreed to publish my name in the Book of Life. And that manuscript (my life) is loaded with mistakes, coffee stains, mustard blobs, hideous grammar, misspellings and faux pas. He overlooks them all.

He is the best critique partner. In fact, he bled all over my work and now it's perfect. Put that in your book!

Thank-you, Jesus, for agreeing to be my agent. For coaching me. For correcting my mistakes before they go to the publisher. And He charged me no commission.

Do you ever make mistakes? (and do you think this agent will overlook mine?)