Valentines Day

 

With Valentines Day just around the corner you can't help but get bombarded with hearts full of chocolates and cute furry snugglies if you step into a store these days. Even the grocer has his share of suggested items to show that special someone that you love them. I caught a glimpse of a lady buying not a dozen but three dozen or more small red hearts full of chocolates and wondered if she bought for every one of her grandchildren (lucky woman) or a classroom of wonderful children (which of course would include at least one less favorite child --the trouble making cutie!) Whatever her list or whomever the receivers she got me thinking. Wondering really, How do I intend to show those I love, my affection for them? How do you?

-- Visual Arts --

One of the sweetest gifts an author possesses is to take the mundane of daily life and craft it into an entire scene, binding the reader to the experience through different eyes allowing him/her to live it vicariously. To do so takes practice and patience and a really good eraser!

Updates: New FB page

I shared this on my Facebook page and thought a few of you might like to see it here. Those black rocks on the face of the building are lava rocks. something that it is now illegal to harvest from the surrounding area. at one time I worked across the street from this building in a small credit union. It was the same year I won a turkey in the town drawing. Sad to say I didn't take the turkey home because I was working and not at the drawing!

For those interested the "city" was first lit by atomic power in 1955. No, I wasn't around yet, but some of my siblings were.

Interview with Debra Parmley author of Dangerous Ties

Debra has traveled extensively and worked as an independent travel consultant for several years. She has visited thirteen countries. She has also worked in banking, newspaper advertising, as city recycling co-coordinator, as an office manager, and as a belly dance instructor.


What’s your favorite place you’ve visited? Do you have a “must see” destination on your bucket list?

Oh my. Well I have set foot in thirteen countries so it is very hard to choose. I would have to say the islands of French Polynesia. Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora are all lovely. As for my bucket list, (laughing) I learned after working as a travel consultant and traveling all over, the list of 30 places I want to see before I die never gets any shorter. Cross one off and another jumps right in.

Can you tell us something behind-the-scenes about Dangerous Ties that the readers would love to hear?

In the Wild West banks often created their own bank notes and in some cases they weren't worth the paper they were printed on. Without the gold to hold their worth, what happened to the townsfolk in Dangerous Ties could easily have happened. There was no one to step in and save them if a banker decided to take off with their money.

Fascinating. How does it feel when you write?

It feels different each time I come to the blank page. In this way, it reminds me of yoga, or dance, for our bodies and spirits can be different depending on the day. For me, the best days are when I can step into the joy of writing, caught up in the flow of it. These are the days when I can forget to eat, or to drink the water that is sitting right next to me. Other days I am happy to be writing, but not as swept away into story. Editing days are task oriented and give the satisfaction, which comes from completing a task.

Debra, it sounds like writing is about joy for you.

Yes, the joy of creation and the joy of connecting with readers. It is one of my greatest pleasures to hear from my readers.

Debra’s first novel, A Desperate Journey, a western historical romance, was a finalist in the Bobbi Smith Creative Writing Challenge. Not long afterward it was a finalist in the American Title II contest. For those not familiar with the contest, she describes it as similar to the American Idol contest, but for authors. Readers voted online and the prize was a publishing contract. A Desperate Journey was published a year later by Samhain Publishing. Debra's second book, Dangerous Ties, will be published by Desert Breeze Publishing.

How is it that you decided writing romances, are what you do best?

Romance is my favorite genre, because a romance will always end with a happy every after. There were many genres I tried as I was starting out as a writer, partly experimenting to see what I could write and partly because I read widely across genres. I wrote my way into the genre and the stories I wrote decided for me. My first short story was published in a local horror anthology called More Monsters From Memphis. I wrote a vampire story and the editor told me it had a strong romantic element. Then, at a writer's convention several of us were challenged by Dusty Richards, who is a western author, to write our first novel and make it a western. He offered a contest and the prize was a full reading by his agent. I jumped at the challenge, wrote A Desperate Journey, which wanted to be a romance. When I let the story be what it wants to be, it always has some element of romance it in.

Tell us something about Dangerous Ties.


Dangerous Ties is the first novella I ever wrote. This story has had an interesting ride because I was trying to please my former editor, while learning the shorter form, instead of listening to what the story wanted to be. I think the greatest lesson I learned there was, never try to pull your story in a direction it does not want to go. Thankfully they are somewhat like mules and will dig in their heels until the writer comes to their senses.

What heat rating would you give Dangerous Ties? Sweet

Where can we find you? http://www.debraparmley.com/

One last question and fast becoming my favorite to ask a fellow author is: What’s your current writing space like?

My writing space has changed over the years. I now write on my laptop only and my writing space is wherever I decide it is. I have written at the desk, the kitchen table, the couch, in bed, at the library, the airport, the hotel room, in the car. I have even written on a legal pad while camping in an old fort at a medieval re-enactment. I'm looking forward to taking my first train to Chicago in April for the RT convention and suspect 'on a train' will soon join the list of places where I have written.

A Night of Talent

Who had a clue? I and my family are surrounded by talented people. Last evening we gathered with our church family. Okay, so some think we're a stuffy group on Sundays but are we really?

We had quite a display of visual arts including some that are dying in these days of store bought clothing. It wasn't just the occasional girls dresses, but prom formals designed and sewn by some of the women. I know where my daughter goes to get her prom dresses! Beautiful!

The sewing included quilts and baby blankets, sewn, crocheted and knitted and would you believe knitted socks? Oh they looked warm and colorful! Knitted sweaters from more than one accomplished knitter and that is not where it stopped. Displays also included photography, imaginations of youth in the form of paper and Styrofoam guns (they actually looked like barrettas - more than one - and an m16), canned foods (another dying art), many edible baked goods and homemade dipped truffles! We had a lot of artists sharing their work from the beginners  to the wonderful in watercolors and oil paintings. We even had an author sharing some of her work (me). There were several that due to the difficult weather last week felt able to attend but not bring their work. That was just the visual arts.

On to the performing arts from rap to "How Great Thou Art", gymnastics to a break dancing battle, guitar soloist to an impromptu band that closed the evening with the Beetles and the King of Rock 'n Roll we even danced to Blue Suede Shoes. And get this, the evening was free!

We even had a great emcee. Loved it all!! Come join us next time, won't you?

Oh! Did I mention The Night Dancers?

Digging out from the Winter Storm of 2012.

Oops! The week’s flown by and I’ve finally caught up on all the emails while the power and internet were out so I can spend some time writing instead of shivering to stay warm in a dark house.


I’m currently proof reading and critiquing a rough draft of a friend’s novel that I’m excited about as well as critiquing several queries and synopsis’s. Oh the joys of a writer’s life and the hours willingly spent to help peers toward their publishing goals. Doing these things helps to sharpen my abilities and so I’m happy to do it for friends. (Now don’t you all flood me with emails asking me for the same service.) My answers to your requests will be to join a writer’s group and learn there first.

On my writing front, I have a few irons in the fire. The first is my novel Dark Days of Promise (e-book) due to be released September of 2012 through Desert Breeze Publishing. Next, a short that I hope to have available for e-readers early this summer and the other is a full length Inspirational Romance.

I am a discovery writer, which means that I’ve learned to be careful not to plot and plan in detail for once I do, I tend to lose interest. It’s so much more fun to take the journey and solve the character’s problems as they jump from the fire to the frying pan! I find that creating these problems is almost as fun as digging out of them! Creating the fiery problem is easy, but getting Miss Main Character out of said problem in a believable manner may take me a lot longer to figure out than it takes you to read about it. I’ve been known to take days, weeks, and even longer to solve a particular problem. (My daughter still hasn’t forgiven me for leaving her favorite character, the Romantic Lead, hanging on the face of a cliff. Don’t worry, he’s not there now. I let him sit down to dine with the villain, his brother, until further notice. But maybe the Romantic Lead is the villain, hum …) I still haven’t figured that one out to my satisfaction.

I much prefer to write romance than science-fiction. I think I’m a romantic deep down. (Hence the Romantic Lead in each of my novels.) The sci-fi demon at our house is my personal Romantic Lead and love of my life. Once asked if all my Romantic Leads are patterned after my hubby, I couldn’t resist answering with this. “If they are all gorgeous and look half their age (which he did at his last birthday, and still does), yes.”

Hmmm . . . (me rubbing my chin as if I had a beard shadow.) Maybe there’s a story in that. Of course my publisher and I agree that I should write Sweet or Warm Romance, not Steamy. That genre is for someone else.

‘Til next time -- take a mini vacation -- read a book!

Southern Superstitions released this weekend as e-book.

Author Shawna K. Williams endorses Southern Superstitions by B. J. Robinson. She says, " Southern Superstitions is an inspirational story that’s full of personality, as well as intricacy in the way it explores the complexities of family and the conflict between faith and luck. Barbara does a great job at pulling together the deeply rooted superstitions of the South and entwining them into a suspenseful tale of faith, romance and endurance. I especially enjoyed the setting and culture of the deep South."


http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Superstitions-ebook/dp/B006X8GAWA/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326620592&sr=1-6

Snow in the Pacific Northwest

We woke up to snow this morning. Not a big thing for Western Washington, or the Rocky Mountain states we've called home. But here in the Puget Sound Area it is a big deal. No 4-wheel drive? No go nowhere. We see that my hubby is the third vehicle out in our neighborhood and gee . . . church is canceled! Mind you, we have less than 2 inches on the ground. (I planned to insert a photo here but my digital has given its last.)
The dogs, little shih tzus, don't want to play out side. Guess they get cold toes, too.
My oldest son, who recently spent 5 years in Idaho, is looking for snow playmates. Count me out, I'm fighting a cold.
No school tomorrow and if the forecast is right, we'll have snow through Wednesday. . . That means school will be canceled, my son will get his wish in spite of having to go to work, and I'll have more than my cold to battle.
Enjoy your January!

January 13th -- Friday the 13th

I'm not superstitious but really folks, I'm grateful to be religious! We prayed this morning before my youngest son pushed out the door before daybreak. My daughter and husband were already gone. The frost on the lawn lay thicker than usual, portending of things to come. Now, six hours later, police choppers hover overhead while the email in-box and the phone issue recorded messages. Both of my children's schools are under lock down until further notice. This isn't the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last. I know my children will come home safe, if not on time. The sky has fallen silent. The phone has yet to ring. The in box shows no action. What news will either bring? --Nothing.

I will be left to wait for news from my children. Sometimes they are aware of these lock downs, sometimes they are not.

Choppers overhead again. Hunting. Will they fly the grid pattern today? I can hear the blade rotation as it flys closer. The search pattern seems to be widening. Will the neighboring elementary join the lock downs? I have no way of knowing for sure. I hear no children at play as I usually do this time of day. The dogs are silent. The chopper moves on. Blast it! My husband should be home by now. He called from the other side of the school. Dogs bark, a sound at the door. Relief, I recognize his voice -- and yet, I'm left without a choice. I must wait.

The phone rings -- my son's school is released from the lock down, but not the high school, golf course - my husbands interest, or the neighboring school. The sky is quiet again yet in the distance I think I hear the chopper. . . yes, it's getting closer. Now further away. Who are they looking for? What have they done? How many schools will be locked down?

An hour passes. the phone rings with an update. There has been a shooting at a local coffee shop, the one my daughter visits after school. The shooter hasn't been apprehended. Officers with AK47's dot the golf course. How long will students be held? Wait.

Eerie silence. The neighborhood looks abandoned. No movement. I check the doors and bring the dogs inside. They lay at my feet, thankful for the warmth.

A knock at the door. A friend arrives. The phone rings. The lock down is lifted. I sigh with relief. My children will be home shortly.

January 11, 2012

This morning I'm saluting a friend who just happens to be an awesome photographer in her spare time. Any photographer that can get me to relax and really smile deserves a round of applause. (I'm thinking the type we share at cub scout pack meetings. :D) My new blog photo is one she took just this week.
My thanks to you, girl. I'm sure the publishers will love the one sent to them (and my readers, too!) for the dust cover.

NEWS BULLETIN--JANUARY 7,2012

Imagine that tella type of the newsroom in the background.
. . . . . . News just released to the general public this morning . . . . . .
. . . . Shaunna Gonzales has signed contract for the release of her Romantic Suspense novel, Dark Days of Promise . . . . .
. . . . . . The projected release date is September of this year . . . .
 . . . . . . Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. has not yet made a news release but sources say they are excited to have Shaunna on board . . . . .
. . . . . The book will be released in e-book format with the possibility of paperback printing should there be a demand. . . . . .
. . . . Sources also claim that e-readers may reach high demand levels with this release . . . .
. . . . . Get yours now in preparation . . . .

Are 'Mormons' Christians?

Yes!

We must be bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ. We want others to know that we believe He is the central figure in all human history. His life and teachings are the heart of the Bible and the other books we consider to be holy scripture. The Old Testament sets the stage for Christ’s mortal ministry. The New Testament describes His mortal ministry. The Book of Mormon gives us a second witness of His mortal ministry. He came to earth to declare His gospel as a foundation for all mankind so that all of God’s children could learn about Him and His teachings. He then gave His life in order to be our Savior and Redeemer. Only through Jesus Christ is salvation possible. This is why we believe He is the central fig¬ure in all human history. Our eternal destiny is always in His hands. It is a glorious thing to believe in Him and accept Him as our Savior, our Lord, and our Master. (L. Tom Perry, November 2011 Ensign, p41)

Giving Thanks

Today I give thanks for the health to prepare this feast that my husband has had the health to provide for our family and to our Heavenly Father for allowing us to do so. I thank Him for my family, some who join us for the feast and just as many who can not. For the blessings too numerable and personal to share, for all this i give thanks.

May each of you be so blest.

Wisdom and Power

Sister Eliza R. Snow “taught that individual women could receive inspiration to guide them in their personal lives, their families, and their Church responsibilities. She said: ‘Tell the sisters to go forth and discharge their duties, in humility and faithful­ness and the Spirit of God will rest upon them and they will be blest in their labors. Let them seek for wisdom instead of power and they will have all the power they have wisdom to exercise.’” Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society (2011), 45.

Scripture Power

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

“He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:3–5).

Elder Richard G. Scott quoted this psalm in his General Conference address just this past October. In doing so he illustrated to me personally the power of the scriptures by transporting me to my childhood. I must have been seven or eight at the time. My family was invited to participate in a ward talent show. My mother insisted that the invitation was extended to all eleven of us, not just the older girls. She, being a wise mother in Zion and feeling the need to teach within her own family, chose the song we were to sing. It wasn’t a show tune, as was so popular in the late 1960’s but a Psalm “He that Hath Clean Hands.” Forty some years later I still recall those words and the melody teaching me a lesson I still fall back on.

I’m not saying that talent shows should be handled the way my mother did. Awards were given out that evening for the individual performances. I remember fretting that we hadn’t won anything when it seemed everyone else had and brought it to my mother’s attention. She responded with, “I don’t think we sang the kind of song that the committee had in mind for the awards.” Much to her surprise—and my delight, we did win an award, “The Cleanest Award”—a bar of Ivory soap!

But connecting this story to Elder Scott’s address—

I thought I was doing pretty good with completely reading the Book of Mormon every year, but the other standard works? Not so good. Okay, we’ve finished the Book of Mormon early this year, time to start on the Doctrine and Covenants but that leaves the Bible completely untouched, not to mention the Pearl of Great Price or the Conference Report.

Is it even possible to employ Elder Scott’s counsel to memorize a scripture and forge a new friendship such as my mother helped me do at such a tender age? I begin today with posting this Psalm on my bathroom mirror to memorize in those twenty to thirty seconds when thoroughly washing my hands. If I can successfully memorize a scripture every month, I’ll have twelve new friends to lean on when the going gets tough.

Who can’t do with a few more good friends?

Tribute to our Veterans

When I was thoroughly involved in writing my novel Dark Days of Promise, I searched in vain for the following to include (with permission of course , had I located it in time.) Now the manuscript has been submitted, the scene deleted. This excerpt arrived as an email entitled SYMBOLISM OF FOLDING THE FLAG FROM A FLAG-DRAPED COFFIN.


Did you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic..

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

A Life Time of Service

It is almost impossible to believe that President Thomas S. Monson, currently the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has served as a General Authority for more years than I’ve known I was alive.


A life time of service—that is what we see throughout the church. The frail, home bound sister that I visit, it is my call to serve her, to share with her a message of hope and inspiration. Yet with every visit, I come away with a tidbit of wisdom I’d not grasped or even imagined before our visit. Is the sister old? Frail? In failing health? Yes, but she is also a teacher, teaching me how to endure to the end in faith, with hope alive in her eyes, in her demeanor, in the very fabric of who she is. She, like me is a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves us. And we, as his daughters, share that love with those around us.

It is not only the women or the aged that serve here. Let me share a lesson learned years ago.

I was taking a walk, back then I lived in a rural area west of the Salt Lake Valley. I happened to meet a country neighbor leaving her drive for a walk with her baby boy. That boy is now a teenager and very different than the wide eyed child in the stroller that morning. Of course we had to stop and visit. Her husband had recently returned to work after a difficult battle against nature to deprive him of life. If memory serves, he’d contracted Lyme Disease following an outdoor excursion. His wife, at the time heavy with their first child, had cared for him in less than favorable circumstances. We and others had fasted and prayed for many weeks in their behalf.

I don’t recall the conversation with the mother as much as the conversation I had with the child. I bent low, I may have even knelt on the frozen ground in front of the little boy.

“Eric (name changed),” in the instant I spoke his name a strong impression overwhelmed me. I felt directed to put my impression into words, possibly for his mother’s sake, or even mine. “Do you remember your Heavenly Father? Did you sit on his knee and beg him to let your daddy stay here? Did you tell him how much you would need him to become a man?” Little Eric smiled at me for the first time. He reached his tiny hand out to me as if in answer and jabbered in the language only babies can speak.

“Do you really think Eric sat on God’s knee?”

I knew Eric’s mother had a testimony of Jesus Christ. But I also knew that Eric and I needed to give his precious mother a gift. It is possible that only Eric’s infant ears had heard his mother’s lament that morning—Eric’s and the Savior’s. What gift did we give, that frosty morning on a country road? Hope and reassurance that God, in all His Majesty, is mindful of us and our needs, no matter how large or small.

And the lesson I learned? (Smile) To act on those promptings no matter how seemingly insignificant. A life time of service from the cradle to the last breaths of life. Is it within me? Is it within you? I hope so.

Halloween Mystery

Whenever I hear ‘Halloween Mystery,’ as a writer my thoughts peruse the many murder mysteries I’ve read over the years. Inevitably I think of a particular mystery, not because of its frightening suspense but because of the fun side of Halloween the author meshed with the mystery. I seem to recall that it was written by a well-known author because I expected something along the lines of Murder on the Orient Express. Much to my surprise the novel was simple and predictable. I knew who done it and how-- long before the author explained it all on the page.


So why bring this up today? It’s Halloween, of course and I’m a fledgling author hoping to help others wanting to write. Did Agatha Christie write her arguably best mystery with her first effort? No. Did Steven King meet success with his first submission? No, I believe it took him along the lines of twelve years. A good author is forever a student of the written word.

If you follow my blog for very long, you will find grammatical errors and who knows how many mistakes. But hopefully you will see a trend, an measure of improvement, no matter how small. I look back at my first attempt at a full length novel and though if someone else read it, I would be mortified, I must confess that it stands as the first major building block to my writing, my first ‘baby.’ Naively, I believed that I could write better than the last printed novel I’d read without knowing and understanding the tricks a successful author must employ on each and every page of your (and my) favorite novel. I still don't know all of them, but I'm learning, and applying them.

Why does your favorite author write mysteries and only mysteries instead of a little of each and every genre out there? The answer is simple. Your fav has undoubtedly found, learned, and effectively uses the tricks (and treats) of his or her chosen genre. Every genre shares some of the basics of those tricks, but just like a dessert recipe differs from an entrée it has definite rules. Desserts, especially cookies are sweet like a sweet romance. Entrees are not and they are as varied as mystery, science fiction, adventure or any of the other genres and sub-genres.

So, I encourage the author in you to adopt the philosophy of a ‘life-long student.’ When you stub your toe on that writers block, that rejection letter or whatever stung the writer in you. Pick yourself up (after licking your wounds if necessary), get back on your writing horse and go back to school, join a writer’s group, read good examples in your chosen genre, build a network of successful authors, attend workshops, retreats, and conferences. But most importantly---DON’T LET YOUR FAILURE PARALYZE YOU WITH FEAR.

Finding that Perfect Romantic Place for the Writer in You

In order to write the perfect romance novel you must find that perfect romantic spot and visit often, either with your romantic lead or alone. No, I’m not suggesting that you stalk your favorite movie star. I happen to be blessed in this department as I’m married to the man of my dreams. Is he perfect? No. But the best heroes in the best romance novels are not. So give your hero that odd laugh or weird habit that drives you over the edge. It just may be the detail that endears him or her to your readers.

So, back to that romantic spot. It very well may be your favorite restaurant and the candle lit dinner but there’s a drawback to such a place—the waiter inevitably hands you a bill. Or the restaurant is closed when you need that inspiration!

Have no fear—there are solutions and the easiest is—create a romantic spot in your home (or apartment). It could be in your boudoir (allowing you to make it as private as your heart(s) desire) or get a double whammy by making it a focal point in your interior decorating. (My favorite romantic spot is one I rarely share in private—it’s the corner of my kitchen.)

WHAT???

I didn’t plan it that way, really. It just happened. I have two ficus trees (real ones) but a fake one will work too. In the case of my ficuses, they need a lot of sunlight and the only sunlight in my house is in front of my sliding dining room/kitchen door. Thank goodness I have the room for them. Sitting there alone they looked –well, ugly. So I placed one on a step (portable) and that helped—a little. Then there was the challenge of keeping my dogs from playing tug of war in the area. So I introduced an outdoor playpen to “cage” my trees. The next step was to find my “canister up light.” These can be found at Lowe’s. (Honestly, I don't work for them.) I placed my up light where it makes lots of delicate shadows on the ceiling in the dark. (The photo is in the late afternoon. The flash destroyed the ambience after dark.)

At this point I needed a comfortable place to sit/lay and let my mind wander—thus the loveseat. And Wa-La!

You can do this too. Gather any and all your houseplants to one area and make a garden romance come alive! For those of you claiming to lack a green thumb, lacy-leafed silk plants work too (personally I strongly dislike plastic ones.) Have fun and know that your romantic spot is unique to you.

So, You Think You have a Story to Tell--You just might!

Whenever I talk about writing, it seems I meet a new "closet writer." This isn't a bad thing and I actually encourage everyone to write. It is in the doing that one becomes more efficient as well as one learns what he or she prefers to do. Writing isn't always a rosy evening making the keys click in time. Sometimes it is long walks both in the rain and the sunlight. And sometimes those walks are very dark. Dark due to the lack of inspiration.
Maybe the hardest thing about writing is learning the craft and lest you think it an easy craft to learn, I want to share the following. Mind you, there are many "tricks" to becoming a best selling author (which I have yet to do) but I'll only share those secrets (the ones I know at this point) with the most seriously committed--and I don't mean to the funny farm.
Keep in mind that the following is the guidelines to only one publisher. Agents and publishers all have their unique standards of what is good (or trash.)

** Permission to forward and share both granted and encouraged **



Desert Breeze Publishing is currently seeking submissions to fill
specifically our 2012 release schedule. Desert Breeze Publishing
currently releases books twice a month, and as of April 2012 we will
release books three times a month.

Desert Breeze Publishing is a royalty-paying publisher of romance in
electronic novel format, but are excited to announce we will be
releasing our top sellers in print in 2012. We publish from the sweet
to the heated, with the exclusion of erotica or erotic romance and
GLBT/alternative lifestyles. Our books are currently distributed
through Amazon and Amazon International affiliates for Kindle, Barnes
and Noble, All Romance eBooks, Kobo, and the Apple iBookstore for
distribution in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. All
our Inspirational/Christian Romances are available at
Christianbooks.com.

Romance should be the prevailing theme of your manuscript, not
romantic elements. We are seeking manuscripts from novella length
(between 25,000 and 35,000 words approximately) to super novel length
(exceeding 100,000 words), with a preference for novels between
55,000 and 80,000 words. We are more than willing to accept queries
on book series, and will consider a series concept when at least one
book is completed and the series has been thoroughly formulated.

We are not seeking anything shorter than 25,000 words, with a strong
preference for manuscripts of at least 30,000 words.

We will review previously published manuscripts; however, proof of
release must be provided. We prefer to see some new material along
with your previously published manuscripts.

We are looking for submissions in all of the following romance sub-
genres:

* Contemporary Romance
* Romantic Suspense
* Military-themed Romance
* Romantic Comedy/Humorous Romance
* Christian Romance
* Inspirational Romance
* Fantasy Romance
* Paranormal Romance
* Science Fiction/Futuristic/Speculative Fiction Romance
* Steampunk Romance
* Modern Cowboy Romance
* Historical Romance -- both prior to 1900 and 20th Century/Vintage
* Young Adult Romance in all genres
* Manuscripts with specific celebratory or holiday themes

And while we're actively seeking all genres, there are a few types of
submissions that would really excite us!

We are interested in expanding the scope of our Vintage/20th Century
category, stepping outside the most popular time period surrounding
World War II. An exceptional amount of change occurred in the 20th
Century, and our world was challenged in many ways. We would be
interested in seeing novels set around the Korean War or the Viet Nam
Conflict, novels with themes involving The Great Depression, the
Space Race, the end of the Cold War. There are so many possibilities.

We wish to promote the growth and expansion of the Sci Fi Rom/
Futuristic Romance/Speculative Fiction Romance genres by offering
exceptional character-driven novels and series offering appeal to the
die hard sci fi fan as well as the adventurous romance lovers. Sci Fi
romance must be smart, well planned, well thought out to build
amazing worlds and possible futures with strong characters and great
character chemistry and development.

In the same vein, Steampunk (and all variations thereof, ie:
Gaslight, Diesel Punk, etc) is a genre in high demand.

We would like to see both single title -- as well as series --
romantic suspense novels, especially with characters who serve in law
enforcement, civil service, or the military. And that's not just
limited to the heroes. We'd love to see books where the heroine is
the one doing the saving and protecting, or works beside the hero in
an equal position.

We are actively seeking inspirational and Christian novels with a bit
more real world flair. It's not always easy being a Christian, and we
would like to see novels that express that.

If you are offering a manuscript with a specific celebratory or
holiday theme, please indicate this in your submission. It would be
our goal, if possible, to schedule your book release to coincide with
whatever holiday you focus on in your manuscript to optimize sales
potential.

Full details on our submission guidelines and house preferences can
be found at our website:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/policy/Page.bok


Questions regarding submissions can be sent to:

EditorInChief@DesertBreezePublishing.com


We hope to hear from you soon!

General Conference Talks

Ever wish you'd taken better notes or remember who said what when? I do all the time. Thought this might help until the November 2011 Ensign or Liahona comes out.

MR says: Read quotes and themes from each talk given during general conference.


Saturday Morning

Elder Richard G. Scott: The Power of Scripture
Sister Barbara Thompson: Personal Revelation and Testimony
Elder L. Whitney Clayton: The Time Shall Come
Elder José Luis Alonso: Doing the Right Thing
President Boyd K. Packer: Counsel to Youth
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: You Matter to Him

Saturday Afternoon

Elder David A. Bednar: The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn
Elder Neil L. Andersen: Children Essential to God’s Eternal Plan
Elder Ian S. Ardern: A Time to Prepare
Elder Carl Cook: It Is Better To Look Up
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The Divine Gift of Repentance
Elder L. Tom Perry: Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

Priesthood

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: We Are All Enlisted
Elder Keith B. McMullin: The Power of the Aaronic Priesthood
Elder W. Christopher Waddell: The Opportunity of a Lifetime
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Providing in the Lord’s Way
President Thomas S. Monson: Dare to Stand Alone
President Henry B. Eyring: I Need Your Help

Sunday Morning

President Henry B. Eyring: A Witness
Elder Robert D. Hales: Waiting Upon the Lord
Elder Tad R. Callister: A Book from God
Sister Elaine S. Dalton: Love Her Mother
Elder M. Russell Ballard: The Importance of a Name
President Thomas S. Monson: Stand…in Holy Places

Sunday Afternoon

Elder Russell M. Nelson: Covenants
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: We are followers of Jesus Christ
Brother Matthew O. Richardson: Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit
Elder Kauhiko Yamashita: Missionaries Are a Treasure in the Church
Elder Randall K. Bennett: Choose Eternal Life
Elder J. Devn Cornish: The Privilege of Prayer
Elder Quentin L. Cook: The Songs They Could Not Sing
President Thomas S. Monson: Until We Meet Again

http://www.ldsliving.com/redirect/story/66097-general-conference-highlights-from-every-talk

Highclass Humor

(This is not mine but I couldn't not share. Have a laugh on me.)

Price of gas in France


A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre.

After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings, and made it safely to his van. However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.

When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied, 'Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings.'



I had no Monet


To buy Degas


To make the Van Gogh.


See if you have De Gaulle to send this on to someone else.


I sent it to you because I figured I had nothing Toulouse.


While you were not looking...........what else has she got to do after hanging around for so long?

(Recieved via email this morning.)

Yummy for the Tummy and Heart Reads.

I love Josi Kilpack’s Mysteries! Of course I’m one of those that feels compelled to try out some of the recipes in her books.


My daughter loves to make cookies, peanut butter cookies in particular. But . . . I talked her into making Josi’s Butterfinger Cookies and ohh. If you like peanut butter cookies, you have to try them. Unfortunately, Josi hasn’t given me permission to post her scrumptious recipes here. I copy the recipes I think sound great to my recipe box and since there are a bunch, I’m thinking the Butterfinger Cookies are found in Key Lime Pie. For those of you that don’t read Josi Kilpack’s books, that’s the title of her fourth book in the series. I could be wrong though, long summer you know. Maybe the recipe’s in Devil’s Food Cake. Okay, I’ll start keeping track of which recipe came from which book. I might even be able to convince Josi to add a link to this post so you can follow to her blog (hint hint Josi if you have all your recipes posted there.)

I’m currently devouring Blackberry Crumble set in the Portland, Oregon area. Hey, why not with fresh blackberries growing behind our house. Another yummy recipe to try!

I can hardly wait to check out Pumpkin Roll (which I downloaded to my Kindle.) Oh the joys of too little time, too many good reads!

If you’ve read any of her books, and/or tried the recipes I invite you to share . . .

Maybe cozy mysteries aren’t your thing. You’re welcome to share comments on your latest read. Just remember to be kind.

I’m looking for a review of Donna Hatch’s The Stranger She Married. Donna writes Regency Romance and I’m currently looking at her upcoming novel The Dukes Daughter. Okay, I admit it, I love both of these authors.

Until next time, enjoy your reading minutes and find a few more while waiting for the kids at soccer practice or the doctors . . .

Preparing for the Best

Catch-y title don’t you think? Let me assure you that is what I’m currently doing. For years I have intended to write a post based on Elder Dallin H. Oaks talk Good, Better, Best. Today I will finally do so. The message has never really been far from my mind since hearing it in the October 2007 General conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One of my children asks a question and not knowing exactly how to best guide him or her, I’ve resorted to reminding him/her to make the Best choice, not merely a Good choice or even the Better choice, but the Best choice. The child that is now an adult has claimed my answer to be a “cop-out.” I smile and remind him to “study it out in his mind . . .” Did he follow my counsel and make the Best choice? Only he knows for sure and I can sigh knowing I taught him correct principles.

My teen asks me what she should do in a particular situation. I smile, feeling more confident with my answer. “You need to choose the Best, not the Better which would be wise, but not necessarily the best.” She rolls her eyes ,”You’ve said that before.” “Yes, I have because it is the Best counsel I can give you. You’ve been taught correct principles. The choice is not mine to make. You have your agency; just remember to use it wisely.”

My pre-teen struggles with peers and asks me what to do. Poor child, he’s heard the answers mentioned above and has also heard my mention of the choices made, and the consequences that followed those choices. I give him that stern yet loving motherly look that says, “You already know the answer,” and remind him of a previous choice he’s made.

Motherly pride swells in my breast when I think of the earlier situation because . . . Father counseled him with a Good choice on that occasion. Mother counseled him with yet another Good choice and yet he made the Best choice by handling the situation and subsequent situations as Jesus Christ would have. (Obviously Mom and Dad went to school on his example.)

So, what do these examples have to do with my personal preparations for the Best?

October 1st and 2nd will find me arranging my schedule to listen to the 182nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I invite each of you to join me in listening to prophets and apostles in this worldwide conference. Visit http://lds.org/ or http://mormon.org/ or the BYU links/channels for more information on local times.

Here’s hoping you and I choose the Best.

A Week of Trials

A Week of Trials for some of my dearest friends. You know who you are and I’m aware that some of those visiting here have similar trials.


To those of you dealing with the recent diagnosis of cancer in one of its many forms—I send my love and prayers that your difficulties may be minimal, both of body and mind. May the Lord bless you with comfort and doctors that are interested in your wellbeing and not their pocket books.

(Deep breath). To those mourning/grieving the loss of a loved one. I send my deepest sympathy and heartfelt love. In the coming hours of deepest pain try to accept that in spite of the denial that death is a very real part of life, it is. Knowing that others have and will experience what you are going through may not help, but there is a far better place for your loved ones, and you too.

And to both groups: Although there are those around you that need you to be strong right now, there are those who invite you to literally fall apart with their loving arms wrapped tightly around you. Take advantage of those moments that refill your soul’s bucket of love and strength.

There is a semi-bitter truth in the mourning/grieving process. Believe me when I tell you that in losing a part of yourself, you go through the same mourning process as that of the loss of a loved one. The fact is that there are five steps in the mourning process. In order for you to complete your “closure” you will taste them all. There is no set course through the landmines of mourning and grief. You may enjoy (said with tongue-in-cheek) one of more of these very briefly, but others may sap your strength for a long period of time. You may even think you have crossed the course unscathed only to find years later that you stumble upon a landmine that explodes in your face. Such has been the case for me.

There may be a way to prepare for the landmines of mourning and grief, but if there is, I’ve not found it. So I can only remind you to be gentle with yourself and those around you through this difficult and treacherous time. Lest you think I’ve forgotten, these are the five very real landmines you must face at this time. Remember that there is no rule book declaring the order of these, nor rules for how to handle each one.

Denial (often experienced as the shock wears thin)

Anger (This may be targeted toward self, others, or unrelated situations and people.)

Bargaining (It should have been me. If only . . .)

Depression (May last days or even years. Keep an eye on this one.)

Acceptance (Oh the healing balm of this one.)

A Unique Society of Women

I think that I belong to the most unique Society of Women ever organized and I'll tell you just a little of why.

In the Relief Society, we are not merely women of the world from all over the world, we are sisters. Whether from North America (where I call home), South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the islands of the sea or one of the many nations in between, we are sisters. There is no sister so isolated but what she can do a great deal towards establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth. My blog is part of my effort to do just that.

This society is one "separate from all the evils of the world--choice, virtuous, and holy" (Joseph Smith). It helps us strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As we progress spiritually our sense of belonging, identity, and self-worth increases.

To learn more about this amazing society of women, please visit http://mormon.org/
Thoughts are gathered from A Society of Holy Women, August Ensign 2011.

Part 2: Sweet Saturday Samples

His Precious Treasure
This contempopry Romance is rated PG-13
(language maynot be acceptable for all audiences)

Kimmy’s mother, Irene peered through the screen door moments later. “Are you okay?”


“I’m just fine and dandy,” Kimmy spat, her face contorted with anger. She didn’t wait for Irene’s reaction to the broken pitcher before turning her chair to her own escape, the lawn several feet below the porch. The roses along the ramp reached for her bare skin scratching her hands. She ignored them and her mother’s sobs over the broken heirloom.

How could he do this to her? Didn’t Lee love her? He’d held her hand through all the pain and disappointments. She’d smiled for him despite the physical and emotional pain for most of four years. Now he walked out on her. She’d dealt with many disappointments, and expected many more, but not this. Somehow she must find the will to go on. But who could love her now?

 

Chapter 2

The sound of an old car back firing drifted up to Kimmy from the streets below. She wheeled across the patio to the mounted telescope, swinging it around to focus on Desi’s old Chevy SS Sport.

The day after Kimmy’s twenty-first birthday had quickly filled with boredom. She focused the lens to catch Desi and her faithful sidekick Corrinna as they rounded the corner on Main Street and pulled into the gas pump at Macon’s. A new pick-up shined fire engine red as it rolled to a stop beside Macon’s weathered truck. A stranger exited, speaking to Old Macon who waved, ducking his head under the open hood of the older truck. The stranger joined him.

Kimmy watched the two girls extricate themselves from the pea-green SS Sport. They wore tank tops and shorts accented by jewelry and make-up. Kimmy cringed knowing she’d become an unwelcome companion with the girls. Deemed the ‘Three Musketeers’ by a teacher, the name had soon caught on throughout the whole community. But that had all changed on one fateful afternoon.

Kimmy noted Desi’s bold sashay from her old car to her chosen and unsuspecting prey. A rather nicely fitting pair of jeans had drawn Desi’s attention. Kimmy and Desi shared similar tastes in guys. Desi maneuvered close enough to learn if dimples and a great smile accented the stranger’s narrow hips, broad shoulders, and generous good looks. Corrinna carefully orchestrated her less flamboyant strut. Both girls wore high heels with their short shorts to show off shapely legs.

Kimmy watched her one-time cohorts as they worked their wares on the new comer. Would they succeed in turning his head? They usually did. Kimmy shuddered knowing that she would have had a hand in the pending activities at Macon’s, possibly even assuming the part of ringleader. She missed the adrenalin rush of the challenge for a guy’s attention, but that part of her life would never return.

Desi approached the impromptu mechanic with an unopened Coke in hand. She apparently earned only a slight greeting in return for her effort. He still reached into the motor with both hands. Kimmy wasn’t sure if she should cheer for Desi or the attractive stranger. Who would win this round? The stranger must have asked Desi to hand him a wrench because she bent over at the waist and reached into the open toolbox for one. This action brought the desired response as his attention followed her well-rounded figure. The stranger didn’t see Desi’s free hand tug at her top to bring it tighter across her bust.

Desi seemed to think she had her fish hooked and Kimmy did too, but somehow he wiggled free. Apparently, Desi’s wanton display didn’t affect him. Desi left the Coke on the Chevy’s fender as she walked away, throwing a comment over her shoulder. Desi and Corrinna didn’t see the stranger stop his work and watch them drive away, but Kimmy did. Chalk up one more for “Decadent Desi.” She had won the round by default.