Catherine West - BLOG

Are you getting trampled on this Christmas?

2009-12-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

What day is it again?
I don't know about you, but December always comes too fast for my liking. It barrels along like a bull in a china shop. It's a no-holds-barred-take-no-prisoners kind of month.
There are lists to make, cards to write, shopping to do, people to call and on and on...
It's a whirlwind of activity, a hum of color, carols and the scent of pine needles.
It's party after party and presents that aren't needed.
It's commercialism and consumerism at it's very best. Or worst.

Which all really flies in the face of the vision of the starry night so long ago, when the angels sang and an infant's cry pierced through the stable doors, announcing HIs presence to the world.

I know it happens every year, but it still takes me by surprise.
Usually after the first week of December, I sit down, heart palpitating because I have so much to do and can't remember half of it and I have no idea where I put my list...and then it hits me.
This is ridiculous.
I refuse to run around like a frazzled dim-witted maniac who doesn't know if she's coming or going. I refuse to let all the hustle and bustle take away my Christmas.
I love Christmas. It's probably my favorite holiday season of all.
I love the carols, the decorations, the family gatherings, the countdown until the house is filled with delicious food and my family is gathered all around me.
But none of that really has any true meaning if we don't remember what we're celebrating.
Who we're celebrating.

Imagine this scene...
There sits the stable, Mary holding her new born baby, Joseph sitting near by, reading the Bethleham Star...all is well with the world.
Just behind the stable is a huge mall. It's the first year they're open and those Bethlehamites are pretty gosh darn excited.
And, what's even better, they're having a fifty percent off sale. Doors open at five a.m.
Unfortunately, a herd of cattle and sheep are blocking the road to the mall. They're not moving, and it's almost time for the doors to open.
The only way to get there is straight through the stable.
Hmm.
A few people might stop and stare in awe at the newborn, wonder what's going on, why does this place feel so...peaceful.
But the rest?
Somebody's going to get hurt, folks.

Slow down and take a moment, remember what it's really all about.
Remember HIm.
He remembers you.

Making It Count

2009-11-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

BLOOD BROTHERS

I've been a little busy. Sorry for the lack of posts during the last week.

My son's school play is about to hit the stage - full dress rehearsal tonight with an audience, and they're on every night through Saturday. Ambitious for a school play? Perhaps.
But for these young thespians, some like my son, who have just another year of school left before college, know they need to make it count.
And they do.
It's a valuable lesson for anyone who needs a boost with whatever they're struggling with at the moment. These kids have been in rehearsals since September. I've only been helping out the past few weeks and I'm already tired. I know how hard these kids have worked. I know they have to be exhausted. But the time has come. They will let their talent speak for them this week.

I will tell my son what I've told both my kids ever since they were old enough to understand.
Do your best, the rest is out of your hands.
I have to remind myself of this constantly as I go through life as a writer, doing my best to make it count.
As I get stuck into an other round of revisions, I wonder if it's going to be good enough.
Doubt creeps in.
I know I can do it. And I want to make it count.
Another important life lesson that I want my kids to get is this.
When it's not fun anymore, stop.
I don't mean that in the sense of when life gets hard, hit the road. Not at all.
I mean to say, enjoy what you're doing! If you love your work, be it on the stage, out in the mission field or behind a computer, you will persevere through just about anything because you know it's going to be worth it in the end.
So as we enter the busiest week of the school season for us, I'm going to keep these things in mind.
Whatever you do this week, make it count.

Sarah in Swaziland this past summer

Chris in last year's production - Little Shop of Horrors

Let's Talk E-Publishing!

2009-11-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

I had a phone call from a writer friend last night. Actually, it was a Skype call, love that thing!
It was really cool to connect with Michelle since I missed the ACFW conference this year. We caught up and talked books, which of course is what writers do. If you haven't checked out Michelle's books yet, do. She's a very talented author.
Anyway we got to talking about E-Publishing. She's got a couple of books coming out with Desert Breeze and mentioned that they're actually seeking romances that take place during different eras. I checked. Vietnam is specifically mentioned. Which got my attention. If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you'll know why and I won't bore you with the details.
I've never been a huge fan of electronic publishing in the past. Of course the dream is to hold my very own book in my hands and ooh and aah over it. (Narcissism at its best). However, given the fact that I'm totally in love with my iTouch and the Kindle application, I can definitely see the merits of going this route now. I know we're in the Electronic Age, and more and more people are reading books online. I'd still be holding a book in my hands, it'd just be on my iTouch.
So here's my train of thought:
The plusses - my book would be available to the masses (assuming it were to be accepted for publication). Adoring fans would be begging for more...okay, I know, enough already.
I still get paid.
I become a published author. Aaah.

Minuses - no actual hard copy. Yet. Not to say that the company won't be able to do this one day, but at the moment they're only publishing electronically.

At the end of the day, its just another publisher to submit to. But if my manuscript was accepted, I'd have to decide if this what I want.
Something to think about.

What are your thoughts on E-Publishing?

Shaping Exercises

2009-11-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

Relax, I'm not going to make you drop and give me fifty.
If you are so inclined, you can do that on your own time.
My title refers to what I've been doing with my dog.
I want him to perform certain behaviors on cue, like touching a target with his nose or paw.
Bringing back a frisbee and actually letting me have it.
There are a number of 'shaping exercises' I can do with him that teaches him to work with me and shows him that it's fun too! Hopefully the lessons will stick and in a few years, we'll be able to work as a team out on the agility course.
Doing this kind of training with Noah has made me think about all the lessons that have 'shaped me' over time.
It's amazing really, when I actually take the time to go through my past experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly, the things that have stuck. Some things that have, I wish hadn't, and vice versa.
For instance, I took maths for my entire school education, extra lessons even. I still can't do a simple calculation without freezing. Don't ask me to pay the bill and add gratuity. It's really not pretty.
But I know how to keep a clean house and put on a mean dinner party. Thanks, Mom.
The ironing lessons didn't go so well however.
It's funny isn't, what gets stuck inside our heads forever.
Well, let's play a game. Aren't you excited?!
This has been done on a number of blogs lately, and I thought it might be fun to do here.
I'm going to give you a few words, and you have to tell me what you think of when you read them! This should be the first thing or two you think of. Don't give yourself time to ponder!
If you're a writer, this is also a great game to play with your characters.
Okay, here we go.

Pink
Clock
Window
Shoe Polish
White
Chocolate
Telephone
Paper
Pine
Salt
Key

Since it's my blog, I'll go first.

Pink - Little girl gone, living forever in our hearts
Clock - Waiting.
Window - outside, where I long to be
Shoe Polish - My father's shoes. Making them as shiny as can be
White - Nurses, doctors, hospital. Fear
Chocolate - Heart shaped box
Telephone - Anticipation, dread, annoyance
Paper - white, blank, looks better with words on it
Pine - Christmas
Salt - the ocean. Stinging eyes
Key - Home

What Are YOU Working On?

2009-11-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

They say writers love to talk about themselves. I used to laugh at this. I'm generally quite shy, and don't tend to be a conversation starter. I certainly avoid being the center of the conversation. If you've ever attended a writer's conference, you can just imagine my discomfort at certain times.
Pitching, for instance. Yes, I know, you make your appointments, go sell your stuff. Nobody forces you to do it.
Ahem. I beg to differ. You all know who you are.
Then there's the meals. I usually dig in and keep my mouth fairly full so when my turn comes I have an excuse not to talk. But usually, at some point over five days, somebody is bound to ask, "What are you working on?" or "What do you write?"
The latter is much easier to answer. Spit out a genre and move on. But what am I working on? This second? What did I come here to pitch and hope to get a good response for?
Yeah.
I need to work on my marketing skills. And a bunch of other issues I have.
If I ever do sell a book, it's pretty much going to have to be one of those million dollar babies that just sells itself. I'll be the reclusive writer hiding away in a cave in an unknown land, such treacherous territory that only the stupidest of journalists would brave the terrain to get an interview.
That's my dream, but it's not very realistic, is it?
So I thought we should all band together, suck it up, and get some practice in here. We've only got nine months until the next ACFW conference!

You can do a full pitch if you want, or just tell me what you're working on at the moment. I'll be nice, I promise. I've had coffee.
I'll go first.
I'm working on a short contemporary romance that we'll pitch to Steeple Hill. It's an old manuscript that I'm rewriting, pretty much completely. So far so good. I haven't worked out a pitch yet. Ha. Good excuse, right?!
I'm also working on getting down some ideas for a new book idea that's rattling around in my brain. It's going to take place in Thailand. I think.
And I'm working on finding a home for my Vietnam book. Am I a little masochistic or what? Time will tell.
Well, that's me.
What are YOU working on?

This post is cross-posted over at Writers' Rest
Why? Because I'm lazy. And I'm actually supposed to be writing all day today, not writing blog posts.

New Blog Launches Today!

2009-11-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the launch of International Christian Fiction Writers!
I am so happy to be a part of this exciting new venture. I would love for you to stop by, leave a comment, and then spread the word however you want, Twitter, Facebook, your blog!
Thanks so much and happy reading!

Tough Call

2009-10-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

If you come here often, you'll know I whine a lot about how hard it is to get published. Not meaning to sound ungrateful you know, because I'm sure all those Amish fiction authors are having a good time in Book Writing And Actually Getting Paid For It World, but I've been down here in Been Writing For Centuries And Still Unpublished World for a loooong time. And you know, being modest here, but I'm pretty sure it's not my writing. Ten years ago, yeah, the writing sucked. Big time.
Now, not so much.
So what's a starving writer to do? Okay, I'm not starving. Don't send food. Wait...no, never mind.
I've been thinking about targeting some of the 'sweeter' houses. Had an email chat with my agent about it. She knows her stuff. Thinks it might be a good idea. But I realized today exactly what this means in terms of my writing.
It means, you know, writing books for houses that publish, ahem...that Amish stuff. And the like. Not that there's anything wrong with those books, 'cause they're selling, so somebody has to be reading 'em.
It's not me. To each his or her own, don't shoot. I mean shoot like shoot, not shoot like...okay whatever.
I have a couple of stories kicking around that I can resurrect and get ready to send out. In fact, I won't lie. I've been working on one this week.
But I'm in a little trouble. Here's why.
Can't Do This
Um. Yeah. Newsflash. I don't do sweet.
I also think I'll need a crash course in Perfect Christianity 101. Apparently I flunked the first one.
Here's the thing. And I'm really talking to myself so you don't have to stick around if you're busy. I won't hold it against you.
Do I write simply for the sake of getting published?
Do I write the stories God puts on my heart, even if they're too 'real' to stand a chance in a major publishing house?
Do I ignore the common sense decision that would say write a few sweet romances, get your name out there. You can always write those 'real' books later.
Or do I continue to just write and leave the rest up to God?
It's funny though, this story is getting good, better by the day. I like it. So I don't know.
If I finish it and it sells, will I have to trade in my old crusty self for a newer, sweeter model? (That's the sound of me puking).
Will I be forever stuck in Candyland?
Dang. I thought I had a plan.
Thought it was gonna work.
Now I'm not so sure I'll be happy if it does.
We saw Oliver Twist a few weeks ago. So...to quote Fagan, who I adore by the way, "I'm reviewing the situation. I think I'd better think it out again."

I Need A Little Hope Today

2009-10-26T05:45:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am easily discouraged. I have never really been a 'go get 'em' type. More the type to hide under the covers when the going gets rough. Hey, I don't mind admitting it. I'm 44 years old so what you get is what you get. Take it or leave it.
My personality quirks don't always make for a good writer though. You need a pretty tough hide, and I don't always have one.
Lately I feel like I'm walking through a desert with no end in sight. Every now and then I think I see an oasis, but it turns out to be a mirage.
I read a book over three days starting on Friday. Just Between You and Me, by Jenny B. Jones.
I couldn't find a thing wrong with it. It was even written in first person, which I'm not keen on reading or writing.
It was so well written that I'm even considering writing something in first person myself.
But my shoes are filled with sand. My legs ache because I've been trudging through this flat, barren land for so long.
And it's hot.
What am I doing here? How did I get here?
How do I get out?
Yes, I've had a lot going on in my life the past year. Been busy building a house. Moving. Haven't had time to write. Haven't had time for a lot of things.
Is any of that really an excuse? Did anyone kidnap me, tie a blindfold over my face and dump me into this godforsaken land?
Nope. Somehow I ended up here all on my own.
Being in a desert is one thing. Being in a spiritual desert is quite another.
And there's plenty of blame to go round.
Not getting anything out of church. Worship sucks. Don't like Sunday school.
Don't have time.
I've said all of those things and more. I know some of you have too.

What do my lame excuses have to do with God?
If I don't do A, B, C or D, does God just disappear? Does He wash His hands of me and declare me a lost cause?
Or does He push back in the holy recliner, pick up a good book, and wait?

I have a sixteen month-old male Border Collie. We're having a few issues. He's still pushing his luck with me, testing me and seeing just how far I'll let him go.
I'm a pushover. He's got a cute face and big brown puppy dog eyes.
But if he ignores my commands, I know it's going to mean trouble down the road.
So I keep going out there with him, keep trying and waiting on him to get it. Some days when I say "Come!" I get an instant recall. Other days...well let's just say its a good thing dogs don't have fingers.
Eventually though, if I work at it and love him through those times I just want to strangle him, Noah will realize that it's much more beneficial to him to obey me than not.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm the same way with God. Not that I'm intentionally disobeying Him, but sometimes I'm just not paying all that much attention.

It doesn't really matter if nobody relates to this confession. I'm putting it out there because I want to. But if you are relating, let me encourage you.
This is not the first time I've been in the desert. Sadly, I am sure it won't be the last.
The way out is my choice. The map is sitting on my bedside table, waiting for me to blow the dust off it and check it out once in a while.
If you feel like starting over with me today, I found some hope here. Isaiah 40

Are you in the desert? Want out? Maybe we can find the road together.
If you've been there, offer some encouragement.
Let's talk.

My iTouch!

2009-10-21T04:29:00.001-07:00

I got an iTouch for my birthday. I'd been reluctant to get one, as it looked way too complicated for me. However, my father, the giver of all things Apple, presented me with one last week. I should have known. With Apple, nothing is ever really complicated! I've learned how to do most things I need on it. Its not a phone, but if I use skype, it can be! Of course I've been spending too much time checking it out, but that's another story!
I have to say the biggest perk with the itouch is being able to download books! I love to read, but our bookstore selection here is pretty pitiful, so I usually do a big order from Amazon a few times a year. Well, now I don't have to. I downloaded the Amazon Kindle application, and voila, at the touch of a button I have whatever book I want at my fingertips! I'm so happy about this. Yes, I know, you have to get used to reading on a small handheld device, but it isn't a big deal, I promise you! I'm rejoicing at the fact that I will no longer have to lug a bag of books with me up to Canada each summer as I have done in the past. They'll all be right there on my iTouch. I will however have to make sure I stock up on ordering them in advance though, as we have no wireless up there!
SO anyway...given the fact that I now have the ability to read the books I want to, I'm asking for recommendations.
I don't care if they're Christian or secular. Tell me what you've read lately that has stuck with you. Why are you recommending it?
If I decide to read a book you've recommended here, I'll tell you what I thought of it!
Looking forward to reading...

Sunday Reflections

2009-10-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

How was your week? I'd tell you mine was fine if I could remember it. Oh, yeah, okay...it's coming back to me now.
It wasn't bad. I had some interesting conversations with a few people. We got a laughable bill from our architect, wanting even more money. I did get to spend last weekend with our daughter, so that was pretty awesome. Oh, and my flight back from Boston took one hour instead of two, thanks to some gnarly tailwinds, my kind of flight! And I had a birthday.
Funny how they kind of creep up on you.
I like birthdays. I'll be honest. I enjoyed opening up my Facebook page and seeing a lot of messages from people wishing me a Happy Birthday. I know some people don't like birthdays, but hey, what's not to like? Most people are going to be nice to you, you might get a few presents or cards, a dinner and cake if you're lucky! Just ignore that whole getting older thing and its all good.
I'm always amazed at how old I actually am. Not that I'm ancient or anything, I just don't feelany older. That's either a good thing or it means by the time I hit sixty I'll be decrepit and living in an old folks home. In any event, birthdays force me to sit back, take stock of the past year and thing about where I want to go from here.
So let's see. Not published yet. That's kind of disappointing.
Other than that small non-accomplishment, I have to say my life is going pretty well. Sure, I have up days and down days, but then who doesn't? There are definitely things I need to work on, and I don't have room to list them all here. I guess the main thing for me right now is deciding where I'm going with this whole writing thing.
God and I have been having some discussions about that this week.
I won't share any more than that, as I'm still in the listening and waiting part...and sometimes I don't shut up long enough to hear anything. So basically, I don't know where I'm going.
I know where I want to go, but I'm not sure it's where He wants me to go.
But one thing I do know, wherever I do end up in all this, it's going to be okay.
So what do you do on your birthday? Ignore it? Celebrate with gusto? Make resolutions for a better year?
I'm curious. Talk to me.

International Fiction Gets The Nod...

2009-10-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

My Dad used to tell me (still does from time to time) if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. When I was younger, I tended to give up pretty easily. As I matured, that changed. I think it has something to do with an underlying stubborn streak that developed somewhere along the way. We'll blame genetics for that I think. Anyway, now as a forty something year old, I wouldn't call myself tenacious by any means, but I guess I like a challenge. I am a writer after all.
When I first stepped up on the soap box and started talking International Fiction, I wasn't sure where it would lead.
However, I'm happy to say that there are many other authors out there who feel the same way as I do. We've started a Fan Page on Facebook to promote our genre and lots of people have joined, which means nothing really except to show that there IS interest. What's really exciting though, is that a new publisher "Written World Communications" has decided to publish stories with foreign settings. Thanks to CEO Kristine Pratt, who listened to what I had to say regarding International Fiction, they've jumped on the bandwagon and decided to embrace it! This is great news for myself and other authors outside of the US, as well as anyone who is writing International Fiction. I hope it pays off for all of us!
I appreciate everyone who's given support and encouragement to myself and the rest of us, keep it coming!

It's My Profound Pleasure...

2009-10-13T16:41:00.001-07:00

to introduce you to my lovely and talented critique partner and friend, Jenness Walker!

See, told ya she was lovely!
Jenness and I have been friends for oh, about four years now. We met in the strangest of places. If you know us, you'll guess pretty easily, but I'll go ahead and tell you - it was through an online forum. Yep, we were both going to be attending the American Christian Fiction Writers conference for the first time, we were on the boards talking about our writing and how to pitch (neither one of us knew how and we were terrified) and we started shooting pitches back and forth. Next thing we knew, we were meeting up in Dallas. We became critique partners shortly after the conference, and the rest, as they say, is history. She still can't get rid of me.
We both became agented authors in the same year. We used to dream about publication together. Now I'm happy to say, I'm the only one who's still dreaming. Jenness has realized her dream with her debut novel, Double Take, published through Love Inspired Suspense.

I had the pleasure of critiquing this novel in all its various stages, and I have to say the finished product is pretty darn good. I won't give a review here, because I'm biased, but here's the blurb, and when you're done reading my blog, go on Amazon and order Double Take! You won't regret it!
Cole Leighton can barely believe his eyes. A woman on his bus has just been abducted—in an exact reflection of a scene from the bestselling novel he's reading. Someone is bringing the book to life…and isn't above forcing an innocent woman to follow the story to its tragic end. Using the novel as his playbook, Cole catches up with the beautiful victim—but rescuing Kenzie Jacobs doesn't keep her safe for long. The killer is writing his own ending, and none of the twists and turns lead to happily ever after.

Jenness Walker fell in love with books before she could even read them. Growing up, she read while she walked in line, ate lunch, played the clarinet, showered and brushed her teeth. Unfortunately she still hasn’t figured out how to clean the house with a book in hand. Blessed with a vivid imagination—sometimes too vivid—Jenness loves to create her own stories as well. Her writing journey has spanned over twenty years so far, from the contest she lost in first grade to the creative writing correspondence course she took through high school and the first novel she penned in college. Now Jenness lives in Florida with her beloved Web site–designer husband and almost-equally-beloved laptop.

A Busy Week

2009-10-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

You ever wake up and realize the whole week has disappeared? Yep, that's me today. I have an excuse though. I've been traveling. Enjoying some quality time with hubby and daughter, who came over from her school in Canada to meet us for a few days in Boston. Right now I'm sitting in the lobby of our hotel, waiting to see my sister, who's driving in for the day. I can't wait!
I love just getting away from it all, not having to worry about the everyday chores at home, being able to relax, and of course, shop! I'll be celebrating my birthday on Monday, so this has been a great little trip. It doesn't take much to make me happy!
So while I enjoy the next few days, I'd like to hear from you.
What makes you happy?

The Road is Long...

2009-10-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

With many a winding turn...
I've always loved that song. Not only because it's a cool song and I like the old stuff, but because of what it means.
Would you carry your brother or sister?
Maybe you've been carried. I know I have. I don't know that I've carried anybody else through a tough time, but I'd like to think so.
There's something amazing to me about the complexity of human relationships. I always jokingly say I'm not a people person and I could live quite happily alone on a deserted island, but I think I'd probably go nuts without my friends. I need to know they're there, even if we don't see each other every day. Even if I'm avoiding the world because I just don't want to deal with it, or I'm in the middle of a manuscript and don't dare come up for air, sooner or later somebody will come over and drag me out of my cave.
Then there are those friends who stand with me in my writing journey. I'm so grateful for each one of them, the mentors, the cheerleaders, even the ones who tear my writing to shreds, in the nicest possible way.
Over the past week I wrote about the difficulty of getting stories with foreign settings published.
I feel so passionate about it that I know I've been called to go down that road. The long, winding road.
That leads us to who knows where.
Okay, I'll stop singing.
It's exciting though, because I'm not alone. I have friends, some of whom I have yet to meet, that are willing to go along for the ride. I think it's safe to say that the birth of International Fiction has arrived.
We're tossing various ideas around, one of them being the creation of a blog where we can promote our new genre and get feedback from the folks that matter - you, the reader.
I'll post more on that when it happens. I'm hoping one day I'll be able to write that novel set in Bermuda.
But for now, share my excitement at the prospect of what is to come, pray for us as we venture into unknown territory, and stay tuned for news!
Let me know your thoughts. What do you think when you hear 'International Fiction' ?

Survey Says...

2009-10-01T05:53:00.001-07:00

Okay readers, bloggers, friends, countrymen...I need your help!
Some of you may know that I am the Director/Moderator for the Beyond the Borders group, within American Christian Fiction Writers. BTB consists of those of us who belong to ACFW but happen to live outside of the United States. Most of us are not American.
Lately, we've been having a discussion (passionate at times!) about the strange phenomenon that books with a foreign setting are a very difficult sell within the Christian market. Many of us have written stories that take place in different countries, and have yet to place them with a publisher. It would seem that the majority of readers who buy Christian fiction only want to read about stories that take place on American soil.
What gives?
We know that it's possible for authors to write (and sell) books that take place in foreign lands, but most of the time these are well-known authors and not such a risk to the publisher. We also know it comes down to numbers, and the publisher will not take a chance on a new author if they don't think the book will do well. They have the facts and figures we're not privvy to obviously, so it would seem that right now there is no market for the kind of books we're writing.
But I think what I'm struggling to understand is the fact that Americans only want to read stories about Americans, in America. Really? Is this true? If so, why?
I grew up in Bermuda in a heavily British-influenced society. My reading was as varied as possible. I read British authors, American authors, stories that took place all over the world, and I loved them! Still do.
I have to wonder if there is an untapped market out there. Perhaps there are folks who wouldn't set foot in a Christian bookstore because they do want something different, and it's not there. Yet.
I wonder if someone were to create a website dedicated to giving a taste of what we 'foreigners' can write about, how would it do? Would you read the stories and give honest feedback?
So I'm curious and I want to hear from you and everyone you can possibly pass this information along to. Tell us what you're reading and why, and whether you would buy a book that had a foreign setting. If not, why not?
Let the games begin!
(This is cross-posted over at Writers' Rest).

The Brick Wall

2009-09-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you're just banging your head against a brick wall?
Come on, be honest.
I feel like this all the time, and I hate it. It's so hard to keep writing when the results are a constant disappointment. I have days, weeks, even months, where I question why I'm doing this if it's going nowhere. Am I really on the path God has for me?
Ever feel that way?
Over at CBA-Ramblings today, Rachelle's talking about needing patience in the publishing industry. I read the comments with great interest. Wanted to smack a few people, truth be told.
I'm NOT a patient person.
I have had to wait for many things in my life, some very personal things that I really, really wanted, but knew there was nothing in my power I could do to get it. I had no choice then but to hand the entire situation over to God.
And guess what?
He came through. Big time.
I know that. I believe it, and I know that I have to trust that if this whole writing thing is really what I'm supposed to be doing, He'll confirm it.
BUT. Yeah.
I'm just not clear on how to get through this middle part, you know? The part where you're doing everything you can to improve, learn and grow, but it feels like you're just treading water. There's that really cool island in the distance, you're close enough to see the palm trees and the people partying it up on the beach, you can even smell the burgers. If you close your eyes you can taste that pina colada. Oh, it's gonna be good.
But you can't quite get there.
So help me out here, folks. What am I doing wrong? Why does this whole patience thing stump me like a calculus exam?
I'm listening...

Church

2009-09-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Thanks for coming out to my party. I made a lot of new friends and it was good to hang out with some old ones too. Sorry we ran out of food, especially the guacamole, Ane.
I know a lot of folks don't post on Sundays. I'm not exactly sure when or how often I'll be posting. Could be once a day or a few times a week. It'll make things interesting for you.
Today, since it is Sunday, I'd like to talk about church.
What does the word mean to you? Not what it's 'supposed' to mean, what you've been taught to believe it means, but what does it really mean? First things first, lets take the gloves off. This is not a 'my church is better than your church' discussion, nor is it meant to be an opportunity to bash your church.
I'm just curious.
I think man has so many different concepts of this idea of church that I have to wonder if anyone is getting it right, and how do we know what right is anyway?
If you don't go to church, don't worry, you can still join in. I am interested in whatever anyone has to say, but of course I'm going to delete anything that could be offensive to anyone.
I had the unfortunate privilege of attending a proper British boarding school for a few years of my life. Every Sunday we'd put on our hideous school dresses and walk down a winding country road, through a quaint little village and into the doors of a building very much like the one in the picture. I didn't understand much of the service even though I'd attended church all my life. But I do remember that sometimes sitting in that place reminded me of home. I'd have to blink back tears or the floodgates would open. It was so easy to think about my parents and my dogs, and my friends I missed, and long to be with them. Now I wonder whether that longing was for something else entirely.
I know some will say God is everywhere, you don't have to go to a building on a particular day and time to find Him. This is true. I could stay right here at my kitchen table this morning, take in the beauty of the ocean before me, and worship. God and I could have a sweet old time. I wouldn't even have to get out of my pajamas.
So why the alternative?
I've always wanted church to be about community. I believe it should be a place where one comes to share faith, worship together, BUT also lay our lives down for one another. I don't believe church is about doing duty, putting in the required time and living like you've never heard of God the rest of the week.
I can tell you my story at the rest of sharing more than you might want to know about me. Here's your chance to exit the blog if you want, or stick around. Maybe I'll learn something from you.
I've been in a few churches in my lifetime and I'm not sure I fit in any of them. I can't pinpoint the exact reason, not really. I guess I'm in the process of searching, learning, growing, and waiting.
I want so much more.
I'm impatient. Tired of the status quo and rebelling against the fact that I have to settle for it.
And then there's the guilt that comes along afterward, pointing fingers my way and telling me I have no right to the feelings I'm experiencing. I am after all, still just stumbling my way through this life, and sometimes on the odd occasion, I get it right.
I have a feeling that my image of church is probably not going to be realized in my lifetime. So what do I do in the meantime? Where do we go, how do we worship? Perhaps you've been in this place and can show me around.
I could use a tour guide.

I'm Having a Party!

2009-09-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

Why?
Why not?
Actually I do have a reason. No, I didn't get a book contract. I do however feel like I'm entering the 'real world' again. I'm getting back to doing the things I love, things I now actually have time for. And it's great!
So, since I'm going to be blogging more frequently, I thought I'd have a party so we can all get to know each other. Great idea, no?
While I'm getting back into writing, I'm also mindful that this is the time I need to be networking with people who will actually go out and buy my books one day, when they're available. What do I write?
I'm so glad you asked.
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. Oh, and I write from a Christian worldview. No, I'm not going to bash you over the head with my faith, but if you want to get to know me, you'll hear me talking about God and Jesus. I have a couple of projects finished. One is kind of on the back burner because nobody wants to publish a book that takes place in Vietnam in the 60's - go figure, I think it's a cool story, but who knows, maybe it's time will come one day. My other book has just been completed and we're going to see what happens with that one. If you enjoy reading romance, you'll probably like my stuff. (Christian worldview, remember, no steamy novels here, sorry!)
Outside of writing, which does take up a huge part of my life, I'm a wife and mom, and I have two border collies which also take up a fair bit of time. I'm doing Agility with my younger dog, which is a lot of fun. Yes, I enjoy making a fool of myself.
I love to garden, roses are my passion and I recently started growing orchids.
Going out to dinner is another passion, but my husband doesn't encourage that one.
I have a dry sense of humor, some might say I'm a tad sarcastic. I'm told by my literary agent (I enjoy using that term, it makes me sound important, hey?) that it's my trademark, and I'm under the impression this is a good thing. I guess we'll see.
I love to sing, contemporary worship stuff, no choirs for me, not that there's anything wrong with them, they're just not my thing. I read when I can, but still haven't nailed the reading and writing my own stuff at the same time thing. I'm a little reserved in person, which is why I spend gobs of time online. I'm told I'm a loyal friend, and fun to be around. Not sure my family would always agree with the fun to be around part. That's why I have dogs.
Oh and I love making new friends, so if you're reading this, consider yourself a new friend!
Won't you introduce yourself? I'd be pleased if you'd follow my blog, and I'll come see what you're blogging about too!
Let's get this party started!

The Hard Bits...

2009-09-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

A lot of people seem to be under the (false) impression that being a writer is rather glamorous.
Really? I suppose if you consider sitting in front of the computer day in and day out glamorous, then sure.
It's actually taken me a while to grow into this skin. When I first started writing stories, I kept them to myself. It was definitely a hobby and I had no dreams of publication. After a few comments for the unfortunate souls who were the first to read those awful manuscripts, I began to consider trying to get published.
I had a lot to learn. I'm still learning.
But I do love being a writer. I love it when an idea just slips into my brain and starts to take shape. Then the characters move in and life gets really interesting. When I'm in the middle of writing a novel, I probably don't make much sense. Most of the time I'm not really paying any attention to you, you see. I'm listening to my characters and wondering what they're going to do tomorrow.
That's the fun part of writing. There are also hard bits, but necessary methods of torture that we writers have to endure to get back to the fun part.
Revisions. Yes, I think I've moaned about these a time or two. I spent months pondering what my revisions would look like when I got them back from my agent. Had a few nightmares about it. Then when I received my manuscript it wasn't actually as bad as I thought. The problem for me was finding the time to do them.
I did finally get through them all and I think the work I did will pay off, at least I'm hoping it will.
While a lot of our ACFW members were at conference this past weekend, the rest of us had a chat on the loop and one of the questions we were asked was to share what the best writing advice you'd been given was. Mine has to be, 'there is always room for improvement'.
The other hard bit about being a writer is the waiting. If you are submitting your work, you have to wait.
A LOT.
I'm a terribly impatient person and sadly, the more lessons in patience that get thrown my way, the more I buck and wail. Gnashing of teeth and all that. Disgusting behavior.
However, all good things come to those who wait. Right?
Yes, I am holding to that truth and waiting...
At the moment I'm waiting for my agent's final word on my manuscript. If the latest version meets with her approval, then I suspect she will begin the submission process. And I shall commence the wailing and gnashing of teeth.
In the meantime, I'm trying to plunge back into writing. Thinking about a sequel to the book I've just completed, and I have a few other ideas tossing around the black sea that is my brain.
Maybe you can help me out. Have you heard a story lately that you've thought, gosh that would make a great book!? Do you have a passion for a particular cause that you haven't seen any books written about?
Remember, fiction only, and there's gotta be some romance involved.
Hit me.

Missing Out...

2009-09-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Normally at this time of year, I'd be getting ready to head away to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. I have done this three years in a row now.
This year I am staying home.
Various reasons drew me to this tough decision, and as the excitement mounts among my friends who are attending, I admit to be a wee bit sad. Okay, even annoyed. However, I think I'm doing the right thing by staying home. I know that attending a conference is pretty important for a writer, and it would have been great to go meet with some editors, hang out with my agent again, and catch up with old friends. Donald Maas is teaching and Debbie Macomber is the keynote speaker. What a year to miss, huh?!
But I'm trusting that this is the right thing for me at this time in my life.
Things have been just uber nuts for us this past year. We're still grappling with some stuff, and just when you take a moment to relax, another tidal wave rolls in, or so it seems.
So taking a few days for myself is just not a good idea right now. I know that.
But I still feel like I'm missing out, and I guess there isn't anything I can do about that.
So what do you do when you feel like you're missing something important? How do you look on the bright side and relax in the knowledge that the decision you made is the right one?
I'm terrible for second guessing myself. And I don't trust my own decisions. Guess that's why I really need God!
Anyway, all that to say boo hoo and cry in my soup a bit. I'll be thinking of all of you who will be at the conference. Please pop me an email if you get a chance to let me know how things are going, and take lots of pictures!!
I'll see you next year!

Who Inspires You?

2009-08-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hey. Did you ever notice how creative people tend to gravitate toward one another?
It like something sparks in the brain, "Must get to know that person. Now."
I've always been one of those creative types, probably didn't realize it until it was too late.
The pictures of me at age two holding a paint brush bigger than myself, smushing red and blue glops onto paper attached to an easel might have been a clue. The fact that I could read to myself by age three, (according to Momlore at least) and by age five had read most of the books in the Kindergarten library could have been another.
I was a daydreamer, always lost in thought someplace far from the confines of the school I hated.
Still pretty much lost in thought but now I have a valid excuse.
I'm a writer.
Creative type. Yep.
Funny thing is, I married a Science Guy. All facts and figures for him. But it works. I guess we sort of balance each other out, although I dare say I tip the scale on most issues, but he loves me anyway.
So as I've...ahem...matured, shall we say, and embraced the creativity inside of me with continuous attempts to write books and revise manuscripts and hold onto my sanity all at the same time, I've realized something.
I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't know other crazy people.
Yes, shocking at it is, there are others out there following their own dreams.
They inspire me.
Jenness Walker, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Betsy St. Amant were all in a critique group with me once upon a time. They're all published authors now. They give me hope. They make me smile. I'm rejoicing with them and encouraging them in the journey. Ask any of them and I'm sure they'd be the first to tell you they never expected this, success, as it were. Yet we all strive toward the same goal.
To be heard.
Writers, artists and musicians - where would the world be without the dreamers? I'm in awe of anyone who can sit down at the keys or pick up a guitar and come up with something amazing. I've listened to my daughter sing songs she wrote when she was in Africa. Awesome stuff. Truly touched by God. My son can play for hours and I don't get tired. They inspire me to write, not because of what may come from it, but because I love it.

I have a good friend Paulette. She inspires me too.
She has just released her first CD! Paulette and I first met in Bermuda when she came to our church and later, to our house, sat at the piano and began to play and sing. My dear friend Sandy, so much like Paulette in a lot of ways, (but not as hyper) had just left the island and I was so sad. We had that connection, you know, the one I talked about at the beginning? When it just clicks? As I spent more time with Paulette and got to know her, I came to realize God had put her in my life at that time, not as a replacement for what I'd had with Sandy, but a sort of continuation. She was full of love for life, crazy about Jesus and all about creativity. She has encouraged me so much with my writing, and I'm thrilled to see her dreams coming true.
Take a look at her website, you can listen to her music there too.
http://paulettedixon.com/
And to the rest of us, don't give up on your dream.
Inspire me.

My Take on Time Travelers...

2009-08-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm curious. What's the big deal with The Time Travelers Wife?
As a writer, the most important question we ask is, "What if?"
I do it a lot. And I consider myself a fairly artistic person, open to new ideas.
That said, I tried to read the book last summer. Couldn't.
I kept having to flip back to see what was going on, wondering if I'd missed a chapter or something.
So I didn't finish it. I thought they should have called it The Time Waster.
However, I realize it was on the bestsellers list for a hundred years or thereabouts.
And then comes the movie.
I know so many people raved about the book and couldn't wait for the movie to come out.
I thought maybe I'd really missed something in the book so I'd go see the movie.
I think I'm still missing something.
It just didn't make a lick of sense. I mean, I understand the concept and everything but, really?
Totally implausible. Then again, so are hobbits, wizards and vampires. I don't have a problem with them.
Hmm.
What's wrong with me? Tell me what I'm missing here. Should I try to read the book again or what?
I probably won't so don't tell me to.
I wonder if it's the hype. I've always preferred to make my own judgement calls, so when I hear a million people raving about something I'm more inclined to think it really can't be that good. Like The Shack. But that's another blog.
So clue me in, are you a Time Travelers fan? Am I just a faint majority who simply can't step out of the box of reality enough to enjoy something that simply cannot happen?
There's gotta be a support group or something...

Time Stops.

2009-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Blogging is a bad habit. You can try to quit, but sooner or later...okay, bad analogy. I didn't actually quit blogging, I just haven't had time for it. Haven't had time for a lot of things over the past year, but that's a moot point.
Thing is, no matter how busy I get, the world keeps going.
Without me.
Weird, huh? In a few weeks a bunch of my friends will be getting together at the ACFW conference.
Without me. I doubt anyone will even notice I'm not there amongst the crowds of wonderful writers, agents and editors.
You know they say a lot of the publishing process depends on the timing. The right book with the right editor at the right time.
It just hasn't been the right year for me. It HAS been the right year for a lot of my friends/critique partners.
I find that a little ironic really, having so many people I know getting publishing contracts whilst I'm pulling my hair out to find ten minutes to sit undisturbed at the computer.
I've had to come to terms with the fact that I've probably missed the boat this year. Yes, one more year to add to the stockpile.
Some dreams hover just out of reach no matter how hard you try. Apparently seeing my name on the cover of a book is one of them.
I realize that most of my blogs over the past year have been nothing short of whines bordering on...well, whatever.
There are about four months left in this year.
I have decided to forgo the new year resolution deal and go for the end of year resolution instead.
I'm going to try to be a nicer person.
I'm going to finish my manuscript revisions and send them back to my agent.
I'm going to work on something new.
I'm going to be more positive and try to find the good in everything.
No matter what.
We'll see how that goes.
For now, I'm just going to accept that this is where I am in life. And all in all, it's still a pretty good life.

Has the World Gone Mad?

2009-06-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the world, but things are just a little crazy here in our little corner of it.
I am sure most of you have heard by now that we have been plunged into the middle of a political mess, thanks
to our Premier and some shady dealings with the US.
Since we are for now, still living in a free country, I thought I'd share my take on the whole situation.
I think it stinks.
First and foremost, we are a British Colony. Unless there was a vote on independence and I missed it, I do believe we are still under the Queen's dominion. The fact that Britain was kept in the dark about the transfer of four Chinese ex-prisoners from Guantanamo, by our Government AND the United States, is, in my opinion, despicable. What is worse is that we all know there was political gain here, cleverly disguised under the umbrella of 'a humanitarian act'.
Give me a break.
So who are these guys? That's what we all want to know. They look and sound harmless enough, and of course they're all oh-so-grateful to be here. Well, who wouldn't be? But we don't really know anything about them, do we? There are so many stories flying around it's hard to get to the truth. The US may know what the truth is, but they're not talking. They're just glad to be rid of them. Talk about dumping your garbage on your neighbor's lawn...
Unfortunately whether the four are innocent (as they claim) or not doesn't really matter. The fact is, they should not have been brought here.
Bermuda, while empathetic to the war on terror, horrified by 9/11 and all the rest of it, really didn't have much of a role. We're a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic. We have enough trouble getting along with each other, let alone the rest of the world. Seems to me the rest of the world has just been brought to us. What a great place for terrorists to hide out and plot their next move, huh? Get a tan at the same time, hey, it's all good.
See what I'm saying? We just don't know what this means. Unfortunately in this day and age, it is impossible to trust anyone, and dangerous. Of course that's just my opinion and many will disagree.
So where does this leave Bermuda? I'm not sure yet.
I know Britain is not amused.
I know our Premier is in a truck load of trouble and possibly getting the boot.
Perhaps some good can come out of this mess after all.
If our visitors stay, I've heard they want to open a restaurant.
If Ewart gets kicked out of office, I'm sure some of us will want to put the Gitmos on the list for National Heroes Day. Others may put them on the slow boat back to China.
It's all unfolding rather quickly and only time will tell what real ramifications this decision will have on Bermuda.
One thing I do know is that it's time for all Bermudians to come together and decide what we want the future of our island home to look like. Put aside color, religion and all the other stupid things that divide us. If we can move on as one country united, then that will surely be worth slogging through the muck.
Oh, and for the record, I don't like Chinese food.

You Are Being Watched...

2009-06-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

I don't mean that in a Big Brother creep me out kind of way...well, maybe I do.
Let's see if I can explain.
Do you ever Google yourself? Do you have a website that's authentic to you and what you do for a living? How 'bout a blog that exposes your innermost feelings to the world? Do you have a Facebook account? MySpace? Twitter?
Are you in the process of networking, trying to connect with authors like yourself in the hopes that one day, as you hone your craft and improve and climb the ladder to publication, you will reach the top already 'known' somewhat in the industry?
If you answer yes to any of those question, you are being watched.
It's something many of us forget as we go along with our lives, posting this, sending out this reply, sometimes without much thought.
Whatever you send out into cyberspace can never be taken back.
Did you know that? Oh, I'm sure you're all smart and computer savvy and of course you know it.
But do you remember it?
I admit over the past few years I've had more than one of those cringe moments where I've hit the 'send' button too soon. Maybe I responded in anger. Maybe I was tired, not thinking clearly. Maybe if I'd waited a day, slept on it, really thought and prayed over my response, maybe...
Know what I mean? Being known as that writer who sends out those smart-@(&# responses all the time probably doesn't bode well for any future career in publishing. Unless of course you happen to find an agent or publisher who enjoys your over-the-top sarcasm.
I'm not saying I'm one of those people, (of course I'm not!) but I have caught myself on more than one occasion busting out with something I probably shouldn't have said, or written for that matter.
And I can't take it back.
I do enjoy a good dose of sarcasm. What can I say, it's in my nature. People can look at me blindly and shake their heads I suppose, other people get me and know exactly how I meant what I just said. But I'm learning that sometimes I need to tone it down.
I'm being watched, you see.
Now I'm not saying I'm malicious. I would never use sarcasm to intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. But that can happen anyway, despite my best intentions.
Publishing, like all industries I suppose, can get very small, very fast.
I've seen this happen. Christian or no, one wrong move and you're pretty much done for.
Which brings me to the whole "I'm a Christian" thing.
The past year and a bit have been very, very difficult. I've seen "Christian" people do things that just aren't right. But it's 'okay' because really, they're not robbing you blind or cheating you or lying to your face and sitting in church on Sunday...it must be your imagination, because a Christian just wouldn't behave that way.
Oh yeah?
Sad, isn't it?
If you're going to indulge in bad behavior, do me a favor and leave God out of it.
Everything we've been through, as unpleasant as it is, I think has taught me an important lesson.
People place enormous value on what you say you are.
Do you get that?
If you say you're a writer, write. Finish your short story, your novel, whatever, just do it.
If you're a mother, be one. That's another blog.
I could go on here, but you can fill in the blanks. Ultimately, my opinion is only worth what you're paying for it, so take it or leave it, but please do one thing above all else - if you are a follower of Christ, read the manual. It's a pretty good Book. Very helpful.
And always remember, you are being watched.