Links Library

ADVERTISMENT HELP

http://www.adsalespeople.com/

AFRICAN AMERICAN SITES

http://blackquest.com/link.htm
http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/cfapps/free/displaysubject.cfm?sid=1

AGENT INFO

AAR
http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do

AUDIO ACROBAT
http://www.audioacrobat.com/learnmore/samples.htm

BLOGS

A Christian Worldview of Fiction
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/

ANATOMY OF A BOOK DEAL
http://www.robertgregorybrowne.com/wordpress/

http://www.authorsblogs.com/index.php

http://www.barbarajoe.blogspot.com/

Camy’s Loft
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

http://www.cherlynmichaels.blogspot.com/

http://christianauthorsnetwork.blogspot.com/

http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/

http://dianapeterfreund.blogspot.com/

http://www.fallible.com/

http://www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/

http://www.gailmartin.blogspot.com/

The Master Artist
http://tpr.typepad.com/themastersartist/

Trapped By Mormons
http://www.nataliercollins.com/weblog/index.php

YA Paranormal Authors
http://yaparanormal.blogspot.com/

BOOK PROMOTION HELP

http://www.anniejenningspr.com/index.htm

http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com/archives.htm

https://www.printingforless.com/cardsbookmarks.html

http://www.jessett.com/

http://dotcom-productions.com/Training/help-section/help-section-designing_a_website.htm

BOOK PROMOTION SITES

http://www.cataromance.com/home_page

Steeple Hill
http://community.eharlequin.com/WebX?14@715.MCb7aPZKMGN.27@.2cb8426b

HISTORICAL RESEARCH

The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair
http://www.mohistory.org/content/fair/wf/html/Educators/page5.html#1

http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/

Expressions of American Ancestors
http://www.rootsweb.com/~genepool/amerispeak.htm

MAGAZINES

Affaire de Coeur
http://www.affairedecoeur.com/

Brown Skin
http://brownskinmag.com/

PUBLISHING
http://everyonewhosanyone.com/index.html

REVIEW SITES

http://www.faithfulreader.com/index.asp

TV LINKS

http://www.spoilerfix.com/

WRITING ORGANIZATIONS

http://www.americanchristianfictionwriters.org/

WRITING SITES

http://www.authorlink.com/

http://www.autocrit.com/Critnow.cfm

Back Space
http://www.bksp.org/

http://www.childrenswriter.com/

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY BLOG TOUR!

Christian Fantasy is one genre I haven’t had the pleasure to try. So when I heard about this blog tour, I thought it would be a nice way for me to learn about the genre and hopefully find a book that opens the door for me to start reading it.

I will admit there have been two books that have captured my attention.

Narnia – I do have a copy, just haven’t had a chance to read. I enjoyed the movie so much, I bought it.

Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul - I’ve always liked dragons and the chapter excerpt I read intrigued me.

So I guess I’m ready to start this new genre.

If you’ve never tried Christian fantasy or Science Fiction, I invite you stop by this site and check out what we’ve been missing.

http://www.christianfictionreview.com/fantasyfocus.html
Then stop by the other sites on the tour. Tell them I sent you.

https://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/

Mirtika Schultz’s Mirathon blog
Insights from Beth Goddard
Jason Joyner’s Spoiled for the Ordinary
Marci’s Writer Lee blog
Sally Apokedak’s All About Children’s Books blog
Steve Trower’s Old Testament Space Opera blog
Cheryl Russell’s Unseen Worlds blog
Shannon McNear’s Shenandoah’s Eclectic Musings

If you’re fantasy/science fiction lover, tell me about the books you’ve read. I need a few to add to my BOOKS TO READ list.

Author Intro: Cathy Messecar

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Cathy Messecar: Cathy Messecar is a newspaper columnist, wife, mother and grandmother. She has published many devotional articles and won several writing awards. She lives with her husband, David, on Leaning Tree Acres Farm in Montgomery, Texas.

SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?

MESSECAR: The Stained Glass Pickup is a collection of inspirational newspaper columns that glimpse God’s uncommon wisdom. The columns were originally published in my home congregation bulletin, then in The Courier, Conroe, Texas on the religion pages. The meditations end with special prayers. My passion is to share how Jesus life-supports Christians every day, and to help people to notice his moment to moment care. The title, The Stained Glass Pickup, is from the first devotional in the book, about a rancher who prays aloud for his high school age daughter while he drives her to school.

SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?

MESSECAR: I want readers to remember that God is the only constant in life, ever present. His arms are wrapped around us. He's leading us by the hand. He's whispering his love song each moment. I want them to tune their dials to his station.

And, I especially want to help them learn how to pray "in Jesus' name." I want to assist readers in knowing that Jesus' name at the end of a prayer is not just a tag line, a parting phrase, an exit line. That praying in his name is the most potent part of their prayers.

Did you know there are over 250 names and titles given to the Son of God in scripture? And then I've made my own list of descriptions of his actions, nearly 200. Such as, Jesus, who brought real character to the family tree, and Jesus, who told a story about a woman sweeping a house, Jesus, who fished on dry land--on mountains, in synagogues, at a well, and in a graveyard. Well, I guess you see I could go on and on with the answers to this question. There's just something about that name.

SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?

MESSECAR: I've been writing about 18 years, the first five or so for a church bulletin. I've written for The Houston Chronicle, The Amy Foundation's Newsletter Pen & Sword. These periodicals: Power for Today, Christian Woman, Sisterhood Magazine and others. Several of my essays are in anthologies, God's Abundance and God's Abundance for Women.

Currently I'm writing for Houston Community Newspaper, The Courier. I'm in my fifth year of writing a weekly column. I also E-mail it out to 4,000 each Friday.

SYOTN: Do you think an agent is necessary?

MESSECAR: I'd love to work with an agent. However, I don't think a writer has to have an agent to land a book contract. I have completed a women's fiction, and I'd really like for an agent to represent "Morning Glory Summer," the proposed title. I'd rather be writing than querying many publishers and attending many writers' conferences.

SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

MESSECAR: I'm not a whiner, so this doesn't really bother me, but I wish non-writers understood that a lot of time goes into the crafting of a finished work. So, if Mary Lou, asks me to write Uncle Delouey's obituary, because "It'll only take you a minute, hon." Please think again, all you Mary Lous. Writers may work several hours on smaller projects with 5 or more drafts before it reaches personal standards. I love to help others, but I can't help on every writing project.

SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

MESSECAR: Yes, think outside the Christian-bookstore-box. Because the title The Stained Glass Pickup has a "truck" word in it, I plan to ask local truck dealers to allow me to place a complimentary copy in their waiting areas. I'm asking the same of my doctors, hairdresser, etc. My publicist is querying national truck stop gift stores, too? The complimentary copies will have ordering info in the back of each book. I'm querying Western Wear Stores that have gift areas to see if they will stock The Stained Glass Pickup.

SYOTN: What is a favorite book from your childhood?

MESSECAR: From early childhood, a family Bible story book with full page color pictures--hmm--don't know the title. From my late teens, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte`

SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

MESSECAR: Tamera Alexander's new fiction release with Bethany House: Rekindled. It literally was a page turner. Good plotting, characters with savvy and grit--part saint, part sinner. Sequels are coming to keep me awake this fall.

SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?

MESSECAR: http://enwikipedia.org (encyclopedia, dictionary, search link, every topic)

www.studylight.org (plenty of commentaries, lexicons, concordances, Bible versions)

www.jerusalemperspective.com (Jesus' teachings in the context of his culture)

www.flylady.net (for the "overwhelmed, over extended, overdrawn." If it's noon and anyone is reading this in your pjs and last nights make up, you need this site.)

SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

MESSECAR: I'd love to get any feedback from readers, positive and anything that will help me grow as a writer and Christian:

P. O. Box 232
Montgomery, TX 77356

writecat@consolidated.net
www.stainedglasspickup.com
www.cathymessecar.com

Grey Anatomy Fans

May 14th episode

Oh my goodness!

I can’t remember the last time a show made me scream.

What will I do on Sunday nights without GA.

The writing is superb. I can’t wait to get the second season on DVD.

Are you hooked too?

Barefooted

Growing up, you could always find me without shoes. I loved going barefooted. People use to tell me your feet will be big as a house if you don’t put on any shoes. My feet are a size 7 they grew after I had my first child. I use to wear a six.

I never was a shoe person, I didn’t get the infactation with shoes. That is until I found out I own more sandels than any other type of shoes. Today I realized why, its as close to barefoot I can get in society.

I love when the weather turns warm, because I can put on my sandals and prance around and no one will tease me about my barefeet.

Junie B

My daughter was introduced to Junie B this weekend. She’s sucking the books up. She checked out two books and she’s on the second one now. Yesterday I told her it was time for bed and she had her nose in the book. She didn’t even hear me. I had a flashback of me at that age, up all night reading books. Those were the best times of my life.

I’m truly grateful my children have a love of books, like I do. They look forward to going to the library and picking out a book. Its like another form of candy to them.

Author Intro: Kim M. Brewer

See Ya On The Net: Tell us a about you the person and the writer.

Kim M. Brewer: Kim M. Brewer, wife, mother, and missionary accepted the charge to work in the vineyard spreading the good news about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since this time she has spoken and ministered in song at various churches in the Detroit area, as well as in the states of Philadelphia and Kentucky. She has a passion for the Fine Arts and has performed in the Stage Play, "A Mother's Love" and "A Child Shall Lead Them" each time being cast as a leading role.

She has ministered since the age of five. She is an active member of her church. She is a member of the ministry staff at St. John's Tabernacle New Pentecostal Church. She is a graduate of Mumford high School in Detroit, Michigan and attended Detroit College of Business in the Administrative Field. She has been employed in the field for the last 20 years making many contributions to the private business sector.

With a witty style and the ability to use humor as a buffer, she tells stories full of conflict that deal with the issues of everyday life as she integrates them with a twist making them educational, informative and enjoyable. She has been able to incorporate self-confrontation which allows her to look at the inner-self and share her experiences so that others faced with the same or similar adversities will have a road map to dodge the pitfalls or life.

Lessons she has learned over the years allow her to be flexible and open to new and exciting avenues. She has now embarked upon another avenue that God has sent her way in the literary field with her recently released Grief: The REAL Deal - A Realist's Perspective.

She has a zest for life and believes in living each day to the fullest. She is currently working on her second book entitled, Straight! No Chaser: Surviving Alcoholism Second Hand, where she talks about the trials and tribulations of alcoholism of our loved one's and how we cope. Mrs. Brewer resides in Detroit, MI with her Husband, Deacon Geoffrey Brewer Sr., and is the loving Mother of four children.

As person, I am a fun loving, energetic wife and mother of four children. As I was raised with a strong sense of family, it is very important to me that I instill the same. I am extremely active in my church and consider my faith in the Lord to be my driving and sustaining force. I am a realist, meaning that I see a situation and realize it for what it is worth and I begin to develop solutions that are effective for the situation at hand, instead of seeing the glass half full or half empty I am the person who will create ways to either fill it completely up again or just empty it out completely, and by some chance I have to deal with the halfway mark, I find the most realistic way of dealing with it as it relates to a circumstances that I may be dealing with. I enjoy life everyday that it is granted as I am not sure when or what day may be my last. I am a hands-on type of person who loves to be in the core of projects as I enjoy seeing them come into reality as oppose to a concept on paper or an idea in one’s head. I enjoy the Fine Arts and I have a love of music that ranges from Jazz to R & B, but my passion is Gospel as I enjoy singing very much, I enjoy nothing more than singing the praises of and to the Father who has equipped me with all of the talents that I have. I enjoy acting as it is a way of self-_expression. I enjoy nothing more than becoming a character other than myself and watching how the audience interacts or feeds off of the individual I am portraying. I enjoy feeding off of their emotions and energy and this helps to make my performance that much more believable. As a writer, I am one who enjoys a good story and seeing that my real life has been one story after another, I enjoy writing about real life, once again showing emphasis on being a realist, I like to write about things or conditions that will empower and enlighten people from all walks of life. I write about things that will not only stimulate one’s intellect, but encourage and humor as well. I write in a way that will allow people to laugh at their mistakes and mishaps while giving them constructive and creative ways to correct situations that they may be experiencing that they wish to enhance. Another side of my writing consists of Poetry, this allows me to create love, words of beauty and/or thought provoking ideas allowing me to show my flexibility in an arena filled with greatness that I am honored to now have a book to rest along side of. Writing to me, is freedom at it’s finest.

SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?

BREWER: Grief is a journey through the ups and downs, twist, and turns that the death of a loved one takes you through. Kim Marshella Brewer shares her own grief and pain while at the same time she shares valuable information that will prepare us for the inevitable. Loaded with tears, laughter, and practical instructions when it comes to grief, this book is The Real Deal!

Often Psychologist and professionals will produce material that touches on the subject matter and will explain it for a professional's point of view. However, Kim M. Brewer conveys the message in laymen's terms with an in-your-face approach that have been need for so long. Through her very own experience, she will captivate you as no other has while dealing with such a heart wrenching topic.

Learn how to deal with the most communed asked or unasked questions such as:

The Plug: To pull or not to pull, who has the power
Family Car and Family Gathering Etiquette 101
Flesh and Blood vs. Adoptive Rights and Want-to-Be's
The rights of Parents, Spouses, Siblings, and Ex's
Property and Finance, who's in charge
How to prepare Living Wills and what are they good for
The Hierarchy of the Black Family Structure, who has rank and status
How do we handle children and grief
How to deal with death and dying head on
How to avoid family feuds and conflict
And much, much, more!

This book is sure to be an important source of self-help to anyone's collection!

Grief: The REAL Deal “A Realist Perspective” is a literary work that has recently been completed and published by PriorityOne Publications. This book describes in detail the plight of the loved ones who are facing adversities dealing with debilitating illnesses of family and friends that create situations where they are placed in a caregivers capacity, the handling of preparation to finalizing of arrangements for a deceased loved one when no prior preparation has been made, all the way to helping others realize the importance of planning and evaluation of ones finances and property, and how to properly provide for children who may be left to chance in the event of a parents passing unexpectedly. This book literally takes you through the real life journey and hardships of the author who has made it her mission to provide any reader with practical step by step information and tools that will without a doubt prepare one to face the uncertainty that death causes for us all. Though a topic most would rather not discuss, it is so important that we do as it is a certainty of life that will affect all at one point in time or another. It is the hope that people will received the REAL idea behind the project which is to learn to Respond Effectively After Loss!

My inspiration behind the writing of this work stemmed from the fact that I could no longer stand to see history repeat itself in a negative manner. After having so many of my loved one die from many different circumstance and watching what grief and the lack of preparation and cooperation was doing to my family and friends, I knew in my heart of hearts that I had to tell the story. I had to make people aware of the pit falls ahead and give them a detour from making mistakes that could be costly and most devastating. I was tired of my people being ill-informed and uninformed or courses of action that should be taken before the unthinkable becomes their reality. Years and years of torment and anguish over making repeated mistakes drove me to want to help even if it meant allowing my vulnerability to be displayed for all to see. Through must prayer and fasting, I received a Word from the Lord to go forth and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He would be with me come what may. And though not, the most popular subject matter in the world, it has all been worth it whenever I am approached by someone who wants to know more, or perhaps someone who has read the book who states that they can identify with any situation within it, or that it has helped them or informed them of things they did not know. I can honestly say that neither my work, my tears, nor my pain has been in vain. Just knowing that fact the God can use me and my experiences to be my brother’s keeper was inspiration enough.

SYOTN: What aspect of God do you hope readers will take away from your book?

BREWER: It is my prayer that they will see that God is a God that does everything decent and in order, when we are down to nothing, God is always up to something he always has a plan for us. This is a lesson that he has tried to instill in us forever. Planning and trusting God to carry you through the rough times ahead is a must. I would hope that people will understand that life happens to all and no matter how painful a situation may be; we must be about our business while we can. Last but not least, God desired a family the chief end of man was to be here to glorify God. He desired unity and love, we are a want of God not a need. He designed family to love one another the greatest love evident by him sending his only son down from heaven to die for us and save us from our sins. That same love that our brother in Christ extended to us we should show toward our family and realize that material things can't compare to what we should mean to one another. If you ask the question What would Jesus do, be prepared to do just that! Be about it, don't just talk about it!

SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?

BREWER: As it has been stated that I really did not have a goal to pursue writing, I really did not know what to expect. I have, however, witnessed others in action that actually set out to accomplish this goal and I have heard their comments and concerns so I had an idea that it would be exciting to say the least. I have such a feeling of accomplishment within that is pretty much indescribable. The idea of being referred to as an author is a bit sobering but to have an actual finished printed product that you developed is great. It is still in the early stages so I’m sure that once it becomes more and more apparent that there is a market and a customer base for the information that I have compiled, that I will be completely and truly beside myself with feelings of Joy. It has definitely been a lot of hard work which I truly expected. I have learned and obtained a wealth of knowledge, that will make it an easier process the second time around. As I had a Christian publisher who believed in my project, it made a lot of the ragged edges smooth, but the best part was knowing that they were supportive of my book before one was sold. However, to know that this is a work of truth, love, and even hardship that no one can take away from me makes me feel 10 feet tall and in life I’m only 5’3”!

SYOTN: Do you think an agent is necessary?

BREWER: As I did not have representation, I am not fully qualified to answer this question; however I can only surmise that it would have been easier to have someone who know the ends and outs of shopping a deal to represent you and ask the really tough questions. Since funding was not available to secure such a person, I was forced to read and educate myself quickly regarding this aspect so that I was not completely in the dark. So, in a lot of ways not having an agent still worked to my advantage.

SYOTN: What would you like other non-writers to understand?

BREWER: Please realize that this is an investment, one that can be very costly. Do not attempt to take short cuts in an attempt to save money at the risk of producing a product that could become a train wreck. Allow those you know who have been down the road prior to you to assist you with valuable information. Do not proceed with Desktop Publishing prior to professional edits be made to your manuscript, thinking that your edits are good enough. One reason being that Authors and Writers are two totally different things, an Author has an idea and can put a story line together out of sheer creation as to where a Writer knows all of the mechanics of writing and can pull your piece together to perfection. An Author will read the work the way it is meant to be read whether there are words missing or not because they know how it should read, i.e. The forest was in full bloom, the blossoms were everywhere that is how it should read, however typographical errors do occur without one knowing and that same sentence written by the Author and proof read by the Author can read as follows: The forest was in full, the blossoms were everywhere. The Author will sometimes read it as they know it should read. Do not be a hero cutting out the middleman to save you a buck or two. Take the necessary precautions to insure you have a work worth printing and better yet, worth reading.

SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

BREWER: Have patience, Rome was not built overnight and there is a method to the madness you must take yourself serious as a writer if you hope to have others follow suit. Realize that everyone will not care for your style of writing or your story line. Be prepared to take criticism of the constructive nature as well as the types that will just be administered by negative people who do not wish to see you succeed and know the difference between the two. Build yourself a WEBSITE PAGE. Get your face and the title of your work out there by any means necessary, legally! Create flyers and brochures that you have accessible whenever needed. Carry your books with you where you are i.e. if eating lunch, place them on the table in plain view, you never know who may walk by with an interest in your product to purchase or extend and invitation for you to be a guest, speaker or vendor for their function. Whatever you do make sure your product and promotional items look good! Color is eye candy too many use it, it works. Contact a marketing person who specializes in promotion.

SYOTN: What is a favorite book from your childhood?

BREWER: My Little Book of Prayers and Curious George

SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

BREWER: Mine:) and Blessings by Sheneska Jackson

SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?

BREWER: My Website - kimmbrewer.com

Google

Yahoo.com

Aol.com

Amazon.com

SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you?

BREWER: Website: kimmbrewer.com

Email: ggkbrewer@aol.com or kimmbrewer@yahoo.com

Mail: Real Life Ministries

P.O. Box 35798

Detroit, Michigan 48235

Phone: 313-477-2529


Photograph by Dahyrl Gooden Photography

Falling In Love

Last month while packing up my office, I came across some of my diaries. I’ve started reading them and reminising over my past. Last night I read the one where I fell in love with my husband. I think I blushed through the whole book. I felt like I was falling in love all over again. It reminded me why I decided to marry this man and why I’m still married to this man. I’m glad I took time to write those feelings down.

Sometimes when marriage gets hard we forget about why we’re married.

Online Promotion

I just agreed to do my first live presentation about online promotion. I’ve done presentations online but never in front of people. This will definitely be an experience. How do you take an online presentation and turn it to a live one?

Four

4 movies you would watch over and over

• When Harry Met Sally
• Sense and Sensability
• Dirty Dancing
• Five Heartbeats

4 Places you've lived:

• Guam
• San Diego, California
• Orlando, Florida
• Pensacola, Florida

4 TV shows you love to watch

• Commander In Chief
• Mediem
Grey Anatomy
• House

4 places you have been on vacation:

• Salem MO
• Odessa MO
• Pensacola Florida
• Seattle Washington

4 Websites you visit regularly (daily/weekly):

• Forensics and Faith (Brandilyn Collins)
• Romancing The Blog
• Rhythms Of Grace
No rules. Just write
• Camy's Loft

4 of your favorite foods

• Fried Chicken
• French fries
• Pizza
• White Castles

4 places you would rather be right now:

• Home
• Disney World
• On the beach in St. Crox
• At a spa getting pampered

What are your four?

Writing Awards

Yesterday I was watching Medium and part of the story line was about the daughter writing a speech to deliver in front of the assembly. The speech was about discrimination. In her class one of her schoolmates had a better speech. She questioned the teacher about it and he said he felt her speech was presented better; however she could read his inner thoughts and he said he didn’t like the boy because of the way he looked and acted. He didn’t want him representing the school.

I thought this was ironic considering they were writing speeches about discrimination. Wasn’t what he did discrimination?

It made me think about writing awards. On another blog the subject of RWA awards and the lack of African-Americans winning them was a hot topic. The author of the blog entry wanted to know why there were never any African-American writers in the award listings.

Is this a form of discrimination I wondered?

As an African-American I’m not surprised by this, at first I questioned it myself. What was the deal? Then I found out this particular award, the writers submit their own books. Most of the writers I knew who are in this organization, chose not to submit their books. They didn’t believe their book had a chance.

I once questioned the first African-American President for RWA about this and she felt the multi-cultural books shouldn’t have a separate category. They were romance books they should be included in the romance books.

Unfortunately if this were true, I never would have had an online magazine that featured multi cultural books. The books weren’t included. It’s been ten years and they still aren’t included. I honestly believe they never will.

I believe there should be a separate category for Multi-cultural books. Why? Because the publishers felt a need to make our books a niche then we should have a niche award, just as they have a separate award for Inspirational/Christian books.

As a reader of romance, I’m proud of the multi-cultural books. I enjoy reading about people who look like me. I love reading about men I could dream about marrying one day. Why? Because since I was eight years old and read my first romance, I enjoyed them, but I wished the man had caramel skin and dreamy dark brown eyes instead of blue eyes and blond hair. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to read about someone who looks like you. I like the idea of having a choice. If I want to dream about Brad Pitt or Will Smith I can. I’m not stuck with one choice, like it use to be.

I know the awards system has a ways to go before we see a multi-cultural author in its mists, but I believe we can help it along by submitting our books. At least we can say we did enter its up to the judges to read the book and see we’re great writers too.

You can’t win if you don’t enter.

Speaking of awards, I have to say something about the awards SORMAG presents each year. I’m amazed at how many authors don’t vote for themselves. It’s a simple form. You type in the names and books. We tally the votes and the author and books with the most votes is the winner.

However each year many authors don’t vote. As I said before you can’t win if you don’t enter. Many times an author is one vote away from winning, their own vote could have taken them over the top.

You can’t win if you don’t enter.

Talking With God

Yesterday I was going through some of my old things and I came across one of my diaries I kept while in the Navy. Yes I had some wild times in the Navy and this diary is proof. Reading it I came up with some great stories to write.

One of the things I noticed about my diary is how much I talked with God. During this time I wasn’t saved. I use to say I didn’t go to church, but I had a relationship with God. It was nice to see that even when I wasn’t a Christian I was conversating with God.

It made me smile because I hadn’t realized how much I use to talk with God. The best part is he listened and spoke to me. Sometimes I didn’t agree with him or chose to ignore him which I found out later in the diary, I should have listened.

Reading this diary again, I learned a lot about myself. I was horrible in picking men (OK at 20-25 who is). My dream of becoming a published writer began at this time. When I was writing the entries I was sometimes in tears and wondering if I would laugh at these words later. Yes I did, some part has me cracking up. How naive I was back then. The most amazing part I learned is I relied on the Lord. It was the beginning of our friendship.

Being In God’s Arms

One of my favorite poems is called Footprints. The first time I read the poem, it spoke to me. I understood what it meant. I always think of it as I make my journey in this life.

For the month of March, the Lord has been carrying me. I’ve been holding on for dear life. Having a sick parent is hard. Not knowing if she’ll make it through is even harder. I’ve been so grateful for my faith. It has helped me through these rough days. Praying and talking with God has kept me at peace.

Yes I will admit I’ve been stressed, who wouldn’t be. However I’ve also learned its God’s will. No matter what the doctors or their charts say. God has the ultimate say.

I visited with my mother yesterday. It was the clearest she’s been. It was wonderful seeing the glaze removed from her eyes and hearing her say she wants to eat. As I left the hospital I said thank you Lord because I know he isn’t through with her yet.

Sure it will be more days like this, but I know as long as I have Jesus, I can get through them.

For all who prayed and offered your wonderful words of encouragement, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Author Intro - Dena Dyer

Speaker, Writer, Motivator

Dena Dyer speaks and writes to busy women, encouraging them to make space for solitude, silence, beauty and grace in their daily lives. She also urges women to reawaken their sense of wonder and creatively add gracious touches to their everyday lives.
Just what is a Groovy Chick?

The Groovy Chicks’ Roadtrip

Just like life, The Groovy Chicks' Roadtrip™ to Peace is full of humor, inspiration and real-life ups and downs. Delving into this brand-new "Chick Lit" compilation, you'll find stories about infertility, depression, churchiness versus godliness, and much, much more! And as if the trip weren't unpredictable enough, our 60's alter-egos, Starshine and Pepper, provide wacky, wise, and sometimes-poignant sidebars.

The reason for the journey? To remind women in this chaotic world that Jesus is the only REAL roadmap to peace, and that with God, we can ALL be groovy! The Message says in Psalm 18:30:

“What a God! His road
Stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.”

So if you're in a groovy mood--or if you just need to laugh--set aside your cares, and let the Groovy Chicks drive you from fear to faith, from hurt to healing, and from chaos to contentment!

And who better to take you on the road than two crazy, God-fearing hippies? So pack your bags and hop in the VW Bus!



You Know You're a Groovy Chick If...

10. You love to laugh (especially at yourself!) and see life as a celebration.
9. You know that God cares more about the size of your heart than the size of your jeans.
8. Your wardrobe, accessories, and home décor reflect the real you.
7. You can multitask with the best of them, but you also know that the Proverbs 31 woman didn’t do it all in one day.
6. You carve out moments in your busy schedule to spend time with friends and family.
5. You have trouble resisting a bargain, sweet baby, or cute puppy.
4. Your car may be messy, but it’s only because you’re the carpool/soccer/mission trip Volunteer Queen.
3. You appreciate old age, especially if it’s staring you in the face.
2. You’re not a pacifist, but passionate about life.

And the #1 quality of a Groovy Chick is…
1. You know you are Groovy only because of Christ in you!

Calling On The Lord

A few weeks ago, my mother fell and hit her head on her oxygen tank. My sister took her to the hospital and they said she was bleeding on the brain. Supposedly they gave her some medicine that would help dissolve the blood. She stayed in the hospital for a while, each day she become more confused. The doctors claim it didn’t have anything to do with the injury.

She came home last Monday, but she wasn’t herself. She was still confused and unknown to us having headaches everyday. She went to her dialysis on Saturday and they called an ambulance to take her back to the hospital, they say she was talking crazy.

It’s been an uphill battle every since. The doctors insist the confusion had nothing to do with the injury. Yesterday they had to drill a hole in her head to drain the area that had started to bleed again.

My sister spent the night with her because our mother likes to get up in the middle of the night. My poor sister had a rough night with her mother. She refused to rest and she kept talking about being pregnant and hurting the baby. My sister has never seen her mother like this, so I’m sure it was pretty scary for her.

I know I’ve been stressed out for months now. It’s hard seeing your parent go through pain and suffering. My mother is only 58 and I assumed, we wouldn’t have days like this until she was much older.

Being a caregiver I believe is harder job than being a parent, because you become the parent to your parent, which is hard.

I find myself calling Jesus. Just saying his name some days gives me peace. I know I can’t do this alone. I feel helpless on the days she’s confused. The past few weeks I ask myself and my sister what are we going to do if she doesn’t stop being confused?

I’m a book reader and I normally can find a book on any subject when I’m having a problem. I haven’t found one on how to cope with a sick parent.

I call out to Jesus. Help me Lord because I don’t have a clue.

Are you a caregiver? What do you do when your parent is confused, how do you cope?

AUTHOR INTRO - Keri Wyatt Kent

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Keri Wyatt Kent: I'm a mom of two great kids: Melanie, 12, and Aaron, 10. I've been married to Scot for 15 years. I am a working mom, I do freelance writing for magazines and businesses, and write my books. I also do quite a bit of speaking. Fortunately, I can work from home so I can be around for the kids. As a writer, my background is journalism--I was a newspaper reporter for about 10 years before having kids and going into freelancing. Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life is my fourth book. I also have a couple of books where I was an editor or co-writer. You can check them out on amazon.com, or on my website, www.keriwyattkent.com

SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?

KENT: It's called Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life. It's a book on how we can really pay attention to God's voice. The book has three parts: the first is about how God speaks to us through our lives, through the struggles and joys. The second part is about how God speaks to us through others, and how we can grow spiritually by offering the gift of listening to others. The final part looks at spiritual practices that are transformed by listening, such as prayer or mediation on Scripture. For example, you can just pray and throw words at the ceiling and hope God hears you, or you can incorporate listening into your prayer life (by being silent, waiting on God, listening to his word in Scripture) and then, it moves from being just talking to conversation. Listening transforms the practice, which in turn, transforms you.

SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?

KENT: I learned that I've often limited the ways that I'm able to hear from God. Writing this book opened me up to noticing how God has spoken, not just through "leadings" or bringing ideas or people to mind, but through the circumstances of my life. My life--its joys, its struggles--has been a way for God to communicate with me. He also speaks through other people--and not just preachers. He speaks through you children, through people you don't expect to provide wisdom. God got bigger for me as I wrote this book--I realized he is always speaking. I learned this about myself--that I need to tune into his voice and pay attention.

SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?

KENT: I hope readers' spiritual lives will be transformed. That may seem like a pretty grand expectation, but really, learning to listen to God is transformational. So many of us just go through the motions, or feel like we are living life disconnected from God. But when we begin to pay attention to what God wants to say through our circumstances (even the difficult ones) and other people (again, even the difficult ones)--we'll discover that God desires communication and communion with us--and that means our relationship must be one where we both speak and listen--two way communication. I hope readers will realize that is indeed possible--and that can be a transforming truth. If you could live your life in on-going conversation with God, that would be transforming, right? I hope so.

SYOTN: How do you feel about critique groups?

KENT: I've been in one before, and just recently joined an on-line one, but we're a bit slow getting started. I find them helpful if people are willing to be honest. But sometimes they're not. I find that having a group of two works better, if you can find someone who's willing to be brutally honest. I'm lucky--I have a friend who reads my stuff and is willing to actually help me improve it.

SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?

KENT: Well, if you want to write, you have to be willing to re-write. I do several drafts of everything I write. You will not get it right the first time through. So good writing depends on re-writing. I think the willingness to revise, edit, improve--that's what separates good writers from wanna-be's.

SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

KENT: That writing is a job. I often go and speak, and have my four books spread out on the book table, and have just given a well-prepared presentation, and people will come up to me and say, "So, Keri, do you work?" Other author friends say they've experienced the same thing. Um, my writing/speaking/teaching is a JOB. I may not make a lot of money, I may do it from the spare bedroom (typically in my pajamas) but it is my job, it is work.

SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

KENT: Write about what you love, because it's a lot easier to get excited about promoting something you are passionate about. If you write a book you don't really care about, you're not going to do the marketing. And marketing is part of an author's WORK. (see above)

SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

KENT: I'm a working mom--very few books keep me up, because by the end of the day I am tired! I read all the time. Most recently, I enjoyed "A Year by the Sea--Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman" by Joan Anderson. I also love Donald Miller's work--Blue Like Jazz was amazing, and I also really enjoyed his Searching for God Knows What.

SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?

KENT: I don't fully utilize the net as much as I should. My kids are much more computer savvy than I am. I Google anything I am trying to learn more about. I am in just one writers group on-line--it's helpful but also takes a lot of time away from actually writing. biblegateway.com is a great way to look up Bible verses or other bible info --you can search all versions of the bible, in different languages. I also am always checking amazon--I love bookstores and that's a way I can sort of spend a few minutes in a bookstore without leaving the house!

SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

KENT: My website, www.keriwyattkent.com, has a place to contact me, get info about having me come and speak, and also a way to sign up for my monthly e-zine, which is called Connecting with Keri Wyatt Kent.

Staying Calm

Two incidences this week, showed me staying calm helps defray a possible problem.

The first one happens at a gas station. As I reached for the pump a man walked up to the pump, he asked if he could pump my gas for a few dollars. I told him I didn’t have a few dollars to offer him but thank you any way. Instead of moving on, he decides to have conversation telling me he didn’t believe I didn’t have any money. I’m just like the rest of the people. They think he’s crazy and they don’t want to help a brother down on his luck.

My inner self wanted to yell, get away from me, however I remembered my kids were in the car, so I remained calm and pumped the gas, while listening to him jabber on. As I finished pumping, he said you look like a good Christian woman, you’re sure you don’t have some change, so I can help you out. I told him, I wish I did, but I don’t carry money on me. I assumed he finally accepted my refusal. I went inside the gas station because I wanted to get a car wash and the pump wasn’t acting right.

As I’m standing line, this woman comes in carrying an ax, yelling at the attendant, “call the police, I’m about to hurt somebody.” The man who was asking me for money comes in, yelling.” You going cut me B****” She told the attendant, “I asked him to get away from my car window and he wouldn’t. Then he started threatening me, call the police.”
The attendants asked the man to go, but he was too hyped up to think about leaving. For a few minutes I thought I was going to witness someone’s death, or maybe be chopped up in the process.

The lady’s friend came in and they were able to go back to their car. I paid for my car wash and exited.

As I sat in the car I thanked God, I’d remained calm with the man. No telling what would have happen if I hadn’t. I definitely didn’t want my children to witness something like that.

The second incident happens at the pharmacy. I was looking at some magazines when this man walks up and says, “You’re beautiful,” I look at him and say thank you. I return to the magazines, hoping Mr. Man will go on his way. Of course not. (For some reason, old men especially the one like him, with not one tooth in his head think I would be interested in them)

He decides to hold a conversation. I so want to yell, get away from me. However I remember the ding bat at the gas station and remain calm. I listen to him babble on until he finally realizes, I’m not interested. He goes on down the aisle and, I say Thank you Jesus.

I know it’s my nature to go off when I don’t want to be bothered, but I’m learning sometimes its best to remain calm.

Are You A House Fan

I’m a House fan. I just love that arrogant doctor. When I first watched the show I kept trying to figure out where I saw Hugh from. Last month I found out he was the daddy from the Stuart Little movies and he was in Sense and Sensibilities, one of my favorite movies.

He definitely didn’t fit the mold for House.

Tuesday night I watched and it was the first time I saw him ride his motorcycle. They named him one of the sexiest men on t.v. and I was wondering why. However after seeing him on the motorcycle, I could see a little sexy.

He kills me because he says what’s on his mind. Doesn’t worry about how it will affect others. I wonder what the world would be like if we all did that. CRAZY!

SPRING BREAK

I had this bright idea to take a few days off to spend time with my children while they were on Spring Break. A friend of the family offered a hotel room for two days and we were off.

For a week my children asked, is today the day we go to the hotel. We packed the night before and my daughter said she was too excited. “Are you too excited Mama?” I said I was looking forward to it, I didn’t know about excited.

My husband drives us to the hotel, which is Earth City about thirty five minutes away from our home. We feel like we’re in another city. We arrive at the hotel, but the room isn’t ready and we have to wait for about fifteen minutes. Which means, we hear, “what’s taking so long?”

We did have a little entertainment from the many robins, talking to themselves beside the car. There were also men cleaning the hotel windows. The kids wanted to know why they didn’t go fast instead of slow as they pulled themselves up on the outside of the hotel.

Finally our room was ready. We went up and decided to take a tour after we put up our suitcases. To our horror, there was no swimming pool, Jacuzzi or game room. What kind of hotel was this? My kids wanted to know. “What are we going to do? This is boring.”

My husband and I tried to get them excited about ordering room services and watching King Kong. I think we had their attention until the movie was over.

“What are we going to do now?” Sleep I said, considering it was after 12.

Remind me next time I get my bright ideas to have a suite instead of a room with two beds. Those two blessings of mine were like little ants jumping on everything. I was thankful it was only two instead of the four I thought I would have when I was dreaming of having children.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but being shut up in a one room with them can drive anyone crazy. Thank God for David and Busters. We had a blast burning off a little of their never ending energy. I’ve never been to D&B. It was fun, like a chucky cheese for grown ups.

I will say I’m looking forward to Spring Break next year. I think we’ve started a new family tradition. Next year I will be getting a suite.

Author Intro - Deborah Piccurelli

Each Monday See Ya On The Net will introduce you to some of the hottest authors in Christian fiction and non fiction. Our guest today is Deborah Piccurelli.

SYOTN: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Deborah Piccurelli: I'm married with two grown sons. In my spare time, I like to read (of course), and spend time with my family. I belong to a nondenominational church where I love to attend our ladies Bible Study.

As a writer, I am a first-time novelist, and now working on a new series that I'm very excited about. I've also had an article published in my local newspaper on the uncertainties of embryonic stem cell research.

My goal through my books is to impact readers' lives for Christ.

SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?



PICCURELLI: In In the Midst of Deceit, following a near-fatal skydiving disaster, a driven financial expert enlists the aid of a spiritually grounded woman to determine who wants him dead. It was released by Jireh Publishing Company in March 2004.

SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?

PICCURELLI: What I learned about myself, I guess, was that writing novels is an integral part of who I am. Also, I learned that I could really do it - finish a book and have it published.

What I learned about God is that He is working through me in my writing. I'm really just an instrument, and he equips me with whatever I need to get his message across.

SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?

PICCURELLI: That he loves all of us, no matter who we are, or our position in life. That we all have a chance to enter His kingdom. That without Him we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. And that no matter what our circumstances, we can live the abundant life He intends for us.

SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?

PICCURELLI: Well, of course I originally got numerous rejections, just as all writers do. But after a few years, I finally got that call two weeks after submitting my manuscript. After that, it seemed like forever before the book was actually released, with lots of work in between. Of course, you have new projects to keep your mind off of it, though. But when you actually hold that book in your hands, it all seems worth it. Then the hard part comes: marketing. The amount an author has to do varies depending on which publisher you've contracted with. Some of us have more to do than others.

But I love all of it, and don't see myself quitting for a long, long time. Maybe never.

SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?

PICCURELLI: Well, I'm a newer writer myself, so I don't know if I'm in a position to answer that. I guess I could say that there may be some beginning writers out there who need to understand that they should study the market and pay attention to what publishers want. Some writers think they can still write the manuscript and send the entire thing out to about twenty publishers and assume they'll get an offer.

SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

PICCURELLI: How long and slow the process is from beginning a story until it gets published.

SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

PICCURELLI: One would be to get interviewed on blogs like this one. LOL! Another would be to get reviews from websites that receive a lot of hits, or publications with a large circulation. There is really so much more, and lots of stuff I haven't even thought of myself. It would be a good idea to purchase books on marketing by experts. There are lots of them out there. I've just gotten one myself called You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal.

SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

PICCURELLI: Actually, I 'm reading one now by Brandilyn Collins called Web of Lies. It's a real ride!

SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?

PICCURELLI: I belong to several writer's groups, which are always a great resource. They always offer members a plethora of benefits, services, and information.

SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

PICCURELLI: They can contact me at debwrites@netcarrier.com . If they'd like to know about me or my book they can go to http://www.roadtoromance.ca/first_timers/deborahpiccurelli.htm .

I want to thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, LaShaunda. It's been a real pleasure!

SYOTN: Deborah, thanks for taking time to introduce yourself and your book. I wish you many blessings with your new career.