Blog . . . With A Giggle

A Day of Romance 2012 – Intimate Conversations With Romance Writers.

2012-01-30T15:35:00.001-07:00

If you’re going to be in the Colorado Springs area on Saturday, February 11, please come by to chat. I, along with eleven other authors, will be featured guests on three different panels in the Pikes Peak Library District program, A DAY OF ROMANCE.

When: Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 12 to 6 pm

Where: Colorado Springs, CO, Penrose Library (20 N. Cascade 80904), Carnegie Reading Room. Here’s a map to the event.

Who: Authors Donita K. Paul, Beth Vogt, Kathleen E. Kovach, Tiffany Amber Stockton, Mary Davis, Olivia Newport, Paula Moldenhauer, Lisa Tawn Bergren, Megan DiMaria, Brock Eastman, Alison Strobel Morrow, Kimberly Woodhouse

The program will include a social hour and free food, books for sale by the authors and book signings, and the following moderated panel discussions:

· Why Romance?

· Romance: Past, Present & Future

· A Twist of Romance (romance as a subplot)

IMPORTANT!

Please rsvp to Rachel Stovall: email: rstovall@ppld.org

Phone: (719) 531-6333 x1212

The Inspiration Behind “Warmth From A Window”

2011-12-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

New! Christian Fiction Online Magazine has e-published my short short story, “Warmth From A Window”. It’s a devotional length, but follows a lonely woman’s inner journey to peace on a cold Christmas Eve morning.

The idea for “Warmth From A Window” came years—no— eons ago when I was a young woman sitting in the church where I grew up. Back then, some mumblemumble years ago, it was called Valley Vista United Methodist Church. Not a very assuming building, probably built in the ‘50s, it had stained glass windows along the side of the sanctuary in muted colors, not the vibrant blues, yellows, and reds you see in older churches. Still, they were beautiful.

I was sitting in the sanctuary one day, not long after I had received Jesus Christ as my Savior and still had that new-love glow about me, when the sun’s rays broke through a gray and lifeless day and began to shine on the south side of the building. At first, I soaked in the warmth, imagining God’s arms wrapped around me. But soon, the relentless sun began to cook that side of the building. I had walked into the sanctuary that morning grateful to escape the winter chill, but now I was wiping my brow, contemplating moving to the north side of the room, but not sure how to do it without being conspicuous.

I am not the woman in my short story. But as often happens with writers, I used a very real scene in my own life and imagined the what-if. What if a woman struggling with her knowledge of God had been sitting where I had been? What if the warmth she felt became something she could grasp onto? What if . . .?

I don’t want to tell too much. Please click here to read her story. I can say that God met us both that day. He planted the seed that eventually became “Warmth From A Window”, and He offers it to You now.

Have a Blessed Christmas, everyone.

And the Winner Is. . .

2011-06-30T10:25:00.001-06:00

Sara! You have won my “1000 Friends” drawing. Let me know if you’d like my book, Oregon Weddings, or a $5 Starbuck gift card.

Congratulations!

My One-Thousandth Friend!

2011-06-27T16:02:00.001-06:00

STREAMERS! BALLOONS! CONFETTI!

Number 1000 has been friended on Facebook! This honor goes to Cathy John Biggerstaff . Cathy, (great name btw!) you are the winner of my newest book, Oregon Weddings, and a Starbucks $5 gift card. Message or email me privately with your preference and be sure to give me a snail mail address (US only) to send your prize. CONGRATS! Please be sure to contact me before June 29, 2011, or the prize may be forfeited.

In compliance with Facebook’s regulations, I can’t do a “Comment here and receive a prize” contest on my page. So I would like to invite you all to comment here on my blog. Then, either stay tuned to the blog or watch for a Facebook announcement. (I think I can at least do that.) The winner will be asked to email or message me with their address so I may send them said prize. And what is “Said Prize”?

Rules

Win EITHER my book, Oregon Weddings, OR a $5 Starbucks gift card by commenting here on blogger.
Comments on Facebook will not be considered.
If for some reason you aren’t able to comment, please email me. The link for that is at the top of this page.
Contest will end on Wed, June 29, 2011. (Yes, that’s this week! Yikes!)
The winner will be required to give their physical mailing address (US only, please) to be able to receive their prize.

If you’d like a topic on which to comment, (not necessary, but could be fun,) how about this:

If you could have one thousand of anything, what would you like it to be?

Best of luck to all of you! I invite you to share this giveaway with your friends.

I SPY Contest! Win a Starbucks Card in OREGON WEDDINGS

2011-04-01T13:29:00.002-06:00

OREGON WEDDINGS

Three-in-One Collection

Debuts this month!

Want to get in on the fun? I’d like to give away three Starbucks $5 gift cards each to someone who has seen my book in a store.
Why three? To honor the three books within the cover, of course!

God Gave the Song – Two people learn how to forgive with the help of a melodious alpaca.
Crossroads Bay – She seeks a treasure. He seeks her heart.
Fine, Feathered Friend – An actress afraid of birds enlists the help of a bird trainer afraid of actresses.

Why Starbucks? Um. . .because that company originated in Seattle, Washington, and. . .um. . .that’s right next to Oregon. . .um. . .yeah. . .
Here are the rules:

Go shopping. . .or at least step foot into a store.
Look for my book on a shelf, table, or celebrity kiosk with neon lights pointing directly at Oregon Weddings. (I can dream. . .)
Let me know! Three ways to enter. Jot down the name and general location of the store where you saw the book and then:

For 1 entry: Comment here on this article with that information.
For 2 entries: Put it in a status on Facebook, but remember to either tag me if you’re my “friend” or let me know you did it by commenting here.
For 3 entries: If you have a camera, take a pic of the book. You can get creative and include yourself in the photo (or someone else if you’re shy). Then put it on your Facebook status. Be sure to tag me in the photo so you can be put in the drawing.
This is my sneaky way of getting the word out to your friends as well as mine!

Check back here, or on Facebook, May 1st. If you win, I’ll need an address to send it to.

The contest will run the entire month of April and I will draw on May 1, 2011. Multiple entries accepted only if the store location is different.
Oh, and please buy the book! This isn’t part of the contest, but I’d be ever so grateful!
To access me on Facebook, go to my page and click “Add as Friend”!

I HOPE YOU WIN!!!!

My Boys in NY

2011-02-04T23:10:00.001-07:00

Jon’s wife, Jenn, surprised him with a trip to NY for his birthday. Here, Jon, with the white hat on, and Joey, on the phone, are waving to Jon’s kids on the live cam in Times Square while they watched their daddy from the computer in my office…in Denver. So cool.

They moved to a different cam because the one above is stop action. That can get very annoying. The one below has a ten second delay. Still annoying, but at least they’re moving.

Jon is talking the kids.

Below, I told him to do something goofy.

This is Jon’s first trip to NY and he was so excited. Joey lives there and will be showing his brother all the typical tourist sites and probably take him places only the locals know about. I’m jealous because the hubs and I haven’t even been to NY yet. But I’d rather visit when the weather is warmer. Jon said it was “crazy cold” there.

18th Annual Heartsong Awards

2011-01-13T16:54:00.001-07:00

Once again, I find myself in the top ten of this very cool reader’s poll award list. I’m so humbled that God is allowing me these victories.

The full list can be found at the Edit Cafe blog. But here’s how my books fared:

FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE – Fine, Feathered Friend placed #7
FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY COVER - Fine, Feathered Friend placed #6 ; Crossroads Bay placed #5

Sure, I didn’t have anything to do with the cover art, but I’m still so pleased to have those books showcased in this way.

If I may, I’d like to thank some folks as if I’m dressed in a sequined Vera Wang gown and clutching a bronze statue.

Thank you, readers, for taking the time to vote for me. Without you, I would be back to filling myriads of notebooks and hiding them in drawers.

Thank you Heartsong Presents editor, JoAnne Simmons, who believes in my work enough to publish it.

Thank you to my husband, Jim, who has always believed in me and made it possible for me to write full time.

Finally, thank you to my Lord, my Rock, my Writing Partner, who holds my hand every day throughout this crazy process of bleeding onto the page.

Helloooo Joey!

2011-01-02T23:39:00.001-07:00

My youngest son, Joey, lives in New York. He called tonight and said he was walking in Times Square and suggested we go to a live cam to find him. We did and the following is the result. We had a blast! He gave us a tour while we sat in our comfy house in Colorado.

His dad, Jim, maximized the window and then hit “print screen” and pasted into Word.

7th and Broadway: Joey is one of the five people clustered in the lower left-hand corner. The other four are policemen who are waving at us at Joey’s request. We think he confused them, but they were nice enough to comply.

46th and 7th Ave: We searched around and found this cam, then led Joey to it by telling him what the landmarks were. This is him, waving at us!

He’s talking to us via his ear piece. Notice that no one seems concerned that he’s talking to himself.

About done. He’s getting cold and needs to get on the subway.

Link: http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/timessquare/?cam=7thbroadway

Light in Dark Places

2010-12-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

The moon reflects the sun's light, just as we reflect God's light. We don't shine on our own, but through His glory we become light to a darkened world. Interesting, that even though the shadow overtakes us, we still glow with His light.

Enjoy this video of the 2010 lunar eclipse, and pray about how God can use you as light in the dark places.

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.

I wish that Mr. Castleman would have used This Little Light of Mine for the above video. Following is the best rendition of this song I have ever heard!

Celebrating Me

2010-11-14T21:14:00.001-07:00

This week I’m celebrating me. It’s my birthday week, so bear with me. I only do this once a year.

Here is my thinking lest you find this activity vain. When my son was two years old, my parents bought a little blue t-shirt for him that said “God Don’t Make No Junk.” It saddens me when I hear of people not willing to celebrate their birthdays. Perhaps it was a situation in their past that triggers that emotion. Perhaps it’s a too humble opinion of themselves. Perhaps they simply don’t like the attention.

But. . .

God made me. He had a good reason for making me. He celebrates me everyday. So, I feel I’m honoring God by joining in that celebration for one week out of the year.

My celebration started today. I spent it getting to know a new friend better before church, and then enjoying the pastor’s talk. Afterward, I went to a craft bazaar. I had invited my daughter-in-law along, but she’s been sick all week and didn’t feel she could be on her feet for that long. I was disappointed, but determined to continue my celebration of me by going alone.

However, while having lunch with my husband (celebrating both of us!) I thought about my friend Paula. During football season, her husband and three boys abandon her for the television set downstairs. She was more than willing to join me for fun Christmas craft shopping. And, her husband was more than willing to let her go since she had already complained (in a good natured way) about “quality time” on Sundays that excluded girlie stuff. When I called, he commented that I had rescued him, not her. LOL

Paula and I had a lovely time of chatting, oohing and ahing over sparkly jewelry and pretty scarves, and enjoying the Christmas music on this first day of my special week. We even bought each other presents. Well, she started it by paying for a scarf I was looking at and telling me “Happy Birthday”, so I returned the favor and bought her one, too—for her birthday in October! Belated presents are the best because they make your birthday last that much longer. Yeah, we’ll go with that.

So, the first day of Celebrate Me has gone very well so far. I intend to do fun stuff for the rest of the week. Go to movies, read books without feeling guilty that the housework isn’t done—I may even get a pedicure. Perhaps a massage! I don’t know what my week will bring.

For fifty-one weeks out of the year, I will devote my time to my husband, children, grandchildren, friends, organizations I belong to, my writing career, my church. But for this one week, my birthday week—when God said, “I will make Kathy, and she will be special because I don’t make junk.”—I Celebrate Me!

Me – Seven years old, my fave pic of myself as a little girl.

Me – A favorite pose that I performed regularly until I was old enough to realize how silly it was.

Me – During my ventriloquist phase. This is Rowlf of Muppets fame with me, before Sesame Street. He was a regular on The Jimmy Dean Show.

Me – Unwrapping my guitar on Christmas. I think I was sixteen. This is the instrument I still use today. We’ve been through a lot, this ol’ guitar and me.

Me – My favorite style of fishing.

Me – My first book signing, ACFW Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2008

An Interview with the Oregon Heroines

2010-09-28T14:19:00.000-06:00

This article appeared on the Heartsong Presents author blog the week of Sept 20.

For today’s article, I thought it would be fun to interview my Oregon heroines. We will cover their aspirations in life, their relationships with the Lord, and for fun, something about the men.

Please meet Ruthanne Fairfax from God Gave the Song (GGS),

Meranda Drake from Crossroads Bay (CB),

and Glenys Bernard from Fine, Feathered Friend (FFF). Welcome ladies!

Ruthanne (GGS): Hi Kathy. It’s been awhile.

K: I know! Your story came out in October 2009! It’s great to reconnect with you again.

Meranda (CB): Ahoy, Kathy! How is the landlubber?

K: You know me. I got nauseous just writing about you on your charter boat!

Glenys (FFF): Hi Kats! So great to see you this soon!

K: Absolutely! I hated to let you, or any of the ladies, go. But there are readers out there who need to hear your stories. So, let’s get started.

K: First of all, tell us what you wanted in life at the beginning of your stories. (We don’t want tell how you’re doing now, or it may spoil things for my audience! LOL)

Ruthanne (GGS): I was so focused on helping my friend, Hannie, manage her alpaca ranch, that I nearly missed how sick she’d gotten. But, I wanted so much to help this magnificent woman after the death of her husband. I guess I poured so much into the business that I forgot to have a life.

K: Well, we fixed that little problem, didn’t we? BTW, after researching alpacas, I think I want one now.

Meranda (CB): Nothing became more important to me than finding the coins that had been in my family for generations. I needed to prove that they weren’t a myth because my father died trying to find them, and the whole community labeled him “crazy.” I’m afraid I neglected the rest of my family as I became obsessed.

K; But sometimes the hardest lessons are the ones that reap the greatest rewards. Of all my heroines, Meranda, you were the one that I had to push off the edge to get you to see God’s will.

Glenys (FFF): I guess focus was the theme for all of us. I was so focused on landing that career changing role in a movie that I forgot who God wanted me to be.

K: You’re right, Glenys. All of you were living with blinders in your own little worlds. But, we must start low if we’re going to end high, and each of you came away with lessons learned.

Meranda (CB): Hey! Be careful not to spoil anything for your readers!

K: Heartsong readers know there’s always a happy ending. They wouldn’t read if you all stayed in yourselves and never grew. And speaking of growing, let’s talk about your relationships with God.

Ruthanne (GGS): I think I can speak for all of us when I say we all knew the Lord, but had strayed from His plan. For myself, Hannie had led me into the Kingdom after taking me in. Her servant’s heart touched me deeply, and I aspire to be just like her.

Meranda (CB): Yes, I also strayed. My family had gone to church when I was young, mostly because it was THE thing to do. My mother was more focused on being seen at church than seeking God. But, somehow, His word soaked in to my young soul. I drifted away after my father died, angry at Him for taking Pop away.

Glenys (FFF): My mother led me to the Lord. Between us, we worked on Dad, but she never saw his conversion. . .this side of heaven anyway. I knew I wanted to become an actress, but somehow, I forgot to pray about that. Was that God’s will for my life? Did He want me to go out for the big role? I had a tough lesson to learn, as well.

K: Yes, we all journeyed together, didn’t we girls? And now, let’s talk about our men!

Ruthanne (GGS): I thought Skye Randall was the oddest person I’d ever met. And remember, Hannie was a hippie! Despite his sky blue eyes (and yes, I did notice them!) there was a cloud hanging over him. A dark, thunder cloud. He was clearly unhappy that we raised alpacas on our ranch. But, he was a good man. I saw that through his determination as he worked through things in his own life.

Meranda (CB): I’m afraid I didn’t see Paul Godfrey as the hero in my story for quite awhile. He catered a wedding on my boat, but all I noticed was that he spent most of his time draped over the side. No way was I going to hook up with a landlubber!

K: But I had other plans.

Meranda (CB): Oh, yes you did, and when I finally saw him the way you wrote him. . .wow! Who can resist a man who not only cooks for you and but helps you follow your dream.

Glenys (FFF): I’m afraid I was so frightened of all the birds in the rescue center that I didn’t even think about Tim Vogel as a potential boyfriend.

K: Hey, you had a fear of birds because of my Aunt Helen.

(Silence and strange looks from the three women.)

K: Let me explain. My Great-Aunt Helen and Great-Uncle Cameron raised chickens at their house in Ellis, Kansas. When I was about six years old, we visited them. Aunt Helen took me out to see the chickens. She placed a hen in my arms and it wasn’t as soft as it looked! I thought the pin feathers and clawed feet felt “icky” in my arms. And when it thrashed around wanting to be let go, it frightened me. So, poor Glenys had to suffer because of me. Sorry about that. But, please, continue telling about Tim.

Glenys (FFF): Thanks a lot, Kathy! Now, back to the more pleasant subject! I gravitated toward Tim, mostly to avoid the other bird of prey, a tall, slimy man named Vic. Both men had offered to help me over my fear, but Tim seemed the safest choice. It’s a shame that he had to work through his prejudice over actresses in order to get to know me better.

K: Thank you, ladies! It still astounds me how three diverse women could have the same struggles and victories, yet such different stories. It’s been great visiting with you again. Let’s keep in touch!

Ruthanne (GGS): Thank you, Kathy! I pray your readers continue to pass your books along so that we can continue to relay God’s message through our stories.

(Meranda and Glenys nod in agreement, wide smiles on their faces.)

Theme Verses

2010-09-27T11:36:00.000-06:00

The following article appeared on the Heartsong Presents authors blog the week of Sept 20.

You’ve seen the scripture on back covers of Heartsong Presents books. But have you ever wondered how the author arrives at that particular verse?

Heartsong is one of the few publishers that requires this verse. Not only does it enrich the reader’s experience, it also keeps the author on track with their spiritual theme as they write the book.

As I tested my wings with my debut novel, Merely Players, it would have been so easy to go into several directions. The spiritual theme wasn’t obvious to me at first since I did no pre-plotting. But eventually it was clear that the characters struggled with their identity in Christ.

Imagine my pleasure when part of my favorite passage became the theme. “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 NIV

Brick and Bethany didn’t know who they were, but once they both yielded to God, He illumined the identities they had both been born into. Brick especially struggled. He’d become a different person entirely from the one Bethany knew as a teenager, even going so far as changing his hair color and his name. But God used Bethany to bring him into his true self, because God knew who he was deep down inside.

After that book, I plotted each novel, making it clearer to know each of my characters before the first word was written. In the first of the Oregon series, God Gave the Song, Skye is challenged by God to forgive the mother who hurt him so deeply. He finds that he can’t move on until he does one crucial thing. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25. Ruthanne had to learn the same lesson due to her ex-husband’s neglect and abandonment.

The second of the Oregon series is Crossroads Bay. This verse became more than a scriptural lesson for Meranda. It became the key to finding her inner and outer treasures. “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Jeremiah 6:16

After searching for the coins that had been in her family for generations, she found herself at a crossroads. Should she continue the journey that took her father’s life and almost ended hers, or trust that if God wanted her to find the coins, He would lead her there.

For Fine, Feathered Friend, the Lord allowed me to have some unusual fun with the verse. In the story, Cyrano is a tattle-tale African Gray Parrot. He tells the heroine, Glenys, everything the hero, Tim, says about her. Glenys has no idea who is talking to Cyrano since he is exposed to so many people at the Raptor Rescue center. Cyrano’s reports are a tad skewed since he rarely relates things in the right order.

In a radical move on my part, rather than finding a verse that reflected the spiritual theme, I decided to tackle Cyrano’s problem. I went to www.BibleGateway.com and searched for gossip. Most of the verses were so negative, that I couldn’t burden poor Cyrano with them. After all, he was only trying to play matchmaker. So, I entered “bird” just to see what would come up. The following verse, to my delight, became the verse on the back cover of Fine, Feathered Friend. “. . .A bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.” Ecclesiastes 10:20

Yes, readers, God has a delicious sense of humor.

Within the text, I used another verse that dealt with fear, since Glenys is an actress afraid of birds and Tim is a bird handler afraid of actresses. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25. This helped me stay on track, but always, I’d have the fun verse in front of me as a reminder to play and have a blast.

HCG Drops – Day 44 – Links

2010-08-26T16:51:00.001-06:00

Well, I made it. Not to my goal. Nooo, that is a long way off. But I made it through the drops, and I’ve got to say, it wasn’t that bad. I liked only having a small list, kinda getting back to basics. Here are my stats:

I’ve lost 26 lbs (I had hoped for 30, but I’m happy.)
I’ve lost 7.5 inches

Note that the inches are only in three strategic places on my body, not the overall number. The next time I go to Curves, I’ll have them measure me and we’ll see how many inches I’ve lost. I know my ankles and legs are thinner.

But that pesky stomach thing. . . It is three inches smaller, but so is every other area, so it still looks large to me. My pants fit better, though, and I only have one more notch in my belt before I’ll have to get a new one. (I’ve been through two notches now. Yea!)

Here’s my latest pic:

I went off the drops for three days, (72 hours is recommended to get all the HCG out of your system,) and by the fourth, I was beginning to feel hunger. I’ve been adding in fats today by way of cream cheese and sour cream in a couple of scrambled eggs and Ranch dressing on steamed broccoli. According to protocol, you shouldn’t lose or gain more than two pounds after finishing the drops. This is to set your metabolism. I’ve known of people, however, who continue to lose during the last two phases. I hope their weight doesn’t spring back on them when they’re through.

Following are the links I’ve found most helpful. Some are the same ones I included in past posts, but I thought I’d include them here so they’ll all be in one place.

Pounds & Inches – This is the original protocol by Dr. Simeons. It refers to the injections, but the food and time spent on the diet are all the same. It is advisable to read this whole thing before starting the diet.
HCGDietJourney.com – This is a brief overview of Dr. Simeons protocol plus some FAQs.
BuyHCGToday.com – This is where I got my drops. IMPORTANT: If you need to buy more than one bottle, then go to the picture that offers that many bottles. You get a special price doing it that way. If you go to the single bottle and ask for multiple quantities, you won’t get a discount. I ordered three at first, but they’re only good for a month and I went on the 42 day drops. So, I just ordered three more for a total of $99 + $9.99 shipping. ALSO IMPORTANT: You don’t need all the other bells and whistles on this site. Mediral HCG drops without vitamins and stuff is just fine.
hcgrecipes.com/HCG-ebook-preview.pdf – A really good cookbook for the VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet of 500 calories.)

Recipes abound for free on the net, you just have to search for them. Always keep the protocol in mind, though, because some people like to stray from it. What works for them might not work for you.

I’ll be on low-carbs for three weeks, then I’ll get to add starches to my diet for three more weeks. Then, I’ll do this all over again.

If you’re confused about the different phases, here is what I’ve learned:

P1 – Phase 1 in Dr. Simeons’ Day was the period where one is on the drops. But Kevin Troudeau had to come in and mess with it. He is an infomercial giant, but has gained notoriety with his book, The Weight Loss Cure (“They” Don’t Want You to Know About.) In it he recommends that you do detoxification with a colon cleanse before starting this diet. This has now become the new P1 making the very low calorie diet (VLCD) the new P2. In most of my research and among my friends doing this diet, the colon cleanse is not necessary.
P2 – As a result of Trudeau’s meddling, this can now refer to either the VLCD phase or the low carb phase.
P3 – And now, this can be the “adding starches back in” phase or low carb phase.
P4 – Non-existent in Dr. Simeons’ day, but with the Trudeau debacle is the starch phase.

No wonder I was confused! I now check the article or recipes carefully for clarification before assuming what phase they’re talking about.

Honestly, this is one of those diets that you simply have to research for yourself to see how simple it is. I hope I haven’t confused you while trying to relay what I’ve learned. If so, please disregard everything I’ve said and do your own searches. I promise, it is really easy once you get into the groove of this plan.

And With Butterflies Come Change

2010-08-19T13:35:00.001-06:00

I’ve changed my blog template again. I did love the purple, but even I found it annoying after awhile. And the design, while cute, really didn’t reflect who I am.

After visiting Robbie Iobst’s Joyvotion blog , I noticed yet another cute design. Her’s comes from The Cutest Blog on the Block. When I changed my template before, I was actually searching for a butterfly, because that reflects who I am. A changed-from-my-old-self born-again Christian. But, I admit, the purple design caught my eye, although the bows didn’t do much for me.

Hot Bliggity Blog didn’t have many butterflies, and I didn’t like the colors on the ones they did have. But when I found The Cutest Blog on the Block, and skimmed through all of the templates, three nominees leaped out. The one I’ve incorporated in this blog was the winner. I like the sophisticated, artsy feel of it. I hope you do too.

But more than just wanting a template that reflects me, I wanted my favorite symbol of hope, change, and new life on my blog. When I accepted Christ in the early ‘70s, the chrysalis surrounding me burst open, and I’ve been floating on God’s air ever since.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." ~John 10:10b

Right Brain/Left Brain – Another Test

2010-08-11T15:33:00.001-06:00

Thanks to author Angela Hunt, who posted this on her blog. I’ve just taken the Creativity Test to find out if I’m more Right Brained or Left Brained. I usually split close to the middle on these tests, and this was no exception. Today, the right brain is higher, which is no surprise because I’m having a hard time concentrating on organizing my office. My right brain wants to play, so it keeps squelching my left brain from being productive.

Here is my result:

Thank you for taking the Creativity Test. The results show your brain dominance as being:

Left Brain 45%
Right Brain 55%

You are more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body. In addition to being known as right-brained, you are also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. You retain this information through the use of images and patterns. You are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. Your thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that you use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. You probably find it easy to express yourself using art, dance, or music. Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger, athlete, beautician, actor/actress, craftsman, and artist.

It goes on to say that my predominant percentage on the left is “linear” at 48%. This is what they say about this:

Linear Processing

. . . In this process, the left brain takes pieces of information, lines them up, and proceeds to arrange them into an order from which it may draw a conclusion. The information is processed from parts to a whole in a straight, forward, and logical progression.

Your Linear Analysis

When processing information using this method, you will occasionally feel the need to see the "whole picture" before you are able to achieve results. At other times, you are able to piece all of the parts together in a straight and logical progression to form a whole, which then enables you to understand what you have processing. The information, your mood, and your level of comfortable are all factors that determine your response to a linear processing problem.

My Right Brain predominant percentage is “fantasy oriented.” Big surprise! Not! All my life I’ve been accused of living in my own little world.

Fantasy-oriented Processing

Fantasy-oriented processing is used by the right hemisphere as a method for processing information with creativity. It focuses much less on rules and regulations than the processing method of a left-brained person. Due to the fantasy-oriented processing mechanism of a right-brained person, they do not adjust well to change. Instead of adapting to the change in the environment, a right-brained person attempts to change it back to the way they liked it. But fantasy-oriented processing also provides the advantage of creativity to right-brained individuals, and since emotion is integral of the right side of the brain, anything a fantasy-oriented person becomes involved in emotionally will aid their ability to learn.

Your Fantasy-oriented Analysis

You have the ability to use both creativity and reality to process the information you receive. This is a unique gift that allows you to both focus on rules and regulations but to also act with creativity. You are able to adjusting to change, even though you might not like it, and you can become emotionally involved in your work if it interests you.

This test pleases me as a writer. I need the extra right brain boost to create my stories, but I need the left brain organization to keep me on task.

So, what’s my problem today? Could it be that the day is gorgeous and I’m in here trying to organize my office and taking silly tests?

To take this test, please go to Angela Hunt’s blog and use the link there.

HCG Drops – Day 28

2010-08-10T09:22:00.001-06:00

I like this diet.

The hardest part is being prepared when I’m away from home. But I’ve been buying lean lunchmeat and scrupulously watching the ingredients. Some have sugar added. One hundred grams of lunchmeat and a tomato or other veggie, and I can join my family at restaurants. Okay, I don’t actually take it into restaurants other than McDonald’s or other fast-food places where I doubt they’d notice. Sometimes I eat it in the car on the way there. I do buy a drink wherever we dine, so I’m not being totally rude.

And now, the drum roll!

I’ve lost 18 lbs
I’ve lost 6 inches

Wahoo! My average is .5 lbs a day. I had a tiny setback the other day. Even though I’d lost a whopping 2.5 lbs in two days, I gained it right back. I’m thinking it was water weight. I drank some diet sodas over the weekend. But I lost 1.5 lbs of it today, so I’m almost back on track.

Speaking of sodas, here’s a great homemade variety that satisfies that bubbly feeling in my mouth and any candy cravings:

Mix sparkling water with English Toffee Stevia and Chocolate Stevia. I use 4 drops each to 16 oz, then add a packet of Saccharin for added sweetness.

Now, even though my waist has finally started to get the clue that we’re dieting, my hips are another story. Here’s my latest pic:

Yes friends, if I keep losing in every area but my butt, this is what you have to look forward to seeing if you follow me anywhere.

I don’t know if I’ll reach my goal of 30 lbs lost by the end of the drops, but hopefully I’ll continue to lose in Phase 3.

I’ll update later!

HCG Drops -- Day 10

2010-07-23T15:13:00.001-06:00

First, the nifty news:

I’ve lost 9 lbs
I’ve lost 3 inches

Wahoo! I’d love to lose 30 lbs this first round, and since I’m on a 40 day plan, hopefully I’ll make it.

On the downside, during the last couple of days I was hungry, particularly between lunch and dinner. But after researching, I found that I can either up my dose (I’m taking 10 drops 3x a day and can up it to 15 drops max,) or possibly spread out my food choices. I opted to spread out for now, at least for lunch. I had leftover roast beef for lunch, and in a couple of hours I’ll have a tomato. I can throw in a fruit a couple of hours after that. This may not be feasible if I want to do an entree that requires a mix of foods, like chick salad, so we’ll see.

Also, although I’ve been losing inches, I’ve only lost an inch around my waist. If that problem area isn’t whittled down soon, I fear I will begin to look something like this. . .

If you’re as anal as I am, and like to track your progress, allow me to share a couple of charts.

MEASUREMENT CHART

DATE	HCG on/off	WEIGHT	LBS LOST	TOTAL LOST	BUST	WAIST	HIPS

After filling in my chart with dates, I made several copies and counted out the whole process. I did this because I have a huge writer’s conference coming up and I didn’t want to be on the VLCD or Ph III part of the diet while there.

Below, I’ll show you how I filled mine out. (Well, not the personal stuff, of course <blushing>.) Where you see a gap in dates, just imagine the full page with quote marks (or what I do is make a squiggly line down through all of the boxes until something changes.)

FYI:

load = load days, the first two days of the round where you get to pig out
VLCD = Very Low Cal Days, the popular acronym that you’ll see often during your research.
Ph III = The 3-week period where you go off the drops but stay on a healthy carb/no starch diet.
Ph IV = The 3-week period where you slowly begin to eat normally. * ~~This period lengthens~~ [The entire time you’re off the drops should lengthen] between each round if you need to be on the diet for longer than one round. I’ll be doing 8 weeks after round 2 and if I need to do one more, it will go to 12 weeks. I can’t find where read that, but I’ve also heard it from more than one person. *I’ve edited this as the way it was written was misleading. Go to this site for more info.
Note: the items in green are actually penciled in.

DATE	HCG on/off
7/14/10	on-load
7/15/10	on-load
7/16/10	on-VLCD
7/17/10	“
8/23/10	off-VLCD
8/24/10	off-VLCD
8/25/10	off- Ph III
8/26/10	“
9/14/10	off- Ph IV

You’ll see that during the first two days I’m on the drops, I load my body with fat. Then, on the third I go on the VLCD. When that’s through, I go off the drops, but stay on the VLCD for two days to help stabilize my metabolism. Then, as I stay off the drops, I move to Ph III where I slowly introduce fats (only healthy carbs allowed, and no starches.) The previous information was taken from here.

My other chart helps me keep track of the food I eat. In the row with the “1”, that number is the day of the month. So, envision a full page of the first 15 days. Do another with 16-31 days and print on the back. (This is assuming you’re using a spread sheet. You can also do the whole thing by hand since it isn’t very intricate.)

p=protein; v=vegetable; f=fruit; b=bread

FOOD CHART

Month _________

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snack	Total Exchange
1 Tea	Chick salad	Roast/tomato	apple/ strawberries/ melba toast
f- b-	p- 1 f- v- 1 b-	p- 1 f- v- 1 b-	p- f- 11 v- b- 1	p- 11 f- 11 v- 11 b- 1

Note that I don’t have a calorie count on this chart. I’m not a numbers gal. No no no no. But, I’ve had success with exchange diets before, so this works well for me. Also note that the “1” in the pfvb cells is actually a hash mark. No, I did not have eleven fruit exchanges, although yesterday, that would have sounded good. BTW, it’s 2:15 p.m. right now and I’m not hungry after eating my beef for lunch. Yea!

So, that’s where I am. I’ll update (or not) later. Oh, who am I kidding, of course I’ll update.

**********

I also want to mention that I’ve turned off the comments section of this blog. I was being attacked by Chinese porn spam. I’m hoping Blogger is fixing this issue as the help section seemed full of people with the same problem. I thought I’d keep it off for a month or two then turn it on again to see if they gave up trying to comment. If you know me, feel free to email me. Or you can comment on my Facebook page when this shows up.

HCG Drops – Day 4

2010-07-17T17:19:00.001-06:00

Before you wonder what happened to days 1-3, I didn’t post then. I hesitate posting now. Most everyone I know who have been on these miracle weight-reducing drops have kept it a secret until they reveal their near perfect bodies.

I’ve never been one for convention.

You may or may not have heard of this too-good-to-be-true diet. I wouldn’t have considered it if I didn’t personally know people who have been successful on it. That being said, I indemnify myself against anyone coming to me later and saying they had tried the diet and it didn’t work, or worse, did harm to their bodies. Go sue Dr. Simmons. He’s the one that invented the thing.

Speaking of Dr. Simmons, it’s advisable that you read his report: Pounds and Inches, found in it’s entirety free online. He talks about the injections, (I have chosen to use the homeopathic drops instead for. . .um. . .obvious reason,) but the principles are the same. Do your research before attempting this diet! A lot can be found online.

Now, assuming we’re all on the same page, and I won’t have to answer any questions that you could easily find in a Google search, I’ll continue.

No promises on how often I’ll post my progress or struggles. But, I thought if my sharing helps one person, perhaps it would be worth opening this very private part of myself. I intend to be very honest in this series of articles.

First, my before picture:

You think I’m going to post my real picture? I’m not that honest!

Here’s my diary so far:

Day 1 – Glut, aka Load Day 1. I ate all my favorite fatty foods, including cookies, Limon potato chips, and Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. I also had some protein. Hubby and I went to Famous Dave’s for our anniversary, and I brought half of my short ribs home just for this day. By nightfall, I could barely move. The instructions said to pig-out, but I felt like whole hog was a bit much. Still, the reason for this is because the drops don’t kick in for about four days, so this extra fat was to keep me from getting hungry until they do.
Day 2 – Glut some more, aka Load Day 2. I gotta confess. I couldn’t eat a thing until about 2:30 in the afternoon. I’d had half a pound of bacon the morning before, and had intended to finish it off on Day 2. Couldn’t do it. I did manage to get more fat into me in the afternoon and evening, though.
Day 3 – I’ve never been so happy to not eat in my life. What a relief! I think the Load days are more psychological than physical. After two days of cramming food down my gullet, I was relieved to start the 500 cals a day. I did well, but of course, it’s something new. I always do great on the first few days of a diet, but then get bored really quick and want to go back to just grabbing any convenience food I can.
Day 4 – Scales say I’ve lost a pound from when I started. I don’t count the weight after the load days, which added six pounds. When I gain that much that fast, it’s all water. The true test is my measurements. I lost a total of 1.5 inches, most of that off my waist. Again, I’m being cautious because I know that was water. It had to be. I pee’d enough yesterday!

And so, I’m sitting here at 5:00 p.m., not starving but feeling normal hunger nudges.

Another useful link is the HCG Diet info site. There’s a forum there, so please utilize that instead of asking me questions. I’m still new at this and don’t want to lead anyone astray. If you do comment, I’ve turned on the monitoring option because of spam comments I’ve been getting. So, if you don’t see your comment right away, give me time to approve it.

As I said, I don’t know how often I’ll post. You may not hear from me again until I’ve reached my goal. . .many, many days from now. But, I just wanted to blog about this new adventure, and hopefully it will have a happy ending.

My Best Friend

2010-07-12T15:12:00.002-06:00

Thirty-five years ago today I married my best friend. Here is our life so far. . .

met in church. . .became best friends and confidants. . .realized God wanted to bless our relationship. . .became engaged. . .married on the hottest day of July, but our warmth for each other was all we felt that day. . .rented our first home. . .joined the Air Force. . .started a family. . .lived all over the world. . .shared a couple of mortgages. . .shared heartache and laughter. . .shared prayers. . .grew up together. . .grew old together. . .enjoyed grandchildren together. . .now looking forward to another thirty-five years. . .

Happy Anniversary, Honey! You are my rock when I need stability, my mountain when I need to see beyond myself, my sandy cove when I need peace. You are the one without whom I would be incomplete.

I love you with all my heart, soul, and strength.

A Novel in 16 Weeks? Here’s How.

2010-07-07T23:18:00.001-06:00

Hey! Come over to the ACFW Colorado blog where I share the goal sheet that I use when creating my novels! You can either scroll down to it—it’s dated Tuesday, July 6, 2010—or look for it in the Blog Archives on right hand side.

Caves vs Beach – Explanation for the LOST

2010-05-25T12:28:00.001-06:00

Wow! That was a great ride! The TV show, LOST, provided every amusement park thrill imaginable, and invented some of its own. Some of us are leaving the park feeling totally satisfied. Others are wanting back in because they don’t feel they’ve gotten their money’s worth. It’s interesting to read comments and how people are reacting to the series finale. It seems there are two different camps.

Just like in the show, people are split in their opinions. If you remember, early in the series, half the people decided to live in the caves, where they’d be protected from the elements and fresh water flowed.

But then there were those who stayed on the beach. It was familiar there. They could keep their eyes on the horizon for ships. They knew they would receive their answers there.

Cave people, by nature, are internal. They seek answers within themselves. Beach people are outward. Their answers come from somewhere on the horizon.

Wow. This is good stuff. I shall continue.

Cave people are those who were totally satisfied by the ending. They see inside the symbolisms, inside the relationships, inside the deeper spiritual meaning. They go deep inside themselves and interpret easily.

Beach people are frustrated because they don’t see the rescue ship. There is no easy answer. If they can’t see it, touch it, smell it, it can’t be real.

I’m sure, as time goes by and we all mull over the images we saw on our screens, the cave people and the beach people will once again be united.

That is, if they care enough to mull. There is a third camp that just wants to get off the island.

Following are a couple of good links passed on by Facebook friends that appeal to this cave person. If you prefer sand in your toes, please don’t discount these articles. The answers you seek are below.

This site explains what just happened. It’s the most comprehensive translation I’ve read thus far. Scroll to the comments because there are some really great interpretations there, particularly from commenter, Jason. http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/05/24/lost-finale-the-ending-explained/
Christianity Today goes in-depth on the spiritual issue. It’s long—three pages—but very worth it. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/interviews/30-54.0.html

And finally, if you’re interested in the craft of writing, don’t miss my article, “LOST—What They Did Right.” http://craftcinema.blogspot.com/2010/05/lost-what-they-did-right.html

Alpacas, Whales, and Lighthouses

2010-03-25T12:01:00.004-06:00

What do alpacas, whales, and falcons have in common? Read on and you’ll find out.

When deciding my next book project a couple of years ago, I thought, “How can I visit Mom in Oregon and get a tax write off?”

Okay, I didn’t exactly approach it that way, but I’m a fiction writer. What do you expect? However, the answer to my fictional question was to propose a three-book series set in Southern Oregon: God Gave the Song, released last October; Crossroads Bay, releasing the end of this month; and Fine, Feathered Friend, still in process.

My octogenarian mother lives in Medford, a fairly large town near an intriguing hamlet called Ashland, where I set God Gave the Song. Creative people live in Ashland. Weavers, glass blowers, jewelry makers—this charming little college town is the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and apparently where old hippies retired and birthed baby hippies.

And they have alpacas. Lots of them. They would have to in order to keep all those weavers in business.

God Gave the Song is about two people with abandonment issues who learn to forgive with the help of a melodious alpaca. And yes, alpacas hum. Usually when distressed, but often when contented. At least, that’s what several experts told me, so I’m sticking to that story.

My first up-close experience with an alpaca happened only a few miles from my Colorado home on Stargazer Ranch in Loveland. Okay, Colorado has alpacas, too, but Mom doesn’t live here. You can read about that visit on my blog.

Before my trip to Oregon I continued my research online. Google became my friend as I virtually visited other ranches. But what I found most helpful were blogs by alpaca enthusiasts. Ranch owners who had funny, poignant, and real stories to tell became fodder for much of the alpaca action in my story. This is including my vignette about the cria who enjoyed a game of “Let’s Bounce Off Mommy.”

Once the story was contracted, I visited Mom. Yay! And God, who just had to show off, orchestrated my visit to coincide with an alpaca show practically in her backyard. How cool is He? We wandered around talking to tons of participants, getting ideas on everything from dyes to diet. Speaking of diet, in the afore mentioned blog article, I bring up the fascinating habit of . . . um . . . alpaca excrement. I hadn’t learned yet what many in the biz call “beans.” Because it looks like . . . um . . . a pile of beans. Oh yeah, that had to make it in the book.

Then, with the help of my Oregon family, we visited all three locations of this series.

The second book is Crossroads Bay where a beautiful charter boat captain searches for lost treasure while her real prize is the caterer trying to keep up with her. This book continues Paul’s story, a supporting character in God Gave the Song. Meranda, who gives whale watching tours, causes some consternation in Paul’s life as he is a severe landlubber. Oh, the things we writers do to our characters to make their lives miserable. Heh-heh . . .

Loosely based on a variety of coastal towns, our tour continued as we traveled from Coos Bay to Port Orford where we visited several lighthouses. Cape Blanco won my vote for favorite lighthouse in a setting, largely because of its red brick interior. My characters chisel at that brick to find the treasure. Are they successful? Read the book to find out!

And finally, on to the setting of the third book, Fine, Feathered Friend. An actress and a falcon handler find love with the help of a tattletale parrot named Cyrano. I took two stabs at researching the setting for this book. It takes place in Shady Cove, about fifty miles from Crater Lake, but the raptor sanctuary I wanted to use was in Eugene. So I moved it. Sometimes I think writers have more power than they deserve.

At the Cascades Raptor Center, I met Brian, a handler with every bit of passion that Tim, my character, possesses. He introduced me to several predatory birds, among them a red-tailed hawk, two vultures who sized me up for a snack, and an eagle re-learning how to fly. His most interesting story was of a dead mouse he’d forgotten in his sweatshirt pocket. He pulled it out at the grocery store. Apparently the clerk was not amused. (Note the lifeless fuzzy thing in his right hand—ew.)

Watch my blog, http://www.kathleenekovach.blogspot.com/, for updates or find me on Facebook.

This article was originally posted at the Edit Cafe blog on March 22, 2010:

http://editcafe.blogspot.com/2010/03/guest-blogger-kathleen-e-kovach-on.html

My Checklist for Chocolate-Induced Content Edits

2010-03-01T13:17:00.002-07:00

The following was posted on the ACFW Colorado blog today.

Ironic that I should kick off this month's topic, Editing and Revisions. I just finished an eleven page content edit for the third book in my contemporary Oregon series entitled Fine Feathered Friend (Barbour Heartsong Presents.) I rejoiced when I got that. At least it wasn't fifteen pages like the first book's edits.

I have a system when tackling edits of this nature. See if yours is similar.

I open the large, thick attachment with fear and trembling.
I peruse it, looking for key words and phrases. (Great job! Made me smile! You are the best, funniest, most talented author I have ever worked with!)
When I don't find those key words and phrases, I minimize the window and tear my kitchen apart for chocolate. I know I'm going to need it.

After a quick trip to the mini-market on the corner for chocolate, I open the window again and look at the comments with a more professional eye.

My particular editor goes chapter by chapter. Generally, I skim through it the first time, changing the easy stuff first rather than getting bogged down on something that requires major thread surgery. This bouys my confidence when I see that much of it is easy to fix. (In God Gave the Song, for instance, she suggested I change a rock to a boulder. Whatever. I did it.)

Then, I hit the things that require more thought, making sure my bowl of Hershey's Almond Toffee Milk Chocolate Nuggets is within reach. (In Fine Feathered Friend, she worried about the hero's grandfather and if he'd ever had the doctor's appointment that I had mentioned, and what was the outcome? Um...no, I totally forgot about it. And in the course of the story, I had to redo some things to show that he missed his appointment. And once you mess with a thread, you have to make sure that you haven't snipped it somewhere else along the line.)

I go item by item, checking off each one or making a notation. (Ask raptor center about this, talk to crit group about how to approach this, and my favorite, IGNORE!)

I try to leave enough time to read the entire story over again with all of my changes. This will, of course, prompt a little more tweaking, but is well worth it. (NOTE: If the editor has sent your manuscript for you to make track changes, DO NOT accept all of the changes unless instructed to do so. If you want to read a clean manuscript, save to a new document, then hit accept all.)

Satisfied with my changes, I send them back to my editor and finish off the bowl of chocolate as my reward.

I step up my Curves program to five days a week instead of three to get rid of the chocolate-generated fat on my thighs.

That's how I approach edits that come back from my publisher, but I utilize the principle in a similar way before sending it out in the first place. Attack the small stuff, assault the larger picture, annihalate the bowl of chocolate. Regroup at Curves.

Uncle Frank

2009-11-04T10:00:00.002-07:00

BRIG GEN FRANKLIN OTIS CARROLL

May 24, 2009, I wrote an article on this blog saluting the veterans in my family. At that time, I didn't have much info on Brig General Frank Carroll, my husband's great-uncle. In fact, I couldn't even find a picture. But hubby recently found this site that had his picture and a ton of info him. Uncle Frank was instrumental in the creation of the Army Air Corp, signing the contract to buy the B-47. Orville Wright taught Uncle Frank how to fly. [Kathy's note: Uncle Frank's grandson, also named Frank Carroll, found this blog and commented below. We had lost track of that side of the family, so the reconnection is exciting. He corrected me on the previous statement. Cousin Frank said, "Grandpa was the last man to fly with Orville Wright and they were close friends but Wright did not teach him how to fly." So, I stand corrected. But it's still cool!]

Out of curiousity, I Googled his name again, and found two more sites: here and here. You have to scroll down just a little for the second one.

I am proud of our family's contribution to our nation's freedom. And since I can't personally take up arms, I will pray for our nation. May the blood spilled not be in vain. And may God bless her until His return.

NaNoWriMo

2009-11-02T02:36:00.006-07:00

Chances are, if you're reading this and you're a writer, you know what NaNoWriMo is. But if you're not a writer, let me enlighten you. (Those writers who don't have a clue can pretend to be readers. It's okay.)

National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is a contest of sorts, where the prize is a 50K word manuscript, unedited, an probably totally not ready for an editor's eye. The point is to write those 50,000 words (that looks even worse with all those zeros, doesn't it?) all in the month of November. Scads of people participate, and it's fun. Really.

The point is to turn off your inner editor and just write. Why do writers have a problem with that? Let me get a guest psychiatrist to blog an article for me. Stay tuned.

This year, I'm going to attempt to write an entire Heartsong Presents novel in one month. The timing couldn't be better. It's due in two months. Playtime is over boys and girls. Kathy must superglue her butt to the office chair and create a work of genius...or at least a work that makes some sense.

Can I do it? Not unless I stop blogging!

See you next month!

Thanks Goes out to Writing Blog

2009-10-21T23:23:00.004-06:00

Thanks go out to Dawn Kinzer and Annette Irby at Seriously Write for highlighting my other blog, Craft Cinema. If you're a writer, Seriously Write is a must read!

Cut Loose That Footloose Villain!

2009-10-16T23:12:00.002-06:00

I've just posted an article on Craft Cinema on the movie Footloose and how to make our antagonist more believable. Put your dancin' shoes on and join the dance party!

ACFW Conference 2009 - Booksigning

2009-09-15T21:20:00.003-06:00

It's ACFW conference time again. And this year it will be in my home state! Denver, Colorado will host approximately 500 authors, editors, and agents.

One of the highlights of this conference is the multi-author book signing that's open to the public. So come on down, bring your books to sign, and have a blast with your favorite Christian fiction authors.

Where?

Denver Marriott Tech Center hotel

4900 S Syracuse Street

When?

September 19th, 2009

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

What authors?

Carolyne Aarsen

Diane Ashley

Ruth Axtell Morren

Karen Ball

Rick Barry

Christina Berry

Lauralee Bliss

Diana Brandmeyer

Sandra Bricker

Margaret Brownley

Candace Calvert

Robin Caroll

Jeanie Smith Cash

Colleen Coble

Brandilyn Collins

Mary Connealy

Shirley Connolly

Margaret Daley

Susan Page Davis

Mary Davis

Janet Dean

Megan DiMaria

Lena Nelson Dooley

Wanda Dyson

Leanna Ellis

Pamela Ewen

Miralee Ferrell

Linda Ford

Tina Ann Forkner

Darlene Franklin

Judy Gann

Jeff Gerke

Rhonda Gibson

Debby Giusti

Sandra Glahn

Elizabeth Goddard

Winnie Griggs

Rene Gutteridge

Cathy Marie Hake

Lisa Harris

Mary Hawkins

Roxanne Henke

Cynthia Hickey

Patti Hill

Denise Hunter

Annette Irby

Myra Johnson

Liz Johnson

Jenny Jones

Eileen Key

Laurie Kingery

Kathleen Kovach

Harry Kraus

Jeanne Marie Leach

Tosca Lee

Julie Lessman

Loree Lough

Elizabeth Ludwig

Richard Mabry

Debbie Macomber

Joyce Magnin

Gail Gaymer Martin

Judy/Jude Martin-Urban/Urbanski

Debby Mayne

Aaron McCarver

Vickie McDonough

Dana Mentink

Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll

DiAnn Mills

Stephanie Morrill

Janelle Mowery

Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Kevin Parsons

Golden Keyes Parsons

Donita K. Paul

Tracie Peterson

Allie Pleiter

Cara Putman

Tara Randel

Deborah Raney

Sandra Robbins

Kim Sawyer

Marc Schooley

Michael Sheehan

Shelley Shepard Gray

Ann Shorey

Beth Shriver

Sandra Lee Smith

Virginia Smith

Betsy St. Amant

Therese Stenzel

Stuart Stockton

Alison Strobel

Michelle Sutton

Camy Tang

Donn Taylor

Janice (Hanna) Thompson

Missy Tippens

Pamela Tracy

Carrie Turansky

Deborah Vogts

Jenness Walker

Dan Walsh

Susan May Warren

Michael Webb

Kit Wilkinson

Lisa Wingate

Beth Wiseman

Kimberley Woodhouse

Lenora Worth

Cheryl Wyatt

Kathleen Y'Barbo

Inkblot Has A Name!

2009-09-03T21:40:00.004-06:00

Gabriella Asha Kovach will be born in January.

Just thought I'd share her latest photo since I have the other three in my post below. We just found out she's a girl. This will be my fourth grandchild by birth, the sixth in amongst a couple of step grandchildren. We're all excited.

Book Covers & Sonograms

2009-08-03T01:14:00.001-06:00

One of the best things about becoming an author is the day you open your email and find your publisher has sent the first glimpse of the artwork that will soon become your cover. These “glimpses” are called mockups.

One of the best things about becoming a grandmother is seeing the sonogram for the first time. A sonogram is the ultrasound picture that allows you the first glimpse of your grandbaby.

Last week I saw the sonogram of my fourth grandchild.

I also received the mockup of the cover for my fourth book.

Sonograms show a work in progress.

Mockups also show a work in progress.

When you see the first sonogram you either think, “What a cute little face.” or “What a cute little inkblot.”

When you see your first mockup, you either think, “This is perfect! The artist catches my vision of this story!” or “What were they thinking? Did they even read the five page form I sent of every minute detail?”

The baby in the sonogram finally makes an appearance. You either think: “What an absolutely beautiful red-faced raisin.” or “Kinda looks like your Uncle Fred,” if it’s a boy. “Kinda looks like your Uncle Fred,” if it’s a girl.

Mockups finally arrive on your doorstep attached to real books. You either think: “I’m proud to have my name stamped on the front of this cover.” or “Where’s the Wite-Out?”

Yes. I’ve had both reactions to my covers. The good thing about a book cover over a baby is that if you have an author-oriented publisher like mine, they allow you to suggest changes.

My three grandchildren and Inkblot? Absolutely gorgeous. Every one of them!

Kathleen E. Kovach is an award winning author, leader of the local critique group JOY Writers, and the Rocky Mountain Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers. Kathy lives in northeast Colorado with her husband of over three decades. She has two sons, three grandchildren (and an inkblot), and two grandpets - all of whom, at one point or another, have taken advantage of the revolving door on her empty nest. She is the creator of two blogs: www.kathleenekovach.blogspot.com and www.craftcinema.blogspot.com. Please visit her website at www.KathleenEKovach.com.

Fireproof Your First Five Pages

2009-06-08T13:24:00.000-06:00

Just wanting to let you know that I'll be speaking tonight at the Denver HIS Writers chapter. We will cover hooks, backstory, show vs tell, setting, and characterization. Hope to see you there!

HIS Writers Monthly Meeting
"(ACFW Denver North)"
Start Time: Monday, June 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Borders - NW corner of I-25 & W 104th Ave

June 8 – Kathleen E. Kovach, Rocky Mountain Zone Director for ACFW and award-winning author with Barbour Publishing, was ranked in the top five of favorite new authors for Heartsong Presents and placed second in IRCC 2007. She presents spiritual truths with a giggle.
Topic: Fireproof your First Five Pages Have you submitted your manuscript only to have it come back in ashes? Are your contest scores rife with blazing comments? Learn five fireproof practices guaranteed to snuff out the negativity and put the sizzle where it belongs--in your excellent writing.

Why Do You Doubt?

2009-06-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

The following article was originally written for The Inkwell, a blog sponsored by ACFW Colorado.

Our church has been going through a video series during our Sunday School class called, Faith Lessons--In the Dust of the Rabbi. In it evangelical historian Ray Vander Laan takes a group of people through the holy land and teaches history and practical application. It's a great series.

Recently, we watched the group climb a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Ray tells the crowd that Jesus went here after the feeding of the five thousand. He had just told the disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida, which was across the lake. Ray asserts that they probably didn't want to go because of the squalls that took place in this part of the lake, dubbed "The Abyss." (This isn't in my Bible, but Ray, as a historian has other geographical resources.)

As they fatefully predicted, a huge squall came up and they strained against the oars. Ray tells the group that Jesus was no doubt sitting on the mountain and watching them the whole way. About the fourth hour, (probably around four o'clock in the morning,) Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. He nearly passes them by because he was intent on getting to Bethsaida, as he said he would. But did Jesus not see them out there struggling? Or was this a faith lesson for the disciples who didn't understand the miracle of the five loaves and two fish? (Mark 6:52)

They see him walking by on the water and fear it's a ghost. I mean, seriously. Who else would be walking on the water? No doubt, if I'd been in that boat, miles from the shore, I wouldn't have thought my rabbi would be chancing by. He tells them "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Matthew 14:28 picks up the story. Peter calls out to him. "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." And Jesus says, "Come." Poor impetuous Peter. Wanting to be just like his Lord, he jumps out of the boat, but fearing the wind--promptly sinks. Jesus shakes his head and says, "Why do you doubt?" as he fishes him out and escorts him back to the boat.

This is where Ray posed a question that had us discussing at great length later. "What did he doubt?" Jesus? Why would that be? Jesus is still only toes deep in the water. The conclusion was that he doubted himself.

Okay. Let's look at the big picture here. Jesus gives the disciples a directive. "Go to Bethsaida and I will meet you there." They all hop in the boat, grumbling. They'd just seen the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and still didn't quite get it. (Our class decided this was a faith lesson for them.) Just as they feared, they hit a storm, and what do they do? Panic! In the meantime, Jesus is watching them from the hill. Once they're good and scared, he heads out onto the lake. Then, during one of their most dramatic lessons, they doubt.

You know where I'm going, don't you?

In 2002, I received a clear directive from God. "Write, and I will partner with you." At various intervals along the way, I have felt the squalls of life threaten to capsize my dream. Where is Jesus? I cry out.

He's on the hill watching me. Seeing how I will do. Probably shaking his head as I panic when the words don't come, and when they do they sound amatuerish. He says, "Oh, Kathy," when I want to quit because an editor has torn at my precious story, slashing and ripping at the carefully placed concepts like fierce winds to a sail. Finally, at the fourth hour, He gets up, and walks toward our previously agreed upon destination. I want to be like my Lord. I try, yet I fail, and He asks me "Why do you doubt?" He hasn't changed. I don't doubt Him. I know He will partner with me. I know His will for me is to produce written witnesses. I know He is still standing there, waiting for me to "get it."

Why do I doubt myself?

Sound familiar?

If you're in a storm, take heart. Jesus is watching to see how you'll do. To see if you've grown in your faith. Every trial is a strengthening exercise. And once you "get it," you will be able to walk with Him hand in hand. Safely. Without getting wet.

I have my toe in the water. Anyone joining me?

Thank You For Serving!

2009-05-24T23:36:00.020-06:00

Whenever we're out, if we see a man or woman in uniform, my husband always shakes their hand and says, "Thank you for serving."

This Memorial Day, I'd like to remember those in our family who have kept our borders safe by sacrificing their own safety.

Major General Frank Carroll. My husband called him Uncle Frank. A significant player in Air Force history, he was instrumental in the creation of the Army Air Corp, signing the contract to buy the B-47. Orville Wright taught Uncle Frank how to fly. [Kathy's note: Uncle Frank's grandson, also named Frank Carroll, found the other blog where I showcased the general. We had lost track of that side of the family, so the reconnection is exciting. He corrected me on the previous statement. Cousin Frank said, "Grandpa was the last man to fly with Orville Wright and they were close friends but Wright did not teach him how to fly." So, I stand corrected. But it's still cool!]

My husband's grandfather, Stanley Carroll. Served on board ship in the Navy during WWI.

My father-in-law, Senior Master Sgt. Paul Kovach. Served through retirement in WWII in the 8th Air Force. We think he may have served with Jimmy Stewart. After Dad died, we found a picture of Jimmy getting a medal and there was Dad in the ranks. He never told Mom. That's the kind of guy he was. Everyone was equal in his sight.

My father, Bill Keal, served in the army in WWII. Daddy's unit helped to liberate a French town. His name, along with the other soldiers, is forever memorialized on a plaque in the town square.

My mother, Ruth Keal, (shown second from the left--the child belongs to one of the other women) served in the Women's Army Corp (WAC) in WWII. My mom joined to see the world, and ended up spending her entire tour of duty in Kansas, mere miles from where her home was. Mom and Dad got married in uniform.

Arthur Wiles, who I call Uncle Bud, served in the Navy in WWII. His brother, my Uncle Mickey, aka Mike Wiles served in the army and in his words, "I was a dirt soldier. I walked from the southern tip (of Korea) to the Yalu river and somehow picked up a silver star along the way."

My uncle, Jim Cartlidge, served in WWII in the 101st Airborn Division.

My husband's Uncle Bud, aka Warren Carroll, served in the Army Air Corp and the Army in WWII. He was a bomber crew member, (we think a gunner,) but found it boring. He then switched to the army and volunteered to be on the scout tank crew. These tanks would find German tankers and act as decoys by drawing them out of hiding where our planes and ground crew could destroy them. I'm thinking that cured his boredom! My favorite story was when actress Betty Grable visited the troops and stood in his tank for a photo op. He was inside and could only see her "Million Dollar" legs, but she was wearing pants. What a disappointment!

Uncle Bud's son, Mark Carroll, served in Vietnam in the Marine Corp.

My brother-in-law, Air Force Master Sgt. Herbert Curtis Pruett, served several tours to Thailand away from his family.

My brother-in-law, Robert Clark of 101st Airborn Division, served in Vietnam and was hit by a sniper. He had on his helmut, but the bullet slipped under and grazed his head. He came home with a Purple Heart.

Patricia Freese, my cousin, served in the Air Force in Greenland.

Our son, Sr. Airman Jonathon Kovach, joined the Air Force in 2001. He served overseas in Okinawa and Korea.

And finally, my husband, Master Sgt. James Kovach. Proudly served in the Air Force for twenty-three years. A humble guy, he put on his uniform and went to work every day. When he retired, he received a plaque that simply stated his philosophy: "Just doin' my job." He served in the post-Vietnam volunteer era through the Gulf War, working to keep our borders safe.

I'm proud of every service member in my family. They've fought, spilled blood, and sacrificed to be sure their children and children's children could live in a free country. They've fought to free the oppressed, eradicate evil, and actively demonstrate their love of this country.

I also salute the spouses of these military servicemembers. We all have made our own sacrifices, some staying behind to give our children stable homelives while their daddy was away. We were the ones who wrote the love letters and tried our hardest to provide safe environments for them to return to.

To all of these brave men and women, service members and spouses, I salute you.

THANK YOU FOR SERVING!

Side note: For more information on General Frank Carroll and his role in the acquisition and development of the jet airplane for the new Army Air Force, please click here, here, here, and here.

Just Not That Into You

2009-05-04T00:32:00.000-06:00

I'm in a new relationship. We've been together three months now, but it isn't going well. I'm becoming convinced, even though it's hard to admit, that my manuscript is just not that into me.

Ever have the same feeling? You know the signs.

1. It's distracted when with you. You sit down to spend time with it, and the words jump all over the page refusing to coagulate into a coherent sentence. Nothing you do pulls it together.

2. It's not calling you. You go through your day and realize, "Hey, I haven't thought about my manuscript in, like, forever." It has not made an effort to call you to sit down and write.

3. It doesn't want to commit fully. You're moving along, thinking you're on the right track, when everything falls apart in the middle. The whole manuscript unravels, and you realize it's not doing its part to bring the storyline to completion.

4. It has disappeared on you. It's gone. And with it every unique idea, every bit of plot, every colorful character. You don't know where it went. All you know is that you must start over. And you realize, maybe it wasn't the storyline for you, anyway.

Every relationship takes work. This couldn't be truer than for you and your new manuscript. When you first meet that special storyline, pray to be sure it's the right one for you. Then, if you feel peace about moving forward, follow these steps to avoid the "Just Not That Into You" relationship:

1. Love is patient. Relax. Take your time to develop a solid plot.

2. Love is kind. Kindness is love in action. Do something special for your manuscript. Spend the time it desires, nurturing it, letting it know how important it is to you.

3. It does not brag and is not arrogant. Nothing will kill a relationship with a manuscript faster than an egotistical author. Manuscripts have a way of bringing down the boastful. Plot lines drop. Characters become flat. Settings? What settings?

4. It is not self-seeking. Know that you and your manuscript are on the same team. If you feel you're struggling with it, guess who has just become a world-class wrestler? Strive instead to dance with it, arm in arm, and listen to its heartbeat in the rythym of the words.

5. It is not easily angered. Throwing your manuscript against the wall is not allowed. Instead, attend to its needs. Patiently work on each problem, and soon it will thank you by flowing smoothly once again.

6. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Believe in your manuscript. If you prayed, as suggested above, know that it will stick with you until completion.

7. Love never fails. If you love your manuscript, it will love you back.

Why do I write?

2009-04-27T01:07:00.004-06:00

I know it's been too long since I posted an organizational tip. I apologize, but I've been working the paying job. I was hit with three deadlines, two practically on top of each of other, so all my energy went into them.

Excuse #2. I was at the ACFW Colorado retreat over the weekend. I've posted an article on the ACFW CO blog, but I'll also paste it here so you can have something to read while waiting for me post on organization.

Why Do I Write?

At beautiful Camp Eden nestled among the pines near Wondervu, Colorado, the fog settled around us, and the fire crackled in the huge fireplace as nearly two dozen authors settled in to hear Kim Woodhouse and her challenging question: "Why do you write?"

She asked this of us several times, nudging us to go deeper. At one point, she asked, "Who are you in Christ?" The point being, how can I be God's instrument if I don't identify with His Word?

At least, that's the direction I took that question.

We were told to find a quiet place and journal. I did and decided to look at the "I Am's" of Christ to find out who "I am" in Christ.

I Am the Messiah (John 4:26) - I am saved
I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:35) - I am nourished
I Am from above (John 8:23) - I am blessed from heaven
I Am the Eternal One (John 8:58) - I am God’s forever
I Am the Light of the World (John 9:5) - I am a witness in the darkness
I Am the Door (John 10:7) The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) - I am led
I Am the Son of God ( (John 10:36) - I am loved with a sacrificial gift
I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25) - I am redeemed
I Am the Lord and Master (John 13:13) - I am one with authority over evil
I Am the True Vine (John 15:1) - I am a fruit bearer
I Am Alpha & Omega ( Revelation 1:8) - I am complete

I came to the conclusion that knowing my identity in Christ equips me to write His message.

So, to answer, “Why do I write?” - To glorify the I Am, Christ, Who makes it possible for me to be who I am in Him -- and to teach others to do the same.

Thank you, Kim, for your excellent teaching, your gentle spirit, and your glittery feathered two-edged sword. ;)

Organize Yourself as a Writer - Part 4

2009-04-03T21:59:00.011-06:00

ALL-IN-ONE-PLOTTING Workbook

I promised we'd look at some simple forms, and we will, but first I'd like to explain my "Dear Diary" method.

Figure 1

Above is the page that I set up to link to Word files. I put the name of the character in a cell, then I link to a document where I've let my character talk about themselves. Some writers interview their characters. But I found that if I just let them ramble, they probably spill more info than if they were in a formal interview. If you're a fiction writer, I'm sure your nodding, understanding what I mean. If you're a non-fiction writer, you may be dialing the looney bin to come pick me up. If you're a reader/non-writer, then yes, writers are a very strange species.

Okay, now for some forms to help organize your story.

Scripture Thread

I write for Barbour Publishing's Hearsong Presents line. They require you to weave a scripture verse in your story. This verse is printed on the back of every book. Even if you aren't required to have a verse in mind, I challenge you to do it anyway. It will bring your story into an inspirational focus instead of letting it meander through several different lessons. You may already have a verse in mind, but never thought of writing it down. This sheet in my workbook keeps the verse handy for me to refer back to, and I can develop it through the subplot here, as well.

Figure 2

Character Chart
There are two different writers who use character charts. Those that fill them out before they write the story, and those that fill them out as they write the story. I'm in the latter category. I tried to fill out a chart once, and found that everything changed when I wrote the story. But, if you in a third category where you never write down anything about your character, you need to send your content editor a big box of chocolates. I need to be sure my character's eyes stay green, his scar stays on the correct cheek, he doesn't switch from VW bug to a Lamborgini in one scene. As I write, when I get to something I know I'll need to remember, I open the Character Chart sheet and fill it in. If something changes, as it so often does, it's very easy to delete and type in something different.

This is a two column set-up. In column A, I list all of the things I'll need to know about my character, (and some things I don't need to know for every story, so those simply don't get filled in.) In column B is where I actually do the entering. I've taken this chart from several authors and made it my own. If someone sees that this looks way too similar to yours, please let me know and I'll either give you credit or take it off this blog.

Figure 3

Since you can't see the whole list, I'll put it here for you to enter into your own sheet:

Name:

Section 1 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Birthday/Age
Height
Weight
Color/Style of hair
Eye color;
Scars/Body markings, etc.

Section 2 PERSONAL TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Sense of humor & type
Basic nature
Ambitions
Philosophy of life
Hobbies
Music/Reading preferred
Style of dress
Favorite colors
Strongest character trait
Weakest character trait
*Character type (I'll explain this one below)

Section 3 CHARACTER'S BACKGROUND (Resume)

Educational background
Current occupation
Work experience

Section 4 PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

Description of home
Vehicles
Special belongings

Section 5 PLOT COMPLICATIONS

Present problem
How it will get worse
Deepest fear
Goal
Motivation
Conflict
How the character will change (often referred to as “character arc”)

Section 6 RELATIONSHIPS

Parents
Siblings and/or children
Best Friend
Significant Other
Enemies (and why)
Pets

Section 7 SPECIFICS

Habits
Likes
Dislikes
Annoying traits
Sees self as…
Seen by other as…

*For Character Type go to: *http://www.tamicowden.com/archetypes.htm (click on "Heroes", "Heroines", and "Villains" at end of article.

General Setting
If you'd like to keep track of your setting, this is also a great chart. I know I stole this from someone, but failed to put their name on it. If it's yours, please let me know.

Figure 4

Here are the categories for General Setting:

Name of Setting:
Characters Living in Region/Time Period:
Year or Time Period:
Season:
City and State:
Miscellaneous Notes:

CHARACTER SETTING
Character Name:
General settings for this character:
Character's home surroundings:
City or Town:
Neighborhood:
Street:
Neighbors:
Home:
Home interior:
Character's workplace:
City or Town of Business:
Business Name:
Type of Business:
Neighborhood:
Street:
Individual Workspace:
Co-workers:
Miscellaneous Notes:

Please note that you don't have to fill out every form or plot sheet that I'm including here. I don't do it all, but they are in my workbook if I need them.

Alphabet Chart
This is one of the best forms I use. Have you ever written or read a story where all the character's names sound alike? Kathy. Debbie. Cindy. Or have all the same first initial? Jim, Jon, Joey. (Those are my hubby and two sons, by the way. In real life you can name like this them on purpose.)

Figure 5

As you can see by the chart, I list the alphabet in two columns. This way, I can see more of it on one screen. The next two columns over are labeled "NAME" and "WHO IS IT?" This last column helps to refresh my memory, which, if any of you know me, needs to be rebooted on occasion.

At the bottom of this chart, if you could scroll down, you'd see the same set up for "LAST NAMES."

That's it for the forms I use that I'm including in this tutorial. There is one other sheet that is very huge and not for the faint of heart. It's called "POST-IT NOTES" and, yep, that's exactly what it sounds like. We'll tackle this bad boy next week. I'll see if I can get it all in one post. If not, we'll have to do it in parts. Now that I've frightened you, let me say this: One part of this sheet is doable for the novice. If you can't handle any other part of it, please tune in for at least that part.

Organize Yourself As A Writer - Part 3

2009-03-20T12:57:00.013-06:00

ALL-IN-ONE-PLOTTING Workbook

Plotting

Now we're ready to rumble. Today I'll show you three sheets that I use to help me plot my novel.

1. Snowflake (or other plotting tool you like)

2. Skeleton

3. GMC & Spiritual

SNOWFLAKE

My very next tab, after "Schedule" is "Snowflake" (Figure 1.) This form of plotting was actually designed by author and physicist Randy Ingermanson. It's a fun, scientific method of plotting your novel. I know, "fun" and "scientific" should never be used in the same sentence. However, Randy has developed this system, and he's a pretty fun guy, despite being a physicist turned writer. You can find this method at http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php. I worked out a spreadsheet for my own use that helps me understand the steps. Alas, I can't show it here without Randy's permission. I haven't asked for it yet, but as soon as I do and he okay's it, I'll share it with you.

What I've done is linked to the Snowflake because it has several pages of its own. So, whatever plotting method you use, you can link to it from this one sheet so you have easy access to it. You'll find that this is the method for my madness in many of the sheets in my workbook. A simple link to a Word doc or spreadsheet is sometimes all that's on there. But it's handy and I don't have to wade through my vast files to find "Snowflake."

Below is the what the sheet looks like:

Figure 1

All those words on there are only instructions and a small note to you. Otherwise, it would just have the word "Snowflake" that I have linked to the real file.

To hyperlink:

Right click on "SNOWFLAKE" above
Choose "Hyperlink" in dropdown list
Choose "Existing File or Web Page" in choices on left side
Find saved Snowflake sheet for this title

SKELETON
This is also a very useful tool. I've pulled from several authors to create this visual. (Figure 2.) The point is that your story needs bones, some kind of structure to hold it's muscle, blood, and flesh upright. I plot out the skeleton before I begin writing the story. Sometimes, it changes as I learn about my characters, but it keeps me from writing in tangents. It keeps me focused.

I've included three screenshots for the Skeleton.

Act I (Figure 2)
Act II (Figure 3)
Act III (Figure 4)

I write in acts because I'm a baby boomer who grew up on television and movies. I instinctively understand the three act structure, and I'll bet you do too. Following are the elements needed in each act to create a full skeleton.

Act I

Identify the external need. Outward goal (i.e. Dorothy needs to save her dog but doesn't trust the people at home to do so, and she runs away.)
Identify the internal need. Inner goal (i.e. Dorothy needs to be grateful for the home she has.)
Inciting incident. Generally throws the character into Act II, often the point of no return, (i.e. Tornado -- although it could be a struggle within instead of a tangible thing. )

Figure 2

Act II

Complications. These are the "ribs" of the skeleton. Think of the right side of the spine as the conflict and the left side of the spine as the result of the conflict. If this happens, then this must happen. Each conflict is another rib. (I.e. 1- Dorothy's house lands in place far from home / must find wizard. 2- Dorothy is captured by witch / must kill witch and get broom. 3- Dorothy brings broom to Wizard but is rejected / Toto reveals man behind curtain.)
Bleakest moment. The worst thing that can happen. (I.e. Dorothy misses her ride.)
Help from inside or outside. This could either be a person, a situation, or a revelation. (I.e. Glenda the good witch comes to her aid.)
Lesson/Decision. Always reflects external need. (i.e. "There's no place like home.")

Figure 3

Act III

Resolution, can be a small scene, but might not be a happy ending. (I.e. Dorothy is home and vows never to run away again.)

Figure 4

GMC & Spiritual
This sheet (figure 5) gives me a quick reference to keep me on track. You can print this out and keep it near your computer.

It basically helps you flesh out the Goal, Motivation, and Conflict. The premise for this is an excellent book by Debra Dixon, GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict. I added the "spiritual" element since I write inspirational fiction.

Identify characters:

Goal (What do they want?)
Motivation (Why do they want it?)
Conflict (What gets in their way?)

Do this for the external, the internal, and the spiritual aspects of your character.

Figure 5

That covers the plotting parts of the worksheet. Next week we'll look at simple charts to help keep things straight.

Organize Yourself As A Writer - Part 2

2009-03-13T18:20:00.012-06:00

ALL-IN-ONE-PLOTTING Workbook

Schedule

Last week we covered the first spreadsheet workbook you will need to take yourself seriously as writer. Just like the wrestler, you are now poised and ready to take on the opponent. That opponent could be the lack of preparation.

The All-In-One-Plotting Workbook is the largest with nineteen pages. What I'm going to show you over the next few weeks is what works for me, but you are, of course, welcome to change things, delete things, add things, etc. This is your working notebook. Make it work for you.

Figure 1

I like to have a direct link to the Writing Log (what we covered last week.) This way, I don't have to search through my folders to find it. To direct link:

Type the words "Clock in!"
Right click in that cell
Choose "Hyperlink"
Choose "Existing file or web page"
Find where you saved the Writing Log

The All-In-One-Plotting Workbook is the very first book I open. The second is the Writing Log where I log my starting time. These two book stay open as I write.

Set up your columns like this:

Week - Plan ahead what you want to accomplish for the week. You can fill this out weekly or continue to the end of the manuscript. Just understand that if you didn't get something accomplished, you'll have to adjust. In my example, I didn't complete 10/25. So I inserted a row and continued on.
X - Check when you have completed your daily goal
Date - Type in the dates in advance rather than daily. This will help you stay on track as you can see each day the goal you've set for yourself. Go as far in advance as you feel comfortable, but I encourage you to write down an entire week's goals at least.
How'm I Doin' - Um...How you doin'. The check (X) can be so impersonal. This column allows me to whine, make excuses, or celebrate my victories. You may want to leave this off, but try it for a few weeks and see if this mini-diary helps your self-esteem.

Okay, your wrestler is ready. He's trained, he's prepared, and now he's in position to take on. . .the PLOT.

Spreadsheet 201

Insert column or row: There are several ways to do this. First highlight the column or row by clicking on a letter in the alphabet row at the top or a number in the number row along the side. This highlights without having to drag your mouse. Then either right click in the highlighted area and hit insert, or click on the "Insert" tool at the top of the page.
Delete column or row: Exactly the same way, only click "delete." Sorry if that sounds simplistic, but you'd be surprised how many times I've hit the wrong one.
Correct error: Undo. (Oh, how often do we need to be reminded of that one?)

Organize Yourself as a Writer - Part I

2009-03-05T10:56:00.014-07:00

Recently, I presented a workshop titled, "Left Vs. Right Smackdown" - Organizing your writing with your left brain so your right brain can be more productive. Too often, that poor right brain struggles to keep all of the details straight, thus hindering its productivity. For the next few weeks, I'm going to take the nuggets from that workshop and teach you how to create spreadsheets, or at the very least give you ideas on how to organize into three-ring-binders if you haven't quite gotten the hang of the 21st Century.

For the spreadsheet terms I'll be using, please refer to "Spreadsheet 101" at the end of this article.

In "Organize Yourself as a Writer" I'll cover three aspects:

Before you begin - CLOCK IN!
All-In-One-Plotting (Don't let this scare you if you write seat-of-the-pants. It's only to help you keep all of your thoughts in one place)
Manuscript Tracker

WRITING LOG
(Figure 1)

We'll start with the Writing Log. Before I do any writing, I clock in. This includes researching the internet, doing my taxes, calling people for interviews, etc. I've created a spreadsheet that helps me do it without thinking too hard. Gotta save those brain cells for the real writing, right? If you have a fancy tracker that you've downloaded from the internet, that's okay. But this is for those who have a spreadsheet program on their computer and are wondering how they can utilize it as a writer. Note: You can also take anything I say throughout this workshop and apply it to a 3-ring binder notebook. The point here is not to confuse you with techie talk, but to help you become more organized.

Below is the big picture. This is the full Writing Log that I use, although in my working copy I let it stretch to Row 150 or more. As you can see, I like colors. I'm a visual person, so seeing it laid out this way works for me. You may want to keep it all black and white, or use your own colors. Do whatever makes sense to you.

Figure 1

To set up the grids:

Highlight Row 6 to Row 22, Column A to Column I
Click on Borders in your spreadsheet program and click All Borders (the diagram with four squares.)
Drag Column G (see "Spreadsheet 101" below) to be able to accomodate a longer line of text. It will all make sense once you fill in the Log.

DATE AND TIME
Once you have your spreadsheet looking similar to mine as far as grids, add the current date and time under the title of your sheet, WRITING LOG. Then you can refer to this whenever clocking in.

To make this show real time (Figure 2):

Click in cell below title (Row 2, Column A)
Go to the formula box and next to the small "fx" type =NOW()

To make it show military time (which you will need when we get to actually clocking in):

Right click the cell
Choose Format cells in the drop down box
Make sure Number tab is showing
Choose Date
Choose 3/14/01 13:30

To set up the DATE column to show the year (i.e. 01/07/09) (Figure 2):

Right click
Choose Format Cells in the drop down box
Make sure Number tab is showing
Choose Date
Choose 03/14/01

Figure 2

Now to set up the "clock in. " (Figure 3)

Go to Row 7, Column B
Right click
Choose Format Cells in the drop down box
Make sure Number tab is showing
Click Time
Click 1:30 PM
Repeat steps above for Row 7, Column C

To set up total (Figure 3):

Click in Row 7, Column D
Go to formula bar above next to small "fx"
type =C7-B7
Now, to ensure the whole column sets up right, click in Row 7, Column D
Hover mouse curser in lower right corner until a solid plus sign (+) shows up.
Click and drag down the column to row 150. Now, every row will tally in the column.

To keep track of my weekly goals, I make a thick bottom border (a line) at the end of the week, highlight the totals in Column D, and look at the sum that shows up in the bottom right hand corner under the sheet itself. I don't know what that bar is called.

Figure 3

And finally, instructions on the Project and Action columns. (Figure 4)

In the Project column, I list whatever I'm working on. I have code for my titles, (i.e. MP for Merely Players, GGS for God Gave the Song.) I also list if I've been on the computer all day doing research, (RES,) or taxes (TAX.) If I ever want to see how much I've worked on a particular project, I can use the sort data feature to alphabetize that column.
In the Action column, I list exactly what I've done. (I.e. Chap 7, plotted book, called alpaca ranch.)

Figure 4

If you're ever audited by the IRS, your Writing Log will become your best friend. It shows that you are actually working at becoming a writer.

I've tried to lay out the instructions as clearly as possible. If something isn't quite right, you may comment to this post so others can benefit. However, if it's a technical issue, I'm not qualified for that. Also, if you use something other than Excel, I can't help there either.

I do hope I've at least sparked some ideas, helped to move you in the right direction, so to speak. Next week, I'll continue the workshop with the All-In-One-Plotting Workbook. This will take several weeks so I don't overwhelm you. There will be plotting techniques as well as organizational techniques in this worksheet. The good news is that there are no more formulas until we get to the Manuscript Tracker.

Below are terms if you're new to using a spreadsheet. Once you learn the language, it really isn't that hard. Some of you are rolling your eyes. Stick with me, gang. I promise to open a whole new world for you.

SPREADSHEET 101

I use Excel, but the following instructions should work for any spreadsheet program. If it doesn't, please use your help feature instead of calling me. Please. I beg of you.

WHAT'S A CELL? Any little box that makes up the grid.

WHAT'S A COLUMN? Just like columns on a house, these are vertical (up and down.)

WHAT'S A ROW? Just like the wheat rows in a farmer's field, these are horizontal (back and forth.)

WHAT'S A SHEET? The part you see, the page you're working on at the time.

WHAT'S A TAB? Located at the bottom of the sheet is a series of tabs that open up more sheets, typically three to start. You can add and delete tabs to your heart's desire by right clicking and choosing the option.

WHAT'S A FORMULA? A more advanced function of spreadsheet usage. If you can learn to do simple sums, a whole new world will open up. Use the "help" feature to learn how to do math in columns and/or rows.

CREATING A HYPERLINK: Right click on the cell or picture you want to link from. Choose "Hyperlink" in drop down list. Check "Existing File or Web Page". Click little arrow to browse your files and choose the one you wish to link to.

FORMATTING CELLS TO WRAP THE TEXT: Right click on the cell, choose "Format cells", click "Alignment" tab, and check box that says "Wrap text."

HOW DO I MERGE CELLS? You can merge two or more cells together (to create one big box) by right clicking in the highlighted cells, choosing "Format cells", clicking the "Alignment" tab, and checking "Merge cells".

USING RETURN (ENTER) IN A CELL: To type a new line in the same cell, hold down ALT while hitting enter key.

MOVING DATA FROM ONE CELL TO ANOTHER: Click on the cell, then move the curser until you see a small figure of four arrows pointing in four different directions. Click and drag to another cell. Caution: This will move all your formatting, too, including color highlighting and borders. If you want to just move the text, double click in the cell, highlight the text and cut and paste as usual.

ADJUSTING SIZE OF COLUMNS AND ROWS: Click on the line in the border either on top for columns or on the left side for rows. Drag to the size you want.

MOVING SHEETS: Click and drag the tab. It's that simple.

DELETING, RENAMING, COLORING TABS: Right click and choose your option.

Manuscript update

2009-02-02T02:23:00.003-07:00

Update: I just sent in my manuscript for the first in the contemporary Oregon series for Heartsong Presents. Tentatively titled God Gave the Song, it's about two people with abandonment issues who learn to forgive through the help of a melodious alpaca. I visited a couple of alpaca ranches and went to an alpaca show in Oregon. It almost makes me want one! But, no. My son's American Bulldog is big enough right now.

I don't know when this book will be available, but I'll keep you posted here.

Be A Follower!

2009-01-13T01:06:00.003-07:00

I've added a Follower widget to my right side bar. If you're a blogger, adding yourself as a follower will ensure updates to your reading list under your dashboard. Note, however, that this won't prompt email posts. If you'd like email updates, please subscribe through FeedBlitz, also in the right sidebar.

Thanks, Jill Hups, for being my first follower! Love ya, girl!

Speaking Topic: First Five Pages

2009-01-04T03:10:00.003-07:00

I will be speaking Monday, Jan 5, at Barnes & Noble at Park Meadows, 8374 S. Willow Street, Lone Tree CO at 7:00 PM. My topic is:

Five Fireproof Practices for your First Five Pages
Have you submitted your manuscript only to have it come back in ashes? Are your contest scores rife with blazing comments? I will discuss five fireproof practices guaranteed to snuff out the negativity and put the sizzle where it belongs--in your excellent writing.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Birthday, Sophia!

2008-12-21T21:24:00.003-07:00

Today, Sophia turns six. Born overseas, I never got to meet her until she was two. I fell instantly in love. Sophia has a gorgeous smile and a giggle that could stop wars. Seriously. If they bottled her laughter and sprayed it on our world's hot spots, we would have world peace.

Happy Birthday, my Princess!

The Night Kathy Fell In Love -- Twice

2008-12-01T01:14:00.003-07:00

As I predicted, I got caught up in family stuff and wasn't able to write everyday during Thanksgiving week. Therefore, I'd like to post one more on giving thanks as we go into the Christmas season.

Waaaay back in 1973, a teenaged girl with waist long hair and a guitar at her hip (we'll call her Kathy) attended a weekend long program at her church. Lay people (aka: just regular folk) came to witness in their own age groups. Kathy's mom and dad attended the adult group while she attended with the youth. Part of this Lay Witness Mission was that the regular folk would stay in church members homes. Kathy's parents agreed to let a teen the same age as their daughter stay with them. Her name was Karen Grimm.

During this weekend long program, Kathy learned groovy new songs for her guitar. "Pass it on" became her testimony song. Now, Kathy was never a bad girl. She attended church. She even sang in the choir. She'd learned through her seventeen years that sometimes her habit of fictionalising could be construed as lying, and so she'd been working on that. But honestly, she thought by being sweet (as everyone told her she was in her yearbook) that she was going to heaven.

That weekend she learned how wrong she was.

Through Karen and the other members of the team, Kathy fell in love with a man named Jesus. Every romantic song she heard on the radio that weekend, she applied to this new relationship. Songs like "Close to You" by the Carpenters, she sang with a new heart. And on Saturday night, the youth group gathered in a circle where all said the sinner's prayer, and all committed their lives to the Lord.

This new love, Jesus, did something special for Kathy that night. Not only did He save her soul, he blessed a relationship with her best friend, Jim. Kathy and Jim had attended the same church for about a year. They sang in the choir together, and they would often talk long into the evening after practice. As Kathy gave her heart to Jesus that night, she was holding Jim's hand in the circle. They now had something new to talk about.

Two years later, they were married. Neither forgot their commitment to the Man they both fell in love with that night. They would be forever linked through that one simple act.

Kathy's testimony wasn't of breaking free of drugs, or accepting Christ despite an abusive household. Her testimony is similar to most you. She was a normal kid who lacked the one thing she needed most. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

And if you haven't guessed yet, I'm Kathy. I like to tell my testimony in narrative for those who haven't become Christians yet. It's not an "in your face" testimony told this way. But believe me, it's all real. From that one Saturday night in 1973 until now, thirty-five years later, I've only grown more in love with my Savior. I have had many challenges in my life to date that if I hadn't known the Lord, I don't know how I would have coped. And so, I praise Him for seeking me out at the tender age of seventeen.

And this is what I'm thankful for the most!

My prayer is that if you don't know Jesus Christ in a personal way, that you will find him before the year is out. This month on my Craft Cinema blog, we will be discussing Christmas movies. In my introduction of Coming Attractions, I've included the following scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas as my card to my readers.

Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.

Charlie Brown: [shouting in desperation] Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. [moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

May you find the Lord, Jesus Christ this holiday season. And if you already know Him as your personal Savior, I pray that You remember Him, and include Him in all of your festivities.

In His Love,
Kathy

A Week of Thanksgiving - Tuesday

2008-11-25T12:27:00.003-07:00

Tonight we are attending our final class of Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. Our church has held this class annualy for a few years, and there are several testimonies of financial freedom in our congregation, including our pastor's family who has paid off all their debt and is now working on their house. While we're still new at this, and trying to get the principles under our belt, we can see that it can work. We are now putting $100 into an emergency fund every month and planning to start paying a nice chunk over and above our normal car payment to get it paid off in only a few months. Then, we will take that money, (including the normal car payment,) and chunk that into another debt, then another. I can see how this can work, provided we have no devastating emergencies in the next few years.

So, today I'm thankful that God lead us to this church when we were shopping around several months ago. Besides the awesome pastor who teaches Biblical principles, and the congregation, from whom I've made some friends, I believe God lead us here for the financial lesson we needed to learn. Neither of us are spring chickens -- lol! So retirement is looming off the horizon. I'd like to see that dark cloud out there turn into a rainbow, a place we needn't fear. As much as I love WalMart, I really don't want to become a greeter in my senior years.

I'll try to blog our financial journey in the future. Perhaps it will encourage others.

A Week of Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T12:17:00.002-07:00

I've been spending the morning listening to the Bible on CD (my birthday present from Jim--Yea!) and reading various things that have come through my inbox. Although every one totally unrelated, I can see where God is encouraging me and I feel His gentle nudge to share it with you, too.

My Bible listening was about Abraham and Sarah, the provision for safety as they traveled through a foreign land, the joy of a child they never knew they'd receive, the promise of a legacy that was to span generations and nations. Abraham had much to be thankful for as he breathed his last.

Next, I read my devotion for the day at Christianity.com, titled "Thank You Power" by Rachel Olsen from Proverbs 31 Ministry. It's a reminder to thank God daily, even through adversity. Her spiritual insight into this almost cliche'd thought touched me deeply. It's a lesson I need on more than a daily basis!

Next, I read a newsletter put out by my dear friend, Paula Moldenhauer. Paula lays open her heart in every Soul Scents devotional. Normally put out once a week, she's had to take a hiatus due to family struggles that she mentions in this issue. If you don't receive her newsletter, let me know and I'll forward it to you. I know about everything she talks about (and some that she doesn't say) in this issue of her newsletter, but what touched me was that my prayers for Paula are answered in her own words. Through all she's been through, I've prayed that she never loses that deep, warrior spirit -- the place where she fights the enemy and stands strong in the presence of her King. It's there as she relates her family's struggles this year, and rather than coming off as "woe is me," it has Psalm-like qualities. If I hadn't gone into "Thanksgiving Mode" during my devotion, I certainly would have while reading Paula's newsletter. (Thank you, my friend.)

Then. . .I read Randy Vawter's blog, the son of another good friend, Margie Vawter. He suggests celebrating the Four Days of Thanksgiving. Capitol idea, Randy! The chuckle he provided in the cartoon was a big ribbon and bow on the present that God gave me today.

And so, I begin my Four Days of Thanksgiving by doing as my devotion and Randy suggested. I am thankful for:

A God Who continually reminds me that I make Him smile. My Heavenly Father has had to do some heavy-duty encouraging this year as my old-nature has crept in with harsh thoughts and selfishness. During the times I've wondered how I could ever be considered a child of the King, He sends the same message, either through a word picture of someone praying or a simple e-greeting card from a friend oblivious to the need I have to hear those words: You make God smile. Ah, thank You, Lord Jesus!
A husband who has had to put up with "old-nature leakage" and has often had to caulk the fracture with words of wisdom. God's anchor with skin on, Jim has held me, prayed with me, and loved me through good times and bad. My partner in life, and my best friend. I thank God everyday for this man of mine.
Two grown sons who bring delight in their humor. Even when one or the other is on my "naughty list," they both know how to wrap me around their fingers by tickling my funny bone. And this is a good thing.
Three grandchildren who also make me smile. Each have their own personalities and clever wit. Be it frantic antics or made-up words. Mischievous glints in their eyes or hugs out of the blue. I love these kids.

And so begins the Four Days of Thanksgiving. I hope to post more, but if I don't, it's not because I'm not thankful. More than likely I'm buried under my blessings and have simply not had time to get back to my computer.

New Inspirational Post on Craft Cinema

2008-10-27T01:23:00.003-06:00

I'd like to direct traffic to my Craft Cinema blog. I've just posted on an old movie, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, which happens to be the movie that started me on my writing journey. One scene in particular stands out for me, even four decades later. Consider this your free ticket pass to pop on over there to see why this movie is a great one to spark inspiration in the writer.

In a couple of days, I'll post on my research trip to Oregon. Still gathering my thoughts and downloading pics.

GREAT FUN at the Humonginormous Book signing

2008-09-22T22:44:00.010-06:00

Okay. I had so much fun at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota book signing. I met tons of great people, and just being a part of this record-breaking event gives me giggling goosebumps. The pic above is a huge digital screen that was above one of the two stages that hosted a panel of authors. You should have seen me trying to get that picture. It scrolled alphabetically. When I got there, it was on the H's. I turned on my camera, zoomed in, got ready, and waited. I waited through Hake, Harter, Hauck, Henke, Hickey, Hill, Hinck, Hochstetler, Hunt, Hunter, Johnson, Jones, Kinnard, Klassen. . .and then. . .MY CAMERA SHUT DOWN! I fumbled with the on button, squeezed the zoom lever, pointed and clicked--all in two seconds. It was a miracle that I got it so clear!

This is my table. I'm giving a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble for the closest person to guess how many seashells are in my jar. Clever, huh? That's colorful salt water taffy in the basket. Can you guess my theme? (Of course you can! My readers are smart!) I had 42 people guess my seashells, and I feel I made at least 50 friends as I talked to people walking by. BTW, I heard that the Mall of America had a record attendance that day. It looked like Christmas! And I'm sure it was because of the publicity that went out locally. What a testament to those shoppers that day!

And, here I am. Author Harry Kraus took this picture with my camera. He was to my right, and we tag teamed to draw people near. He had a basket full of chocolate. . .the good kind. Reeses, KitKats, fun candy! He would tell passersby that if they came to talk to him, they could have some candy. I only got worried when he said that to four teenage girls walking by. Yeah. They kept walking. But most people talked to him, then scooted over to me, or vice-versa. It was great!

Aside from the fun of getting to be a part of this event, I felt it a privilege to be light in a dark world with so many like-minded authors. I pray that we not only introduced Christian fiction to those who didn't know we existed, but that there were some who were introduced to our Jesus that day.

HUMONGINORMOUS BOOK SIGNING!

2008-09-14T23:22:00.000-06:00

Following is an ACFW press release:

HUNDREDS OF NOVELISTS COMING TO MINNEAPOLIS
Booksigning by 100+ novelists at Mall of America September 20
(MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.) Hundreds of authors and aspiring authors will attend the annual
American Christian Fiction Writers conference at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel September
18-21, 2008. They’ll study the craft of writing from a Christian worldview, get the word out
about their books, and meet with editors from nearly every major publishing house in their industry.
They’re also coming to get signed books. On Saturday, September 20, 1:00-3:00pm in the Best
Buy® Rotunda and Bloomingdale’s Court of the Mall of America, over 100 bestselling and
award-winning authors such as Angela Hunt, James Scott Bell, Rene Gutteridge, Deborah Raney,
Tamera Alexander, Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Brandt Dodson will sign copies of
their books for conference attendees and the public.
"ACFW is very excited to partner with the Mall of America in hosting a booksigning of such
magnitude,” said ACFW President Robin Miller. “As a reader myself, I'm thrilled at the opportunity
to meet so many authors and have my books autographed. I intend to do much of my
Christmas shopping at the booksigning."
For more information regarding the signing or conference, please contact Cara Putman at (765)
418-3427 or pr@acfw.com. To learn more about ACFW, visit www.acfw.com.

Kathy here:

This conference just keeps getting better. I always look forward to learning, connecting, and fellowshipping. Okay, also general clowning around because I'm soooo happy to be away from my home responsibilities and have meals cooked for me and beds made magically while I'm out of my room. Oh yeah, baby!

What's new this year is that instead of our book signing being held in the hotel in which we are staying, Barnes & Noble will be hosting it at the Mall of America. OVER 100 CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS will be signing books at the Mall of America. Yowza! What an impact that will have on the general shopping population! I pray it will be a deep one.

I will be signing Florida Weddings, but I also have a contest. If you're in the area, please stop by, (whether you're buying my book or not,) and guess the number of seashells in my jar. The winner will be mailed a Barnes & Noble gift card for $25.

If you're able to join us, the authors participating are:
Tamera Alexander
Jennifer AlLee
A.K. Arenz
Diane Ashley
Karen Ball
Janet Lee Barton
James Scott Bell
Joseph Bentz
Terri Blackstock
Robin Caroll
Patricia PacJac Carroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Eleanor Clark
Debra Clopton
Gloria Clover
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Lyn Cote
Kathryn Cushman
Margaret Daley
KM Daughters
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Brandt Dodson
Lena Nelson Dooley
Cecelia Dowdy
Sharon Dunn
Wanda Dyson
Lynette Eason
Meredith Efken
Leanna Ellis
Sharon Ewell Foster
Miralee Ferrell
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Jonathan Friesen
Rhonda Gibson
Terri Gillespie
Debby Giusti
Beth Goddard
Cathy Gohlke
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Kelly Eileen Hake
Karen Harter
Rachel Hauck
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Sharon Hinck
Joan Hochstetler
Steven Hunt
Angela Hunt
Denise Hunter
Jennifer Johnson
Jenny B. Jones
Golden Keyes Parsons
Deb Kinnard
Julie Klassen
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Harry Kraus
Patti Lacy
Maureen Lang
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Michelle Levigne
Sherri L. Lewis
Elizabeth Ludwig
Christine Lynxwiler
Richard L. Mabry
Sharlene MacLaren
Gail Martin
Debby Mayne
Vickie McDonough
Andrew McGuire
Susan Meissner
Becky Melby
Dana Mentink
Amber Miller
Judith Miller
Sara Mills
Siri Mitchell
Nancy Moser
Janelle Mowery
Elizabeth Musser
Mark Mynheir
Jill Nelson
Mae Nunn
John Olson
Donita K. Paul
Trish Perry
Marta Perry
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Paul Robertson
John Robinson
Martha Rogers
Cynthia Ruchti
Gail Sattler
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Shelley Shephard Gray
Virginia Smith
Lynette Sowell
Candice Speare
Kathryn Springer
Denice Stewart
Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice Thompson
Cindy Thomson
Missy Tippens
Carrie Turansky
ML Tyndall
Amy Wallace
Susan May Warren
Linda Wichman
Beth Wiseman
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

If you can't make it, please consider praying. We've never done anything on this scale before in the general public. I pray that seeds are planted, and that at the very least, people will consider Christian fiction as a viable avenue to share God's word.

Choose Your Words Carefully

2008-08-27T02:02:00.007-06:00

Dear Lord," the preacher began with arms extended and a rapturous look
on his upturned face, "without you we are but dust..."

He would have continued, but at that moment one very obedient little girl (who was listening carefully) leaned over to her mother and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mommy, WHAT is butt dust?"

Church was pretty much over at that point...

First Fish - July 27

2008-07-29T02:09:00.007-06:00

My husband and I both love to fish, so we were thrilled to get the chance to take our grandchildren fishing this month for their first time. Sophia, the five-year-old, was able to fish with a hook, but we didn't try that with the other two. Sabella, the almost four-year-old, fished with the plastic crown "lure" that came with her Disney princess pole and was perfectly content with that until Sophia caught her first fish during our second trip of the month. Then, I had to put a bobber and hook on hers, but told her I would throw it out, then let her reel it in when it drifted too close to shore.

Below is a picture of Sabella trying to catch fish with her plastic crown at Lake Estes in Estes Park, CO. I'm sure the fish were confused, but if there'd been a frog prince in that lake, she may have had a taker!

And this is almost two-year-old Adrian. He set down his pole and had a blast throwing rocks in the water, which may be why we didn't catch any fish that day.

Grieving for a Woman I Never Knew

2008-07-22T00:57:00.003-06:00

I'm grieving right now. I just heard that Kristy Dykes has passed on. She had been diagnosed mere months ago with brain cancer. We briefly spoke at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference two years ago, when we found out we'd both be in the compilation, Florida Weddings. Her's is the story in the middle, Heart of the Matter. I knew of Kristy, but had never spoken to her until then. When she learned I was living in Colorado, her spunkiness came out and she asked how I was qualified to write a story in Florida. Not mean-spirited, but definitely on fire for her beloved state. Kristy always started her posts, "Greetings from sunny Florida." After I assured her that I had lived there for ten years, she seemed satisfied, and I found myself excited to be associated with her in this project.

Kristy, Lynn Coleman, the first author in the compilation, and I had talked about doing a booksigning when Florida Weddings came out. Even though it would have taken some major money for me to fly out there for a week of book blitzing, I was looking forward to getting to know Kristy better.

Then came her diagnosis.

I never got to talk to her about this exciting project. I never even got to celebrate with her. I never got to sit at a book table with her and soak in the Kristy that I've been reading about on her blog. A dynamic woman passionately in love with her Lord. Her husband, Milton, has been writing posts about this journey. At times, it was too painful for me to check in on it. Other times, I poured over every word, wishing I could see her again, happy, whole, and healthy.

Here is her blog link. http://www.christianlovestories.blogspot.com/. Even if you have no idea who I'm talking about, you will be blessed to read even a portion of the posts Milton wrote.

Good bye, Kristy. We'll talk later.

Craft Cinema

2008-06-20T01:28:00.004-06:00

I'm excited to announce a new blog that I'm hosting with my pals in the ACFW Rocky Mountain Zone. Craft Cinema is a place to discuss movies through the craft of fiction. We will watch a movie a month, either at home at your leisure, or plan to join us if you're in the Denver or Colorado Springs area on the third Saturday of the month. Then, we will discuss the movie on the Craft Cinema blog beginning on the fourth Monday until we've exhausted the subject. The beginning of the month, I'll post a new movie for us to watch.

Our June Movie Madness Feature Presentation is Galaxy Quest starring Tim Allen. We will discuss the Hero's Journey and how it relates to the Character Arc.

This will be good stuff, folks! I've found I can learn better visually, and what better way to do that than through watching a good movie. And the perk, of course, is getting to hang out with your friends, either in person or in Cyberville.

Pass the popcorn, and join us on June 23 at Craft Cinema!

And here's a PS: Notice that I've added a way to subscribe to this blog. Scroll to the bottom of the text on the right and enter your email address. That way, you'll never miss a post on my blog! You can subscribe to Craft Cinema over on that blog, too!

Interviews, Articles, Reviews - Oh, my! Part II

2008-06-14T14:47:00.005-06:00

A couple of friends have joined my blog tour, so I have an updated list below.

UPDATED SCHEDULE:

Wed, June 11 - Paula Moldenhauer has reprinted my article from Seekerville. "Take Your Passion and Make It Happen" is about my writing walk and how I got that first contract for Merely Players. http://www.gracereign.blogspot.com/
Wed, June 17 - Rachel Hauck has asked me to talk about my book. I'll go into some of my research. Do you know the difference between a bottlenose dolphin and a Pantropical Spotted dolphin? I had never heard of the latter before I wrote this book! www.rachelhauck.com/blog.htm
Sat, June 22 - Angie Breidenbach has asked me to pull out something nifty (my word) from my book. So I will talk about what role symbolism played in the writing of this story. (Preview: Is it just a storm?) http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com/ CORRECTION http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
Wed, July 2 - Margie Vawter will offer a brief review and an interview on my writing process. http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com/
Wed, July 9 - Tiff Stockton will host an interview. http://www.ambermiller.com/
Sat, July 19 - Pat Gonzales will host an interview. http://www.pattishene.com/
Mon, July 21 - Megan DiMaria will host an interview. http://www.megandimaria.blogspot.com/

Interviews, Articles, Reviews - Oh, my!

2008-06-11T09:13:00.005-06:00

Florida Weddings is in stores now! Look for it in the C's for Coleman as Lynn A. Coleman is the first author in the collection. Kristy Dykes is the second, and bringing up the rear is Kathleen E. Kovach! My story is Merely Players, the Heartsong Presents novel that came out in 2006.

Here's a brief synopsis of Florida Weddings:

When thieves ransack Renee Austin's design firm, all the evidence points to her as the culprit. Her boss, Aaron Chapin, wants to trust her, but secrets from her past are endangering more than one life. Will the Cords of Love give Renee the strength to prove her innocence?
Child psychologist Jeris Waldron is a children's director at a church, hoping to win some hearts for the Lord. Brady Moore has prayed for a new mommy and believes Jeris is the answer, but his dad, Luke, has his doubts. Will this threesome allow God to show them the Heart of the Matter?
Having escaped from Hollywood, Bethany Hamilton finally feels safe in Florida--until she comes face-to-face with Brick Connor, the man who abandoned her for the big screen. When Brick meets up with Bethany again, he realizes he still loves her. Does God have a plan, or are these wounded hearts Merely Players in a cruel game of love?

I've asked some friends to promote Florida Weddings for me on their blogs. Here's a schedule over the next couple of months. Some are interviews, some are articles, and some are reviews. I do hope you'll mark your calendars and visit me over there. Please leave comments, too!

SCHEDULE:

TODAY! Wed, June 11 - Paula Moldenhauer has reprinted my article from Seekerville. "Take Your Passion and Make It Happen" is about my writing walk and how I got that first contract for Merely Players. http://www.gracereign.blogspot.com/
Wed, June 18 - Rachel Hauck has asked me to talk about my book. I'll go into some of my research. Do you know the difference between a bottle-nosed dolphin and a Pantropical spotted dolphin? I had never heard of the latter before I wrote this book! www.rachelhauck.com/blog.htm
Sat, June 22 - Angie Breidenbach has asked me to pull out something nifty (my word) from my book. So I will talk about what role symbolism played in the writing of this story. (Preview: Is it just a storm?) http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com/
Wed, July 2 - Margie Vawter will offer a brief review and an interview on my writing process.
Wed, July 9 - Tiff Stockton will also interview me. http://www.ambermiller.com/

Stay tuned, I may have others who would like to finish out July.

*************************************************

I want to add this brief note. Kristy Dykes, the middle author in our collection was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer a few months ago. Her friends and family are asking for a miracle for Kristy this side heaven. Please join us, and read her blog that her husband, Milton, is keeping up for her and updating on her condition daily. It's an inspirational testimony that touches everyone who stops by.

I'm God's Peculiar Piece of Art

2008-05-06T00:05:00.004-06:00

Check out the new look!

I haven't blogged often in the past, but I hope to rectify that. My life is easing somewhat, and my muse has returned home. I don't know where she fled to in the past year and a half. Probably Fiji. She came back with an incredible tan a renewed love of sweet potatoes.

But I digress.

I've spent a few days polishing up my main blog. (Kinda sounds like "my main squeeze." He could do with a bit of polishing up, too!)

ADD has kicked in. Sorry about that.

Where was I? Oh, the new blog. Yes, gone is the feather pen in hand graphic behind the words. I loved it, even though it was a man's hand. But, to celebrate my new found muse, and to step into the new century, I thought a kicky graphic would be the thing. What thing? THE thing. THE thing to get me out of my writing funk. THE thing to remind me that I'm still a hot chick and not a 53-year-old grandmother who colors her hair and rubs linement on her knees. THE thing to help me reconnect with my readers and writing friends.

How can a graphic do all that?

I went on a hunt for "free blog header graphics." I didn't have to search far before I found this one.

The image was sharper, but I fuzzied it up so my title would show. It spoke to me right away. It told my whole life, my hopes and dreams, my quirks, my desires, my whole being in this one piece of art. What I saw was a lot of colorful, unique circles in boxes. This represented the people around me. All have thier own styles. All are beautiful. All are neatly contained in their own space. That's a good thing. I'm not saying they shouldn't be in their squares. I, however, am the diamond off to the side. The diamond in a box of my own. I'm the thinker off-center. The one who makes her own rules. I may conform to a certain extent, as in the seventies when I caved in to bell-bottom jeans and waist-length hair. Or more recently when I pierced my ears on a dare. I believe I was forty at the time. But inside, I'm Kathy. My mother often said that I march to a different drummer. I hear my own tunes -- sometimes a jazz ensemble while everyone else is listening to Mozart.

God created me uniquely His. He gave me a singularity all my own. He made me a diamond in the rough, off center with just enough shine so people will know that He did it.

We all have pieces of art that speak to us. You may be the Norman Rockwell -- the solid piece of Americana with a splash of humor. You may be the Thomas Kinkaid -- the beautiful still life with a sparkle of light. You may be the Picasso -- your nose in the place where your ear should be.

I say all of this, not only to introduce my blog's new look, but to remind us that we are all uniquely God's. Made up of different DNA and bits of genetic material to be used by Him for His good purpose. I like to think of myself as peculiar. 1 Peter 2:9 says we are His "peculiar people" according to the King James Bible. Other versions say this:

His own special people (NKJV)
you are God's very own (TLB)
a people belonging to God (NIV)
a people for God's own possession (NAS)

Wow! All you diamonds set apart -- rejoice! We are God's special people, His very own.

From the Mouth of a 3 Year Old: I Smell Something

2008-04-29T11:32:00.001-06:00

Sabella: "I smell something."

Daddy: "What do you smell?"

Sabella: "A puma."

Daddy: "What does a puma smell like?"

Sabella: "Waffles."

ACFW Colorado Retreat

2008-04-04T11:24:00.002-06:00

ACFW COLORADO RETREAT
“The Courage to Pursue Your Writing Dreams”

Speaker: Paula Moldenhauer, http://www.soulscents.us/

April 25 & 26
Camp Eden
Golden, Colorado
11583 Camp Eden Rd. Golden, CO 80403
Deadline: Registration must be postmarked by April 15!

Open only to members of American Christian Fiction Writers. (http://www.acfw.com/)

If you'd like to know more please contact Kathy Kovach at kathleenekovach@yahoo.com

Do you ever feel held back by fear, a raging sense of inadequacy, or the thought that you aren't good enough to write for God? Maybe letting someone read those words you've scribbled for years makes your heart pound and your palms sweat. Entering the world of publication isn't for the weak of heart. It's a God-sized adventure. Stepping onto the writing road requires courage, and staying on it takes tremendous fortitude, especially when things don't turn out the way you hoped.

As Paula teaches on the courage to pursue your writing dreams, she'll not only share what God has to say about the big picture, but will prayerfully encourage you to look beneath the surface of your heart to what holds you back. This weekend is about embracing your calling to write, unleashing your passions, and discovering how to live above the lies that keep you from pursuing both. Along with the teaching time, there will be time for personal reflection, journaling, and prayer. A prayer team will also be avail-able to support you.

The retreat committee is praying for spiritual break-through in your writing journey. Join us in praying for this retreat and come ready to let God's sweet Spirit call you forward into the courage to pursue your writing dreams.

OUR SPEAKER
Paula Moldenhauer is passionate about God's grace and freedom in Christ. In her mid-thirties, she experienced a spiritual break-through that set her free to pursue her life-long dream of writing for publication. Since that time Paula's work has been published in book compilations, print and on-line magazines, and devotionals. She also has her own ministry, Soul Scents, which offers a free weekly devotional delivered to your in-box. (Subscribe at http://www.soulscents.us/) When not writing, Paula homeschools her four children and once in a while she finds a moment to walk barefoot, drink a good root beer, or climb a mountain trail.

What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?

2008-01-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

"What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"

This was a popular song back when I was a teenager. It's a love song, the singer suggesting that the object of their affection spend the rest of their life with them. That would be fine if said object loved the singer back—and if the length of said life was substantial enough to make it all worth while.

For my birthday this year, my husband surprised me (after I hinted heavily) with a ticket to the Titanic exhibit at the Denver Museum. I don't know why the story fascinates me. Admittedly, I never thought much about it until the blockbuster movie a few years ago. (That's what a good yarn will do for you!) But, now my interest is piqued. Every person on that ship had a story. And over 1500 people thought that the rest of their life story would be longer.

At the beginning of the exhibit, my husband and I were given "boarding passes". This, I thought, was a cute idea. But it became so much more as we went along. Each pass was for a real person who had actually boarded the R.M.S. Titanic on April 10, 1912. It showed their age, where they were from, who accompanied them, and in what class they stayed. Other various bits of information were on the pass as well, including a "Passenger Fact" that gave further insight into who they were.

Jim's pass was for a Mr. Charles Edward Dahl. Traveling in third class, Mr. Dahl was a 45 year-old Norwegian who immigrated to Australia where he found work as a carpenter. On his way back home to Norway, he changed his mind in London and booked passage aboard Titanic.

My pass was for Miss Edith Corse Evans, age 26 from New York, New York. She traveled in first class, cabin #A29, and was accompanied by an aunt by marriage and the aunt's two sisters. Her fact? A few days before boarding, a fortune teller had warned her to beware of water.

Throughout the exhibit we looked at artifacts brought up from the wreckage. Partway through, we were led down a replica of a first class hallway. Gilded doors and fancy sconces on pristine white walls treated our eyes. A lush carpet treated our feet. I found as we moved into the first class dining room that I began taking on Miss Edith Evans's history, and began gloating to my third class companion (aka Jim, my husband,) about the decadent lavishness of first class over the starkness of third. The dining service set "I" used was so much prettier. The menu so much more suited to my worthy palate. Jim remained his quiet, humble self, not even having to take on Charles Dahl's persona.

We were informed early on to check out the names we were given on the wall at the end of the exhibit. It had a list of all who survived, and those who didn't. I told Jim that since he was an immigrant in third class, he probably didn't make it, but I, being a first-class passenger, and a young woman, no doubt survived in one of the lifeboats.

Yet, the fact about the fortune teller remained in the back of my mind.

Now, I don't put much stock in such things, but I began to worry about the state of Edith's salvation. If she went to a fortune teller, she was probably sorely lacking in that area. Even while pretending I was a much deserving first-class passenger, I found myself praying for her—now nearly a hundred years later.

Before I go on, let me say that I was reverent where it was due throughout the exhibit. (Lest you think I became an insensitive sow.) It was extremely well done, and paid tribute to every passenger on the fated ship. This hit home as we moved from the first class fluffery to the third class reality.

Bare walls with service lights and exposed pipes in the ceiling let us know that the fun was over. We were now entering the heart of the R.M.S. Titanic.

More artifacts, now from unnamed sources, were displayed in the same style glass ensconced pedestals that were in the first class part of the exhibit. A lighted silhouette of the lifeboats showed on the floor, to demonstrate the size. I couldn't imagine spending hours in the small lifeboat, wondering if I'd survive the night. I again thought about Edith. Did she make it?

We finally moved to the wall of passengers. With 2200 names divided by class, Jim found Charles. He survived. I was almost afraid to look for Edith. If she'd died, the chances of her being lost forever tore at my heart. I knew nothing about this woman except for what was on my boarding pass, yet we became connected. I put off looking for her name. I wandered the final room of the exhibit, reading newspaper articles in frames on the walls. Learning more about passengers who were highlighted on large posters. Touching the large slab of ice placed there to show how horribly cold the water was that night.

And then, I approached the wall. I found Edith's name. She did not survive.

My heart sobbed.

How could a first class passenger, a woman at that, not survive? I had taken on her identity, and because of that I felt as though I had been lost to eternity. I wanted to pray, but what would be the point? Can God honor a salvation prayer ninety-five years after a death? Maybe He can, knowing that I would come along a century later and plead for her life.

That night, at home, I looked up Edith Corse Evans on the internet. She was obviously a woman of substance and no doubt her death made the society pages. It did. She had given up her seat on the life boat for her aunt who had a husband and children waiting for her in New York. She promised to catch the next lifeboat . . . but there were no more. Knowing that her last act on this earth was one of serving humility made me feel better, and I pray that in her last hour of life that she repented of seeking a fortune teller and turned to the one true God.

In my devotion on January 1, the author quoted theologian Jonathan Edwards, who in 1722, drew up a list of seventy New Year's resolutions dedicating himself to live in harmony with God and others. One point on his list stated it quite well: Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. Edith could have taken that seat on the lifeboat, but she chose instead to conquer her fear despite the ominous warning.

What are you doing the rest of your life? Will you spend it as if it were your last hour? Remember this verse from Ephesians: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. --Ephesians 4:1 NIV. I pray that I live my life worthy of the calling clear up to the time I pass into eternal life.

May 2008 be a time to live a life worthy of Christ!

Extreme Makeover Home Edition, The Woodhouse Family

2007-10-07T23:52:00.000-06:00

Today, my husband and I were privileged to be able to take part in an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. The Woodhouse family from Colorado Springs, Colorado were surprised last Sunday when they were chosen for a makeover. They knew they were one of at least five families in the running. I know Kim Woodhouse personally. She's the vice-president of the Colorado Springs chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers--Worship! Write! Witness!

So, hubby and I, along with about 10,000 other people, went to the reveal. We got there just after 1:00 PM and the parking area looked like a day at the circus. We found other ACFWers and stood with them, and then we stood, and stood, and stood, and stood. I'm not sure what delayed the 2:00 reveal, but it didn't happen until about 3:30. It didn't matter. We were all enjoying watching the crew, the marching band, and the crowd--some who know the Woodhouse family personally, and some who were locals wanting in on the excitement. I was surprised at how many blue Extreme Makeover Home Edition t-shirts were in the crowd. These were people who had volunteered in some capacity during the week of building. Many of these people didn't know the family, but wanted to help in any way they could.

The weather cooperated Kayla-style. Ten-year-old Kayla suffers from Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Disorder, which limits her ability to feel pain and keeps her from sweating so she needs to be in cool temperatures at all times. The temperature hovered around 55 all day, with a very small shower that came through around 2:30. I know that God sent the front through to lower our near 90 degrees from the week prior to a safe temperature for the reveal. He sent the rain because I was complaining to those around me that I didn't want to get wet. Gotta love His sense of humor!

But we dried off sufficiently and waited some more. I think we collectively yelled for the bus driver to "Move that bus" several times before he actually did it. There were a lot of practices, including a "fake family" who arrived in the limo so the production crew could block the shot. We learned that the Woodhouse family were near the sight, in either a tent or a trailer, just waiting to hop in the limo. It was bandied about that they were hooded when they got out of the car so they couldn't see their house.

Finally, the real limo drove up. The crowd erupted in whoops and whistles. Ty Pennington stood talking to them, as he does on every show, and then we got to chant for real: "Bus driver, move that bus!" I wish I could tell you how the family reacted, but I was in the middle of some really tall people, some with children on their shoulders. I did manage to get some pics by holding my camera high and snapping away, but their backs were to me.

Some more talking to the family. Then they moved about 20 feet. More talking and filming. They moved 20 more feet. More talking and filming. They moved 20 more feet until they were finally in front of the house. More talking and filming. Finally, they got to go inside.

Ty and two men from the crew stood outside the house on the porch. Ty looked like he was studying his lines. Someone from the spectator area let out a wolf whistle. This got the three men laughing. Ty pointed to the one in shorts and we could see that he mouthed, "That was for you." The two crew members proceeded to dance and act silly just for the crowd.

With the family deep inside the home, their brand new car was brought around and parked in the driveway. We decided to wait for them to come out to see it. There were rumors flying that they could be in there for three hours since they were filming in every room, but they came out about an hour later. With pure joy on all of their faces and the kids running to their new car, Kim stood there with her mouth open. Yes, I've got pictures of that, too. This car is a beautiful blue with a white top and get this--it's a 2009 Ford Flex, a new concept. We heard Ty tell them that no one has ever sat in one of those, and no one will for another year. How cool is that?

While they were filming at the car, they asked us all to be quiet. Cameras rolled and then we heard "I'm a red-neck woman . . ." from someone's cell phone. The crew ran to her to get her to turn it off. Then someone else's phone rang. One of the crew asked to see it, then pretended to throw it. Then, we heard another phone ring. It belonged to the security guy! It was just too funny.

The house is a 4200 square foot stucco home with a bowling alley in the basement. The show is set to air in January.

Please continue to lift the Woodhouse family in your prayers. Also, please consider making a donation. I don't know if there were any announcements of checks given to the family as I've seen on other EMHE shows.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm so happy to have had a small part in it.

The following are just four of the seventy-five pictures I took. Hopefully, they give a small idea of this exciting day.

This is of the house and car, although the car didn't show up until after the family entered the house. I'm putting it out of order so you can see the entire scene.

Here they're being filmed in front of the house. It took several shots to get them to this point, and then a couple more before they were allowed inside the house. It must have taken all their restraint not to run past the camera crew and into their new home.

After the family toured the house, they saw their new car for the first time. They went on to "see it for the first time" two more times as they shot more takes. I had no idea they were such good actors! Each time, they whooped and celebrated.

Kim with her mouth open. She truly was blown away by this generous gift. This is a 2009 Ford something-or-other. Sorry, I didn't catch what it was. Nobody else has this car, and won't for another year.

ACFW Conference - Where God Sent a River

2007-10-03T11:12:00.000-06:00

I've been back from conference for a couple of weeks now, but I've stalled on reporting about it because I wasn't sure if I should share the deep personal events of that time. I've decided that this conference was more about healing than it was about networking and learning the craft, and feel that someone may need to read about my experience--someone who is in a dry, desert place right now.

A few weeks before the conference, the Denver ACFW board met at the president's cabin in the mountains. A charming rustic structure that has been in her family for decades. After the year I've had dealing with a family crisis, I needed prayer, as did all of us. We each took turns being prayed for, and when my turn came, one of the women had a vision for me. She saw God sending me a river, and that I was to lay down in it, immerse myself, and rest.

Weeks went by and I waited for that river. I was still burdened by my circumstances, still in pain, and yes, still angry over certain things that were beyond my control. Even though I knew God had everything well in hand, I still wallowed in my misery.

Back to the conference. The MC and prolific author, Brandilyn Collins, has a prayer ministry at this yearly conference. Ever since she was healed of Lyme Disease a couple of years ago, God has blessed her with the gift of intercessory prayer. Please read about her miraculous healing. I knew I would probably spend some time in the prayer room at this conference, and hoped Brandilyn would be there to pray for me.

The first morning, Friday, I followed my roomie, Paula, to a front table to sit with our other buddy, Megan, as she was giving the devotional and we wanted to support her. I wasn't paying any attention to whose table it was. (FYI: the tables always had name placards on them of the editors, agents, and faculty.) There was an empty seat beside me, and I soon heard someone come up behind me saying "Here's my table! I didn't know I got one this morning." This was Brandilyn.

During the worship time, we sang "Blessed Be Your Name". This song was one I sang on the praise team nearly every week through our pastor's several month study on Job a few years ago. It was also during this period that we were laid off for the second time and our car was totaled. The lyrics can be found at www.lyricsbox.com/matt-redman-lyrics-blessed-be-your-name-pfs45jc.html but the message is that I'll praise him when the streams of abundance flow, and I'll praise him when in the desert place. This song, plus the messages from Job, sustained me through that rocky time.

Okay, fast forward. I stood next to Brandilyn and I lost it. At this point, I am so deep in the desert place, I feel like I'm part of the sand, dry and unable to be molded. After worship, she turned to me and said "You're crying a lot at this conference, what's going on?" She must have seen me at the Thurs worship, too. I'm so glad Paula was there because I couldn't get any words out. She filled her in and when Brandilyn hugged me, I trembled in her arms. We made an appointment for later that morning in the prayer room. I had an agent appointment before that, so I showed up puffy faced, but explained that worship did me in that morning. I was actually coherent, which had to have been a God thing.

After the appointment, I went straight to the prayer room to wait for 45 minutes for my appointment with Brandilyn. I sat there in tears trying to still my mind and heart, but there was so much turmoil inside my body, I could barely breathe. Finally, Brandilyn came in, and she, along with Paula, and my other buddy, Heather, hedged me in. I felt so safe with two friends on either side and Brandilyn in front. She touched my knees and immediately drew back, like she was shocked. She said there was a lot going on inside me. This much I knew.

Then she placed her fingers between my breasts, asking permission before doing so, and the minute she touched me, I felt the Holy Spirit begin to dredge out all of the grief, all the disappointments, all the anger, that I've held onto for probably the last three years. A mourning sound came out of my mouth that I've never heard before, and Brandilyn kept assuring me that it was God and to let it happen. Paula also continued to tell me to just let it come, but it was so painful, I felt like my heart was tearing to shreds.

It only took a minute or two, but when it was done, it was done. I guess I had to get that festering boil lanced to move on. She then prayed for my family, one by one. Afterwards, she had to excuse herself to pray for someone else, and that was fine. I felt the peace of God. When we hugged, she made note that I wasn't trembling anymore.

That wasn't the only cool thing that happened in the prayer room that day. Read on to see where the river came in!

Paula, Heather, and I were going to leave when we saw that Brandilyn was praying for another friend of ours. Remember that up until the conference, I still felt dry, like the desert place. Heather and Paula were still sitting on either side of me, and we prayed for our friend across the room. Suddenly, I felt my head go light, and spiritually, I felt it open up and that river came like a flash flood! It poured, not only over me, but through me. Now, the interesting thing about a river is that it's not a lake. It goes somewhere, it moves. Well, it moved through me and straight across the room to my friend. She suddenly had the breakthrough she needed when that living water hit her. The demonic influence that had a strangle hold on her washed away, and no doubt drowned a painful death.

Another woman came in to pray for Paula at that time, and my now giddy self started to pray, "Tributary," as I directed my prayer toward Paula.

For the rest of the conference, I felt at peace. I could even sing the song that had devastated me several more times, and the tears I felt were worship tears. They flowed freely, but they weren't hot. (A phenomenon that I felt as early as the prayer room, after Brandilyn had prayed and moved on to my friend.) Apparently my whole countenance changed and as I continued my day, people started noticing my sparkly shirt. Call me crazy, but no one commented on it before the prayer breakthrough. The dry dust falling from my spirit probably dulled it somewhat!

On a professional level, the two agents I met with want to see a proposal of my mystery, the one that four editors from the Colorado Christian Writers Conference wanted to see. But, between spending time in the prayer room--not only for myself, but for others--and volunteering in the bookstore, I didn't get to go to as many classes as I would have liked. However, my brief hour in Colleen Coble's "The Suspense Thickens" continuing session and Linda Windsor's "Query and Synopsis" workshop, were both informative for me.

Another highlight is the booksigning that I was able to participate in for the first time. Since Mary Davis and I are in the novella anthology, Love Letters, we signed together. I also had Merely Players available.

The highlight of the day was when a sweet lady named Nadine Smith, came to the public signing and was asking all of the Heartsong Presents authors to sign a sticky note so she could put them in her scrapbook. She's read every Heartsong for years, and had her daughter drive her to Dallas for the booksigning just to meet her favorite authors. She crochets and brought gifts for all of us. For a picture of Nadine with Barbour editor, Rebecca Germany, along with other conference highlights, go to the Edit Cafe.

And finally, good buddy, Paula Moldenhauer, was my roommate again. Love ya, Girl!

I pray for blessings to pour through you as it did through me!

I'm in love with an alpaca

2007-07-03T22:46:00.000-06:00

Actually, I'm love with a bunch (herd?) of them. I'm writing a story about an alpaca ranch, and a couple of months ago I Googled alpacas since I know nothing about them. (Still not sure what a bunch of them is called. Hmm.) In my search, Stargazer Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, run by Cynthia Fronk and John Heise, came up. Since it's so close to where I live, I contacted them to ask if I could visit. I was told they would be out doing shows, but they were having an open barn at the end of June.

So, last weekend, I went with my trusty cameraman (my hubby) and had a blast. The open barn was held on a Saturday and Sunday, and we went the latter. What a blessing! The day before they had about 25 people visit. When we showed up there was only one other couple who John was helping. As a result, we had Cindy's undivided attention for 2 hours. She was great. Very professional, but loads of fun. This lady knows her stuff!

The first beauties we met were Sonrisa, a very pregnant female, and Saffron, a new mommy to baby (cria) Peanut.

Most of the males (herdsires) were in a pen of their own away from the ladies. However, the young fella below was priviledged to be placed in a pen near some some fetching females. The purpose? To wake up those hormones. Here, he's trying to talk to the young ladies, probably something like, "Hey, chicky-baby. Wanna hang out at my paddock?"

We had a great time, learned about husbandry, behavior, and where green spit comes from. We also learned about communal poop. Hey, we're talkin' animals here, so we must mention poop! The animals all go in one place. (Note the dark spots in the pic above.) Females aren't as neat as males who like to go on each other's poop to cover up the scent and replace their own. Sounds like a guy, huh? And speaking of scent, I was pleasantly surprised that the ranch in general smelled. . .well. . .pleasant. With 50 animals on this ranch, one would think it would reek, but it actually smelled like hay, the whole place, inside and out.

This story isn't contracted yet, but I have high hopes. How does this teaser sound?

A man and a woman, both with abandonment issues, learn to forgive with the help of a melodious alpaca.

I'll announce it on my Website as soon as there is something concrete to report. Please pray!

Thank you, Cindy and John at Stargazer Ranch. You guys are the best!

Spring Newsletter

2007-04-03T22:17:00.000-06:00

My spring newsletter is now on my Website. Here's a preview:

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IN THIS ISSUE:
What's New
~Love Letters~
~ShoutLife~
~Speaking Engagements~
Feature Article
~I Smell New Life~
Writing Tip
~Stop That!~
Groaner
Links
Parting Words
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Please come on over and check it out!
* Read how in this spring, I'm coming out of a spiritual winter.
* Learn how to search and destroy unneeded words in your manuscript.
* Discover the answer to this burning question: What kind of story does the Easter Bunny like to hear?

While you're there, I invite you to subscribe.

Love Letters is in Family Christian!

2007-03-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Yep! Hubby and I were walking the Colorado Mills mall a couple of days ago, and I dipped into Family Christian. There was Love Letters, on the next to the bottom shelf in the Christian fiction section. My darling took a picture with my camera phone. This is waaaay exciting, folks! Even though I did a Chicken Soup book awhile back, nothin' beats knowing that one of my stories is sitting on a bona fide shelf, for, like, everybody to buy! Wahooeee!

The other three authors in this novella collection are Mary Davis, Sally Laity, and Jeri Odell. My story is about a traditional fortune cookie maker who meets a thoroughly modern women in 1955 and woos her with scripture in his cookies.

If you can't make it to Family Christian, you can always order on line at the Barbour Website.

The Reviews Are In!

2007-01-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

People are reading Merely Players and guess what? They like it! I guess my angst over having my name on a product was unfounded.

Michelle Hutchinson writes in part, "Reading this Heartsong novel was like delving into a delectable dessert. Delicious. The romantic element was fabulous...every reader's fantasy. Who wouldn't want a hot Hollywood movie star to be in love with them? I enjoyed every minute of this savory romance." Read the full review at Edgy Inspirational Author.

Paula Moldenhauer said: "Kathy does some beautiful things with symbolism and fun stuff with humor, besides writing a moving story with some real meat behind the romance." Read the full review at Grace Reign and see a pic of our critique group, JOY Writers.

And I'm getting fan mail!

SS writes: "Dear Kathleen, Congrats on your first Heartsong Presents novel. I enjoyed the setting and the behind the scenes look at a movie being made. Bethany and Ricky were a great couple and I liked watching them work their way back to each other."

CVP writes: "I live in the "nice" town of Niceville, Fl. I subscribe to Heartsong Presents bookclub. I was so delighted to read your new book since everything was so familiar to me. My husband is retired Air Force and we spent two tours at Eglin AFB. We retired in Niceville. I have visited the Gulfarium many times. It was a pleasure to read your book and I intend to share it with my friends.
Thanks for a delightful book. I look forward to reading more books written by you."

And from Mary Connealy, my fellow "contract receiver", (we both received our first contracts at the 2005 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference) "I loved your book! I got it in the mail yesterday and read it before I staggered off to bed at 1 a.m. Kathy it's so good. I think it's fresh and different for HP and I love the whole feel of it and the great faith conclusion, just handled brilliantly."

There are a couple more people who offered to review the book, but it's waiting in their queues. I'll post those reviews when they do.

My next move is to enter Merely Players into a couple of contests. There will either be much celebrating in a few months, or a lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Stay tuned!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's a heads up. . .my novella "Cookie Schemes" is coming out in March in the Barbour 4-in-1 Love Letters. This book is already available for reservations at the Barbour Website.

Backstage with MERELY PLAYERS

2006-12-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what goes on behind the story? I'm going to let you in on my research as well as a segment called, "What was I thinking?" Yes, I'm going to allow you to see into that frightening thing called...a writer's mind.

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It's here! After years of dreaming, my first novel is finally in my hot little hands. Now, as promised, I'd like to share some of my research with you.

DOLPHIN THERAPY
The Gulfarium is a real place and located in Fort Walton Beach, FL. I spent ten years in Fort Walton while my husband was in the Air Force. We were stationed at both Hurlburt and Eglin Air Force Bases. Go to www.gulfarium.com to check this place out.

I became aware of the dolphin therapy program probably in about our ninth year. I had a friend with two autistic children, and although she didn't utilize the program, she mentioned it to me as a possibility.

My imagination latched onto this little bit of information, and I began playing the "what if" game. What if my heroine was a dolphin trainer/therapist? What if she were a "fish out of water", and better suited for something else? What if she didn't really know what she wanted to do with her life, and the "something else" tried to lure her away from this noble profession? What would that "something else" be?

Now, before my research I knew absolutely NOTHING about dolphin training or therapy. I did know a little bit about acting, and especially high school plays. My youngest son has been acting since junior high. Ah ha! My hero was born. I may not know about dolphins, but I sure know something about drama geeks.

Again, I played my game. What if my hero aspired to become a professional actor? What if he became so successful that he left the "little people" behind? What if one of those people was his high school girlfriend? And what would happen if they met again after ten years? Hmm. I do believe I created sufficient conflict to start my story.

Then came the research. OY! This is not my forte. I pray I someday become so successful that I can pay someone to do my research for me. However, I'm not there yet. So, I poured over the internet to learn about dolphins and training. I also found there are several facilities that use dolphins as a form of therapy. Just put "dolphin therapy" in the Google search engine and see what comes up. I found that therapists use these marvelous animals as a reward. If the child completes a task, the dolphin does a trick. But moreover, the love between animal and child can bring healing. The program at the Gulfarium is called the JF2 Dolphin Project, with Dr. Janet Flowers at the helm. Go to http://www.gulfarium.com/jfdolphin.html#what for more information.

And thus, a novel is born. If you're not in the Heartsong Presents book club, but would like your very own Merely Players, you can order it from their Website at www.heartsongpresents.com/book/detail/1597893382/

The Ditzy Author

2006-09-28T00:42:00.000-06:00

In honor of the Sisters Grimm cozy mystery series that I pitched at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Dallas last week, I have written a fairy tale.

The Ditzy Author

Kathleen E. Kovach

Once there was an author named Kathy. Now, Kathy, who lived in a dry climate a mile above sea level, found herself in the land of Wet, also known as Dallas. She traveled to Dallas for the ACFW Conference, where she planned on meeting with Heartsong Present's Mystery editor, Susan Downs. She knew upon her arrival that this meeting was to take place at 2:45 on Saturday.

She also wished to speak to JoAnn Simmons, editor of Heartsong Presents romance. She spoke to JoAnn at lunch on Friday and gained permission to book an appointment with her, as well.
And so, she did.

Kathy was given a slip of paper as a reminder of her appointment. The slip clearly said, "Saturday, 3:00."

Somewhere between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, Kathy lost her mind. This probably happened at the Barbour Author Appreciation dinner. Between the fantastic food, lovely fellowship, and highly entertaining skit, Kathy's mind slipped from her head and rolled under the table. Not realizing this, she left the dinner and started telling her friends that she had an appointment with JoAnn at 9:00 the next morning.

Kathy awoke excited Saturday morning, thinking her appointment was a mere few hours away. The general assembly ran over by ten minutes, and Kathy raced up to the Mezzanine where the appointments were held. Since it was just on the floor above, she chose not to take the elevator, which had been know to be sluggish, especially when one was in a hurry.

Perspiring from her exertion, she found JoAnn and sat, PLOP, in the chair across from her.
"I know I'm late. The assembly ran over, but I got here as fast as I--"

"But," JoAnn interrupted, her eyes round with surprise and confusion. "Your name isn't listed here."

"Oh!" Kathy hopped up, thoroughly embarrassed. "My meeting this morning must be with Susan. I'm so sorry."

And out she dashed.

She found Susan in a room across from JoAnn and sat, PLOP, in the chair across from her.
"I know I'm late. The assembly ran over, but I got here as fast as I--"

"But," Susan interrupted, her eyes round with surprise and confusion. "Your name isn't listed here. Oh, I see, you're supposed to be here at 2:45."

If Kathy thought she was perspiring before, she was wrong. She broke out into a full sweat, rivaling her shower that morning, upon hearing these words from Susan Downs. You see, Kathy had already written twelve chapters of a book that she had set her heart on for this particular editor to accept. If she'd already made a bad impression, she simply didn't know what she was going to do.

Susan, however, took pity on the soggy, red-faced author in front of her. She smiled, checked her schedule, and said in a calming voice, "You know, there isn't anyone waiting for me. Why don't we do go ahead and do this now."

Somehow, Kathy got through the appointment, stammering through inquiries like, "Who are your suspects?" and "Is there a ransom note?" Kathy knew the answer to these questions, but as was mentioned, her mind lay somewhere beneath a table at Truluck's Seafood, Steak, and Crab House. Susan, with divine grace, requested a proposal from Kathy, who was very grateful.

Later that day, Kathy honored her original appointment time with JoAnn, and was even a little early. Both JoAnn and Rebecca Germany, JoAnn's Barbour boss, sat at separate tables, but very close. Rebecca wasn't seeing anyone at the time, and so listened as a now composed Kathy, (who's mind must have somehow managed to walk the block and a half to find her,) pitched three contemporary Oregon romances. JoAnn requested a proposal of only the first one, apparently wanting to see if Kathy could truly follow through. After her morning faux pas, Kathy couldn't blame her. JoAnn did, however, say she'd consider the others after she looked at the first offering.

Kathy, now very happy that her editor appointments were over, chatted a moment longer with the Barbour editors. Somehow the subject turned to the decadent desserts they had been enjoying at the conference, and JoAnn told her that Rebecca loves dark chocolate. Kathy heard herself saying, "I have a box of chocolate covered mint Oreos in my room. Contract me, and I'll give you some."

The editors laughed, but as Kathy walked out, she began perspiring once again. Should she be so bold with people she wished to impress? She decided the answer to that was "yes." She didn't want a job, she wanted a relationship with someone she'd hopefully be spending the next few years with.

She raced up to her room, (via the elevator, having learned her last lesson with the stairs and the Dallas humidity,) grabbed the box of Oreos, and ran back to the appointment rooms. A woman was waiting in a chair by the door and Kathy asked if she was going in to see JoAnn or Rebecca.

"I have an appointment with JoAnn."

"Perfect!" Kathy said as she thrust the box into her lap. "Give this to her for me, please."

"Should I tell her your name?"

"No, she'll know who it's from."

"But," she said as she thrust the box back at Kathy, "maybe you should write a message on the box so she doesn't think it's from me."

"No, trust me. She'll know it's from me."

After arguing a moment longer, Kathy left, satisfied that she'd done the right thing.

However, after thinking about it the rest of the day, she began to worry that perhaps JoAnn, and thus Rebecca who was sitting next to her, would consider this a bribe.

Now, the Ditzy Author had one more thing to worry about.

She debating with herself the rest of the day. Then she decided after attending the Spirit-filled conference and hearing the anointed speaker, Liz Curtis Higgs, that the Lord would not have her worry about something so trivial. He reminded her that He is in control of her writing career, and nothing she had done after she'd misplaced her mind would thwart the plans that He had for her.

Kathy resolved to leave the conference with confidence and forget about the ditzy things she had done that weekend.

And so, she did.

~The End~

The Ladder of Publication - Next Rung, Cover Art

2006-08-24T00:22:00.000-06:00

I recently experienced one more rung in the ladder to publication. My cover art for both Merely Players and Love Letters (where I have a novella entitled "Cookie Schemes") arrived via e-mail a couple of weeks ago. May I just say, "WOW! I'M AN AUTHOR!"

It's one thing to dream of this all of my life, but to see my name above a title is. . .well, it's. . .quite odd actually.

My thought process went like this when I saw my cover.
1. As blood rushes to my ears, I hover over the attachment. Do I really want to see my cover? Will it meet my expectations? How could they ever sketch what's in my head?

2. I click on it, and suck in a breath. My title pops out at me. The title that I beseeched God for. Once I had that title, the theater backdrop for my story came into view and I not only had a title, I had an allegory.

3. Then I looked at my name. I'm sorry, I know I've given my writing over to the Lord. I know that it's all about Him, and all to His glory. . .but it's my name! My name!

4. My name? What have I done? People will read this and see who wrote it. My picture will even be on an inside page. What if it's a horrible book? What if it's full of grammar faux pas and dangling modifiers? What if it stinks?

5. Get a grip. God was your writing partner through this. Yeah, maybe it's not up to par with a multi-pubbed author, but it will touch lives. The ministry is in God's hands, not yours. So relax, and continue to learn with the next book. And the next.

6. Why am I talking to myself when I should be e-mailing this to everyone I know? This is a huge deal!

Somewhere in there I became critical of the artist, because afterall, this is my baby. They didn't have her hair right and I think he had a sweater tied around his waist that looked like a rope belt. Uh-huh. He wouldn't wear that. But, they had asked me if there were any minor changes, and I think the end result is beautiful. He's leaning in, very sure of himself. Her. . .not so much. It looks like a picture taken by someone hiding behind the sand dune. Perfect for my story line. And the emerald green water and white sand are perfect.

I'll put the cover of Love Letters on another entry when we have a finalized picture.

I don't know if I'll ever get over seeing my name on a book. I hope I never do. Yes, my writing career is all about God. But, I think He allows me these little moments. And when I get letters stating how my words touched somebody, that is God's moment. He did that. I only told the best story I knew how.

My Debut Talk or With God As My Partner, Why Would I Fail?

2006-06-28T14:26:00.000-06:00

Last night was yet another testimony to God’s amazing provision.

I had been asked to speak at a local writer’s group, Words for the Journey Christian Writing Guild. This would be a step up in my writing journey. Now, first of all, I never saw myself as a “speaker”, I’m a “facilitator.” I run groups like Bible studies, critique groups, workshops. But speak? All by myself? Whatever would I have to say?

Now, understand, getting up in front of people is not the issue. I’m the last-born, I crave attention. My problem stems from being able to concentrate, and say the things I should at the appropriate moments. I’ve never been diagnosed with ADD, but I’ve always felt I had it to some extent. My son battles with it and I see many of my symptoms in him. Please read this paragraph again, because it’s the last time I’m going to use that excuse.

This how good God is. A month and a half ago, I was still sweating the prospect of speaking and being able to concentrate. I attended Words For The Journey to hear a fellow ACFW author, and it was flawless. All tied up in a neat little package. I was impressed and made mental notes on how I might be able to put something together like that. Afterward I spoke to her about my fears of ADD and however was I supposed to keep it all together! I found out that she also has had the same fears, even though she was never diagnosed. She said she stopped claiming ADD over herself, and it freed her to be the speaker that God had called her to be. Wow! As she continued to reassure me, I saw ourselves on horizontal paths.

As my time to speak drew near, I asked a choice few people to pray for me. As those prayers were lifted up, my fear began to diminish and I felt myself getting excited at what God was leading me into.

I didn’t know what to speak on. It was suggested I talk about writing for Heartsong Presents, but I’ve only written one book for them and am still learning the ins and outs. Plus, when/if I decide to talk on that, I’d like to have a book to offer at the same time. Mine comes out in October. So, I prayed.

Now, when I say I prayed, I don’t mean the on my knees, pouring through the scriptures, fasting kind of prayer. Ever since God made Himself my writing partner, it’s like sitting and talking to a friend over tea.

Picture me at my computer, lounging in my big chair, tapping my lip and saying, “Well God, any ideas?”

“Why not start your speaking career the same way you did your writing career?”

I sat up straight, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“Your writing career started with that article you wrote for the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference back in 2002, right?”

“Right.” My heartbeat quickened. I began to catch up with the Almighty in His thinking.

“Why not turn that article into your topic? It was about writing with My voice. I gave that to you, and allowed it to win first place so you would have a definite starting place to launch your writing career.”

I nodded my head. “So, You think I should speak on writing with Your voice, pulling from that article.”

“I KNOW this is what you should do.”

Power rumbled from his still, small voice, and I immediately brought up that article on my computer.

The following is more testimony to God’s gentleness with me, and His never-failing grace.

I began an outline on writing with God’s voice. I kept it on my computer for a month while I worked on other things. As God would give me more ideas, I would plop them into that document before I forgot them. So, I had a working outline two months before I was to speak. Plenty of time! Or so I thought.

I had been booked for the end of July to speak. But when the June speaker had to rearrange her schedule, I was asked if I could bump mine up a month. I didn’t even panic, because God was in charge and He’d already taken my procrastinating little self and got me started.

Over the remaining three weeks, God continued to refine my outline, giving me little nuggets here and there. A week before, He gave me something so off-the-wall, I felt it a privilege that He’d called on me to carry out it out. Don't think God has a sense of humor? Ask Him why he wanted me to present "The Hokey Pokey" in four different voice styles! (Caution, marketing attempt coming up: If anyone is curious about that, book my talk on "Writing With God's Voice.")

Then--and I know this is God--the day of the talk, (I was speaking at 7:00 that night) I had everything done. So I could chill, relax, color my hair . . . I wasn't rushed at all. Wow! Talk about a God thing! My friend asked if I was nervous or excited, and I told her I was "in the zone." I felt the prayers, and I was neither nervous nor excited. I simply felt like the clay pitcher that God would use to pour his Living Water onto those He brought to the meeting. The talk itself was well received and, surprisingly, well attended. Of course, I had a handful of my peeps there from my local group, but the others didn't know me. So, yes, it all was totally God.
I pray that as each of you come up against something that seems overwhelming, or terrifying, or simply out of your comfort zone, that you'll: 1) seek God's will first on the matter 2) ask for prayer 3) relax and know that God is in control and He won't let you drown as you step out of that boat in faith.

Our God is an Awesome God. He reigns from heaven above . . . yet He lives in our hearts. He cares about us, and wants to be a partner in whatever we’re doing.

Conference Jitters

2006-05-11T01:55:00.000-06:00

Okay, maybe "Conference Jitters" is an understatement. Perhaps "flop sweat" more accurately describes what's happening to you. So, first of all, let's all take a collective deep breath...let it out slowly...close your eyes and climb into your Father's lap.

Now, let me tell you a story. In my backyard right now is a robin's nest right in my bird feeder. I haven't fed the birds for awhile, so apparently they thought the restaurant had closed and they decided to renovate it. Every day, all I have to do is look out of my kitchen window and observe this wonder of nature. Mom and Dad take turns feeding, warming, protecting. It's a beautiful thing. And when Mom brings back a juicy worm, a half dozen scrawny beaks appear over the top of the nest, wide open and eager for their meal. Now, what I've noticed is that when both parents are gone, there is no activity. One would think it was empty. Not a peep. (sorry, couldn't resist) But as soon as that worm appears over their heads, up they pop, ready to take it all in. I wonder what they were thinking when this nutritious gift first appeared above their heads. I doubt any of them ducked. I'm sure not one refused the worm. And I'd bet the farm none were frightened. No, they must have been surprised by this gift suddenly dangling within their reach. Then, each time Mom brings another one, they throw open those little mouths, confident that another meal is on its way.

Aren't we like those baby birds, not able to see past our earthly limitations? Yet as God gives us nourishment, and helps us grow stronger, we gain confidence because He is right there with us, feeding, warming, protecting. Next week as we attempt to sell our work, let's never forget that, unlike these baby birds who will someday leave that nest, we always have the assurance that our Heavenly Father is continually with us, feeding us with His love, warming us with His presence, protecting us with His Holy Spirit.

May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech. --Thessalonians 2:16-17 (The Message)

Dear Abba Father, thank you for putting those birds in my back yard. They are a physical picture of Your love and provision. May we all be as eager as babies, our mouths wide open, chirping for more of Your nourishment. Let us feel your presence next week, and let us know, no matter what news we may receive, that You are in control. Please put a fresh heart in each of us, one that can never be broken or bruised, please invigorate our work which we purpose for Your glory, and please enliven our speech as we put that work before strangers. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

New Look!

2006-02-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hey! I’ve updated three of my blogs! What do you think? I went on Google and searched for Free Templates Blogger, and this site had what I was looking for: http://blogspottemplates.blogspot.com/. When you get there and click on “Get Template” it asks if you want to open or save, and I opted for open. It gave me two pictures and a text of the HTML to copy and paste in your blog template area. They explain that they no longer keep the images on their own Photobucket* site, but tell you how you can get your own account, (I already had mine and it is very essential if you have a website or blog). I copied and saved their pictures in My Pictures on my computer, then went to Photobucket and downloaded them so they can have their own URL address. Then I went back to the text, and replaced that URL with theirs, which is very easy to find because they have the word “replace” right in their address. And look what came up! Gorgeous! I used the same template for Giggling Grandma and simply replaced the feather pen with my own picture. I had to resize to 1000 ppi and I lightened it and made it slightly blurry, and voila! I love the effect! Go to http://gigglinggrandma.blogspot.com to see the result. I downloaded a different template to my stories and devotions blog: http://storiesanddevotions.blogpot.com, and the only thing I don’t like about it is the type seems pretty tiny, and I couldn’t see in the template where to change it.

So, check these out and see if this template site may work for you. I got very bored with the standard templates in blogger.

A word about Photobucket*, http://www.photobucket.com: This is a convenient site to place your own pictures to get an URL address. When you put pics on your Website, depending on your program, you may need a Web address for it to pull from. I use Go Daddy, (yes ACFWers, even despite the raunchy ads. I had it before they started this campaign,) and it allows me to pull pics straight off my computer. If you mess with templates, like I did with Blogger, you’ll need a URL to do anything fancy.

Hope you enjoy!

Nifty Trick With Unseen POV

2006-02-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

Guess what! Guess what! I’m done with the chapter by chapter synopsis (first draft). I found a nifty trick that I want to share with you. As I was writing out what was happening in my synopsis, I realized that I needed to figure out what the villain was doing at the same time. Now, I had already started color coding so I could keep track of whose POV I was in. Pink for the Heroine and Blue for the Hero. So, I used Brown for the villain and started following her/him throughout the story. This way, I managed to keep the timeline from jumping all over the time space continuum. No Delorean’s in my wip, no siree-bob! I also needed to follow the heroine’s sister when they separated, so I put that in orange. Now, when I turn in my synopsis, it will be a pared down version of what I’ve written, and I’ll take out the villain’s and sister’s POVs so the editor doesn’t think they’re in the story as written. Of course, they are there, but behind the scenes, and I’ll reveal that through my POV characters. I’m pumped! Now, I hope I can write the thing with this skeleton I’ve created. I’ve done this on a smaller scale with my novellas, so I ought to be able to do it with a 65K novel. Right? Please tell me I’m right!

I’m on my own deadline with this. The daughter-in-law is moving her entire household here, (minus hubby who is leaving to Korea,) and I’d love to have this off to the editor before they arrive - in three weeks! Yikes! What I need to accomplish now is some final research and write the first three chapters. Can I do it? Please tell me I can!

OKAY, I'LL UPDATE ALREADY!

2006-01-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail the other day from a writer friend. The subject was ACFW* business, but at the end of her post she locked her caps and cyber-shouted, “UPDATE YOUR BLOG!” That’s all she had to say on the matter. It was concise, focused, and spoke volumes of her angst over reading about the same contract over and over. Guess I need to update my Website, too. So, Camy, the following “update” is for you!

Ah, the life of a writer. One huge thing happens, such as my contract that I posted about in September, then it’s back to work. Long, dry spells between successes is what my life is all about.

But, perhaps I shouldn’t use the word “dry” because this is the time when I get to play. When I meet somebody for the first time and they ask me what I do, I tell them I stay in my pajamas all day and play with imaginary friends. (Okay, the part about the pjs is only partially true. Most days I get dressed, or throw on some comfy knit pants and a t-shirt. But, man, it’s nice to work in slippers!)

I’m currently working on a cozy mystery that I hope is picked up for a series. Mysteries are fun to write, but I’ve found I have to approach them differently from regular romance. For one, I really have to know whodunit from the get-go. When I started this, I had somewhat of a premise, and I knew the crime, but I had no clue as to the villain. So, I plunged in and wrote five chapters before it dawned on me. You must understand, I’m a SOTP, Seat of the Pants, writer. I don’t gain any insight until I’m actually in the midst of the story. And yet, plot I must! Writing those chapters helped me get to know my characters, my setting, and finally, my villain. I’m treating them as one long writing exercise, because most of it probably won’t make it in the actual story.

I’m now working through chapter by chapter, sketching what’s happening briefly. This may seem debilitating for a SOTP, but I’m learning to free up my right brain, even while organizing with my left. I’m halfway through my planned chapters—figuring out how many chapters I’ll need with math…ick—and am quite pleased with how it’s turning out. It’s nice to see the story in one chunk, where I can spot holes easily. Or, if I need to make a change in chapter twelve, I can easily go back and adjust things in chapter three if need be. Now, for those of you who know me, your jaws are probably scraping the floor. Yes, my name is Kathy and I’m learning to plot.

I’ll try, for Camy’s sake, to update regularly on my plotting journey. I have a feeling that wasabi isn’t the only thing that kicks!**

*ACFW – American Christian Fiction Writers
**Go to Camy's Website to get this reference :->

The Desire of My Heart

2005-09-19T13:09:00.002-06:00

Since this blog is an opportunity for me to update my readers on my career, I thought I'd kick it off big. While at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in Nashville, TN this weekend, I was presented with…

A BOOK CONTRACT!

Praise God!!! Every year at this conference, Tracie Peterson, editor of Heartsong Presents, announces new member book contracts as well as a contract for one established member. This helps elicit excitement. She called my name, as well as Mary Connealy's, during dinner on Friday. (Wish I could remember the established author's name, but frankly, I'm a tad brain-dead since I only came home last night. Let's just leave it at TBA.) I had a feeling she would do this, because after my major rewrites of Merely Players that I submitted last October, I was told that if she liked my changes, she would contact me within the month. Three months went by, and so I had a feeling since I hadn't heard anything--good or bad--that Tracie would be doing it at the conference. However, as the conference neared, that little niggly one percent of doubt sat inside my brain like a raspberry seed stuck in a tooth. The more I tried to pick at it to get it out, the deeper lodged it became, to the point that even though I prayed, I had a hard time concentrating on God's voice. Friday, I was determined to ignore the doubt, but the pressure remained. When I heard my name, that seed of doubt popped out of my head and I could clearly hear God. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. That night, I attended my first "author party", held exclusively for Heartsong and Barbour authors. They all welcomed me into the fold, and I felt like I had come home.

The other half of this blessing, (yes, there's more,) is that not only will my book be published singly through the Heartsong presents book club, but it may later be packaged with two other authors and sold to regular stores like Wal Mart. Can you spell "royalties"? This is extremely good from a business standpoint.

But more than the money, all of this affirms God's promise to me--"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." This career journey started in 2002 when I won a contest at CCWC, Colorado Christian Writers Conference. I clearly heard God clapping as I accepted that certificate. "What are we going to write next, Kathy?" he asked, and at that point I knew I had the ultimate writing partner.

I'm surprised that the doctor didn't find a pen in my hand when they pulled me from my mother's womb. I'm sure as a fetus I was floating in that soft, warm place taking notes in my head about setting. . .

It's dark here, but not scary. I'm surrounded by a body temperature warmth that I feel comforting. There's a sound nearby--thump-thump…thump-thump--and I get the sense that whatever is making that sound loves me with a fierceness that I may never comprehend. . .

Writing has always been a big part of my life. I remember when, in my pre-kindergarten days, I would fidget in church, my mother would hand me a pencil and a piece of paper. I'd scribble and I'm sure people thought I was drawing pictures. But I think I was actually drawing word pictures, trying to get the stories in my head out where I could see them. What a glorious year it was when I learned how to spell! In my faltering, baby-step writing, I managed to write a poem. "The Fat Cat in the Black Top Hat." This endeavor garnished some income. I sold hand-written copies of that poem to my friends, complete with a drawing of a fat cat in a black top hat that looked more like a dusty snowman with whiskers. I charged a nickel and I made 25 cents. This, in my mind, made me a published author.

Lest I start believing it's all about me, let me ponder the beginning of that verse. "Delight yourself in the Lord." The Message states Psalm 37: 4-7 like this: "Keep company with God, get in on the best. Open up before God, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top." To me this says that it's also about God. It's my obedience that will clear the way for God to minister through me. I don't need to worry about the next project or the next book contract. If I'm still before God, if I listen to his voice, He will take my career to where He wants it to be.

And there is nothing better than that.