Okay, so I was watching Sith...umm, Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith...while making dinner. Since you were wondering, we had London Broil, steamed broccoli, wild rice, and salad. I've yet to figure out how to make a good steak, so I'll leave it at "the sides were great." Oh, and we had brownies for a late dessert.
Back to my point...
I was watching Sith and the droid doctor says to Obi Wan, "She's dying. We have to operate to save the babies."
"The babies?!" he answers.
In that moment, I realized with all the technological advances in that galaxy far far away, they didn't have the technology to develop ultra-sound machines. So sad. Or Padme lied to Anakin when she said "our baby" instead of "our babies." Or Padme refused the ultra-sound because she didn't have medical insurance and was saving her money to pay for necessities because she lived on a planet with a national health care plan.
Or MAYBE JUST MAYBE George Lucas didn't think about the possibility of a pregnant woman in a far far away galaxy wanting to know if she was carrying one or more babies. I don't think it's a case of George being stupid. I really think he just didn't think about that little realistic point. He's a man after all.
Currently I'm judging a handful of inspirational romantic suspense entries.
I freely admit I am not a romantic suspense writer. My brain doesn't think kill, steal, destroy while falling in love. My brain does think that having someone in the novel (typically a villain) kill, steal, and destroy while the hero and heroine are falling in love doesn't make the story a romantic suspense.
Two of the three entries I've judged so far are what I'd classify as contemporary romances with suspenseful elements.
The difference?
Well, IMHO, a suspense begins with conflict and tension and steadily builds. Yes, there are down moments. But thoese down moments end up causing more conflict and tension. Not to mention the whole thing with tone and writing style.
So why didn't the entrants think think about the difference between a suspenseful story and a story with suspenseful elements? Do they really think because a bad guy is chasing the hero/heroine and trying to kill him/her/both that the story is automatically a suspense?
Would you rather sky-dive or go on a 500-loop rollercoaster?
The suspense of free falling would kill me so I'd rather spin in loops until I puke.
Would you rather have a t-rex in your backyard or a human-eathing vulture?
I'm going with the t-rex because odds are he's not going to break through my windows and crawl inside to eat me.
Would you rather live the rest of your life with no teeth or walk around the mall/your school/your work naked for one day?
Streaking, easily.
Would you rather judge five poorly written contest entries or read one poorly written book or watch one poorly acted movie?
Instead of answering, let me say that as my daughter Jerah and I were playing the "Would You Rather" game, I asked her: Would you rather never read a book again or never watch tv? Without pause, she said never read a book again. What's sad is I'm torn. Even with all the fabulous books out there, I'm seriously contemplating choosing tv. Why? Is it that I've become so disillusioned with the unfabulous books out there? Why is it I'm willing to tolerate poor quality tv over poor quality books?
So sad.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Only Uni by Camy Tang
"There's many a bestseller that could have been prevented by a good teacher."~Flannery O'Connor
When Camy asked me to join her blog tour, I though "kewl" 'cause I'd never been on a tour before...unless the one of our nation's Capitol building counts. And then there was that one of the Pentagon, and the one of Appomattox Courthouse, and the one of Berkley Plantation, and the one of...okay, I've done a few other tours. Don't hassle me. I've got five kids and short-term memory loss or maybe it's long-term.
Anyhoo, I happily agreed to play Blog Tour. Then I got scared. Me give a book review? I've never done an official book review before, nor do/did I have any idea on really how to do one, but I figured to make me sound more book-reviewer-like, I ought to intersperse quotes here and there and maybe even use a big word.
"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book - I'll waste no time reading it."~Moses Hadas
ONLY UNI by Camy Tang is the second inspirational romance in her Sushi Series published by Zondervan. Her first book, SUSHI FOR ONE?, introduces many of the characters we see in ONLY UNI, but you don't have to read the first book to enjoy the second. Although if you are buying two, why not buy one also?
SUSHI FOR ONE? is a great read. Loved it!
ONLY UNI not only meets the quality of book one, it exceeds it. Loved it too! Actually, I'd have to say I loved it more because I could relate more to Trish than to Lex. Nothing against Lex 'cause she's a fabu heroine too.
"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it."~Groucho Marx
This is where I say something official book-reviewer sounding...in Camy's own words, of course.
Synopsis: Trish Sakai is ready for a change from her wild, flirtatious behavior, so she creates three rules to follow from First and Second Corinthians. But with a persistent ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous coworker in pursuit, suddenly Trish’s simple rules don’t seem so simple after all.
Trish is a fabulous heroine. In the first chapter, Camy immediately establishes who Trish is and the struggles she deals with, so that when Trish comes up with her Corinthian Rules, I completely empathized with her desperation to change her life. But good intentions don't always make wise choices. As Trish balances her "rules" in relation to real life, she learns a valuable lesson, one many unmarried and dating woman should learn.
Almost ten years ago, I read REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers, a book many consider to be THE premier inspirational romance. Me, I think it's predictable and cliched, but that's a whole 'nutter book review.
Trish Sakai isn't a prostitute like Angel. A girl doesn't have to sell her body for cash to be one. Far too many women sell their bodies in exchange for what they thik is love, acceptance, trust, and a new pair of shoes. But through the obstacle course of good intentions, loony family members, embarrassing moments, and equally painful ones, Trish discovers the true redeeming love found in her Savior and in the man who her Savior gracefully gives to her. Nothing predictable or cliched.
"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."~Mark Twain
As a reader, I loved the characters, plot twists, and emotional involvement in ONLY UNI. Hey, she gets the guy. Gotta love that!
As a writer, I savored the characters, plot twists and emotional involvement in ONLY UNI. This novel is one of the most well written and crafted inspirational romances on the market. The Asian-American elements made me feel like I was on a short-term international mission trip and I got to spend a week living with one Christian girl and her family of non-Believers. IMHO, every Caucasian-American-Christian woman should experience that a world exists outside her must-stay-safe-in-my-church-and-outta-the-world mentality.
If you'd like to get to know Camy and her other work, check her out at her loft.
http://www.camytang.com/
When Camy asked me to join her blog tour, I though "kewl" 'cause I'd never been on a tour before...unless the one of our nation's Capitol building counts. And then there was that one of the Pentagon, and the one of Appomattox Courthouse, and the one of Berkley Plantation, and the one of...okay, I've done a few other tours. Don't hassle me. I've got five kids and short-term memory loss or maybe it's long-term.
Anyhoo, I happily agreed to play Blog Tour. Then I got scared. Me give a book review? I've never done an official book review before, nor do/did I have any idea on really how to do one, but I figured to make me sound more book-reviewer-like, I ought to intersperse quotes here and there and maybe even use a big word.
"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book - I'll waste no time reading it."~Moses Hadas
ONLY UNI by Camy Tang is the second inspirational romance in her Sushi Series published by Zondervan. Her first book, SUSHI FOR ONE?, introduces many of the characters we see in ONLY UNI, but you don't have to read the first book to enjoy the second. Although if you are buying two, why not buy one also?
SUSHI FOR ONE? is a great read. Loved it!
ONLY UNI not only meets the quality of book one, it exceeds it. Loved it too! Actually, I'd have to say I loved it more because I could relate more to Trish than to Lex. Nothing against Lex 'cause she's a fabu heroine too.
"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it."~Groucho Marx
This is where I say something official book-reviewer sounding...in Camy's own words, of course.
Synopsis: Trish Sakai is ready for a change from her wild, flirtatious behavior, so she creates three rules to follow from First and Second Corinthians. But with a persistent ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous coworker in pursuit, suddenly Trish’s simple rules don’t seem so simple after all.
Trish is a fabulous heroine. In the first chapter, Camy immediately establishes who Trish is and the struggles she deals with, so that when Trish comes up with her Corinthian Rules, I completely empathized with her desperation to change her life. But good intentions don't always make wise choices. As Trish balances her "rules" in relation to real life, she learns a valuable lesson, one many unmarried and dating woman should learn.
Almost ten years ago, I read REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers, a book many consider to be THE premier inspirational romance. Me, I think it's predictable and cliched, but that's a whole 'nutter book review.
Trish Sakai isn't a prostitute like Angel. A girl doesn't have to sell her body for cash to be one. Far too many women sell their bodies in exchange for what they thik is love, acceptance, trust, and a new pair of shoes. But through the obstacle course of good intentions, loony family members, embarrassing moments, and equally painful ones, Trish discovers the true redeeming love found in her Savior and in the man who her Savior gracefully gives to her. Nothing predictable or cliched.
"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."~Mark Twain
As a reader, I loved the characters, plot twists, and emotional involvement in ONLY UNI. Hey, she gets the guy. Gotta love that!
As a writer, I savored the characters, plot twists and emotional involvement in ONLY UNI. This novel is one of the most well written and crafted inspirational romances on the market. The Asian-American elements made me feel like I was on a short-term international mission trip and I got to spend a week living with one Christian girl and her family of non-Believers. IMHO, every Caucasian-American-Christian woman should experience that a world exists outside her must-stay-safe-in-my-church-and-outta-the-world mentality.
If you'd like to get to know Camy and her other work, check her out at her loft.
http://www.camytang.com/
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Camy Tang is hot!
I'm reading her news Asian-American inspirational chick-lit. Oh. My. :-) Tomorrow I'll post a book review. When I grow up, I wanna write like Camy. In a me-kinda way. Okay, so today while taking my oldest chitlin to school, we got to talking about spelling and vocabulary.
Him:: Spelling is pointless because we have spellcheckers.
Me:: Amen. I've always thought spelling was over-rated. Too bad Bill Gates can't develop a typochecker 'cause I really need one.
Him:: Really? Why?
Me:: Yesterday I did a blog over at Seekerville and I spelled their "they're" instead of "their."
Him:: That had to be embarrassing.
Me:: I freely admit spelling isn't my spiritual gift.
Him:: Vocabulary is pointless too.
Me:: Oh no! Vocabulary is VERY pertinent.
Him:: Pertinent?
Me:: Yeah, important. Just don't ask me to spell it.
Him:: Why is vocabulary that big of a deal.
Me:: Well, the smaller your vocabulary pool, the smaller your intellectual appearance.
Him:: Huh?
Me:: Okay. Let's say you're not Jack Bauer, would you rather go into battle with one loaded pistol OR with several loaded pistols, extra bullets, a knife or three, maybe a couple of hand grenades, and mobile phone with unlimited battery life and minutes?
Him:: Your point?
Me:: The more words in your repetroire (sp?), the more weapons at your disposal. If you have a small vocabulary--and especially if you have to use profanity fillers--then you're going to come across as an uneducated individual. The more educated you sound the greater the employment opportunities. Some say the clothes make the man, but I think words make a man too.
Him:: (nodding and clearly pondering my brilliant analysis)
Me:: So did you know "ridiculous" is the new "way cool"?
Him:: Really?
Me:: Yeah. I read it this morning in a newsletter from an agent.
Him:: Yours?
Me:: No, some other agent. So did you know that about "ridiculous"?
Him:: I thought ridiculous was just ridiculous.
Me:: Nope. Of course, I can see how it could mean "way cool" if you said "that's ridiculous awesome." But when I hear ridiculous, I think "just plain silly."
Him:: Why can't a word mean just what it means?
Me:: Good question. This evolution of words is ridiculous in the original sense, of course. I feel the need to carry a dictionary around with me.
Him:: Actually, Mom, many evolved words can be defined in context.
Me pulling into the school parking lot:: That's gay.
Him:: I know.
Me:: Try to learn something today.
Him:: Mom, it's school. The only stuff they teach us there are things we need to know for JEAPORDY.
Me as he's getting out of the car:: Well, at least look like you're interested.
Him:: Spelling is pointless because we have spellcheckers.
Me:: Amen. I've always thought spelling was over-rated. Too bad Bill Gates can't develop a typochecker 'cause I really need one.
Him:: Really? Why?
Me:: Yesterday I did a blog over at Seekerville and I spelled their "they're" instead of "their."
Him:: That had to be embarrassing.
Me:: I freely admit spelling isn't my spiritual gift.
Him:: Vocabulary is pointless too.
Me:: Oh no! Vocabulary is VERY pertinent.
Him:: Pertinent?
Me:: Yeah, important. Just don't ask me to spell it.
Him:: Why is vocabulary that big of a deal.
Me:: Well, the smaller your vocabulary pool, the smaller your intellectual appearance.
Him:: Huh?
Me:: Okay. Let's say you're not Jack Bauer, would you rather go into battle with one loaded pistol OR with several loaded pistols, extra bullets, a knife or three, maybe a couple of hand grenades, and mobile phone with unlimited battery life and minutes?
Him:: Your point?
Me:: The more words in your repetroire (sp?), the more weapons at your disposal. If you have a small vocabulary--and especially if you have to use profanity fillers--then you're going to come across as an uneducated individual. The more educated you sound the greater the employment opportunities. Some say the clothes make the man, but I think words make a man too.
Him:: (nodding and clearly pondering my brilliant analysis)
Me:: So did you know "ridiculous" is the new "way cool"?
Him:: Really?
Me:: Yeah. I read it this morning in a newsletter from an agent.
Him:: Yours?
Me:: No, some other agent. So did you know that about "ridiculous"?
Him:: I thought ridiculous was just ridiculous.
Me:: Nope. Of course, I can see how it could mean "way cool" if you said "that's ridiculous awesome." But when I hear ridiculous, I think "just plain silly."
Him:: Why can't a word mean just what it means?
Me:: Good question. This evolution of words is ridiculous in the original sense, of course. I feel the need to carry a dictionary around with me.
Him:: Actually, Mom, many evolved words can be defined in context.
Me pulling into the school parking lot:: That's gay.
Him:: I know.
Me:: Try to learn something today.
Him:: Mom, it's school. The only stuff they teach us there are things we need to know for JEAPORDY.
Me as he's getting out of the car:: Well, at least look like you're interested.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Contests with inspy categories
Here's some contests for unpublished inspy writers to consider. Oh, and be sure to check the entry deadline. Some are soon.
Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense: Unpublished
Sponsor: Kiss of Death Chapter
Fee: $15-$25
Receipt Deadline: March 15, 2008
Eligibility: not published in book-length fiction
Enter: first 15 pages, synopsis (not judged, 1 page). RS Categories: category, historical, inspirational, mainstream, F&P/TT, ST. Judges: KOD trained. Final Judges: agent and editor, including Patti Steele-Perkins, Allison Lyons, Kelly Harms, Paige Wheeler, Megan McKeever, Kim Whalen, more. Top Prize: Daphne du Maurier Award. FMI, entry form, and rules,.
*12th Annual Dixie First Chapter Contest
Sponsor: Magnolia State Romance Writers
Fee: $25
Postmark Deadline: March 15, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted/published in the last 5 years
Enter: first 25 pages. Categories: contemporary, historical, inspirational, RS, erotic romance, F&P/TT. Judges: published, certified/experienced. Final Judges: editors. Top Prize: special prize. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Penny Boswell,, .
*Touched By Love
Sponsor: Faith, Hope & Love Chapter
Fee: $20-$25
Receipt Deadline: April 1, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted/published by contest deadline, not published in last 3 years
Enter: first 30 pages, synopsis (2 pages, not judged). Inspirational Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical. Judges: unpublished, published. Final Judges: published. Top Prize: editor critique, $100 towards writing expenses. FMI, entry form, and rules,.
{{I'm coordinating the long and short contemporary categories of the Touched by Love contest.}}
*Orange Rose
Sponsor: Orange County Chapter
Fee: $25-$30
Deadline: April 12, 2008
Eligibility: RWA members in good standing, not contracted/published in book-length fiction in last 5 years
Enter: synopsis, chapters (55 pages total max). Categories: contemporary, historical, inspirational, romantic elements, F&P/TT, RS, ST. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Charlotte Lobb,, .
*25th Annual Maggie Awards: Published
Sponsor: Georgia Romance Writers
Fee: $20
Receipt Deadline: May 1, 2008
Eligibility: RWA published authors who meet RWA RITA guidelines
Enter: first print romance novels published and copyrighted between January 1-December 31, 2007. Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical, ST contemporary, F&P, inspirational. Judges: booksellers/librarians. Top Prize: Maggie medallion. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Pam Mantovani, 2173 Indian Shoals Drive, Loganville, GA 30052,, .
TARA 2008
Sponsor: Tampa Area Romance Authors
Fee: $25
Receipt Deadline: May 1, 2008
Eligibility: unpublished, see Web site
Enter: prologue/first chapter (25 pages max). Judges: trained/experienced, published. Categories/Final Judges: series contemporary, Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin; historical, Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester; paranormal, Amy Pierpont, Grand Central; ST, Danielle Poiesz, Pocket; women’s fiction, Lindsay Nouis, NAL; RS, Allison Brandau, Berkley; inspirational, Natalie Hanemann, Thomas Nelson. Top Prize: TARA pendant, certificate. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Anne-Marie Carroll, 5022 Umber Way N, Tampa, FL 33624, or , .
3rd Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest
Sponsor: Southern Louisiana RWA
Fee: $15
Deadline: May 17, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted in book-length fiction by RWA-approved publisher by deadline
Enter: first 5 pages, synopsis (not judged, 1 page). Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, RS, ST contemporary, historical, paranormal, inspirational, romantic elements. Judges: experienced, trained, published, unpublished. Top Prize: top of agent Pam Ahearn’s slush pile with guarantee to be read, certificate, announcement in RWR, posting on SOLA Web site. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to N. Genovese, 237 Pi Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037,, .
25th Annual Maggie Awards: Unpublished
Sponsor: Georgia Romance Writers
Fee: $25-$30
Receipt Deadline: June 2, 2008
Enter: synopsis, ms. (35 pages total max). Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical, ST contemporary, F&P, inspirational. Judges: published. Final Judges: editors. Top Prize: Maggie medallion. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Emily Sewell, 2709 North Hill Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30341,, .
*16th Annual Lone Star Writing Competition
Sponsor: Northwest Houston RWA
Fee: $20-$25
Postmark Deadline: June 6, 2008
Eligibility: not published in category entered, not contracted for 5 years
Enter: first 25 pages. Categories: contemporary series, ST, inspirational, RS, historical, FF&P, YA. Judges: published, unpublished. Final Judges: editor and agent. FMI, entry form, and rules,, .
*Get Your Stiletto In The Door
Sponsor: Chick Lit Writers
Fee: $20-$25
E-Deadline: June 15, 2008
Eligibility: unpublished, published not eligible for PAN status
Enter: first 35 pages, synopsis (5 pages max). Chick Lit Categories: classic/lady, thrill, paranormal, inspirational, YA. Judges: published, PRO, trained. Final Judges: agent and editor TBA. FMI, entry form, and rules,.
Heart of the Rockies 2008
Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers
Fee: $25-$30
E-Deadline: June 15, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted/published in romance fiction as of June 15
Enter: first chapters, synopsis (35 pages total max). Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, RS, ST contemporary, historical, F&P/TT, inspirational, romantic elements, spicy. Judges: trained. Final Judge: agent/editor, see Web site. Top Prize: engraved plaque, $25. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Rena Marks,, .
13th Annual Golden Rose: Unpublished
Sponsor: Rose City Romance Writers
Fee: $30-$35
E-Entry Deadline: August 3, 2008
Eligibility: GH criteria
Enter: pages, synopsis (55 pages total max). Categories: historical, inspirational, suspense, paranormal, short & long contemporary, mainstream, ST, YA. Judges: published. Final Judges: agents, editors TBA. Top Prize: 24K gold dipped rose. FMI, entry form, and rules,, .
*Open to Published Authors
Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense: Unpublished
Sponsor: Kiss of Death Chapter
Fee: $15-$25
Receipt Deadline: March 15, 2008
Eligibility: not published in book-length fiction
Enter: first 15 pages, synopsis (not judged, 1 page). RS Categories: category, historical, inspirational, mainstream, F&P/TT, ST. Judges: KOD trained. Final Judges: agent and editor, including Patti Steele-Perkins, Allison Lyons, Kelly Harms, Paige Wheeler, Megan McKeever, Kim Whalen, more. Top Prize: Daphne du Maurier Award. FMI, entry form, and rules,
*12th Annual Dixie First Chapter Contest
Sponsor: Magnolia State Romance Writers
Fee: $25
Postmark Deadline: March 15, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted/published in the last 5 years
Enter: first 25 pages. Categories: contemporary, historical, inspirational, RS, erotic romance, F&P/TT. Judges: published, certified/experienced. Final Judges: editors. Top Prize: special prize. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Penny Boswell,
*Touched By Love
Sponsor: Faith, Hope & Love Chapter
Fee: $20-$25
Receipt Deadline: April 1, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted/published by contest deadline, not published in last 3 years
Enter: first 30 pages, synopsis (2 pages, not judged). Inspirational Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical. Judges: unpublished, published. Final Judges: published. Top Prize: editor critique, $100 towards writing expenses. FMI, entry form, and rules,
{{I'm coordinating the long and short contemporary categories of the Touched by Love contest.}}
*Orange Rose
Sponsor: Orange County Chapter
Fee: $25-$30
Deadline: April 12, 2008
Eligibility: RWA members in good standing, not contracted/published in book-length fiction in last 5 years
Enter: synopsis, chapters (55 pages total max). Categories: contemporary, historical, inspirational, romantic elements, F&P/TT, RS, ST. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Charlotte Lobb,
*25th Annual Maggie Awards: Published
Sponsor: Georgia Romance Writers
Fee: $20
Receipt Deadline: May 1, 2008
Eligibility: RWA published authors who meet RWA RITA guidelines
Enter: first print romance novels published and copyrighted between January 1-December 31, 2007. Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical, ST contemporary, F&P, inspirational. Judges: booksellers/librarians. Top Prize: Maggie medallion. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Pam Mantovani, 2173 Indian Shoals Drive, Loganville, GA 30052,
TARA 2008
Sponsor: Tampa Area Romance Authors
Fee: $25
Receipt Deadline: May 1, 2008
Eligibility: unpublished, see Web site
Enter: prologue/first chapter (25 pages max). Judges: trained/experienced, published. Categories/Final Judges: series contemporary, Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin; historical, Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester; paranormal, Amy Pierpont, Grand Central; ST, Danielle Poiesz, Pocket; women’s fiction, Lindsay Nouis, NAL; RS, Allison Brandau, Berkley; inspirational, Natalie Hanemann, Thomas Nelson. Top Prize: TARA pendant, certificate. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Anne-Marie Carroll, 5022 Umber Way N, Tampa, FL 33624,
3rd Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest
Sponsor: Southern Louisiana RWA
Fee: $15
Deadline: May 17, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted in book-length fiction by RWA-approved publisher by deadline
Enter: first 5 pages, synopsis (not judged, 1 page). Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, RS, ST contemporary, historical, paranormal, inspirational, romantic elements. Judges: experienced, trained, published, unpublished. Top Prize: top of agent Pam Ahearn’s slush pile with guarantee to be read, certificate, announcement in RWR, posting on SOLA Web site. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to N. Genovese, 237 Pi Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037,
25th Annual Maggie Awards: Unpublished
Sponsor: Georgia Romance Writers
Fee: $25-$30
Receipt Deadline: June 2, 2008
Enter: synopsis, ms. (35 pages total max). Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical, ST contemporary, F&P, inspirational. Judges: published. Final Judges: editors. Top Prize: Maggie medallion. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Emily Sewell, 2709 North Hill Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30341,
*16th Annual Lone Star Writing Competition
Sponsor: Northwest Houston RWA
Fee: $20-$25
Postmark Deadline: June 6, 2008
Eligibility: not published in category entered, not contracted for 5 years
Enter: first 25 pages. Categories: contemporary series, ST, inspirational, RS, historical, FF&P, YA. Judges: published, unpublished. Final Judges: editor and agent. FMI, entry form, and rules,
*Get Your Stiletto In The Door
Sponsor: Chick Lit Writers
Fee: $20-$25
E-Deadline: June 15, 2008
Eligibility: unpublished, published not eligible for PAN status
Enter: first 35 pages, synopsis (5 pages max). Chick Lit Categories: classic/lady, thrill, paranormal, inspirational, YA. Judges: published, PRO, trained. Final Judges: agent and editor TBA. FMI, entry form, and rules,
Heart of the Rockies 2008
Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers
Fee: $25-$30
E-Deadline: June 15, 2008
Eligibility: not contracted/published in romance fiction as of June 15
Enter: first chapters, synopsis (35 pages total max). Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, RS, ST contemporary, historical, F&P/TT, inspirational, romantic elements, spicy. Judges: trained. Final Judge: agent/editor, see Web site. Top Prize: engraved plaque, $25. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Rena Marks,
13th Annual Golden Rose: Unpublished
Sponsor: Rose City Romance Writers
Fee: $30-$35
E-Entry Deadline: August 3, 2008
Eligibility: GH criteria
Enter: pages, synopsis (55 pages total max). Categories: historical, inspirational, suspense, paranormal, short & long contemporary, mainstream, ST, YA. Judges: published. Final Judges: agents, editors TBA. Top Prize: 24K gold dipped rose. FMI, entry form, and rules,
*Open to Published Authors
Seekerville Bloogging
Hey, I'm guest blogging today over at Seekerville. Come check out my brilliance...and typos.
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
I am a watch
Okay, so as hubby and our oldest headed out the door this morning for work and school, I got to thinking about how it is God speaks to us in such amazing ways. He knows what we need to hear even if we don't know what we need to hear. Of course, sometimes God doesn't speak, but that's a Charles Stanley sermon I heard a couple weeks ago and fits my dog-napping-serial-killer story that I haven't written yet.
I wanted to write it, but after an editor requested a partial on my Victorian AND my Civil War story, I had to put that book idea aside (and all the research I'd started) and revise the first three chapters of the latter story. Needless to say, I struggled this past weekend on understanding my heroine and her spiritual plight. Sunday morning, God opened my ears to hearing the answers. How did He know I needed to hear those things when I didn't know I needed to hear them? The pastor's sermon and Sunday School speaker were already prepared/scheduled before my struggle began.
Anyhoo, as I was pondering this, I sat on the sofa and grabbed my Bible. Interesting passage that I opened to. Ezekiel. Can't say he's one of my go-to prophets.
Chapter One, verse one and two
"Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year in the fourth month on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was upon him there."
Now the passage goes to explain Ez's vision.
But what struck me isn't what he saw, but rather the specificness of things. 30th year, 4th month, 5th day. By the river. Ez knew exactly where he was and when it was when God spoke. Interesting that it was just the fifth day. Not "on this uber-holy of days." Just an ordinary day.
An ordinary day that Ez wasn't so focused with other things that he didn't have the time to notice that the heavens had opened. Makes me wonder if Ez lived a life waiting for God to speak. He was prepared. He looked for God. He wanted to see, hear, taste, touch, feel God.
How many times in the gospels is Jesus' recorded as saying "let him who has ears hear"?
Yeah, I know sometimes God doesn't speak. Did I mention I have a fabulous Charles Stanley sermon on that? Generally I think God is revealing Himself and the giving us the answers we seek, yet too many times we have our ears covered and eyes closed. Or we're thinking that God doesn't want to be bothered with our "trivial" things.
Sometimes I think we try to wittle God down to what we can understand.
Last week my kids (okay, the oldest three) and I were talking. Daughter Jerah, 10, said something about the earth being millions of years old because that's what her teacher says.
I countered with "That's what they teach you in school, but according to the Bible, the earth isn't but about 10,000 years old, give or take a thousand years."
8-year-old son Jadan said, "But the earth looks older."
13-yr-old son Matthew said, "God created Adam to look like a 30-yr-old man. Don't you think He could create the earth to look as old or young as He wanted? Why would God create a 'baby' Earth, when He could create a fully mature one?"
Jadan stopped eating his food. "Who created God?"
"No one," I said. "God wasn't created. He always existed, then one day He decided to make a planet of people."
"I just don't understand how God could always exist," Jadan answered. "Everything has a creator 'cause things don't pop outta nowhere."
Even at 8, Jadan's trying to wittle God down into something he can understand because he needs to feel like he understands. I do the same. And what a waste of brainpower. How can my finite mind grasp a infinite being? It's like a watch trying to understand the watchmaker.
I wanted to write it, but after an editor requested a partial on my Victorian AND my Civil War story, I had to put that book idea aside (and all the research I'd started) and revise the first three chapters of the latter story. Needless to say, I struggled this past weekend on understanding my heroine and her spiritual plight. Sunday morning, God opened my ears to hearing the answers. How did He know I needed to hear those things when I didn't know I needed to hear them? The pastor's sermon and Sunday School speaker were already prepared/scheduled before my struggle began.
Anyhoo, as I was pondering this, I sat on the sofa and grabbed my Bible. Interesting passage that I opened to. Ezekiel. Can't say he's one of my go-to prophets.
Chapter One, verse one and two
"Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year in the fourth month on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was upon him there."
Now the passage goes to explain Ez's vision.
But what struck me isn't what he saw, but rather the specificness of things. 30th year, 4th month, 5th day. By the river. Ez knew exactly where he was and when it was when God spoke. Interesting that it was just the fifth day. Not "on this uber-holy of days." Just an ordinary day.
An ordinary day that Ez wasn't so focused with other things that he didn't have the time to notice that the heavens had opened. Makes me wonder if Ez lived a life waiting for God to speak. He was prepared. He looked for God. He wanted to see, hear, taste, touch, feel God.
How many times in the gospels is Jesus' recorded as saying "let him who has ears hear"?
Yeah, I know sometimes God doesn't speak. Did I mention I have a fabulous Charles Stanley sermon on that? Generally I think God is revealing Himself and the giving us the answers we seek, yet too many times we have our ears covered and eyes closed. Or we're thinking that God doesn't want to be bothered with our "trivial" things.
Sometimes I think we try to wittle God down to what we can understand.
Last week my kids (okay, the oldest three) and I were talking. Daughter Jerah, 10, said something about the earth being millions of years old because that's what her teacher says.
I countered with "That's what they teach you in school, but according to the Bible, the earth isn't but about 10,000 years old, give or take a thousand years."
8-year-old son Jadan said, "But the earth looks older."
13-yr-old son Matthew said, "God created Adam to look like a 30-yr-old man. Don't you think He could create the earth to look as old or young as He wanted? Why would God create a 'baby' Earth, when He could create a fully mature one?"
Jadan stopped eating his food. "Who created God?"
"No one," I said. "God wasn't created. He always existed, then one day He decided to make a planet of people."
"I just don't understand how God could always exist," Jadan answered. "Everything has a creator 'cause things don't pop outta nowhere."
Even at 8, Jadan's trying to wittle God down into something he can understand because he needs to feel like he understands. I do the same. And what a waste of brainpower. How can my finite mind grasp a infinite being? It's like a watch trying to understand the watchmaker.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Dawn Mansfield--guest blogger!
My older sister has...let's say "issues" with my blogging routine and failure to give her credit when credit is due. So to honor her wishes, I've allowed her to guest blog. Enjoy!
Oh, BTW, we've been chatting about Britney Spears and how a local talk radio host has a death watch on her. While guessing the day of Britney's demise seems cold, cruel, and heartless, the reality is if anyone in Hollywood should be on a death watch, it's her. I haven't picked a day because I've been praying God gets a hold of Britney.
http://www.wrva.com/cc-common/globalcontestfinder.html?contest=24951
And Dawn's comments about autobiographies comes because she's been reading a ton of them. Amy Grant--thumbs down, Sandy Patti--thumbs up, Michael English--thumbs up, Phil Vischer (Veggie Tales creator)--thumbs up. So here's Dawn...
~*~
Here's my thoughts on Barak HUSSEIN (if you don't like it CHANGE it) O-BA-MA (read this as Forrest Gump would say it), Barak is a motivational speaker -- not a presidential candidate. He should stick to motivational speaking (since he talks in circles). He'd make million$. Then he can buy health insurance for everybody. woohoo Oprah has millions (maybe billions) let her buy health insurance. Now there's a solution for the "health insurance" crisis. Think about all the money Barak's campaign has raised for an unqualified presidential candidate the think about all the what he could have done with that money to support is universal health cause: donated $$$$ to clinics or set up a foundation to help pay medical care for un-insured or under-insured.
Another biography to checkout: My Grandfather's Son by Clarence Thomas. Maybe Barak should read this.
I'm attempting to read William Wilberforce biography by E. Metaxas. Not get very far before I'm ZZZZZZZ.
D
Robert and I are watching AI2-rewind. Clay's the bomb. Ruben overrated. Carmen yodel-verbrato-weary. Trenyce can sang. Kimberly C. better than I remember. Ricky & Olivia left too soon. Josh G. worse than I remember (fake country accent-boy's from Michigan). Kim L how did she come in 3rd.
Don't know what to think of AI7's lot. Simon extra-cranky. That's what one gets when one sets expectations too high.
I'm happy for Britney -- bless her heart. Yeah, Dad! Now take her away for Hollywood Hell.
Give her some Louisiana therapy.
Some links to check out:
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000006659.cfm
Watch this youtube. It's disgusting. Shame on Barak.
http://toddpruitt.blogspot.com/2008/02/aborting-black-babies.html
Oh, BTW, we've been chatting about Britney Spears and how a local talk radio host has a death watch on her. While guessing the day of Britney's demise seems cold, cruel, and heartless, the reality is if anyone in Hollywood should be on a death watch, it's her. I haven't picked a day because I've been praying God gets a hold of Britney.
http://www.wrva.com/cc-common/globalcontestfinder.html?contest=24951
And Dawn's comments about autobiographies comes because she's been reading a ton of them. Amy Grant--thumbs down, Sandy Patti--thumbs up, Michael English--thumbs up, Phil Vischer (Veggie Tales creator)--thumbs up. So here's Dawn...
~*~
Here's my thoughts on Barak HUSSEIN (if you don't like it CHANGE it) O-BA-MA (read this as Forrest Gump would say it), Barak is a motivational speaker -- not a presidential candidate. He should stick to motivational speaking (since he talks in circles). He'd make million$. Then he can buy health insurance for everybody. woohoo Oprah has millions (maybe billions) let her buy health insurance. Now there's a solution for the "health insurance" crisis. Think about all the money Barak's campaign has raised for an unqualified presidential candidate the think about all the what he could have done with that money to support is universal health cause: donated $$$$ to clinics or set up a foundation to help pay medical care for un-insured or under-insured.
Another biography to checkout: My Grandfather's Son by Clarence Thomas. Maybe Barak should read this.
I'm attempting to read William Wilberforce biography by E. Metaxas. Not get very far before I'm ZZZZZZZ.
D
Robert and I are watching AI2-rewind. Clay's the bomb. Ruben overrated. Carmen yodel-verbrato-weary. Trenyce can sang. Kimberly C. better than I remember. Ricky & Olivia left too soon. Josh G. worse than I remember (fake country accent-boy's from Michigan). Kim L how did she come in 3rd.
Don't know what to think of AI7's lot. Simon extra-cranky. That's what one gets when one sets expectations too high.
I'm happy for Britney -- bless her heart. Yeah, Dad! Now take her away for Hollywood Hell.
Give her some Louisiana therapy.
Some links to check out:
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000006659.cfm
Watch this youtube. It's disgusting. Shame on Barak.
http://toddpruitt.blogspot.com/2008/02/aborting-black-babies.html
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Easter is coming!
Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!).
And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:
1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!).
And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:
1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
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