Alaska-Day 4-Hubbard Glacier

It's hard to imagine something this massive and beautiful.

These pictures don't do this glacier justice, but trust me when I say it was an amazing experience seeing this creation of God.

The picture with the people standing on the deck of the boat gives some semblence as to how massive this glacier is. We got really close to the glacier and the captain of the ship turned the ship in a circle for about 45 minutes so no matter where you were on the boat you got a really good view of the glacier.
We had absolutely beautiful weather. The sun was out. The temps were a little chilly, but nothing a sweatshirt and a hat oculdn't handle.
This was truly a dream vacation for me. Between the friends, family, scenery, weather and all other aspects I don't see how it could have been better.
Now my dream is to go back to Alaska. But not on a cruise. I couldn't nor do I want to replicate that dream, but I want to go landing. Rather seeing Alaska by land.
I'm looking at 2010 for another dream to come true, but we'll see.

PS..I'm checking the Juneau website every week to see what's going on and how expensive transportation is to the city.

Where is your dream vacation located? In the US? Over seas somewhere?

Alaska-Day Two-Icy Straight Point

The first stop we made was in Icy Straight Point. A very small town of about 876 people. There is one school all the kids go to. The town is very beautiful and scenic. Mountain and water combine for a great view no matter where you look.



There was a very cool nature trail that we walked. It wasn't very long, but it was beautiful and full of shades of green we just don't see here in the Southeast United State.



After being in Seattle and now Alaska I've decided I'm somewhat partial to the Northwest portion of the US. There is a crispness, clearness, I don't really know how to describe it, that envelopes me when I'm there. Maybe it's just because it's so different from where I am normally.

I'm already looking into another trip to Alaska. Not a cruise because we had such awesome weather and such a great time I know nothing could top it. But I would like to go back to Juneau and stay. Wait until I post some of those pics! Wow.

New Month, New Pics, New News!!

Well it's July. A new month!

I have news and pics. News first. My manuscript, This Crazy Love I Never Expected is a finalist in the TARA Writing Contest.

And now for some vacation details and and pics!
We went on a cruise to Alaska. We started in Seattle for a great visit with my brother, then made our way via Amtrak to Vancouver where we boarded a boat with 10 friends and family. We had fun! Alaska is THE PLACE TO BE in the summer. Fabulous weather.

Here is my hubby and his brother and his wife. We have just arrived on the boat and are waiting to set sail.


A view from the boat leaving Vancouver. Beautiful scenery.

Will post more later.

How Many Books Can You Read At A Time?

Do you like to read? I love it. I read a lot of different genres. And I've started doing something I've never done before.
I can read two or three books at a time. Yep. I can and I do.
Usually they are different type of books, and whatever I'm in the mood for I pick that one up. Then the next day I may pick up the other one. It's really a different type of thing for me. I never used to be able to do this. It would drive me crazy.

I'm also working on a writing a couple of books. But that's harder for me to switch back and forth. I'm basically working on one, but have started another one to enter in a contest. That story idea has really progressed, but I'm putting it aside until I finish the other story. If ideas come for the second story I'll jot them down in my trusty notebook and keep on plugging away until the finish of previous said wip.

What about you? Can you read two books at the same time? If you write, can you work on more than one story at a time?

Read Me Please!!!!

I had to share today's devotion. It's from Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray.
June 5:
Faith
Don't be afraid, just believe. Mark 5:36

How simple, yet complex.

But it's true. We don't have to be afraid. We can just believe. Not that all of life is going to go well. Not that there won't be things that break our hearts. Not that you won't have a bad day, or a flat out mad day. But there is a hope. There is an underlying joy at the base of these not going well, breaking our heart, bad, mad days.
Jesus.
Don't be afraid, just believe.

Monday on F.A.I.T.H.

We're being creative over at F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. Come on over and be creative with us

Drive-Ins----Fun!!!

My daughter and her fiance went out with another couple last night. They went to the Drive-In. How fun!! I pretty much had forgotten about the venue. When I was in high-school we used to go all the time, but I honestly didn't know if they still existed.
I'm glad to find out they do.
With all the high gas prices and technology it's refreshing to know something of the past is still in existence, and that the younger generation is enjoying it.

What about you? Do you have a Drive-In around you? Have you been lately? Would you like to go?

F.A.I.T.H.

We're talking about how to stick with it Monday on F.A.I.T.H. Come and visit with us!!

TBL Finalist!!!!!!

I just received news that my manuscript This Crazy Love I Never Expected is a finalist in the Faith, Hope and Love chapter of RWA's annual Touched By Love contest.

I'm thrilled with this news. The winners will be announced at the Faith, Hope and Love one day conference in July. It's in San Francisco this year in conjunction with the RWA National Conference. I won't be able to attend, but I'll be anxiously awaiting a phone call to see where my manuscript placed.

Emotions on F.A.I.T.H.

We're talking about emotion over at F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. Come and visit and talk about your favorite characters and books.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers day!!!

Mothers are very special people. Today is the day we celebrate the women in our lives that have impacted us in a postive and loving way. Don't forget to tell those special women how important they are to you.

F.A.I.T.H.

We're talking about American Idol on F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. Come visit and check it out!

Missy's Sale

Just had to announce that my cp and friend Missy Tippens had sold another book to Steeple Hill!! I'm so thrilled for her. She reworked this book and they really liked it. Missy has great revision skills. I look at my work and think, "it's the only way this can happen." I need to learn from her.

Congratulations Missy!!!!

Today is our anniversary! Happy eight years.

I'm so blessed to have my very own hero.

Love you, Lenny!!

F.A.I.T.H. on Monday

Click on over to F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. We are talking about finding the true core of your writing. What your story is about at heart.
If you're a reader, you can post about what type of story you LOVE to read.

Plotting on F.A.I.T.H.

Check out F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. We're talking plotting over there. Or non-plotting.

Congratulations to Mindy!

A big congratulations goes out to Mindy. She won the drawing for Healing Promises by Amy Wallace.

Again, thank you Amy for joining us and a big thank you and hello to all who visited.

Healing Promises-Amy Wallace

I'd like to introduce to you Amy Wallace, Rita Award Nominee for Ransomed Dreams.
Today we are talking about her second book, Healing Promises which will be available April 15th. I'll be drawing for a free copy tomorrow morning. So leave a comment today and check back to see if you are the lucky one to receive this great book.

I had the privilege of asking Amy a few questions.

Belinda: What was the biggest difference in writing Ransomed Dreams, then Healing Promises?

Amy: When I first wrote Ransomed Dreams, I knew nothing and had a ball just getting the story on the page. I also had a number of years to hone my craft and then rewrite the story under the guidance of my incredible editor.

Writing Healing Promises was done with a great deal more knowledge of the publishing world and skills needed for writing well. It was also written during a time of intense physical pain and spiritual searching. Due to all that, it was less than a thrill ride. But the experience taught me even more how to cling to God when storms hit full force.


Belinda: Did you prepare differently for writing Healing Promises?

Amy: For all three books in the Defenders of Hope series, tons of hours went into research, praying and laying out the stories. But Healing Promises dipped deeper into my heart and many of the issues believers struggle with when life hurts. I had to open up a lot more and pour myself out onto the page—and I thought I poured out all I had with Ransomed Dreams! But God is so faithful to fill us up and give us exactly what we need to tell stories that will touch hearts.

Belinda: Is there any advice you can give to those who write romantic suspense on how to balance the suspense with the romance and let the two compliment each other?

Amy: My advice for any type of writing is to let who God is and who you are flow through your fingers. That’s the uniqueness each writer brings to the table.

In terms of writing romantic suspense, there are a few basics to make both plot threads believable and cohesive. First, I’d suggest not writing a kiss scene in the midst of the hero and heroine being chased by some deranged antagonist. When/ if they do kiss, make it count and have it happen at a time and place that are believable. That’s not to say they can’t kiss in the midst of what appears to be a dangerous situation. Dee Henderson did a masterful job of that in The Guardian.

Another important thing a romantic suspense author can do is fully research their story. There are a ton of ideas tucked away in good research. Read biographies about and talk to people in your character’s professions. Some folks I’ve interviewed have shared great ideas for bringing together the suspense and romance plots just by telling stories of their lives.

And lastly, I’d say really getting to know your characters is one of the best ways to blend the romance and suspense well. Pray about each character’s basic lie. What do they believe about themselves? They’re unlovable? They’re not good enough? And also find out what do they want most or hope with everything in them won’t happen. Knowing these things about your characters will enable you to write them well. Praying about them will help you see what God wants to do through your story to touch hearts.

Wow!

Amy has shared valuable insights with us today. And not just about writing. Search your heart for what God would have you write. He has gifted Amy with the ability to put on paper what she has gleamed from Him into fiction that leaves us breathless and satisfied at the same time.

Remember, leave a comment to be eligible for a free copy of Healing Promises.

Thank you Amy for sharing so much with us.
PS--You HAVE to visit Heart Chocolate below----it's one of the coolest websites I've ever seen. Check it out and see if you agree.


Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter
Heart Chocolate
Ransomed Dreams--Buy Now!
Healing Promises--Buy Now!
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter

F.A.I.T.H. Today

We're talking about the story that won't let you go over on F.A.I.T.H. today. Check it out!

And Friday I have the priviledge of interviewing Rita Nominee Amy Wallace. Her upcoming novel Healing Promises debuts this month. Come back and visit on Friday!! Check out Amy here!

It's Only April 5th

I had a migraine on Tuesday and a grandson born on Wednesday---so I spent Thursday and Friday doing all I didn't do Tuesday and Wednesday.
How's that for excuses?

Can you claim you didn't blog because you had a migraine and a grandson being born?

Didn't think so!

But really----Tyler was born Wednesday morning. Mom and son are doing well. Everybody's home and settling in. We are going visiting today. Can't wait to hold little Tyler again.

You are familiar with the saying "time flies." And when you are young, you think everything moves so slow. I literally need a few more hours in the day to keep up with what's going on. But I know that's not going to happen. (There will always only be 24 hours in a day)

So enjoy your 24 hours---See you next week!