Contest - Tekeme Studios & Mary DeMuth

Tekeme Studios is running a contest to help author, Mary E. DeMuth. There are 3 ways to win.

1. Prize - A Free Basic Website or Blog

Visit Tekeme Studios blog at www.tekemestudios.blogspot.com for the details on this prize and how to enter.

2. 50% off any Web site package or 75% off any blog package.

A) Purchase a copy of Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture: Practical Help Shaping Your Children's Hearts, Minds, and Souls by Mary E. DeMuth.

http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Parenting-Postmodern-Culture-Practical/dp/0736918620/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218551000&sr=8-1

B) Send Tekeme Studios the receipt via email or mail.

C) You receive the discount!

3. Win a copy of Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture: Practical Help for Shaping Your Children's Hearts, Minds, and Souls by Mary E. DeMuth.

A) Post a comment on someone's blog who is running the contest. Your name can be entered up to 10 times, depending on how many blogs you comment on.

B) PLUS, everyone who posts the contest on their blog will be entered to receive a copy.

CONTEST ENDS AUGUST 29, 2008

He Watches Over Me - Part I

When I was growing up, "My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me," was a popular Christian song. During the Philadelphia conference, I witnessed my Heavenly Father take care of me down to the last detail.

My prayers concerning the conference included that all transportation matters would be resolved, that I'd find favor with God and man, and that the Lord would bring about divine connections with other people. Below is a sampling of the magnificent way He orchestrated the answers to my petitions.

Transportation - No problem -- or so I thought. I planned to commute via my car. A friend asked if she could ride along with me because she wasn't sure how to get there. I looked forward to spending time with her.

A problem with her leg caused her to re-think her plans. She would follow me in her car. This way, she could leave early or rest in the car if necessary.

Two days before the conference, my car was making noises. I don't like noises. A quick trip to the mechanic confirmed my brakes were on their way out. It was too close to the conference to have the repairs done, so an appointment was made for the following Tuesday (tomorrow). I prayed about the matter, and told the Lord I trusted Him to get me to the conference safely.

My friend arrived Thursday morning. My car was already packed and ready to go. When I greeted her, she asked me if I'd like to ride with her. She had no prior knowledge of my predicament. She had a navigator and I didn't have to drive my brake-challenged car.

Another benefit of this arrangement was unexpected. While I feel strong day-to-day, the conference is fast-paced. I was ready to drop by Thursday night. The drive would have taxed my strength even further.

Since my friend lives in Delaware, it made sense for her to go straight home from the conference. This meant I'd have to drive on Saturday. Friday at lunch, a woman sat at our table. We discovered she lives close to me. Arrangements were made, and I soon had a ride home for Saturday.

I'd like to tell you more about how the Lord blessed me during the conference, but this post is getting too long. Check out Part II on Wednesday.

Friday Round-Up - #9

I'm waiting for my ride to the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference, so this will be a short post. We're enjoying the experience. I'll be blogging on what I've learned, the folks I've met, and the blessings of the Lord.

For a couple of fabulous writing ezines, take a look at:

www.spiritledwriter.com

www.christianfictiononline.com

Have a great weekend!

What's In A Name?

I started off in life as Susan Joyce. Of course, a huge number of other girls in my generation also had mothers, who were in love with the name. There were at least 3 other kids in my class with the same name. The teacher resorted to calling us by our first name and last initial. Not exactly a way to stand out from the crowd.

My family promptly designated "Susie" as my nickname. While "Susie" is cute and appropriate for a 4-year-old darling, I felt a bit silly as a young adult.

Susannah Joyce was used only by my mother. When I heard that name, I knew I was in deep trouble. This is when I wrote my Last Will and Testament.

At some point, I began using "Sue." Perhaps it was the Sue Barton book series about a nurse, which triggered this choice. The shortened version of my name impressed me as sophisticated and grown up.

Of course, I've suffered through some horrific renderings of my name, Susie-Q being the most common. then there was (and please don't tell a soul about this one) Suz-a-la. Shudder. One recent nickname, which I put the brakes on immediately, was Suzinator. For some unknown reason, this reminded me of a refrigerator. Ick. Please do not torment me with these ugly derivatives of my name.

I'm now back to Susan, and using the middle initial "J." You wouldn't think it, but there are other Susan Reinhardt's out there. Fancy that. Except for an occasional, "Suze," used primarily by my dear uncle and my best friend, I'm back to using the name I was given as a newborn.

Naming your characters is as important as naming your children. Some people want unusual monikers, while others like classical or Biblical names. An author friend used names directly related to her characters' personalities.

So before you go with Dick and Jane, check out some baby name sites. If you're writing a historical novel, see what names were popular during that timeframe. Your readers and characters will thank you.

My Favorite Things

The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies. I know all the songs, including the one about my favorite things. Below is a short list of things that bring a smile to my face and happiness to my heart.

1. Time spent with the Lord. Before I get out of bed each day, I try to journal, read my Bible, and pray. Oh, I'm not perfect. I do miss a day here and there, but the lack is always apparent, not only in my life, but also in my writing. It's like I've forgotten to brush my teeth or comb my hair. Something's missing.

2. Time with family and friends is precious. After my beloved husband was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006 and passed away last year, the brevity and fragility of life became a stark reality. Petty annoyances don't seem quite so important anymore. Give the ones you love a big hug.

3. Chocolate. Now, you really didn't think this was going to be all serious stuff, did you? A friend and I once joked that the Lord would have hot chocolate sundaes for dessert at The Marriage Supper of the Lamb because we enjoyed them so much.

Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate makes me swoon. Chocolate cake? I'll drive to your house even at $4.00 per gallon. My motto is: If it isn't chocolate, it's not worth spending the calories.

4. Reading and Writing. It's downright dangerous for me to walk into a Christian Bookstore. And if I have a coupon, get out of my way.

Since embarking on this writing journey, I'm glued to my computer. If I'm not working on my mystery/suspense novel, I'm reading blogs, studying the craft of writing, or communicating with other writers.

5. Antiquing. My LDH (late darling husband) and I enjoyed long rides through the countryside. We'd poke around hole-in-the-wall shops and huge antique malls.

Seeing items I remember from my childhood in a collectibles store always startled me. My Mom still has an adorable cookie jar. It's a puppy wearing a bandanna. I saw matching salt and pepper shakers on one of our expeditions. Only the hefty price kept me from snapping them up. I can only imagine what the cookie jar is worth.

Well, this is supposed to be an abbreviated list. What are some of your favorite things?

Friday Round-Up - #8

The price of gasoline dropped to $3.79.9. This is a welcome change, especially with the writers' conference starting August 7th.

Congratulations to author, Camy Tang, featured on this blog earlier in the week. She announced the sale of a novel to Steeple Hill.

Adams Media, which produces the anthology, A Cup of Comfort, is looking for submissions. You can get details at: www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

Another popular anthology, Chicken Soup For The Soul, is also looking for stories. www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books

For those of you who write poetry, I discovered a site called, Utmost Christian Writers. www.utmostchristianwriters.com/markets/poetry-markets.php

Enjoy your weekend.

Protect Your Computer

I've read a number of blog posts concerning power outage woes. Several years ago, our new computer was nearly destroyed by a daily loss of power. My late husband went to our local office supply store and picked up a battery back-up.

The brand we purchased is the APC Power Chute. Whenever the power goes off even for a few seconds, the battery kicks in so you can power down the computer in a safe manner. The battery lasts about 3 years, so it's economical.

On My Nightstand - Only Uni

Only Uni, by Camy Tang, is a fast-paced novel. Trish Sakai is torn between her cultural roots, her old lifestyle, and a desire to live for Christ. She suffers many highs and lows as life choices and family members challenge her newfound faith.

Camy Tang had me groaning, laughing, and crying as she knitted together a patchwork of inspiration and the growing pains of a baby Christian. I think every believer could relate to Trish's struggles to walk the walk.

If you like a serious subject handled with humor and finesse, you'll enjoy reading Only Uni. To learn more about Camy and her books, visit her blog by clicking the link on my blogroll.

A Writer Goes Home

On July 21, 2008, the Christian writing community bid farewell to one of its own. Author Kristy Dykes (1951-2008) went home to be with the Lord after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. She will be remembered not only for her writing legacy, but also for the grace and faith she displayed throughout her illness.

Our prayers are with her husband, Milton, and her family.

Friday Round-up - #7

Snoopy is one of my favorite Peanuts characters. My cousin sent me a link to a Snoopy dance animation that is adorable. http://www.darkharbor.com/snoopydance/ I don't know what the rest of the website is about, but I recommend this page. Every time I look at it, it makes me smile. Here's another Snoopy link. This one has a history of Snoopy, as well as animations. http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Cottage/9269/ Both kids and adults will get a kick out of these pages.

Writers' Digest has announced is 101 Best Sites. http://www.writersdigest.com/101bestsites/?m_nYear=2008 Check it out for more links.

Have a great weekend!

Reading - Part 3

Hopefully, I've saved the best for last. Woohoo! Four posts this week. I've had a blast.

11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you've shared with them?

Unfortunately, this one doesn't apply to yours truly.

12. What are you reading now?

Song of the Silent Harp by B. J. Hoff

Blink of an Eye - Ted Dekker

Land of My Heart - Traci Peterson

13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?

No, but I have a TBR stack of books. Of course, the CBD Fiction catalog just arrived in the mail. I have quite a few titles circled.

14. What's next?

Widows & Orphans by Susan Meissner

The Hunted by Mike Dellosso

Sunset by Karen Kingsbury (when it comes out the end of September)

Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth

15. What books would you like to reread?

I almost never reread books except for the Bible. Once in a great while, nostalgia hits like my desire to reread "The Doll House." Another exception would be a writing craft book.

16. Who are your favorite authors?

Frank Peretti

Karen Kingsbury

Angela Hunt

Kathryn Mackel

Beverly Lewis

Neta Jackson

...and growing by the day. I told you my taste in books is eclectic. :)

Reading - Part 2

Hi, I'm back with more questions and answers on reading habits. I'm posting an extra day to fit all of them into one week.

6. When do you usually read?

I read my Bible, pray, and journal before I get up in the morning. At night, I try to read for 1 or 2 hours before dozing off.

7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?

Doesn't everyone? Maybe not. In my case, absolutely. I have between 1 and 3 books on my nightstand at any given time. I also keep a book in my desk at work. If I'm working a full day, I'll read during my lunch break.

8. Do you read non-fiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?

With a novel, I'm into the story, so the whole reading thing is more relaxed (unless it's a Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, or Kathryn Mackel book - then I'm biting my nails). If I'm going through a non-fiction book, it requires a deeper level of concentration because there's something I'm supposed to learn.

9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out at the library?

I purchase about 95% of my books from a variety of sources. Occasionally, I'll borrow a book from a friend. A trip to the library is rare due to time constraints. If I hung out at the library, nothing would get done at home. Even going to the Christian bookstore is dangerous. My mother usually comes along, so she can drag me out after a reasonable period of time. ("Oh look, another row of fiction.")

10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?

When I was a child, one of my dreams involved having a room lined with floor-to-ceiling bookcases. While I haven't quite reached that point, I do have a lot of bookcases, and many books. I'll often loan books to friends. I've also donated books to church libraries.

Crystal's blog: http://www.christianbookscout.blogspot.com/. You can check out her answers. She also has an awesome site called, "When I Was Just a Kid." There she interviews authors about their childhood and the experiences which led to a writing career.

I'd love to know about the books you enjoy. If you blog about it, let me know, and I'll give you a plug. You can also leave a comment with a short answer to 1 or 2 questions. We'll finish up this series on Wednesday.

Reading - Part 1

My blogging pal, Crystal Laine Miller, has posted some questions on reading habits and favorite books. I thought it might be fun to give them a whirl here.

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?

I've discussed this at length in a previous post, but here's the short and skinny version. After a rocky start on the road to literacy, I read my first full-length novel called, "The Doll House." The story revolved around an actual doll house with live, miniature people. How cool is that? If I could find it, I'd re-read it. I don't remember the author's name. This was the first book where I was able to see the action in my mind. If anyone knows the author's name or where I could pick up a copy, please leave me a comment.

2. What are some of the books you read as a child?

The Little House on the Prairie series, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Nancy Drew, The Bobbsey Twins, the Sue Barton series (nurses), Cherry Ames (nurses), and On Your Toes Susie to name a few.

For a time, I thought I wanted to be a ballerina or a nurse. It didn't take me long to figure out I was too tall to be a prima ballerina and too afraid of needles to go into nursing. LOL

3. What is your favorite genre?

While I read many genres, my favorite is suspense. The fast pace and plot twists often keep me reading way past my bedtime.

4. Do you have a favorite novel?

No, but Frank Peretti's, "This Present Darkness," comes close. I'm also a big fan of Kathryn Mackel's work.

5. Where do you usually read?

Snuggling in bed with a good book is how I unwind after a busy day. I'll also read in the Employee Lounge during lunch hour when I'm working a full day. Magazine reading is limited to the Laundromat or doctor's office.

Five more questions to go. We'll pick up on Wednesday. If you want to jump in and post these questions on your blog, feel free. Leave a comment with your blog address, and I'll post a link.

Friday Round-Up - #6

According to the news, gas prices are supposed to take a dip. We already have several stations selling the pricey stuff for a tad below $4.00 a gallon. I never thought I'd get excited at finding gas for $3.98.9. For the moment, I've changed my strategy from topping off when I'm down a quarter of a tank to waiting until it reaches just under a half. Since I'm commuting to the Philly Conference, I hope this reprieve lasts at least until mid-August.

Woohoo! Several writers have linked to my blog. Thank you!

I know all of you enjoy discovering writing sites, as well as reading up on the latest book releases. Mike Dellosso launched his book, "The Hunted." Check out his blog: www.mikedellosso.blogspot.com Mike is not only writing about his books, but about his battle with cancer. It's truly inspirational as he opens his heart and reveals his innermost thoughts.

Tekeme Studios is running a contest for a free business card design and 100 cards. Leave a comment on their blog post to enter the drawing. I'm holding off re-doing my business card until after the contest. While online printers and even my own efforts are adequate, George and Ashley's designs best reflect my personal taste. www.tekemestudios.blogspot.com

Have a great weekend!

The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference

Since 2005, I've attended the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers' Conference in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The peaceful campus of Philadelphia Biblical University is the setting for this annual event. It's a golden opportunity to connect with other writers and industry professionals.

Marlene Bagnull, the Director, has a stellar line-up of agents, authors, and editors in celebration of the Conference's 25th anniversary, August 7-9, 2008. James Scott Bell, Lisa Samson, and James Watkins are scheduled to speak at the general meetings. Nine Continuing Sessions feature a range of subjects from marketing to writing a novel people cannot put down. In addition, a choice of individual workshops on the writing craft, marketing, blogging, and the publishing industry round out the class offerings. Editor and agent panels cover such topics as magazines and periodicals, books, writing helps, ask the agents, self-publishing, and will they read on.

As a Christian writer, I've not only found a nurturing community for my skills, but lifelong friendships. When my husband became ill, went to be with the Lord, and I suffered physical problems, they rallied around and supported me in prayer. I've seen the Body of Christ not only in word but in deed.

For more detailed information, visit Marlene's website, http://www.writehisanswer.com/, and click on the Philadelphia Conference. If you decide to attend, let me know in the comments section. I'd enjoy meeting you in person.