Wonderful Read!

It's been a while. Things have been hectic as usual. But I've just finished reading a book that I can't stop thinking about: Courting Morrow Little, by Laura Frantz. The characters, the drama, the beauty of the setting, all resonated deeply within me. I can't stop thinking about the characters.

A romance so beautiful it makes you sigh. A hero, half-Shawnee Indian, half-white that makes you melt. His thoughtfulness, dignity, pride and attention to the heroine, all combine to create the perfect romantic hero.

Laura Frantz starts her story slowly, building each layer of the relationship step by step, until the beauty of the couple's love overtakes you. I could see the scenes playing out in my mind like a movie.

If you have a chance to pick up "Courting Morrow Little", you won't be disappointed.

THICK SKIN

You may or may not know that I'm a aspiring romance writer, unpublished at present, but hoping to one day find my words in print. As part of the learning process, I submit my work to different contests, mostly to receive professional feedback on my work.

Today I received two judges' comments on my latest contest entry, and the extreme dichotomy of their remarks makes me wonder how we writers do what we do. The only way is to develop a very Thick Skin.

Here's why: The first judge loved my entry. Almost every comment she wrote was glowing praise, happy faces, loved this! etc. At the end, she wished me well, and felt this was at a publishable level and she looked forward to reading the rest of my story one day soon. Bubbles of elation, inner happy dances - what every writer wants to hear!

Then I opened the second one. I had a suspicion this one wouldn't be so good, otherwise, I would have been a finalist for sure. Nothing however prepared me for the complete demoralization contained within. Not one good comment. Everything was over-the-top negative. She might as well have told me never to write again. And believe me, if I had been brand new (which she thought I was), and hadn't some contest wins and high placements under my belt, I probably would've quit writing then and there!

How dare someone be so cruel? I have also been on the opposite side of the fence and have judged several contests myself. And, yes, I have had to read some entries that I hated. But I have tried my best to always give some positive feedback first and then give gentle suggestions on improvement. It is not up to me to end the dream of some new writer. No one can ever please all the people. For example, millions of people LOVE Stephen King. I, do not. As a judge, I realize that if I don't care for an entry, someone else will probably love it. So who am I to say this is not a viable story?

A judge's duty is to point out the good and the bad in a professional manner. There is no room for rudeness or cruelty. Most writers I have met on line and in person have a very sensitive side. Most creative people do. To bulldoze someone's dreams is not acceptable.

The only thing left to do is vent (which I'm doing here) and get on with the business of writing. Oh, and maybe stick my tongue out, just to feel better!

To all my fellow aspiring writers, may we lift each other up in encouragement and help heal the wounds of rejection when they come. BOY, DO THEY COME!

Happy Birthday & Prayer Request

Had to stop by and wish my lovely daughter a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! It's almost the exact time she was born, and on the same day, a Monday! What a thrilling day that was for our family - my first child and my mom's first grandchild! I am so grateful that she was born healthy and she's now a very vibrant young woman.

While I'm taking a time out from celebrating with lasagna and cake, I'm thinking of another new mother, Krista, whose little girl Annabelle, is in serious need of prayers. She's had two heart surgeries in her first few weeks of life. I can't imagine how upsetting this is for her parents. So I'm doing as requested and pasting a blog below asking for prayers! Please pass it on if you can.

Dear Lord, Please bless dear little Annabelle and her parents. Give them strength to endure this difficult road, and bring them healing and peace. Amen.

Here's the request from another blog:

"IT'S MY MISSION TODAY - to get as many of you praying and reposting the request on your blogs! Let's place this precious little baby girl before the feet of the GOD who parted the Red Sea!

Here's what you do

1. Check out Krista's blog and familiarize yourself with her dear little Annabelle (reflectionsbykrista.blogspot.com/)
2. Cut and paste this entire blog entry and post on YOUR blog
3. Post a comment on my blog with YOUR blog address and where you're blogging the prayer request and I'll be sure to pass it on to Krista
4. Post on Krista's blog a prayer (keep it relatively short) that she read ACTUAL words of prayer being lifted for Annabelle
5. Continue to pray ... indefinitely :)

Are you with me??"

Annabelle & her family need your help!

Author Deeanne Gist

One of the biggest joys in my life is finding a new author to read. After discovering Tamera Alexandra several months ago, (see earlier posts), this week I had the pleasure of reading "Maid to Match", by Inspirational author, Deeanne Gist. From the very beginning, I couldn't put the book down. Deeanne's description of life at the Biltmore estate in Asheville, North Carolina was riveting.

The forbidden romance between Tillie and Mack, servants on the estate, is delicious. Tillie's ambition to become lady's maid to Mrs. Vanderbilt is jeopardized by her attraction to Mack. Mack needs his job as a 'useful man' to get his sister out of the orphanage and away from the abusive orphanage director. Lots of conflict, lots of stolen kisses.

A fantastic read from beginning to end. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more works by Ms. Gist!

Movie Review & Some News!

Finally got to see the new Twilight movie "Eclipse". Once again, the movie kept very true to the book. The effects were excellent and the characters well done.

The only thing I thought lacking was the chemistry between Bella and Edward. In the first movie, the romantic tension was palpable on the screen. In New Moon, Edward was hardly in it, so it was tough to tell. But in this third movie, I didn't feel the anguish that Bella was feeling, torn between loving two men. That came across much stronger in the book. However, all in all, I was happy I went to see it on the big screen.

On the home front, my big news is that I found out I came second in the Touched By Love Contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope & Love Chapter of the Romance Writers of America! This is very good news to me and a sign that I am on the right track with my writing. It has given me the inspiration I need to keep on writing!! After finaling, my entry was judged by 5 published authors. I only hope I get to read their comments at some point.

Here's a cyber toast with bubbling champagne! To all the wonderful writers out there.

Cheers,

Sue

Updates!

Hi there! Sorry I've been Missing In Action. Sometimes I can't think of a thing to blog about - and other times, I'm too busy! SO today I'll just jot down a bunch of random things that have been happening.

1. My latest 'work in progress' is a finalist in the "Touched By Love" inspirational contest! I needed this affirmation very badly and am very grateful for the lovely judges who liked my work. Will find out at the end of July where I ended up in the final round.

2. Hit some milestones in May - hence the 'busyness' of my life. My husband and I achieved 25 years of marriage. Whew! That's a big one. We had a nice dinner out together (minus the kids). Someday when we have money, I'd love to travel. Maybe by our 30th?

3. The other big milestone (dare I confess) was turning 50! Friends of mine took me out to the King Edward Hotel in Toronto to have high tea. Very British! It was amazing! The decor, the gorgeous china, the architecture, and , of course, the FOOD! The tea was amazing as well. You got to pick your blend from a selection of little glass jars. They added the leaves to your pot and kept refilling it with hot water. I swear I drank 4 pots in less than 2 hours. Which lead to checking out the lovely bathrooms! LOL.

4. My daughter's volleyball team went to Vancouver for the National Championships and did quite well. They came 4th in tier two! Way to go Peel Selects! I did not go with her, but my husband did. I had to stay home because our son was having his Confirmation that weekend. So I had a small family celebration for him. For one whole weekend, I had a very tidy house! Two less people to dirty it up.

5. The other family milestone was my great-uncle celebrated his 70th anniversary as a priest! We went downtown Toronto to participate in the festivities and saw quite a few relatives that I haven't seen in a while.

So as you can see, I have been a little pre-occupied. The next milestone is my son's Grade 8 graduation on Monday. Then maybe I can look forward to my two week summer vacation! And some sleep!

Cheers until next time!

A New Author I've Discovered

I've recently discovered an author I just love! Her name is Tamera Alexander. She writes historical romance set in the frontier land of Colorado Territory. Tamera uses the setting as almost another character - so real and vivid is the feeling as you read it.

So far, "Beyond this Moment" is my favourite of her books that I've read. Dr. Molly Whitcomb comes to Timber Ridge with a huge secret. Of course, falling in love with the Sheriff only complicates the whole problem. Starting over in a new town is not as easy as Molly thinks!

Tamera's books are the type that you can't wait to get back to once you've put it down, and then when you've finished, you miss the characters terribly.

If you ever have the chance, give her books a try. You won't be disappointed!