Kim Vogel Sawyer has hit another winning home run with her novel, Where Willows Grow. The time period is 1936, and her main characters Anna Mae and Harley Phipps, a farmer and his wife, struggle to keep their farm afloat in the midst of the depression and the terrible drought that afflicted the mid-west during those awful years.
As Where Willows Grow opens, Anna Mae realizes she is pregnant with their third child. Though she loves her other two children, Dorothy and Marjorie, this is not the time to bring another mouth into the world to feed. Harley loves their farm but knows if he hadn't married Annie, the farm would have never been his. The knowledge of another child is a burden. Both of them know that they will love the new child, but will they be able to care for him or her properly?
The drought and depression have strained the Phipps' relationship. Harley feels the only way he can continue to provide for his family is to leave the farm, temporarily, to take on work across Kansas at a construction site. He shocks Anna Mae when he tells her of his plan. She's afraid Harley is leaving his family for good.
Throughout the book, Anna Mae has to rely on her belief in God and His promises to provide for all those who lean on him to get her through the lonely days and nights without Harley. But what does Harley have to rely on? His steadfast refusal to give his life to Jesus has left him to his own devices. Is it the final wedge that will split their marriage apart - permanently?
Much is written and discussed about voice in writing. Kim's voice will become more apparent as you read each new book. Her writing voice is an extension of her own deep beliefs. Where Willows Grow is a tender tale of love and determination. And if you are lucky enough to know the author in person, as I am, you can hear the words in her own soft, gentle speaking voice as you read them. But don't take that as a weakness. Behind those quietly spoken words there is steel. Kim Vogel Sawyer believes deeply in the message she writes in her novels. I challenge you to read one and not be touched.
Kim Vogel Sawyer won first place for her long historical, Waiting For Summer's Return, at the ACFW Conference on September 22. It is a wonderful book, which I reviewed earlier (see August 30, 2006 post). She deserved the win. Her gratitude was evident in her acceptance speech and the tears that flowed. Those tears were real, from her heart. My joy was such that when she won, I cried with her. I cried again near the end of Where Willows Grow.
kmparis
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Off To the ACFW Writing Conference
I'm heading for the 2007 ACFW Writing Conference in Dallas. So the blog will be silent for a week or so. I'm sure there will be lots to say when I return. So in the meantime, read a couple of good books!
kmparis
kmparis
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Countdown Has Begun
The clock is ticking. Do you hear it? Time is passing. Are you prepared? It is September 15, 2007. November first is 46 days away. So what, you ask?
So have you chosen a topic, done your research, plotted your novel, sharpened your pencils, stacked your blank CD's, straightened your desk, made and frozen casseroles for 30 days or arranged for the caterer to appear at your home with dinner prepared, warned your family that your designated writing time is yours and yours alone and only a blood loss of 1 liter or more is a reason to disturb you during the month of November? If not, go do that, now, right now. You have exactly 45 days and 21 1/2 hours to get everything lined up and in order so you can join us in writing a 50,000-word novel - the annual NaNoWriMo challenge.
I have one major task left to accomplish. I have to buy a new desk chair. Mine lost its lift a couple of weeks ago. Now it's too short and these pillows are not cutting it. I've put two in the seat and it does raise me up a few inches, but it's still not quite enough. They're a good substitute but not for long term. I plan on putting long hours in my chair in front of the computer so I can make my goal this year. Nobody better get in my way. I've learned to be hard-hearted over the past year. I'll not let anyone get in my way.
Hear that world - clear out, back off and leave me alone!
kmparis
So have you chosen a topic, done your research, plotted your novel, sharpened your pencils, stacked your blank CD's, straightened your desk, made and frozen casseroles for 30 days or arranged for the caterer to appear at your home with dinner prepared, warned your family that your designated writing time is yours and yours alone and only a blood loss of 1 liter or more is a reason to disturb you during the month of November? If not, go do that, now, right now. You have exactly 45 days and 21 1/2 hours to get everything lined up and in order so you can join us in writing a 50,000-word novel - the annual NaNoWriMo challenge.
I have one major task left to accomplish. I have to buy a new desk chair. Mine lost its lift a couple of weeks ago. Now it's too short and these pillows are not cutting it. I've put two in the seat and it does raise me up a few inches, but it's still not quite enough. They're a good substitute but not for long term. I plan on putting long hours in my chair in front of the computer so I can make my goal this year. Nobody better get in my way. I've learned to be hard-hearted over the past year. I'll not let anyone get in my way.
Hear that world - clear out, back off and leave me alone!
kmparis
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Novels vs. Screenplays, Are They Really So Different?
Everyone knows that the format of a novel is completely different from the format of a screenplay. But are they really so different?
I don't think so. When writing a screenplay or play, the writer must include characters, plot development, dialogue, and settings. Aren't these same elements in novels?
Of course they are. The difference between screenplays and novels is in the format of the typed page. In screenplays the characters and their dialogue are set apart from the stage directions. At least in the screenplays I've seen in script form, the character's name is to the far left margin of the page with the dialogue written in block form to the right, leaving white space below the character's name. Stage directions, or rather the actions, are typed in parenthesis and italicized. The setting of the scene is usually typed at the beginning of the scene before any stage directions or dialogue are given.
In a novel the stage directions are written as part of the narrative in the novel and intertwined with the dialogue. The character's names are in the tags, and the actions show up, often, as beats. The setting shows up in narrative prose seen through the eyes of the characters as they "look" upon the scenery before them.
So, screenplays and novels are the same, just as cars and trucks are the same.
kmparis
I don't think so. When writing a screenplay or play, the writer must include characters, plot development, dialogue, and settings. Aren't these same elements in novels?
Of course they are. The difference between screenplays and novels is in the format of the typed page. In screenplays the characters and their dialogue are set apart from the stage directions. At least in the screenplays I've seen in script form, the character's name is to the far left margin of the page with the dialogue written in block form to the right, leaving white space below the character's name. Stage directions, or rather the actions, are typed in parenthesis and italicized. The setting of the scene is usually typed at the beginning of the scene before any stage directions or dialogue are given.
In a novel the stage directions are written as part of the narrative in the novel and intertwined with the dialogue. The character's names are in the tags, and the actions show up, often, as beats. The setting shows up in narrative prose seen through the eyes of the characters as they "look" upon the scenery before them.
So, screenplays and novels are the same, just as cars and trucks are the same.
kmparis
Saturday, August 18, 2007
When to Make Changes & When Not To
Changes can be good, but only if those changes are made for specific reasons.
When writers create a storyline, the writer plots out ideas and characters and develops scenes and begins writing. Then the writer hits a wall. The story is not working. Now what?
The writer can resort to any number of ways to solve the problem. One of those ways is to pass what has been written to a friend or critique partner to read and make suggestions. Very effective - sometimes. What you, as the writer, need to remember about critique suggestions is whether or not the changes suggested make sense. Did the person doing the critique have a personal dislike of the writing? Or is the critique back by solid reasoning?
I have a friend who hates tomatoes and onion. If I entered a recipe into a contest where she is the judge, and I had both tomatoes and onions in abundance in my dish, how do you think she would score my concoction? I'll tell you, she'd score it very low.
Look at suggestions under a microscope. Weigh them carefully before abandoning your own ideas. But if the critiquer's ideas have validity then employ them.
What I find invaluable is the brainstorming sessions I have with friends. In a brainstorming session, ideas are thrown out without regard to how well they would work. Whatever comes to mind is allowable. You make note of them all, then later consider each one. Eliminate the ones that are completely from left field. Focus on the ones with potential. Sometimes it takes a couple of sessions or so before you settle on a solution to your plot problem. To me brainstorming should be a part of each critique group. Brainstorming is as important as the editing, if not more so.
kmparis
When writers create a storyline, the writer plots out ideas and characters and develops scenes and begins writing. Then the writer hits a wall. The story is not working. Now what?
The writer can resort to any number of ways to solve the problem. One of those ways is to pass what has been written to a friend or critique partner to read and make suggestions. Very effective - sometimes. What you, as the writer, need to remember about critique suggestions is whether or not the changes suggested make sense. Did the person doing the critique have a personal dislike of the writing? Or is the critique back by solid reasoning?
I have a friend who hates tomatoes and onion. If I entered a recipe into a contest where she is the judge, and I had both tomatoes and onions in abundance in my dish, how do you think she would score my concoction? I'll tell you, she'd score it very low.
Look at suggestions under a microscope. Weigh them carefully before abandoning your own ideas. But if the critiquer's ideas have validity then employ them.
What I find invaluable is the brainstorming sessions I have with friends. In a brainstorming session, ideas are thrown out without regard to how well they would work. Whatever comes to mind is allowable. You make note of them all, then later consider each one. Eliminate the ones that are completely from left field. Focus on the ones with potential. Sometimes it takes a couple of sessions or so before you settle on a solution to your plot problem. To me brainstorming should be a part of each critique group. Brainstorming is as important as the editing, if not more so.
kmparis
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Falling Stars
Tonight is the main event for the annual Perseid Shower. The sky is clear and there is no moon - perfect for viewing the sky.
The trick is to find a place without the lights of town interfering and without a stand of trees to block vision. Hard to do in east Texas. Even with the cities nearby growing and expanding, there are still thousands of acres of land filled with trees.
I think I have come up with a good place. It's a couple of miles from my home. There is a small hill that overlooks a plot of land where trees have been removed to provide space to grow hay. It faces the east, and there is a driveway leading to the top of the hill. The drawback? The drive leads to an old, family cemetery. Now, I know some people who wouldn't be caught dead (pun intended) sitting there watching shooting stars streaking across the sky in the middle of a cemetery, but that's not a problem for me.
I'm not superstitious nor afraid of the dark. I'll take a large, cold diet Dr. Pepper with me and lock my doors, just to be on the safe side. Too bad I don't have a camera that will take night pictures. I'll bet those pictures would be spectacular.
kmparis
The trick is to find a place without the lights of town interfering and without a stand of trees to block vision. Hard to do in east Texas. Even with the cities nearby growing and expanding, there are still thousands of acres of land filled with trees.
I think I have come up with a good place. It's a couple of miles from my home. There is a small hill that overlooks a plot of land where trees have been removed to provide space to grow hay. It faces the east, and there is a driveway leading to the top of the hill. The drawback? The drive leads to an old, family cemetery. Now, I know some people who wouldn't be caught dead (pun intended) sitting there watching shooting stars streaking across the sky in the middle of a cemetery, but that's not a problem for me.
I'm not superstitious nor afraid of the dark. I'll take a large, cold diet Dr. Pepper with me and lock my doors, just to be on the safe side. Too bad I don't have a camera that will take night pictures. I'll bet those pictures would be spectacular.
kmparis
Saturday, August 11, 2007
An ETWA Writing Assignment
Our president has hit on an ingenious idea, in my opinion. Monthly writing assignments for the members of the group and any visitors who wish to participate.
In July, Gay Ingram presented a program and at the end an assignment was given - write a 1,000 - 2,000 word piece in any genre on one of five topics. The topics were: a cabin in the woods, a cold morning, an empty parking garage, a woman on the beach, and one other that I can't remember at this moment. Brain lock is terrible you know.
Last night, at the August meeting, members brought in their projects and read them with the members present. They were wonderful. I did notice that each person who completed the assignment wrote in the same genre as they usually do. That's beneficial in one way because at least people wrote something.
Then before we were dismissed, the president gave out another writing assignment - take one topic and write it in three genres. These are shorter, only 250 - 500 words, but it will force each person who participates to write in at least two genres different from the genre in which he or she usually writes. The topic can be anything, even one of last month's topics, just so all three genres are on the same topic.
I'm a former teacher by profession, so this type of thing is exciting in itself. I came home and wrote the first of my three versions. Now, I chose a typical genre to start with - romance. But I plan on the other two versions to be a teen story and a science fiction story, or maybe a western. Hmmm, I'll have to think about that for a while. Can't wait to get typing on the next one.
kmparis
In July, Gay Ingram presented a program and at the end an assignment was given - write a 1,000 - 2,000 word piece in any genre on one of five topics. The topics were: a cabin in the woods, a cold morning, an empty parking garage, a woman on the beach, and one other that I can't remember at this moment. Brain lock is terrible you know.
Last night, at the August meeting, members brought in their projects and read them with the members present. They were wonderful. I did notice that each person who completed the assignment wrote in the same genre as they usually do. That's beneficial in one way because at least people wrote something.
Then before we were dismissed, the president gave out another writing assignment - take one topic and write it in three genres. These are shorter, only 250 - 500 words, but it will force each person who participates to write in at least two genres different from the genre in which he or she usually writes. The topic can be anything, even one of last month's topics, just so all three genres are on the same topic.
I'm a former teacher by profession, so this type of thing is exciting in itself. I came home and wrote the first of my three versions. Now, I chose a typical genre to start with - romance. But I plan on the other two versions to be a teen story and a science fiction story, or maybe a western. Hmmm, I'll have to think about that for a while. Can't wait to get typing on the next one.
kmparis
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Flee the Night - A Book Review
Flee the Night by Susan May Warren didn’t make my tears flee into the night; it brought them forth to my eyes. The ending to Ms. Warren’s romantic suspense novel made me sniff my tears back.
Along the way, Flee the Night brought a chuckle or two. Susan’s heroine, CIA operative on-the-run -– Lacey Montgomery -– needs to find her missing daughter and begin a new life, in that order. The world of conspiracy and terror that her late husband, John, drew her into quickly turned Lacey’s life into a nightmare. Will she ever wake up and find the nightmare gone?
Maybe Jim Micah can help out on that end. Ms. Warren’s hero, Green Beret-on-leave Jim Micah has all the tools Lacey needs to help her with both problems. But will he use them for her? Chances are Lacey’s going to be out of luck. Jim Micah happens to be her former friend and her dead husband’s best friend. Then what’s the problem? Jim Micah happens to believe that Lacey Montgomery has gotten away with murder far too long - the murder of her husband.
This was the first book I’ve read by Susan May Warren, but it won’t be the last. I’m now in search of the next book in the Team Hope series. I’m hoping that Hank and Sarah will be featured. They captured my attention immediately in Flee the Night.
kmparis
Along the way, Flee the Night brought a chuckle or two. Susan’s heroine, CIA operative on-the-run -– Lacey Montgomery -– needs to find her missing daughter and begin a new life, in that order. The world of conspiracy and terror that her late husband, John, drew her into quickly turned Lacey’s life into a nightmare. Will she ever wake up and find the nightmare gone?
Maybe Jim Micah can help out on that end. Ms. Warren’s hero, Green Beret-on-leave Jim Micah has all the tools Lacey needs to help her with both problems. But will he use them for her? Chances are Lacey’s going to be out of luck. Jim Micah happens to be her former friend and her dead husband’s best friend. Then what’s the problem? Jim Micah happens to believe that Lacey Montgomery has gotten away with murder far too long - the murder of her husband.
This was the first book I’ve read by Susan May Warren, but it won’t be the last. I’m now in search of the next book in the Team Hope series. I’m hoping that Hank and Sarah will be featured. They captured my attention immediately in Flee the Night.
kmparis
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Boo Hiss - A Book Review
Boo Hiss slithered on the scene and has taken readers aback. Rene Gutteridge’s newest installment in the Boo series has the town searching – for why a soccer field has just appeared in Skary, Indiana when there are no soccer teams, for why all of the sudden everyone in town is Internet crazy when the local coffee shop begins offering Internet access along with its new fancy coffees, and for a missing two-headed pet boa constrictor named Bob and Fred.
Throw into the mix a newly-wed couple, Melb and Oliver, who discover they are expectant parents unexpectedly, strife between newly-weds Wolfe and Ainsley Boone because of Melb’s and Oliver’s little problem, the hunt for Bob/Fred that goes on all over Skary, and the breach in reality for the town’s mayor thrusting the assistant mayor into the position of finding a solution to Skary’s money problems all alone, and you have a hilarious mix of plotlines to tickle your fancy.
Poor Wolfe is still at a loss, searching for that elusive new writing project. Facing editors to pitch projects is scary. It’s been a long while since Wolfe has had to do that. And poor Alfred, because of Wolfe’s desertion of his horror writing career, has had his career as an agent bottom out as well. Now Alfred, too, must find a new way to continue his career. Since Wolfe is so gung-ho Christian writing, Alfred figures he might as well join the bandwagon too. The results – totally insane.
Boo Hiss is fast-paced and captivating. You’ll turn page after page, looking for the next comic installment in the lives of Skary’s townspeople. And you’ll be sad when you reach the last page for the characters in Skary have become like friends to you, and you’ll miss them when the book is finished.
kmparis
Throw into the mix a newly-wed couple, Melb and Oliver, who discover they are expectant parents unexpectedly, strife between newly-weds Wolfe and Ainsley Boone because of Melb’s and Oliver’s little problem, the hunt for Bob/Fred that goes on all over Skary, and the breach in reality for the town’s mayor thrusting the assistant mayor into the position of finding a solution to Skary’s money problems all alone, and you have a hilarious mix of plotlines to tickle your fancy.
Poor Wolfe is still at a loss, searching for that elusive new writing project. Facing editors to pitch projects is scary. It’s been a long while since Wolfe has had to do that. And poor Alfred, because of Wolfe’s desertion of his horror writing career, has had his career as an agent bottom out as well. Now Alfred, too, must find a new way to continue his career. Since Wolfe is so gung-ho Christian writing, Alfred figures he might as well join the bandwagon too. The results – totally insane.
Boo Hiss is fast-paced and captivating. You’ll turn page after page, looking for the next comic installment in the lives of Skary’s townspeople. And you’ll be sad when you reach the last page for the characters in Skary have become like friends to you, and you’ll miss them when the book is finished.
kmparis
Friday, August 03, 2007
The Reluctant Burglar - A Book Review
Jill Elizabeth Nelson has written a suspense named Reluctant Burglar that will steal your attention. Reluctant Burglar is the first in Ms. Nelson’s To Catch A Thief series.
In this novel Desiree “Desi” Jacobs is pitted against her neimisis, Special Agent Anthony Lucano. Tony belives Hiram Jacobs and possibly his daughter, Desi are stealing priceless works of art. Before Tony can make his arrest, Hiram Jacobs is murdered. That leaves Desi. Is she involved? Or is she innocent?
Special Agent Lucano is a fake Christian, in Desi’s opinion. He joined their church just to harass Desi and her father. Now he is the one to announce to Desi the news of her father’s murder.
Desi is left to sort out the facts, alone, after the death of her father. Will Desi be able to clear her father’s name before her life is taken as well? Can Desi ever trust anyone again?
Tony continues to hound her in his efforts to solve his missing art case. Then the whole case explodes. Can Desi ever make sense of the pieces of her life raining down around her?
Jill’s writing style is easy to read and her characters are attractive. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in her series, Reluctant Runaway.
kmparis
In this novel Desiree “Desi” Jacobs is pitted against her neimisis, Special Agent Anthony Lucano. Tony belives Hiram Jacobs and possibly his daughter, Desi are stealing priceless works of art. Before Tony can make his arrest, Hiram Jacobs is murdered. That leaves Desi. Is she involved? Or is she innocent?
Special Agent Lucano is a fake Christian, in Desi’s opinion. He joined their church just to harass Desi and her father. Now he is the one to announce to Desi the news of her father’s murder.
Desi is left to sort out the facts, alone, after the death of her father. Will Desi be able to clear her father’s name before her life is taken as well? Can Desi ever trust anyone again?
Tony continues to hound her in his efforts to solve his missing art case. Then the whole case explodes. Can Desi ever make sense of the pieces of her life raining down around her?
Jill’s writing style is easy to read and her characters are attractive. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in her series, Reluctant Runaway.
kmparis
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Boo Who - A Book Review
Boo Who is Rene Gutteridge’s next installment of the Boo series. And it follows with just as much fun as the original. Wolfe “Boo” Boone is trying to live a new life as Skary, Indiana’s newest used car salesman instead of writing the horror novels he is so known for all over the world.
But something’s not working. Wolfe finds the requirements of selling used cars a little too uncomfortable. Writing is what he knows, but he refuses, despite all efforts of his agent, to continue to write such things for the secular market. While he searches for a topic better suited to his status as a new Christian, Wolfe finds himself being overshadowed by the rising status of his finaceé, Ainsley Parker.
Alfred Tennison, Wolfe’s agent, devises a plan to get his best resource back on track – he’ll use Ainsley’s talents in cooking, decorating, etc., to make Wolfe jealous enough to return to his writing life.
Meantime the town has been inundated with mysterious figures flitting through the woods, strange screams in the night, and a psychological therapist who sets up for business in Skary, quite by accident, and has more patients than he ever dreamed of in his life.
Will all the new stresses in Ainsley’s life tear her apart from Wolfe and send their dream wedding down the drain? Will Wolfe give in to Alfred’s efforts and return to writing horror fiction? Will Sheriff Parker’s cat recover from his deep state of depression? All are questions that can only be answered by reading Boo Who.
kmparis
But something’s not working. Wolfe finds the requirements of selling used cars a little too uncomfortable. Writing is what he knows, but he refuses, despite all efforts of his agent, to continue to write such things for the secular market. While he searches for a topic better suited to his status as a new Christian, Wolfe finds himself being overshadowed by the rising status of his finaceé, Ainsley Parker.
Alfred Tennison, Wolfe’s agent, devises a plan to get his best resource back on track – he’ll use Ainsley’s talents in cooking, decorating, etc., to make Wolfe jealous enough to return to his writing life.
Meantime the town has been inundated with mysterious figures flitting through the woods, strange screams in the night, and a psychological therapist who sets up for business in Skary, quite by accident, and has more patients than he ever dreamed of in his life.
Will all the new stresses in Ainsley’s life tear her apart from Wolfe and send their dream wedding down the drain? Will Wolfe give in to Alfred’s efforts and return to writing horror fiction? Will Sheriff Parker’s cat recover from his deep state of depression? All are questions that can only be answered by reading Boo Who.
kmparis
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Before I Wake - A Book Review
Before I Wake, Dee Henderson’s most recent novel, is just as gripping as the rest of her books. Rae Gabriella arrives in Justice, Illinois in search of a quiet place to settle and regroup her life. A former undercover investigator for the FBI, Rae is left dangling after her last case goes awry.
Rae’s former boyfriend, Bruce Chapel, has invited her to come to Justice to work with him as his partner in his private investigation service. Rae moves into town just as peace and quiet abandons Justice. On her way into town, Rae meets Sheriff Nathan Justice, thanks to her lead foot.
When bodies begin appearing in Justice, the town is flabbergasted. Could the murders be connected? Together Rae, Nathan and Bruce work to solve the crimes. Then Rae becomes a target. Why? What did she know? Time is against them. Will they figure it out before Rae becomes another casulty?
As usual, Dee’s writing grabs the reader and keeps the pages turning. The dash of romance Dee mixes into her suspense is just enough to satisfy readers who want it but not so much as to turn off readers who’d rather not have it.
Now, who will Rae Gabriella end up with – Nathan Justice or Bruce Chapel? We’ll just have to wait and see.
kmparis
Rae’s former boyfriend, Bruce Chapel, has invited her to come to Justice to work with him as his partner in his private investigation service. Rae moves into town just as peace and quiet abandons Justice. On her way into town, Rae meets Sheriff Nathan Justice, thanks to her lead foot.
When bodies begin appearing in Justice, the town is flabbergasted. Could the murders be connected? Together Rae, Nathan and Bruce work to solve the crimes. Then Rae becomes a target. Why? What did she know? Time is against them. Will they figure it out before Rae becomes another casulty?
As usual, Dee’s writing grabs the reader and keeps the pages turning. The dash of romance Dee mixes into her suspense is just enough to satisfy readers who want it but not so much as to turn off readers who’d rather not have it.
Now, who will Rae Gabriella end up with – Nathan Justice or Bruce Chapel? We’ll just have to wait and see.
kmparis
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Wedding Caper - A Book Review
Janice A. Thompson has written a cozy mystery, The Wedding Caper, that presents readers with a slightly off-kilter ameuter sleuth. Annie Peterson has stumbled onto clues that point to her husband as the thief in a recent robbery of the Clark County Savings and Loan. Her clues? Warren has motive and opportunity – their twin daughters are both getting married soon, and Warren and Annie need money, thus the motive, and Warren works at the bank, thus the opportunity.
Could the Christian man Annie has been married to for the past twenty-seven years be guilty of such a felony? Annie sets about trying to stack up the clues so they point to someone, anyone else. The facts seem to be destined to stack up their own way and point directly to her husband. But then the case becomes even more clouded. Other suspects find their way to Annie’s list.
Janice places us in the mind of Annie when she writes the story in first person. We hurt for Annie as she tries desperately to rule out her husband. We laugh at Annie when she tries to hone her sleuthing skills over the Internet. We root for Annie to win the day and solve the crime in such a way that she will prove, without a doubt, that her husband is innocent of the crime.
If you like a light mystery versus heavy, dark ones, you’ll enjoy The Wedding Caper by Janice Thompson.
kmparis
Could the Christian man Annie has been married to for the past twenty-seven years be guilty of such a felony? Annie sets about trying to stack up the clues so they point to someone, anyone else. The facts seem to be destined to stack up their own way and point directly to her husband. But then the case becomes even more clouded. Other suspects find their way to Annie’s list.
Janice places us in the mind of Annie when she writes the story in first person. We hurt for Annie as she tries desperately to rule out her husband. We laugh at Annie when she tries to hone her sleuthing skills over the Internet. We root for Annie to win the day and solve the crime in such a way that she will prove, without a doubt, that her husband is innocent of the crime.
If you like a light mystery versus heavy, dark ones, you’ll enjoy The Wedding Caper by Janice Thompson.
kmparis
Monday, July 30, 2007
Snitch - A Book Review
I confess…I confess. I snatched Snitch from the arms of a stocking clerk in LifeWay Bookstore a few weeks ago. That’s right, straight from the young man’s arms. Shock, surprise, and awe flittered across his face. “I must have this copy,” I said as I made my way to the check-out counter to pay for my copy.
I didn’t need another book to read. I had just had a copy of another author’s newest book autographed to add to my ever towering stack of books to read. But I had to have Snitch. Rene Gutteridge’s Occupational Hazards series is just too enticing to put off purchasing. In fact, I read it immediately. I couldn’t resist – tempation got the better of me.
Snitch didn’t disappoint me. The characters are engaging, likeable and real. They have flaws; they’re not perfect, but they try. And the humor remains. For me, I think, the humor that Rene uses in her novels is one of the biggest draws of her writing style. Her style absorbs her readers. You’re in the midst of the book without trying.
Oh, yes, what is the plot of Snitch? Well, Mackenzie “Mack” Hazard, a member of the Hazard family (all former clowns), takes on a new job in undercover work for the Las Vegas Police Department. The task force she has been assigned to has a tough job – uncover the culprits in an auto theft ring operating in Las Vegas. The task force is headed by Sergeant Ron Yeager, a man a couple of years away from retirement. Yeager’s task force is comprised of rookies, expereinced undercover officers and a minister … a minister? Yes, an undercover minister on sabatical from his pulpit.
How can such a misfit group of people work together to achieve their purpose without getting them all killed? Read Snitch to find out if and how the task force solves their problem. Snitch is a book laugh-packed with thrills.
kmparis
I didn’t need another book to read. I had just had a copy of another author’s newest book autographed to add to my ever towering stack of books to read. But I had to have Snitch. Rene Gutteridge’s Occupational Hazards series is just too enticing to put off purchasing. In fact, I read it immediately. I couldn’t resist – tempation got the better of me.
Snitch didn’t disappoint me. The characters are engaging, likeable and real. They have flaws; they’re not perfect, but they try. And the humor remains. For me, I think, the humor that Rene uses in her novels is one of the biggest draws of her writing style. Her style absorbs her readers. You’re in the midst of the book without trying.
Oh, yes, what is the plot of Snitch? Well, Mackenzie “Mack” Hazard, a member of the Hazard family (all former clowns), takes on a new job in undercover work for the Las Vegas Police Department. The task force she has been assigned to has a tough job – uncover the culprits in an auto theft ring operating in Las Vegas. The task force is headed by Sergeant Ron Yeager, a man a couple of years away from retirement. Yeager’s task force is comprised of rookies, expereinced undercover officers and a minister … a minister? Yes, an undercover minister on sabatical from his pulpit.
How can such a misfit group of people work together to achieve their purpose without getting them all killed? Read Snitch to find out if and how the task force solves their problem. Snitch is a book laugh-packed with thrills.
kmparis
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Renovating Becky Miller - A Book Review
Reading books written in first person is not usually my first choice, but I found Renovating Becky Miller so enticing that I forgot it was in first person.
Sharon Hinck drew me into the book by opening each chapter with a daydream Becky Miller was having. In beginning of each chapter, Becky loses herself in a movie she and her husband have seen on their weekly date nights. Then her real life comes crashing into reality!
Becky Miller’s life is not easy. She’s a mother, a wife, has a part-time job at her church working with the women’s ministries, and is disabled, just to add a little icing to her cake-of-a-life.
Already harrying, Becky’s life is complicated by the purchase of a new home for her family. What looked like the perfect solution to a cramped home life turns into a renovation nightmare for Becky and husband Kevin.
Will their marriage survive? Will the family survive? Will Becky remain sane, or will she lose herself in one of her daydreams and never come home?
I kept turning pages of Renovating Becky Miller partly because I had to know what Sharon would use as her next chapter opening, but mostly because I became engrossed in Becky’s life. I laughed and I cried and now I have to go back and find the first book in Sharon’s series about Becky Miller, The Secret Life of Becky Miller.
By the way, I guessed most of the titles of the movies Sharon uses as chapter opening scenarios, but in case you don’t recognize them, there is a list of them at the end of the book, just so you can satisfy your curiosity.
kmparis
Sharon Hinck drew me into the book by opening each chapter with a daydream Becky Miller was having. In beginning of each chapter, Becky loses herself in a movie she and her husband have seen on their weekly date nights. Then her real life comes crashing into reality!
Becky Miller’s life is not easy. She’s a mother, a wife, has a part-time job at her church working with the women’s ministries, and is disabled, just to add a little icing to her cake-of-a-life.
Already harrying, Becky’s life is complicated by the purchase of a new home for her family. What looked like the perfect solution to a cramped home life turns into a renovation nightmare for Becky and husband Kevin.
Will their marriage survive? Will the family survive? Will Becky remain sane, or will she lose herself in one of her daydreams and never come home?
I kept turning pages of Renovating Becky Miller partly because I had to know what Sharon would use as her next chapter opening, but mostly because I became engrossed in Becky’s life. I laughed and I cried and now I have to go back and find the first book in Sharon’s series about Becky Miller, The Secret Life of Becky Miller.
By the way, I guessed most of the titles of the movies Sharon uses as chapter opening scenarios, but in case you don’t recognize them, there is a list of them at the end of the book, just so you can satisfy your curiosity.
kmparis
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wild Rose - a Book Review
Ruth Axtell Morren has written a tender Cinderella story – Wild Rose. In this historical, Geneva Patterson is scorned by the members of her small fishing village, Haven’s End, rather than the members of her family. What family? She has none.
After the death of her father, Geneva is left alone to fend for herself. Her mother had passed away years before, and there are no siblings. Geneva lives her life as she sees fit, doing the best she can and ignoring the loneliness.
Only one bright light appears on Geneva’s horizon, Captain Caleb Phelps. He comes to her rescue when a group of village boys pick on her as she is tying to sell her fruits and vegetables. His kindness touches her and is branded in her memory.
Almost a year later, Captain Phelps returns to Haven’s End to live. He has fled from Boston where his name is running through the gossip mill. Even his father has succumbed to the rumors.
In a rough sort of way, Geneva and Caleb form a friendship. She offers advice and assistance in growing his garden, and he returns her help by loaning his muscles for her heavy work and treating her as an equal.
As you read, Wild Rose, you will be drawn into the story and the characters. You’ll cheer Geneva and Caleb along their journeys to freedom, joy, spiritual enlightenment, and love.
kmparis
After the death of her father, Geneva is left alone to fend for herself. Her mother had passed away years before, and there are no siblings. Geneva lives her life as she sees fit, doing the best she can and ignoring the loneliness.
Only one bright light appears on Geneva’s horizon, Captain Caleb Phelps. He comes to her rescue when a group of village boys pick on her as she is tying to sell her fruits and vegetables. His kindness touches her and is branded in her memory.
Almost a year later, Captain Phelps returns to Haven’s End to live. He has fled from Boston where his name is running through the gossip mill. Even his father has succumbed to the rumors.
In a rough sort of way, Geneva and Caleb form a friendship. She offers advice and assistance in growing his garden, and he returns her help by loaning his muscles for her heavy work and treating her as an equal.
As you read, Wild Rose, you will be drawn into the story and the characters. You’ll cheer Geneva and Caleb along their journeys to freedom, joy, spiritual enlightenment, and love.
kmparis
Friday, July 27, 2007
Bygones - A Book Review
Kim Vogel Sawyer has written another thought-provoking novel, Bygones. Marie Koeppler was shunned by her father when she left the Mennonite order in Sommerfield, Kansas to wed Jep Quinn. Her husband is killed early in their marriage, leaving her with a small child, daughter Beth.
Marie’s father’s heart is so hardened toward his daughter he refuses to even speak of her. As a result, Marie raises her daughter alone, abandoning her Mennonite beliefs. Her aunt, Lisbeth, never forgot her niece. She and Henry Braun, a friend of Marie’s, had prayed through the years for Marie to return to her home and her roots.
Unexpectedly, Henry shows up at the diner where Marie works in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He brings with him the news that Marie’s Aunt Lisbeth has died and left her property, a house and a café, to Marie’s daughter Beth.
The glitch – Beth must reside in Sommerfield for a minimum of three months in order to inherit the property. Marie’s dilemma – Will she allow Beth to go alone, or will she return and suffer through the three months in the midst of people who see her as a traitor to their way of life?
Marie chooses to go with Beth to help guide her and protect her. Marie realizes the time will pass quickly, but it won’t be without turmoil. Her motherly instinct spurs her to accompanying her daughter.
Henry is torn between his love of Marie, which never ended, and his duty to Lisbeth. His friendship with Lisbeth carries its own turmoil. Lisbeth held the belief that one day, with enough prayer and time, Marie would return to her heritage. Henry, knowing Lisbeth as he did, hopes her opinion will be proven true, but he is afraid to let his heart believe.
Can Marie resolve her emotional conflicts, as well as the mystery surrounding her return to Sommerfield? Or will she and Beth leave town once more amidst a cloud of accusation and controversy? Will Henry’s heart be broken once again, or will he find the love he has longed for during the past twenty years?
Kim Vogel Sawyer’s writing style will draw you into the lives of her characters with ease, and you’ll have to let the housework go because you can’t put Bygones down. So pick a time when you can send the kids off to friends’ homes and your husband is on an out-of-town trip, or else call the pizza delivery number and let them all fend for themselves while you lose yourself in Bygones.
kmparis
Marie’s father’s heart is so hardened toward his daughter he refuses to even speak of her. As a result, Marie raises her daughter alone, abandoning her Mennonite beliefs. Her aunt, Lisbeth, never forgot her niece. She and Henry Braun, a friend of Marie’s, had prayed through the years for Marie to return to her home and her roots.
Unexpectedly, Henry shows up at the diner where Marie works in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He brings with him the news that Marie’s Aunt Lisbeth has died and left her property, a house and a café, to Marie’s daughter Beth.
The glitch – Beth must reside in Sommerfield for a minimum of three months in order to inherit the property. Marie’s dilemma – Will she allow Beth to go alone, or will she return and suffer through the three months in the midst of people who see her as a traitor to their way of life?
Marie chooses to go with Beth to help guide her and protect her. Marie realizes the time will pass quickly, but it won’t be without turmoil. Her motherly instinct spurs her to accompanying her daughter.
Henry is torn between his love of Marie, which never ended, and his duty to Lisbeth. His friendship with Lisbeth carries its own turmoil. Lisbeth held the belief that one day, with enough prayer and time, Marie would return to her heritage. Henry, knowing Lisbeth as he did, hopes her opinion will be proven true, but he is afraid to let his heart believe.
Can Marie resolve her emotional conflicts, as well as the mystery surrounding her return to Sommerfield? Or will she and Beth leave town once more amidst a cloud of accusation and controversy? Will Henry’s heart be broken once again, or will he find the love he has longed for during the past twenty years?
Kim Vogel Sawyer’s writing style will draw you into the lives of her characters with ease, and you’ll have to let the housework go because you can’t put Bygones down. So pick a time when you can send the kids off to friends’ homes and your husband is on an out-of-town trip, or else call the pizza delivery number and let them all fend for themselves while you lose yourself in Bygones.
kmparis
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The Reliance by M. L. Tyndall - A Review
Weigh anchors, set sail, and hang on for a stormy ride! M. L. Tyndall is back with book two of the legacy of the King's Pirates - The Reliance. In this second book, Ms. Tyndall brings back to the pages of her book the same characters she introduced us to in The Redemption. Captain Edmund Merrick and his bride, Charlisse, are abruptly torn apart when the pirate, Captain Morgan and his formidable pirate crew attack Fort San Lorenzo in the dark of the night.
Ripped apart from one another by an evil plan of Kent Carlton, captain of the Vanquisher and compatriot of Captain Morgan, both Edmund and Charlisse fall victim to the despair of grief. They are cast adrift by their separation and must battle evil doubts and temptations thrown before them by the evil one who tries to steal all Christians from their God. Can Edmund and Charlisse win their battles? Or will they each give in and sink to the depths of hell? Only by reading The Reliance will you find the answers to these questions.
Ms. Tyndall has once again managed to transport the reader back in time to the period where travel on the high seas was as dangerous from assault by pirates as it was by assault from tempest-tossed seas in the midst of violent storms. Although the book is the second in a series of three, it can be read and enjoyed without having read The Redemption. But, for those of us who did read the first book, this is a chance to see what has happened to Edmund and Charlisse in the past three years of their lives.
The Reliance is a page-turner that will have you staying up late to finish just one more chapter only to find that you've spent hours reading and are nearing the final chapter of the book while daylight brightens the eastern sky.
kmparis
Ripped apart from one another by an evil plan of Kent Carlton, captain of the Vanquisher and compatriot of Captain Morgan, both Edmund and Charlisse fall victim to the despair of grief. They are cast adrift by their separation and must battle evil doubts and temptations thrown before them by the evil one who tries to steal all Christians from their God. Can Edmund and Charlisse win their battles? Or will they each give in and sink to the depths of hell? Only by reading The Reliance will you find the answers to these questions.
Ms. Tyndall has once again managed to transport the reader back in time to the period where travel on the high seas was as dangerous from assault by pirates as it was by assault from tempest-tossed seas in the midst of violent storms. Although the book is the second in a series of three, it can be read and enjoyed without having read The Redemption. But, for those of us who did read the first book, this is a chance to see what has happened to Edmund and Charlisse in the past three years of their lives.
The Reliance is a page-turner that will have you staying up late to finish just one more chapter only to find that you've spent hours reading and are nearing the final chapter of the book while daylight brightens the eastern sky.
kmparis
We're Back!
We've had a long hiatus due to many things happening in our lives. Hopefully this blog will be maintained and updated in a timely fashion from now on. If you're returning in hopes to catch something new, please forgive us for the long delay. Life happens. There are only so many hours in a day and so many days in a week. Thanks for your patience with us!
East Texas Writers' Association is a group of individuals who share a love of writing, or readers who love to read others' writing and want to associate with those who have a passion for writing. We meet every second Friday of each month. From January through November, we are currently meeting at Casa Ole on Spur 63 in Longview, Texas, next door to Kroger. Our meeting begins at 7:00 P.M. We have a short business meeting and then, generally, a program on some writing related topic. After a short break, members who wish to do so share a piece of writing with the rest of the group. Please join us when you are able and bring something of yours to share with us if you'd like. We welcome all visitors and hope those visitors will return the next month as new members. Our dues are $20 per year and must be renewed by the end of January each year.
kmparis
East Texas Writers' Association is a group of individuals who share a love of writing, or readers who love to read others' writing and want to associate with those who have a passion for writing. We meet every second Friday of each month. From January through November, we are currently meeting at Casa Ole on Spur 63 in Longview, Texas, next door to Kroger. Our meeting begins at 7:00 P.M. We have a short business meeting and then, generally, a program on some writing related topic. After a short break, members who wish to do so share a piece of writing with the rest of the group. Please join us when you are able and bring something of yours to share with us if you'd like. We welcome all visitors and hope those visitors will return the next month as new members. Our dues are $20 per year and must be renewed by the end of January each year.
kmparis
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