Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Perfect Life

THE PERFECT LIFE
by Robin Lee Hatcher

Katherine Clarkson has the perfect life. Married to Brad, a loving and handsome man, respected in their church and the community.

Two grown daughters on the verge of starting families of their own. A thriving ministry. Good friends. A comfortable life.

She has it all until the day a reporter appears with shocking allegations. Splashed across the local news are accusations of Brad's financial impropriety at his foundation and worse, of an affair with a former employee.

Without warning, Katherine's marriage is shattered and her family torn apart. The reassuring words she's spoken to many brokenhearted women over the years offer little comfort now.
Her world spinning, Katherine wonders if she can find the truth in the chaos that consumes her. How can she survive the loss of the perfect life?

Publisher's Weekly says:
"Hatcher is a dab hand with dialogue, which is one reason her characters are so well drawn: readers will feel empathy with all members of the family. Hatcher also gets kudos for creating, in Katherine's best friend, a sympathetic non-Christian character, something all too rare in faith fiction. This will be a surefire hit with Hatcher's many fans."

About Robin
Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles.

The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 55 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.


An interview with Robin

Question: Hi, Robin, it's good to have you stop by. The book looks wonderful. Where do you get the ideas for your stories and what has been your greatest inspiration?

Answer: Ideas come from all kinds of places - from dreams, from bit of news on the television, from conversations overheard in restaurants.

Sometimes I'm conscious of the exact moment an idea for a novel began. But for most my novels, the ideas seem to creep up on me. The Perfect Life was more the latter. One day I simply recognized I had the premise for a story rolling around in my head, then I began brainstorming the bigger picture and eventually the novel was born.

Some of my novels have come from deep personal experiences. Because God has walked me through dark places and brought me out on the other side, I want to share with others the grace He has shown me. Since I am a novelist, fiction is the main way I can do that. And naturally, the faith element of my novels comes out of my own faith experiences, from lessons God has taught me or is teaching me. Sometimes I'm looking for answers right along with the characters of my books, so writing is a form of discovery for me.

Question: How does it make you feel to see your books, not only in print but on the shelves of stores?

Answer: I can honestly say it was every bit as exciting when I held The Perfect Life, my 56th book, as it was when I held my very first novel (1984).

Every novel is a story from my heart, and I pray that each one will bring readers both enjoyment and new understanding. To see it come to fruition is an amazing thing.

RH: Fifty-six books! That's incredible Robin. A hug achievement.

Question: Do you have a favorite of all the books you have written so far? Why is it your favorite?

Answer: I don't have one favorite book, but some of my books are special to me for different reasons. For instance, I love Ribbon of Years because my protagonist, Miriam, is the kind of Christian I hope to be at the end of my life.

I love The Shepherd's Voice because God taught me that He can and will do amazing things with what I offer to Him, even when it is so imperfect. I love Beyond the Shadows because I long to let Christians who love alcoholics know that they are not alone and that there is always hope in Christ. I love Catching Katie because Katie was such a fun character and the research was fascinating.

I love The Forgiving Hour because God poured that story into my heart and many of the scenes came straight out of my own life (albeit the experiences came more than 25 years before I wrote the book).

I love The Perfect Life because I understand Katherine's perfectionist tendencies and her need to control the chaos. And I always love the next book I plan to write because there is still hope that it will completely fulfill the vision I have for it.

RH: Every book is like a personal extension of ourselves. And yes, the "next" book is the one that will turn out exactly as we envision.

Thanks for stopping by, Robin. Blessings on this book!

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 9:07 PM   0 comments

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Leaving November is the second novel in the Clayburn Novels series from Howard/Simon & Schuster.

Daughter of the town drunk, Vienne Kenney has escaped Clayburn for law school in California.

But after failing the bar exam - twice - she's back home with her tail between her legs, managing Latte-dah, the Clayburn cafe turned upscale coffee shop.

Jackson Linder runs the art gallery across the street and Vienne has had her eye on him since she was a skinny seventh grader and he was the hunky high school lifeguard who didn't know she existed.

Now it's his turn to fall for her and suddenly Clayburn seems like a pretty nice place to be. . . until Vienne discovers that Jack is fresh out of rehab and still struggling with the same addiction that ultimately killed her father.

DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her seventeenth novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award and Silver Angel from Excellence in Media.

Deborah's first novel, "A Vow to Cherish," inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title.

Deb serves on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers. She and her husband, Ken Raney, have four children and enjoy small-town life in Kansas. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com.


Chatting with Deb. . .

Q. I love the premise of this book, Deb, what was your inspiration for Leaving November?

A. When I was writing the first book in the series, Remember to Forget, Jackson Linder, a secondary character in the book, really intrigued me. Jack has struggled with something that is my greatest fear: being responsible for the death of another person. I wanted to explore how someone in his shoes could find forgiveness, redemption, and even happiness.

Q. Living with that responsibility would be incredibly hard. What a great topic to tackle in fiction. So, what are you working on now?

A. I've just finished the first draft for the third book in the Clayburn series, Yesterday's Embers.

I have a new contract for another three-book series, and a couple of stand-alone novels to write, but there are other characters from the Clayburn novels begging to have their stories told! I don't know if I'll get to write any more Clayburn books, but I've loved my time in this little fictional Kansas town!

Q. Writing about a town and people we love really helps the writing journey. What do you enjoy most about writing? The least?

A. Most: Having written! Because that means I'm getting reader feedback on my novel - the reward for all the hours of solitude! I also love that I get to be at home and make my own hours.

Least: First-drafting! I love rewriting - taking my editors' comments and applying them to make my book the best it can be. But the blank page terrifies me! For me, it's far easier to fix a horrible manuscript than to try to come up with something out of thin air.

rh: I agree, Deb. I love getting my editor's feedback, then get to rewriting. Most of all, hearing from readers.

Q. Tell us, what do you do when you're not reading or writing?

A. I love working in the beautiful garden my husband, Ken, designed in our back yard (for a peek, go to http://kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com) and I love decorating our home.

It's such fun to comb antique shops and flea markets for a great object from the past that I can use on my desk or in my kitchen, or a great piece of furniture to paint or refinish.

I'm not much for pretty stuff just for the sake of having it on display, but I love "repurposing" antiques -like the old chamber pot I use for deadheading in the garden, or the antique bank mail sorter that serves as my filing "cabinet."

As much as I enjoy my career, I've always believed that my most precious calling is wife to Ken, my husband of 33 years; mom to four great kids; and now mom-in-law, and "Mimi" to two darling little grandsons.

In addition, I have some of the most amazing friends in the world, including a group of women who share my name. We affectionately call ourselves Club Deb. I think being in the solitary profession of writing helps you really appreciate the people you have eye-to-eye contact with!

rh: Very true. We need to keep up with the outside world!

Thanks for stopping by, Deb.

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 6:24 PM   1 comments

Friday, February 08, 2008

Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren

Welcome my friend and fab author Susan May Warren. She's out with another great book, Taming Rafe! The book was recently a Top Pick from Romantic Times Book Club Review

Here's a blurb - Book 2 in The Noble Legacy series: Two-time world champion bull rider Rafe Noble had no idea how quickly his world could end. In less than eight seconds, he lost his title, his career, and his best friend-all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena.

Katherine Breckenridge just wants to make a difference by running her mother's charity foundation. But the mysterious disappearance of half a million dollars has forced it to the brink of bankruptcy. Her last chance to save it is the annual fund-raiser, an event that's destroyed by an out-of-control Rafe Noble.

Desperate to rescue the foundation, Katherine heads to the Noble family ranch to enlist Rafe's help in raising the money he cost her in lost donations. What she doesn't know is that Rafe is broke-in cash and in spirit-and that helping her could end up costing him his life.

Link to first chapter.

From Susie:

"I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life. Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights. Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology. I grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.

The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest."

Get a copy of Taming Rafe today!

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 10:35 PM   0 comments

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Sweet Caroline Video



This is me talking about Sweet Caroline via my new Flip Video.

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 10:15 AM   5 comments

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Sweet Caroline is almost here!

Sweet Caroline, my next Thomas Nelson book debuts February 12. I'm so excited.

Romantic Times Book Club wrote:

Hauck's adorable novel contains the multi-layered characters readers have come to expect from her books. The enjoyable story and unpredictable ending entertains and offers much to think about.

- 4.5 Stars, Melissa Parcel, Romantic Times Book Club

I'm so busy finishing Love Starts With Elle I haven't thought much about promoing Caroline's story, so I thought next week I'd write a "Behind The Scenes With Caroline Sweeney" blog series and talk a little about this book and why you want to buy it. :)

Isn't it funny, so much of the time we just see the book cover and blurb and it's hard to know, "Why do I want to invest my time to read this book?"

So next week I'll talk about why I invested seven months writing this book (besides having a deadline) and why it might be fun for y'all to read.

But today, I'm back to work on Elle. This story will be more straight up romance with a small subplot. But, it's a great story!

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 12:37 PM   8 comments

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I wanna be found faithful

I wanna be found faithful
I wanna be found steady
I wanna be found faithful
Until the end.
Justin Rizzo

Just a quick update as I need to get editing/rewriting today. Elle's story still needs an ending. I know it, just haven't written it all the way.

Grace, grace

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 9:52 AM   1 comments

Friday, December 14, 2007

The 12 Authors of Christmas Final Bonus, the lovely Tricia Goyer

Please welcome friend and author, Tricia Goyer. I've known Tricia for several years now and she is one person I always look forward to seeing at writer's conferences or retreats.

Her warm smile and love for others wins everyone over.

Welcome, Tricia.

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?

I remember being an angel in a Christmas pageant and my little brother was baby Jesus. I was four and he was four months old. I remember being very concerned when he started crying from his manger.

Growing up, did your family have Christmas traditions? Tell us how you incorporated them into your family life. Or, how you created new ones.

I remember after that going to my Grandma’s house for dinner. We always spent Christmas with her and my grandpa. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would come together to celebrate. We'd have a big dinner, usually with homemade enchiladas or tamales. We'd have an adult's table and a kids' table. For most of my growing up years it was just me, my brother and my two cousins at the kids table.

Now that I have my own family, we still have a big gathering. My grandma lives with us, and we have three teenagers. We also invite over my husband's whole family and friends who don't have family nearby. Last year we had 35 people, and I expect the same this year.

(rh: Wow, sounds fun.)

When do you put up your tree? At my house, it goes up right after Thanksgiving. My husband works assembly and outside lights. I do the rest. Describe the decorating at your house.

I usually put it up after the kids keeping bugging me and bugging me. This year it was on December 2nd. We put it up Sunday after church.

(rh: Ah, my dad could relate to you. I bugged him until he put up the tree.)

My kids help decorate and the young woman I mentor and her family come over too. Her kids are 6, 3, and 1 … so there is a lot of commotion!

What is your favorite Christmas song or album? I grew up with a Johnny Mathis Christmas CD and it's still one of my favorites. My other is a copy of Mel Torme singing his "Christmas Song."

I love lots of different kinds of Christmas music. I love old songs that are sung by new artists with a new twist. This year I found a new cd called Unexpected Gifts, and I've listened to it at least 10 times every day.

It includes "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (Bethany Dillon); "Do You Hear What I Hear" (Nichole Nordeman); "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (Steven Curtis Chapman); and "Silent Night" (Sanctus Real).

(rh: Tricia confessed to me she didn't even know who Johnny Mathis is, but I'll forgive her. Young'un...)

Christmas morning, my parents didn't want us in the living room until the tree was plugged in. So, we'd wake up early, five a.m. or so, and bang on the floor to stir my parents awake. Relive your childhood Christmas mornings for us.

We'd usually get up, get dressed and head over to my grandparents' house where we'd all open presents together.

I think that as we got older my brother and I complained because around junior high we started opening them at our house. I don't remember getting up super-early, but I do remember the smells of Christmas dinner cooking while we open gifts.

Also, I loved it because everyone was together and focused on the celebration. In fact, those Christmas days are some of the few times I remember my parents playing games with us. That's why I'm big on family time and games on Christmas!

Seems to me snow and Christmas go together, but I’ve been a Florida girl for 33 years! Tell us about your Christmas setting?

I grew up in the mountains of Northern California. We had lots of snow. Lots!

I remember one Christmas Eve driving from my Grandparents house to our house. It was a blizzard and I didn't know how my dad could even see the road. I remember thinking that the snow hitting the window looked like the opening of the Star Wars movie when the stars were zooming lines in space.

It’s Christmas Eve, describe your day and evening.

We usually attend a Christmas Eve service and then spend time with friends. This year we're going to church and then we're having the families from our small group come over for snacks and a white elephant gift exchange. There are five families and between us we have twelve kids between 4-18. We’ll eat, open gifts, sing and play games.

Confession time. Shop on line or at the mall?

Half and half. This year my daughter and I are making blankets for my nieces and nephews, so we have fabric and stuff all over the house.

But most of the stuff - for my kids and husband - I buy on-line. It's too hard to shop and not have them with me. Every time I go out the kids say,
"Can I come?"

Christmas grows more and more commercial every year. Setting the hustle and bustle aside, what does Christmas really mean to you?

Christmas is celebrating the birth of our Lord with friends and family. It's taking time to enjoy each other and spend time with those we love the most.

It's Christmas day, what's for dinner? Do you make cookies or other traditional foods?

I don't make many cookies . . . because I end up eating too many! Our Christmas dinner is similar to Thanksgiving.

We have potluck style and everyone brings something. Since it's usually at our house, I make a turkey, potatoes, and some type of dessert. There are usually 5-6 people scrambling around my kitchen and it's tons of fun.

Tell us about your favorite Christmas memory.

My favorite Christmas memory is when I was twelve. I received a cassette play with a microphone that could record. My Mom, Dad, brother and I sat around and made up stories and recorded them. I still have that tape somewhere.

What are you plans for this season?

The holiday season also means basketball season. In addition to all the holiday fun we travel every other weekend for games.

Since we live in rural Montana we often travel 4-5 hours for two or three basketball games. Of course, these are great memories too . . . dashing through Montana, talking in the car, replaying the game's highlights with our words.

Since my oldest son is a senior in high school thing years I’m enjoying every moment.

Any final thoughts on Christmas?

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

The official word on Tricia Goyer.

Tricia Goyer is the author of seven novels, six non-fiction books, and one children's book.

Tricia was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003.

In 2005, her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion. Also in 2005, her novel Night Song won ACFW's Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance.

In 2006, her novel Dawn of a Thousand Nights also won Book of the Year for Long Historical.

She’s written over 300 articles for national publications and hundreds of Bible Study notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible.

Tricia lives in Montana with her husband and three kids where she homeschools, leads children's church, and mentors teenage mothers.

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 2:10 PM   1 comments

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The 12 Authors of Christmas - Linda Hall

Welcome friend and author, Linda Hall, from the Great White North, our Canadian neighbor!

Thanks for stopping by, Linda.

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?

In my growing up house, the Christmas tree wasn't put up and decorated until after we kids had gone to bed on Christmas Eve.

(rh: My dad grew up with the same tradition.)

But some time during that long night, my brother and I would sneak downstairs to catch a glimpse of the unlit tree. I can still remember what it looked like there, in the halflight of morning with all the presents underneath it. It was splendid and the excitement was more than we could contain.

(rh: The thrilling magic of Christmas for children!)

But, I'm a crybaby. When I was a kid, my parents would pay me a nickel if I could get through the day without crying. I still cry a lot, and just about anything can bring me to tears; a sunset, a beautiful worship song, even the national anthem.

One of the things I remember most about Christmas day is going up to my room in the afternoon and having a good hard cry because it was all over. My mother would have to soothe me and tell me that there were still lots of good things to look forward to. I did it every year.

(rh: I didn't cry, but I can relate to the feeling. Linda, what a wonderful gift. Tears. God's smiling!)

I've learned now, that as a novelist, those tears are a gift. God made me the way I am - perfectly suited to write novels because novels deal with emotions.

Growing up, did your family have Christmas traditions? Tell us how you incorporated them into your family life. Or, how you created new ones.

In my childhood home, we kids were allowed to open our stockings first thing in the morning, but all the rest of the gifts? We had to wait until after breakfast.

My grandmother always took such an agonizingly long time with her breakfast and fussing with her coffee!

The stocking tradition is one my husband and I kept for our own family. Stockings come first, then a nice breakfast, then the gifts under the tree.

As well, in my husband's home, his father read the Christmas story from the Bible before any gifts were opened.

We did that when our children were at home. Also, to keep it from becoming a free for all under the tree, the youngest member of the family hands out the gifts and we open them one at a time.

(rh: Lovely traditions. I like them.)

When do you put up your tree? At my house, it goes up right after Thanksgiving. My husband works assembly and outside lights. I do the rest. Describe the decorating at your house.

One of the traditions we didn't carry into my grown up house was decorating the tree on Christmas Eve after our kids went to bed.

I decided I wanted a tree up way before that! Because for the last fifteen years we have traveled to visit family on Christmas, we have only put up a small artificial one about three weeks before Christmas.

This year will be the first time in a long time we'll be here for Christmas. We've got a big real tree laden with decorations I haven't taken out of the boxes for many years. I love the smell of a real fir tree.

What is your favorite Christmas song or album? I grew up with a Johnny Mathis Christmas CD and it's still one of my favorites. My other is a copy of Mel Torme singing his "Christmas Song."

Around ten years ago I bought a Christmas CD called "An East Coast Christmas," and I've practically worn it out. It was independently produced and so I can't find it on Amazon, but it's simply wonderful.

I also have a Rita MacNeil Christmas CD that I enjoy as well. As you can tell, I love music with a folky sort of feel. I also enjoy Bruce Cockburn's Christmas CD.

I've sung in choirs all of my life, as well. (Writing is my vocation but music is my eternal avocation) and so of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without practicing long hours for Christmas concerts, cantatas and caroling.

I love the music of Christmas, and on my iTunes, I've made up a playlist of my favorite Christmas carols.

(rh: I have a Christmas playlist, too.)

Christmas morning, my parents didn't want us in the living room until the tree was plugged in. So, we'd wake up early, five a.m. or so, and bang on the floor to stir my parents awake. Relive your childhood Christmas mornings for us.

Sometime around 5 in the morning or earlier, my brother would come into my room whispering that the tree was up! He'd even been down to see it!

But he didn't have to wake me up, I was usually too exited to sleep. We'd tiptoe down the stairs and stare at the tree, our first glimpse. Then we'd sit beside it and look at the presents.

If our parents didn't intervene, we might stay there until morning, or until we thought it was safe enough to open our stockings.

Seems to me snow and Christmas go together, but I've been a Florida girl for 33 years! Tell us about your Christmas setting?

I live in Canada. We usually have snow on the ground for Christmas, but it's nice when it's actually snowing on Christmas day. I'm very happy in a place where winter is really winter. I like the four seasons. Sun reflecting off the snow on the ground brings such a lightness into the home.

It's Christmas Eve, describe your day and evening.

The day is usually spent shopping for last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, wrapping presents and making the dressing for the turkey.

In the evening is the Christmas Eve service, then home to eggnog and Christmas goodies.

(rh: Yum!)

Confession time. Shop on line or at the mall?

I'm going to go against the trend here and say that I would really feel bereft if I didn't get to the mall at Christmas.

I like the decorations and the hustle and bustle. I'm married to a man who loves to shop. I know that's unusual for a guy, so I think I'm pretty fortunate!

(rh: Wow, where'd you find him? ;) I do like one day at the mall during Christmas, just for the "shopping fellowship.")

My back doesn't allow me to shop for long time periods however, so all that means is frequent stops for eggnog lattes.

Christmas grows more and more commercial every year. Setting the hustle and bustle aside, what does Christmas really mean to you?

It's a time for family. It's a time when for one day, everything stops and we can be with each other. It's also a time when we can think and reflect on the greatest gift - Jesus. It's a time to reflect on that mystery.

It's Christmas day, what's for dinner? Do you make cookies or other traditional foods?

Turkey with all the trimmings, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and decorated Christmas cookies.

For many years I made traditional Christmas pudding and fruitcake, but I haven't for a while. Those are nice traditions, but fussy and a bit expensive to make.

The one thing I do make is this most wonderful shortbread in the world. It's my mother-in-law’s recipe from England and it's really melt-in-your-mouth sinfully good stuff.

Of course, anything made with pure butter and icing sugar has to be good.

(rh: Well, of course!)

Tell us about your favorite Christmas memory.

It was around 35 years ago. My husband and I were newly married and living far away from either of our families.

We had no children yet and it was our first Christmas alone. We got up, opened our few gifts by ourselves and then went up to the ski hill.

I still remember what my husband bought for me that year - a locally made pottery creamer and sugar which I still use.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day on the ski hill, sunny and the snow was perfect. Also, being Christmas, the hill wasn't very crowded, and everyone up there was in such a festive mood. In the evening we went to a friend's house for dinner.

(rh: Lovely memory!)

What are you plans for this season?

My two little grandsons will be here! Can you tell I'm excited? They are four and two and I know will add a kid-dimension to our Christmas. We're going to decorate gingerbread houses and make more cookies. They're bringing their ice-skates, so hopefully we’ll get some ice-skating in, too.

Also, we'll be sharing our Christmas dinner with a couple of international students who are here at the university with no place to go. It will be crowded and noisy and fun.

Any final thoughts on Christmas?

Enjoy it. Take it easy. And if you go to the mall, get in with the flow, don't be in a hurry. Look at the faces of the people, enjoy the lights and decorations and bring along some reading material for when you have to wait in line. Those Steeple Hill romances are just perfect for that. They barely take up any room in your purse. Hint. Hint!

(rh: Great advice.)

The official word on Linda Hall

Linda Hall is the award winning author of fifteen novels, seven nonfiction books and a number of short stories. She has received the Canadian Word Guild Award five times, has been short listed twice for a Christy and once for a Daphne Award. She has also been awarded the Beacon Award, the Winter Rose Award, and the Award of Excellence.

Her newest romantic suspense, Shadows in the Mirror is the first book in her Steeple Hill 'shadows' trilogy. All three of her shadows books feature women who must come to grips with their pasts before they can move ahead in the present.

Linda also loves writing short stories, and her newest story, The Mad Scientist will be featured in an anthology of Canadian women crime writers to be released in 2008.

She and her husband have two children and three grandchildren. When she's not writing, she and her husband enjoy sailing. Both she and her husband have achieved the highest level in the Canadian Power Squadron, that of Senior Navigator. She invites readers to her website: http://writerhall.com

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 10:56 AM   1 comments

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

The 12 Authors of Christmas - Marlo Schalesky

Please welcome author and friend, Marlo Schalesky. I know Marlo mostly via email, but looking forward to meeting her in person one day soon.

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?

I must have been about four years old. I remember running into the family room and seeing the presents under the tree. Later I unwrapped one for me – a black stuffed poodle that actually barked. It was wonderful. I had never seen anything so magnificent in all my life.

Of course, I don't have that poodle anymore. I don't even like poodles so much (being more of a boxer person ;-)), but I'll never forget that little black dog that barked.

(rh: Still, a great memory!)

Growing up, did your family have Christmas traditions? Tell us how you incorporated them into your family life. Or, how you created new ones.

My favorite Christmas memories (and tradition) from when I was a kid, is of getting up before dawn on Christmas morning, running to fireplace with my brother, getting all the stockings, and racing back to my parents' bed.

My mom was always awake and excited. My dad pretended to be sleepy and complained. Then, with lots of giggling and the thrill of anticipation, we'd pull out the gifts from our stockings one by one.

They were simple things, boring really - M&M's, a toothbrush, some silly plastic toy. Things that would be used up or forgotten in just a few short days. And yet, there was something special about being together, being happy, laughing, that makes those times such neat memories for me.

So, now of course, with kids of my own, stockings are a big deal. We open them first thing on Christmas morning, on our bed. And it's still just as fun as it used to be, even though I'm all grown up!

(rh: A lovely tradition and memory.)

When do you put up your tree? At my house, it goes up right after Thanksgiving. My husband works assembly and outside lights. I do the rest.

When I was growing up, a fun tradition was putting together the artificial tree together. But when I got married, my husband's tradition was going out to cut down a fresh tree from a Christmas tree farm the day after Thanksgiving.

We've been married for 19 years. And for 19 years we've cut down a tree after Thanksgiving, cleaned it, put it up, and spent the remaining weeks trying to keep it watered and cleaning up needles from the floor (oh, that was tons of fun last year when the twins were one and crawling around!)

But this year, something amazing happened. My hubby said on Thanksgiving day, "Maybe we should get a fake tree this year. They've got some really nice looking ones at Costco."

After picking my jaw up off the floor, I smiled and said, "Great idea. Maybe we should." And we did - the 9 ft. one with matching garland for our log staircase and rails. No watering. No needles. I am a happy woman. And it looks fantastic.

I also bought a pine-scented candle so the house smells like pine tree. The best of all worlds. Yay!

(rh: Great story, Marlo. We finally went "fake" a few years ago, too. Stringing lights got to me. I said, "Forget it, let's get a tree with lights already on it!" Plus, the expense of a real tree just didn't seem worth it.)

Describe the decorating at your house.

"No, no! Put it ON the tree. ON the tree. That's not for your mouth. Put it back. Don't hit your sister over the head with that. Ahhhh! That one's breakable. Give it to me. No, no, don't throw it. That's it. Here, this nice soft one is for you. No, not to eat … ON the tree."

(rh: ROFLOL!)

Explanation: Two-year-old twins, along with 2 older sisters, ages 4 and 7.

Decorating pretty much consists of putting all breakable ornaments way up high on the tree, and redecorating the bottom third with the "safe" ornaments about every half hour, as they remove them and hide them in odd places.

As for other decorations - nativities, little trees, old fashioned santas - all breakable ones on the mantle or the high shelf in the kitchen. Stuffed snowmen, dogs, etc., down to play with.

Also, a big hit is the Little People Nativity in a Christmas basket. Basket comes out every morning for play, back away every evening for a little bit of order for Mommy's sanity.

What is your favorite Christmas song or album? I grew up with a Johnny Mathis Christmas CD and it's still one of my favorites. My other is a copy of Mel Torme singing his "Christmas Song."

I love "We Will Find Him" on Michael Card's CD "The Promise: A Celebration of Christ's Birth (1991)".

But then, I'm a big Michael Card fan in general. Other than that, I love to hear Nat King Cole sing the old favorites like "O Come All Ye Faithful" (my favorite Christmas hymn), "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "O Holy Night."

Seems to me snow and Christmas go together, but I've been a Florida girl for 33 years! Tell us about your Christmas setting?

Mid-California. No snow. Only fog. Lots of fog.

It's Christmas Eve, describe your day and evening.

Usually, we'd get together with my husband's family - parents, brothers, their wives, exchange gifts, eat soup (it's always soup!), and enjoy.

This year will be different, but just as fun. It'll just be us - Bryan and I and our four girls. We'll get to go our church's Christmas eve service, then come home for hot cocoa, cookies, and the opening of one gift (just one!)

I'm really looking forward to it!

(rh: The first Christmas Hubby and I stayed home without family felt strange in thought, but we really had a nice day!)

Confession time. Shop on line or at the mall?

Three words: Four. Little. Girls. And I've mentioned their ages already. So, as you can imagine, a trip to the mall spells n-i-g-h-t-m-a-r-e.

I shop online as much as possible, or even better, have my hubby shop on line.

Christmas grows more and more commercial every year. Setting the hustle and bustle aside, what does Christmas really mean to you?

Oh, I love Christmas! It's the most wonderful birthday party of all! The birthday of God incarnate, when the infinite God of the universe was born as a tiny baby in a stable. Wow! So, I love Santa Claus, because at Jesus' birthday we ought to have the best birthday clown ever.

(rh: ROFLOL! What a great observation!)

And who's better than a jolly guy in a red suit? I love the decorations, because Jesus's birthday party ought to have the most fantastic, sparkling, beautiful decorations of all.

I love the gift-giving, because what better way to celebrate the greatest gift of all than to be generous with others? I love the warmth, the laughter, the way people are kinder to others, give more, and get together to enjoy the season.

That's just "right" for a celebration of Jesus. So, to me, Christmas means that God loves me, loves us all, enough to do the crazy-impossible - to become one of us, to be born a baby, and to someday die on a cross and raise from the dead - all so we can be with him, forever.

So, that's Christmas to me - a celebration of the incredible love of a wondrous, vivid, breath-taking God.

It's Christmas day, what's for dinner? Do you make cookies or other traditional foods?

The most important thing, of course, is the Christmas sugar cookies. That's the big tradition at our house. Every year, all of us (yes, even the littlest ones), make and decorate Christmas cookies, from scratch.

(rh: My mom had a great sugar cookie recipe, too.)

We have cookies cutters in the shape of trees and fat Santas, stars and crosses, bells and gingermen. It's so fun to see the kids, their tongues sticking from the sides of their mouths as they work on frosting Santa's tummy.

Other than that, we like ham, bread, glorified rice (Bryan's mom makes that), corn and more cookies.

What are you plans for this season?

Ah, a simple Christmas this year, of enjoying the family, singing Christmas carols, having fun, and working on a big, fat marketing questionnaire that my editor just sent me for my next book. Hmmm, something here doesn't sound very Christmas-y. Let's go back to the cookies.

Any final thoughts on Christmas?

This year, I find I'm thinking a lot about the memories I'm making now - for my kids, for my hubby, for me. And I'm thinkin' that I don't want those memories to be ones of a Mom who's running around with too much to do and too little time to do it.

I don't want them to be of hustle, bustle, shopping, wrapping, cooking, cards, and gifts thrown under the tree. I don't even want them to be of the cool stable-and-horse set that my girls will unwrap on Christmas morning. Or the cheap kid's guitar for my oldest, or the new "ooo-ahh" (stuffed gorilla) for one of the twins.

'Cause toys break, get old, get lost, or they outgrow them. But they don't outgrow the happy memories of family times together. The memories of decorating Christmas cookies with laughter and joking - those don't get old.

The times we make a gingerbread house together, or sit down and watch the Grinch - those don't break. The simple things make the best memories. Times when we're together as a family, having fun, enjoying the traditions we're building together.

So, that's my goal this Christmas, to weave memories of peace, love, togetherness, because that's the best gift I can think of to celebrate Jesus's birth - Memories that bring a smile to the face of children and to the face of the King.

(rh: Great thoughts, Marlo. You are so right!)

The official world on Marlo Schalesky

She is the award winning author of six books, including her upcoming novel BEYOND THE NIGHT, which will release in May of 2007. BEYOND THE NIGHT is the first of Marlo's "Love Stories With a Twist" - poignant love stories with I-never-saw-it-coming ending twist.

Her novel released in 2007 was VEIL OF FIRE, a historical mystery which explored the great Minnesota firestorm of 1894 and the figure who appeared in the hills afterward.

Marlo has also had over 500 articles published in various magazines, had her work included in compilations such as Dr. Dobson's Night Light Devotional for Couples, and is a regular columnist for Power for Living.

Marlo recently earned her Masters degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently working on three contemporary novels for Multnomah-Waterbrook Publishers, a division of Random House.

She lives in Salinas, California with her husband and four daughters.

(rh: Marlo, thanks for a fun interview. Everyone, remember to stop by Tricia Goyer's site later this week for more author interviews, and Camy Tang, who's hosting a tour as I write! Blessings!)

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 9:26 AM   3 comments

Monday, December 10, 2007

The 12 Authors of Christmas - Donita Paul

Please welcome author and friend, one time mentor, Donita Paul. I met Donita in a critique group years ago and she was a great help to me. In fact, she critiqued my first published book, "Lambert's Pride."

Welcome, Donita.

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?

I had three brothers older and wiser than me. In our house, we were allowed to open one present Christmas Eve and we'd spend weeks deciding which would be the one to open.

I had zeroed in on a box that rattled deliciously. My brothers, of course, had guessed it was a puzzle, and kept enticing me with other gifts. I don't know why they didn't want to open the puzzle, but I was stubborn and opened it.

Then we got out the cardboard table, and sorted pieces. I was happy, and my big brothers soon fell into the spirit. We had the border done and one huge chunk before we went to bed that night.

(rh: Those are the best times!)

Growing up, did your family have Christmas traditions? Tell us how you incorporated them into your family life. Or, how you created new ones.

We were allowed to go in the family room and get our stockings before mom and dad got up. Then we carried them up the stairs to their bedroom and unpacked them while our parents laughed and carried on about the presents from Santa we revealed

When do you put up your tree?

We put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving as many people do and take it down on New Year's Day. When I was little we hung those wonderful, crinkled tinsel on each branch. It was heavy and hung just right. They don't even make that type anymore. Now, I just watch my daughter and her husband and the grandsons decorate. My job is to unwrap the ornaments. It is a very cushy job.

(rh: Sounds good to me.)

What is your favorite Christmas song or album?

Every year one of the local tire stores had a Christmas album on sale. I believe it was the Firestone Store. We would go get one and wear it out.

I can still sing the Steve Lawrence rendition of The Night before Christmas. I wrote a very simple Christmas program for the church where I was Children's education director. I happened to find a copy this year. Tears came to my eyes as I remembered the young people doing their parts.

(rh: Something about Christmas time and music touches the soul.)

Tell us about your Christmas setting?

We live in Colorado but that doesn't guarantee a white Christmas. We moved into a new neighborhood this summer. Here they do a lot of decorating, and it is fun to come home and see the lights. We've had snow and the displays are even prettier with a white background.

Shop on line or at the mall?

Online!

Christmas grows more and more commercial every year. Setting the hustle and bustle aside, what does Christmas really mean to you?

Jesus, family, generosity.

It's Christmas day, what's for dinner? Do you make cookies or other traditional foods?

We have turkey, bread/sausage/sage dressing, cranberries, pumpkin pie. Sounds just like Thanksgiving, doesn't it?

We make Gingerbread men. Here is the recipe: (yum!)

Gingerbread Men

3/4 cup melted butter

1 cup molasses
1/2 cup honey

1 cup buttermilk

6 1/2 cups sifted, unbleached flour (can use half whole wheat)

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsps. ginger

4 tsps. baking powder

3/4 tsps. baking soda

2 Tbsp. orange extract


Mix melted butter, molasses, and honey until smooth. Add buttermilk and orange extract, then flour sifted with salt, ginger, baking powder and soda. Mix to a smooth, stiff dough. (In the end, you will be kneading with your hands.) Roll out on lightly floured surface to 1/3 inch thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 -10 minutes. Cool on racks.


(rh: Oh, this sounds so good!)


Here's one of those Christmas question lists that go around the internet:

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

Real tree or artificial? Artificial

Do you like eggnog? Yum!

Favorite gift received as a child? A miniature Grandfather's clock

Do you have a nativity scene? Yes

Hardest person to buy for? My daughter-in-law

Easiest person to buy for? My grandsons, they want everything and enjoy everything.

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A box of candy designed to curb your appetite. (rh:
LOL. Who gave you that?)

Mail or email Christmas cards? Both

Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 24th Street

When do you start shopping for Christmas? At the after-Christmas sales

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmmm? Well, . . . Yes.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Gingerbread cookies and pumpkin pie

Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colores

Favorite Christmas song? Serious: Oh, come, oh come Immanuel; Stirring: Joy to the World;
Fun to Listen to: Carol of the Bells; Most meaningful personally: I Heard the Bells on Christmas day; Children's: Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Home

Most annoying thing about this time of year? Commercialism. In fact here is a song from the play I spoke of earlier - Sung to We wish you a merry Christmas:
We wish you a lot of money. We wish you a lot of money.
We wish you a lot of money to spend in our stores.

What I love most about Christmas?

Spending time with family, drawing closer to God, remembering Christ's humble entrance into our lives, picking out just the right present to please someone I love.

Merry Christmas!!!!

The Official Word on Donita Paul

Donita K. Paul enjoys writing, but she enjoys her readers more. Her web site www.dragonkeeper.us is place where she can interact with readers, young and old.

Mrs. Paul is a retired teacher but still spends a great deal of time with young people. Although she lives in the shadow of Pikes Peak, she does no mountain-climbing, preferring more sedate hobbies such as knitting and stamping. She prefers to make things she can give away.

Still surprised by the popularity of the Dragon Keeper Chronicles, she is writing on three projects: dragon readers for emergent readers, picture books about a dragon and his best friend, a turtle, and the next novel about Amara.

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 3:06 PM   2 comments

Sunday, December 09, 2007

The ninth 12th Author of Christmas - Jill Nelson

Hi everyone! Please welcome my friend and fabo author, Jill Nelson. She writes intrigue-adventure-romance stories that spark the reader's faith.

I'm honored to have her stop by the Christmas tour!

Let's read about Jill's Christmas memories.

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?

This isn't my earliest memory, but it was something I was reminiscing about just the other day. I was in grade school at the time. My father was the pastor of our church and was working on the Christmas program. I found a poem I liked in a book and suggested someone read it for the program. He smiled and assigned that task to me - and I had to memorize it, too.

I learned a valuable lesson that day: When you make a suggestion, be prepared to carry it out yourself! It's also a treasured memory since my father passed away suddenly when I was 18.

(rh: Jill, I'm sorry to hear your Dad died so young. But what a great memory to have of him.)

Growing up, did your family have Christmas traditions? Tell us how you incorporated them into your family life. Or, how you created new ones.

We open our presents on Christmas morning, not Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is set aside for attending candlelight church service. Always a beautiful, blessed time!

When do you put up your tree? At my house, it goes up right after Thanksgiving. My husband works assembly and outside lights. I do the rest. Describe the decorating at your house.

The tree goes up the first weekend after Thanksgiving. I don't do ANY Christmas decorating until after our family has given proper thanks on the special day set aside nationally for that purpose. Besides, I love the fall decorations. Why would I want to switch them out before winter even hits?

What is your favorite Christmas song or album? I grew up with a Johnny Mathis Christmas CD and it's still one of my favorites. My other is a copy of Mel Torme singing his "Christmas Song."

We wouldn't miss our town's local Country Christmas production. It's amazing how much musical talent is contained in our rural area. The annual event really gets us in the Christmas spirit. Tryouts for the production take place in the summer, they practice intensely starting in the early fall, and then put on a quality show I'd stack up against big city troupes any day!

(rh: What a great tradition.)

Christmas morning, my parents didn't want us in the living room until the tree was plugged in. So, we'd wake up early, five a.m. or so, and bang on the floor to stir my parents awake. Relive your childhood Christmas mornings for us.

Early was the name of the game. Sometimes when we showed up in their bedroom at 4 a.m., our groaning parents sent us back to the sack. My sisters and I shuffled off reluctantly for another sleepless hour or two, but we knew better than to sneak into the living room until everyone was up and at 'em.

When we finally got the go ahead, the dash was on. After checking out the Jolly Old Elf contributions, we opened up our presents that were under the tree for each other.

We always took turns opening from youngest to oldest so everyone got to see everyone else's blessings. Lots of oohing and aahing.

The first time my husband attended one of my family's Christmas celebrations, he was amazed at this practice. No one paid attention to anyone else's gifts at his house. They all ripped stuff open simultaneously and basically went and put them away at the first opportunity. At first, he thought my family's way was weird, but he likes it now.

Seems to me snow and Christmas go together, but I've been a Florida girl for 33 years! Tell us about your Christmas setting?

In Minnesota, we usually have snow, but there have been a few "black" Christmases. No, I don't mean depressing; I'm just saying the opposite of white. We can't call it "green," because no snow in winter here means a barren landscape - lots of black dirt in the fields, dark tree limbs stark against the sky. It's actually a rather striking tableau.

It's Christmas Eve, describe your day and evening.

Busy, busy, busy in the morning and afternoon with cleaning house, meal preparations for the next day, wrapping last minute gifts, and - um - nibbling Christmas baking. Late afternoon is the candlelight service. Then we come home to a supper of oyster stew and hot dogs. (Gotta go with simple after all the other work.) Then we read the Christmas story from the Bible and take communion before bed.

Confession time. Shop on line or at the mall?

Some of each. But I definitely do NOT shop the day after Thanksgiving. My husband and I tried that misadventure once with my brother's family when we had just celebrated Thanksgiving in Minneapolis at my sister's place.

We arrived at a Walmart at around 4:30 a.m. for the 5:00 a.m. opening and had to park at least a block away. We stood in line a good football field distant from the doors.

As soon as the holy portals were unlocked, machine gun fire went off. I nearly hit the deck . . . until I realized it was only the people in nearby cars leaping out and slamming their doors. Of course, they all bucked ahead in line.

When we finally surged into the building, thoroughly chilled from the freezing weather outside, we could hardly move for wall-to-wall people. Doug and I ended up finding a bench out of the way and just watching folks battle for whatever treasures they came for. Never again!

(rh: I've never braved the day-after. Probably never will. ;)

Christmas grows more and more commercial every year. Setting the hustle and bustle aside, what does Christmas really mean to you?

A celebration of the greatest gift of all - Immanuel! God with us! The very concept is awesome beyond belief. That God, the eternal, almighty Creator would take on a flesh and blood body and go through the whole messy birth process to not only live among us, but die with the full burden of our sin upon Him! No wonder fallen humanity has trouble getting their heads around this concept and opening up their hearts to His love.

(rh: Amen. He does love us so very much.)

It's Christmas day, what's for dinner? Do you make cookies or other traditional foods?

When I was a child, my favorite was my mom's gingerbread men. She made one special for each of us with our names on them in frosting.

Now when we happen to be at my mom's for Christmas day, I adore her anise cookies. The meal is pretty traditional with ham and meatballs and green bean casserole. Oh, and the hors d'oeuvres! Pigs in blankets, mini-pizzas, chips and dip, cheese and crackers. Love! Love! Love! (Can you tell I sorta like the holiday feasting?)

(rh: Yum. What time shall I be there?)

Tell us about your favorite Christmas memory.

When I was a kid, I had the brainstorm to play Santa for my parents. I bought little things on the sly, sewed them stockings out of felt, and then filled them on Christmas night.

My folks were very surprised when I dragged them into the toy room and showed them what Santa brought. Well, they acted surprised anyway. I got such joy in pulling off my little stunt.

(rh: What a great idea. How sweet, Jill!)

What are you plans for this season?

Christmas Day will be our immediate family. Our four kids plan to be at our house, plus one spouse and a serious boyfriend.

We'll open gifts, eat yummy stuff, play board games, or lie around watching movies. Oh, and laugh a lot. To me, that's about as perfect as a day gets. Extended family celebrations will occur the weekends before and after Christmas. Those will be way more hectic.

Any final thoughts on Christmas?

Whatever you need to do in order to pull it off, if at all possible, be together with someone you love. Share your adoration of the Christ child and laugh as much as possible. Joy to the world!

The Official Word on Jill Nelson.

Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read - tales of adventure, intrigue, and romance laced with soul-stirring faith. "Reluctant Burglar" and "Reluctant Runaway," the first two installments of her "To Catch A Thief" series, are on bookstore shelves now.

"Reluctant Smuggler," book three, releases on January 15 to acclaim from the Library Journal and Romantic Times magazine.

Jill and her husband Doug live in rural Minnesota, with their four grown children also living in the area. No grandchildren yet, but they are blessed with a wide variety of "granddogs," as their kids tell them. To find out more about Jill and her books, and to play a fun art matching game for a chance to win an autographed book, drop by her web site.

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 1:41 PM   2 comments

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Continuing The 12 Authors of Christmas with DiAnn Mills!

Please welcome my friend, author and special encourager, DiAnn Mills.

I met DiAnn in '97 at Write-To-Publish. She was pre-pubbed but about to sell her first Heartsong Presents. We hit it off and spent every evening (or was it morning) walking the track at Wheaton for exercise and conversation.

DiAnn has been a huge encouragement to me. I joined American Christian Ficiton Writers because of her and the rest as they say, is history.

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?

I know this sounds crazy, but I remember seeing Santa ride across the sky. Ok, let me back up. I was three-years-old. My parents kept a glass of orange juice in the refrigerator for those times when I was thirsty in the middle of the night. I don't do milk. Anyway, it was Christmas Eve, and I stood in front of a window drinking my orange juice. Then all of a sudden, I saw Santa in his sleigh and all of his reindeers ride across the sky!

(rh: This is the imagination of a GREAT writer. :)

Growing up, did your family have Christmas traditions? Tell us how you incorporated them into your family life. Or, how you created new ones.

We didn't tear into our gifts on Christmas morning. Each member of the family was respected and honored with their gift. I carried over the same tradition. We don't open a gift until the Christmas story is read.

For the past five years, I prepare a Holiday Brunch for about 22 friends. I love cooking, and this gives me an opportunity to serve others.

(rh: Sounds wonderful!)

When do you put up your tree? At my house, it goes up right after Thanksgiving. My husband works assembly and outside lights. I do the rest. Describe the decorating at your house.

We put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving. My husband does the tree, and I stay out of his way until it's done. He also does the outside. I do the rest!

What is your favorite Christmas song or album? I grew up with a Johnny Mathis Christmas CD and it's still one of my favorites. My other is a copy of Mel Torme singing his "Christmas Song."

I love Christmas music! I think "I'll be Home for Christmas" is one of my favorites. That takes me back to rural Ohio with snow and great memories. I also like "White Christmas." Actually, the season doesn't begin until I hear "Breath of Heaven."

Christmas morning, my parents didn't want us in the living room until the tree was plugged in. So, we'd wake up early, five a.m. or so, and bang on the floor to stir my parents awake. Relive your childhood Christmas mornings for us.

We could peek and see what Santa left, but we couldn't open gifts until my parents were up.

It's Christmas Eve, describe your day and evening.

Total anticipation of the event – as though Jesus is being born again. And He is in our hearts. I have music going constantly as my husband and I fill stockings and prepare food for the next day when the house will be filled with our adult children and friends. I look forward to Candlelight service at church and the singing of all the traditional hymns.

Confession time. Shop on line or at the mall?

Both! I like the touch and feel of the real thing! I like the music and the sound of the Salvation Army bell. But in Houston, there is no snow. But if I get frustrated, I’ll shop Online.

Christmas grows more and more commercial every year. Setting the hustle and bustle aside, what does Christmas really mean to you?

Giving of myself. Wondering about the first Christmas and the awe of all those who shared in the birth of Jesus. I like to reach out to those less fortunate. Talk to old friends and family. Making sure that the gifts I give are useful and given for a reason.

It's Christmas day, what's for dinner? Do you make cookies or other traditional foods?

Oh, I cook and bake all December. Dinner will be ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato bar, vegetable casseroles, colorful salads. Did I say I love to cook? I ask each guest for their favorite dessert, then I make sure it's baked for them. And did I mention wassail? I make several cups of this hot, spicy drink - and not the mix kind either.

Tell us about your favorite Christmas memory.

That would be the Christmas that Santa brought me a pogo stick. I was excited! But I lived in Ohio, and we had snow. So I decided to jump on the front porch. I was jumping away and fell through the picture window beside the Christmas tree. My coat and gloves protected me, and thank goodness I missed the tree!

What are you plans for this season?

Awareness for the critical situation in Sudan and Africa. Giving to charities who assist the less fortunate. A big dinner for family and friends on Christmas.

Any final thoughts on Christmas?

Give where there is a need. We live in the richest country in the world, and I believe we all have a responsibility to take care of those who have far less.


The official word on DiAnn Mills

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should "Expect an Adventure." Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Awards 2003 - 2007. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader's Choice award for 2005 and 2007.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she'd own a Harley, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.


Visit her website: www.diannmills.com

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posted by Rachel Hauck @ 9:27 AM   1 comments

Friday, December 07, 2007

The 12 Autors of Christmas, Terri Blackstock!

Today we're hearing from my friend and award winning author, Terri Blackstock. And, as a bonus, today is Terri's birthday. Be sure to send her birthday greetings.

The picture to the left is Terri as Celebrity Grand Marshall of the Clinton, Mississippi Christmas Parade in 2006.

"I was riding with the Grand Marshall and his granddaughter. Notice how excited the people are as we drive by! I was upstaged by Santa who rode on a fire truck behind us. The comments from people we passed were something like this: "Who is that lady and why isn't she throwing candy?"
"I don’t know, but look, there’s Santa!"

(rh: Funny, Terri. We're all legends in our minds, anyway, I say.)

Tell us about your first Christmas memory?