Posting Late! (And Prom)

Missy Tippens, here. I'm sorry I missed my post day on Friday. But there's still one day left in the weekend! :)

It's been an exciting weekend. My daughter had her senior prom! Saturday night I got to go take photos of my daughter and her friends. I'm thankful they don't mind us moms (and dads) tagging along for pictures! Since she and a couple of her friends were also on prom court, we got to go to the dance to take photos. It was fun to get to see them all dancing. And since other parents were there as well, I guess I wasn't too much of an embarrassment. :)

It's hard to believe my "baby" (the youngest of three kids) is a senior. No more dances or dance photos. No more school field trips to chaperone. No more sleepovers with lots of girls giggling in the other room.

It's going to be a lot quieter around here for my husband and me. I'd love to hear suggestions on how to deal with an empty nest.

I shared this photo on one of my other blogs the other day. My daughter and I bought it. It'll be her morning reminder to call home! ;)

One thing to look forward to this fall will be more time to write! But for now, I'm excited to announce my new release that just came out from Love Inspired!

The Doctor's Second Chance

The Bachelor's Baby 

Jake West's troubled cousin leaves him with a most unusual parting gift—her newborn baby girl! And now the small-town contractor is forced to seek help from the very woman he resents—the new big-city pediatrician who practically stole his uncle's practice, Violet Crenshaw. Violet knows she shouldn't be consorting with the enemy. But she can't resist the adorable baby and her handsome new caretaker. Violet traded her chance at motherhood for her career years ago. But raising a family with Jake could be everything she's ever wanted.

Click here to read an excerpt!

www.missytippens.com

Fall in Georgia

Fall in Georgia

Missy Tippens

I saw Marta's beautiful post the other day and felt such a longing for the changing of the leaves. But I have to admit I don't relish the thought of cold weather. I prefer early fall, spring and even the heat of summer.

Still, there's something nice about the weather cooling (it was a wonderful 70 degrees as I wrote this Tuesday night), the smell of cinnamon and apples cooking, the smell of pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie baking.

Each year, our church's youth group sells pumpkins for a fundraiser. The kids work to make money to pay for their trips during the year--mission trip, retreats. We bring in hundreds of gorgeous pumpkins to sell.

When it's time to buy a pumpkin for our own front porch, the kids and I always go around and around about whether to get a nice round pumpkin. Or a tall, skinny one. Or a short fat one. A smooth one or one with bumps (we call warts). :) Personally, I like the short, squat, warty ones. And I love them to have a nice stem.

What we usually end up doing, though, is picking one pumpkin each. It's a nice way to settle the "dispute". And it is, after all, for a good cause! :)


Missy Tippens has a new release from Love Inspired this month!

The Guy Next Door

From Friend to…Fiancé?  

Stalwart and steady, Darcy O'Malley has been by Luke Jordan's side since childhood. She has seen him through trials and tragedies, romances and breakups. They've been everything to each other—except boyfriend and girlfriend. Why ruin a good thing? What Luke can't explain, however, is why suddenly Darcy's presence is making his heart beat so hard. Something has changed since he left Appleton, and it's making him uneasy. Is it possible his best friend is meant to be something more? Dare he risk their perfect friendship in the hopes of finding his perfect wife?

A Whole Lotta Love Inspired Authors and More

Pamela Tracy here and I'm in a motel in Lordsburg, New Mexico.  Today I spent 12 hours driving away from San Antonio  I miss it already!

For the last six days, romance authors of all shapes, sizes, and genres gathered at the Romance Writers of America conference.  I was in Love Inspired bliss.

The say a picture's worth a thousand words, so here are my favorites.
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Mindy Obenhaus shows her badge with the SOLD ribbon while attending the Library Fiesta

Missy Tippens takes a photo during the general meeting.  Tina Radcliff sits next to her.

Lacy Williams attending the same meeting.  Look at that smile.

Danica Favorite looks chic as she attends the Harlequin E pajama party.

During Love Inspired Meet and Greet, various authors pay rapt attention to what's going on with the line.
It's all good!

Tina James, editor extraordinary, takes a group of authors to lunch.

 

What a great time we haad.

New Book and Exciting News...from Missy Tippens

Missy Tippens, here. Celebrating a new book from Love Inspired! I thought I'd share the wonderful cover. I can't wait for you to read and find out what special scene is depicted on the front. I won't give any spoilers, but it's a BIG scene! :)

Oh! And before I share the new book info, I wanted to share some exciting news with you. My last book from Love Inspired, A House Full of Hope, was named a Romance Writers of America RITA^® Finalist! I'm absolutely thrilled!

Now, the new book, Georgia Sweethearts...

A Pattern for Love…

After inheriting her great-aunt’s failing yarn shop, Lilly Barnes is determined to make it a success. All she wants is stability, something she doesn’t think possible in the small town of Corinthia, Georgia. Then Pastor Daniel Foreman rents space in her store to hold meetings for his growing congregation, and this proves to be her lifeline. At first Lilly wants nothing to do with Daniel’s big dreams, but she soon finds herself starting to share his goals. Yet trouble between her customers and his congregation make them both doubt the path they’re on. That is, until practical Lilly shows him that love is a risk worth taking.

Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com for more information or to read excerpts.

More about Heroes...and Conflict

Missy Tippens, here. I saw that y'all had a fun discussion the other day when Jenna posted about different types of heroes. I love all of the many types you discussed! Jenna mentioned bad boy heroes, and that describes my hero is in my February release, A House Full of Hope.

Mark Ryker got in a heap of trouble (and dragged the heroine's sister into trouble with him!) when he was in high school. He was grieving and miserable and finally just left town. Now, years later, he's a changed man, successful, a new Christian...and he heads back to town seeking redemption.

Of course, no one, not even his own father, wants to welcome him. Especially not the heroine, Hannah, who holds a grudge against him.

I had so much fun writing this story! A tortured hero. A woman with a grudge who's four children fall in love with the guy. How can Hannah ever forgive him and admit she's falling for him herself?

Sometimes it's hard for me to write conflict in stories since in real life I tend to avoid conflict at all costs. :) But I really had fun writing this story. What do y'all think about conflict in the books you read? Do find yourself really rooting for a character who comes up against trouble at every turn?

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A House Full of Hope is Missy Tippens' fifth book from Love Inspired.

Read an excerpt by clicking here.

FROM BLACK SHEEP TO FATHER OF FOUR...

Before becoming a Christian, Mark Ryker ran with a bad crowd and broke hearts. Including his father’s. Now a successful businessman, Mark has come home to Corinthia, Georgia, to make amends. But no one will forgive him. So when the widowed mother of four renting his dad’s run-down house needs help fixing up the place, Mark gets to work. Pretty Hannah Hughes and her sweet kids have him longing to be part of the clan, but Hannah isn’t ready to let go of the past. Still, they are working together on a house full of hope—and that’s all Mark needs.

Ruth Logan Herne in Woman's World Magazine!

Missy Tippens, here. I was at the grocery store last week and was so excited to finally see the July 5th issue of Woman's World Magazine. My friend and fellow Love Inspired author, Ruth Logan Herne, has her debut novel mentioned as one of the best beach reads for the summer! Her book, Winter's End is featured as the book to read if you you're looking for an inspirational love story. So I hope you'll check out the magazine issue--but even more, I hope you'll check out her wonderful story!

Front Porch Friends

Missy Tippens here. I shared with my newsletter subscribers the other day that the photo I use on my website and blog isn't actually my front porch. (Several people had written to ask me!) Alas, I don't have a green thumb, so my porch isn't quite as beautiful as this one.

But I love the idea of having a porch like this. A place to sit with friends and enjoy a nice evening. I guess you could say my back deck serves that function better than my front porch. I have some comfortable furniture, and we love to eat outside in the spring and fall.

So what's your front porch like? Or do you have a place outdoors where you like to enjoy this beautiful spring weather?
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You can find Missy, and sign up for her quarterly email newsletter, at www.missytippens.com.
If you'd like Missy to send you a copy of her recent newsletter with the real front porch photo, just email her at missytippens @ aol.com (and remove the extra spaces).

Pine Pollen is Raining Down! by Missy Tippens

Missy Tippens, here.

Well, after Marty's post on Tuesday about spring cleaning, I thought I'd show you what we're dealing with in Georgia--which might just make Marty crazy! :)

First, this photo is looking off my deck. Gorgeous! But on the deck...check the next photo. That table is not supposed to be yellow. On Tuesday, the pine pollen (here, NE of Atlanta) started falling like crazy! You could see it thick and blowing in the air. Luckily, pine pollen is too large to be an allergen. But it sure is an irritant! :)

Oh, and check the last photo. That is our glass table that's supposed to be clear. It got an awful coating of pollen on Tuesday! Yes, I wrote a message for you. :)

I'd never seen pollen like this until I moved to Georgia. What about you? Do you get it this bad in the spring?

Olympics Sleep Deprivation :)

Missy Tippens, here. Okay, let's see a show of hands... How many of you have dark circles under your eyes because you've been staying up late to watch the Olympic Games?

My hand is held up high. I've been making a point to get all my work done each day so that I can reserve the nights for watching the games. And boy, what fun and excitement! And yes, even tears. Who didn't cry last night after Joannie Rochette of Canada finished her figure skating event? Her mom died of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, and Joannie knew her mom would want her to pursue her dream, to go ahead and compete. So she went out and did the performance of her life. And then she wept. Oh my goodness, I was sobbing along with her! Such a heart wrenching, moving story. One of many for these games.

I'm always inspired by the Olympics and the athletes. What about you? Have any stories of victory or defeat or personal triumph particularly touched you?

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Well, I'm posting late today. My kids went back to school on Wednesday, and it has thrown me totally off schedule. I hardly know what day it is! :)

Being late reminded me of an expression my mom often uses: I'm a day late and a dollar short.

So I wondered if you'd share some of your favorite expressions you've picked up from your parents, grandparents, friends, other family (maybe even your own kids!). Please share! I'm always looking for fun expressions to use in my books.
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Missy's recent release, A Forever Christmas, is still available. Why not snuggle up during this terribly cold weather and extend the holiday season!

My First Christmas Book!

I'm so excited to tell you my new release, my very first Christmas story, is on the shelves now! If you're a member of the book club, and get all 6 books each month, then you received yours back in September. But for those who didn't get it from the book club, I hope you'll look for it now at any store that carries Love Inspired Books (and is carrying all 6 books).

If you can't find it, see if your local bookseller will order it for you. Or check for it online. If you visit my website, http://www.missytippens.com/, you can find links.

I actually started writing this book last December. And the idea came to me as I was writing a blog post for a new blog with a theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. So I was already in the holiday spirit, and soon after starting it had Christmas decorations and all the trimming surrounding me.

I wonder how it would be to write one in the middle of July! :) But I guess it's pretty easy to catch the Christmas spirit any time of the year.

Here's the back cover blurb of A Forever Christmas:

Sarah Radcliffe’s quiet Christmas back in her hometown will be lost if she agrees to direct the church’s Christmas pageant. But when she meets two little boys determined to gain their father’s attention, Sarah agrees to help. Then she discovers that the dad in question is Gregory Jones, the man she loved and lost. The single dad is working himself to the bone to give his boys the Christmas of their dreams, when all they want is some family time. Time that includes a new mommy. If Sarah can learn to open her heart, she may receive the most wonderful present of all—a family of her own.

And click here to read an excerpt at e-harlequin.com!

Thanks for celebrating a new release with me today! I'd love to hear what you think about Christmas stories. If you had a copy of A Forever Christmas, would you read it now, or would you save it for closer to Christmas?? :)

Celebrating a Victory

Missy Tippens, here. We were celebrating in our household yesterday. My daughter's cross country team won the county-wide competition! There were four middle schools participating, and her school earned the most points (well, actually, I think it was the lowest points to win). :)

This isn't the best photo since it was taken on my phone, plus it was really bright outside. But it's a photo of the girls' team with their trophy. The boys won also. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for running and cheering on the kids.

I'm also celebrating receiving my author copies for my November Love Inspired, A Forever Christmas! I just love the beautiful cover!! (You can see it in the slide show to the left.) Oh, and I also found out yesterday that it got 4 stars from Romantic Times Magazine!!

What about you? Have you celebrated anything recently that you'd like to share? Let us celebrate with you!

Missy

The Tip of a Drumstick® :-)

By Missy Tippens

Though school has started back, it’s definitely still summer in Georgia! As I’m typing this at 11 pm, it’s 75 degrees outside. And I just had inspiration for my post.

A Drumstick® ice cream cone. Or as they call it, The Original Sundae Cone. ®

Very inspirational, don’t you think?? :)

When I went to the Nestle Drumstick website to see if I could find a photo of one to use, I found the history of the treat. First off, a Syrian waffle-maker named Ernest Hamwi showed the first ice cream cone at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Then in 1928, I.C. Parker had the idea of coating an ice cream cone with chocolate and peanuts. When he did so, his wife said it looked like a fried chicken leg—or drumstick! :) Thus, its name. He and his brother started the Frozen Drumstick Sales Co soon after. Then years later, they added the chocolate lining inside the cone. They also added the part that so inspired me tonight—the little plug of chocolate in the tip of the cone.

Oh, I love that last bite! Weren’t they ingenious? You’re chomping along, a little sad once the ice cream is gone. But then that last little reward…a last burst of melting chocolate with a bit of cone crunch.

There’s nothing like a summer evening and a Drumstick. What about you? What’s your favorite summer snack? Or a food that always makes you think of summer?

Missy's June Love Inspired, His Forever Love, is still available! Visit www.missytippens.com

Questions from Readers

I had the nicest email from a girl (about 12 years old) who is reading my book. And I think she's a budding author, because she had the best questions for me. Things like: How do you come up with your characters? How do you think of your story ideas? Do you ever get writer's block? What was your favorite book to write and why? Do you ever get nervous to see how your book will turn out? What made you want to write and why?

So I thought I'd share some of my answers to her, in case anyone else is curious or thinking of writing.

What was your favorite book to write and why? I love each of them and wouldn't be able to pick one! To me, there's something special about each one.

Do you ever get writer's block? I don't get true writers block to where I can't write at all. But I do have trouble thinking of ideas sometimes. It helps if I get away from the computer and spend some time thinking.

Do you ever get nervous to see how a book you just wrote will turn out? I do get nervous! The last one I worked on was very difficult to write. And I worried that it wouldn't be as good as the others. But the editor helped me make it better so that I really like the way it turned out! :)

How do you come up with ideas for your stories? I write down ideas all the time and keep them in a file on my computer. I get ideas from TV shows, the newspaper, and watching people out in public.

I love to hear from readers, so if you ever have any questions or comments for me, please contact me through my website, www.missytippens.com or by email missytippens [at] aol.com.

Missy

Meet Me in Magnolia, Georgia!

Missy Tippens, here. And I’m excited to announce my new Love Inspired book, His Forever Love, is on the shelves now! Here’s a little bit about it…

In Magnolia, Georgia, local legend says that a couple who holds hands around the “forever” tree will have an unending love. Even so, Bill Wellington held Lindsay Jones’s hands around that tree years ago...and then left her behind. He chose the big city, and now he wants to bring his grandmother there. But to his amazement, he finds that Granny has a boyfriend—and a vibrant life. A life that includes Lindsay, Granny’s caregiver. Bill never thought he’d want to come home, yet Magnolia clearly has its charms. As does Lindsay, who makes him long for a second chance at forever love.

I hope you’ll take the time to visit my fictional town of Magnolia, Georgia, and meet some folks I’ve gotten attached to (yes, we get to know our characters and kind of hate to see them leave when the book is over!). :)

I thought I’d share a couple of photos of beautiful magnolia trees with you. They were blooming in May when I chaperoned a group of 8th graders on a 3-day trip to Savannah, Georgia. I hope you can see the blooms. Enjoy!



And now, I'd love to hear about your town. Do you live in a small town like Magnolia? Or are you in a city?

Missy
http://www.missytippens.com/

Help Me Solve a Mystery by Missy Tippens

Missy here. And I need your help. I'm not a gardener at all. I usually only manage to fill the pots on my porch, and maybe put out a tomato plant or two. But every year at this time, I see these gorgeous bushes around town that look like some sort of rose. And I've always wondered what type they are. I snapped these photos at the bank yesterday on my phone. Can you help me figure out what they are?

Help me solve the mystery and I'll enter your name in a drawing for my new book, His Forever Love, coming out June 1! You don't have to be correct to be entered. Just give me your best guess. I'm hoping that most of you will know and I'll be able to look into planting some of these amazing bushes! I'll do the drawing on Sunday and announce the winner under the comments section. So either leave a contact email address or be sure to check back! Thanks for your help!

Missy

A Snow Day and Strep Throat

Missy Tippens here.

A snow day. And Strep throat??

The two don't go together very well, do they? But that's exactly what happened to my daughter this week. We got 5 inches of snow on Sunday near Atlanta. Five inches!! More than we've seen in probably a decade. And oh, my. Huge, gorgeous flakes made it look like a giant feather pillow had exploded in the sky.

And there sat my poor daughter. Throat raw. Head hurting. Stomach hurting. Dragging from door to door to watch the white stuff pile up. Poor thing. We finally gave her Motrin and she felt okay enough to bundle up and go outside for a while. Then once she came back inside and warmed up with hot chocolate, we watched the TV news for school closings. And sure enough, our county schools closed for Monday. Finally, a snow day! And she ended up spending a good chunk of that day at the doctor's office, drugstore and grocery.

What a bummer for a middle schooler.

Do you ever feel like that--totally bummed? Does your timing ever seem perfectly...not perfect?

It took me what seemed like forever to finally sell my first book (Her Unlikely Family, Feb. 08). But as I looked back right after that first sale, I could see God's hand at work. His timing was perfect. (Again, remember I was seeing this after the fact. I didn't do a very good job of seeing His timing while I was waiting!)

Have you had a time where, in the middle of a situation, it was hard for you to see that God was at work? But afterwards you could see His perfect plan? I hope you'll share your experience with us!

Missy

His Forever Love, June 2009

A Forever Christmas, Nov. 2009