I'd like to invite all of you to visit my personal blog http://www.strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com
to read a special Christmas memory of my mother who was always the friend of any animal.
And also I'm suffering cabin fever and I'd love it if you'd drop by http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com
and cheer me up.
Hope you're all having fun in the lull between Christmas and New Years.
Blessings,
Lyn
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year!!
I want to wish everyone a happy New Year and a great 2009. The possibilities are limitless for us in 2009. The door is wide open and I hope that wonderful things happen to you in the coming year.
My son and his wife are expecting their fourth child in April. I hope to devout myself to my writing. I have six books coming out next year. I've seen the cover for my July Love Inspired and I'm thrilled at it. The dominant colors are red, white and blue so that's appropriate for the Fourth of July. I have two Love Inspired Suspense books I'll be working on for the first months of the new year. But truly, the year is blank--so many of those possibilities enticing me to see what the Lord has in store for me.
Are any of you making a list of resolutions for 2009? I decided against it. I have stopped doing it for several reasons. I usually make short goals either daily, weekly or monthly. I even have loose yearly goals. Most of these goals are writer related. I've given up on dieting. I am trying to exercise but I don't want to officially make it a goal or resolution because knowing me I would stop. I don't really like exercising for exercising sake. I like activity.
What does the Lord have in store for you? What have you planned? What resolutions or goals have you come up with for 2009?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Where has the time gone?
(A similar post can also be found at http://barbphinney.blogspot.com/, along with some other interesting notes)
Like my title says, where has the time gone? I've spent the last few months getting a proposal for some books done up and the day after I sent them, my editor called to offer me a one book contract!
It's part of a series coming out starting January 2010, and my book will be May 2010. It's called Fatal Secrets, and I've decided I like writing to a title, and a basic synopsis. At least, with the editors writing up the synopsis, they can't rip it apart on me! I love creating stories, but it's so easy to be given the title. That way, when your title, the one you love just as much as the story itself, is turned down, you end up scrambling around to offer others, only to have something totally different being chosen.
But now Christmas has come and gone and our family has seen some big ups and downs. An uncle died, my father in law had a heart attack, and yet, in the midst of that, my daughter got engaged.
Still, I will soldier on, as they say. I'm used to the idea of my daughter getting married some day in the future, and we've visited my father in law, who is still in the hospital. We attended a tough funeral for a well liked man.
My writing continues, as does life in general. Nothing stays the same, my mother in law says, and all we can do is go with the flow. And in the meantime, I must write and edit and coordinate with the other writers in the series, a joy and good experience to be sure, but worrisome when you think of the editor and what she may say. I want a big prologue, but it may be trashed when the editor reads the others and sees their neat and compact ones (each book is to start with a short prologue). She may look at mine and ladle out her bucket of red ink, the one she keeps for all us wayward authors!
I've also joined the Craftie Ladies of Suspense. We sound like a bunch of murderers who connive together to commit felonies. But I have a feeling we'll have fun. Naturally, if you ever meet us, remember that we're really just a harmless group of writers.
Speaking of which, I better get writing, remembering to be concise and yet, delightfully entertaining.
So, in that vein, I thank you for stopping by.
Happy New Year!
Barbara
Like my title says, where has the time gone? I've spent the last few months getting a proposal for some books done up and the day after I sent them, my editor called to offer me a one book contract!
It's part of a series coming out starting January 2010, and my book will be May 2010. It's called Fatal Secrets, and I've decided I like writing to a title, and a basic synopsis. At least, with the editors writing up the synopsis, they can't rip it apart on me! I love creating stories, but it's so easy to be given the title. That way, when your title, the one you love just as much as the story itself, is turned down, you end up scrambling around to offer others, only to have something totally different being chosen.
But now Christmas has come and gone and our family has seen some big ups and downs. An uncle died, my father in law had a heart attack, and yet, in the midst of that, my daughter got engaged.
Still, I will soldier on, as they say. I'm used to the idea of my daughter getting married some day in the future, and we've visited my father in law, who is still in the hospital. We attended a tough funeral for a well liked man.
My writing continues, as does life in general. Nothing stays the same, my mother in law says, and all we can do is go with the flow. And in the meantime, I must write and edit and coordinate with the other writers in the series, a joy and good experience to be sure, but worrisome when you think of the editor and what she may say. I want a big prologue, but it may be trashed when the editor reads the others and sees their neat and compact ones (each book is to start with a short prologue). She may look at mine and ladle out her bucket of red ink, the one she keeps for all us wayward authors!
I've also joined the Craftie Ladies of Suspense. We sound like a bunch of murderers who connive together to commit felonies. But I have a feeling we'll have fun. Naturally, if you ever meet us, remember that we're really just a harmless group of writers.
Speaking of which, I better get writing, remembering to be concise and yet, delightfully entertaining.
So, in that vein, I thank you for stopping by.
Happy New Year!
Barbara
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A Surprise Thank You Note
Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin -- http://www.gailmartin.com/
My sister-in-law's sister suggested I send my novel, The Christmas Kite, to Sarah Palin. The story is of a widow with a child who has Down Syndrome. The book was out as a trade book in 2003 and was released again this year as a mass market. At first I thought it wasn't a great idea. The woman is busy with politics, her Governor's position, a family and a new baby, but the more I thought I figured why not. I sent the book a few weeks before Christmas.
A few days before Christmas I received an envelope from the Governor of Alaska's office. I was surprised, but opening it, I expected a generic note about thank you for your thoughtfulness. Instead I received a lovely personal note about the book and comments of things I'd said in my letter. It was signed Sarah Palin. I'll certainly hang on to it.
I've been so pleased with reader mail regarding that book. It has touched many people who have a child with Down Syndrome and more who don't, but they enjoyed the book and it's message. I can only praise God for that.
A few days before Christmas I received an envelope from the Governor of Alaska's office. I was surprised, but opening it, I expected a generic note about thank you for your thoughtfulness. Instead I received a lovely personal note about the book and comments of things I'd said in my letter. It was signed Sarah Palin. I'll certainly hang on to it.
I've been so pleased with reader mail regarding that book. It has touched many people who have a child with Down Syndrome and more who don't, but they enjoyed the book and it's message. I can only praise God for that.
If you haven't subscribed to my monthly newsletter, you still have time before January 1. Visit my website above and subscribed by typing in your name and state just below the welcome message on the home page. I offer a free book six times a year and details are in my newsletter.
Wishing you all a very happy new year filled with blessings.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
!0 Hunks a Strutting
Hey, want some fun? Drop by http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com and read the run we're having with Margaret Daley's new version of the 12 Days of Christmas.
I'm doing 10 Hunks a Strutting today!
And you could win $50!
Lyn
I'm doing 10 Hunks a Strutting today!
And you could win $50!
Lyn
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Holiday fun, chance to win prizes, my 1st LIH
I don't know if any of you have noticed but Christmas is ALMOST HERE!
I always try to keep my focus on the true meaning of Christmas, God's gift of His Son to this dark world which had no room for Him and which preferred darkness to His light.
But I love all the holiday fun too.
I want to let you know about another ways you can have some holiday fun.
Another Love Inspired author Margaret Daley has come up with her version of
The Twelve Days of Christmas. Tomorrow drop by
www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com
and join in the fun and a chance to win $50 for taking part.
I'd also like to invite all of you to the www.eharlequin.com Holiday Open House on this Thursday the 11th. Here is the link to join in the fun all day on Thursday.
http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/cafe-social/2008-eharlequincom-open-house-author-list
If you want to participate in a Live Chat: 7pm-10pm
If you want to participate in a Live Chat: 7pm-10pm
Drop by the eHarlequin.com Community Chat Room: http://chat.eharlequin.com/
I plan to drop into the chat right at the beginning for about a half hour. There will be many book giveaways all day and during chats.
BTW, two copies of my first Love Inspired Historical RELEASED TODAY will be given away during the chat.
Most of you know that I've been a long time Love Inspired author and I am thrilled that LI now has a historical line.
My book is titled Her Captain's Heart and is the first in my Gabriel Sisters series which will be released one each December starting this year and finishing in 2010.
These three sisters, Verity, Felicity, and Mercy, live in the turbulent period after the Civil War and do their best to try to bind up the wounds of the injured nation both North and South. If you have a heart for children, you will love the first, Verity's story.
Finally, I'd like to invite you to my new personal blog, "Strong Women Brave Stories" on my website www.LynCote.net
I feature stories of strong women both in real life and true to life fiction. Every woman has a story. Come and share yours and read others.
And Merry Christmas!
Lyn
Monday, December 1, 2008
Countdown to Christmas
Joy to the World! The Lord is come, Let earth receive her King.
I bet you can hear the melody to this carol playing in your head. Good. Sing it out loud. Rejoice in knowing that Christ was born.
If you're planning to have an Advent calendar this is the day to begin. Many years ago my children and I made Advent calendars out of felt and string and glitter and glue. Every year the kids get the calendar out and hang them from their bedroom door knobs. Each day they move a wooden snowflake to mark off the days until Christmas. Its a fun way to build the anticipation of the celebration we share on Christmas day.
In my release this month, Double Threat Christmas, my Irish family celebrates with a traditional Irish cake, a solid and heavy mixture of fruit and spices iced with Marzipan.
In my own family, my nephew makes the best homemade apple pie every year.
I'd love to know if you have a traditional goodie that you serve at Christmas.
I bet you can hear the melody to this carol playing in your head. Good. Sing it out loud. Rejoice in knowing that Christ was born.
If you're planning to have an Advent calendar this is the day to begin. Many years ago my children and I made Advent calendars out of felt and string and glitter and glue. Every year the kids get the calendar out and hang them from their bedroom door knobs. Each day they move a wooden snowflake to mark off the days until Christmas. Its a fun way to build the anticipation of the celebration we share on Christmas day.
In my release this month, Double Threat Christmas, my Irish family celebrates with a traditional Irish cake, a solid and heavy mixture of fruit and spices iced with Marzipan.
In my own family, my nephew makes the best homemade apple pie every year.
I'd love to know if you have a traditional goodie that you serve at Christmas.
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