Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I'm Thankful...

In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd list some of the things in my life I'm thankful for.
I'm thankful that Jesus died for me--that all my sins are forgiven and that my eternal life is paid for.
I'm thankful for the provisions God has bestowed upon me and my family.
I'm thankful for my husband, who I love beyond distraction and is my soulmate.
I'm thankful for my 3 beautiful daughters, who are truly blessings from God.
I'm thankful for my family's health.
I'm thankful for my extended family--parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, aunts & uncles, cousins, etc. These people helped shaped who I am and enrich my life.
I'm thankful for my longtime friends--these wonderful people who know all my faults, and love me in spite of them.
I'm thankful for my friends in the writing community...who bless me with their friendship.
I'm thankful for my awesome prayer warriors. These women are a daily blessing to me.
I'm thankful for my mentor and friend, who guides me with honesty and love.
I'm thankful for my cps, who are also my dear friends and can tell me my writing isn't what it should be.
I'm thankful for my agent, who believes in me and encourages me all the time. And kicks me in the pants when needed.
I'm thankful for my editor, who believed in my story and has such awesome insight.
But mostly, I'm thankful that God created this wonderous world we live in, despite the bad things. I can look at a sunset and see His fingertips brushing the canvas. I can see His miracles all around me, in everyday life. And yes, I'm thankful. I'm blessed.

Hope each of you and yours has a blessed Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

I Survived, But Learned My Lesson

What do you do when your daughter comes to you and asks to have a "sweet sixteen" party with some of her friends at home? Well, being a regular parent, you think, oh some of your friends, maybe 10 or so, well, what do you want to do? Have a bonfire and grill out. As a parent, you think, pretty easy to handle...right? WRONG. Try having 60 teenagers coming and going, eating, drama between guys wanting to fight, girls crying over boyfriends acting like, well, little boys. SIGH. I survived, though. But learned my lesson well. When the 6 yr old and the 4 yr old turn 16 and ask for a party, I'll have to think of an alternate route that doesn't involve all these kids at my house. Now to get the teen up to clean up the mess. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Got My Revisions

I got my revisions from my editor yesterday. I'll admit, at first I panicked. Closed down my computer and called it a day. But this morning, I started digging in. Began wtih the easier line changes first, of course. But as I'm working through those, I'm also marking places where I'll be making changes for the broad revision requests. It's an interesting process. I think the book will end up being more streamlined and focused. I hope I can do it justice.

How about the rest of you who have just recently gotten your first ever set of reivions? What did you do?

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Progress

Well, I'm up to over 13K on Bayou Corruption. Feels good to be making progress. I'm pretty pleased with my word count, considering I just started actually writing this baby on the 8th. Hope to get more done this week, unless my revisions come in and I focus on those.

How about the rest of you?

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Back In The Writing Saddle

Yep, as you can see by the progress bar to the right, I'm working on Bayou Corruption, the sequel to Bayou Justice. It's interesting starting this one. Real interesting. But I'm starting to get back into the flow. We'll see how it goes.

How about the rest of you? What are you working on?

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

I've Been Interviewed!

Hey all....go by and visit my friend Sabrina's blog....she was kind enough to interview me, and I'd like you to see what we talked about!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Lost in NashVegas....Rachel Hauck

Today I'm honored to host an interview with Rachel Hauck, and her new book, Lost in NashVegas!

Hi, Rachel! Thanks for taking the time to drop by and answer a few questions for us!

Robin: Is there any one person (aside from agent/editor) who has helped your career? Tell us about that person.

RH: Great questions. I love to mention the people who've helped me. I have two main "mentors." First was Lynn Coleman, a fellow Floridian, whom I met at the Blueridge Writer's Conference. She came up with a series idea for Heartsong and invited me to write with her. My first book was Lambert's Pride co-written with Lynn.

The second great influence in my life is Colleen Coble. Colleen has been my cheerleader and friend for several years, and actively opened doors for me in the
publishing world. I'm honored to know her and grateful for all she's done.

Everyone's journey to publishing is different. For me, God brought Colleen and Lynn. I have to say, directly after I prayed for help and guidence.


Robin: How do you juggle life/deadlines/Presidency of ACFW?

RH - The key word being juggle. Good question, Robin, 'cause I'm about to make some schedule changes and rearrange my priorities. Mainly, I know what has to be
done and when, so I work my life around the schedule.

I don't believe even the most artsy person can accomplish anything without a schedule. Even a loose one. And make a determination to keep it as best as
possible.

I don't let myself be run by the tyranny of the urgent.

Robin: What's one thing most people don't know about you?

RH - Most people? Let's see... I was friends with my husband for three years before he asked me to marry him. During the whole time, God was telling me I was
going to marry him (which is so weird) and Tony felt God was telling him we were to only be friends. Turns out, we were both right. We are best friends and married.

But what a strange journey! God is so good, though. :)


Robin: If you could stress only one take-away factor from your book to a reader, what would it be?

RH - Pray hard and go for your dreams.

Robin: If you could trail any person alive today for just one day, who would you follow and why?

RH - President Bush. I'd love to see the inside of his job. I'd love to offer him a few of my opinions. LOL.


Robin: Thanks again for dropping by, Rachel! For all you readers out there, look for my review of Lost in NashVegas later this month!