Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

Blogrush

Over on the right hand side of my blog, you'll find a widget for Blogrush, a cool new way to build traffic to your blog. If you have a minute, I recommend clicking on that bottom tab (where it says BlogRush) and taking a look at this free program to help you build buzz about and traffic to your blog. There are videos on the site that you can watch to help you learn about this free service. You get to choose the category your blog is in. I've chosen blogs about "Writing and Literature." (New categories come out this Friday, so I'm hoping I can narrow mine a little bit.)

So check it out. Join the network.

-rlh-

PS The blog graphic I'm using in this post is one meant to show the color of the widget only. It isn't how the widget shows on your blog. This one is Licorice (black). The one I'm using in my sidebar is Cherry (red). And there are two widths as well.

Life Verses

Are you looking for a different devotional for the new year? Here is one that might interest you. It's The One Year Life Verse Devotional. When I received my copy last week, I flipped through it, reading a number of entries. I'm going to enjoy this devotional a lot.

Book Description

Is there a verse from the Bible that has special significance to you? Maybe it’s one piece of Scripture God used to inspire, challenge, or rescue you at a turning point in your life. Maybe it’s a verse you learned as a child from a grandparent. Or one you recite each morning to begin your day. The One Year Life Verse Devotional contains stories of well-known authors and speakers, athletes and entertainers. Uncover how these key verses helped define people’s role in God’s plan--whether they are Bible characters or ordinary people. Discover God’s revelations to his people through Scripture, including your very own life verse.

From the Back Cover

Remarkable People. Remarkable Stories. Remarkable Verses.

Randy Alcorn
Stuart and Jill Briscoe
Chuck Colson
James and Shirley Dobson
Elisabeth Elliot
Jerry Jenkins
Kevin Leman
Patrick Morley
Josh McDowell
Lee Strobel
Francine Rivers
Joni Eareckson Tada
Kurt Warner

Remarkable people and their inspiring Life Verses from the Bible.
Discover for yourself the power of God’s Word in the lives of 365 people.

          

FYI, my entry in this devotional is on March 1.

-rlh-

ahhh...

I've been doing some major revisions on an historical novel for many weeks now (seems like forever). But this weekend, I had to stop revising in order to proof typeset pages for my contemporary Women of Faith novel that releases in March. I finished proofing the pages this afternoon, made copies of the 26 pages that had corrections/changes, logged onto my FedEx account and completed a shipping form, slipped the pages into the envelope, and drove it over to the nearby FedEx drop off location. In another hour or so, that envelope will begin its two day trek from Boise, Idaho to Nashville, Tennessee.

Ah.... Feels so good to reach this point. Next time I see A Perfect Life will be when my author copies arrive on my doorstep. I am still waiting to see the final cover treatment.

I was rather looking forward to an evening of vegging in front of the TV while watching Dancing with the Stars (will Marie Osmond faint again?). Then my #1 daughter called. She couldn't get on an early flight from Salt Lake to Boise, and so she needs me to pick up #1 granddaughter at volleyball tryouts while my son-in-law is with #2 grandson at his soccer practice. So I've now printed off the Google directions from my house to the tryout location. So much for vegging! A huge athletic building filled with teenage girls is a little noisier than what I had in mind. LOL! But it's worth it to be with one of my grandkids. They're just the best.

-rlh-

Christian Fiction Monday

Are you ready to get into the Christmas spirit? Yeah, it's hard for me to think about that, too. But Christmas novels and novellas are already hitting the shelves and many are appearing on the bestseller lists.

My friend DiAnn Mills has one of those holiday themed novels with her latest, A Texas Legacy Christmas.

Zack Kahler is ready to head out of New York City and back to Texas to take over his hometown paper. Just before leaving town, the newsman finds himself the intended victim of a pair of lively six-year-old pickpockets by the name of Curly and Charlie. After learning the two are homeless, Zack decides to bring them back to Kahlerville. But will Zack be able to run the newspaper, recover from a lost love, and still manage to keep his unruly charges out of trouble?

Chloe Weaver has been an outcast all of her life. When she and the twins are thrown together, they form a unique bond. Through their relationship, Zack begins to learn some lessons about life and feels his heart stirring with love for this delightful woman. But when a misunderstanding threatens to drive them apart, Zack is in jeopardy of failing the biggest test of his life.

Zack, Chloe, and the twins each have past reputations to overcome. Will they succeed in finding the acceptance for which they’ve longed? Could it take a Christmas miracle for their dreams to come true?

Pick up a copy today and, if you wish, set it aside for that first snowy day when you'll want to curl up with a hot drink and a good book to read.

sniff, sniff

Well, I've seen another race horse movie that I can recommend. It's dated 2007 on Netflix, but I don't recall hearing anything about it until it came out on DVD. Set in  1973-1975, Ruffian is the true story of the remarkable filly of the same name. Like Dreamer and Seabiscuit, some tough things happen in this movie, as they did in real life. I had crocodile tears going on at the end of this one, and my throat was swollen up tight. If you watch this, have lots of tissues handy. You'll need them.

I can remember when Ruffian was racing. I don't recall if I watched the match race between her and Foolish Pleasure. I think I would remember if I saw that live, but maybe not.

Oh, one funny thing. I didn't pay any attention to who the star of the show was when the DVD arrived (not sure how long it was in my Netflix queue). Whitely was Ruffian's trainer, a regular guy with glasses and crooked teeth. I was sure the actor was wearing false teeth and that his nose was fake, but I couldn't tell who it was to save me. When the show was done, I looked at the movie description. Sam Shepherd — an actor whose work I always enjoy — plays Whitely. Now that I know I can see through the cosmetic changes, but I couldn't before.

-rlh-

Leopard arrives

My family pack of Leopard OS for the Mac arrived late this morning. So I upgraded my laptop while proofing pages, and tonight I've been playing around with the new system. I've found some cool things, and so far, everything is working as it should. In fact, both of my printers are working remotely with my desktop, which wasn't the case before, although I don't know why.

I wouldn't mind a manual to make sure I don't miss any of the goodies.

-rlh-

potpourri

Item #1:  The Leopard OS for the Mac is coming and I'm going to have it. My upgrade disks will arrive on Friday. I plan to upgrade my laptop first and see what happens before I upgrade my main machine. My friends who are longtime Mac users tell me that they've always had easy upgrade experiences without glitches. But others have said they wait awhile until any unexpected glitches appear and are fixed.

Item #2: After some research, I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for the Republican party's nomination for President. I believe we are at a critical place in this nation's history, and I shudder to think about our future under some candidates.

Item #3:  I'm two days late with my Christian Fiction Monday, but here you go:

Deborah Raney's books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award and the Silver Angel from Excellence in Media, and Playing by Heart was a Christy Award finalist. Deborah's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. She and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. They have four children and two little grandsons who live much too far away. Visit Deb's website at http://www.deborahraney.com

The brand new sequel to A Vow to Cherish, will release this week from Steeple Hill in mass market format. Within This Circle continues the story of John Brighton and Julia Sinclair. After a tumultuous courtship, John and Julia Brighton have a second chance at happiness, a fresh marriage and, now that their children are grown, a new era in their lives to revel in the promise of the future. Only such a promise is never guaranteed. And life can change in a heartbeat.

A Vow to Cherish released in mass market format last month. This beautiful book duo would make a wonderful Christmas gift for your favorite reader.

drawing for Mosaic

I have drawn the names for the winners of the three copies of Amy Grant's Mosaic. I'm going to wait to announce the winners until I have received the addresses from all three. That way, if any of the three don't respond or they have addresses outside the US, I can draw another name.

Thanks for "playing." I'm delighted you found your way to my blog.

-rlh-

Friday already

The week has disappeared, so here is the latest from my little corner of the world:

On the writing front, if these rewrites on my historical romance novel don't kill me ... (yada, yada, yada). The good news is that the story will be much stronger in the end. I do regret that all of my reference books have yet to be unpacked from my move last spring. I would love to be able to get my hands on a few of them.

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On the family front, yesterday I spent several hours in the ER with my elderly mom. She suffered an attack of vertigo early in the morning and was so sick from it that I began to fear she might be having a stroke. Thankfully it was nothing that serious. Some meds to make her world stop spinning and to calm her nausea made all the difference. She is much better today. We are hopeful it won't return.

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And finally, on the CFBA tour for this week, the featured book is by my good buddy, Brandilyn Collins, who loves me even though I'm a wimp and get nightmares from her books. So if you like really scary books by a truly wonderful writer, pick up Crimson Eve soon.

Do you know someone who’s never read a Brandilyn Collins novel? Should you have such a friend—someone who enjoys suspense—here’s a special offer from Brandilyn. Be among the first 50 people between now and October 21, 2007 to e-mail her assistant at gayle.brandilyncollins@gmail.com with the person’s name, e-mail address and street address. (Due to exorbitant overseas mailing costs, United States residents only, please).

A signed copy of Crimson Eve will be sent to your friend—free—along with an e-mail from Brandilyn announcing the book is on its way, courtesy of you. (Don’t worry. Brandilyn won’t spam these email addresses. She just wants your friend to know who to thank.) No worries that this story is third in the Kanner Lake series. Each book stands alone. Brandilyn is convinced your friend will so love Crimson Eve, he/she will surely reciprocate with expensive chocolate.

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And here is a reminder that today is the last day to get into the drawing for Mosaic by Amy Grant. See this blog post for details.

-rlh-

Amy Grant's Mosaic

Thanks to WaterBrook Press, I have three copies of Amy Grant's Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far to give away. Read on...

Mosaic is a collection of writings by Amy Grant, a very different kind of autobiography. Within this book you'll find poetry and song lyrics and beautiful prose. Tales of trips to see the ocean and of horseback rides with her daughter and so much more. This is a book you can dip into for brief amounts of time. As it says on the back cover, this book "presents a captivating collection of beautiful reflections on life, love, and faith." I have really enjoyed spending time with Amy through this book, and I'm delighted to recommend it to others.

To purchase a copy of Mosaic, CLICK HERE.

Here's the official blurb and bio:

Grammy Award–winning artist Amy Grant has lived in the spotlight since bursting onto the Christian music scene as a teenager thirty years ago. In that time her work, marriage, and spiritual life have been subject to varying degrees of adulation and criticism.

Now, in her first autobiographical book, Grant bares her heart and soul, giving readers an intimate glimpse into her everyday life and the lessons she’s learning along the way. From lighthearted reminiscences of her Tennessee childhood to painfully honest reflections on the journey of faith, her vivid writing draws readers into her world while simultaneously creating space for them to rethink their own perspectives on life.

With honesty and depth, Grant offers poignant and often startling insights on motherhood, marriage, friendship, faith, loss, forgiveness, and redemption. Never-before-shared stories about her husband, country music star Vince Gill, provide a look into her life as a celebrity, while intimate portraits of her mother and musings on the past reveal the various pieces of a life blessed with jagged edges as well as vivid colors. Readers will find their preconceived notions of this music icon stripped away as they settle in for a warmly satisfying conversation with a gracious and wise friend.

Amy Grant is the best-selling Christian music artist of all time and the first to garner the number one spot on Billboard’s chart. Since beginning her career at age 17, she has earned six Grammy Awards and twenty-five Dove Awards, and last year she received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Grant’s numerous television appearances include Oprah; Good Morning, America; and Late Night with David Letterman. In 2007 she’ll tour nationwide, performing with local symphonies in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and elsewhere.

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And for a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment with your name and your email address (in the comment form; not needed in the body of the comment itself) saying you want to be in the drawing. On Saturday, I will draw three lucky winners, contacting each of them via email for their mailing address. UPDATE on 10/17/07: I forgot to say that winners must live in the USA because these books will be shipped via Media Mail. That means they can't be mailed outside the US. Sorry.

-rlh-

Christian Fiction Monday

Today I'm featuring a book by Lyn Cote for my historical readers out there.

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BLESSED ASSURANCE by Lyn Cote

Whispers of Love — Several years have past since the Civil War made Jessie Wagstaff a single mother. She runs a Chicago boarding house as she raises her young son Linc. A new guest Lee Smith makes her feel uneasy as he seems too interested in her late husband's family and besides she feels attracted to him. However, when the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 threatens mother and daughter, Lee risks his life to keep them safe.

Lost in His Love — In 1906 San Francisco social activist Linc Wagstaff demands the city outlaw child labor. To make his case stronger he investigates the Dickensian exploitation. During his inquiries he meets heiress Cecilia Jackson. As they fall in love, he holds her accountable for practices her trustees are doing to increase her wealth. Before they can confront one another, an earthquake devastates the city leaving everyone struggling to survive.

Echoes of Mercy — Meg Wagstaff has returned to the States after spending time as a volunteer in France during the war. Her parents, Linc and Cecilia are elated she came back safe, but Meg learns her childhood friend Delman Dubois has been accused of murdering Mitch Kennedy by the New Orleans police. Meg refuses to believe Del would kill anyone so she travels to the city to prove her Negro friend is innocent. As Del faces racism that will gladly lynch him, Meg feels like a traitor as she is attracted to her opponent New Orleans Parish Attorney Gabriel St. Clair.

"The omnibus collection of the three superb Wagstaff inspirational historical tales will elate fans of the genre as each era comes alive due to the strong lead couple and a deep support cast." -- Harriet Klausner

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Happy reading!

-rlh-

another this, that, & the other

Since my last entry to my blog, I traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan to meet with my Zondervan editor and the folks in marketing and publicity. My agent was there, too, and we had one full and very productive day. I returned to Boise feeling energized and mulling over ideas for future books. Of course, I've got to finish revisions on Wagered Heart (my July 2008 release from Zondervan) first. Speaking of which, have I shared the cover here? I don't think so. That's it on the left. Isn't it beautiful?

My March 2008 Women of Faith release, The Perfect Life, has gone through another round of cover design (the one showing on Amazon.com isn't even close to what it will be). I'm very excited about the new concept, and I hope I'll be able to share the final cover with you soon.

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I mentioned that I planned to put my iPhone envy to rest by upgrading to a Verizon Blackberry 8830 at the end of the month. Well, I was able to do so earlier than I thought, and I was grateful for that. I got the phone on the Friday before my trip. What a lifesaver it turned out to be. The flights through Minneapolis were a mess on Monday. I ended up being delayed into Grand Rapids by three hours. I was able to send emails right from my phone, advising of my flight status. I tried out the Treo 700p awhile back and it ran so hot that it felt as if it burned my inner ear. It was also thicker and heavier by 2 oz (a lot when holding to your ear for any length of time) than the Blackberry.

I don't know that the iPhone envy will go away completely. It is seriously such a cool device. And the screen is easier to see if I don't have my reading glasses on. For the BB, that's not an option. Glasses required.

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On the flight from Boise to Minneapolis, I watched another movie about Rwanda, Beyond the Gates. Oh my. The power of this film. I found the story and the characters more moving than Hotel Rwanda, but I don't think it ever got the press that the latter film got. This one stars John Hurt and Hugh Dancy. I watched a great deal of the movie with a hand over my mouth, trying to suppress moans at the horror of the 1994 genocide. John Hurt plays a Catholic priest and Hugh Dancy is an idealistic young teacher at the school run by the church. This is a powerful, powerful film, one that made me think about the hard choices people sometimes must make in this world. I highly recommend it.

-rlh-

care to vote for your favorite Z author?

I just learned that there is a poll up for readers to vote for your favorite Zondervan author. No names or email addresses required. Just pick and answer. So if you'd care to cast your vote, here is the link. Lots of good authors in this list.

-rlh-

this and that

Sorry for the protracted silence/spotty blog posting. I'm still deep in revision-land, trying to keep track of the various changes I've made as I work my way through this old manuscript. But I have a few things to say today, so here goes:

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My latest book has arrived at my house. It isn't in stores just yet, but it should be available soon. The book is Hearts Evergreen (Steeple Hill, November). There are two Christmas romance novellas in this book, mine (A Cloud Mountain Christmas) and one by Katheryn Springer. This is a mass market romance, and that means it comes and goes from stores in the blink of an eye. If you want a copy, buy it soon.

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Jill Eileen Smith has an interview spotlight with me on her web site that some of you might find interesting. She asked lots of writing related questions.

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I am currently involved in the Breaking Free bible study by Beth Moore. I believe Beth is a truly anointed teacher, and I never do one of her studies without God revealing something to me that I never expected going in. If you've never done one of her studies, I highly recommend them, especially Believing God.

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Heads Up!  Would you like a chance to win one of three hardcover copies of Amy Grant's new book, Mosaic? Well, tune into this blog the week of October 15th for details. I'm currently reading a copy of it now, and it's a lovely mixture of lyrics and memories, bits and pieces of Amy's life so far.

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I would really like to own an iPhone. Seriously, I would. They are too cool. But AT&T's cellular service in the Boise area is not good. Too many complaints about it for me to leave Verizon which has been the best cellular service for me. Plus I've got lots of long distance friends on Verizon, too, and I enjoy our free chats.

Anyway, I decided to try out the new iPod Touch, having been led to believe it would work as my PDA for contacts and calendar. Ooh, truly cool device. It's so thin and light. It is the iPhone without cellular service. Only I got it home, and I learned that, unlike the iPhone, the Touch doesn't allow me to add new appointments to the calendar. Contacts, yes. Calendar, no. How stupid is that? It is the same technology as the iPhone, and they leave off that capability. I took it back to the Mac store since it does me no good if I can't enter appointments in it when I'm out and about.

At the end of the month, when I'm eligible for the new every two, I'm going for a Verizon Blackberry and putting an end to my iPhone envy.

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This week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is featuring Kristin Billerbeck's The Trophy Wives Club. I featured it in an earlier blog post. It was delightful! In her usual witty chick lit voice, Kristin tackles a serious topic. This is now my favorite Billerbeck novel.

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Okay, back to the revision salt mines.

-rlh-

mom always did like you best

Long before the Smothers Brothers, I used to accuse my mom of liking my brother more. But even as a kid, I knew that wasn't true. It was just my ploy to get my way. (Rarely worked but I kept using it throughout grade school.)

Anyway, my big brother sent me this photo and I burst out laughing. It is just too funny and such a great reminder of those infamous words Tommy Smothers and I used to say to our respective siblings (Tommy being more famous for it than I am).

*****

HOW TO TELL YOU'RE NOT MOM'S FAVORITE (click on photo to enlarge):

Christian Fiction Monday

FOREVER CHRISTMAS
by Christine Lynxwiler

After two broken engagements, so-called runaway bride Kristianna Harrington is content to run her shop, Forever Christmas, in her little hometown of Jingle Bells, Arkansas, and forget about romance. She reluctantly agrees to be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, but making it down the aisle becomes the least of her worries when a handsome newcomer threatens her precious town. Kristianna vows to stop the striking lawyer hired to change the town name and turns to her childhood friends for help. But Ami is busy with wedding plans, and Garrett seems more interested in bowling than politics. Will Kristianna get the help she needs before both her town and her Christmas spirit are extinguished?

The perfect gift for the reader on your Christmas list or something to slip into your own stocking, Forever Christmas is sure to please readers who are looking for a holiday treat!

About the Author:

Award-winning novelist Christine Lynxwiler lives with her husband and daughters in a small town nestled in the north Arkansas Ozarks. Her other books include Promise Me Always and Arkansas.

When writing Forever Christmas, Christine used her own love for both the hometown of her childhood and her current hometown as a pattern for Kristianna’s passion for Jingle Bells. However, regardless of local rumors, the quirky townspeople are strictly figments of her imagination.

When she’s not working on her next deadline, you might find Christine kayaking on the nearby river with her family, poking around auctions and estate sales with friends, or curled up alone in a quiet corner with a great book.