Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

Things Novelists Do While Their Novels Remain ... Unwritten

In honor of all the writers participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), here's our take on things we can do to procrastinate. However, despite all that procrastination, the authors in this video still manage to get a book written every now and then. Actually, we've written 200+ books to date. We invite you to drop by our web sites (see below video) to learn more about us and our books. In the meantime, have a little chuckle on us.

Angela Hunt

Robin Lee Hatcher

Kristin Billerbeck

Terri Blackstock

~robin

Fit To Be Tied gets a Starred Review

Is it okay if I get a little excited over something? I received some great news today. My latest book, Fit To Be Tied, got a starred review from The Library Journal (those starred reviews are hard to come by!). I can't help but be excited about it because I wanted so badly to give Cleo Arlington the story she deserved. I just love her. And I fell in love with Sherwood Statham too and wanted readers to feel the same way about him. Wanting something so much also brings with it a bit of fear that I didn't accomplish all that I wanted to. To read a review like this one is sweet, indeed.

Here's the review:

Hatcher, Robin Lee. Fit To Be Tied. Zondervan. (Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, Bk. 2). Nov. 2009. c.272p. ISBN 978-0-310-25806-3. pap. $14.99. CF

In 1916 Idaho, Cleo Arlington is an expert rancher and horsewoman but not exactly high society's idea of a gentle lady. When she is commissioned to turn British aristocrat Sherwood Statham into an authentic cowboy, Cleo has to contend with her lack of knowledge of the opposite sex as well as her growing attraction to Sherwood. In turn, Sherwood is disconcerted by the beautiful, if unladylike, Cleo. VERDICT A master of lively historical romances, Hatcher (Catching Katie; Speak To Me of Love) demonstrates an expert ability to craft spunky, unlikely heroines who go against the tide of the times in which they live, making for fun, exciting stories. She also pays close attention to historical detail. This second series entry (after A Vote of Confidence) is highly recommended for readers of inspirational and historical romances and women's fiction.

I don't have a favorite book among those I've written. Each one is a favorite for a different reason. But I do have some favorite characters and Cleo and Sherwood are among them. For a little more about these two characters, here are a couple of "spotlights" that posted this week on other blogs:

Faith and Fiction on Fire

Relz Reviewz

~robin

Visit Your Favorite Novelists' Homes for Christmas

Okay, you won't really be coming to our homes. But via the wonders of video, you can get a glimpse. Come join the tour, beginning December 15th.

Oh, man. I feel the sudden urge to bake Christmas cookies.

~robin

Serious Writers at Work

Inspired by the group of office workers who recorded themselves lip syncing, each on their own computers in the same room at the same time, some writer friends and I decided to do the same from our Macs in separate rooms in different parts of North America. Here are the results. Enjoy!

I hope that made you smile.

~robin

those characters in my head

Over 28 years have passed since I began writing my first novel. I have experienced plenty of highs and lows in this business. One of the good parts has been getting to know so many other writers and discovering that I am not the only person who sometimes lives in a fantasy world of her own making. I'm not the only person who hears invisible characters whispering lines of dialogue in her ear.

But as much fun as that sounds (and is), I've also learned that we creative sorts have rather fragile natures. At times we are strong and courageous. If not, we would never send our books out into the world to see what others think of them. But at other times the littlest thing can shake us to the core.

I have a new book out in the world right now (Fit To Be Tied), and I've been a bit nervous. I came to love Cleo so much and want others to love her too. Will they? Will readers take to Cleo and root for Sherwood to win her heart? Have I written a story worthy of these two special characters? (I'm quite sure other writers can relate to those questions. If not, don't tell me. I don't want to learn that I'm the only one.)

Anyway, although I haven't seen any reader reviews showing up on-line as yet, I have received a couple of emails from readers in the last couple of days that made my heart dance and have relieved the anxiety a bit.

"I always read the books before my husband does because I go through them quicker. So he had to hear me keep saying, 'No Cleo! No Cleo!' when I came to the part where she was [Robin here: I'm snipping so as not to give anything away]. Usually I quickly flip to the back pages to find out what happens, but this time I didn't want to ruin the book so I made myself wait until I got to the end to find out. But I gave lots of advice to Cleo while reading it! Your book definitely made the people come alive and kept me captivated."

"[Fit to be Tied] was WONDERFUL! I liked A Vote of Confidence, but this one blew it out of the water... I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. You had my heart going out for Sherwood from page 2. It was fantastic."

I wonder if readers know how much emails like the above mean to writers. I wonder if they know how much we appreciate when they take the time to post a review to CBD and/or Amazon and/or other on-line retailers. Even more, I wonder if they understand how grateful authors are when readers spend their hard-earned dollars to purchase our books new so that our publishers will continue to contract and publish our books.

I hope they do. I hope you do. Without you readers, we novelists would only be able to play with our characters in our heads instead of sharing them with others. As Cleo would say, folks'd think we were as crazy as popcorn on a hot skillet. {{grin}}

~robin

aha moments

I'm taking a class on Sunday mornings called "Grasping God's Word," using the textbook of the same name. It's about digging deeper into the Scriptures.

The first four weeks have taught us to observe what we're seeing, noticing pronouns and lists and the tense of verbs and conjunctions and cause & effect and contrasts, etc. In chapter 2 we learned to look at sentences. In chapter 3 we learned to look at paragraphs. In chapter 4 we learned to look at discourses.

So I carefully listed the various things I'm supposed to look for on pretty colored index cards, and I've been using them while doing my homework. But I've been struggling. I can see why the authors want us to do these things, but something just wasn't clicking. In class Sunday I mentioned my index cards, and there was some good-natured teasing about legalism and needing to shred or burn those cards. But how else, I wondered, could I remember all that I need to look for? Especially since I didn't seem to be "getting it."

Then halfway through the class, I had an "aha moment." I'm an intuitive writer rather than an analytical one. I feel my stories far more than I see them. I create by the seat-of-the-pants (pantser for short) rather than plotting/outlining in advance. Analytical and plotting workshops make me want to bang my head on the desk and cry, "Mercy!" When I try to create that way, I freeze up entirely. My brain goes dead. I had to learn this about my creative process and become okay with it.

In that "aha moment" during the class on Sunday, I realized that I was trying to apply the textbook study techniques in an analytical-seeing-plotting approach rather than an intuitive-feeling-pantser approach. No wonder I was freezing up and not getting it. And I was reminded that it's okay to be me, to learn the way I was created to learn. God made me this way. He made each one of us unique and special, down to the smallest details.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
(Psalm 139:13-16)

I'm going to open my textbook and learn and think the way God gifted me. Oh, and I got rid of those index cards.

~robin

Four Things You Can't Recover

I found this on Randy Alcorn's blog and just had to share it with my readers. It's too good not to.

Four things you can't recover...

 

 

 

 

Fit To Be Tied has arrived

When I opened the front door yesterday, I found my first copy of Fit To Be Tied on the doorstep. That means it has begun its trek through the distribution channels. The first place you'll probably find it is on Christianbook.com, maybe within the next few days. And I hope you'll have as much fun reading Cleo's story as I had writing it.

Here's me in my office this morning with my lone copy (just ignore the cluttered desk, okay?):

~robin

Fit To Be Tied, coming in October 2009

I hope you enjoyed the trailer and will be watching for the book. You can pre-order Fit To Be Tied at Christianbook.com or Amazon.com.

~robin

Deadlines are just like they sound

I've been pounding away at the keyboard every day as my deadline bears down on me. I seem to hear the ticking of the clock 24/7. I've had a string of pretty good writing days, word-count-wise (not outstanding but good), but I've also had a few days that were pathetic. Like the day I spent so much time on the phone and finding records regarding my mom's care center residence. (That stuff really takes the creativity right out of me.)

You know the opening scene of Romancing The Stone? Writer in a fog. Cupboards bare. No toilet paper or tissues. Well, my pantry and refrigerator are just about empty. I won't even confess in public what my diet has consisted of for the past couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure it would give a nutritionist a heart attack.

Anyway, when I stopped writing yesterday because my brain was fried, I was feeling a bit of panic and despair. How on earth was I going to end this book? It didn't seem there was any possible resolution to the story as it's been written. (Yes, this is one of the downsides of being a seat-of-the-pants writer.) I was about ready to blow up my hero and heroine in some sort of terrible accident. However, that kind of ending isn't generally considered a good one in a romance. What to do? What to do?

Nothing came to me while I did some mindless computer files clean up.

Nothing came to me as I ate my dinner.

Nothing came to me when I tossed the squeaky ball for Poppet.

Finally I called it a night.

Then, as I was just finishing brushing my teeth I had one of those wonderful-but-all-too-rare aha moments. I raced to my office to grab my "rolling plot" journal, and I began scribbling in it as fast as I could. A set up for the climactic scene. Bits of dialogue. Several key components to bring the story to a satisfactory end. Best of all neither the hero or the heroine have to be blown up for it to work.

Despite not going to sleep until 11:30 pm, I was wide awake at 5:00 am. Even better, I had a few more things to scribble in my journal, as well as a note to send to my editor about additional places to add certain content. Oh man. It really felt good.

I am still too far from typing THE END, but at least I feel satisfied that I actually have an ending. That's always a good thing.

---

My brother flies in from New York today for a very quick visit with our mom. Of course, this couldn't have come at a worse time. With my bare pantry, he may starve to death. No, wait. I've got eggs. He won't starve. But I'm going to have to ignore him for a few hours on Saturday and keep writing. That's okay. Mom's the person he's coming to see anyway. We've got a big (18 people) extended family dinner planned for Saturday evening. That will be great fun. I love my fam!

And somehow, by hook or by crook, this book will be finished soon.

~robin

the exciting life of an author

I've been writing up a storm on the third and final book in my Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. The book got a new title about a week ago: A Matter of Character. It's such a perfect title for this story about a female dime novelist who writes under a male pseudonym.

I left the house exactly twice between church a week ago and church yesterday. Once to go to the doctor's. Once to do some "can't wait" shopping. I got in a bit of exercising (not enough), ate moderately healthy food (chocolates a vegetable, right?), and did manage to shower semi-regularly. But mostly I was glued to my MacBook, typing, typing, typing. I still have more words to go than I have days to write them in. Thus, it's kind of hard to come up with anything inspiring or funny or profound to share with my blog readers.

Since I must assume my blog readers enjoy historical tidbits, how about if I toss out some facts about 1918, the setting for A Matter of Character. Here's a bit of information taken from American Standards of Living (1918-1988) by Clair Brown:

The economic lot of working-class families had improved considerably as a result of the high demand generated by World War I, but monotony and drudgery still characterized everyday life. The urban working-class family tended to live in cramped, dark apartments; ate large amounts of bread with little jam or butter; wore remade and mended clothing; stayed mostly within walking distance of home except perhaps for going to work; attended church or temple as their main social activity; and had little money to spend on treats or gifts. Severe economizing was required to attain even this austere life-style. Any economic mistakes, such as buying uncomfortable shoes or a cut of spoiled meat, meant temporary deprivation for the family since their budgets could not accommodate the replacement of these items. The bleakness of everyday material life provided little relief from the difficult physical labor of husbands and the exhausting housework of wives.

Wow! Makes one stop and think, doesn't it?

Like most Americans, I have machines to wash and dry my clothes, towels, and bedding. I have a stove and a microwave to cook my food. I have a refrigerator and a freezer that make it easy to keep food fresh. I have a vacuum that cleans up my messes. I have a spacious home with electric lights throughout. I have an air conditioner to keep me cool in summer and a gas furnace to keep me warm in winter. Although I still have my own kind of stress and I have to stick to a budget like anyone else, I have to admit that I'm very grateful that I live with the conveniences — not to mention the medical advancements — of 2009.

Nonetheless, thankful though I am to live in the present (and because I believe that God put me on the earth when He did for such a time as this), A Matter of Character demands that I return to 1918 and see what sort of new mischief I can dream up to drop my characters into. See you next week.

~robin

Doing the work

Authors try lots of different ways to stay in touch with their readers. In the "old days," it was through postcards and printed newsletters. In recent years, it's been blogs, social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Shelfari, ShoutLife, MySpace, etc.), and e-newsletters. But one thing I've learned over the 25+ years I've been a published novelist is that the absolute most important thing an author can do is to write her books.

I can't speak for others, but one thing I don't seem to have enough of is time. Always more to do than time (or maybe it's energy ... or both) to do it in. I'm particularly feeling the squeeze right now as I try to finish my next book.

Last week, after several days in a row of getting spammed by "porno girls" on Twitter (all of whom I blocked immediately, but taking the time to block each one steals valuable time away from what I want or need to do), I'd had enough. I removed my Twitter account. Then, feeling slightly euphoric in my newfound freedom, I also closed my accounts on Shelfari and ShoutLife. I think I felt 10% lighter.

Many years ago, God spoke to me through a verse in the Bible when I was feeling overwhelmed by life and by deadlines:

"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work ... is finished correctly."
1st Chronicles 28:20 [The portion that is represented by the ellipsis says "related to the Temple of the LORD".]

I look at this verse often. It's taped to my computer display. God called me to write fiction for Him, but I'm the one who has to "do the work."

And that's true of all of us who belong to Christ, whatever God has called us to do (writing, parenting, earning a living with our hands, etc.). We don't need to be afraid or discouraged. We can be strong and courageous. We just need to do the work. He won't fail us or forsake us. And as we work, as we are about His business, he'll see that the work finished correctly.

Isn't that a wonderful promise?

~robin

PS I didn't abandon the Internet completely. I'm still on Facebook and I'll still be blogging here and on Writes of Passage. And if you would like to get my occasional e-newsletter, be sure to sign up here (and follow the directions; it's a double opt-in subscription).

RE:FORM

Two or three years ago, the senior pastor at my church, told the congregation about a vision God had given him on ways to address seven world crises. All of these crises interact with each other. For instance, poverty and hunger cause people to do desperate things, including giving their children to strangers who promise to get them work in another country when what they really are doing is selling them into human trafficking. The vision on ways to address these issues has since been named RE:FORM.

The seven world crises as defined by RE:FORM are:

• Immoral and Corrupt Leadership
• Confusion and Spiritual Deadness
• Environmental Decline
• World Hunger
• Human Injustice
• Illiteracy and Lack of Education
• Poor Health and Disease

This year the RE:FORM conference is being held in Baltimore, and I have felt God nudging me to go. Each year, the conference will add another of the crises listed above. This year, the conference is addressing three: Environmental Decline, Human Injustice, and Confusion and Spiritual Deadness. I haven't a clue what God wants me to take away from this conference. Will it be more active involvement locally or elsewhere? Will it become a book? Perhaps both? I don't know. Anyway, my reservations are made and I'm looking forward with expectation to discovering whatever follows.

---

This morning, I began another Beth Moore Bible study. I have thoroughly enjoyed all five of the previous studies of hers that I've completed since 2002/2003 and so decided to plunge back into one. Since my word(s) for 2009 that God gave me at the start of the year are Press in/Press on (press in to Jesus; press on in faith), I decided to do the Jesus, the One and Only study. I like the idea of spending several months immersed, mind and heart, in the life of Jesus. I can already tell that I'm going to thoroughly enjoy the coming weeks.

---

I am racing to meet the deadline with my final book in The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. I may be officially certifiable by the time I'm done with it. So many words yet to write. But at least I can say that I'm thoroughly enjoying writing this couple's story.

And now it is time I set to work.

~robin

the sweet fragrance of friendship

Six years ago, I received an invitation from an acquaintance to join her and some other writers she knew at her home in northern Idaho. I came very close to declining. After all, I knew only a couple of people slightly and most not at all. Wouldn't I feel a bit awkward and out of place?

Oh, how awful it would have been if I'd not joined this group of women. Through the years, they have become the sweetest and dearest of friends. They are my sisters in Christ who I would trust with my very life. They have prayed me through the darkest days I've ever known and held me up when I was too weak to stand on my own power. They have loved me when I felt so unlovable. Being with them is a highlight of every year.

Wasn't it good of God to give us the body of Christ so we would not walk alone?

As I write this, our annual Plot, Play & Pray Retreat is at an end. When I awake in the morning, we will all be in a rush to pack our bags and head to the airport where we will fly off in different directions to our homes, to our families, to the work that awaits us. But we will each treasure our many wonderful memories of these five days and four nights together. And eventually (some soon, some later) we will all get to work on the stories we brainstormed over the past few days, and we will treasure the laughter that echoes in our memories.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of friendship. May the stories that come out of this weekend go forth and bless others beyond all of our hopes and dreams. Amen.

~robin

A Novel Idea coming in November

Interested in writing Christian fiction? Here's a book for you.

I'm so pleased that I was able to participate in this book because the proceeds are going to such a good cause. I actually wrote two pieces for it, but Tyndale ended up with so many contributions that they were only able to use one of them. You can pre-order the book now.

Want to know more about MAI (Media Associates International) and how this project came to be? Check out their latest newsletter.

A Novel Idea
ChiLibris

List Price: $14.99
Binding: Softcover
Trim Size: 6 x 9
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2994-9
CPC Sub Category: Reference
Release Date: November 2009

Best-selling Christian fiction writers have teamed together to contribute articles on the craft of writing. A Novel Idea contains tips on brainstorming ideas and crafting and marketing a novel. It explains what makes a Christian novel “Christian” and offers tips on how to approach tough topics. Contributors include Jer B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, and many other beloved authors. All proceeds will benefit MAI, an organization that teaches writing internationally to help provide literature that is culturally relevant.

Another trip behind me

I'm here at the computer, bleary-eyed, after the completion of another trip, this time to Washington DC for the RWA conference. Actually, I missed the conference and went for the awards ceremony. My book, The Perfect Life, was up for the RITA Award for Best Inspirational. While I didn't win, I did have a great time hanging out with friends (at left is a shot of Sarah Sumpolec, Rachel Hauck, and Leanna Ellis with yours truly).

The next shot is me after the awards ceremony with fellow finalists Deeanne Gist and Rachel Hauck. We all came away sans the RITA but we are also all rejoicing for the winner, Susan May Warren. (Way to go, Susie!!!)

The final photo is of me with my terrific agent, Natasha Kern. Natasha and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary as agent and author. Needless to say, I think she's the best. Sorry the camera caught her with her eyes closed. (Man, I look tall. I had on 3" heels. A very rare thing for me.)

Now I just have to take a moment of your time to recommend a couple of books to you. On the way home from DC, I finished listening to the audio book of The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I've been raving about this book almost from the first chapter, and I'm delighted to say that when I got to the end I hadn't changed my mind at all. It is simply superb. It's set in the 1960's in Mississippi in the early days of the civil rights movement, and I'll admit that I was afraid one of the maids (they're "the help" in the title) would have something horrid happen to them in the end. I'm pleased to tell you that the book doesn't have a bad ending. Quite the opposite, in fact. The book ends with great hope. Love, love, love it. And if you like to listen to audio books, this is definitely one to get. The readers are wonderful. (I downloaded my version from Audible.com which is an awesome way to buy audiobooks.)

After finishing The Help, I decided to listen to a book that a friend recommended over a year ago. The title is Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. This is not light reading, but it is certainly worth reading. Flying from DC to Boise is a looooooooooooooooong trip, so I am more than 3/4ths finished with the book. Well, off to play catch up with all the stuff that accumulated while I was gone.

Next time you hear from me, I probably will be in northern Idaho for my annual Plot, Play, and Pray retreat with ten of the best Christian sisters anyone could ever ask for. More about that later. And, of course, you can always follow me on Twitter and Facebook and see some of my life in "real time."

~robin

There's No Place Like Home

My six days and five nights in Denver is over, and it was a terrific trip, full of laughter and tears and prayer and learning and so much more. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. There is nothing like being with brothers and sisters in Christ. And when they are writers who understand my peculiarities (like the fictional characters who people my imaginary world), that just makes them all the more wonderful and close to my heart.

On Sunday night, after dining together, six of us decided to take in a movie and went to see The Proposal. Oh my. I laughed so hard. Very, very good.

I had breakfast with my editor Tuesday morning and ran the idea I have for my next book series by her. She liked it, so now I'll have some direction for those books as time to write them draws closer. And it will be here before I know it. Time goes by so fast!

Here are a few photos to share (click for larger version). If you'd like to see even more, be sure to visit my Facebook photo albums. If you aren't my Facebook friend, you would sure be welcome to become one. (Follow the link in the right sidebar.)

Angela Hunt laughing & Lori Copeland being silly. (If Lori can't have you laughing in a few minutes, you simply have no sense of humor.)

A bunch of my Christian writer buddies at our annual retreat. They're all tagged and identified in my Facebook album.

Angela Hunt, moi, and Terri Blackstock

Singing our theme song, I Need You to Survive, (from the movie, The Gospel). We do need one another to survive, and our time of singing and holding hands was so precious.

And here I am at the Christy Awards with my terrific editor, Sue Brower. She was the MC for the event.

Yes, there is no place like home. But I have two frantic days to catch up, attend a local women's event, see my mom at the care center, shop, and pack for another quick trip (DC for the RITA Awards; The Perfect Life is a finalist for Best Inspirational). My house/dog sitter left most of her stuff here since she'll be back so soon. What I'd really rather do is fall asleep on the sofa and stay there for about four days!

~robin

Michael Hauge Hits the Mark

I'm in Denver at a Christian novelists' gathering before ICRS (International Christian Retail Show), and today we had a full day with Michael Hauge who teaches screenwriting and uses movies to help writers understand story and structure. I have listened to his CDs on screenwriting and some of his DVD on the Hero's Two Journeys. Great stuff. But hearing him in person was a real treat. I have eight pages of single spaced notes that I plan to put to good use when I get home and am back to work on my WIP.

And there is nothing, absolutely nothing like being with my brothers and sisters in Christ who are dedicated to writing stories that honor God. The support we give to one another and the laughter we share is a beautiful thing.

Here are a few shots from last night and today (click to see large version):

My roommates, Tamera Alexander and Sunni Jeffers

I said, "Pose for your photos, Brandilyn Collins." And boy, did she. {{grin}}

Clockwise from lower left, Brandilyn Collins, Nancy Moser, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Patti Hill, Carol Cox, Mindy Starns Clark (facing away), and Lori Copeland

The lovely Deborah Raney leading us in some icebreaker games.

Harry Kraus leading us in morning devotions.

Michael Hauge teaching away.

That's all for now. I'm headed to bed.

~robin

A Busy July

July is a hectic month for me. I'll attend a novelist "retreat" (more of a mini-conference) just prior to the International Christian Retail Show, which I'll also attend for a day or two. This year it's in Denver. Some years, like this one, I also go to the Romance Writers of America national conference. Since I'm up for the RITA Award, I decided to go to Washington D.C., just in case The Perfect Life might win. I'll only be there for one and a half of the four days of the conference, but it's long enough to get to meet with friends and eat with my agent and attend the award ceremony. And finally there is the annual "Plot, Play, and Pray" retreat in northern Idaho where I'll meet with ten dear, dear Christian women writers (ages ranging from late 30's to early 90's) who have become my closest sisters in the Lord. We brainstorm books, we pray with and for one another, and we are as silly as grown women can possibly be (which is mighty silly). Oh, yes. And we eat, eat, eat.

This coming Friday, I'll be attending a seminar taught by screenwriter Michael Hauge. He advised us in advance of eight movies he will refer to throughout the day. I'd seen all but one of them at least once (and a few of them many times), but I decided to do a refresher course and watched all eight of them again so they'll be fresh in my mind. They are:

Million Dollar Baby
Titanic
Shrek
Good Will Hunting
Rain Man
A Beautiful Mind
LA Confidential
Hitch

I disliked one of the movies (Million Dollar Baby). I liked or really liked most of them even though I'm not crazy about some of the crude language included in several of the films. And I absolutely loved one (Shrek). What can I say? I love a good romance with believable conflict and a happily ever after ending; Shrek delivers that, along with lots of good laughs along the way. Now I'm eager to see what all of those films will end up teaching me about good writing/storytelling.

What about you? Are any of the above movies particular favorites of yours? Why?

~robin

What to do with your bad reviews!

Oh my! This is so funny. I've had my share of bad reviews for my books. Wish I'd thought to do this with them.

Subjective reading

Writers (as least the ones I know) love to hear words of praise from their readers. Me, too. It's always an encouragement to learn that something I wrote touched a reader's heart, that they found my book entertaining or funny or moving. Back in the "olden days" of my publishing career, contact from readers came via letters in the mail. And 99.9% of the time, readers who took the time to write a letter to an author wrote because they loved the book.

Times have changed. The Internet has made communication easier. And not just when it comes to contacting an author via email versus snail mail. With blogs, review sites, on-line booksellers like ChristianBook.com and Amazon.com, Facebook, and a host of other sources, people can express their opinions freely to the world at large about the books they read.

One thing that is always true is that a book that one reader loves another will react to differently, perhaps with a ho-hum sentiment, perhaps with complete disdain. Reading is subjective. People bring with them a whole set of experiences and emotions that can make them read different things into a story, things the author didn't mean or intend.

When my novel Firstborn was first released, I received a wonderful letter from a woman who had been adopted as a baby and who had, as a young adult, reconnected with her birth mother. She said that Firstborn had captured the emotions of the women in the triad (daughter, adoptive mother, and birth mother) exactly right. She loved the book and was going to recommend it to everyone. Recently, I received an email about Firstborn from another young woman. She'd hated the characters and was angered by the story. Her parents had adopted two children, and they'd never gone through anything like what had been in my novel. It was obvious from her comments that she brought a completely different experience into reading Firstborn than the former woman I mentioned; I think it's safe to say the latter reader won't want to read anymore of my books.

Although my February 2009 release, When Love Blooms, hasn't caused quite so fervent responses, it's had its share of both positive and negative reactions. One blog review said:

"I could not put this book down, which unfortunately meant it is scarred from being carried around to the pool, work, doctor's appointments—wherever! But I would still share it with anyone because I just loved it. The story was captivating and the ending just made me smile."

But someone else (also a blog review) had this reaction:

"I felt the characters were flat and underdeveloped, the story line too entirely predictable, and some of the situations forced upon the characters by the author. This is not Hatcher's best book."

Why was When Love Blooms a great, "unputdownable" read for one person and a mediocre read for another? There is just no answering that question beyond what I said above—reading is subjective. I have a couple of books on my Kindle that others (many others) have raved and raved and raved about, but so far I haven't been able to get into them. They just don't float my boat. Why? Reading is subjective. Plain and simple.

I'm busy writing another book. (The deadline approaches much too quickly.) I hope it will be good. I hope it will entertain and amuse and move readers. At least I'm trying my best to make sure that's the final result. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll write a novel that will please everybody. LOL! I'm not holding my breath.

Whatever novel you're reading right now, I hope you're loving it.

~robin

BookExpo America 2009: Book Publishers: Please Don’t Be Like the Music Industry!

Here's an interesting post from Publisher's Weekly:

By Calvin Reid -- Publishers Weekly, 5/30/009 7:09:00 AM

The case could be made that Wired editor-in-chief Chris Anderson, author of the new book Free and the Long Tail, the seminal work that outlined a new paradigm of Web-enabled book searching and selling, is the patron saint of this year’s digitally focused BEA. At last night’s panel, “Jumping Off a Cliff: How Publishers Can Succeed Online,” Anderson was joined by Scribd cofounder Jared Friedman, New York Times digital guru Nick Bilton and the moderator, PW/LJ’s Andrew Albanese, in a conversation that can be heard all around the convention floor: What can the book industry do to avoid the unfortunate fate of the music industry? 

The short answer to book publishers is: don’t act like the music labels and turn your companies into a disruptive force that comes between  readers and the real product—writing and writers. Anderson began by describing a book industry dominated by “costly, monopolistic supply chains” that seemed much like the ill-fated music industry. But Anderson went on to say that unlike the music CD—described as the wrong unit for music, sold at the wrong price—“There’s nothing wrong with the physical book,” he said. “Long battery life, high resolution pages, easy to read, you can give it away—it’s a superior format,” he continued to some laughter. “The digital formats are great but they enhance the physical book rather than replace it.”

Read the rest of the article here.

I just finished reading a wonderful book (an advance copy) that the publisher sent to me in digital format. I don't want to read a bound ARC or, even worse, a bound manuscript anymore. For that matter, I'm resistant to reading a trade paperback or hardcover — especially fat ones. I want to use my very comfortable, light-weight Kindle 2. It is so easy to balance on my book pillow with just a couple of fingers of one hand while I read in bed and perfect for reading when I'm riding my exercise cycle.

However, there are still books that I want to own in physical form, reference books and research books chief among them. While I can "highlight" and make notes in my Kindle, sometimes I want to see the yellow and pink and blue colors on a page. It helps me remember the passages better.

While I am a bona fide fan of ebooks on my Kindle, I agree with Mr. Anderson: “The digital formats are great but they enhance the physical book rather than replace it.” In fact, there are a few books that I have liked so much on the Kindle that I've purchased the physical book too so I can have on my shelf. Such is the life for a lover of books.

~robin

Purity in Ministry

Yesterday, I did an hour long radio interview on KBXL in Boise (Inspirational Family Radio). The host was Deb Krum, and I really enjoyed her questions and getting to know her. We talked about how I once felt I had damaged my testimony and therefore God would never be able to use me, of how (after a period of healing and restoration) God called me into a ministry of writing for Him and later of leading women's retreats, and of how God has used lessons in my life to help others. We actually covered a lot of territory in those 60 minutes, but those were the key points I remember.

This morning, my lesson in Beth Moore's A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place Bible study was on the holy calling of the priesthood, and I the following really spoke to my heart:

Jesus' words that we read earlier in John 17:13-21 reflect the spirit of the Nazirite—separated to God yet not separated from the people. We are the light of the world! We cannot hide our lampstands under the bushels of spiritual monasteries. Yet we cannot let the darkness rub off on us. How do we accomplish such a balance? The answer is found in Matthew 10:16: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

. . . Sanctification is not about long hair and abstinence. It is about purity—purity maintained in the midst of an impure world. Understand this vital precept: Maintaining purity in ministry is the result of nothing less than deliberate devotion. For those really fulfilling their calling of evangelism and ministry, purity is neither easy nor accidental. We must guard our minds and put on our armor. A war rages out there. And we are Satan's favorite prisoners.

. . . In the world but not of the world. As shrewd as snakes but as innocent as doves. Are you up to it? The power to live this way was made available the moment Christ prayed that prayer in your behalf. You see, God's precious Son gets anything He wants.

I couldn't help thinking about the things I said during the radio interview yesterday and know how very much I want to be living that sanctified, pure life in this ministry of writing that God called me to. I want to be deliberate in my devotion to Him. I want to press into Jesus and press on in the faith (my words for 2009: press in and press on). And I certainly never again want to be taken prisoner by Satan. Not even for a moment. Been there, done that. Thus I'd better be wearing the full armor of God so that I can do battle.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17, NASB)

May I be dressed in the full armor of God as I go about my business today. And may the same be true of you, dear reader.

~robin

creation & creating

Before I post anything else on this Memorial Day, I want to say a word of thanks to all of our men and women in uniform. This holiday was first established to honor the Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, but after WWI it was changed to recognize American casualties from any war. To those serving our nation today, may God keep you safe, grant you victory in your mission, and bring you home to your loved ones soon. Please know that you are appreciated and supported by the majority of Americans. (Photo is of Poppet on our patio on Sunday.)

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About five years ago, I participated in a systematic theology study with a group of novelists. We used Wayne Grudem's abbreviated version, Bible Doctrine, and I loved reading the portion on the Doctrine of Creation:

It seems that God created the universe, then, to take delight in his creation, for as creation shows forth various aspects of God's character, to that extent he does take delight in it.

This explains why we take spontaneous delight in all sorts of creative activities ourselves. People with artistic, musical, or literary skills enjoy creating things and seeing, hearing, or pondering their creative work. God has so made us that we enjoy imitating, in a creaturely way, his creative activity. And one of the amazing aspects of humanity — in distinction from the rest of creation — is our ability to create new things. This also explains why we take delight in other kinds of "creative" activity ... Even children enjoy coloring pictures or building houses out of blocks. In all of these activities, we reflect in small measure the creative activity of God, and we should delight in it and thank him for it."

Wow! As a writer, I certainly could relate to what Grudem wrote. I enjoy creating something new, but it wasn't until the past fifteen years that I truly came to understand God made me to enjoy imitating His creativity.

What do you enjoy creating? Do you realize that God takes delight in your enjoyment of creative endeavors? Go ahead. Get out those crayons and coloring books or that set of building blocks and make something today!

~robin

New Audiobooks Available

I'm so excited. Three of my books from Zondervan are now available as unabridged downloadable audiobooks at a very reasonable price: $14.99 each. Which ones? A Carol for Christmas, Return to Me, and When Love Blooms. Eventually, these audiobooks should also be available from Audible.com (hopefully soon), but as of the writing of this blog post, they can only be found on Symtio.

Do you know about Symtio? Symtio is the first multi-channel digital media platform for retail. With Symtio, customers purchase eBooks, audiobooks, and soon music and movies, in-store and download them from anywhere they have an internet connection. It’s the link between digital media and the retail experience. (FYI, if you don't have a local Christian bookstore or your bookstore doesn't offer the Symtio experience, you can purchase directly from the Symtio site.)

Symtio takes gift cards to a more personal level. Giving a Symtio digital product card says you’ve thought about your gift, much as when you used to give bound books or music. While Symtio products have the feel and convenience of a gift card, the difference is that you’ve hand picked and purchased a specific product with the recipient in mind.

More and more people are transitioning to the ease and convenience of digital media. Music came first, but eBooks, audiobooks, and movies are quickly gaining popularity as well. The key difference with Symtio is that by making its products available for purchase in retail stores, customers can shop the way they always have while still taking advantage of the digital revolution.

Here’s how Symtio works:

1. Purchase. Customers purchase a new book in the form of a Symtio product card at any store where Symtio products are sold—this is the tangible element that keeps the retail experience familiar. When customers make their purchase, the card is activated at POS in our system and ready for download. To see a list of participating stores, check out our retail locator.
2. Download. From the comfort of home or a local coffee shop, customers download their new digital product from www.symtio.com. They simply enter the unique 16-digit PIN found on the back of their Symtio product card and then they will be guided through an easy process to the right file type they need for their player.
   
3. Enjoy. Once the digital file has been downloaded customers can enjoy their new book on digital devices such as an iPod, Zune, Sony Personal Reader, PDA or personal computer (either Windows or Macintosh) depending on the type of file they choose to download.
   

~robin

Yep, editing is like this

I'm in the midst of line edits of my fall release, so I relate to this video.

An Interview & Chance to Win a Book

I have an interview over on A Christian Writer's World. Read it and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Vote of Confidence.

Good luck!

Interviews. I've been interviewed.

A Vote of Confidence has begun shipping from the CBD warehouse! Not sure how long it will take for copies to reach Amazon.com, B&N.com, or local brick and mortar stores, but they're on their way. If you visit the Vote of Confidence page on CBD, you can listen to the audio of an interview I did while in Peabody, MA and also read a number of early reviews.

Also available online is a print interview I did with Christian Fiction Online Magazine. Valerie really made the interview fun to do, and I hope you'll have fun reading it.

In the next two or three weeks, the second book in the series (Fit to be Tied) will come back to me for line edits. In the meantime, I'm trying to make major headway on the third book in the series. So I'd best quit blogging and get to writing.

~rlh~

If this is Sunday, I must still be in Peabody

I have been back in my hotel room for a few hours. Installed some updates on my MacBook (iLife and iWork and Logos for Mac) and did my Beth Moore Bible study and even had a little nap. The signing at CBD's warehouse sale this morning was great, and I met lots of people, had lots of photos taken, visited with a couple of aspiring writers. There were long time readers of mine there for signed books and many first time readers as well. The line to get into the warehouse started forming at 5:00 this morning but the event didn't officially start until 8:00! I don't know how many hundreds of people were there, but the parking lot was so full cars were being parked on the lawn.

Ralph M., the buyer at CBD who handles the Zondervan account, served as my host for the last two days. (No photo on my camera of me with Ralph but I know one was taken with another camera so hope I will get a copy of it.) To say that Ralph was a kind and generous host is to speak a gross understatement. I felt very cared for and catered to. There are also a number of others whose names are already lost in the fog but whose faces I will never forget.

As a gadget junkie, touring the CBD warehouse was a grand experience. To think that the company started 30 years ago in the garage of a college student and then to see what CBD has become is mind-boggling. I believe I was told they employ about 500 people. Anyway, I saw all the fascinating "toys" that help label and "brand" each box and then move those boxes around the warehouse (two floors of books/DVDs/etc.) for people to fill. Next time I receive an order from CBD and look at the receipt with the little check marks by each item, I will have a whole new appreciation for what those check marks mean. In another area, I saw how those one-book or one-item orders get wrapped in the cardboard that becomes the shipping "box/envelope." What a machine! And there was a cool new gizmo that pumps air into a plastic bag inside a box. It isn't on the market to others yet, I was told, but I expect to see this packing material used more and more in the future. Less packing is always a good thing.

Friday morning and afternoon I spoke to large groups of employees. I shared with both groups what started my writing career and what eventually brought me to writing Christian fiction. Then I opened it up to Q&A and had a wonderful time sharing from my heart with all present. What was fun to learn was that the employees have to get permission from their supervisors to attend these sessions, and so the ones who are there really want to be there. The mother of the CBD founders, "Mrs. H.", was in the morning group, then I got to sit beside her at lunch and she's a delight.

And one final note: Great big thanks to the folks at Zondervan who printed and shipped copies of A Vote of Confidence to CBD well in advance of its original shipping date. Customers at the warehouse sale had the privilege of buying the book before anyone else could do so. (And if you so choose, you can order your copy and get it well before you could get it anywhere else.)

A car will pick me up in the early morning to drive me to the airport, and while it will be good to be home (as it always is), I will be leaving a part of my heart behind in Massachusetts with my new friends at CBD.

~rlh~

Photos above: Two of the warehouse, one with me and Ray Hendrickson, CBD owner, and one with Mrs. H. and me. Click on them to see larger copies.

Life is a Whirlwind!

What a day I've had!

Mom came home from rehab yesterday after nearly 6 weeks away. She is doing okay. Not great. Not the same as she was. But I think we can handle what's ahead of us, at least for now. I've promised myself (and the Lord) that I won't try to make decisions on things that might happen. I'm taking this one day at a time and trusting the Lord to provide that which we need.

The UPS man brought me a nice surprise. A copy of my new book! As I shared yesterday, Zondervan went to press early on A Vote of Confidence so the books would be available for my signing at CBD on Saturday. I took the photo with my MacBook, making sure you couldn't see me. I am sans makeup and looking a little scary. {{grin}}

In addition to taking care of Mom today, I was getting packed for my trip to Peabody, MA. I fly out tomorrow morning. The lady who will take care of Mom came over, and I gave her the scoop on everything. Also I went to the chiropractor for some treatment on my right arm/elbow. I've had pain from tendonitis for about 8 weeks now. Groan! It's hard to get healed when I'm right handed and have to use my arm throughout the day.

And finally, I got one more nice surprise today. The Perfect Life is a RITA finalist for Best Inspirational. The call came while I was on the chiropractor's table. Someone told me, "Well, you'll always remember where you were when you got the news." LOL! The list of finalists is very impressive, so I'm not counting on the book winning. But one more RITA would mean entering the Hall of Fame which I must confess would be oh-so-nice.

I hope I'll sleep well tonight.

~rlh~

2009 Christy Award Finalists

Congratulations to the 2009 Christy Awards finalists/nominees. Winners will be announced in July just prior to ICRS in Denver, CO.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren • Tyndale House Publishers
Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White by Claudia Mair Burney • David C. Cook

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS
Sisterchicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
Summer Snow by Nicole Baart • Tyndale House Publishers
You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman • FaithWords

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE

It's here! The cover for Fit To Be Tied

Okay, I know I should wait to share this. After all, the first book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series, A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE, hasn't yet been released (a bit more than two months to go). But I now have the cover for the second book, and it is so wonderful that I'm about to burst with excitement. So without further adieu, here is the cover for FIT TO BE TIED (November 2009).

And here are the two books in the Sisters series next to each other. Aren't they luscious together? (Click for larger version)

I hope these covers make you want to know more about these women (Gwen on the left, Cleo on the right). Huge kudos to the design team at Zondervan who have created covers that are so perfect for the stories that will be within them. And I've got to confess, I'm having sooooooo much fun writing about Gwen and Cleo and Daphne and the other characters that people the town of Bethlehem Springs, the Arlington Ranch, and the New Hope Health Spa. I am now into the third book and eager to find out what happens next in this small Idaho town in the early 20th century.

FWIW, when I write a series, each book stands alone. I never leave a reader in the lurch, arriving at the end of the book without arriving at the end of the story. I want the reader to be hungry for the next book but never forced to read it just to find out what they should already know.

So, what do you think? Do you love these covers as much as I do?

~rlh~

Bid for a Professional Edit of First 3 Chapters

Editor (Multnomah, Strang, NavPress)/publisher (Marcher Lord Press)/author Jeff Gerke and his wife are adopting a Chinese baby named Sophie. Sophie has medical challenges and will need several operations and special care, but first the Gerke's must raise the money quickly for the adoption. To help them out, several editors have offered to have their work auctioned off on eBay. Right now, the editor on the block is Jeff himself. He has edited for many years, so can edit any type of work. His passion is fantasy/scifi. If you'd like expert help with your first three chapters, join the bidding. It's a great deal. Here's Jeff's comment from an email group below, with permission to share. Check out "our adoption" for this heartwarming story, then go to the eBay link and bid!

Jeff wrote:

Hello, friends.

Christian literary agent Kelly Mortimer is helping us raise money for our adoption.

She's doing so by auctioning off editorial work from a variety of editors and then donating the money to our adoption fund.

This month the editor whose work is being auctioned off is me!

Check it out on eBay.

The auction ends tomorrow.

The work being auctioned off is what Kelly calls a 3x3 edit. I'll edit your first three chapters in three weeks. I'd normally charge around $300 for this, but right now the high bid is $61. So somebody's going to get a steal.

Feel free to pass this along to whatever blog or forum or group you'd like. Solid editorial help and all for a good cause!

Thank you.

Jeff

I know Jeff. He's a peach of a guy. Don't miss this opportunity.
~rlh~

Reveling in Revisions

I posted the following yesterday to the historical authors' blog, Writes of Passage, but decided it was worth putting up on my regular blog as well. Sorry for the repeat for those who read both blogs.

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I spent Friday evening and all day Saturday at the IDAhope Christian Writers Conference. It was a smaller, more intimate affair, and on Saturday, I was very busy, doing a keynote address, followed by leading two workshops. It's always fun to be with other writers, from wide-eyed beginners to long published folks.

Newer writers are often surprised that contracted manuscripts still go through an extensive revising and editing process. Beginners are told that manuscripts have to be as close to perfect as possible to get a "yes" from an editor. There is some truth in that. But perfect enough to sell doesn't mean perfect enough to publish. An author is too close to the story after months and months of writing it and then rewriting it and maybe rewriting it half a dozen more times. A good editor's trained eye can find many little ways (and some times quite a few big ways) to improve an already strong story.

What's the process like? Usually something like this:

1. After a manuscript is turned in (whether contracted before it was written or the acquisition of a finished novel), the revision letter arrives. This round of editing usually deals with the bigger picture of the story and on the ways an author can strengthen the manuscript overall.
2. Line edits. A closer, more focused look at the story. An editor (usually someone different from the editor who did the revision letter) goes through the manuscript line by line, changing or suggesting changes.
3. Copy edits. An editor looks for the small but important items. Prose. Punctuation. Fine-tuning. Queries to make sure the writer doesn't have an error in facts (does that river actually run north? how long would it take a train to reach the Pacific coast from point A in that year? etc.).
4. Pages proofs/typeset galleys. The author's and proofreader's last chance to catch mistakes that have slipped through previous rounds. Using "their" when it should be "there."
   

Last week, I began revising my November 2009 release. No major changes were requested by my editor, but her suggestions are making the story better and I'm loving implementing them. And, of course, as I work my way through the manuscript, it's giving me an opportunity to spruce up my prose. (Don't all writers tweak and tweak and tweak every time they read their own work?) If all goes according to my schedule, I should be finished by the end of this week.

I can't say that I always revel in revisions. I know a few authors who do, but I'm not one of them. How I feel about revisions depends entirely upon what needs to be done, how long it will take to complete them, and how much my head and eyes will hurt as I follow any changes through to the end of the manuscript.

I must say that the best part about my current revisions is that I've been reminded how fond I am of my hero and heroine, and I can't help believing readers will take Cleo and Sherwood to heart as well.

~robin

Advance copies of A Vote of Confidence

A hundred or so readers of my blog and/or of the Robin Lee Hatcher Readers Group on Facebook should have received or will receive soon an ARC (advance reader copy) of A Vote of Confidence , my May 2009 release from Zondervan. Unfortunately, no cover letter with instructions was included with the ARCs and so some readers have been contacting me for reminders of what is expected of them.

What we asked reviewers of the ARC to do was to post a review to their blogs and to at least one on-line retailer such as Amazon.com or Christianbook.com. It is still early, so we'd like you to hold off on your blog posts until some time in April. I think you can already post reviews to Christianbook but Amazon makes you wait until the book is actually available to order.

Of course, I would love it if you would send your reviews to me whenever they're ready so that I can add them to my web site. Please include your blog URL so I can direct traffic your way.

Thanks again to those of you who signed up to read and review an advance copy of A Vote of Confidence. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it.

~rlh~

More American Adults Reading

Now here is a wonderful bit of publishing news amidst the doom and gloom of recent months.

From the National Endowment for the Arts, January 12, 2009:

Washington, D.C. -- For the first time in more than 25 years, American adults are reading more literature, according to a new study by the National Endowment for the Arts. Reading on the Rise documents a definitive increase in rates and numbers of American adults who read literature, with the biggest increases among young adults, ages 18-24. This new growth reverses two decades of downward trends cited previously in NEA reports such as Reading at Risk and To Read or Not To Read.

"At a time of immense cultural pessimism, the NEA is pleased to announce some important good news. Literary reading has risen in the U.S. for the first time in a quarter century," said NEA Chairman Dana Gioia. "This dramatic turnaround shows that the many programs now focused on reading, including our own Big Read, are working. Cultural decline is not inevitable."

Among the key findings...

As both a writer and a reader, this thrills me. Read the remainder of the article here.

-rlh-

Words, words, words

One of the most important tools for any writer (or for that matter any lover of words) is a good dictionary. That usually means Merriam-Webster. Out in a box in my garage is a huge, heavy unabridged dictionary. Once I start going through boxes, it will be something I give away. Why? Because I've found a more manageable, weightless, and always up-to-date dictionary.

I subscribe to Merriam-Webster online premium services. It gives me access to the unabridged version as well as the Collegiate version that provides dates when words came into usage (important for writers of historical fiction). Also included in the subscription is a thesaurus, encyclopedia, medical dictionary, Spanish-English & French-English dictionaries, an atlas, and a style guide. As a Firefox user, I also have the search tool and the sidebar installed in my browser for faster look-ups. The cost of the subscription is $29.95 per year. I used to spend that much on dictionaries/thesauruses/etc. every year so for me, it's a good deal and takes no bookshelf space. I appreciate the ease and the speed. Since I'm online all the time, it's the best thing for me.

I'd also like to tell you about the Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary: The Authoritative Student Reference. I was sent a copy of it for review, and I have to tell you, it's terrific if you have a child or grandchild in elementary school. All graphics are in color so it is inviting to look through. It's attractive enough that I am tempted to keep it for myself, thinking it might be helpful when I'm writing about a child. However, I'll pass it along to my youngest granddaughters who are home-schooled. They need it more than I do.

And just for fun, I'll close this blog post with a Word of the Day:

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hidebound • \HYDE-bound\ • adjective

1 : of a domestic animal : having a dry skin lacking in pliancy

*2 : having an inflexible or ultraconservative character

Example Sentence: The store failed when its hidebound owners refused to alter their business model to adjust for the changing economy.

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Here's to words!

-rlh-

2008 in Review & Expectations for 2009

It's that time again. Time to bid farewell to another year and welcome in the new one. This is my annual post of reflection and expectations.

Word for the Year: As my regular readers know, every December I ask God for a word or words for the coming year. For 2008, the words He gave me were Intimacy and Devotion: Intimacy with God and Devotion in Prayer. I'm not sure I realized all He wanted for me to learn in those two words during 2008, but He proved Himself faithful as my Instructor. Two examples:

• First, I decided (obviously after God decided) to do another Beth Moore Bible study, this one called Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent . Turns out that the overriding theme (at least for me) was deepening my intimacy with the Father and definitely a devotion to prayer.
• And second, I was asked to read a new Bible study for endorsement. I have done three Bible studies by the authors before and loved them, so I didn't even ask for the title (if it was ever mentioned, it went in one ear and out the other). Imagine my excitement when the study arrived and I saw what the subject/title was: Live Intimately: Lessons from the Upper Room . Through a totally unexpected means, He gave me more lessons in intimacy.

And now to reveal my words for 2009:

Press in/Press on. Press in to Jesus and Press on in the faith.

I pray that when I do a recap on December 31, 2009, I'll be able to say I soaked in the lessons He had for me.

Bible Reading: I read through the New Testament three times in 2008. For twelve years, I've alternated years of reading through the whole Bible (odd years) and then reading the New Testament three or four times (even years). But beginning in 2009,

Writing Tools

I typed The End on my latest book on December 19, just in time to really enjoy Christmas with my family. We ate. We exchanged gifts. And I went to see Marley & Me with a friend (good movie; not as good as the book but still good).

Today, with another snow storm due in the Treasure Valley (snow is falling now), I am settled in with a hot cup of tea and am ready to begin writing my next book (May 2010). I want to be well into it by the time the revisions for my last book (November 2009) arrive in January.

I am a Mac user, and many of my Mac-using writer friends have begun to use Scrivener to write their books in. I tried writing in it, but it wasn't working for me. I guess I've written too many books in a word processing program. I like to see the words on the page exactly as they would look on a printed manuscript page. However, Scrivener is the most wonderful tool for organizing and keeping my research in that I've ever run across. I used to print countless pages from research on the web. There was always a paper blizzard on my desk. No more. It's all in Scrivener under Research, organized in folders. Also in Scrivener are my character profiles with photos of what I think they look like, plus other photos that represent the town and the ranch house and the horses and the dogs, etc. Any and all visuals I'll want to pass along to my publisher to help with the cover art and copy. If you're a writer and are lucky enough to own a Mac, then you need to check out Scrivener.

But since I didn't like writing in Scrivener and since I am sick to death of Microsoft's Word (it kept crashing on me the last time I had a full manuscript with lots of Track Changes in it), I have decided to begin using Pages, Apple's word processing program that comes as part of iWork. It loads so much faster than any bloated Microsoft program and has (I believe) everything I need, including Track Changes. And it can read and then save to Word documents so I won't have to worry about my editor not being able to open the file. Hopefully, it won't take me too long to learn where everything is located.

Well, it's time I actually get busy using these writing tools rather than just talking about them. If you're a writer, here's hoping you'll fnd all the right tools that you need to make the writing at least a little easier.

-rlh-

TCM Tribute

I am in the home stretch with my next novel, the second book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. I hope to type The End by this afternoon. Oh man. I am ready to be able to ship this puppy off to my editor. I have loved the story and these characters but I want to be done. Christmas is rushing toward me. My family will celebrate early (the 23rd) as my oldest daughter and her family will spend Christmas Eve to New Years up at her in-law's cabin in the wild. That means I have two days less than most people to prepare for a houseful of folks for dinner and gift giving.

So, not having anything witty or wonderful to say, allow me to share another YouTube video, this one a tribute to actors, directors, screenwriters who passed away in 2008. These year-end tributes always touch me because I see so many "familiar" faces, those actors and writers who have given me many hours of entertainment throughout my life.