NEW FEATURE: WEEKLY GIVEAWAY

My books are threatening to take over my house--my books meaning books I have written.

So starting this week, I will give away one of my books (the specific title is in the sidebar: Beacon of Love this week).

There is a catch: there must be at least five comments for me to give away.

HARLEQUIN BUYS HEARTSONG

I'll keep this short and sweet: I have a lot of work left on the book due to the editor on Wednesday, LOL.

News rocked the writers' world this week, at least my corner of it: Heartsong Presents, the book club which has published eight of my books but which announced its closings, has been purchased by Harlequin.

Speculation on the purchase runs rampant. Do they want the list of Heartsong subscribers? Do they want to prevent another publisher from buying the competition? Do they want to attract more of the Heartsong authors to write for Love Inspired? Will Heartsong continue as a separate book club, or will it be rolled into Harlequin's inspirational book clubs?

(And yes, Harlequin does publisher inspirational romance, under Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, and Love Inspired Historical.)

No one knows. They announced that Barbour (Heartsong's publisher) will continue to manage the Heartsong line through the end of the year.

All in all, I'm excited. Instead of the definite end of a bookclub which made my dreams of publication come true, a wide range of possibilities exist.

Coming from an author seeking her next contract. . .

Look at the sidebars

I borrowed an idea from another blog and added a "books I'm writing sidebar." For those of you who are unpublished (or underpublished!) writers, check it out. It gives a week-by-week glimpse into the life of a working writer. I use the four book system first introduced to me by author Janice Thompson: the book I'm writing, the book I'm developing, the book going through the publication process at the publisher, and the book I'm marketing. So check it out for current and upcoming projects, as well as blogs where I am a guest (chance for FREE BOOKS!)

I also have a sidebar where I list the books I'm currently reading. When I'm done, I give my reaction to the book. It's easier than a full review, and it's a bit more personal . . .but it's a way to give credit to some fantastic authors! Both Christian and secular.

Especially happy to have finished Merry Christmas, With Love. One book out of three finished.

What I want - or what I need

I listened to two sermons this morning on television. Two different takes on very similar themes: how do I get what I want? One was full of scriptural references. The other was based on a contemporary parable, an anecdotal approach to a scriptural truth.

The first preacher (I didn't catch his name so I won't impune anyone) said, "If you just believe God's hand is upon you, even before you see any evidence, you will see wondrous things done." He based his sermon on Nehemiah, and then also mentioned Job who praised God when things were at their worst. (and later was rewarded).

The other preacher spoke of a man who had lost everything. One New Year's Day, he heard a voice: Until you're thankful for what you have, you'll never have what you want. The man went on to write a thank you every day that year, and in the process transformed his thinking. I don't recall him quoting scripture, but it resonated from start to finish with the admonition, "In everything give thanks." The pastor cleverly ended with a twist: Until you're thankful for what you have, you'll never have what matters.

Of the two, the second sermon resonated with me far more. I confess, I have never understood the "health and wealth" school of thought, because it feels so patently untrue. Are they accusing the apostle Paul of lack of faith, when God didn't heal his thorn in the flesh?

This year I face physical disabilities that threaten to make me a recluse. My hospital stay added debt equal to half of the mortgage on my house.

And this I know: Like Job, I must praise God and give thanks, in the everything that includes crippling disabilities and debt. For God has not changed, and He is good and He is faithful.

And in return, I expect to receive what matters: daily bread--and a steadfast focus on the eternal God.

Anything more than that is only icing that makes the cake sweeter.

P.S. Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos didn't get what he wanted--a win against the Patriots. But after the game he said he had received what mattered (not in those exact words, but close to it!). Grace under pressure.

P.P.S.: I have my author copies of A Ranger's Trail! Woo hoo!

EXCITING NEWS!!

This has been a week of highlights. . .

Lone Star Trail is on the BEST SELLERS list in the latest catalog from Crossings Book Club!

Here is the cover design for my last Heartsong title (with the sad demise of the book club), a story set in Mesa Verde about the making of a silent film.








Also, Jaran's best friend since middle school passed through on his way back to Denver. It was great to catch up with Nuri--I often say that he's the kind of friend every mother wants their son to have. It turns out he's pursuing a career as an author as well . . . legal thrillers. I can't wait to see one!

Now it's time to see if the Broncos can win a post-season game . . .