TRUE CRIME

Canadian justice has come into it's own at last. Today a court convicted a 13yr old girl on three counts of first-degree murder. And boy, did she have this coming to her. She's the youngest person ever to be convicted in Canada of such a heinous crime.

For those of you who don't read online or get Canadian papers, let me just say that this little psychopath cooked up a plot to murder her parents and eight year old brother with her then 23 year old boyfriend. They sent emails and love letters back and forth figuring out how to do it - she was upset because she was being grounded all the time, and she "hated" them. She even drew a picture of the three members of her family being burned alive, which was admitted into evidence.

The maximum this chickie'll get is 10 years, with only 6 yrs to be served in a maximum jail setting. Luckily, they didn't buy her meek, whispery voice, or the defense that she was caught up in a sexual/co-dependent relationship with an "older man".

Right after the murders, she took her mom's ATM card out of her purse, called a cab, and went to a friend's house. She partied with her now cleaned up boyfriend (he did much of the stabbing and killing - she held her eight year old brother down in a choke hold just to help her boyfriend along.) She even copped to stabbing him once in the chest, but the killing wound was a throat slash that severed his jugular, and larynx. Eight years old, and she testified that he was pleading with her to save him.

Karla Homolka has nothing on this kid - at least Karla was 19 or so before she offered up her drugged little sister to her then-boyfriend, Paul Bernardo, as a "virgin offering".

What can possibly explain this kind of psychopathic behaviour in a 13 yr old girl?

Evil. Pure, unadulterated evil. We don't like to talk about it, we like to sugar-coat things and put psychological labels on them.

But these two are evil. Plain and simple. If any of us had thought up this plot, it's grisly details might have turned most editors off.

Six years from now, she'll have finished high school in prison, because in Canada we pay for things like education, both high school and university for our prisoners. She won't be rehabilitated because no system can possibly reach a girl who can coldly, and callously massacre her entire family.

For her mother who was a naturopathic healer, her father who was a hard worker in an industrial field, and her poor, innocent little brother, I can only hope that somehow they're at rest and at peace.

Evil. Sometimes we don't like to face it.

We're Making Progress!

Yesterday I wrote 10 brand new pages, which is alot considering the small amount of time I've got alloted during the day. That's approx. 2500 words, whoopee! I know alot of writers can go faster, but I'm realizing that I've taken this story in a much farther direction than I first thought. That's what happens when you let your characters do the talking. :)

I've put up new pics of JC, my hero, and Leanne, my heroine, to keep me inspired. Hope your characters are behaving for you all!

AGGRAVATING WEDNESDAY....

I've just had two major things happen - well, they're major to me, lol! and I figured, why not share them with you? :)

1) My 14 yr old washing machine died in the middle of a load. A load which included most of our towels, and is now sitting there half full of water. Anything like this ever happen to you? The repairman can't come till 10 a.m. tomorrow, and as it sounds like the motor's seized, we'll likely have to buy a new one. Just when we're moving and have all THOSE expenses to consider. (Like paying $300.00 for our pets to be vaccinated and documented just so we can cross the Saskatchewan border into Manitoba - give me a break!) So, ARGH!! It's ruined my stream-lined writing day, not to mention if we have to buy a NEW washer, it won't get here till next Tuesday. (see Laurie in the town's seedy laundrymat - we only have one, and I'm afraid we'd pick up iggly-wiggleys, and goodness knows what else!)

2) I just called our Worship Pastor (who's the only guy around - our new Senior Pastor doesn't start till Sept.1) to rant about our church having to cancel the final week of Vacation Bible School - we only run three weeks, and they had to plead from the pulpit this past Sunday for more volunteers just to get through next week. (I'm one of the volunteers) We only need 14 people to run a week, we've got kids on a waiting list, and only four people volunteered for the third week. It seems most women like dealing with the preschoolers, and not the grades 4-6 kids.

I'm absolutely appalled that a church with over 500 people can't come up with 14 for a week of volunteering. And I know the problem isn't just with my church - it's a universal problem to get volunteers out of the pews and off their butts in just about ANY church. I "volunteered" to speak on the platform about how the congregation needs to be held accountable for this unbelievable lack of desire to minister to children - and they're not just "church" kids, which is the whole point of having a Vacation Bible School. (He just laughed, and I know he won't let me anywhere near the platform! But he did promise to address it)

How does a church solve this problem? How can a church get people motivated to actually *serve* in their churches??? Back in Ontario, we belonged (over the years) to two churches who had to BUS kids in from the country, and run shuttles from meeting points like shopping malls to the church. People signed up in March to be volunteers, and we had an average of 180 kids per WEEK!!

I don't think this is just because Saskatchewan is an under-populated province. This is a 35,000 person city, and also draws from the rural areas. I think it's the old "someone else will do it", syndrome.

If you're reading this, and you haven't volunteered to do something at your church for their Vacation Bible School, please reconsider your time commitments and get out there to help your leaders. VBS reaches children in a different way than just going to Sunday School, and it's easier to get their friends to sign up with them. VBS can have a direct impact on a child's spiritual journey. It's a crucial program in any church.

Okay, enough ranting. If you're not serving in some capacity in your church already, please check your Biblical concordances and look up "servanthood" and "ministry". Maybe it's time to get out of the pew and into the trenches. Just think about it, and after that, like Nike says, Just Do It!!!

A BELATED 'HAPPY CANADA DAY' !!

On Saturday, June 30th, Margaret Wente, a columnist with the GLOBE AND MAIL - one of our national newspapers, wrote "254 Solitudes, and Counting". It was a dreary, depressing, and cynical essay on why Canada's not working, and why we've lost our "values and aspirations". Let me quote:

"If Canada has one claim to fame, it is as the immigration country that works. Wherever I travelled in Europe last fall, people would ask me, "How do you do it?" And I would smile sweetly and pretend that Canadians are simply more tolerant, more welcoming, and more eager to celebrate diversity than any other nation in the world. Let's hope they don't find out the truth...In 1981, Statistics Canada identified six "ethnic enclaves" across the country - communities where a single visible minority group made up more than 30 per cent of the population. Twenty years later, there were 254."

Margaret doesn't list which 254 minorities comprise Canada today, but she has alot to say about how "the job of civic society is to overcome these tribal resentments (she's talking about how people of one ethnic group tend to live together and resent the "majority"), and replace them with a set of values and aspirations that are shared. But our age is all about accentuating differences. We're supposed to not just recognize and tolerate these differences, but to embrace and celebrate them."

Hmmm, good thing you "smiled sweetly" last fall, Margaret. It is a fact that Canada has the highest immigration rate in the world. It's also a fact that yesterday on CTV Live, I saw many, many, different races of people, and their children wearing red and white hats, wash-off tattoos of our flag, and waving flags vehemently as our Governor-General arrived on Parliament Hill. Why were they all waving flags and happy to be here?

Because Canada does have strong values and aspirations that our immigrants have come here for,and for good reason;

1) Freedom of speech, liberty, and safety of persons. Ask anyone from Afghanistan, Somalia, the Czech Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba (need I go on?) how they feel about residing in a country where they're not afraid of soldiers taking away their children, they can practice their religion in freedom, and don't have to submit to policed road checks, whether they enjoy living here. Bet they'll say "Thank God!", Margaret.

2) Class-free education for everyone, universal health care, and suitable housing. We Canadians put a high price on our educational system, health care, and keeping our homeless off the streets.

3) We value dignity for all, the *inclusion* of all in our society, and educate our children to value this as well.

Margaret Wente would have us believe that the only values taught in our schools today are "anti-bullying and recycling. These are good things, to be sure. But maybe not quite enough to build a whole society on."

A "whole society"? We have a whole society, Margaret. We're not perfect, and there is some inherent racism, as there is in any society. But I'd submit that by celebrating and tolerating the differences in the immigrants who come here, we're preventing the repression of the second and third generations of immigrant's children who rise up in search of their "real" identity. The UK and Europe have taught us that much.

Our "whole" society allows people to be who they are - and if they feel divided between being "Afghanistan-Canadian" or "African-Canadian" or "First Nations Canadian", then that is their personal problem, not the society they live in.

If we fail to tolerate each other's differences, we are on the slippery slope to something the '40's called "Nazisim" - the idea of a supreme race over every other race. And that is something Canada will never tolerate - our Charter of Rights and Freedoms attests to that.

I know several family members, and friends, who don't share my views. They're afraid of the "Asian incursion", the "al Quada kids" who live in the projects (referring to Muslims, of course), etc. They feel they're in the minority where they live. Well, there's a solution for that - if you don't like living in "Chinatown", then move. If you can't stand the sight of little girls walking to school wearing head scarves, then move somewhere else.

The first immigrants to this country were French and English. Then later, the Irish, the Hutterites and Mennonites running from religious prosecution, the Germans and Ukranians who populated our Prairies, the Chinese who built our trans-Canada rail road, the blacks who came North during the Civil War...they built this countries economy, infrastructure, and developed it into what it is today.

Let's face it, Margaret, the only people who weren't immigrants, were the First Nations peoples. And their history and inclusion in our society is our only weak link in an otherwise empowering, tolerant, and compassionate Canada.

But that's the source of another blog! I hope everyone had a great Canada Day and long weekend!

Missing in Action...

I spent last week trying to finish up work, and do Kiss of Death's BIAW at the same time. I actually managed to write 23 pages in one day! A personal best. "Outside of the house work" is now officially done, and I can get back to communing with my Muse.

I've got all my new characters sketched out, my synopsis done (Thanks to Lethaladies at KOD), and am finally writing the new subplots and putting all the pieces together. Although I'm an outliner, I find I still discover great ideas as I go along.

This time, I don't have time to make a collage, or do the usual binder-thingy I usually do. I'm hard at it and just want to get the thing ready for submission.

How about you? Are you close to submitting something, have submitted something, or are you planning to take the summer off?

(Btw, the picture above was taken by my dh and shows the rippling highway going off to the horizon of Saskatchewan. We *do* have a few hills and valleys!)

So, What Movie Genre Are You?

This is a hoot, because I don't write erotica at all. Guess the quizz had different ideas! I do write suspense/thrillers - how much of a thriller my books are will be up to an agent/editor in the long run. I truly believe agents/editors also buy potential, as well as what they see on the page. If they can see that spark of real talent, they'll find a way to nurture it and you.

Erotic Thriller

You've made your own rules in life - and sometimes that catches up with you. Winding a web of deceit comes naturally, and no one really knows the true you. Your best movie matches: Swimming Pool, Unfaithful, The Crush

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

The World of Romance...

In honour of my DH's being away for the week, I thought I'd post something he brought home from work. Personally, I thought it was hilarious, considering a guy wrote it. Hopefully, it won't offend anybody!



In the world of romance, one single rule applies: Make the woman happy. Do something she likes, and you get points. Do something she dislikes and points are subtracted. You don't get any points for doing something she expects. Sorry, that's the way the game is played. Here is a guide to the points system:

SIMPLE DUTIES
• You make the bed ....................+1
* You make the bed, but forget to add the decorative pillows.... 0
* You throw the bedspread over rumpled sheets...................-1
* You leave the toilet seat up.............-5
* You replace the toilet paper roll when it is empty............ 0
* When the toilet paper roll is barren, you resort to Kleenex...-1
* When the Kleenex runs out you use the next bathroom...........-2
* You go out to buy her extra-light panty liners with wings.....+5
* in the snow...............+8
* but return with beer..........-5
* and no liners....................-25
* You check out a suspicious noise at night....... 0
* You check out a suspicious noise and it is nothing............ 0
* You check out a suspicious noise and it is something..........+5
* You pummel it with a six iron...........+10
* It's her cat.........................-40

HER BIRTHDAY
* You take her out to dinner................ 0
* You take her out to dinner and it's not a sports bar....+1
* Okay, it is a sports bar..........-2
* And it's all-you-can-eat night....-3
* It's a sports bar, it's all-you-can-eat night, and your face is painted the colors of your favorite team......-10

A NIGHT OUT WITH THE BOYS
* Go with a pal.........................+5
* The pal is happily married............+4
* Or frighteningly single...............-7
* And he drives a Ferrari...............-10
* With a personalized license plate (GR8 NBED)........-15

A NIGHT OUT WITH HER
* You take her to a movie...............+2
* You take her to a movie she likes.....+4
* You take her to a movie you hate......+6
* You take her to a movie you like......-2
* It's called Death Cop 3...............-3
* Which features Cyborgs that eat humans....-9
* You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans.....-15

YOUR PHYSIQUE
* You develop a noticeable pot belly.............-15
* You develop a noticeable pot belly & exercise to get rid of it ...............................+10
* You develop a noticeable pot belly and resort to loose jeans and baggy Hawaiian shirts.......-30 *
*You say, "It doesn't matter, you have one too."......-800

THE BIG QUESTION (a no win question)
* She asks, "Do I look fat?" * You hesitate in responding.....-10
* You reply, "Where?"............-35
* Any other response.............-20

COMMUNICATION
When she wants to talk about a problem:
* You listen, displaying a concerned expression...... 0
* You listen, for over 30 minutes....................+5
* You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV..................................+100
* She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep....-200

Rewrite Inspiration...

He may not look like hero material to you, but he is if he's an undercover cop in an outlaw biker gang. Which he is...

I'm still busy reworking BA, but can't post a picture of my villain, because that would give too much away wouldn't it? I'm still looking for the old picture I have of one of JC Parker's antagonists. This book has villains galore, but only one killer.

And how's your writing going? Let me know if I'm the only one in rewrites, struggling to make her characters take the story in the right direction. I don't believe in *totally* letting your characters "take over" your story. I do have a couple of them shouting at me that they need their own books, though. One in particular, will star in the sister book BLACK WATER. Again, in rewrites! Lol!

This is why I need some daily inspiration from BA's hero, aka Johnny Depp. Johnny's played so many different characters and styles over his career, that not only does he have "the look" I want for JC, he's representative of JC's chameleon ability to stay alive in dangerous circumstances.

Ah, Those Royals! And What They Mean to We Canadians...

Prince Harry was caught in a wild bar in Calgary this past weekend, while on leave from Canadian Forces Base Suffield, where he's taking deployment training prior to leaving for Afghanistan. Our Harry actually paid attention to a waitress with the underwhelming achievement of a) having breast implants, and b) having won a title for Miss Barmaid, or something or other. Imagine! He kissed her cheek and the Calgary Sun had a hay day with it.

I love the Royal Family. I particularly loved Princess Diana, and the present day Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. (Who will unfortunately have to wait for the Queen to die before she's allowed to marry her beloved Prince Andrew again.)

I'm sure you're all aware that this August 31st is the 10th Anniversary of Princess Diana's death. For her July birthday, Princes William and Harry have engineered a huge concert in her memory, complete with Duran Duran and Sir Elton John. The proceeds will go to the Princess's favourite charities.

But back to her earthy son, Prince Harry. You've got to love a Royal who actually joins the military and is willing to take on active duty in Afghanistan. (His uncle, Prince Andrew did military duty as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands war as well) Have we seen any of President Bush's progeny signing up for Iraq? Any of Prime Minister Tony Blair's kids over in Iraq, or going to Afghanistan with Prince Harry?

Your Royal Highness, you may get down and dirty with our local barmaids before you ship off to war. For your sincere efforts as a "working Royal", I salute you! Thank goodness our Royal Family is now firmly in the 21st century, and you're continuing your mother's legacy - mixing with the common folk and actually enjoying them. Good on you! And for those small minded, petty pundits who want to make fun of you for having a party before you ship out - you could all take a page from his book and put in a little effort for your country. Nuff said.

A Very Talented Dog

You may have seen this on YouTube already, but I laughed and laughed as my golden retriever is quite smart, but not THIS smart!

Enjoy! DANCING DOG

Short On Time...

No time to blog today, but I had to share this gorgeous picture my DH took last weekend at the park in the center of our town. It's now my wallpaper and ensure serenity to start me day!

Hope you like it. :)

The Boys In The Basement...

If you want a hilarious read, check out ROMANCE WORTH KILLING FOR BLOG
for today's post. I won't spoil it for you...just check it out, it's written for all of us who're in revision hell right now, and showcases the wonderful talent these authors have for romantic suspense.

Way to go, ladies! I hope my readers follow the link and enjoy your latest offering. Some of you may even go so far as to buy their recent books!

Movie Review: THE PRESTIGE

I realize this movie was out awhile ago, but it's screenplay is an example of high suspense, plot twists, and characterization, that make it highly worthwhile seeing from a writer's point of view. Director Christopher Nolan has once again shot a movie rich in it's complexity of twists and turns, as well as exploring the age-old plot of "revenge". The film has a "Count of Monte Cristo" feel to it - it takes place during the same late-Victorian time period, and it's plot is based on the revenge one magician takes upon his former partner. Hugh Jackman & Christopher Bale are the obsessed, paranoid, and selfish anit-heroes who're incapable of forming lasting human relationships in their quest for the perfect "trick" - one that will be the most fantastic trick of all time.

Their search for the ending - "the Prestige" - of this trick is the basis for the Hero's Journey for both characters. And like all self-absorbed "crazed" inventors, they find their quest brings them nothing but self-sacrifice, lonliness, and death.

The movie has a Frankenstein character to it, as well; the main protaganist Angiers, hooks up with inventor Nikolas Tesla, who develops an electrical duplicating machine to give Angiers the leg-up on having the biggest magician's trick of all time. However, the layers of characterization, and plot twists, and the unusual and forbidding ending were what made the movie a "must see" (and probably "must own") for me.

David Bowie makes a cameo role as Nikolas Tesla - the Croatian turned American who invented alternate current devices, and who once worked with Thomas Edison until they parted ways in 1893 because his "alternate-current" inventions were outshining Edison's "direct current" discoveries. It could even be said that Tesla, not Edison, was the father of the light bulb.

If you want to read about the fantastic futuristic inventions Tesla patented, check out NIKOLA TESLA to learn more about how he invented some of the things we now take for granted: microwaves, email, radio telegraphs before Marconi, and how to run 200 lights from 25 feet away without the benefit of electrical lines.

This screenplay adapted from the novel of the same name, makes me wish I had the writer's skill to produce such a brooding, multi-layered drama. If you saw it in the theater, you may want to rewatch it on DVD in order to capture the nuances of the writer's techniques for weaving a tale of partners gone bad, revenge, and the inevitable ending of the karma of producing nothing in your life except destructive actions, over and over and over.

My Hero, My Love....

I'm fighting to get bits of writing time in between work and home life. It's so hard to get back into the story time after time. I'm going to start taking it to work to do long-hand during my one hour break - not a fascinating, new way to write, but it'll take some discipline because usually my lower back's so sore at break time I collapse in a chair and can't think straight.

Anyway, reading over the original MS in it's entirety has made me realize that there's alot to be said for "when it ain't broke, don't fix it". I think I've taken it's biggest rejection too hard, and am trying too hard to make it into a blockbuster. It's not blockbuster material, but it's still a good, solid story. I just need to keep my focus on theme and characters.

How do you like my brooding hero? :) Any guesses as to who it is? Love that strong jawline!

WAL*MART BABY

This wasn't what I was going to post - that post is lost somewhere under "drafts" and I can't get Blogger to publish it (another sign of how computer illiterate I am)...but this is a topic that combines my love of social justice, adoption, babies in general, and my favourite store. Yes, I confess! I love Wal*Mart and shop there all the time.

In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, a woman gave birth to a baby boy weighing about 8 lbs., in the Wal*Mart's washroom. A video clip showed her coming into the store wearing a bulky coat, and exiting just under fifteen minutes later. A woman in the next bathroom stall saw/heard what was happening beside her, and in her words "I've given birth before and I knew what was going on..."

The mother left her baby boy IN the toilet, and departed out the front doors. The spooked woman in the stall beside her, pulled up her particulars and ran for the Customer Service desk, which is right beside the washroom and front doors in every Wal*Mart. The assistant store manager was able to clear the baby's airway and keep doing CPR till the ambulance came. This little baby is stable and holding his own in hospital.

The big news today? His mom came in to the police, along with family members, after the paper printed the story from the "woman-in-the-next-stall". Mom isn't from Prince Albert, but from La Ronge which is way north of PA. So she would've needed transportation to get there.

Now, tell me how a woman a) can define her labour enough to walk into a store, give birth in the washroom, and walk out all in under fifteen minutes?, b) be out of her mind enough to leave a baby IN THE TOILET??? and c) couldn't have driven to the PA hospital instead of the store.

She was smart to pick Wal*Mart, and I'll tell you why.

1) It has a huge amount of traffic and you can bet that if someone wasn't in the ladies room, there'd be someone or several ladies coming in every two minutes at least. Therefore, baby would be found quickly. (doesn't explain the "leave him in the toilet" part though)

2) Wal*Mart's have highly trained first aid staff on duty on every shift. All managers, and at least one regular staff are highly trained for any emergency situation. Maybe she knew this, probably not. But, it certainly played a factor in saving her son.

3) Wal*Mart's big on community efforts, and this one's already held a fund-raising BarBQ, and has a 4 ft. donation box filled with baby items, a stroller, and car seat.
At least the baby will get them, even if mom doesn't get the baby back. (Pray to God she doesn't!)

In February we had another infant abandoned - this one a baby girl left on the back steps of a house in a suburban neighborhood in Saskatoon. They found the mother in that case as well, and didn't lay charges as she agreed to counselling.

Why would any mother abandon her baby when so many parents languish on adoption lists? I don't care if she's a crack addict, there's no excuse for it with the number of social agencies both north and south of our border, ready to help anyone who's pregnant and doesn't want to be a mom.

It always amazes me that the police don't lay charges in these cases. The law is on the books - but it seems easier to get them medical treatment (temporary insanity, perhaps?), and counselling. I agree that these are both necessary and good things to do. However, when people are charged for leaving their infants/toddlers/children in hot cars during the summer - how is this different from leaving your baby in a box, or a toilet? One is careless, thoughtless, and stupid. I'd like to think that the second one is as well.

(In case this photo is copyright, I've taken it from "Off The Beaten Path", which I've also linked to as the author has some interesting things to say re philosophy)

Little Known Books by a Fabulous Author

***Note: this was my original post, and I've managed to figure out Blogger. Finally!***

I've been absent (obviously) for about a week, so thought I'd take a page from TONI ANDERSON'S BLOG and post my three favourite "older" historicals by Barbara Erskine. They were the beginning of my fascination with historical novels, and led me to write my door-stopper historical novel that takes place during the Third Crusade. Aside from "new writer-itis", the book turned out to be unsaleable due to the Christian/Moslem theme of the Crusades. I was concentrating on a "Beauty & the Beast" story, with Templar trappings, but still couldn't find it a home. Guess it needs a major rewrite! :)

Anyway, these books were written in the '90's by Barbara Erskine, and the first one celebrates it's 21st year anniversary with a new edition:

LADY OF HAY (above) is the story of Matilda of Hay, wife of a lesser baron, in the time of King John. She really lived, and Erskine has taken her story and joined it with the story of a modern-day journalist who's out to debunk reincarnation. During a regressive-hypnotic session, Jo Clifford finds herself experiencing Matilda's life, and soon her present is tangled up with Matilda's story of secret passions and betrayal.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you love "time travel" of any kind, no matter how the present-day character reaches the past, you'll love the richness of this story based on real historical people.

KINGDOM OF SHADOWS is the true story of Isobel, Countess Buchan, who was cousin and lover to Robert the Bruce. She was persecuted for her part in crowning him King of Scotland, and died in a cage overhanging a castle parapet. Her story is entwined with the present-day heroine Clare Rowland - a rich, bored, and unloved wife who finds solace through meditation. She reaches Isobel through meditations, until she finds Isobel part of her life whether or not she's actively meditating in privacy. Again, Erskine paints a thorough, fascinating picture of life in that era of Scotland, and marries up the past and present in a believeable fashion. I think I loved this story best because I'm fascinated with Robert the Bruce. (My DH graduated with his MBA from Herriott-Watt University in Edinburgh, which stands on the lands he dowered to his daughter Margaret)

CHILD OF THE PHOENIX is a straight historical about Eleyne (or Helen) of Mar, who lived during the 1290's and was the great-grandmother of Robert the Bruce. She's also a distant ancestress of Barbara Erskine. This was another deep and emotionally satisfying historical about Scotland.


BARBARA ERSKINE has a brand new historical out called DAUGHTERS OF FIRE. This is the story of Cartimandua, queen of the tribe of Brigantes who inhabit Britannia during the time of the Roman invastion. Current day historian Viv Lloyd Rees has written a book about her, and is doing a screenplay with an actress, when she finds an ancient and cursed brooch. She becomes convinced that Cartimandua is real in the present time, and this sets the course for rivalry, love, and jealousy between the two women, and Viv's love interest, Hugh. They must all come to grips with the great danger facing their lives.

Needless to say, I'll be ordering this book asap!

There's alot suspense writers can learn from writers of "historicals" - their vivid descriptions, for one thing. Historical authors have a talent for evoking details of settings, smells, and emotions that are often lacking in "genre" suspense or romantic suspense. This is just something that I've observed from reading many books in both genres. I'd love to bring more word paintings into my WIPs. While this is a matter of practice, it would be nice to marry up the two styles to enrich my suspense writing.

****
As for my current WIP, I've got 10 pages written today on my day off. Will I keep them? :) At least they're not blank pages, and that's about all I can say....

Snowbird Pilot Died Doing What He Loved Best...

I'm late posting this message of love and condolence to Capt. Shawn McKaughey's family. Everyone here at 15 Wing Moose Jaw are shocked and mourn the loss of this wonderful officer and pilot. Those of us who are friends with his fiance, Claudia, share in her sorrow as she faces this terrible tragedy.

Capt. McKaughey loved to fly and had been a well-liked instructor here at 2CFFTS Flight School. He'd been with the Snowbirds for two years and proudly flew Snowbird 2.

To Claudia, his family, and many, many, friends, we extend our deepest condolences on your loss. May Shawn rest in peace.

Falling Behind...

I hurt my back at work today. My helper disappeared on me once again, leaving me to lean over our ergonomically incorrect ledge in the Garden Kiosk, and pulling my lower back muscles. Even after two heavy-duty muscle relaxants and a nap, I feel like I've been sliced in two.

Needless to say, I was mildly ticked. I went to the break room to recuperate and read an interesting article in Cosmo on "work blogging" - venting, educating, providing resources, and NOT mentioning where you work. So, I won't mention that. The fact that I find employees who're lazy and will do anything to get out of what they're supposed to be doing, is irrelevant.

I'm steamed because having done this to my back, I'm further behind on my WIP revisions, not being able to think about anything except the pain I'm in, and how in the world am I going to get through tomorrow's shift? SHE's not worried about it!

Well, I've added a few new links tonight - so there are your "resources" :), and I'm sorry I'm not up to a post that educates or enlightens. I just have a crazy sore back, and nothing done on a night when my DH was out biking, and I put the kids to bed early. Arghhh....

Whoever thinks that mixing "work" with "writing" is easy, hasn't done it. Just like you can't imagine what a migraine feels like if you haven't had one.

So, how do you mix writing time with "work" time? Aside from writing on scraps of paper and hiding them in your smock - I have to warn you, I HATE people who can write chapters in 20 minute chunks. Guess I'm one of those plodders who need about a two hour window to get anything accomplished.

And if you have a remedy for recuperating from a strained back in less than 12 hours, please share!

The Day After Mother's Day...

What did you do/get for Mother's Day? This Mother's Day, I was grateful that my mom survived her townhouse burning down Monday the 7th. While it was hard to lose alot of her things and memorabilia, she's still here, not hurt, and that's the most important part. My sisters found her a new temporary lodging in another retirement home, although she's complaining that it's just a bedsitting-room! :)

I bought myself a huge hanging basket of purple petunias. Purple being my favourite colour, and one I'll wear incessantly if I find enough great clothes in it. Anyway, that was my way of celebrating Mother's Day. DH owes me a snazzy lunch on one of my day's off. (Soon!)

I wish I had a progress report on BA, but last week I got nothing done except the bare minimum of housework.

In the News:

1) The horror story of another Canadian tourist being beaten to death outside a bar in Cancun, Mexico. His parents donated all of his organs. This is the third Canadian to be killed in Mexico within the year. It's about time we all stayed north of Texas.

2) The horror story of a B.C. woman being killed by her pet tiger. The stupid animal swatted her leg with it's paw, supposedly through the cage, and ripped open her femoral artery. Her two children had to watch her die, while the oldest one called 911. This woman and her fiance own two tigers, a lion, a baboon, and some other kind of small wildcat. They've been cited by the SPCA five times, the last time in January of this year - all the while, the RCMP and provincial government has done nothing to support the SPCA's claims of "a tragedy waiting to happen". Well, it's happened and a woman is dead. NOW the provincial government it introducing legislation to make owning "exotic" animals a crime.

How a tiger could get it's paw through a cage side and be able to savage her leg is beyond me. And she had her kids in and out of these cages!

3) Stupid media frenzy over Prime Minister Steven Harper's stand on Afghanistan again, and whether or not Canadian soldiers should be handing over Taliban prisoners to the Afghanistan army. Unbelieveable! I suppose according to the Geneva Convention, we're responsible for their safety and well-being...ahem, perhaps we should just be keeping them in our custody then? It only makes sense that if you hand somebody over to another jailer, you can't be responsible for how that person treats the prisoner. And we ARE talking about the Taliban, here. Yes, lets give them back to the Afghanies so they can re-immerse themselves in the culture and plot more terrorist attacks. So far, nobody in the media seems to have picked up on this...or the fact that maybe terrorists shouldn't be living in the lap of luxury. There's cynical little old me talking again! :)

I hope to be able to post some progress on BA soon. Tonight DH has to study for his final French exam, so I'll be offline. If anyone out there has some good suggestions on how to mix "work" with writing, I'm all ears! Aside from getting up at 4 a.m., that is! I couldn't see to make a cup of coffee straight at that hour, never mind finishing a chapter.

I'm taking a well-deserved day off, if I do say so, although I've had my share of housework to catch up on today. Starting to "work" again has already made me appreciate my writing time. It's more of an "escape" now, than the way it was turning into something stressful and a bit of a drudgery. Too bad "work" doesn't give me a full hour for lunch so I can write there too. Anyway, I was buzzing around blogs and found this quiz, which I took for fun:

You Aren't Cutthroat

You definitely have ambitions and drive, but you also have integrity. You'll get where you want to in life, and you'll do it the right way. For you, the ends never justify the means.

Are You Cutthroat?

Nice to know I'm able to get along with 95% of humanity!

Blogger Problems Strike Again!

I'm not sure if it's my server, or Blogger in general, but it seems I've lost some link material. I can't link through to my List of Bloggers either.

Hopefully, I can get this thing up and running again by tomorrow!

The Best Things in Life....

I've been absent because I've recently gone back to "work", after twelve years of being a SAHM. We're all getting our routines rescheduled and on track. I'm working at getting enough writing time in, too.

WINTER from Rodeo With A Twist of Suspense tagged me a few days ago, to put up eight random facts or habits about myself. I'm supposed to tag eight other friends, but MeMe's have been going around so much lately, I thought I'd just catch up with you all and post my own. So, here goes:

1. My DH is five years younger than I am, and we married a week after my 30th birthday. Lol! I got a lot of flack from friends at the time, for "robbing the cradle", but I sure don't regret marrying a young man who's keeping me young as I approach my "middle age". :)

2. I love "young" pop stars that apparently don't "go" with my age. :) For example; Gwen Stafani, Shakira, The Pussycat Dolls, Carrie Underwood, and Nelly Furtado. Who said you had to dry up and float away as dust when you're in your 40's??

3. I'm heavily addicted to Diet Coke with Lime, and had to cut back on my 3-4 can a day habit when my heart started palpating from all the caffeine I was consuming along with my 4 cups of coffee in the a.m. I'm now down to one cup of coffee and one Diet Coke a day. It hurt!

4. I'm a proud Canadian - newly moved out West to our great Prairies and sitting on top of North Dakota. I love the wide open space and being able to see straight to the horizon of a cerulean blue sky. They make jokes about being able to see your dog run away for three days, but it makes me feel BIG and at one with nature.

5. I used to raise prize-winning Angora rabbits. At one time, I had twenty of them in my garage and out in the back yard. I spun their wool, and won at rabbit shows all around our county back east. I *loved* those rabbits and as they all had pedigrees and were approved by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, I regularly got $75.00 each - $125 for a breeding pair. I miss not having them, now that we're in the military.

6. I scrapbook and go on binges doing it when I get writers block. It seems to unlock something in my creative processes - not to mention give my family a beautiful photo heritage of all our memories.

7. I used to be a police officer, a correctional work with young offenders, and ran a n overnight crisis-shelter for street youth. Back before I was a SAHM. :) I received a Governor-General's Medal for my work with street youth. If *I* was in the military instead of my husband, I'd be able to wear it on my uniform on November 11th. My dh had it shadow-boxed for me instead. (our Governor-General is the Queen's representative in our Canadian government)

8. I wish I'd been able to finish my degree years ago. Now, I wish I had an MFA, but life just isn't going to let me get there. I'll have to learn as I go, writing my romantic suspense/thrillers and hoping to someday be published.


And the Best Thing in Life right now - my mother's townhouse burnt down on Monday but she and her pets are safe. It's shocking when you lose everything, but having my mom still around is the Best. As she said, "It just wasn't my time."

And what is the Best Thing in Your Life?

This week TONI ANDERSON tagged me and awarded me the "Thinking Bloggers Award". Thanks, Toni, for being a loyal reader!

Here are several Blogs I read almost daily:

SANDRA RUTTAN - Sandra's always up to date with crime writing, current events, and blogs about her writing journey. I love her Blog!

ROMANCE WORTH KILLING FOR - this is a group blog of five romantic suspense writers. They run weekly topics on writing for the RS market, and always have great information to share.

CJ Lyons - Award winning author of medical thrillers, CJ always has the latest info on her blog - plus you can email her for answers about medical information for your WIP.

ANGELA HUNT - Angela's a prolific writer who always has interesting background info on her WIPs. She writes as if she's having a conversation with you - and I can't wait to see her next book out!

KERRY BLAISDELL - last but certainly not least, Kerry blogs daily about her writing journey. Her WIPs are romantic suspense/comedies, and she's always good for a "pick-me-up" read.

If you would like to be tagged you need to follow these three simple steps:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged write a post with five Blogs that make you "think".

2. Link to THIS post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.

3. Optional: proudly display the "Thinking Blogger Award" with a link back to the post you wrote.

And thank you to all of the above ladies who making checking cyber-space with your first coffee of the a.m., a joy and inspiration!

MY AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH PAMELA S. THIBODEAUX!

I'm thrilled to have Pamela S. Thibodeaux blogging with us today! If anyone has any questions for Pamela, feel free to leave them in the "Comments" section and we'll get them answered for you.

Pamela, please tell everyone about yourself!

Hello Laurie, Thank you for hosting me on your blog. As well as being a writer, I am a housewife, mother, grandmother and licensed sales producer in the insurance industry with a background in accounting.

You’re an award-winning author. Can you tell us how long you’ve been writing and what awards you’ve won?

I began writing 25 yrs ago in 5-subject notebooks. As a former member of RWA and Coeur de Louisiane –an RWA chapter- I won Coeur's "Diamond in the Rough" award in 1999 and their "Ruby" award in 2000. I also received my RWA "Pro" pin in 2000.

TEMPERED DREAMS is the second book in your series. First, tell us about the series, and how TEMPERED DREAMS fits in to it.

My original thought for the series was for 2 novels, book 1 Tempered Hearts and book 3 Tempered Fire. However, when Dr. Scott Hensley came on the scene in Tempered Hearts, I knew he had to have a story. My heroine, Katrina, came to me way-back-when and I'd jotted down some notes and forgot about her. As I learned more about Scott, Katrina came back to my mind and I knew she was the perfect heroine for him.

What was your inspiration (or the story behind the story) for starting the series?

As I mentioned, I only intended to have 2 stories, Tempered Hearts and Tempered Fire, and both were intended to be Harlequin type romances. However, when I recommitted my life to Christ I committed my writing to Him and the focus changed from "just another romance" to something that would glorify Him. This was back in 1989. At that time I had no idea that there was a "CBA" market. Since romance is by far my favorite genre, I simply wrote what I thought was a good romance but allowed the characters' relationship with God to shine forth in their lives. Little did I know that my writing was far more sensual than allowed in the CBA market/readership.

As for continuing the series, as certain secondary characters came to life, they began telling me their stories so I just had to write them. Also, what intended to simply be an interesting fact in Tempered Hearts, became a major question throughout the series….are Craig Harris and Scott Hensley blood brothers as gossip and rumors suggest?

For people like me who’ve not read the Tempered series yet, can you elaborate on who the characters are – some teasers for the hero/heroines story?

I'd love to!

Tempered Hearts revolves around Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet. Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel. Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love. Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them. It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.

Tempered Dreams of course revolves around Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) who has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents. Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife. Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened? Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another?

Based on Proverbs 22:6: "Train a child up in the way he should go, and he shall not depart from it", Tempered Fire revolves around Craig and Tamera's daughter; Amber. Conflict occurs when daddy's little girl finds love of her own. Craig must learn the hardest lesson a devoted father has to learn: To let go and let God make of His children what He will. They are, after all, a gift from God, entrusted to him for as long as He chooses. Through love and laughter, temptation and tragedy, Amber Harris and Stanley Morrison must come to understand the absolute meaning of trust and forgiveness if their marriage is to last as long, and be as strong as her parents'.

Tempered Joy revolves around Ace Harris (Tamera & Craig's son) and Lexie Morgan (Scott and Trina's adopted daughter). All-Around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love. He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Her death has left a hole in his heart and emptiness in his soul. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul. A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief?

Also, the answer to whether or not Craig and Scott are really a blood relation is answered which leads us into Tempered Truth because it is only when you know the truth that the truth can set you free!


What kind of themes do you like to explore in your writing?

All of my books have a Scripture reference and I guess that could be notated as the "theme" of the book, though this isn't always the case. For instance, although the Scripture reference Acts 20 does match the overall theme of the story, it is not necessarily THE theme in my book, The Inheritance. The Inheritance is about the chance we all long for…the chance to start over and finding new love after loss. Tempered Hearts is another case of Scripture reference and main "theme" not necessarily matching. The Scripture reference for Tempered Hearts is Ezek. 36 but the "theme" is…Only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.

So I guess the best answer to this question is that the main theme throughout my writing is a personal relationship with Christ since I don't always know what else will come to light in a story until I begin writing.

Your inspirational books have been called “edgy”. How do you feel your books compare in this respect with other Christian novels on the market?

Well, it's evident that my books cross the line when it comes to the CBA market since I am not published by a traditional CBA publisher. Although the guidelines are loosening up in some aspects, an editor for Steeple Hill (Harlequin's inspirational imprint) told me at a conference last year that when it comes to sensuality, the guidelines will probably always remain strict. This means that I may never be published by a traditional CBA publisher.

Who are you published with, and why did you choose that publisher?

The 'Tempered' series is contracted and published through ComStar Media, LLC. I chose ComStar when the editor, Jennifer Andersen told me that she didn't care about 'guidelines' she just wanted good stories with good characters. ComStar publishes my books in trade paperback as well as Ebook formats. I also have a single title novel, The Inheritance published through The Wild Rose Press for the same reasons. The Wild Rose Press titles debut as Ebooks but those over 55,000 words go to print. Both utilize POD technology and both use Lightningsource which is owned by Ingram who is one of the largest book distributors in the US! Although they do adhere to Biblical principles, The Wild Rose Press' White Rose line (inspirational) allows more sensuality than the traditional CBA publishers.

Do you encourage unpublished writers to enter contests?

I encourage unpublished writers to do as much as they can to get feedback on their work, but caution them to not get hung up in the contest cycle. I've seen some really good writers get good feedback and even invitations from editors to send their work in as a result of a contest, yet never do so feeling that "it's just not right yet." Contests can be great, but at some point, you've got to take that leap of faith, get off the contest merry-go-round, and submit to a publisher, editor or agent.

Do you have a critique group or partner? If so, does this help with your writing?

Yes, I have a critique partner who challenges me to grow as a writer. In fact, every time I begin a new project or open an existing one to edit, I hear her voice along side all the others in my head…"Show don't tell, active not passive, what is 'it'?"

Why do you write romantic fiction? Is this the kind of book you’ve always loved to read, or did the opportunity to write the series come later?

I've always been an avid reader of romance so the writing naturally came out of that love. Like most romantics I've enjoyed romances since the fairytales we're taught as children…true love, heroes on white horses, and knights in shining armor; who doesn't dream of love everlasting and happy-ever-after? Also, I love…love! Those sweet, all-consuming emotions…the flush of new love or the deep-seated contentment of long-time romance and everything in-between deserve to be honored.


What WIPs do you have “in the hopper” at the moment?

Currently I'm editing Tempered Joy, book 4 in the series and I still need to write book 5, Tempered Truth. I also have two completed novels The Visionary and Circles of Fate that need homes as well as a gift book titled Love is a Rose (which is currently at Thomas Nelson) and a book of short stories titled Seasons of Love in the works. After these, I have a host of other ideas for future works.


What are your long-range goals as a writer?

To keep writing and continue glorifying God in the books and stories I write.
Once again, Thank you, Laurie, for having me as a guest on your blog!


Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder/President & Treasurer of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Email: pthib-7@centurytel.net Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com

In association with the book tour, Pam is offering a special discount coupon for VBT participants! To receive your coupon for 25% off of Tempered Dreams (or any of the Tempered Books) simply email her at pthib-7@centurytel.net with "VBT Coupon" in the subject line.

THE EDGAR WINNERS FOR 2006!

Stephen King honoured as "Grand Master"

Dick Donahue -- Publishers Weekly, 4/27/2007 5:44:00 AM

The Mystery Writers of America’s 61st annual Edgar Awards were held last night at New York City’s Grand Hyatt Hotel. Among the winners were The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin (FSG/Sarah Crichton Books) for Best Novel; The Faithful Spy (Random) by Alex Berenson for Best First Novel by an American Author; Snakeskin Shamisen (Delta) by Naomi Hirahara for Best Paperback Original; and Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer (Morrow) by James L. Swanson for Best Fact Crime. In addition to the awards, Stephen King was inducted as Grand Master.

The evening was not only one of the most pleasantly (some might say mercifully) briefest ceremonies in recent years, it was perhaps the most colorful, as well. Outgoing MWA president Janet Evanovich, sporting a snazzy titian hairdo, told the capacity crowd how excited she was about the evening’s theme, "Black, White and Read All Over"—because "I finally got to dye my hair this color." The invitations had requested "black tie with a touch of red," and a majority obeyed with a vengeance—red vests, bow ties, baseball caps, lavish gowns, a handsome red watchband and a spiffy red-sequined evening bag. Evanovich introduced new president Nelson DeMille, who proudly noted his 31 years as an MWA member and said that the evening’s assemblage "represented some of the finest authors in the English-speaking world."

The one-liners batted out by emcee Al Roker elicited well-deserved laughter, and many attendees praised his brisk pace. "Of course it was fast," said Grand Central’s Susan Richman, "he has to get up at four in the morning." Another audience favorite was Dave Barry, who presented two awards and missed no opportunity to display his customarily dry wit. (When one winner was slow approaching the podium, Barry broke into a chorus of "Feelings.")

The evening’s high point was the induction of Stephen King as Grand Master—one speaker wondered why this choice "didn’t happen 20 years ago." Barry and Ridley Pearson, introducing King, riffed on his "murderous" style: "Many critics were dismissive of his early work," said Pearson, "but those who are still alive have come to recognize his talents." King received two standing ovations—the first when he bounded to the stage prematurely, seemingly unaware that Donald Westlake was to present the award itself. Taking the podium, Westlake good-naturedly told the crowd, "I wasn’t born to be the forgotten man." King seemed amused by the many labels that have been bestowed on him (thrillermeister, et al.), saying, "I never called myself anything except somebody who wanted to be a writer."

Another of the evening’s stars, albeit an inadvertent one, was publisher Sarah Crichton, whose author Jason Goodwin won the Best Novel Edgar for The Janissary Tree (FSG/Sarah Crichton Books). Crichton accepted the award for Goodwin, explaining that "his publisher was too cheap to fly him over from Sussex, England, and now she deeply regrets it." She added, "I mean, this book is about a eunuch in the sultan’s court in the 1830s—who would’ve thought it could win?"

Alex Berenson, winner of Best First Novel by an American Author for The Faithful Spy, said that he would have been happy "even if the book hadn’t sold a single copy." In Boston while on his book tour, he explained, he met his girlfriend, who was staying at the same hotel—"so I want to thank Random House for choosing the Hotel Commonwealth." On a serious note, he spoke about his stint as a journalist in Iraq and noted the number of troops and reporters still there. "So please give them a thought and a prayer tonight," he said.

Best Paperback Original was won by Naomi Hirahara for Snakeskin Shamisen (Delta), who said that her mother was staying in the hotel, but "she didn’t want to come to the banquet unless I won. Maybe I better call her." The phone theme also surfaced in the letter sent by Matthew Graham, winner of Best Television Episode Teleplay for the BBC’s Life on Mars, Episode 1. "When I wrote this letter I hoped that someone would phone or email to tell me I’ve won. Hurry, do it now." After Graham’s letter was read, Roker quipped, "That was some long-ass note." The next presenter, author Alafair Burke, repeated gleefully, "Al Roker said ‘ass.’ Al Roker said ‘ass.’ "

Best Fact Crime winner was James L. Swanson for Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer (Morrow), a national bestseller that spent 12 weeks on PW’s nonfiction list. Swanson told the audience that he was born on Lincoln’s birthday, and noted that last night’s ceremony occurred on the same date as the capture of John Wilkes Booth 132 years earlier. The Edgar for Best Short Story was won by Charles Ardai for "The Home Front" from Death Do Us Part (Little, Brown/Back Bay). Ardai thanked three important women in his life, the late editors of Ellery Queen Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock Magazine, and his wife, "a better writer than I’ll ever be."

The Best Critical/Biographical winner was E.J. Wagner for The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear (Wiley). The Best Juvenile Edgar went to Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), and Best Young Adult was won by Robin Merrow MacCready for Buried (Penguin YR/Dutton Children’s Books)

Other winners:

Best Play Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure by Steven Dietz (Arizona Theatre Company)

Best Television Feature/Mini-Series Teleplay: The Wire, Season 4, teleplays by Ed Burns, Kia Corthron, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, Eric Overmyer, George Pelecanos, Richard Price, David Simon and William F. Zorzi (HBO).

Best Motion Picture Screenplay: The Departed, screenplay by William Monahan (Warner Bros. Pictures).

The Robert L. Fish Memorial Award: William Dylan Powell for "Evening Gold"—EQMM November 2006 (Dell Magazines).

The Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award: Bloodline by Fiona Mountain (St. Martin’s Minotaur)

The Raven Awards: Books & Books, Miami, Fla. (Mitchell Kaplan, owner) and Mystery Loves Company Bookstore, Baltimore, Md. (Kathy and Tom Harig, owners)

My Guest Author - Pamela S. Thibodeaux!

I've very excited to announce that I'll be having my first GUEST AUTHOR blogging with us starting May 1st. Her name is PAMELA S. THIBODEAUX and she writes inspirational romance fiction "with an edge!".

Her latest book, TEMPERED HEARTS, is the second in a five book series. You'll enjoy her visit, as she's an Award-winning author who's got lots to share about the writing life.

Please tune in May 1st and join us!

I Love It When...

Toni Anderson isn't the only one who's discovered a fabulous author this week. (click on her link at right). Meet Chris Mooney, whose book THE MISSING is the first in a series featuring Darby McCormick, a Crime Scene Investigator with the Boston Police. Mooney's written three other books, and I'm thrilled to have discovered an author whose back list I can't wait to read...

CHRIS MOONEY'S website is a perfect example of what an author's site should be - informative, tells you a lot about him personally, his "road to writing", and gives you excerpts of all his books.

Okay, about THE MISSING. Darby and two of her friends witness a murder in the woods, and both friends are murdered. There's Darby's motivation to become a crime scene investigator. She has lots of other motivation, which Chris handles with the same ease as the rest of his subplots. This book TERRIFIED me! Think Stephen King...but in alot of ways (maybe because I love strong female heroines) I think Mooney's surpassed the Master of thrillers and horror.

I don't want to spoil it for anyone - but if you like being scared, love excellent writing, love a book series with a strong but also vulnerable heroine - grab THE MISSING. I can't recommend it highly enough! And I can't wait for Darby's next appearance. Mooney just joined my "Must Read" pile.

CJ Lyons - Author of Thriller Medical RS

You may have noticed that I've added CJ LYONS to my Links section today. CJ helped out with quotes for my recent article "The Arms That Hold You UP", in RWR. She's also an exciting, knowledgeable, and vibrant new author on the Thriller scene. Check out her website at that link, and her Blog. She's open to receiving medical question, as well, if you need some "reality" for your WIP.

You may also notice that I feature both secular and Christian authors in my Links. This is because I view excellent secular authors with the universal themes of justice, redemption, forgiveness, and love as worthwhile and appealing as excellent Christian authors. We all explore many of the same themes, put our characters through the wringer, and have them come out the other side all the better for having experienced their story.

I hope this answers any questions about my "straddling the fence"!

Blacksburg, West Virginia

I'm sure by now everyone has seen the horrific news on the massacre at Val Tech University in Blacksburg, WV. When I turned on the news this a.m., the death toll was at two, and the gunman hadn't been located.

The huge numbers of dead: 31 dead (counting the gunman), and 29 wounded is almost unimaginable. One wonders if there wasn't another gunman involved. How could one man shoot up a dormitory with that many casualties? And then return to another building two hours later to wreak havoc and death there as well? Hopefully, the investigators will be able to piece together what really happened this morning.

To say that our prayers are with these families who've lost their sons and daughters today, sounds like a cliche. We can't possibly know their suffering, or the immense grief which is sure to follow. But, I believe that prayer does help, even though we don't know the people involved. Prayer is something that's often spoken of lightly, when Eastern meditation, and other forms of "thought" imagery or activity seem more politically correct in this society.

Prayer is a way of focussing on a subject, such as the law enforcement officials involved, the teachers, the surviving students, the families, and the EMS/doctors/nurses who were all involved in today's tragedy. It's a way of upholding these individuals before God, asking Him to comfort them, bring about a thorough investigation, and to be with the families in the days to come.

Whether you believe in "God" as espoused by Christian churches, or a "Higher Power", our thoughts and prayers must be poured out to bring healing in the wake of this tragedy.

To all of my American friends and relatives, please know that Canada shares in your sorrow - in this kind of terrible event, we all share our humanity rather than nationhood. Personally, I feel such sorrow and horror that such a thing can happen, that it's almost overwhelming to think about. What else can we do, except pray?

The "psychopaths" and xenophobic "strangers" we writers dream up in our novels, have nothing on real life. When something like this happens, we can't help but think about what we write, why we write it, and how we affect other's thinking.

Do unbelievable tragedies such as this affect your writing? I know it does mine.

PLEASE READ!

I read this story on SANDRA RUTTAN'S BLOG and just had to share it here, along with a link to the Petition.

In 1982, a beautiful 16 year old girl was picked up at a bus stop by an 18 yr. old man who brutally raped, mutilated, and murdered her by torture, and finally by smashing in her head with a 70 lb. cement block. Her name was DARLENE and her family called her "Dolly".

This murderer is now up for parole on April 17th/07 for his 25 yrs to life sentence. In Canada, I'm sorry to say, "life sentence" doesn't mean "life behind bars till you die". This man has served his 25 yrs and is now asking to be paroled back into the community.

I urge you to visit NO FREEDOM DOBSON - the website that Darlene's sister has put up to let the public know about this horrific crime. Please click on the "Petition" icon at the bottom of the page and sign it electronically. We only have 5 more days till his parole hearing. You don't have to live in Canada to sign the petition.

We can't bring back DARLENE, but we can try and help her family prevent this monster coming back into society. As a former police officer, I watched the video clip on the website in horror. This man will undoubtedly reoffend. The most sickening part of the video was the way he spoke about "MY victim's family." He still has the murder "personalized" and that means there's no remorse for his actions.

Please visit the website and sign the petition. It only takes a few moments and could mean all the difference in whether or not this man goes free to commit further rape/murders of underage girls.

And many thanks to fellow writer Sandra Ruttan for bringing this to light in our cyber-community.

KURT VONNEGUT DIES AT AGE 82

***NB*** This article is taken from today's PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY, and was not written by myself.


Kurt Vonnegut, whose books including Slaughterhouse-Five, Hocus Pocus and Cat's Cradle, made him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, died yesterday. He was 84.

His wife Jill Krementz told the AP that he had suffered brain injuries after a recent fall in his Manhattan home.

Though he was most well-known for books written in the 60s and 70s, Vonnegut continued publishing until the final months of his life. His self-proclaimed last novel was Timequake (1997) His last book, a collection of pieces written for the magazine In These Times, called A Man Without a Country, came out in paperback this Jaunuary.

Fellow novelist and longtime friend David Markson (author of Wittgenstein's Mistress, among other books) told PW, "Kurt wrote for everybody. He was the first really important writer in the lives of so many literary people--they fell in love with him when they were 14 and 16. You didn't fall in love with Norman Mailer or even Herman Melville at that age. Over the years, it was heartwarming to know he was there all the time. This is a real blow."

Angela's Ashes and Teacher Man author Frank McCourt talked to PW about teaching Vonnegut's books: "Yes, I did discuss his books with the kids—especially Slaughterhouse Five and, especially, during the VietNam war. There was always great material in all his books. Then I came across a marvelous commencement speech he had given somewhere when he talked about some kids who’d been arrested for ‘high jinks.’ He told his graduating audience to go forth and engage in high jinks. I don't care what the critics say—he was always a good shot in the arm for anyone trying to write anything. He was to prose what Billy Collins is to poetry. You read these two and you say, Oh, I could do that. Then you try it and you tear your hair out."

Author Pete Hammill (his next book, North River is due out from Little, Brown in June) also has fond memories of Vonnegut and a sense of his profound cultural impact: "I knew him from the Village and I knew him from his work and I liked him very much. He was a very funny guy in a wry, ironical way—which is the kind I like. We had odd conversations because he loved comic strips and so did I. So we would talk about comic strips and how they made some guys into writers. And his politics, of course, were basically the politics that a lot of us shared in the ’60s and ’70s. You know, there was a combination of the war in Vietnam, something going drastically wrong with the society, and something going very right with it, with this younger generation. Of course he could talk about those things with the authority of having been bombed in Dresden. He had a sense of what a war really was like, not as some abstraction. He had been there, so his passion about the futility of war was genuine. So that gave him a certain authority during the ’60s that in a way continued for the rest of his life. No accident that at age 82 he had a bestseller, as a literary guy who didn’t apologize for being literary. And without any calculation he ended up still being a voice worth listening to in the time of another American war for our country."

The New York Times published a thorough biographical story today, as did NPR.

Reading Angela Elwell Hunt...

***NB I'm borrowing this image from Angela Hunt's website***

"THE IMMORTAL" is the first book of Angela Hunt's that I've ever picked up, I'm ashamed to say, yet I recognized many books on her website (see link to the right) that I've seen in the library and here and there.

"THE IMMORTAL is about a man who's lived on for 2,000 years from the time of Christ. He's here on earth to find the Anti-Christ (from what I've read so far), and is Italian and living in Rome. He gets caught up with the heroine - a jury consultant who's hired by GLOBAL UNION, which is the "peace-making" organization run by the man he suspects is the Anti-Christ.

Anyone who likes time-travel books, or "end of times" prophecy, will love this book. I'm impressed with how well Hunt carries out the heroine's life in first person, and the IMMORTAL's life in third person. Her descriptive ability is amazing - not the hint of a cliche anywhere. Her heroine is an expert on body language and reading people - she's called "the Seer" in the book - and you can learn much from reading this book on that subject alone. I know I have!

Angela's had a long career, but she's hit a high note with this book. Not too many "inspirationals" include "paranormal" elements, and she's never preachy. (I hate preachy!) I highly recommend "THE IMMORTAL", on it's own merits, and as an introduction to Angela Hunt's writing. She's stretched the boundaries, and that's what I like...what I'm trying to do with my own writing. It's wonderful to have such a good example to follow! :)

P.S. It's also been optioned by Columbia films. Good luck, Angela! It will make a fabulous movie!

SIX CANADIAN SOLDIERS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN EASTER WEEKEND

This is the heaviest loss of life since Canada joined NATO forces in the war in Afghanistan. It was particularly bittersweet and ironic that it happened on the weekend Canada remembered the 90th Anniversary of our victory at Vimy Ridge during the First Great War.

Two of the soldiers killed in their armoured vehicle were only 20 years old - during the Vimy ceremony, Prime Minister Stephen Harper noted that most of the Canadians killed at Vimy Ridge were between the ages of 17 and 23 years old. And yet, 90 years between these horrible wars, our young men are still dying for what they believe in.

A retired General and military analyst stated the purpose of the Afghanistan war so succinctly yesterday when speaking of these six dead soldiers. He said that Canadians are fighting in that region to take over the poppy fields (opium = heroin) that supply the money to the Taliban and other Jihad extremists. Many people in Canada think that this war is about "tribal civil war". It certainly is not - it's about fighting against the Islamist Jihadist Ideology that threatens the Western world.

This Ideology is as evil and insidious as Nazism, or the Totalitarianism that was part of the First World War. The only difference is that the "enemy" is less visible - we aren't fighting them in Europe as we did the Germans. NATO forces fight all over the world to combat this Ideology; Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, the list goes on.

Let us all honour our fallen soldiers in all NATO Forces, and never forget the lessons of history.

For those who say that we "shouldn't be there", I can only say that you don't have a clue about current world politics. Be thankful for all in our military, and the agencies at home that protect us from terrorists and those who would destroy our way of life. We did it 90 years ago, and 50 years ago, and our soldiers are protecting us again. Let's support them in any way we can.

May these six families be comforted, and may their fallen loved ones rest in peace.

The Top Five Are In!

Well, as I've been blogging about my journey in KARIN TABKE'S "First Line Contest", I thought I should be honest :) and let you all know that I didn't make the Top Five.

Apparently, there was a five-way tie for the fifth spot so Karin sent the five entries to a different editor to judge. What a close finish for everyone! Now the Top Five (you can check them out at Karen's Blog, above) have 10 days to get their query/first 10 pages of their MS to Karin to forward on to Hilary Sares of Kensington.

Congratulations to the Top Five Finalists, and good luck!

Happy Easter!

Orthodox Christians say "Happy Resurrection Day!" to each other on Easter Sunday morning. This is a more appropriate salutation than saying "Happy Easter!, because Easter was the name of the goddess of springtime.

These two names have become interchangeable because we celebrate this Holiest of Christian events the weekend after the Spring Equinox, when the goddess Easter was celebrated with a Festival.

These are my favourite verses surrounding the story of the Passion of Christ:

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Luke 23:39-43 NKJ

blessings,

Laurie

THE TOP TEN!!

I just have to do some SSP - I'm in the TOP TEN in the "First Line" contest at KARIN TABKE'S website. Check out her Blog page to see all the final Top Ten entries. (I'm #4 in the list, and if you read all the comments you'll see my new entry)

And check out her fabulous Book Trailer for her newest release SKIN!
It's one of the best I've seen yet and Stonecreek Media is obviously well worth the money. (no relationship - have yet to get up a website!)

Nelly Takes Over the Junos!

As Nelly is my prototype for my current heroine, I thought I'd throw up another great picture of her. She swept the Junos last night in all five categories she was nominated in. I think she certainly deserved it, considering her fabulous video work and the quality of her album "Loose".

Although, hearing my young DD singing the words to "Promiscuous" is a little off-putting, even when I like to see if I can remember all the parts and sing it myself!

Way to go, Saskatoon! The Prairies did themselves proud and produced a quality show for Canadian talent.

The only shame was Nickelback wasn't nominated this year, and some unknown young girl won "Best New Artist" over Melissa O'Neil and Eva Aguilera. Eva is an extremely talented singer and won Canadian Idol last year. Her voice is amazing - especially for a 17 year old. How such a "dark horse" won is a mystery. But, such is the way of all Awards Shows. We wouldn't watch them if there wasn't some element of surprise in the winners.

Check It Out...

In relation to my last post, Tess Gerritsen has a wonderful blog on how to write second drafts. You can find it at Tess Gerritsen's Blog. She makes six main points on "how to" and it's well worth a read.

Are you a "pantser" or a "plotter"? Right now, I think I'm relying on my plotting sketch to stick in another sub-plot, plus pump up my villainess. In the past, I've just sat down and let it fly. I think either way is good, depending on your WIP and what stage you're at in it.