Peering Through Life's Window

A few weeks ago I received an email about an award to be given for honesty. In the blink of an eye, I realized I knew no one who would expect to receive such an accolade, so whatever the requirements to nominate someone were, they didn't concern me. I deleted the email and scrolled to another one. But the headline has been screaming at me. In one instant I think, "An award for honesty? What has our society come to? But in the next minute I think of all the deception around us. Within the past year we've heard about insider trading, corrupt management of governmental agencies and folks who take other people's money for themselves while telling them they're investing it. Not to mention, the many times prominent political figures have lied to the public about their relationships, what they'll do when they get in office, and what they believe. Yet, a majority of people still want righteous leaders. If they didn't, folks wouldn't have to lie in the first pl...

Hats, horns, whistles... My daughter is visiting, so I let her choose. I listed the names, she closed her eyes and pointed to Dana Bradford. Congratulations, Dana, you've won a free download from Anne Patrick!!!

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE SUSPENSE MEET ANNE PATRICK Anne will give away a free download to one commenter, so be sure to leave your email address, spelling out [at] and [dot] to keep away spammers. I'll choose on Sunday night, May 16th, and announce the winner on my blog! Hi Pat, it's so good to have you. First, tell us a little about yourself. I’m a suspense junkie with a bad habit of mixing chocolate and diet colas when writing which can, and often does, lead to mayhem. The proof being almost a dozen romantic suspense novels that are either published or under contract at this time. I do have a lighter side in the form of an alter ego named Kinzie Monroe who writes inspirational romance. When I’m not killing off people or falling in love with dashing heroes, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures. Why do you write? Simple answer, because I have to. I get all of these story ideas bouncing around in my head, along wit...

MEET CAMMIE O'SHEA THE HEROINE OF LOVE TURNS THE TIDE Cammie, tell us a little about yourself: Previously a feature writer for a newspaper in Cedar Forks, Georgia, I've moved to Destin, Florida, to take a new job at The Sun Dial newspaper. I've also broken up with my fiance, the no-good louse, Jay Marias. Right now, I'm doing a lot of soul searching, trying to make sense of my situation and seeking peace through my faith. Oh dear, have you found anything interesting or fun in Destin? Unfortunately, I know no one here, but I'm looking forward to meeting new friends. I do walk on the beach, watch the sandpipers and sea gulls, and marvel at the sun casting its reddish, golden tints over the emerald green water. That's a start. What do you dread doing most? For my first assignment at The Sun Dial I have to write a big feature about Vic Deleona, Destin's most influential real estate developer. Every time I think I've finished his article he asks for another ...

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR MARGARET DALEY DISCUSSES THE FIRST BOOK IN HER HOME SCHOOL SERIES First, tell us a little about yourself. I am a retired teacher of special education. I’ve been writing for thirty years and have sold sixty-six books so far. I have a wonderful husband and one son who had four daughters. I am on the board for American Christian Fiction Writers, a group of 2000 plus Christian fiction writers. If you are interested in writing Christian fiction and don’t belong to ACFW, check it out at http://www.acfw.com/ . It is a wonderful organization for support, networking and education. Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read? I struggled to learn to read, but around ten I began to read a lot more. I especially loved the Nancy Drew books. Why do you write? I write because I have to. I’ve tried to stop and I can’t. Writing is part of me. Tell us about your latest book. My latest book out is Love Lessons, Love Inspired, April 2010. It is the first book in my Helping H...

Several years ago the youngsters at our church wore bracelets that read “What Would Jesus do?” They were to remind them of Jesus’ teachings, when they went to school, sports arenas or their friends’ homes. For instance, if one of the young men found himself in a situation where he grew angry and wanted to punch someone in the nose, the bracelet reminded him that Christians should be “…quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1: 19 - 20). Perhaps one of the young ladies heard gossip about a friend. The bracelet would make her think of Scripture from James 1:26: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” It’s possible that either of them could easily have fallen prey to an argumentative student at school, but before the young man or young lady joined a disagreement he or she would look at the br...

DANIELLE THORNE WRITES BOOKS WITH SWEET ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE First, tell us a little about yourself. Hi Gail! Thank you so much for having me today. A little snippet? I’m an author of historical and romantic fiction. Writing from south of Atlanta, I’m also a full time mom to four boys, and wife to a devoted air traffic controller. My life is very suburban, but we all relish travel, the arts, and outdoors. In three words describe your style of writing. Sweet Romantic Adventure! What themes do you write about? Besides overcoming personal demons, I strive to incorporate unique settings that make the reader want to visit there. I am also a bit of a tree hugger, so working environmental encouragement into my themes is a challenge I like toying with. I care about people, and the planet. I guess you could say I try to share the love. What is your writing schedule and where do you write? I work 4 to 6 hours a day while my children are at school. Usually when I’m in the midst of a manuscript ...