Happy New Year December 30, 2007

10, 9, 8, 7, 6… 

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I can’t believe that 2007 is coming to an end and 2008 is upon us. Newspapers, magazines, and television shows are all talking about New Year’s resolutions. I read that the number 1 resolution is to get out of debt (DITTO).  Number 2 is to lose weight (DITTO). Number 3 is to start a new habit—i.e. eating healthier, stop smoking, exercise more (DITTO). 

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I set goals for myself, both writing goals and personal ones. Some are the same as 2007. Not that I didn’t achieve the goal this year, they just seem like good things to do each year (like paying off bills or going to writing conferences). However, I think the most important goals are the ones I have no control over. It’s more of a prayer list. Things like better health, mending relationships and salvation for a friend/relative fall on this list. We can pray for these things or help facilitate them, but the ultimate outcome is in God’s or another person’s hands. 

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So have you made your resolutions, set some goals or made a prayer (or wish) list for 2008? You still have a few hours left before the ball drops over Times Square, confetti whirls through the air and campaign glasses clink.  

…5, 4, 3, 2, 1 

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

 

The Greatest Story Ever Told December 21, 2007

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:7-14 

 

I remember reading Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus each year when we had our Christmas program at church. I can still see Joseph, the wise men and shepherd in their homemade costumes and Mary kneeling over a baby doll (most likely a girl doll). We’d practice for weeks, but there would always be a little fiasco that made the audience laugh. As we approach the day that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us not forget his death and the sacrifice he made for us. Wouldn’t this season be the perfect time to establish or re-establish a personal relationship with God? 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS December 17, 2007

I’m years away from needing my two front teeth. But an agent or editor sounds pretty good.

 

 

I’ve queried four agents and one editor since the end of October. Agents #1 and #2 responded promptly and politely with ‘it is not right for us at this time’ and ‘in order to keep a reasonable workload, I will need to pass on the opportunity to represent your project’. At least they didn’t say your writing stinks. Agent #3 responded by not responding (her guidelines stated If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks, we are declining to represent your work). Agent #4 requested a proposal and sample chapters.

 

 

I’m trying not to get overjoyed by successes or discouraged by rejections. I know that everything happens for a reason and everything happens in God’s time, not ours. Pros in the publishing industry say that the road to publication is a slow one, so I suppose two months is only a fraction of the time most writers wait before a manuscript is contracted and published.

 

 

I have three more editors on my query wish list. Hopefully after a revitalizing holiday, they will look at my manuscript with renewed optimism and say ‘this story needs to be told’.

A GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING AND NEVER GETS OLD December 12, 2007

My local church will sponsor its annual Community Christmas Store on Saturday. For the past six years less fortunate families have been invited to shop for clothing, toys, food and household items. Tonight while I was unpacking one of the boxes, I noticed something that had never been donated before. 

As much as I like to read and as many books I have packed away, it never occurred to me to donate books to the Christmas Store. I’ve always bought books for the children who come to the store, but not the adults. So this year I’m giving a gift that keeps giving. I’m clearing the shelves, closets and garage of all my unwanted (or unused) books.  

Now I have a challenge for all of you…if you have extra books cluttering your life, donate them to your local community organizations, shelters or churches. The covers may be a little dusty, but the story never gets old.

The Note Hits The Silver Screen December 5, 2007

Best-selling novelist Angela Hunt’s book The Note is coming to the silver screen. The Hallmark Channel’s movie adaptation will air Saturday, December 8 at 9:00 PM (8:00 central).

Emmy^® Award winner Genie Francis (of “General Hospital” fame) has been cast as the lead. Francis stars as Peyton MacGruder, a struggling human interest columnist who is given an ultimatum to bring her numbers up, or else.  When a horrific plane crash kills all aboard in the waters near her office, Peyton suddenly finds herself in possession of a scrap of paper containing a hastily written but heartfelt message from one of the passengers to his child.  Inspired by the power of the words, Peyton pledges to discover the note’s intended recipient and deliver it by Christmas, keeping her readers up-to-speed in her column.  Along the way, she realizes that the note has the power to affect many more lives than just the person it was written for. 

Angela talks about The Note, how the idea germinated, research behind the book, etc. on her blog, A Life in Pages. Check it out to gain more insight before you watch the movie. 

Click here for the official site to watch clips, see the gallery, read about the story, and more.

 

Novel News December 3, 2007

Congratulations and a BIG thanks to Debbie B. for her winning entry for the L. Nuchell Books’ latest contest. Her winning entry will be revealed later this month. Your gift card is on the way. Enjoy!  

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If you are in or near the Jackson, Tennessee area, I’d like to invite you to the Jackson Madison County Library to hear me talk about my novel Everything Her Heart Desires. The program will be Thursday, December 6 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 P.M. in the Board Room at the Jackson-Madison County Library.  The public is invited to bring a sandwich for lunch.  Coffee and dessert will be provided.

There will be give-a-ways, door prizes, and holiday pricing on books. It will be the perfect opportunity to purchase autographed books for Christmas gifts. 

The event is sponsored by The Friends of the Library, an organization that provides support for the goals and objectives of our library, help pay for items beyond the operating budget, and encourage the orderly development of the Jackson-Madison County Library System.