FINAL TITLE - IN THE HEART OF THE WEST

I have a title for the last book in my Heart of the West series--the title is--A LOVE OF HER OWN! Though it's not the one I first chose when I was writing it, I do think it's a great title and the marketing team at Revell always work hard to come up with just the right title and cover for their books. In fact they worked closely with me so that we'd all be satisfied with the name, and I am very happy with it.

I think the title works for the storyline, but I won't say much more than that or it'd give the plot away and heaven forbid I do that! Now I can't wait to see what we come up with for a cover. I'm certain it'll be just as wonderful.

I'm really looking forward to the release of book 2-The Jewel Of His Heart October 1st. I'll be participating in LifeWay's Fiction Event Day October 10th in Kennesaw, GA from 11-1 PM. Marc Amason is the manager there and he and his staff are the best! But then again, so is the LifeWay store at the Mall of GA in Buford.

Hope to see you there. Now back to work. :)

Lunch With a Book Club

This past Saturday I was the guest of a local book club. We met at Longhorn's resturant, one of my favorite places for good food. I was impressed with the knowledge that these ladies had of my characters in No Place For a Lady! They knew them very well and even brought a map marked with the route that Crystal took on her long journey from Georgia to Colorado! It's a wonderful feeling for an author to know that what you've written has touched someone's heart. Each one of the ladies said they are looking forward to reading The Jewel of His Heart. I certainly hope they won't be disappointed. The fellowship was sweet and their questions were lively! I'm honored that of all the zillions of books they read, they chose mine.

Lunch ended with a surprise for me with a gift of a memory box from the Willow Tree collection and a Writing Angel Muse. She's hanging from my desk lamp now and is adorable. They didn't know that I have a small collection of Willow Tree angels and a manger scene, so I was thrilled and surprised that they would go to this trouble for me.

The Angel has a quote from James Michener-"I love the swirl & swing of words as they tangle with human emotions." Oh, that's just so perfect for me!

These ladies encouraging words and voracious reading habits make me want to strive to write the best stories that I can and not disappoint them with the integrity of my writing. So thank you ladies, Jennifer, Darlene, Lisa, Anne, Mary and Milli, for the memorable Saturday afternoon and until our paths cross again...Happy Trails.

Novel Journey Interview

One of Writer's Digest 101 Most Valuable Websites for Writers posted an interview of me today. Click here to read the interview. You can see what my office looks like. www.noveljourney.blogspot.com.

Currently I'm in the middle of working on edits for book three. A title will be decided in the next few weeks, so check back for updates.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful week. Atlanta has been stormy but I'll not complain since we need the rain. Besides I like a good thunderstorm as long as I'm inside, don't you? Great background noise for reading...

Bustles and Spurs

Just popping in today to let you know that I have a blog posted at Bustles and Spurs where I'm a resident blogger once a month. My article today is on the humble cast iron skillet. We have such talented historical writers on this site and I usually learn something of history myself. So hop on over and check it out today. Then, if you don't own your own cast iron skillet, this may just force you to spend time this weekend buying one for your kitchen. www.bustlesandspurs.com

Now back to writing...

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

I bought a new American Flag today to replace the faded and tattered one that hung on the front porch. I recall a particular 4th of July in 1995 when we buried my sister Gail. Later we went to watch the fireworks on the beach in her honor in Gulfport, MS. So this holiday is a special two-fold one for me. While hanging the flag, I'm so mindful of the sacrifices so many have made in order for us to cherish the freedoms we have in this great land called America. My brother, Orville, lied about his age and fought in the Korean War when he was only 17. Just a baby, I think, especially when I relate that age to my own son when he was 17. I know now why my mother cried every single day until his safe return. Post-traumatic stress shadowed him the rest of his life.

In the first days of the war in Iraq, our son-in-law, then Captain Bobby Lee Christine, (now Major Christine), an Army National Guard JAG officer, left our daughter and three children behind when his guard unit was called up. His unit was attached to the First Marine Expeditionary Force. That's Bobby in the picture while in Iraq. We were petrified but knew that Bobby was honored to serve our country, and he believed in their mission. His own father served in Viet Nam and received several Purple Hearts, returning to the States after three tours of duty, minus an arm and a leg. After Bobby's return, he spoke at the Right From the Heart Gala and Auction for our pastor, Bryant Wright's radio ministry, which raised money to send his sermon CD's to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. As he spoke that night, there wasn't a dry eye in the ballroom while he talked about his time in Iraq, the hardships and his strong faith in God. We are so proud of Bobby and he has more medals and honors than I can list here and knowing him, he'd be uncomfortable that I'm saying anything now. He never talks about his accomplishments. That's the way most soldiers are. He is still a JAG with the Army National Guard, and besides being an attorney, he's a Judge in Augusta, GA and very active in his community and church.

Since that time, I have so much more respect for our troops and the shattered lives that has touched so many, all in order to keep our freedom on this soil. So I honor them this 4th of July.
Harsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta is one of the main hubs for our troops returning to the States, and it's one of the most moving scenes you'll ever see when they arrive. I feel fortunate to have been able to witness this first hand. Atlanta has become famous for how people stop and honor troops and welcome them back home. Perhaps you've seen Atlanta's airport featured on the nightly news welcoming troops. We even do that when it's just one lone soldier. I'm telling you, it will bring tears to your eyes, and make you proud of our men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.

As our country continues to struggle with foreign issues even now, and strive to keep those freedoms we hold dear that we received in 1776, I'm reminded to pray for our nation, our leaders, and our allies...but most of all I pray for our men and women in uniform everywhere.

So why don't you take time to salute a soldier along your trails...