tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76518058135411765562011-12-30T22:04:04.788-05:00"If the doctor told me I only had six minutes left to live, I'd type a little faster." Isaac Asimovjennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.comBlogger1461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-3771019505149578182011-11-03T20:29:00.000-04:002011-11-03T20:29:25.947-04:00

Today, in the wake of a great friend losing her very special mother-in-law, I am thankful for the hope of Heaven. A place with no pain, no tears, no sorrow. A place filled with beauty and wonder. A place where we can know our loved ones are ready to greet us.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-69559279594868128112011-11-02T18:53:00.000-04:002011-11-02T18:53:37.840-04:00

Today I am thankful for Mexican food...authentic, Tex-Mex, Americanized, or Taco Bell-ized! 

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-46577899783134950632011-11-01T10:34:00.000-04:002011-11-01T10:34:49.143-04:00

After going AWOL for, um, a while...let's see if I can actually blog every day of November! I have so much to be thankful for, so if I keep it short and sweet, maybe I can swing it. Today I am thankful for novels. (Surprise!) The ones that make you laugh, the ones that make you think, the ones that take you to another time, country, or world, the ones that make you remember what it's like to

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-48723394688544652702011-05-19T23:23:00.000-04:002011-05-19T23:23:28.585-04:00

Hey, faithful three readers. Wanna do something awesome to support Christian fiction? More specifically, your favorite books from last year? Check out the Inspy Awards! You can nominate a book to be entered into the running. Click here for more info. Now I need to peruse my bookshelves to see which ones I should nominate. I wonder if there's a limit... :-)

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-17149779908340425772011-05-11T09:19:00.000-04:002011-05-11T09:19:33.597-04:00

Check over on the Ponderers' site for an interview with my wonderful critique partner, Cathy West!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-13384215576490338522011-04-13T22:00:00.000-04:002011-04-13T22:00:30.824-04:00

...or watermelon or bananas or...well, anything but chocolate... Monday I blogged about priorities over on the MBT Ponderers. (As you already know, since my one faithful reader said that posting the link didn't count as blogging.) So I'm working to be healthier in all aspects of my life. This is hard. My husband and I started a diet this week. A pretty strict one. Meat once a week. No

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-15835829145568407462011-04-12T21:14:00.000-04:002011-04-12T21:14:04.100-04:00

Hello, loyal followers! (If any of you are still with me. :-) ) I blogged over on The Ponderers' site about priorities. Come on over!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-41840662289234257112011-03-11T09:23:00.000-05:002011-03-11T09:23:11.277-05:00

I blogged today over on the Ponderers' site. Read it here.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-1763130958605054602011-03-01T07:13:00.002-05:002011-03-01T07:13:00.193-05:00

My list is shorter for February. There are a lot of things I can blame that on, but it doesn't really matter, does it? I gotta keep reminding myself I'm not competing with anyone--just keeping track like I've meant to do for so many years. Anyway, here are the books I read last month. 1. They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti 2. Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter 3. Magic Street by Orson

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-28708436516682393762011-02-28T06:34:00.001-05:002011-02-28T06:34:00.355-05:00

I'm so excited for my friend and amazing critique partner, Cathy West! Her debut novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow, is releasing in just a few weeks, and she's gotten some really great feedback on it. I can't wait to hold a copy of her book in my hands! Though I've read different versions of it quite a few times, there's something special about seeing it with a cover and reading it all the way through

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-1430370341331785762011-02-11T11:18:00.002-05:002011-02-11T11:18:45.487-05:00

Hey, all. I blogged over on the Ponderers site. Check it out here.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-54870761692800011862011-01-31T21:32:00.000-05:002011-01-31T21:32:44.818-05:00

I said last year I would keep track of all the books I'd read. Um...okay, so I didn't quite keep up with it. This year I'll do better! So here's my *report* for January. 1. Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson 2. Talking To The Dead by Bonnie Grove 3. Dining With Joy by Rachel Hauck 4. In the President’s Secret Service by Ron Kessler (Non-fiction! Shock!) 5. Home For Christmas by Andrew Greeley

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-17773134082656643272011-01-17T07:53:00.002-05:002011-01-17T14:17:34.684-05:00

I've read the devotional My Utmost For His Highest quite a bit. Dabbled in a few others. Admired the covers of even more. :-) But I'm so excited about the devotional book I've chosen to read this year! One Year Alone With God was written by my friend Ava Pennington. This lovely lady is in my local writers' group. She's a talented Bible study teacher, has been published in a million Chicken Soup

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-35817694496675321332010-12-31T07:16:00.001-05:002010-12-31T07:16:00.143-05:00

Is anyone else having a hard time believing 2010 is over? Now I'm looking over my list of resolutions from January, and I'm not sure where most of the year went. 1. I didn't finish my Bible Experience audio Bible. The CD player broke. (2011) 2. Did pretty good on the blogging once a week until I hit, what, October? November? And then, well... (2011) 3. Exercising/dieting...not going to talk

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-30261548861127458782010-12-25T21:48:00.000-05:002010-12-25T21:48:35.163-05:00

Some things I love about Christmas: ~ The way the tree looks when it's all decorated and the lights are twinkling. ~ Brainstorming ideas for the perfect gift for my loved ones. ~ Hanging around while my dad carves the turkey. He always cuts off the perfect piece and sneaks it to me while Mom pretends to scold. ~ Black Friday shopping! ~ Spiced apple cider ~ Mom's apple pie ~ The pile of books

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-43955737502058201312010-12-23T18:13:00.000-05:002010-12-23T18:13:37.443-05:00

...is a copy of Bliss, right? And free is even better! :-) Two places you can comment to win: http://www.tandjbooks.com/, and here. Merry Christmas!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-35194813026010193182010-12-19T15:47:00.000-05:002010-12-19T15:47:11.074-05:00

For a few Christmases, I wrote little stories for my niece, and my sister-in-law illustrated them. I had intended to make it a tradition, but children's stories are not really my thing. (As you'll probably be able to tell in a minute. :-) ) But, just for fun, here is the one I wrote a few years ago. May it remind you of the true meaning of Christmas! A Christmas Tale “Can I go play?” Connor

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-66365229681964357622010-11-25T07:00:00.001-05:002010-11-25T07:00:03.211-05:00

May your day be blessed and full of joy. And food, of course. Lots of food. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for YOU, my three faithful readers. :-)

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-26859410572077060452010-11-23T22:21:00.000-05:002010-11-23T22:21:35.309-05:00

Long time, no talk. I know. It's sad. I've been busy over at http://www.tandjbooks.com/, though. And on various blogs. All except my own, poor little ramblings blog. Have you missed me? My life has changed a bit in the past couple of months. I'm working a lot more. I'm trying to promote Bliss. I'm hatching some new stories in order to pursue some opportunities that have arisen. Lots of stuff

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-81844354656385652572010-11-02T18:31:00.000-04:002010-11-02T18:31:42.214-04:00

Hop on over to Mind Chocolate for a chance to win a book. (And learn more about Julie, of course. :-) )

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-35250775685686036672010-11-01T18:23:00.001-04:002010-11-01T18:23:31.701-04:00

The lovely president of ACFW, Cynthia Ruchti, tweeted about ways to celebrate National Authors' Day. With permission, I'm sharing her suggestions here. :-) Have fun! 1. Hug a bookshelf and thank the Lord for the authors who wrote so you could read. 2. Go to the author's publisher's website and leave a comment about a favorite book. 3. Write a note (the handwritten kind) to three favorite

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-55775838631312147982010-10-30T11:10:00.000-04:002010-10-30T11:10:10.471-04:00

The Sobe addiction must be getting worse. Last night I dreamed I was in my own version of the Alamo, but with two armies coming at us. [Cue the Lord of the Rings-like soundtrack.] And I had one Sobe left in the fridge. I reached in. [Cue the plainative flute, the heartbreaking strings.] I closed my hands around it. I savored that first, sweet swallow. The one that may be my last. [Cue the alarm

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-86411786723488551432010-10-27T11:47:00.000-04:002010-10-27T11:47:27.231-04:00

Hop on over to www.tandjbooks.com for an interview with author Kristin Billerbeck and a book giveaway!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-21883745131052822262010-10-18T07:19:00.003-04:002010-10-19T20:05:43.685-04:00

Last week someone asked me what a publisher does for you. Why go that route instead of self-publishing? My off-the-cuff answer didn't cover everything I wished I told him, so here's my second attempt. Don't you feel lucky? (Just to make things clear, I'll be talking about publishing with well-established Christian houses/imprints such as Thomas Nelson, B&H, Harvest House, etc.) They take the

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-87434096098995189982010-10-11T05:12:00.001-04:002010-10-11T19:38:34.965-04:00

Still swamped. If you miss me, hop on over to the blog I'm doing with Tracy, at http://www.tandjbooks.com/. Meanwhile, I wanted to pop in to say you can now order an autographed copy of Bliss here!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-62860491305727860432010-10-05T08:30:00.000-04:002010-10-05T08:30:43.365-04:00

My Steeple Hill editor is over on Seekerville today as a guest blogger. Skip on over there to hear about what it's like being an editor, what catches her eye, and some tips for writers, both published and unpublished. Double Take also gets a mention or two, so that's always cool. :-) Check it out here.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-54566009827895338312010-10-04T07:41:00.000-04:002010-10-04T07:41:00.262-04:00

I love Christian fiction. I really do. I love that they're clean. That words I'd rather not have as part of my vocabulary won't worm their way into my mind as I read them in the text. That the romance is focused on love, not lust. That the deeper meaning to life comes across. That there is always hope, no matter what genre I'm reading. But one thing I don't love about Christian fiction is the

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-67057248038774415242010-10-01T11:59:00.000-04:002010-10-01T11:59:00.361-04:00

Today Tracy and I launched a blog together! We're so excited about this. On October 13th, our first co-authored novel will release. We're having a booksigning on that day, and one of our editors will be hanging out with us, but more info on that later. Just wanted to let you know to go check out the blog here! You know you needed another blog to follow. :-) It'll be a fun place to hang out. And

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-82528006588301798462010-09-27T00:30:00.000-04:002010-09-27T00:30:20.510-04:00

On Sunday, September 19th, the ACFW conference was wrapping up. I wasn't able to attend this year for the first time in five years, so it felt a little weird to be staying at home. But it sounds like it was an amazing conference, my friends have been filling me in, I plan on buying the recordings, and the coolest thing is, I got to be "there" for the awards banquet. For the first time, ACFW set

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-55907106304057822832010-09-23T07:40:00.002-04:002010-09-26T00:10:39.620-04:00

Genesis Awards Contemporary Fiction: Lynnette P. Horner, The Assistant Contemporary Romance: Janice LaQuiere, Truckload of Love Historical Fiction: Brenda Jackson, Principle Engagement Historical Romance: Pam Hillman, Terms of Indenturement Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Rich Bullock, Storm Lake/Storm Song Romantic Suspense: Valerie Goree, Weep in the Night Speculative Fiction: Andra Marquardt,

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-17716008356093135592010-09-20T07:41:00.005-04:002010-09-22T10:40:06.888-04:00

The ACFW conference awards banquet was held last night. I didn't win in my category, but some of my friends won in theirs. SO COOL! I'll post a list of winners when I can find an official list. And I'll write about our mini banquet at home while we kept up with the live blog. But for now, since all the thank yous still apply, I thought I'd post the speech I didn't have to give...with a few tweaks

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-7615107822550884512010-09-09T08:17:00.000-04:002010-09-09T08:17:46.548-04:00

Hop on over to the MBT Ponderers blog to read my post about characters...and see a picture of my old purple car. :-)

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-25351668007906108992010-09-07T08:48:00.002-04:002010-09-07T08:51:20.302-04:00

Hey, faithful three readers. I've been swamped with edits and planning for the book coming out this fall, and I'm afraid I've neglected you all. Hope you have not been pining for my company too badly. I will be back soon with updates and the witty posts you miss so much. Or not. :-) Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-67905189724523007142010-08-23T22:42:00.002-04:002010-08-23T22:48:07.721-04:00

...And not for the reasons you might think. Remember the power line fiasco in December? If not, read about it here.Anyway, here was a write-up in my employer's community newsletter:Officer...Stewart was commended at the annual law enforcement awards ceremony and has been named Officer of the Year by [the community]. When a live wire fell across a resident's driveway and mailbox, he prevented the

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-80010033201086398812010-08-16T07:31:00.000-04:002010-08-16T07:31:00.236-04:00

Just a heads up that if you're bored at your local bookstore (as if that could happen), wander over to the magazines and see if they have the September issue of *RT Book Reviews. If you want to learn a little about writing category romances (shorter romances that fall in a line like Love Inspired or other Harlequin series romances), look up the article called The Farm Team. And there you'll find

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-29713143316096880342010-08-11T00:22:00.003-04:002010-08-11T00:26:29.084-04:00

Just a note to say it was my turn to blog on the MBT Ponderers' site. I wrote about some places to look for story ideas. Come on over and add to the list! Oh, and we have another contest for the month, so make sure to check that out, too.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-28968435671409900282010-08-09T01:05:00.001-04:002010-08-10T18:00:09.340-04:00

A month or so ago, the latest movie in the Twilight series released. You probably saw news articles about women of all ages camped out in California for days on end, sporting “Be safe” tattoos or shirts with “I love Edward” scrawled across the front in marker. Were you with them in spirit, or did it make you shake your head in disgust?Personally, I enjoyed the books. Except for the last one,

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-57260245834048035242010-08-05T06:43:00.000-04:002010-08-05T06:43:00.441-04:00

I'm a fairly good speller (wait--did I spell that right?), but there are some things I struggle with. I read old novels growing up. I mean, seriously old. As in, one of my favorites was a best-seller in 1900. So I sometimes struggle with spelling, as those books tended to use British spelling. Like "colour." "Savior" still doesn't look right to me without the u. I didn't learn how to spell "

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-90970494312520840382010-08-02T06:27:00.001-04:002010-08-02T06:27:00.603-04:00

All of my two readers probably already know about my writer buddy and co-author, Tracy Bowen. But I don't think I've ever introduced her properly.Meet Tracy: The mother of four very funny boys. The wife of an even funnier husband--I'm talking stand-up comedian funny. The owner of the largest assortment of flipflops I have ever seen. The fryer of some really awesome chicken. The decorater of many

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-77971952193870887122010-07-31T01:55:00.000-04:002010-07-31T01:55:00.225-04:00

The blog I joined with the My Book Therapy Ponderers is wrapping up their July contest. The prize basket has a whole lot of goodies that you don't want to miss. And today is the LAST day to enter. Make sure to hop on over if you haven't already! Click here to find out more.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-64853966944591413142010-07-30T00:23:00.003-04:002010-07-30T09:36:13.882-04:00

You usually hear about how writing is a solitary occupation. And that's true in a lot of ways. No one else can write your story for you. No one else can really weave everything together or tell it in your individual voice. It takes you and your computer or notebook, and a whole lot of time in the chair. Or the couch, in my case.But there are times when being a writer brings you together with

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-82602381198518959992010-07-26T07:10:00.001-04:002010-07-26T07:10:00.734-04:00

With the announcement of the Carol Award finalists, I'm thinking about the ACFW conference. The one I'm going to miss this year...Sigh. Anyway, with that in mind, I thought I'd rehash the wonders of pitching by reposting something I wrote for my friend Lynda Schab's blog last year. For those of you who have never had an agent or editor appointment, let me give you an idea of what it’s like. First

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-59114578922900804242010-07-22T06:43:00.001-04:002010-07-22T06:43:00.598-04:00

I am a picky reader, but still, there are so many books and authors I love. I don't usually like to post book reviews, so I'm not going to. But someone suggested I do it, so here's my compromise. I figure I can tell you some things I really admire in some stories, some of the things that really draw me in.I just finished a Charles Martin book, so I'm going to start with him and Dean Koontz. Kind

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-72413387047421944622010-07-19T07:40:00.002-04:002010-07-19T07:40:00.611-04:00

So, I posted the list of the Carol Award finalists, and you might have noticed it happened to have my name on it. :-) Well, it also had a couple of special writers who have served as mentors to me, and so I thought I'd do a little shout-out to them and to others who have encouraged or strengthened my writing over the years.1. Mr. Holden--My seventh grade teacher who wrote drilled prepositional

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-78512486977615293362010-07-17T13:13:00.002-04:002010-07-17T13:24:31.713-04:00

I'm very pleased to announce the finalists in the Carol Awards, formerly known as the Book of the Year Awards, hosted by American Christian Fiction Writers. Some of my buddies and mentors are on this list! Congratulations to everyone, especially Liz Johnson, Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, and Christina Berry!Debut AuthorBonnie Grove - Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing) Liz

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-20795158486984891392010-07-12T00:08:00.000-04:002010-07-12T00:09:03.391-04:00

Okay, folks, I'm going to cheat again, sort of. I did blog on this subject, but to read it, go here. I'm blogging with some writer buddies now (The Ponderers), and this is my first post over there. Tell me what you think. Oh, and there's a contest with lots of goodies, so make sure to check it out!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-9138445170902711042010-07-08T14:01:00.002-04:002010-07-08T14:07:04.720-04:00

I know, I know. I cheated last week with decorating stuff. And I'm late getting something up today. But I just want you to know that there's something in the works, and other things have been taking up blogging energy.Those of you who blog, how do you get your ideas? Do you have a certain day you write and schedule all of your blogs for the week/month/quarter? What are the best tips you have to

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-53482670040538291122010-07-05T09:01:00.003-04:002010-07-05T09:19:08.366-04:00

So far this summer I:1. Ate at my favorite Japanese restaurant with my parents, who were down to pick up another piano. My dad is the only one I know that puts a piano in the back of his van.2. Did research for vacation and ran across this description of a room at a B&B: Small, intimate room with rats. And they didn't even offer a discount!3. Ate at the wonderful Cheesecake Factory with my

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-53520008994483637132010-07-01T07:47:00.001-04:002010-07-01T09:10:10.051-04:00

My sister-in-law says I'm cheating--that I'm taking the easy way out by posting pics and pretty much no content on my blog. But my husband is getting an office, so I guess this is me dreaming. And since pictures speak a thousand words, I figure I'm getting in a pretty good word count. So there. lolThese are just a couple fun organizing ideas. I think I got them from Better Homes and Gardens:

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-53855781733112966592010-06-28T07:18:00.000-04:002010-06-28T07:18:00.709-04:00

So, it's been established that I want lots of cubbies. :-) Next, I want a table. Something big enough to spread out research or totally unrelated craft-type projects, or even wrap presents. Because, you see, my writing room will also need to be messy room, because my husband would appreciate it if I try to contain my piles to one area. Ha. So here are some possibilities...I've always loved these

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-91487808495281360672010-06-24T07:50:00.001-04:002010-06-24T10:51:04.756-04:00

If I wasn't blessed (or cursed?) with a super-active imagination, I would have loved to pursue interior decorating. But now I just dream. :-) And right now, for fun, I'm looking at great rooms for writing. Here are a few I've found so far. I love all the cubbies and the organization.And I love the reading chair and ottoman in the corner. That's a must. :-) More coming. And watch out, fellow

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-27991155067597831192010-06-17T07:25:00.000-04:002010-06-17T07:25:00.113-04:00

I'm trying to do better with the blogging. I've been posting twice a week. My husband and I have another blog idea that I need to start working on. And I maybe be joining one or two other writing community blogs.All this for a bad blogger. Scary, eh?The blogging experts say if you want to be a good blogger, build your audience, you need to have a focus for your blog. Something the readers will

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-72742798049655146262010-06-14T07:03:00.000-04:002010-06-14T07:03:00.481-04:00

No, I have not changed my name to Hattie. It just kinda went with the whole alliteration thing. And no, I don't think I'm hard-hearted. But then again...am I? That is the question I'm bringing to you. :-)I was out shopping the other day and saw something. Now, I am not a very observant person. In fact, I missed a fight and arrest right outside the window at a fast-food restaurant once--My husband

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-22649984147518363732010-06-10T08:04:00.000-04:002010-06-10T08:04:00.505-04:00

Meet my sorta-part-time dog: Ain't he cute???

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-89563757311210190712010-06-07T07:53:00.002-04:002010-06-07T11:06:42.044-04:00

Ah...summer. Since my husband is a teacher, I still live the whole school year schedule thing, and I have to say I like it. Well, most of the time. Last year it meant moving in with my parents for a month while Jason and I did some major work on our own home.As you probably know, I love to make lists. And...fortunately or unfortunately...it doesn't kill me if I don't get to cross everything

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-84392330574966654042010-06-03T06:11:00.000-04:002010-06-03T06:11:00.622-04:00

Since we're into the whole gardening thing now, and cilantro is the only edible thing at this point...I made salsa, of course. Lovely thing, homemade salsa. I ate it on chips and also in a burrito and in a taco and mixed in liberally with rice and beans. And I'm trying to make you hungry, because I'm going to give you the recipe, since I don't feel like thinking about this blog post. (But I'm

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-45678799905581492132010-05-31T06:25:00.000-04:002010-05-31T06:25:00.322-04:00

In April, my husband got this brilliant idea to plant a garden. I don't know why, because our houseplants are hanging on by a tiny thread. But the weather was gorgeous, so we decided it might be fun. Maybe. So we bought wood and soil and tomato cages and plants (no seeds for us!) and fertilizer and sprinklers. We built a raised bed with a mini irrigation system, sort of. And we planted...stuff.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-16704970231965943282010-05-27T07:07:00.002-04:002010-05-27T10:31:17.203-04:00

It's that time of year. I can hear the sedate march music, see the robes in various states of wrinklehood, smell the bouquets of roses. Graduation time is here.I don't remember graduating from kindergarten. I'm not even sure that I did. In eighth grade, they did kind of a talent show type thing along with the ceremony. I played the clarinet and was so nervous my tassle shook the entire song. My

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-40201782045348709172010-05-26T10:07:00.003-04:002010-05-26T10:12:21.686-04:00

While I have discovered the wonders of using the schedule post option on blogger--writing a month's worth of blog entries on one day and then forgetting about it--I, um, discovered one of the pitfalls, thanks to a text message from a friend."How was lunch?"That's it. And I stared at my phone, thinking over the leftovers I'd made into a sandwich, and wondering why exactly she cared. So she texted

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-42479501720136327362010-05-24T07:08:00.000-04:002010-05-24T07:08:00.424-04:00

Today I'm going to lunch with a couple of writer friends. We'll eat (probably something chocolate), we'll laugh, and we'll talk about our own little made-up worlds. Probably figure out how to kill somebody off (while scaring any eavesdroppers away), or what the perfect black moment would be (in other words, how to make the heroine's life so wretched, she hits rock bottom and maybe a little lower)

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-40191775511412337732010-05-20T07:47:00.000-04:002010-05-20T07:47:00.847-04:00

So...maybe I forgot for a few days, but I've actually just been putting off deciding who to send a copy of the illustrious GRIT magazine with my first paid published piece. (Can I work any more p's into that paragraph? Maybe I should try again...)See, I've recently discovered this whole scheduling posts thing and it's just lovely forgetting about blogging for a month but still reaching my

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-7451992713111664012010-05-17T07:27:00.000-04:002010-05-17T07:27:00.258-04:00

As you know, I tried my hand at writing bad poetry...again. I didn't even get a mention this time. I'm not sure if I'm offended or relieved. The winner was just lovely, along with many other entries. Check them out on Chip's blog if you haven't already!There's another "worst of" contest that I have not entered, but it looks like a lot of fun. It's called the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, and I

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-90240720474773571652010-05-13T07:23:00.000-04:002010-05-13T07:23:00.354-04:00

Still talking about first lines, here. I looked through my bookshelf and picked out a dozen first lines. You like?1. The first time it happened, I had pins sticking in my back.~ from Leaper by Geoffrey Wood2. It was raining the night he found me.~from Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee3. The blow came like the torrent below, hard and swift and unexpected.~ from Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann4. PJ Sugar

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-27088384419105677302010-05-10T06:08:00.000-04:002010-05-10T06:08:00.851-04:00

The first lines of a story are often the hardest to write. Many times the first paragraph in a published novel are last words the author writes. They come back to it. Tweak it. Move sentences around. Cut paragraphs. Spend way too much time on it, trying to find the magic formula to draw the reader in.It can be a tricky balance--you need to be interesting enough to keep them reading, but you also

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-2872971697415018682010-05-07T17:37:00.003-04:002010-05-07T20:04:07.628-04:00

I don't really do poetry, although Poe blows me away with some of his. However, there is one time of the year that I love to read poetry. Truly bad poetry.Agent Chip MacGregor hosts a bad poetry contest every year around his birthday. The winner (chosen by an impartial jury, I'm sure) gets a really stupid book as a prize, plus the distinction of being the worst poet ever.I entered in 2007 with a

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-80868721973138458612010-05-03T05:10:00.000-04:002010-05-03T05:10:00.157-04:00

A while back I asked for your top 5 favorite books. I refrained from answering, because I just couldn't choose. Still can't, so now I'm changing the question. :-) If I had to choose five (fairly recently published) novels to take with me to a deserted island, I think these are the ones...along with explanations, and in no particular order:1. Suspicious Minds by Christy BarrittA light-hearted

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-61180194553286409412010-04-26T04:42:00.001-04:002010-04-26T04:42:00.300-04:00

Make sure he has enough coffee. That should do it.Okay, I'm kidding. And I'm not really going to sit here and give you a bunch of marriage tips. My husband and I are doing great, thank the Lord, but I'm not exactly counselor material.My parents got this idea last year. For Valentine's Day, they bought books on marriage for each couple in my immediate family. We were all supposed to read our books

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-83514872334169646352010-04-19T04:06:00.000-04:002010-04-19T04:06:00.726-04:00

When I first started pursuing publication, it was in the form of short stories. I knew I wanted to write novels someday, and had started quite a few (mostly melodramatic Western stories of epic proportion), but short stories was the way to go to learn the ropes.I still like wading through the Writers Market books. Fascinating stuff. All the possibilities, all the magazines just waiting to send me

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-55685535962085517452010-04-11T08:39:00.002-04:002010-04-11T08:39:00.167-04:00

A while back I asked what you loved about your own personal hero. Well, today is my hero's birthday, so I figure it's my turn to talk about him. So here are a few things that I adore about my husband:1. I never have to fill up the gas tank. Seriously. How spoiled am I? And he knows I hate to drive, so on trips he's at the wheel while I relax and pick the music. If I have to go somewhere I haven't

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-80385486773595799892010-04-01T16:19:00.002-04:002010-04-01T16:51:07.171-04:00

So...my husbands brackets for the real March Madness weren't exactly what you would call accurate. He ain't gonna be winning the jackpot, that's for sure.As for the writing March Madness...I keep moving my word count status down on the sidebar so no one notices it. :-) No, I did not make my 50k goal. Not at all. My excuses, because you know I have to give them...1. I did a lot of research looking

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-16300613995351452122010-03-29T08:19:00.001-04:002010-03-29T10:32:32.424-04:00

There are some truly amazing writers out there. Not just in their work, but just in who they are. Rachel Hauck is one of those people. I've learned a lot from her, especially when it comes to being surrendered to God in your writing and in your life. Here's a great quote from her:"You can't write about what you don't have in yourself. The spiritual journey of a character is often the fragrance of

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-62207032034914883802010-03-23T08:42:00.000-04:002010-03-23T08:42:00.924-04:00

Obviously, reading is something I think about maybe a little too much. Sometimes my husband catches me gazing at my bookshelf and likes to make fun of me. Usually I have a reason--I'm trying to decide which books to take to someone who's asking for something to read, or I'm trying to decide what I want to read next. Plus, they're just so beautiful... :-)Anyway, if you had to choose your top five

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-1816276652535791552010-03-16T10:41:00.000-04:002010-03-16T10:41:00.271-04:00

Someone left a comment on my soap box blog entry a while back, asking whether I would say whether there are novels that I consider trash.I hadn't forgotten about it, and I wasn't avoiding the question. I just wanted to think a while before answering. (And, of course, I'm a bad blogger. hehehe) So here are some of my thoughts on that.As a novelist, I know how much time and blood and sweat and

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-34596892813646846782010-03-11T10:42:00.001-05:002010-03-11T14:38:58.740-05:00

So it's March. Three months into the new year, and I'm still writing '09 when I date things. I figure it's time to glance over my resolution list and see how I'm doing.1. Blogging ~ Well, that's easy enough to check. Not quite accomplishing my 1 blog a week, but it's slightly more regular. Maybe.2. Weight ~ I can honestly say I don't know, since I haven't gotten on the scales in a while. But I

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-22216773447528054442010-03-04T00:30:00.000-05:002010-03-04T00:30:00.469-05:00

So many great, live heroes out there! Thanks for sharing. :-) The lucky winner of my dear friend Betsy's book, A Valentine's Wish, is...Drumroll...........Alright, already. Valery, send me your address! And on the way to the mail box to pick it up, make a pit stop at the closest Stein Mart for a chocolate gator. You're going to be craving it before you're finished reading!Thanks, everybody. I

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-69007487346892335422010-03-01T08:13:00.000-05:002010-03-01T08:13:00.262-05:00

Some writing friends have decided to do a March version of NaNoWriMo. (Which is the National Novel Writing Month, in November, just in case you didn't know. There. Don't you feel educated?) So this month we are picking our own word count goal and are going to try to do it all in one month. A few are finishing up manuscripts. Some are going to try to write from beginning to end.This can be

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-53774999260460056992010-02-17T15:37:00.003-05:002010-02-17T16:07:51.772-05:00

I kind of short-changed Betsy's darling book the other day when I climbed on my soap box. So let me add a few more things. Betsy is one of the hardest working writers I know. I'm pretty sure she's a publisher's dream--meeting deadlines early, being flexible, able to come up with ideas for suggested projects fast and doing all her homework. Plus she's sweet, fun, loves pink, blogs reguarly and has

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-89463139889091663232010-02-10T22:42:00.005-05:002010-02-11T07:23:12.186-05:00

In light of two recent incidents, I have to write this, or I'm not going to be able to sleep. :-) Twice this week, I've heard or heard about speakers trashing novels...or calling them trash. One at a marriage conference a friend attended, and one at a service I listened to. Obviously, I have an opinion on this. So here we go--me on my soap box. Take a picture; this doesn't happen very often.I've

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-53661429652476728012010-02-10T18:09:00.005-05:002010-02-10T18:50:22.183-05:00

I read a cute Valentine's Day story the other day that just happens to be written by my dear friend Betsy St. Amant. This girl loves polka-dotted shoes, God, and her fireman husband (I'm assuming not in that order. hehe), and she's nicknamed The Writing Machine. By me. :-) Love this girl, and A Valentine's Wish is almost as fun as she is. "Unemployed. Single. And out of brownie mix." With that

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-55873487058013226732010-01-24T14:45:00.001-05:002010-01-28T18:41:09.082-05:00

Here are some more odds and ends. If I stretch blogging about my goals over a long enough time, maybe I'll keep them longer. :-)1. Finish listening to The Bible Experience audio Bible.2. Exercise three times a week.3. Lose 15 pounds. (Of course.)4. Blog once a week at least. (How many years has this been on my list?)5. Organize our favorite recipes into a cookbook.6. Finish decorating the rooms

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-25085894872546428982010-01-16T19:29:00.000-05:002010-01-16T10:06:40.996-05:00

In 2009, my first published novel released in October. And I found out how slow my writing can be with the push to market my book, another writing project tugging at my creativity, starting a new job, helping my parents move, and a myriad of other things that distracted me. So this year, I want to do much better in my writing life. Here are some ways I hope to accomplish that:1. I have a list of

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-5381412928639657832010-01-04T23:30:00.000-05:002010-01-04T23:30:41.491-05:00

Okay, I'm kidding about the bad words. And I'm such a list-aholic that I love this part of coming to a new year. Looking at the clean slate of the coming twelve months, thinking of all the possibilities...It's like a fresh notebook with a really cool cover. What should I fill it with? So of course I have some goals and resolutions and projects and whatever else--they all just kind of run together

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-22612783746101354332010-01-04T14:34:00.002-05:002010-01-04T14:37:07.511-05:00

I just had a moment that showed me once again how pathetic, how out of touch, a writer can be. I'm sitting here, reworking a scene. Hear the mailman pull up and stop at our mailbox. And wonder if the package my hero is waiting for has just arrived...

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-20834533451248260492010-01-03T13:22:00.002-05:002010-01-03T13:33:10.804-05:00

So...I'm cold. I spent yesterday typing while trying out some fingertip-less gloves. (Is there a proper term for those? I'm a Florida girl; I don't know these things.) An evening trip to Starbucks for a caramel apple spice was a wonderful treat.And that brings to mind my new contest and a chance to win a Starbucks giftcard. It's easy. All you have to do is give me up to five suggestions for last

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-2881641135691320702009-12-24T23:34:00.001-05:002009-12-24T23:34:48.499-05:00

Have a very Merry Christmas!!! And a blessed New Year.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-38240827312887786342009-12-15T22:09:00.003-05:002009-12-16T07:41:15.433-05:00

So…today I was on my way to work. Singing Revelation Song along with Philips, Craig and Dean. Trying to decide whether to do Wendy’s drive-thru for a root beer. It was raining, so I passed on by.I should have stopped. I could have used a drink.Minutes later, I pulled onto my employer’s street. Her front door was wide open. A cop car sat on the street nearby. Had someone broken into the house? Or

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-4200616962623128372009-12-09T10:59:00.002-05:002009-12-09T11:07:05.115-05:00

Well, I got an early Christmas present yesterday. My editor sent me an email with an attached list of nominees for the annual RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards. And Double Take just happens to be on it...twice. :-) Double Take was nominated for best Love Inspired Suspense and also best First Series Romance. The winners will be announced in the June edition of RT Book Reviews magazine, as

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-2559895651518900462009-11-11T21:47:00.000-05:002009-11-11T21:47:32.242-05:00

I'm woefully behind on my blogging, but what's new, right? Anyway, I love this time of year. It cools down some here in South Florida, reminding us why we love it here. And...Christmas is around the corner! Which means hot apple cider and wish lists and shopping and decorations...I love it.Anyway, last year I did something different for one of my Christmas presents. I'm not an arts-and-crafts

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-82395239484492655522009-10-13T00:26:00.001-04:002009-10-13T00:27:58.377-04:00

Today is the day. The 13th. The official launch of my debut novel. Just thought you should know. :-)

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-39724482905257484872009-10-07T22:29:00.003-04:002009-10-10T13:26:12.746-04:00

Since I'm such a bad blogger, I'm just going to go ahead and post the whole schedule right now. :-) Follow me and leave comments for a chance to win...stuff. :-)October 5 – Keli Gwin’s blog October 7 – Tiffany Stockton’s blog October 8 – Trish Perry’s blog October 10 - Robin Bayne's blogOctober 11 – Margaret Daley’s blog October 12 – Cynthia Hickey’s mystery blog October 13 – Release date!! Lynda

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-8395818463841932182009-10-05T21:45:00.001-04:002009-10-05T21:46:41.036-04:00

My first interview was posted today. Check it out at http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/debut-author-jenness-walker-returns/ and leave a comment to win something!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-28330561022991170822009-10-04T18:26:00.002-04:002009-10-04T18:33:41.272-04:00

Hey, y'all. Nine more days until Double Take hits the shelves! The next day, October 14th, will be my very first book signing, hosted by the Hobe Sound Christian Bookstore in Hobe Sound, FL. It'll start at 8 p.m. and go until we're done, I guess. :-) There will be refreshments and door prizes, and, of course, my book for sale. So rob your piggy banks and come join the fun! If you need directions,

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-86466911142824204652009-09-29T10:29:00.002-04:002009-09-29T10:31:53.786-04:00

Okay, folks, I'm ready to do my second giveaway! And the lucky person to receive a book this time is:Texaswriter! Congrats!I'm going to have more giveaways soon, so stay tuned!

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-8345491397081892102009-09-26T15:27:00.001-04:002009-09-26T15:29:12.043-04:00

I survived the devotional:Yes, I cried. Not deep racking sobs or anything, but I got choked up enough to not be able to talk for a few moments. Long enough that a friend considered running up to finish it for me. I made it through with God’s help…but there was a back-up devotional in place just in case. :-)I learned a lot:I took the Donald Maass early bird session. Incredible. I could have gone

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-39814698678743552302009-09-22T23:48:00.002-04:002009-09-22T23:49:33.510-04:00

I want to know--why would YOU tell someone to buy my book? Send me an email with your reason--off the wall or serious, doesn't matter. If I choose it to use for a project I'm working on, you just might earn yourself a free copy of Double Take. :-) Yes, it's called bribery. I'm not above that.

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-15783476633754255712009-09-22T18:57:00.003-04:002009-09-22T18:59:36.060-04:00

...to blog about the conference soon.I got home late last night after being away from my computer (oh, and my husband) for six whole days. No email. No facebook. And for the most part, no time to check it anyway. But it was like quitting cold turkey. I had a great conference, but I'm glad to be home. Hyacinth missed me. And Jason had brownies waiting. I have a good life. :-)So let me get caught

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-37302409642885585752009-09-15T22:49:00.004-04:002009-09-15T22:53:54.454-04:00

So, it's that time again. Tomorrow I'm leaving on a jet plane waaaayyy too early to fly to Denver for the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers' conference. Yeah, the place where I'm giving a devotional. I'm back in the state of denial again. It's all written out, so if I can just forget about it until I actually have to give it...Nah, that ain't gonna happen. But it's going to be a great

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-32538860997583735222009-09-07T23:21:00.002-04:002009-09-07T23:45:51.195-04:00

Okay, so I've been quiet again. You've been taking bets on how many months I'd go without blogging this time, haven't you? Actually, you probably didn't notice, but anyway. Here I am again. And I'm trying not to freak out.The conference is next week. NEXT WEEK!!! I'm so excited in a way. It's my conference. My beloved time with other weird people. We come together, inviting each other into our

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-83323344469531032042009-08-31T22:05:00.003-04:002009-08-31T22:20:45.051-04:00

Okay, tonight I'm drawing one name from my list of newletter subscribers. Next time I'll do two. But for now, the lucky person to get a sneak-peak at Double Take is...(drumroll)(can you feel the tension?)(are you getting excited yet?)(does it feel like you're watching one of those elimination reality shows?)(could it be YOUR email address I pick out of the proverbial hat?)(does anyone else hate

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651805813541176556.post-43415694296039197532009-08-30T20:59:00.002-04:002009-08-30T21:48:24.946-04:00

This just in...The dreaded yet much-anticipated day has come. My husband finished reading my book. :-) He's been reading it on the sly when I'm not at home, and Saturday he finished. I didn't believe him. I quizzed him on a scene I knew I hadn't talked about before. He got it right, and gave me more details. Still didn't believe him, but it's true.Jason read Double Take. All the way through.He

jennesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14907894280802037080noreply@blogger.com3