tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23797724060878626402024-03-13T13:52:35.221-07:00Baby Steps and DreamsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-64357826919162177662015-05-26T06:45:00.000-07:002015-05-26T06:45:01.500-07:00Joyous Steps to a New Future<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Before
the end of the school year, I promised to post my side of the story about being
dismissed from Oklahoma Christian School after more than 20 years of faithful
service. I wrote and rewrote and revised several different drafts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> At
the risk of sounding like Hillary, I have to ask: What difference does it make?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> It
makes a lot of difference to me, but my focus can’t be on what was done TO me.
I must focus on what God is doing FOR me. I can’t stay tethered to the past and
expect to move forward into the future He is preparing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I choose to revel in the freedom He has given me and enjoy this exciting new venture.
I choose to trust Him and believe that He guides every step, as He has ALWAYS done, in every area of
my life. And I choose to be an example of His love to those I meet,
teach, and love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Let
me again thank everyone for the love and encouragement and prayers you have
offered in the past weeks. Each Facebook message…text…email…phone call…tweet…all
are part of the blessings I have experienced, and they are truly appreciated. You have each been an integral part of the journey, and I ask for your continued prayers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Without a doubt, I am excited about continuing my writing career. My publisher has been wonderfully supportive during this time, and I want to thank them. In March 2015, my first full-length novel <i>Midnight Diamonds</i> debuted as Book One of the Rivers Brothers trilogy. <i>Sapphire Dreams</i>, Book Two, is due for release soon, followed by <i>Ruby Starlight,</i> Book Three, this Fall.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"> Will there be more blog posts? Oh, yes...but this chapter is closed. Let's dance our way into a new beginning, directed by "His marvelous light"!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Blessings to one and all! If I
could shout from the rooftops, it would be a joyous cry of delight at my Lord’s
marvelous timing. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future. As I take each step, I am reminded of
these wonderful words:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
John 4:4 - “Greater is He that is in me, than he who is in the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I have for you,” declares the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>, “plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romans 8:31 - What, then, shall we say in
response to these things?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If God
is for us,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>who can be against us?</span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-67879740484279283562015-04-17T11:05:00.000-07:002015-04-17T11:05:29.636-07:00Grieving the Loss, Step by StepWe've all heard about the grieving process: Denial. Isolation. Anger. Bargaining. Acceptance.<br />
<br />
Grief can be a result of many things. The loss of a loved one...the loss of something special. I know it is a step by step journey toward acceptance and letting go. I know it takes time and little things matter most. And I know it's good to have friends and family around to help make things better.<br />
<br />
But I didn't know how deeply the grief could flow through a person's heart.<br />
<br />
For the past several nights I have cried myself to sleep. Flashes of memories and unbidden vignettes punctuate my dreams. There are good memories and not so good ones. Some make me laugh. Some make me smile. Some make me weep, wondering how my students are doing. So many times I watch them struggle with things that are too big for their teenage shoulders to carry, and it breaks my heart.<br />
<br />
Like the young man who came running into my room at 7:30 a.m. one morning - he'd just found out his parents were getting a divorce. His gut-wrenching sobs brought my world to a standstill...and over a decade later, I wonder how he's doing.<br />
<br />
Or the young woman I found crying in the ladies room because she simply couldn't take the teasing and bullying anymore. Righteous anger rose up in me and I wanted to confront the "mean girls"...but she needed a shoulder more than a defender.<br />
<br />
And there were many - so many - desperate to fit in, being torn apart by compromise, lies and guilt. I spoke truth and prayed it would grow into revelation.<br />
<br />
I've witnessed hundreds of young adults search for significance...for value...for assurance that someone cares. Knowing I won't be part of that process at the school where I've taught for twenty years is indescribable. Yet, I must believe I can go on and make a difference regardless of where this new path takes me. I continue to pray for all of "my kids", knowing that God watches over them now and always.<br />
<br />
Where am I in the grieving process? I don't know how to answer that, because the ebb and flow of emotions is so unpredictable.<br />
<br />
One step at a time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-63418753564254051462015-04-10T15:24:00.000-07:002015-04-10T15:25:07.383-07:00For All My Students, Now and Then...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Teachers
spend years watching students grow and, hopefully, learn. For a dedicated
teacher, it is a journey of discovery and revelation. Teaching is my passion,
and I have never regretted the days spent in the classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Much
to my profound surprise and dismay, my contract is not being renewed at the
high school where I have taught for twenty years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But I don’t want to focus on
their…decision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rather, I want to share what my students have taught <i>me</i>. Some of the lessons were funny, some
were difficult, and some were life-changing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Teen
culture changes quickly, and teachers who don’t keep up are left wondering what’s
going on. Fads, slang words, fashion, music – it’s all important to students.
Minimizing their interests to trivialities means missing out on a key part of
their lives. Let’s be honest. I don’t want to listen to hours of rap or hip
hop; however, I occasionally allow students to use this art form in poetry
classes to show how words ebb and flow in different ways. To my surprise, some
rappers have amazing things to say. Stepping into the world of my students for a
brief moment is inspiring and keeps me young.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perhaps
the most significant lesson for me was learning to listen. While it sounds
simple, it isn’t. Teens want to know their voice is heard and their viewpoint
is valuable. Part of helping them develop strong opinions is listening to their
perception of the world. I'm astounded at how simply and accurately most
young adults view this complicated society. Teens are great B.S. detectors,
even as they sometimes spout it themselves. When a student takes an assignment
on homelessness and transforms it into a cause/effect essay with detailed
solutions to the problem, I am in awe. When a student takes the time to carve a
replica of Chateau d’If (the prison in <i>Count
of Monte Cristo</i>) from solid wood, I am transported to a place of admiration
and wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, there are humorous moments, like science projects that get in the way
of my teaching. I mention this one in my recently published novel <i>Midnight Diamonds</i>. And then there’s the
student who said he was late because his mom hadn’t dried his favorite jeans. I
love hearing my students laugh at the guttural growls of Boris Karloff in the
1931 movie classic <i>Frankenstein</i>, or
how they applaud the football captain for his creation on Snowflake Day (yes, I
created a day for my high school students to make paper snowflakes and
celebrate winter).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are also days when it’s time to be quiet and sensitive
to each other. We’ve had a few days like that recently…and I am humbled by my
students’ outpouring of love and prayerful support. Nothing is more moving than
to have a large group of students ask if they can pray for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Teachers
should laugh with their students…cry with them…make the journey alongside them
while gently guiding them. Most of all, teachers should learn from the ones
they’re teaching. I am blessed to have grown by leaps and bounds with some
of the most amazing young people in this world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So,
to all my students, past and present - thank you for allowing me to walk beside
you on this unpredictable path called life and for providing signposts along
the way.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-37903631083703358782015-04-03T16:33:00.000-07:002015-04-03T16:39:34.042-07:00Sassy Saturday...and Elizabeth Ellen CarterHello, everyone!!<br />
<br />
I'm beginning a new feature on <b>Baby Steps and Dreams </b>- <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sassy Saturday</span>.<br />
Each week I'll try to feature a new author and their works.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWUUS93yE8VfB91XY3OuvjO3Ui3c6hg57L228CjfQR_QV8hUf3gff5Cv7FR6DT4VkGp3xCDKuq-qyT-0ZnvT7oB3NlEtTaQUcDGWHzX0Zy3avy59IYxrDBdmCUDzLIpEykTajceRKY0s/s1600/Elizabeth+Carter+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWUUS93yE8VfB91XY3OuvjO3Ui3c6hg57L228CjfQR_QV8hUf3gff5Cv7FR6DT4VkGp3xCDKuq-qyT-0ZnvT7oB3NlEtTaQUcDGWHzX0Zy3avy59IYxrDBdmCUDzLIpEykTajceRKY0s/s1600/Elizabeth+Carter+pic.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a><br />
Today I welcome <b>Elizabeth Ellen Carter</b> who lives in Australia.<br />
Recently her novel <i>Warrior's Surrender</i> won the Romance and Writers Down Under People's Choice Award for Best Historical novel!! What an honor!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">CH: Great to have you here, Elizabeth!</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EC: Hi Cynthia. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thank you very much for the opportunity to make a guest appearance on your blog.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="color: blue;">CH: Was there a defining moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer?</span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div style="color: #500050; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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</span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EC: I think it was somewhat predestined. I always loved reading and when I was about 9 or 10 I would spend school holidays writing my own stories if I had run out of things to read. I figured the only way I could get reliably paid for writing was to work as a journalist and I managed to get an old-fashioned Jimmy Olson-style cadetship one week out of high school.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Even though it was a different form of writing, I never lost the desire to write fiction. I made a half-hearted attempt at writing a novel when I was 22 but it was nearly another 22 years later when I finally became serious about writing and finishing one.</div>
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Moonstone Obsession started with a scenario in my head which wouldn't go away. I would dream it. I knew the only way it was going to go was if I wrote it. After encouraging words from my husband I was persuaded to submit it to the Romance Writers of Australia competition for unpublished manuscripts. I was so encouraged by being short listed that I submitted my already completed manuscript to several publishers and Etopia Press thought enough of it to put it under contract.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">CH: </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">What’s it like to immerse yourself into a story and its characters?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EC: Oh goodness, you live and breath it sometimes. Last night hubby and I were in bed talking about a particular plot development (did I mention I'm married to an amazing man?) and a few weeks ago I was at work when a scene unfolded right in front of my eyes. I had to get up from my desk and dictate the scene into my phone.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Specialising in historical romance means that research is especially important - and for me its great fun, learning about the French Revolution and counter-revolution at Vendee or the perilous relationship between Medieval England and Scotland is part of the joy.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My characters are such fun to write. Broadly speaking they are likable even if they do have some rough edges. Those edges are usually born from some hurt or pain in their past</div>
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<br /></div>
<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"></span><br />
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<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="color: blue;">CH: What makes a hero someone to remember?</span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #500050; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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</span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EC: I love writing about a hero's struggle. In many respects he has a two-fronted battle. Not only does he have to overcome his personal demons in order to make a relationship with the heroine at all possible but also, there is often an external threat which can be as serious as a threat to his life or to the family and friends whom he loves or it could be his reputation at risk.</div>
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Either way a hero is someone who put the highest good against self-interest and personal gain, even if means our hero has to risk it all. Who doesn't love a man like that?</div>
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<br /></div>
<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"></span><br />
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<span class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="color: blue;">CH: How important are historical events in your stories?</span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #500050; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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</span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EC: Very important. I try to get as accurate as I possibly can without making the novel read like a history book. Every now and again my editor will remind me not to make something a history dump. :)</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I try to put people in their historical context and to me that means they are fully engaged with their world - they will talk about the events of the day, wars, politics, fashion, entertainment. As a reader I prefer historical romances which don't shy away from tackling issues instead of being all about ballgowns and bling.</div>
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<br /></div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">CH: </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">How do you incorporate strong females into your stories?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EC: Actually, that's the easy part because women have always been strong. The way they manifest their strength may not be in a way that a modern woman might recognise but her strength of character, strength of mind, resilience, resourcefulness are all there. She is both a timeless woman that everyone can relate to and a woman of her time. I find great pleasure in bringing her world to life.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">CH: I have no doubt many, many readers will become immersed in the beautiful world of <i>Warrior's Surrender</i>. Thanks again, Elizabeth, for taking time to share your words and heart.</span></div>
</div>
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Here's an excerpt from <i>Warrior's Surrender</i>: </div>
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<em><b>A shared secret from their past could destroy their future…</b></em></div>
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<b>Northumbria, 1077. In the years following William the Conqueror’s harrying of the North, Lady Alfreya of Tyrswick returns to her family home after seven years in exile. But instead of returning victorious as her dead father had promised, she returns defeated by Baron Sebastian de la Croix, the Norman who rules her lands.</b></div>
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<b>To save her gravely ill brother’s life, Alfreya offers herself hostage to her enemy. As Alfreya gets to know her new husband, she finds he’s not the monster she feared, and their marriage of convenience soon becomes a bond of passion. But Sebastian is a man with a secret—one that could destroy him.</b></div>
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<b>As a series of brutal murders haunt their nights, the man who betrayed Alfreya’s father returns claiming to be her betrothed. He has learned Sebastian’s secret and will use it to further his own ambition—using Sebastian’s own family—which will destroy Sebastian and mark him a traitor, and plunge an unprepared England into war with the Scots…</b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>By the light of the fire she could see the abandoned chair. To see the second chair Frey must peer around the door.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It too was empty.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Frey frowned. Did she doze and Sebastian slipped past her unseen? She took a further step or two into the room and looked.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The bed was…</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Before Frey could complete the thought, she was grabbed roughly from behind and held firmly against a man’s broad chest. A large hand covered her mouth and suppressed an involuntary scream.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The man recognised her and relaxed but did not remove his hand.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You picked the wrong night to slit my throat while I slept, princess.”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sebastian’s whispered voice filled her ear. He held her still for long moments before speaking.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you recovered? You will not scream?”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Frey nodded and shook her head in answer to each question and she was released, her heart pumping furiously.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you suggest I pick some other night then?” she said, wiping her mouth to rid the sensation of his hand.</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sebastian ignored her barb and poured a small measure of spiced wine into his goblet. He handed it to her and watched as she drank.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why do you assume the worst of me?” she asked.</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Habit,” he answered, arms folded across his chest. “Now tell me what you’re doing in my chambers while others sleep.”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have to speak to you.”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sebastian’s eyebrows rose in surprise. It might have been scepticism, but Frey couldn’t be sure.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And it couldn’t wait until morning?”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>All of a sudden Frey’s courage left her and she wondered if her senses had taken leave of her too.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>She was an unmarried woman, alone, late at night in the bed chamber of a man whose mere presence made her feel powerful sensations that she struggled to understand. What on earth was she doing?</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>She shook her head softly.</b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was a mistake.”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>As she turned to leave, Sebastian grabbed her wrist. </b></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b>“<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s a mistake to not finish what you start.”</span></span></b></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b><u>Buy Links:</u></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-27000415993919244482015-01-24T20:29:00.001-08:002015-01-24T20:29:46.295-08:00Revisiting Old Favorites<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Everyone
who loves to read has a favorite book. Sometimes it’s difficult to choose one
out of hundreds or thousands of titles. Love stories, thrillers, mysteries,
fantasies… so many choices to keep us up into the wee hours of the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But
sometimes it’s an easy choice when the story reaches into a part of our lives
and speaks to our dreams. There’s always one that saturates our waking
moments and drives us to finish mundane chores so we can put up our feet and
escape through an author’s words into another world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For
me, that book is Jude Deveraux’s <i>Knight
in Shining Armor</i>, published in 1989. I still remember how utterly captivated
I was by the story. I laughed…cried…walked every step backward and forward in
time with the heroine. Now, 25 years later, I still look forward to
reading her romantic tale of undying love at least once a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
adore Jude’s style of writing and have amassed a huge collection of her work. Truth
be told, I learned a lot about myself through her endearing characters and
creative, romantic tales. Her books took me through some very difficult times
in my life and reminded me that I am a strong woman. For that, I will be
eternally grateful to you, Ms. Deveraux.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Coming
in at a close second is John Grisham’s <i>The
Testament </i>published in 1999. The powerful novel about addiction, recovery and redemption is not as
well-known as most of his works, but it rightfully deserves a place, front and center,
among his accomplishments. Thank you, Mr. Grisham, for inspiring my students to
read more and for being so poignantly vulnerable with your words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
about you? Do you have a favorite book you revisit now and then? One you
recommend to friends who need a “good book” to read? One that sparked your
dreams?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’d
love to hear from you!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-2106505767818901252014-09-23T20:00:00.001-07:002014-09-23T20:01:50.462-07:00Keeping the wick lit<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes when we take that first step
toward fulfilling our dreams, there's no clear direction or light at the end of the path. Forget
seeing campfires or blazing neon <i>This Way</i> signs. Carrying a torch and finding direction through the flickering shadows of doubt can be tricky and disheartening when rejection snuffs out
success. So why do we keep relighting the wick, hoping for a different result?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Three weeks ago I signed with a
publishing company to publish my first book. And just like that, s</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">omething I worked hard for and spent years wishing for became a reality. A tiny l</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ight at the end of that
very long road became a roaring bonfire of celebration, burning away a huge pile of rejections. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently a contestant on a
television talent show was asked why he decided, after 22 years, to re-ignite his dream of being a
famous singer. His reply was simple. “Don’t ever give up on your dream. You never
know when it’s gonna show back up.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am blessed, living proof that
relighting the wick is a good thing.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-5789978374555926562014-07-05T08:07:00.002-07:002014-07-05T08:07:34.826-07:00Jig of Joy...One Step At A TimeTaking on a new project or beginning a fresh journey can be filled with excitement and expectations. Motivation is high and inspiration overflows. We enjoy the idea of creation and victory.<br />
<br />
But what if the journey is a re-do? What if the path is one we've walked numerous times. Maybe we saw a modicum of success, or maybe we made it to the top of those stairs and danced a Jig of Joy for a short while. Or maybe we tried and failed...and tried and failed...and... Well, you get the idea.<br />
<br />
Today I begin a difficult journey that is always full of pitfalls and challenges. It is one where I will be tested over and over again. This endeavor requires commitment, discipline, perseverance, and faith.<br />
<br />
However, this time something is different. Even though I know the rugged mountain I'll face, it's okay. I'm standing at the bottom, looking up, wondering how long it will take to climb...and I'm not scared. I don't want to give up. I'm not feeling defeated before I even begin.<br />
<br />
The key to this daunting climb is one step at a time. Not giant steps expecting immediate results. Not leaps and bounds to hear the accolades of friends and family. Just one tiny baby step...then another...then another, until I'm done.<br />
<br />
How many steps before I do the Jig of Joy?<br />
<br />
I'll let you know when I get there.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-53583416548822050282014-06-20T18:01:00.000-07:002014-06-20T18:01:05.174-07:00Best...Meal...Ever!!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kudos to Capital Grille in Tampa, FL for what might be the
best meal I’ve ever experienced. I say “experienced” because from the moment my
friend and I entered the restaurant, we were treated as if we were the most
special diners of the evening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since I was celebrating my birthday early, I was treated to
a long stem rose (it actually SMELLED like a rose), birthday confetti artfully
placed on one corner of the table, and a birthday card. The meal was exquisite:
lobster bisque soup, bone-in Kona crusted sirloin steak, potatoes au gratin,
grilled asparagus, and 3 freshly baked breads.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The surprise of the evening was dessert. Once all dishes had
been cleared away, a platter with a miniature cheesecake and a miniature
no-flour chocolate cake was placed in front of me. The words HAPPY BIRTHDAY
between the two samplings made me smile, and a small lit candle stood in a
fluffy whipped cream base.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But what made the meal spectacular was the service. I’ve
never – and I mean never – eaten anywhere that catered to its customers the way
Capital Grille did to us. Our waiter was friendly, sincere, had a slightly
quirky sense of humor, and was gracious every minute. Then he took a picture to
commemorate the evening and made sure we each had a copy of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you’re ever in Tampa near the International
Mall, or even if you’re not near the mall but can make your way there, please
consider dining at Capital Grille. You won't be disappointed.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379772406087862640.post-38762748553915833482014-06-19T07:38:00.000-07:002014-06-19T07:38:41.958-07:00One Step First steps toward the fulfillment of a dream can be exciting and daunting. The realization that one's lifelong goal might actually be accomplished is a heady rush of joy with a side of churning nausea. But the one saving grace in the maelstrom of emotions is success may be at hand.<br />
<br />
I'm not one to rush into the unknown. I used to be impulsive and have a Scarlett O'Hara mentality about life. "I'll think about that tomorrow." The older I get, the more I realize how wise it is to be cautious and take time to do things correctly. <br />
<br />
I've always wanted to be a writer. I remember making up poems and writing short plays as young as 10 years old. I was considered to be something of an overachiever on essays and literature projects. And I have a master's degree to teach English. But those things don't get works published.<br />
<br />
The only way to see my name on the cover of a book is to put myself out there. It's crazy to look back at all the reasons I allowed my dreams to wait, but at the same time, everything happens in its proper time...and now it's time to move forward past the "what if's".<br />
<br />
So what are my baby steps and dreams?<br />
<br />
<em>Midnight Diamonds</em> is my first full length novel, and I hope to see it published in the near future. Yesterday I submitted the manuscript to three publishers...baby step (okay, HUGE step, but it's a baby step in the journey toward being published). Now I wait to see if anyone is as excited about the story as I am. Does it help that it's a series with three more books? I hope so!<br />
<br />
What's the worst that can happen? No one buys the book. Then what? Well, there are hundreds of publishers and ebook companies to contact. But the best part has happened: I finished the book, have started the 2nd one, and have submitted my work for review.<br />
<br />
Baby steps and dreams. Walking doesn't come naturally. We have to learn how, and sometimes we fall down hard. But we stand up with help from family and friends, and keep going, reaching for our dreams.<br />
<br />
One step at a time.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01121371661938333763noreply@blogger.com1