Only 47 Books This Year 

I had so much fun last January blogging about the 52 books I read in 2014 I wanted to repeat the process. I had hoped to read another 52 books in 2015, but it didn’t work out that way. I only got through 47 of them this past year, but reading 47 books in twelve months is no small accomplishment.

 

Numbers usually swim around in my head like a mass of frantic minnows in a fish bowl, still I couldn’t resist the temptation to compare numbers between the past two years. Here are a few of the statistics.  

In 2014 my busiest month was March where I read 7 and ½ books. August was my slowest month I only got through one book. In 2015 the numbers were more spread out. In January, June, August and December I got through 5 books while February, April, July and November I only read 3.

One thing that hasn’t changed is how diverse my reading tastes are. Here’s a break-down of what genre’s I read this past year.

Memoirs and Biographies: 4

Nonfiction/True Crime Drama: 3

Children’s chapter books: 5

Mainstream Fiction: 3

General Romance: 3

Mainstream Christian Fiction: 2

Contemporary Christian Romance: 4

And the genre winner for most books read, Historical Christian Romance. This one is my obvious favorite with a whopping 23 books. The break-down in this category is:

Books set in the 1700’s: 1

Books set in the 1800’s: 13

Books set in the 1900’s: 7

Books set outside the USA in the 1900’s: 2

For the year 2016, we’re only as far as January, but I’m already wondering what the statistics are going to look like next year.       

Top Ten Favorite

Books on the Craft of Writing

 

To commemorate NaNoWriMo, I decided to list my favorite writing books. I participated in the National Novel Writing Month once . . . once. Yes, I completed my novel, but I can say with all honesty, getting as much outlining and characterization done ahead of time can make all the difference. Here’s a list of books I thought might help.

A Novel Idea Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction by Jerry B. Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, and a host of other well known authors: This is the only craft book I read in 2014, but boy is it great. These authors collaborate to bring the reader articles on writing. The Fundamentals of Fiction section contains advice on writing plot, characters, and point of view. Section two is all about Developing Your Craft; section three is specifically geared toward Writing Christian Fiction and section four deals with Networking and Marketing. There is so much information in this book, it’s a must read for any aspiring Inspirational writer.

Break into Fiction by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love: I had the joy of attending an all-day workshop presented by Mary Buckham. I consider her an inspiring teacher, so it’s no surprise that I found her book thought-provoking. I love how this book asks questions at the end of each section and gives space to answer those questions. It really makes the reader think about what they’re writing. It’s great for helping Pansters like me actually do a bit of plotting.

The Complete Writers Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, and Sue Viders: If you need help with characterization this book will be an immense help. It breaks down characters into archetypes and describes what each type would be like. I like how this book uses characters from movies to demonstrate the traits in various character types.     

Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.and E.B. White: This isn’t the biggest writing book on the block, but it’s packed with information on grammar and punctuation. These things are not my strong suit so referencing this book is a must for me.

Eleven Senses- Who Knew? by Marilyn Kelly: Like a sensory thesaurus for things like heat and sound, this is a book I refer to time and again. Within these pages is the most exhaustive list of colors I have found anywhere, as well as a multitude of synonyms for words like walk, said, and turn. It also includes words associated with temperature, balance and time. It’s an awesome resource for writers who need a “fresh” word to describe something in their manuscripts.       

Formatting and Submitting Your Manuscript by Cynthia Laufenberg: This book gives examples of what to do, and what not to do when presenting your manuscript to an agent and editor. It also gives sample cover letters, query letters, and book proposals for everything from screenplays, to children’s picture books, to poetry. This book is a must for the submission process.   

[Romance-ology 101] Writing Romantic Tension for the Inspirational and Sweet Markets by Julie Lessman: If you’re someone who blushes as the mere hint of anything erotic, this book will help. I especially like the section on Appropriate “Bleep” Words for Inspirational Romance. There are lists of Mild Derogatory Names and Mild Expressions which I’ve referenced countless times. I also learned how to create passion between characters without being too graphic or tasteless.

 On Writing by Stephen King: Okay, I haven’t finished this one, but given King’s talent as a writer it’s at the top of my list of books to complete. I do love his rags to riches story and find it very inspiring. There are several examples of his writing, complete with edits, which I find helpful.

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass: This is a very in-depth book for writers. There are whole chapters designated to Plot Techniques and Advanced Plot Structures. What I like is the workbook with various writing exercises, that accompanies Writing the Breakout Novel. This gives authors the opportunity to really think, and plot out, their book.

Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin: One of the first craft books I read, it deals with exactly what I write, Christian romance. The chapters are very insightful, and give helpful advice, on weaving elements of faith into a romantic novel. The chapter on Point-of-View really helped me as a beginner.

Are you planning on participating in NaNoWriMo this year? Do you have any craft of writing books that are helpful to you? What makes them beneficial to you as a writer?

Top Ten Favorite Children’s Classics

To commemorate kids everywhere going back to school, I thought I’d blog on my favorite children’s classic books, and why they are my favorites. It wasn’t easy narrowing it down to ten. I could have easily listed twenty.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: I think this story illustrates what it means to be a true friend, which is a great lesson for kids and adults alike. I still get teary-eyed when I see the movie.

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobel: I can remember being a kid and having these books read to me. I always enjoyed trying to solve the mysteries of this young and amateur, yet highly intelligent sleuth.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: I didn’t discover this heartwarming classic until someone gave it to me when my oldest son was born. I can’t count the number of times I’ve read it to my kids. A story of sacrificial love that still makes me cry when I read it.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss: I remember reading this when I was a small child, and then reading it to my kids years later. I love the whole underlying message of being brave enough to try something new, even if it’s scary.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: This is another classic I didn’t discover until adulthood when I read it to my kids. A sweet simple story for young children, my kids never got tired of hearing it.

Heidi by Joanna Johanna Spyri: I read this as a kid and loved it. Then I saw the movie with Shirley Temple and read it again. Like Heidi, this country girl would prefer the outdoor mountain air to the big city living, any day.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell: I skimmed through this one as a kid, but appreciated it more when I reread it as an adult. It’s a great story of adventure and survival that I really enjoyed.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder: I can’t say enough good things about this series. They are some of my all time favorite children’s classics. I can’t count the number of times I read them as a kid and as an adult. They’re historically educational, and teach good morals, too.

Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen: I really like fairy tales by this author, and Thumbelina is no exception. I love the free-spirited, sense of adventure this character has.

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne: My kids had both books and movies of Winnie the Pooh. It was one of their favorites, and mine. The characters are adorable.

I could have easily listed additional books; there are so many great ones out there. I think it’s important to read to your kids and instill in them the love of good books. I believe reading is a positive attribute that will take them far in life.

Top Ten Favorite Dear America Books

I love this series of books. Not only do they give a spotlight a specific time in history but they offer lessons in geography, too. Told from a child’s perspective, they give honest and moving portrayals to very important milestones in our nation’s history. Here are my favorites in alphabetical order.

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie; The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell: This book described in detail the dangers of traversing the Oregon Trail. I nearly cried when several beloved characters perished. It also offered simple lessons in loss and forgiveness.

A Journey to the New World; The Diary of Patience Remember Whipple: This book made me realize how hard it was founding this country. The work seemed never-ending, and the sacrifices made by everyone, including children, tugged at my heartstrings.

A Picture of Freedom; The Diary of Clotee a Slave Girl: The character in this book was brave beyond description. Not only was she a slave girl who knew how to read and write, but she kept a diary and took great risks to write in it.

The Great Railroad Race; The Diary of Libby West: I learned something when I read this book. One, that Hell on Wheels was a real community that traveled behind the railroad camp. I guess working, and traveling, on the early railroads was dangerous business.

One Eye Laughing, The Other Weeping; The Diary of Julie Weiss; The first half of this book took place in Vienna Austria. I hadn’t seen that in other Dear America books. The last half is set in New York City. I really felt the danger this character was in while living in Europe while Hitler reigned. Although I rejoiced to see her escape Hitler’s clutches, at that point, her heartbreak wasn’t over.  

Survival of the Storm; The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards: This book gave me the clearest picture I had of what it was like to live in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. People in that area, during that time, had a very real and justified fear of the terrible storms. Still, they found ways to survive, like eating jack rabbits for dinner, and wearing clothing made from donated material.     

Voyage on the Great Titanic; The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady: The character in the book made me feel like I was actually on board the Titanic. She described in detail the Grand Staircase, right down to the mahogany steps and the intricate carvings of the hand-made clock.   

When Will This Cruel War Be Over; The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson: There is a gritty honesty on the pages of this book regarding how hard it was for the women left behind while their men were off fighting the Civil War. The suffering they endured was heart wrenching.

Where Have All the Flowers Gone; The Diary of Molly MacKenzie Flaherty: I loved how this book was set in the 1960’s. I haven’t seen too many that are. The character Molly is honest in her feelings regarding the Vietnam War. I thought it was very mature of her to understand both sides of the debate.

 

The Winter of Red Snow; The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Ann Stewart: I learned just how much the surrounding communities helped the soldiers during those cold hard winters during the Revolutionary War. The sacrifices they made, the great loss of life, made me appreciate the freedoms we have today.

Join me next month when I post my favorites in children’s literature.     

Top Ten Favorite Classics in Literature

            I must admit, I had a hard time coming up with this list. I discovered that I haven’t read a lot of classics aimed at adults. I’ve tried reading some, but just couldn’t seem to get into the story. Perhaps it’s due to my lack of patience. I do tend lose interest relatively quickly.

However, I’ve read a bunch of children’s classics, and thus placed them on the list accordingly. Without further adieu, here’s my Top Ten Favorites in Classic Literature.

Centennial by James A. Michener

This heavy book centers around the making of a town called, aptly, Centennial. With a keen interest in westerns, I had to include this one. The first section didn’t get my attention until the story progressed to the year 1795. A man called Pasquinel, a Scotsman named McKeag and an Indian lady, Clay Basket scratch out a living. Later, a wagon train comes through with Levi Zent. When Levi loses his wife and their baby, I nearly put the book down for good, but sighed and picked it up again. Next part of the story centers around a cattle drive. That’s my favorite part.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

I love this children’s classic about true friendship. Fern stood up for Wilbur, even before he knew she existed. Then Charlotte stood up for him, and used creative methods to save him. Templeton the Rat really cracked me up. He had such wit. The story teaches us about loss, grief, and moving on. I think we can all relate to losing somebody we love, and I believe everyone should have at least one friend like Charlotte. Call me a romantic sap, but I think the world would be a much better place if we were all willing to make such sacrifices for others.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

I read this as a child and really enjoyed it. I thought Heidi had a lot of spunk and rooted for her to be reunited with her Grandfather the moment her Auntie took her away. I must say, though, that I felt for Clara, and was glad when she learned to walk. She’d have probably never done so without the encouragement of Heidi, so some good did come of the situation. I for one would prefer the green rolling hills of the Swiss Alps with farm animals and lots of fresh air, as opposed to the stuffy big city. I guess that’s the country girl in me.

The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This is a series of books that accurately depicts pioneer life, chronicling the life of Laura Ingalls and her family. In these books she describes the joys and hardships of growing up on the American frontier. Her family faces crop failures, hard winters, and the tragic loss of her sister Mary’s sight. But they also find contentment in working together during the hard times and realized the dream of Mary going off to college. And in no difficulty did their faith ever waiver. I’ve always found that extremely inspiring. It’s no wonder I can’t count the number of times I’ve read these books, but then again, I do have a passion for stories set in 1800’s America.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I love this classic dealing with the March sisters. I never had sisters so naturally, I latch on to any story that encompasses a plethora of female siblings. I loved everything about them, from their names to what they became in life. When I read this as a kid, I thought Jo was crazy for turning down Teddy’s proposal, but as I got older I saw the wisdom in it. Even though Jo and I are/were both writers, I think the gentle and tender Beth is who I relate to the most. Meg and Amy found their happiness which made for a satisfying ending.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

This is a classic I read in one sitting. It’s a well written story about friends, and sticking together in the midst of real tribulation. It deals with two hard working men in the Great Depression, when hard manual labor meant something. The mentally handicapped Lenny loved things that were soft but didn’t know his own strength. George was the epitome of a faithful friend. Often times, Lenny got them into a mess of trouble, unintentionally of course, due to his lack of understanding. In spite of all this, George truly cared for Lenny, and would do anything to protect him. The ending was sad, but I think that brings realism to the story. 

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

A classic love story, filled with drama and passion. I liked Mercutio, I consider him a loyal friend to Romeo. Every time I see the movie, I can’t help but imagine scenario’s that might have saved the ill-fated couple. I think if any one little thing could have gone in their favor, they might still be alive. But there rests the crux of the issue, had they not died, would their parents ever have buried the proverbial hatchet? In spite of the tragic ending, I’m still a romance writer and had to include some romance somewhere on the list.

Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen

This is such a cute fairy tale, yes, another by Hans Christian Andersen. I admire Thumbelina’s lust for adventure. Although, I’m of a quiet nature, I long to see the world, experience new things and live life to the fullest. One character that helped her along the way was a butterfly, and we all know how partial I am to those creatures. Let’s not forget that Thumbelina found romance in the end, after she had matured dramatically. It doesn’t get much better than that, at least for most romance novelists.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This one is my favorite classic for several reasons. Not only is it set in American history, but it deals with issues near and dear to my heart. Fighting racial discrimination and standing up for justice, even if it means standing alone or facing danger. Scout has to be one of the spunkiest and wisest kids I’ve ever read about. Jem, Scout’s older brother, did a good job of protecting his little sister and Dill had a sense of adventure I can relate to. I admire and respect the character of Atticus Finch. His integrity and devotion to justice inspire me. This is a masterpiece worthy of reading over and again. To this day I cry when I read it.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

This is an honest and gritty coming of age tale that kept me turning pages. Billy Coleman’s biggest dream was to acquire dogs of his own. His tenaciously worked hard for the money to get Old Dan and Little Ann, and took great care of them. Admirable qualities in my opinion. The animal lover in me sobbed at the ending, but I still loved the book.

Okay, that’s it, but I’m reading Sense and Sensibility now, so that could change with time. Feel free to comment below and tell me about your favorite classic in literature.    

 

 

 

Top Ten Favorite Books by Ann Rule

 

I was saving this blog post for the month of October, when Ann celebrates her birthday, but having learned of the challenges she’s facing, I changed my mind and decided to post it now, to show my support for this very great lady.

I first read Ann back in the 1980’s. Small Sacrifices was my first venture into her books. I had the absolute joy of meeting her at a Northwest Women’s show, years ago, where she signed a few books for me. They are some of my most treasured possessions today. Here is a list of some of my favorites by this talented author.

A Fever in the Heart: This one took place in Yakima and was so full of twists and turns, I couldn’t put it down. It deeply saddened, and angered me, that a man as kind as Morris Blankenbaker could be betrayed, and then killed by someone who claimed to be his friend.

…And Never Let Her Go: I found this book intriguing. It boggles my mind how someone could have so much going for them, and still perpetuate such heinous acts of violence. How heartbreaking for the family of his victim, Ann Marie Fahey.

A Rose For Her Grave: I believe this is the second book by Ann that I read. Like the first, it had me on the edge of my seat and turning pages as fast as I could read them. The killer’s cold and deceptive behavior both shocked and frightened me. My heart aches for the children he left motherless.

Dead by Sunset: This one made me cringe at how close the killer came to getting away with murder. The fact that he would do harm to innocent people to cover his crimes shows just how cold and calculating he is.

The Green River Killer: I am so glad they finally caught the man who committed these terrible crimes. I have tremendous respect for the detectives never gave up. My heart breaks for the families of the victims, there were so many of them.

The I-5 Killer: This one was a little bit hard to read. I remember it so vividly. The composite sketches all were all over the news. I was relieved when they caught the killer. Surprisingly, he had the potential to become someone great had he not succumbed to his deviant behavior.  

Ann Rule’s Omnibus: This one is precious to me. It’s an anthology of cases from her first three crime files books combined into one hard cover. It was also out of print. I emailed Ann to see where I might get a copy. She sent me a signed copy, free of charge. If that doesn’t show what a kind and generous woman she is, I don’t know what does.

Small Sacrifices: The first Ann Rule book I ever took the time to read. I couldn’t put it down. What a tragic story, I really felt for those kids. I was shocked that a mother could do that kind of thing to her own children.   

Smoke, Mirror’s, and Murder: I really like this one because Ann shows just how easy it is to get tangled up with a violent partner. She goes on to tell how to get away from someone who is abusive. The whole premise of the book seems to be a voice for abused women. I can’t help but respect her for being that voice.   

The Stranger Beside Me: This is probably Ann’s most famous book. I’ve read it several times over. It makes me wonder how some people can do such horrible things. How can some people be such chameleons? Ann seemed to be close with this notorious killer, and that must have made it terribly difficult for her to write it.

There you have it, my favorites from this gifted writer. I love how Ann writes with such compassion and empathy for the victims.  That’s probably why she’s one of my favorite authors. Join me next month when I post my favorite classics in literature.

Top Ten Favorite

Historical Heartsong Presents

 

I began reading Heartsong Presents well over a decade ago, and it breaks my heart that they’ve been discontinued. I enjoy the sweet simplicity of these stories. They’re free of profanity, graphic violence and sexual overtones, which is why I love them.

These books deal with a wide variety of social issues and, at the same time, incorporate an uplifting Christian message. Reading about different time periods, various locations, and a wide variety of occupations really holds my interest.

I can’t say enough great things about this series. Here are ten favorites, in the historical genre.

 

AS THE RIVER DRIFTS AWAY, by Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver: This book demonstrated that no matter how mismatched a couple can be, God can work miracles and heal the deepest of wounds. Heartwarming, inspiring and set during the Civil War, I loved it.  

THE COLUMNS OF COTTONWOOD, by Sandra Robbins: This book dealt with the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. Savannah Carmichael wanted nothing more than to hang on to her family’s plantation. She had to work hard and learn to compromise, which made me root for her all the more.      

ELIZA, by Mildred Colvin: The heroine Eliza is determined to keep what’s left of her family together. I really admired her for that. She did a lot of growing as a character and I rooted for her along the way, until she got her happily ever after.

THE GLASSBLOWER, by Laurie Alice Eakes: So often I learn things about myself by relating with the hero and/or heroine. In this book I related to a secondary character, the father of the heroine, Meg. Meg’s father loved her very much, but his overbearing ways made life difficult for her. Seeing the mistakes this character made has inspired me to be more patient with my kids. Also, reading about the occupation of glassblowing was interesting.       

HEART’S HERITAGE, by Ramona K. Cecil: A pregnant woman in peril is one sure way to get me turning the pages of a book. Annie Martin was one tough cookie for homesteading, while recently widowed, and pregnant. When Indians kidnapped her, Brock Martin came to the rescue. Suspenseful yet heartwarming, a great story.

THE HONORABLE HEIR, by Laurie Alice Eakes: In this book I learned about a location I hadn’t heard of before, Tuxedo Park, New York. This suspenseful who-dunnit had me turning pages to find out what happened to the Bisterne jewels. I just knew it couldn’t be Catherine, the heroine. It had a surprising yet satisfying ending.  

IN SEARCH OF A MEMORY, by Pamela Griffin: A fantastic book set during the Great Depression. When the heroine Angel, was emotionally mistreated by her family I really felt for her. A happily ever after seemed near impossible with Roland since his family was a bunch of gangsters, but it happened. This book taught me a lot about carnival life in that era, too.   

RAMSHACKLE ROSE, by Cathy Marie Hake: I loved how the character Rose was so different from what most women were in 1897. She embraced her uniqueness and didn’t try to fold herself into a stereo-typical mold. I thought that showed great strength for a character.   

PROMISE OF TIME, by S. Dionne Moore: This one piqued my interest because the heroine, Ellie Lester, worked on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Then, the hero, Theodore comes to visit. Sparks flew, but with time love grew, and proved to be stronger than bitterness.

OZARK SWEETHEARTS, by Helen Gray: One of the reason’s I liked this book is because it was set during the Great Depression. It also dealt with bootlegging, two issues that, from what I’ve seen, aren’t often written about. It was different, which made for an enjoyable read.

 

Join me next month when I list another ten of my favorite books.