Revisions...When is enough, enough?

Hi, All:

I'm over on Writer's Rest today, blogging about the writer's revision conundrum. I hope you'll visit me there, and help me figure it out. http://writersrest.blogspot.com/2008/07/revisionswhen-is-enough-enough.html

Blessings,

Eileen

Book Review of Cyndy Salzmann's Crime & Clutter

Crime & Clutter by Cyndy Salzmann
Genre: Woman’s Lit.
Published by Howard Books (2007)
ISBN: 1582296448
Amazon.com Easy Link to Purchase

Crime & Clutter is Cyndy Salzmann’s second installment in her Friday Afternoon Club Mystery series. A fun, appetizing, down-to-earth read that makes you feel as though you’re a part of the club—-learning and growing with the sometimes overwhelmed, but always well-meaning ladies of the FAC.

When Mary Alice’s long-held secret is discovered by a fellow member, it becomes the FAC’s mission to help her sort through the contents of her late father’s possessions, and discover why he abandoned his wife and infant daughter decades earlier. As the door to the storage unit is lifted, what awaits them is far from expected.

In Crime & Clutter, Salzmann humorously depicts current-day, mundane and surprising situations while taking the reader for an emotional ride back through the days of The Revolution. Like a good friend, Salzmann shares unique and tantalizing recipes to experiment with, too. You’ll find yourself gravitating to your kitchen and wanting to share both the recipes and the mystery packaged in Crime & Clutter with all your friends.

Cyndy Salzmann’s mastery of withholding information facilitates an inviting and entertaining read. She strategically discloses bits of information throughout the story, keeping the reader foraging ahead to piece it all together. Written in both first-person, present-tense and third-person past-tense, Crime & Clutter is a diversified read, rich in character, and depicts a delightfully realistic take on the process of forgiveness. I highly recommend this unique read for all women who seek a healthy dose of “girl time”, and be forewarned, there are some especially nice surprises along the way.

Getting Back on Track

Hi, All:

Hubby and I are fine-tuning our upcoming course for this blog (Applying Business Principles and Practices to Your Writing Life), and I'm trying to get back into my writing after a couple week hiatus from it, as well as organizing my blog time. Boy, do I need this course we're working on. As we work through the topics I see more and more how I need to look at my writing hours in a business manner to be more efficient and also to prioritize all of my life and stay true to what God calls of me.

Our goal is to provide the overview next Monday, so if you know of anyone else who might benefit from looking at their writing through a business perspective, please send them on over here. Leave any topics you'd like to see addressed in the comment section and we'll do our best to address them during the weeks we post on this course.

I'm also running a FeedBlitz contest this summer. For all my FeedBlitz subscribers, present company, and any who sign up this summer, I'll be drawing a winner in early September for your choice of one of several books, a $15.00 Starbucks card, and an added surprise gift. If you haven't signed up already, I hope you'll subscribe for FeedBlitz today (those already signed up, and who remain as subscribers throughout the summer are automatically entered. Thank you for your support of this blog!). It's easy to subscribe, just enter your e-mail address in the space provided at the top left of the side bar and validate your request through the e-mail sent from FeedBlitz.

Blessings, and Take Care All!

Eileen

Physiotherapy for the dogs? ... and Vocabulary Enrichment

Hi, All:

I pray all is going well for you, and that your summer vacation is heating up, too! So far this summer my family has had the privilege of attending two equestrian schooling horse shows, and now today, our Church's VBS (Vacation Bible School) wrapped up with more than 70 kids attending the whole week. A fun time was had by all, I believe. And what an awesome group of youth to work with. I pray they all learned how to Listen Up! for God's messages a little bit clearer this week!

On top of all that so far, my family has also been deep into physiotherapy work with our little Yorkie-poo, Tucker. His right front elbow is healing very nicely. The pins and screw have stayed where they belong and the bones are mending well. It's his flexibility and muscle tone that really needs work, and for that, guess what we do?

We take him to doggy physiotherapy if you can believe it. Some will be rolling their eyes at this, I know, but around here, in my family, pets are like children and you do what ever you have to to make their life better. For Tucker, in this case, it's physiotherapy, because if we can't get him to use his leg properly then it will have to be removed. Considering the investment we've already made in having his joint surgically repaired, physiotherapy seemed like a no-brainer to us when the doctor gave the directive. I must admit, though, both my husband and I were expecting exorbitant fees for this type therapy, but thankfully, we were pleasantly surprised. When you compare it to the surgery cost, it really is not badly priced at all, and well worth the effort. I highly recommend that people not shrug this type of work off without first checking out the actual cost.

We've been taught several exercises to do with Tucker at home throughout the week, between sessions, and then when he's in his half-hour session, he gets therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy done, and spends time in the underwater treadmill, as well as doing some floor exercises with the trained therapist. Since we have a pool, part of his daily work-out regimen is to swim to help build muscle. He's responding quite well.

Next week we go back to the OVC (Ontario Veterinary Clinic) to see Tucker's orthopedic surgeon, and have x-ray done once more. We're anxious to see what improvement his doctor notices. Our little Tucker is still quite a joy to have around and continues to do his work-outs with fun and his usual attitude thrown in their too. Just like having a baby all over again. So glad he isn't a human one, though!

So that's my Tucker update. Hope you enjoy the pics, and that your weekend is marvelous! Smile lots, everyone!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary Enhancement:

I've chosen this weeks word from a study I've been doing to prepare for my upcoming blog course: Applying Business Practices and Principles to Your Writing Life. You'll have to stay tuned to see where the word of the week comes into play in that course. (Hint: It's early on in the study.)

I've heard this word many times, and often thought it was an interesting one, but one that may have gained a connotation or two that it didn't deserve. So I did some checking, and discovered that given the true definition, I really like this word a lot, and it deserves to be understood and defined correctly.

Moxie, is the word we'll discuss today.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition for moxie is: 1: , Energy, Pep 2: Courage, Determination

The American Heritage Dictionary definition for moxie is : 1: The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.
2: Aggressive energy; initiative: "His prose has moxie, though it rushes and stumbles from a pent-up surge" (Patricia Hampl).
3: Skill; know-how.

My favorite definition for what I'm wanting to use the word for is: "The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage." Don't we all need at least a little moxie to fulfill our role in life?

What sentences can you come up with using the word moxie?

Blessings,

Eileen

An Interview with Amber Miller & Book Giveaway

I welcome Amber Miller to my Authors-Helping-Writers Interview segment. Author Amber Miller keeps busy with writing, parenting her vivacious puppy named Roxie, and working as a freelance web site designer. With four books sold to Heartsong Presents line of Barbour Publishing, and the promise of two more before the end of the year, she is one up and coming author we’ll be lucky enough to enjoy stories from for quite some time. Amber is currently pursuing an expansion into trade-length historical fiction, and has an interest in romantic comedy as well.

Amber is a born-again Christian since the age of seven, her faith in Christ has often sustained her through difficult experiences. She seeks to share that with others through her writing. Other writing credits include several writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and nine contributions to the book, 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage.

You can read more about the amazing Amber Miller at her web site: http://www.ambermiller.com/.


Q: Amber, please tell us your thoughts on Writer’s Conferences?

A: I support them 100%. If you can get to one, go. You won’t regret it. Whether it’s a local or regional, or even a national. They are worth their weight in gold for advancing your career. As for criteria, I’d look at the faculty who will be presenting and the workshop topics. If I don’t find enough to make it worth my while, I’ll choose a different conference. Cost and location are also significant factors. That’s why I make a commitment to attend ACFW every year, then the local Colorado one here at home.

The networking, connections, experiences, friendship, fellowship, prayer and praise time at ACFW are beyond parallel to any other conference I’ve attended. It was at that conference in 2003 where I connected with the publishing house that is now publishing my books. It’s also there where I’ve met countless editors, agents and industry professionals, not to mention other authors and writers who have become mentors, friends and confidantes. If you write fiction and can attend this one, don’t miss it. If it’s too far, start with regional and local ones, then aim for the big national one.

Q: What or who inspired you to take up fiction writing?

A: Tracie Peterson encouraged me to join ACFW, and Linda Windsor mentored me all the way through my first novel. I don’t know that either of them inspired me to begin fiction writing though. I’ve been telling and writing stories since childhood. I’d call it a natural offshoot of my creative mind and desire to get lots in worlds I create when the real world isn’t good enough to suit me.

Q: Is there something unique or special about you or how you write that you would like to tell us about?

A: In all my years of reading, I have found one common theme in the books that make it to the top of my list. They are the ones where I can get right into the thick of things with the main characters. If I can experience everything right alongside them, I’m hooked.

So, for my books, I write in what’s called a “tight POV” or close point-of-view. This means, it has the feel of first-person while still maintaining the third-person qualities. For an example, check out the first chapters of the first 2 books on my books page. (www.ambermiller.com/books.html)


This is so true, Amber. I loved the tight POV in Promises, Promises. Gives such an intimate feel with your characters, like you’re their best friend when you quite relate with their responses, and the character themselves when you fully relate to their reactions. It’s just wonderful!

Q: How long did you concentrate on learning the craft of fiction writing before you received your initial offer?

A: I spent about 4 years from the time I decided to pursue this as a professional career to when I received my first “sold” call.

Q: Have publishing rejections been a part of your writing life? If so, how do you handle them?

A: Rejections are a part of the experience, and just because an author gets published doesn’t mean he or she can put rejections behind him or her. On the contrary; with each and every book, the process starts all over again. I, personally, have received anywhere from 10-15 rejections on my books or my writing since I began pursuing this career. But thanks to my good friend, Linda Windsor (www.lindawindsor.com), I have a fresh outlook on them. She says, “Rejections are footsteps in your career. If you don’t get them, you’re not moving forward.” And that’s so true.

When they arrived, I admit to digging into the half-gallon of ice cream and drowning my sorrows in a bowl full of chocolate truffle or mint chocolate chip. But, that usually lasted a day or two and I was back at it. Rejections hurt. I’m not going to pretend they don’t. However, you can’t let them stop you from going for your goal. Otherwise, the rejections—and the enemy—win.

Q: What did you do to actively pursue a writing career?

A: When I made the commitment in 2002, I joined ACFW (www.acfw.com) and soaked up every morsel of instruction, teaching and coaching I could find. I joined an online critique group and am proud to say that all members but 1 of that original group are now published. And that last 1 is very close!

I didn’t set a daily word limit for myself at the time, but I did commit to writing every week. My reading habits also changed from reading for pleasure to reading for critiquing and analysis. I began picking apart successful novels to see what made them work and noting why other novels didn’t do anything for me.

But by far, the best decision I made was to attend the annual conferences of ACFW. The details of that are in a question above.

Q: How many novels did you have completed before your first sale? Do you intend to try selling all of them? Why, or why not?

A: I had 2 finished, including the 1 I sold. Now, I have 4-5 in various stages of completion and yes, I’d love to sell all of them. It just depends on the market and finding someone who will buy them. I do write for enjoyment, but I also write novels to see them in print. If I want to write something not intended for publication, I’ll stick to a short story. Writing a novel involves far too much sweat and hard work for me not to see the finished result in book form.

Q: When you first started writing, approximately how long did it take you to complete and edit a novel until you felt it was ready to be shopped around? Have you noticed a decrease in the time it takes you to complete novels to your satisfaction now?

A: Ok, some readers are going to hate me for this, but the very first novel I wrote took me 19 days. *ducks to avoid flying computer parts* But I was on a college break and not working and had nothing to do. And, it still needs a LOT of edits before it’s publishable.

For my debut novel, with research included, it took me about 1-1/2 years, but for the actual writing and editing parts, about a year. With those 2 under my belt, my next books have gone much smoother. I can generally write a 50,000-word book in about 1 month when I truly focus. Otherwise, I do about 1-2 chapters each week.

If you’re looking to balance your own writing, go with what works for you. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s pace or goals. Their writing isn’t your writing. Establish a routine that proves successful and don’t get stressed because you find some other writer or author writing more than you. Just be you and set goals that will keep you writing, not ones that will discourage you and cause you to quit.

Q: What is a typical writing day for you?

A: Well, since I run a web design business from home, I don’t have a ‘typical’ day, per se…unless I’m on a deadline, of course! Then, almost everything else takes a back seat or gets shoved to the back burner. However, I rise early (most days) with my husband and send him off to work first thing. Then, I sit down at my computer and go through any email, respond and take care of business, make any updates to client web sites or work on design elements that are pressing in nature, and finally get to my writing.

On days that I remain home with nowhere to go, I try to set a page count minimum and stick to it. And I usually end up doing marketing work, watching a movie or playing a computer game to break up the day as I write. My errands are usually run first thing in the morning.

Q: What does your publishing house expect of you with regard to self-promoting your novel(s)?

A: They promote on their web site and send out bi-annual catalogs featuring their latest releases. They also have an e-mail newsletter that goes out and a newsletter which gets included in all book club shipments. They promote what’s out this month and what’s coming next month.

On my end, they don’t really expect or demand that I do anything, but they appreciate it if I have an established online presence and do my fair share in promoting my books. They’re behind me when I need content for publicity and will do everything they can to make certain all materials are complete and accurate. If I have questions, I can ask, and I’ll get a reply usually within 24 hours or less. I love my editing/publishing team.

Q: Many new writers don’t know when to stop editing and revising. How do you decide when your manuscript is ready for your editor’s or agent’s eyes?

A: I, along with likely all authors, believe there is always work to be done on a book, even after it’s been published and printed. However, there comes a time when you must lay it aside and trust God to do the rest. No book is 100% perfect, nor will it ever be. Personally, I go with my gut. When I can’t do that, I go with the deadline. LOL!

Q: Do you have any further direction or thoughts that you care to share with weary authors-in-training?

A: Writing is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, patience, perseverance and faith. And it won’t happen overnight. You have to maintain a teachable spirit and be open to constructive criticism, no matter how far along in your writing journey you get. In the end, the rewards far outweigh all the sweat and tears you shed along the way. Most importantly, if you feel this is the path for you, never give up!

Thanks so much, Amber, for stopping by and sharing such wonderful information. For a review of Amber Miller's Promises, Promises click here, and now let's take a look at Amber Millers first two books out.

Promises, Promises
Publisher: Barbour/Heartsong Presents
Release date: February 2008 through Heartsong Presents; July 2008 to bookstores and online retailers
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Delaware Brides, book 1
ISBN: 9781597899390
Ordering link: www.ambermiller.com/books.html

Has God forsaken Raelene?

What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

Quills & Promises
Publisher: Barbour/Heartsong Presents
Release date: July 2008
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Delaware Brides, book 2
ISBN: 9781602600492
Ordering link: www.ambermiller.com/books.html

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--

With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

For more on Amber Miller, take a gander over to the following interviews as they become available.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature) - http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com

July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio) http://margaretdaly.blogspot.com
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith http://writebyfaith.blogspot.comJuly 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview) http://margaretdaly.blogspot.com
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com
July 11 - Rose McCauley http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight http://www.footprintsinthesand.us/blog
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews http://noveljourney.blogspot.com / http://novelreviews.blogspot.com
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey http://eileenastels.blogspot.com
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at The Squirrel's Nest http://squirrelsnest.blogspot.comJuly 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.comJuly 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews http://www.faithwebbin.net/cbreviews
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom http://jeffstacyandvader.blogspot.com
July 21 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.comJuly 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft http://camytang.blogspot.comJuly 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com
July 22 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/category/plain-talk/
July 23 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.comJuly 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.comJuly 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary http://cballan.wordpress.com
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com


BOOK GIVEAWAY: If you would like to be entered into a drawing for Amber Miller’s newest release, Quills & Promises, please leave a pertinent comment in this post with your augmented e-mail address before Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 9:00 pm Eastern time. Good luck to everyone!

July 24th update: Congratulations to Mimi B. for winning Amber Miller's Quills & Promises. Thanks all for entering, and I wish you the best of luck in the future drawings you enter!

Blessings,

Eileen

I'm Back!

Unexpected family events, VBS, and a very loooong horse show have kept me away from the computer for the past week. I'm going to try and get back on track again. Promise!

Tomorrow, the goal is to post an Authors-Helping-Writers interview with Heartsong Presents author Amber Miller. There have been a few glitches with this, though, but I hope to have it all ironed out and have the post up by late afternoon tomorrow. We'll have to wait and see what happens. I'm anxious to learn more about this Promises, Promises author. Click on the book title or here for my review.

I pray all is well with everyone and that your summer is going well!

Blessings,

Eileen

An Interview with Kimberly Stuart and Giveaway of ACT TWO

Kimberly Stuart makes her home in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband, Marc, and their two children, Ana and Mitch. She began her writing career by journaling during her daughter’s first year of life. At the never-subtle urging of her mother, she entered the University of Iowa Alumni magazine’s annual nonfiction short story contest. After winning the contest, she attended the Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference in North Carolina, where she met some key players in the publishing world who were able to jumpstart her career. She is the author of Balancing Act and its sequel, Bottom Line.

Stuart’s most recent novel, Act Two, released May 2008, and is the first of three titles to be published by David C. Cook. She continues to revel in God’s grace and counts among her treasures nap time, imported chocolate, and a good story.


Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: I’m going to forego commentary on the slightly injurious nature of the phrase “spare time.” I am the mother of two (three in August) young children and they, at least, do not see the value of those words. But hypothetically speaking, were I to come upon a windfall of time, spare or otherwise, I would run, not walk to our local bookstore and immerse myself in a good book. After several hours of literary indulgence, I’d skip down the street to the bakery and talk shop with the owner, pretending I know more than I do and serving happily as a taste testing lab rat should he or she need one. After a pecan roll or maybe a Dutch letter, I’d meet my husband at the market for some shopping, head home with him to our kiddos, and cook up something lovely to share with them. Husband, kids, books, food—a perfect stretch of moments strung together in one afternoon. MAN, I need to book a babysitter more often!


Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: I would like to defer to my five-year-old daughter on this one as it’s been the topic of discussion for several of the last weeks. She would like the power to make her stuffed animals come alive with the touch of a hand. This, regrettably, creeps me out. But you did ask and I fear I’m merely a contemporary fiction writer and am woefully hemmed in to real people and real problems. Making stuffed creatures come alive is a problem I hope never to have to resolve, either in a book or in my living room. Ish.


Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: When I was a child, I wanted to be a “seener” (singer). Mostly, I wanted to be Amy Grant. That’s right, people: I was into STRAIGHT UP AMY GRANT. The hard stuff, the early years, like “My Father’s Eyes,” and “El Shaddai.” I rocked out (with choreography) in our basement, next to a record player roughly the size of an Escalade and was wholeheartedly convinced of my musical and entertaining genius. If only I could have met her at the right time, perhaps post-Gary, pre-Vince, we could have toured together! She totally could have used a back-up dancer/singer! In fact, if you’re reading this, Amy, I’m still available!


Q: Where are you headed next?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: God willing, I’ll be giving birth to our third child in August, so I’m afraid I won’t be heading anywhere too quickly. Lactation seems to preclude so many of life’s adventures…In addition to caring for our growing brood and being really snippy with my husband for a few months due to sleep deprivation, I have two more books to write with David C. Cook. Act Two is the first of three, and I must ask you humbly to buy it within the next four minutes as it is time-sensitive material. And it’s a pretty good summer read, if I must be so bold. After Act Two will come two more. This will make a grand total of five books so far from the pen of Kimberly Stuart. Don’t place any bets that I’ll try to have as many children as I do books. When it comes to babies, those in print are much kinder on a uterus.


Q: What’s the most difficult part of the writing process for you?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: Making myself sit down each day and crank out new material, especially on days when I’m feeling about as creative as a paint tarp.*Pushing through the middle of a novel, when the characters have lost their initial intrigue and it’d be so much more fun to daydream about the NEXT story to write.*Getting out of the way of the story. That is, allowing the story to flesh itself out without coercion on my part.*Being able to, as Stephen King writes, “crucify my darlings,” to part with the elements, characters, plot movements that do not serve the story, no matter how fond I am of them.


Q: What part do you enjoy the most?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: Without question, hearing from readers who connect with, cry about, laugh because of the stories I write and then take the time and effort to let me know. Unbelievable and lovely.


Q: How do you find time to write?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: For every writer asked this question, I’m sure you’d get as many answers. At this time in my life and the life of my family, I write in the afternoons when my daughter is at preschool and my son is napping. This is unfortunate for two reasons: One, my toilets become gross because the time I used to devote to being Martha Stewart is now devoted to being Kimberly Stuart, a woman with far fewer housekeeping ambition and far more dust bunnies. Two, afternoons are not my most creative time, mostly because I’d rather be napping. So I’ve had to force my mind and my body into thinking one o’clock is Do or Die and that by the time Mitchell’s awake and Ana is home from school, I’d better have a new scene or I don’t get any chocolate for dessert. (Okay, that last bit is a stretch of the truth. Self-denial is overrated.)


Q: When you write do you generally know where you’re headed or are you sometimes as surprised as your characters about the way things end?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: I begin a novel with barely more detail than that which I’ve pitched to the publishing house. I have a feel for the main character, the overall arc of the story, the central conflict. But the ancillary characters, the chapter-by-chapter breakdown, how my protagonist changes and what takes her there, those all flesh themselves out in the course of writing the book. My genre, comedic fiction, allows for this kind of approach but I’m sure a mystery wouldn’t be as forgiving. One can hardly decide whodunit as an afterthought. So, yes, I’m often surprised by what happens in my books, how some characters become unlikely heroes or heroines, how others reveal secrets I hadn’t anticipated. All in all, it’s quite the entertaining way to write.


Q: What would you say to someone who wants to become a published author?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: Hone your craft. There are lots of fancy stories about getting one’s foot in the door to a publisher, how to get an agent, how to market oneself and one’s story. But the best way to ensure you’ll be ready to take on the publishing mayhem is to work your tail off at writing. Become your toughest critic (short of paralysis, of course), get up the guts to share your work with someone smarter and more well-read than you, spend the hours good writing requires. Most of a writer’s life is very quiet, unromantic, and isolating. Unless you’re ready to devote yourself to the less glamorous parts of writing a good story, you’ll be spinning your wheels for the time when a good break comes.


Q: Where did you get the idea for your book, Act Two?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: I can’t possibly reveal that to the blogosphere, and I say that only partly because I’ve always wanted to use the word blogosphere. The other reason is that this one percolated for awhile. There was no lightning bolt moment. But I will say that I’m always interested in putting quirky characters in situations that make them woefully uncomfortable and allow the reader to laugh with gusto both at and with the character. A New York opera diva on a farm seemed like a situation that might work for that purpose.


Q: What are the major themes of Act Two?

Kimberly Stuart's Response: Grace, redemption, my love and respect for both urban and rural dwellers, and the under-used gift of laughter.

For more information about Kimberly, visit her at http://www.kimberlystuart.com/. For a listing of the blog tour spots featuring Kimberly Stuart, please visit http://www.blogtourspot.com/stuart-blog-tour/stuart-blog-tour-stops/ .

Act Two by Kimberly Stuart

New Yorker Sadie Maddox is the toast of the classical-music world-and a
bit of a diva. But lately her CD sales are sagging, not to mention parts of
her anatomy. Maybe it's time for a change. So when her agent suggests a
professorship at a small liberal-arts college, Sadie decides to give it a go.
Besides, she needs the money.

But the college is in rural Iowa. Sadie's colleagues are intimidated, her
students aren't impressed, and she has to live far too close to farm animals.
When Sadie meets Mac, a veterinarian, she assumes they have nothing in
common-he is, after all, a country-music fan-and she's counting the days
until she moves back to New York. Yet, when Sadie is forced to spend time
with Mac, she likes him. Her students really need her. And this quiet midwest
community begins to grow on her.

But when the semester ends, Sadie packs up and decamps for the city
that never sleeps.and fi nds she can't either. Will she fi nd the courage and
grace she needs to embrace her Act Two?


Book Giveaway:

If you'd like to be entered into the drawing for a copy of Kimberly Stuart's Act Two, please leave a comment in this post with your augmented e-mail addy by Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.

July 17th Update: The first lucky winner of Kimberly Stuart's Act Two was Deborah, but she was so lucky that she also won it elsewhere, so she offered to have a redrawing. Next one to win would have been smilinkyn, Kyndra, but I couldn't find an e-mail addy for her, so she had to be withdrawn too. Please, Please, Please, if you do not have your blogger id hooked to an e-mail address then you must include an augmented e-mail addy in your comment to be eligible to win.

So, now I'm hoping that the third person drawn will answer my private e-mail. Patty, if my e-mail got lost in your spam filter, please notify me via this comment section and I'll try again. Congratulations. I'd love to send this book off to you!


Good Luck, Everyone, and Blessings,

Eileen