Friday, September 19, 2008

My Christmas Book, Gift Basket Prize

A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS

(Leafwood Publishers, October 2008)

A wonderful new gift book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, is available in October for Christmas giving. Today, I’ve invited the six coauthors to share their unique story of how they came together to publish this exciting book full of stories, recipes, tips for simplifying the holidays and so much more (click on bookcover to see the trailer!). Leave a comment on this post to enter to win a deluxe Christmas gift basket.

First, let me introduce Cathy Messecar, Leslie Wilson, Brenda Nixon, Trish Berg, Terra Hangen and Karen Robbins. Thank you for being here today, ladies.

Karen: Thank you for the invitation.

You are from three different areas of the country—Texas, California, and Ohio. How did you all meet?

Terra: We all six joined The Writers View, an online group for professional Christian writers. Trish and Brenda met in person in 2004 for lunch, I understand, and on 9/18/04, after reading a post Brenda sent to TWV, I sent an email to Brenda, asking if she would like to join with me and walk alongside each other, as a Barnabas group. Brenda said yes that same day, and suggested Trish too. Very quickly Cathy, Leslie and Karen joined in and our stalwart band of six was formed. Living in California, I was so happy to find 5 Barnabas writers in other states so we could bring together a wealth of different viewpoints and expertise

Brenda: Actually, We haven’t met. We’re all great colleagues and friends via the internet. Four years ago Terra and I formed a dyad to support each other as Christians who write in the secular markets. Along came Trish, Cathy, Karen, and Leslie (not necessarily in that order) and we formed a close knit bond of support, creative energy, and professional accountability.

Karen: I met Trish through an online forum called The Writers View and she invited me to join the group.

Trish: Although we belong to the same Yahoo writing group, we met one by one online. Eventually, the six of us decided that since we all write as Christians for a secular market through magazine articles and newspaper columns, we could support and encourage one another.

Leslie: Though we met virtually through The Writers View, I have been blessed to give and get hugs from Trish (at a MOPS conference), Cathy (in the area on business) and Karen (in town for a writers' conference). I can’t wait to meet Terra and Brenda face-to-face, though I feel as though I already know them!

How did you come up with the idea to do a book together?

Brenda: The book is Cathy’s brainchild. She mentioned the concept of telling stories of events that happened for the first time at Christmas and sharing holiday historical tidbits and recipes and each said, “If you need any help, let me know.” That offer morphed into each of us equally contributing and co-authoring A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

Trish: Yep, Cathy came up with the idea and the title, and asked us if we wanted to join her on this project. Of course, we said Yes!

Terra: Cathy mentioned the idea for a Christmas book to the group, and someone (I think it was Leslie) suggested that maybe our group could all write the book together. Cathy agreed to lead the way on the project. The earliest email I have on this is from 9/7/05, which shows that this has been a three year collaboration from idea to publication.

Karen: (Chuckling) Terra is a librarian and keeps our historical records by saving our e-mails.

Leslie: Actually, Terra, I wrote that comment (in a group e-mail) kind of tongue-in-cheek. Cathy, the ultra-sweet person she is, took my joking at face value and here we are. However, I believe God prompted the passion and ideas we all bring to the project and that He will do mighty things as a result of our collaboration!

Why did you decide on a Christmas theme?

Brenda: It was Cathy’s concept to write a book centering on Christmas.

Cathy: For several years, I’d been thinking about Christmas as a threshold to introduce Jesus to folks who aren’t familiar with him, and I love a simpler Christmas with the emphasis on family, friends and doing for others. I knew of some families who had experienced “firsts” at Christmas—reunions, losses, special surprises—and I wanted to collect those stories.

Terra: Cathy’s idea immediately resonated with me because Christmas books are “a way past watchful dragons,” as C. S. Lewis wrote. Many people won’t buy a book about being a Christian, but will buy a holiday and family fun book, thus the “past watchful dragons.” People who want to grow in their faith, and people who have no faith but celebrate Christmas will buy our book and hopefully be led to put the focus back on Christ for the holiday, and for their lives.

Leslie: Though Cathy birthed the idea, the rest of us quickly hopped on board. Not only is Christmas special to me—especially now that I have a family of my own—but also that particular holiday cries out to be simplified, to return to the meaningful aspects of celebration, and to lose some of the hype and commercialism.

Tell me a little about what is in A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts? What is your favorite part?

Cathy: I like that you can read one chapter in about 15 minutes and, with all the different suggestions, it feels like Christmas Eve. Makes you want to set up the nativity! Many of the suggestions for family activities can be adapted for any family get-together.

Karen: There are heartwarming stories about things that happened for the first time at Christmas. For instance, one of my stories is about the first Christmas with our adopted children. And the book is pretty. When I first saw the colorful pages and drawings, I fell in love with the illustrator’s work.

Brenda: I don’t have a favorite part – I love it all!

Terra: I like the way the parts are woven into a seamless whole, like a patchwork quilt, that is stronger and more beautiful than the parts.

Trish: It’s like everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas, all the best tips and recipes, and neat stories all wrapped up in this perfect little package.

Leslie: I love reading the special stories, hints, recipes—whatever—and imagining the precious family time that precipitated each moment. Plus, the book is gorgeous, beautifully printed, truly something to be proud of. And we are.

I’ve heard that the book is really a nice gift book; can you tell me a little about the format?

Cathy: Yes, it’s a hardbound book, full color interior. The layout makes it easy to read. It has a definite scrapbooky look on the interior. Different logos identify sections, such as an oilcloth-look Christmas stocking appears beside the “Stocking Stuffer Tradition” (help for connecting family members), and the “Cookie Canister” recipes are on a recipe card, and the back ground of “A Gift For You” is a gift box with bow. It’s a classy gift that they can be placed on a coffee table or in a guest bedroom during the holiday season.

Brenda: I like to describe it as a Starbuck’s sorta gift book. It’s high quality, crisp, and practical.

With six different personalities and areas of ministry, how did you manage to put this all together and still remain friends?

Karen: We pray a lot for each other and it helps that none of us have an over-inflated ego.

Cathy: There were no squabbles. Surely, we had differing opinions, but we knew that any of us could suggest an idea for this book and that each idea would get fair reviews from others. We actually voted on some aspects—everyone in favor say, “Aye.” If you’ve ever watched women at a Dutch treat luncheon when they divide up a meal ticket, it can be intense as they split the ticket down to the penny. As the project came together, I was in awe of my gracious coauthors, unselfish women who respect each other.
For some decisions, we did a round robin—things like book title and chapter titles and what categories to put into the book. Then, as compiler, I’d send out a list of needs to The Word Quilters, that’s what we call ourselves. For instance in a section we call “Peppermints for Little Ones” (hints for children’s activities), I’d put out a call, and the WQs sent in their hints, and then I put them into appropriate chapters.

Brenda: (Smiling) Are we still friends? Seriously, we each have our own platform, ministry, and family life, and those interests kept this project in perspective – it was important but not the only thing on our plates. No one was so enmeshed in this project that she campaigned for her own way. We never had a bitter disagreement or insistence to be “right.”

Terra: We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.We offer support and ideas for our separate writing projects and for personal prayer requests. I love these ladies, and I have only met one of them in person. So far, Karen is the only one who has met each of us, and one day we hope to meet in person, in a circle of friendship and love.

Trish: I think we are all very flexible and forgiving. We do have a variety of personalities here, but God has worked amazing things through our little group.

Leslie: Though I have seven non-fiction projects in various stages of completion, I could not be more thankful that this is the one to reach publication first. I am truly blessed to have worked with these women, learned from them, watched as they’ve poured heart and soul into crafting a product that will impact lives for the Lord.

Where can my readers get a copy of SOCF?

Cathy: The coauthors will all have a supply, plus our publisher, Leafwood Publishers, will have plenty of copies and discounts for buying five or more. Or they can be ordered at most online stores or by your local bookstore.

Karen: And anyone who leaves a comment here can be entered in a drawing for a free book and a gift basket worth $200! For a list of its contents, check our blog, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. And while you're there, leave another comment and increase your chances of winning!

Tell me more about your blog.

Karen: We started our blog in July and it is accumulating a wealth of information about Christmas. Each of us posts one day a week following the theme for that week. Watch for new recipes, tips, ways to simplify, stories, etc., similar to what is in our book.

Leslie: Ooh, ooh, let me answer this one. I’m probably the newest to blogging among the group, but I LOVE it. I’ve enjoyed posting and receiving comments back from readers. What an amazing adventure having an online voice can be! This blog will focus on a different theme each week—anything from tips to avoid overeating during the holidays to how to give a guest room special touches—and expand on the material in the book. I think readers will get to know the authors’ individual personalities and connect on a more personal level. Plus, they get that many more ideas, information, inspiration (!) at no additional cost.

WQs: As an added bonus for inviting us to your blog, we’d like to pass along this Christmas tidbit to you and your readers:

Enjoy a blessed Christmas this year! And thanks for inviting us to share our book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, with you.




Everyone who leaves a comment here on this post, will be entered to win the Christmas Gift Basket, valued at $200, all goodies chosen with love.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Christmas Gift Basket Contest

Today is the kickoff day for my book's tour among 65 blogs!
"Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts", co-authored with 5 other remarkable writers who have become my friends, will help you celebrate Christmas.

This holiday can be joyful and easier, with tips and tales we share within our book's pages. First Christmas stories are also here, from a family's Christmas dinner at Waffle Hut, to my camping in the Florida Everglades with my mom, dad, sister, chihuahua and assorted wildlife.

We have created a bountiful Christmas gift basket which you can enter to win, by leaving a comment at the book's blog at scrapbookofchristmasfirsts.blogspot.com
or at any of the 65 blogs participating in our book blog tour.
Leave comments between Sept. 15 and Sept. 30, 2008; one per blog max.
What is in the basket? A Willow Creek figurine, candles, holiday gift mixes, puzzles, ten new books and more. There is a photo of it on the book's blog today, and on my blog on Sept. 19.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Book Blog Tour Sept. 15-30

Wow! Only four days left.
We have found more than 60 bloggers to host our "Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts" blog tour, in 23 states and in Canada and the Philippines.


Do you realize that this tour will be in Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Louisiana, Montana, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Canada and the Philippines?


Karen Robbins, co-author and tour co-ordinator, gave me this list of states and countries. For a list of the participating blogs visit scrapbookofchristmasfirsts.blogspot.com
Happy travels as you visit these blogs and leave a comment, for a chance to win the Christmas gift basket, valued at $200.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Saturdays with Stella


I love this book and I don't even have a dog! My two cats have my husband and I trained, but this is a fun book for anyone to read. I learned when reading Saturdays with Stella, that God is as patient with us as a good owner is with their little doggie, and that most of us exhibit negative traits, like fear, lack of trust, being self-centered that dog trainers deal with.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421397






Sometimes your best four-legged friend is also your best teacher

When you bring a new dog into your home, a wash of great joy can become a trial of perseverance as your furry pal chews, digs, yaps, and yes, piddles her way through every room in the house. Allison Pittman learned this all too well when she adopted a “tiny, shiny puppy of indefinable breed(s).” Stella wasted no time in turning her home upside-down as only a pup can.

As could be expected, six weeks of obedience school covered the much needed basics–sit, stay, come, and down. What Allison didn’t expect was the spiritual benefit she would receive as each Saturday lesson revealed a fascinating metaphor. In this heart-warming, thoughtful, and often hilarious tribute to her beloved Stella, Allison Pittman shares how she came to understand what it means to follow the ultimate Master, including how to:

Sit!–at the feet of Jesus and listen for His voice
Drop It!–and let go of personal agendas
Come!–when it’s time to run in the right direction
Stay!–in God’s presence

In Saturdays with Stella, a slightly neurotic yet curiously adorable canine will not only capture your heart–she’ll show you how captivating you are to God.

Author Bio:

Allison Pittman is the author of the three books in the popular Crossroads of Grace series. Before her life as a novelist, Allison spent sixteen years teaching high school English. A founding member and copresident of the Christian Writer’s Group of the Greater San Antonio area, she devotes her time inspiring other writers to work toward their goals and sharpen their skills. Allison lives in Universal City , Texas with her husband Mike, their three sons, and Stella.


One person who leaves a comment here will be chosen at random, to receive a free copy of this delightful book. You and your dog are guaranteed to learn something within these pages.

Friday, September 5, 2008

My Christmas Book Arrived At My House



I am so happy to be holding my copy of the first book I wrote: "Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday".

The publisher, Leafwood Publishers, sent it to me. People can order a copy from Leafwood at 1 877-816-4455 toll free, or from Amazon, etc.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Peter Rabbit Birthday Sept. 4


DSC01622.JPG
Originally uploaded by yokoyama
Let's celebrate the anniversary of Peter Rabbit's birthday September 4.
I read yesterday in John Kremer's newsletter (John Kremer@bookmarket.com) that Sept. 4 is Peter's birthday. I wonder if that is the publication date of the first book starring him?
Or the day Beatrix Potter completed her manuscript? Or?
A good way to celebrate is to rent the movie Miss Potter; my husband and I highly recommend it.
Gorgeous English country hills and farms and interiors, a strong lady ahead of her times, even a love story and a conservation ethos tucked in there.
Happy Day Peter.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Labor Day Weber Lamb Feast


Backyard Weber
Originally uploaded by -DjD-
Did you have a lovely Labor Day? Our sons came over, and my husband cooked a boneless leg of lamb, seasoned with oregano, on our trusty Weber charcoal grill.

Thanks to those Australian lamb producers.
We cut the leg of lamb in to two portions, and froze the smaller portion. The 3 pound lamb took an hour to cook in the Weber, with left overs for our sons to take home.
We also enjoyed green beans sauteed in olive oil, soy sauce and chopped garlic, a mozzarela and tomatoes side dish with basil from the garden, and shrimp and cocktail sauce.
What were your Labor Day celebrations like?

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

bean


bean
Originally uploaded by alice-palace
In the bean-gining there were beans.
My beans experiment, from two packages of bean seeds 6 weeks ago, is going well. The delicious little guys are 8 inches tall.
Now is the time for folks in temperate climes to consider planting fall vegetable crops.
Kale, chard, beets, spinach mustard hybrid (Red Komutsuna), Pak choi, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and stir fry mix, to name a few that I enjoy.
What shall I plant?
Chiogga beets look so gorgeous, with interior rings of bright pink and white, when you slice them.
What do you recommend as easy to grow for fall vegetables?