Missing In Action

If you noticed my absence in the last month, you aren't the only one. I wish I could tell you that was all in the past, but alas, I cannot. Due to reasons relating to my CFS, I'll be taking a break from social media and blogging over the next several months. Every bit of energy I can muster needs to be devoted toward getting better, so I'll be stepping away for a bit. 

Hopefully, this means I'll have tons to share with you when I return.

So until then . . .

Losing Steam (Revolution Ep 5)

Revolution has two things in its favor presently. Two realities that keep me wading through what's quickly becoming a shrill voiced, tension-less mess of other plot.

1) The evolution of our characters over the last fifteen years. There's a reason the flickering opener begins with the word "evolution" before the letter "R" blinks on. The show's focus not only on the simmering rebellion, but also on the evolution of individuals in a world turned upside down is a huge plus. I always have more questions concerning both characters I love and characters I hate.

2) Miles. With Maggie dead and Nora's bodysnatcher of a personality shift this week, I have just one character I care about, and it's General Miles Matheson himself. Get rid of everyone else, and I'd still watch him. Lose his essence as a character, and I'm out. 

But then, I might be out anyway. Did you see the previews for next week? *shakes head*

If we don't start developing the other characters in consistent and sympathetic ways and build some credible tension, I won't be watching. And I'm not the only one: this guy hits the nail on its proverbial head.

Weigh in. Am I the only one still watching? If not, do you think I should cut the show some slack?

Chasing Dreams No Matter What

stage is yours by RAWKU5 at sxc.hu. Used by permission.

I'm not a reality show junkie. I am, however, devoted to The Voice and X Factor. Wanna know why? The Voice begins with blind auditions based solely on vocal ability, and these aired performances are void of the awkward fails AI is famous for (a plus in my opinion). X Factor's contestant base stretches wider than any other, and the judging panel includes Demi Lovato (who I'm a fan of). Also, both shows offer a mentoring portion, which I really enjoy, but none of these reasons fully explain my love. No, my favorite part of watching has to be "the dream."

Contestants from all walks of life, of all ages, and of all economic backgrounds all come audition for one reason--they have a dream they're chasing. No matter the hardships. No matter how long it takes. No matter what job they have in the meantime. Sacrifice, hard work, and determination keep that small dream in their hearts alive, and there's something incredibly beautiful about that. Sure, some have more natural talent or a more marketable look than others, but the people who always catch the judges' eyes? Those with passion. Those who don't crumble when faced with an impassive panel eerily similar to those dreaded agent/editor appointments we writers face. 

The people who don't give up, they encourage me. They challenge me. They spur me to turn off that TV and go work on my own dream. To keep striving just one more day. In fact, writing about them makes me want to wrap this up and write. So, I think I will.

What about you? Would you tell me about your dream? What helps you keep it alive?

Attack Dogs And Swelling Crescendos (Revolution Ep 4)

Evening! Can I just say out the outset how much I am still enjoying Miles' founding father status? I cannot wait for more details. Will we get them tonight?

Miles' reputation must be really intimidating to cause a stranger to answer all his questions with very little coercion. Wonder what it is.  I'm not quite as impatient as Charlie though. I'd prefer to let the details trickle in as we observe his interactions with others. Also, Miles' ability to put her in her place brings me joy. Too much? I'm trying to like her, really I am.

Why don't I know Lady Doc's name? Will someone please clue me in? I mean, it's a good nickname and all, but still. Oh, it's Maggie. Yay. Carry on, then. Aw, Charlie let Maggie hug her. Point for Charlie :)

Um, rabid dogs? Maybe we shouldn't have thrown away that torch. 

It's mom again! What's she working on? Why is she so nice to Monroe? And since she hasn't cooperated, why hasn't Monroe tortured or killed her yet? Oh, here it is. *wince*

Who is watching the gang, and how come no one's aware of it? There are at least three people in the crowd who should be, but we are all distracted with lesser problems. Also, turns out I don't mind it when Nora gives Miles what for. I don't mind at all. Miles plans to leave? Subtract ten points from his awesome register. (Especially because this is really . . . weird timing. Didn't we just make contact with Nora so that we could rescue Danny?)

Flashback: Why don't I feel like mom was actually going on a supply trip? Did Ben know what she was up to?

Ooh, scary compound with scary man. Cool visual.

Although that storm visual is even better. Bad weather really is upon us. 

How did "Nate" get free? And why is Charlie defending him? It's not like Miles was killing him, and she knows what "Nate" plans to do.  What does she see in him that I just don't? Anybody else wanna weigh in, please?

On behalf of teenagers everywhere, can we introduce a character that isn't rash, spiteful, and omniscient? I get that Danny and Charlie have been through a lot, but some character variety in that age range would be awfully nice. It would provide a contrast and believability for the two already on canvas.

Did Danny really get free? *sigh* I didn't think so.

While Maggie's speech about letting go is poignant (and the cue-giving music with it), I need it to not work on Miles. That would be just a little too easy.

Maggie, NO!! This feels pointless. What's the purpose of this attack dog thread? Why are we losing Lady Doc?

I'm not sure that I've said it before, but I will now: Captain Neville is a great character. His motivations for playing a "villain" are compelling. He's three dimensional, and I respect that about him even though I hate him.

Charlie's decision to stay with Maggie (still grumbling) gives her a few more points. Maybe she and I are going to turn a corner here?

Wait, did the tornado stop right in front of the barn Neville, Danny, and the army were holed up in? Really? 

Maggie's been carrying around the book she was reading to her boys. . . . *sob* Why does she have to die? Why? 

Oh. Charlie's "Everybody leaves me," it got to me. Stupid emotional manipulation. 

Hey, it's mom again. Why does she look okay? What have we been doing to her? I'm beginning to worry about her state of mind. Have they been ripping out her molars? Why isn't her face swollen? Wait, she came willingly? AT MILES' REQUEST? Why? What would she be good for?

And, where is Grace? We are going to find out, right?

Okay, guys, it's your turn now. What did you think of episode four? (Is it just me, or did this episode seem a little more predictable than the last? I love nonetheless, just wondering.)

Wait, Who Was A Founding Father? (Revolution Ep 3)

First off, welcome back, lovely revolutionaries :) Do you come prepared with your own rants and raves of the week? Here are mine:

I appreciate that the writers have differentiated between individuals who resist Monroe for their own reasons/profit (like Miles) and those belonging to an actual rebellion (like current-day Nora). In dystopian lit, it's easy to divide people into two groups: those for and those against the regime. Revolution colors in that gray area in between. (Ally Condie's Matched Trilogy does the same).

Speaking of the rebellion, they are losing. Badly, and their position is vulnerable. This does not inspire hope.

Oh, look it's Aaron and Lady Doc. We get that Aaron would love to go back to his computers (and his money), but isn't the bigger question: What happened to Grace? Shouldn't we be trying to find her instead of rebuilding . . . whatever?

Did you see how Miles grabbed Charlie and shielded her with his body? I like this guy. Have I said that before?

Nora's fighting Monroe until she dies or takes him down because she lost her baby in a stupid militia fight that never should've been? I believe it. I'm close to adding her to my "care about and need good things for" list. I need to be sure for the long haul, or she'd already be on it.

I'm cringing for Danny and want it to stop. But in the back of my head, a little voice whispers, "You knew his mouth was going to get him in trouble. Consequences, consequences."

Okay, Charlie just solidified her top ranking on my "characters I dislike" list. She suggests fighting the militia with little-to-no ammo? And she called her father a coward for not fighting the militia when they came? A COWARD? His protection is worth nothing to her? Didn't take much for Little Miss Don't Kill Anyone to change her tune, huh? (Inconsistent characterization and unlikable. Double marks against her.)

Miles was a founding father, second in command to Monroe?! How? What happened to make him desert? Because he did desert, that much has been clear in the last three episodes. Spare me Charlie's ridiculously slow, betrayed expression.

Oooh, the initiation of the power grab came from Miles? Who just wanted to help and restore order? And not Monroe? Interesting.

Why did the locket turn on by itself? That cannot be a good sign. Why aren't we more concerned about that?

______

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A Dystopian TV Show? Count Me In (Revolution Ep 1&2)

Okay, I know I'm coming to the party two weeks late. I thought about doing a one-time fangirl post about NBC's new show Revolution and leaving it at that. But a dystopian TV show? I have to get in on the conversation, and I know I'm not the only one who wants to discuss. So, welcome to my weekly recap roundtable! Plenty of established sites will post scene-by-scene dissections of each episode. I'm going to focus on my reactions while watching and the lingering questions I'm left with. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts as well :) 

Without further adieu, my thoughts on the pilot and episode two:

Pilot Episode (aka Storyworld Hooks Me)
The first three minutes hooked me like the best kind of "first page." I couldn't look away. I wanted to take in every detail. Who were we meeting? What was happening? Where were we? Why did the power turn off? What did Ben know about it? You see, what I mean? Tons of great questions. Often times in dystopian lit we don't get to see the moment it all went wrong. We see glimpses of the change and definitely the effects, but the moment of contact? Brilliant move on the writers' part. I can't wait for them to tell us how we got from that moment to where we pick up fifteen years later.

The images of a dilapidated Chicago were pretty incredible I thought, and the Militia with their threats of conscription and re-education? Appropriately scary. So far the storyworld has my attention. Plenty of information and, at the same time, unanswered questions; you need both in a speculative world, right? *Makes a note to give prologue even more tension, info, and questions*

Aaron owned a plane and worked for Google? Why does this make me suspicious of him?

Lady Doc (isn't it horrible that I don't know her name?) carries spiked liquor? I love her.

Miles is Billy Burke? I have a character to care about! I am more happy than I should be that Miles puts Nate in his place. Somebody needed to.

Wait, there is more than one republic?? How many? How are they divided? Are they all this bad?

Even when Miles is being a jerk, I still like him, and Charlie showed some vulnerability! I just experienced a shade of empathy.

How did Miles know Nate was militia? Because he's awesome :) See the way he put himself between Nate and Charlie? He does care. And that fight scene? I have no words. He took on more than thirteen guys! Incredible. I'm in love.

General Monroe is Miles' marine friend?? How did he manage that? What has he been up to in the last fifteen years? The writers could've given us a personal villain with power and that would've been great but also tying that villain to our protagonist family? Kudos, guys, really.

Also, anyone else want to weigh in on the "the good brother dies so the bad brother has to save the day" scenario? I've seen it used several times in books and movies recently, and while I have to agree with its effectiveness, can't the good brother be a hero too once in a while? Just saying. But maybe I'm not objective about that ;)


Episode Two (aka Miles Continues to be Awesome)
Um, is Charlie serious? I wish I wasn't annoyed by her innocence and belief in the good of people.

See, I knew not killing that bounty hunter was going to get us in trouble. Are we going to listen to Miles now? I have the sinking feeling that we won't. And really? Charlie judges killing the bounty hunter even now? *shakes head*

Mr. Militia quoted republic law verbatim, and an American flag is contraband? Details get even richer. Also, General Monroe is capital "S" scary.

Maybe if you didn't argue with and judge Miles all the time, he wouldn't leave you behind. Only a thought I had. And following him, really? This is the kind of female stereotype I don't get. I'm all for strong women; my books are filled with them, but this headstrong, running into danger against the wisdom of others archetype gets under my skin. They pretend to be strong to convince you to ignore all of the times they have to be rescued. At least damsels in distress admit it.

The swelling music isn't fooling me. I don't buy the conflicted chemistry between "Nate" and Charlie. It's a good thing I like the storyworld, Miles, and Lady Doc so much.

Lady Doc had kids?? I'm so, so sorry.

What's Grace's story? How did she know Ben? Who's she talking to? And what is Aaron up to?

Turns out Danny has the same "mouth runs away with itself" disease that Charlie does. Where did they get that from? I don't see either one of their parents having that trait.

(Avengers commercial: SQUEE!!)

I am over Charlie's self-righteousness. 

Why are we carrying that locket around in our hands?

Who's coming after Grace?! He has a locket too!

Mom's not dead! What's going on? How long has she been there??

I'm still not a fan of Charlie or Danny, but the world and Miles? I'll give them a little more time :)

What do you think? Why are you watching?

______

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Panic ... Excitement ... ACFW

This time last year, I printed out one sheets and crammed four days worth of outfits into a small carry-on bag. Erynn and I flew from RDU to St. Louis for our first ever ACFW conference. I was overwhelmed and slightly panicky. Okay, I was moments away from a full blown panic attack. 

But the conference exceeded my highest expectations. (See posts here and here). God confirmed His will over and over again. I survived pitching to agents and an editor. I had lunch with the fabulous Melanie Dickerson, and I met the lovely ladies below. Amanda, Jess, Erynn, and I have become sisters and critique partners in the last year, and I cannot tell you how much knowing them has blessed me.

Last Year at ACFW with the Girls

This year, the conference is in Dallas, TX. I'll be flying alone. I'm not a newbie, and I've an agent pitching my book as well. Other things remain the same, like cramming four days worth of clothing (including a formal dress) into one carry-on bag.

I must admit to being anxious still. Even though I know what to expect. Pitching your book is a lot like asking a guy you like to the Sadie Hawkins dance—you still have to put your heart out there and hope it doesn't get squashed.

All I can do is trust God with my fragile heart and ask you to pray. So I will :) When you think about me over the next five days, would you please pray

• that I would feel well and have stamina despite the long, busy schedule,
• that I would find food to eat and enjoy without compromising the doctors' instructions,
• that God would grant me favor with whoever He wills,
• that God would strengthen existing relationships and initiate new ones,
• that I would seek out ways to encourage and support those around me.

God has a plan already set into motion for this year, and I'm praying my eyes are open to see it. Maybe this week will be even better than last year.

YA Author Crush: Kiera Cass

I've recently developed a little bit of a crush on Kiera Cass, author of The Selection. I fell in love with her cover first, which features a redhead in a beautiful gown and this tagline: "35 girls. 1 crown. The competition of a lifetime." I adored it for about three months before I was able to save up the money to purchase the book, and it was worth every penny.

The Selection is dystopian meets The Bachelor meets the Queen Esther story*. A fun combination, right? It ended up being both frightening and indulgent. The book is about a girl named America; the only girl in the nation who doesn't want to be drafted into the reality show to win Prince Maxon's heart. But what if the opportunity provides her with a life and a purpose greater than she could've imagined? What if the royal family and the country need someone just like her?

Cass' world is compelling and deeply layered with the history and societal structure of her Illea (America's country). America is a girl you can genuinely like and root for. And both Aspen and Prince Maxon have dream-worthy qualities. I happen to be a Maxon girl myself--his desire to do the right thing and his treatment of America as a lady won my heart. Sure, America may have tons of chemistry with Aspen, but that respect Maxon has for her? It makes me swoon.

Okay, stopping. This post is about Kiera not her characters :)

After voraciously reading The Selection in one night, I hopped online to see when book two comes out. (It's a trilogy like most YAs). What I found was one of the most delightful author sites I've looked at. There aren't cutesy graphics or flashy extras, just one really fun lady. When I read her bio, my first thought was "She talks like me and Erynn, we could totally be BFF." She's also really cute. She has great musical taste. And she's down-to-earth and completely approachable.

Also, The Selection has been picked up as a CW pilot. How cool is that?

Kiera was in Winston-Salem last weekend for the Bookmarks Festival. I had planned to go, meet her, and get her to sign my book, but alas, my own writing goals got in the way, and I was majorly bummed. I do, however, plan to stalk . . . I mean, meet her sometime this fall. Even if I have to make a trip to Charleston in November for YAllfest. I'm not above it; that's how cool I think she is.

Suffice it to say that I could go on and on. Instead, I'll just link you to her website and let you decide :)



*Full disclosure: this is my own description. I have no idea whether Cass intended the Queen Esther allusions or whether I'm just reading them into the book.

Killing Me Slowly

Vein by gerard79 (sxc.hu). Used by permission.

Like a lot of Americans, I'm overweight. Partly because of my CFS symptoms but mostly because I unabashedly love milkshakes, hamburgers, and french fries. And croissants. And soda. And . . . well, you get the idea.

My motivation to lose weight and give up the foods I love has been pretty low. Until I saw my blood under a microscope last week. Pretty red blood cells, active white blood cells, and a lot of yeast. A lot. My doctor asked me if I craved bread products. Do I ever! She let me know: you aren't craving those carbs or sugars, it's the yeast. The yeast rapidly multiplying in my system. The yeast that will kill me if I let it continue.

Suddenly, those old favorites seem a little less appealing. Don't get me wrong; the smell of fresh-baked bread or the sound of a coke can popping open still make me salivate. But knowing that food feeds what wants to kill me? I think I'll pass.

Those foods aren't worth the risk for me.

The same is true for us spiritually.

Sin is a disease. Sure it looks, feels, or tastes good at the time, but it feeds what is killing you and I (Jam. 1:14-15). Those moments of indiscretion, that "slip up," that "just one more time" mentality? They're allowing sin to multiply within us and suck us dry.

We have to kill it. Every moment of every day.

Why We Connect With Dystopian Literature

I'm continuing with the theme of introducing you to authors smarter than me tonight with a link to a post of Kim Vandel's. Kim is a YA AND Speculative author who blogs book reviews and writing craft thoughts. Back in July, Erynn introduced me to Kim's blog, and I must tell you, it is both fun and thoughtful.

I really enjoyed Kim's thoughts on dystopian lit and why it connects so strongly with teenagers (and adults). She says the genre is growing because readers want to believe that one person can make a difference in a dark, broken world, and I completely agree. I believe it's the reason dystopian lit never really disappears. In fact, the premise for my The Free and The Brave series is--One can save them all. Noah's introduction into Maddison's world, and his subsequent salvation, changes everything for an entire nation, and I hope readers will fall in love with my dystopian world and the characters that inhabit it.

Do you read dystopian lit? If so, why does it appeal to you?  And what is your favorite? (You can pick out a classic like 1984 or Brave New World or a new best-seller like The Hunger Games, Divergent, or Uglies.)

Speaking Of Heroes . . .

My brain's been percolating with thoughts and ideologies on heroes for the last two months in preparation for my upcoming series. (Don't worry, a percolating brain is not as dangerous as it may sound :)

On Monday of this week, Pepper Basham, one of the fabulous ladies at The Writers Alley, blogged about why we bond with a flawed hero. I love her philosophy and thought the post could serve as an introduction for you guys, so your brains can start ruminating as well.

Once you've read, let me know--do you prefer your heroes flawed or not? And is there room in your heart for both? (I sure hope so ;)

P.S. Per Pepper's post, I'd watch a Cyclops movie . . . if he weren't dead. *shakes head* Still angry after all these years. Am I the only one?

A 360 Degree Makeover

If you are reading this post by e-mail or via a blog reader, you won't have noticed, but Relentlessly Pursued has a whole new look. In fact, Relentlessly Pursued's been retired. It's a bittersweet change, but one that's been coming for over a year now.

With the change comes additional content, a new design, tagline, and web address (don't worry, subscribers, nothing should affect you). Every piece of the site is streamlined for your reading ease, I hope.

Why the change? Well, I just can't contain my YA love any more, and I'm hoping to connect with other YA readers and authors, especially those awesome dystopian ones. I'll continue to post my devotional journey thoughts from time to time and any writing updates I may have, but I'll also be incorporating more YA Crush posts (to build up that Websites to Visit tab and to introduce you to my favorite YA authors and books). Add in a feature on dystopian lit and a series on heroes, and I couldn't be more excited!

Speaking of, the new tagline for my fiction is Everyone Wants A Hero. I've always been a fan of heroes, super or otherwise, and if you ask me to choose between pulling for the steady good guy and the tortured bad boy, and I'm going to pick the good guy 98% of the time. While I hope the heroes in my fiction are both good and realistically flawed, I've never been known to put down a book or shut off a movie because the hero was "too good." Something inside me—and, therefore, in my fiction—identifies with the timeless good vs. evil battle. Sometimes I wish someone would swoop in and rescue me. 

I don't think I'm the only one.

There's an inherent longing in each of us to be rescued from something. Every now and then, we all want a hero. Or, we want to be one.

The good news is — we have a Hero.

And He can make us heroes as well.

This is no fairy tale. Welcome to reality.

Scattering Shadows

Shadows of Gates by Everywhere (sxc.hu)

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay. . . ." -2 Corinthians 4:6-7a

Like most dystopian literature, the world can be a dark place—and not only the world but our hearts as well. I know mine is full of shadowy hallways.

But that is only half of the story.

God sent light into the darkness at the beginning of time, and He has not stopped. He continues to shine light into oppressive regions and shadowed souls. (This truth is one reason I wanted to write a dystopia with a christian worldview). God is out to flood our lives with light and overwhelm the lies, bondage, and sin within. 

Even more, He doesn't just send light; He sends Himself. Throughout Scripture, Jesus is characterized as light (Jn. 1:5, 8:12; Rev. 22:5), and in Him "there is no . . . shadow" (Jam. 1:17). The Father of lights comes to defeat the darkness in and around us.

For the believer, we have this light, this Jesus, in our frail hearts. "Whom should [we] fear?" (Ps. 27:1). The God of the universe has chosen to live in us. What reason do we have to be insecure or afraid?

His light makes all the difference. It's true for Noah and the cast of The Free & The Brave. It's true for you as well.

You "have this treasure" (2 Cor. 4:7).

YA Site Crush: Go Teen Writers

Last month, I facilitated my first teen writers' workshop. Seven boys and I hunkered down to talk about our favorite books, plot, character, and their very unique novel and comic ideas. From paranormal fantasy to anime to post-apocalyptic fiction, we covered it all.

In preparation for the afternoon, I scoured the web for writer resources for teens and stumbled upon Go Teen Writers. I'm so glad I did; GTW has quickly become one of my go-to resources. Stephanie Morrill, Jill Williamson, Rachel Coker, and Roseanna M. White (all published authors) do a fantastic job of providing plotting, editing, and publishing information for teen writers. They also host contests for writers under twenty-one each year.

If you're a teen writer (or an adult writing YA), you won't regret subscribing. Posts about finding a literary agent, writing sticky situations, creating book proposals, and avoiding writer burnout were all published this week alone.

No pressure, but what are you waiting for? Check Go Teen Writers out!

YA Crush

If you were on the interwebs circa 2004, you're familiar with the Teen Girl Squad phrase, "I have a crush on every boy." Well, I have a crush on most everything YA. When I walk into a Barnes & Noble, I head straight for the YA section to see what's new. I have Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers on my iPod. I paid money to see High School Musical 3 in the theater, and I've been known to curl up and watch the Disney Channel on my sick days.

(Some judge this behavior, but I prefer to categorize it under quirky and market research :)

So, beginning next week, I'll be sharing my YA love with you through three new features: YA Author Crush, YA Book Crush, and YA Site Crush. These won't be just any recommendations; only the things I truly rave about will make the cut.

Coincidentally enough, NPR is showing their own YA love this week with their Best-Ever Teen Novels poll. Several of my newest loves like Matched and the Gallagher Girls series made the list. While beloved favorites such as the Christy Miller Series and the Chronicles of Narnia were robbed. I'm trying to decide if I should start a petition.

Just kidding :)

What about you? What's your favorite YA?  Did it make the list? Did you vote?

Update (8/7/2012): Voting is complete. You can view the Top 100 list here.

Book Recommendation: Short-Straw Bride

Karen Witemeyer's Short-Straw Bride is neither YA, nor Speculative. (Which you may have already figured out by glancing down at the cover photo below :)  However, I cannot pass up the opportunity to tell you how much I adored this book. So, if you'll indulge me, we'll step back in time to 1882 and meet Meredith Hayes and the Archer brothers.

"Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance harden a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?"  -from Short-Straw Bride's back cover

Okay, I admit it. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience story. When I heard the premise of this book, I marked my calendar and counted down the days until its release. I enjoyed Witemeyer's Head in the Clouds and her A Tailor-Made Bride previously, so I knew to anticipate an endearing book with original characters.

And Short-Straw Bride did not disappoint. I think it's Witemeyer's best yet.

I connected with spunky, selfless Meredith Hayes on the first page, and Travis Archer won my heart as the noble cowboy and eldest brother as soon as I met him. In fact, all of the Archer brothers were distinct and delightful, even with their anti-social tendencies. I couldn't wait to see how Crockett would tease Travis next, how Neill would try to be taken seriously despite his youth, or when Jim would actually say a word. The relationships between Travis and each of his brothers, as well as the one between  Meredith and her cousin Cassie, were deep, unique, and part of the reason I found the book so satisfying.

In addition, Witemeyer's writing is well-paced, funny, and engaging. Both Travis' and Meredith's spiritual journeys developed organically and encouraged me to step back and think about my own submission to and trust in to God's plan. To put it simply: I thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of Short-Straw Bride, and I hope you'll hunt down a copy yourself.

If you want to find out more about Karen or her other books, visit her website. I spent an hour there this afternoon, and my estimation of Karen's awesomeness skyrocketed during that time. Her website includes a Character Corner where you can learn more about the characters in and history behind her books as well as a Fan Fiction Contest page where she's posted a winning entry based on her To Win Her Heart. (Personally, I love how the fan fiction contest engages readers and aspiring writers, and I may have to ask her permission to borrow the idea for my own website in the future).

What about you? Do you have genres you tend to gravitate to? If you do, what are they? And what are some books you love that fall outside of those genres?

When My Brain Needs A Break...

I just finished seven weeks of devotional writing. Today, I'll jump into Noah and Maddison's world full-time. Don't get me wrong; I love these characters. If I wasn't a writer, the amount of time and attention these two imaginary friends receive would qualify me for some serious therapy. And, please, don't even get me started on Daniel.

Given my deep devotion to these characters, one might assume I can write and edit non-stop. Alas, this is not the case. At some point in the process, my brain muddies. My thoughts scramble. My eyes cross, and I have to step away.

Since napping is a "no-no" for those with CFS, I've found another way to let my brain rest. My solution? Delightfully mindless TV.

This is not to say that I don't enjoy well-produced television. White Collar returns July 10th at 9 p.m., and you can bet I have a date with my couch on that night!

Sometimes, however, you just need to turn off your brain. When I have that urge, I turn to a special host of shows that fit the bill. What Not To Wear, Food Network Star, and Good Luck Charlie are at the top of my list. I like to alternate between food/style reality shows and the Disney Channel. Don't blink. You read that sentence correctly. I admitted it. I am an adult Disney Channel viewer.  :)

After an hour, I'm usually re-energized and ready to jump back into whatever project requires all of my attention. What about you? What do you turn to when your brain feels like it might explode?

An Author Interview You Must Read

My BFF Erynn posted an interview with the completely awesome Katie Ganshert today. Find out about Katie's debut novel Wildflowers from Winter and the celebrity who comes close to looking like her hero Evan.

Also, Erynn invites you to play a virtual round of Marry, Date, or Dump with her and Katie and enter for a chance to win Wildflowers from Winter.

What are you waiting for? Check it out!

I Am Alive ... I Promise

Hello faithful followers!

Thanks for not giving up on me during my hiatus. I had not planned to take such a break, but sometimes life--or, more specifically, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome--gets in the way. In December, I experienced a worsening of my CFS symptoms which warranted doctors' visits, new medication, and an overall lifestyle change. One of the casualties, unfortunately, was the blog.

However, after several months of re-prioritizing, rest, and a move back to the mountains of North Carolina, I am beginning to feel like a functioning human being again. I still have to work on managing my CFS for the long-term, but there seems to be a light in the distance which tells me this tunnel won't last forever.

Speaking of slowing down, did you know that long periods of rest spark creativity? They have for me, and I'm excited about bringing some of these ideas to life. In late summer or early fall, I'll be renovating the blog, providing a YA fiction focus and moving the devotional/life diary side to another venue. Templates are already swimming prettily in my head.

With this in mind, I'll be scoping out teen and YA fiction blogs to feature and link on my main page. I already have a couple in mind, but I'd love any recommendations you can send my way. I promise to check them out!

Finally, it wouldn't be summer without some fun reads. My To-Be-Read (TBR) pile includes Ally Carter's Out of Sight, Out of Time, Robin Jones Gunn's Finally and Forever (the fourth in her Katie Weldon series), and Jill Williamson's Replication, among others. I'll pick my two favorites and sing their praises right here during the summer.

What do you think of my selections? Would you recommend an addition to the pile? If so, what? Please share!

Book Recommendation: The Merchant's Daughter

"Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf le Wyse, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of the lord's bailiff--a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.

Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord le Wyse. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart." -Back Cover Blurb

I love a novel based on a "what if?" In fact, this question sparked Noah's trilogy, so when I found out Melanie's Dickerson's first novel, The Healer's Apprentice, was a CBA novel based on the lore behind Sleeping Beauty, my first thought was "A fairy tale with the influence of Jesus? Brilliant."

Melanie did not disappoint. If you haven't read The Healer's Apprentice, I highly recommend you put it on your Christmas list. Right now.

So, needless to say, when I heard her second novel, The Merchant's Daughter, was releasing this fall, I began a countdown to its release date. When I met Melanie at ACFW and saw her passion for this series and graciousness as a person, my excitement grew. And when I opened my mailbox last week to find the ARC waiting for me, I knew I wouldn't get anything done until I'd finished the book.

So, what did I think?

The Merchant's Daughter exceeded even my high expectations. In a word it was: incredible. Once I began, I was unable to put it down until I'd savored the last page. With layers of the Beauty and the Beast tale and similarities to both Ruth and Esther, this fourteenth century story stole my heart.

Annabel and Ranulf are such well-formed, real, and sympathetic characters I longed to see the couple happy, and the secondary characters around them added depth and humor to the story. Although I must confess to not reading a lot of medieval fiction, the historical detail planted me firmly in Annabel's world, and the thread of suspense running throughout kept me on the edge of my seat. Dickerson's second novel is well-crafted and engaging, and this paragraph doesn't do it the justice it deserves. Would shouting its awesomeness from the rooftops help? Because I am completely open to the idea!

My favorite aspect of the book, however, is the subplot concerning Annabel's desire to read the Bible and deepen her faith. I so easily forget what a privilege it is not only to own a Bible but be able to read it as well. Seeing the Word through her eyes was encouraging to me (as was seeing Scripture quoted in the book)!

The character journey of The Healer's Apprentice emphasized God's sovereignty, and Dickerson follows up beautifully in this book with the truth that God is good and for our good. These truths walk hand in hand to strengthen our faith, and I'm grateful for the way Dickerson interweaves them into the fabric of her books.

So, to sum up--this book is awesome; go buy it. You will not be disappointed. And if you are, come find me; I'll just be in my local bookstore putting copies in the hands of unsuspecting shoppers :)