Happy New Year

This is the last day of 2010. At midnight we enter a new year and new hopes. My wish is for all of you to have the best year ever in 2011. It's going to be hard to write those numbers.

There are several things I am looking forward to in 2011. I'll be able to walk without too much pain. At times my left knee hurts, but the doctor tells me it will take six months to heal. I can do that. The pain isn't nearly as bad as before surgery.

2011 will start with a new right knee. I look forward to going to the beach this summer and playing in the sand with the grandkids. I am also looking forward to having flowers in my yard.

My writing is going well and I am excited about finding an agent this year. This has been a long journey for me, but I think it is coming about.

My family is well and healthy. So far no broken bones. We had a good Christmas with everyone. I'm looking forward to connecting more with my cousins that I don't know, some I have never met. I guess we are a dysfunctional family. I am now connected with most of them and I'm having fun getting to know them.

I wish  the best for all of you this coming year.

Merry Christmas

We have had a very busy year this year. It started in January when my husband had cataract surgery and then three weeks later, I had cataract surgery. The best part is that I only have to wear glasses for reading. I had worn them for years and it is so good not to have to now, but I still try to push them up on my face and take them off when I dress. That part is getting better.

In May through July, we moved completely from Tennessee. Part of the farm was sold and that has taken some stress off us. We still have the house and about sixteen acres to sell. We are praying that it will come about this year.

My husband usually has a big garden. He planted, but we didn't get much rain. Everyone has told us this has been an exceptionally dry year. I hope so. We didn't want to move to the desert. The corn came in and my daughter-in-law and I froze plenty of corn.

In August, we received a call from our daughter at church camp. She had broken her leg. She was swinging across a creek on a rope, jumped too soon, and broke her leg just above her ankle. There were several trips back and forth to Nashville and I stayed about two weeks for her, shuttling her daughter back and forth to Goodpasture Christian School. It was good to be with her, but not for that reason. She is doing well now and has a slight limp.

As the summer progressed, the pain in my knees did also. Finally I found a highly recommended doctor. He turned out to be wonderful, but he was so booked that I had to wait until the last of September to have my left knee replaced. It has been wonderful and the right knee is scheduled for January. My writing did take a hit during the recovery. I could not sit. My normal writing place, in my office, was not comfortable.

While I was in the hospital, my daughter called to tell me we had lost a great friend. Sharon Prichard was not only a good friend, but a wonderful Christian. She was a lady in every way. She fought a brave battle with Multiple Myeloma for almost ten ten years. Heaven is brighter today. We pray for her husband Bob and her children, Melissa, Jennifer, and Nathan during this season without her.

It's taken a while to recover from the knee replacement, but the surgery was worth it. Our son lives six miles from us and we see the grandchildren often. I couldn't get them to spend the night with us tonight. I tried, but they wouldn't do it. After the next surgery, I will be able to have a full and busy summer.

My husband has taken up fishing. A few days after my surgery, he asked if he could have a "leave of absence." He had been so good to take care of me and my house is easy to negotiate. He and his fishing buddy fish two or three times a week when it's warm. Neither of them are cold weather fishermen.

My writing is coming along nicely. I have started my second book and I've just gotten the edit on the first one back. Monday I start in earnest correcting it. I am still excited about it.

Several people who have helped me along my journey are: Sandi Rog, who is battling T-Cell Lymphoma right now; Susan Page Davis and Sandra Robbins, we try to spend one day a month together and they have turned into my good buddies; my encourager, Brooke Cox; and my wonderful friend Lyn Williams. You guys rock and I love all of you so much. Most of all, my husband, Jerry. He asks me each day how much I have written.

So from my family, Jerry, Diane, Ron, Savannah, Larry, Oma, Chet, Josie, Graysoon, and myself, may this be the best Christmas ever!!! Merry Christmas.

No Post Friday

Friday came and went with a flurry of excitement. Christmas is always exciting for me. Don't remember what I did much on Friday, but clean the bathroom. Now that's about as exciting as you can get!

I remember what it was now. School plays. We had two to go to. One at 9 a.m. that our youngest grandson was in and then one at 2 p.m. that his two older siblings were in. They were so cute. The programs were excellent and the director always does a good job.

When we returned home, after going to the grocery store, we were worn out. I had not sat on bleachers since last year and they make your back hurt. We did get to visit with friends at the school. It was a good day.

Not much decorating has been done this year. I won't have much to put away after Christmas. The presents are wrapped, except one. I need to finish with it today and wrap it up before a grandchild comes over.

The past year has brought about several changes. My husband and I both had cataract surgery the first of 2010. I've adjusted to not wearing glasses. I had worn them since I was ten years old and that has been a big adjustment. I'm still working on it. Then my knee surgery in September has been another adjustment.

We have made wonderful friends both in the community and at church. Even with the hot summer weather, it was a good year. I look forward to more interesting things happening in 2011.

Wounded Spirit by April Gardner

A new book was released this month and it is a very good read. There is a lot of history, which I love, and a lot of information about the Creek Indians. Here is an interview with April.

AG: Hi Katt! I’m waving at you from Nashville!

KA: Since you are a new author, tell us a little about yourself.

AG:I’m a musician (very mediocre!), a home school mom, and a lover of all things “travel.” So far, my favorite destination has been Ireland.

KA: April, I enjoyed the history in your book. How did you learn about the McGirth family?

AG: Research into my family history led me to their story. I remember I was on a trans-Atlantic flight, going home (from Germany) to my sister’s wedding when I came across the McGirth’s story in Griffith’s McIntosh and Weatherford. From the moment I read of their struggles, I knew it had to be put into a novel. I’d never written before, but thought I may as well try!

KA: Having been born and raised in Tennessee, I knew of Andrew Jackson’s hate of the Indians. Was it difficult to show the gradual turn of events to Adela’s love of Totka?

AG: Yes, it was! One of the most difficult parts was creating balance in the story. There was so much hate toward the Muscogee during that time. The massacre was a horrible event, but the Creek really did believe in their cause and they also had good reason to be angry. Adela is simply a character who understands that. She somehow manages to see the Creek side of things.

KA: I was fascinated by the battle scene at the fort. Was it hard for you to reconstruct that battle?

AG: Actually, no. There were enough survivors to pen down the day’s events with accuracy, so history books are chock full of details. Minus the terror, I feel like I was actually there.

KA: Do you plan to write other books about Indians?

AG: I’m working on the sequel, Warring Spirits. Although it won’t be as historically driven, it still deals with the Creek and their attempt to regain their footing after the war.

KA: Where do you write, an office, a bedroom, a dining room?

AG: I love to write in bed with my netbook. This time of year—under my electric blanket!

KA: What brought you to writing?

AG: This story actually. I wanted to see it in a story, so I figured I’d better write it.

KA: What are you wearing now?

AG: My sock monkey flannel pajamas. J

KA: What is the best moment you have experienced during your writing career?

AG: Last week’s Amazon Launch of Wounded Spirits!! What an amazing turn-out. By mid-day, the book hit #1 in Christian fiction. It’s now a best-seller!

KA: What do you find the most difficult thing in writing?

AG: Finding the time. There just isn’t enough in a day.

KA: Is your next book finished? If so, when will it be published?

AG: Answered above.

KA: Thank you so much April for taking time out of your schedule to answer these questions. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future and I know my reader’s will enjoy this book.

AG: Thank you for having me!! I love to hear from my readers at aprilgardnerwrites@gmail.com Can I put in a plug for Clash of the Titles? Readers, you’ll love this new literary site. Authors compete with excerpts from their books, and you judge! Voting takes place every Monday and Tuesday and there’s always a chance to win a book, so make sure you check it out! www.clashofthetitles.com

Thanks for Your Input

The response from the questions I asked was encouraging. I enjoyed reading all of them. If you haven't seen them, you should. They tell us something about several authors.

Writing can be lonely. My husband thinks when I go to my office, I automatically get in writer's mode. It's not that easy sometimes. I spend the first part of my morning checking emails. Then on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's, I write this blog. After that I am pretty much in writing mode.

My afternoons are spent in house work. I do put laundry in while I write. It more or less does itself until it dries, then I have to stop and fold. Our modern appliances are good for writers. We can cook a meal, do the dishes, do laundry, and never leave the desk.

Since I am here in my office and my husband is sure I am writing, I'd better get started. Wednesday I will be interviewing April Gardner about her book, Wounded Spirits. Please stop by then.

More Questions

Wednesday's questions opened my inquisitive mind to more questions. Thank you so much all of you who answered. It was fun to read what everyone said. If you haven't read them yet, please do so.

During the five years I have been writing, I have had to stop for a while. Life gets in the way a lot of time. My mother had several falls and I spent time in the hospital and nursing home with her. Then she passed away and I was so tired after staying up with her and looking after her. I was exhausted. Then we moved. I never realized how hard it would be for me to move. My husband had cataract surgery on both eyes. After that I had cataract surgery on both eyes. Now I have had one knee replaced and the other will be replaced next month. All of this has made me get in a slump. I am happy to say I am out of that slump. I made up my mind I was going to write and get down to it. My whole attitude on life has changed since then.

1. What do you do when you get in a slump or a writer's block? Do you go back to your notes, walk away for a few minutes, or sit at the computer and fume?
2. Do you write a synopsis or are you a seat of the pants writer?
3. Do you write for multiple publishers or do you write for one?
4. Can you picture yourself doing anything but writing?

1. You read about my slump above. I think it was more depression than anything. When I have a block, I walk away from the computer for a while. I can always do laundry, straighten up the house, or something and then go back to it and I'm refreshed and my thoughts are clearer. Reading my research notes helps also.
2. I do an outline and I'm also a seat of the pants. Right now I am doing both. I have an outline and then I find I don't go by it, so I seat of the pants a while.
3. I'm not published, but I have thought of it. I know several authors who have multiple publishers and some who only publish for one name. Right now, I want to get published. I'll cross the other bridge when I get to it.
4. I cannot picture myself not writing, but I can picture myself doing other things and writing. I love to quilt and I need to scrapbook. I love to read also. Writing come first.

Writer's Questions

Each of us is a unique person. I wouldn't want it any other way. We are also inquisitive, so here goes a few questions I would like to ask writers.

1. When is your best time to write?
2. Do you have a designated place or just plop down anywhere?
3. Do you dress or wear pj's?
4. Do you try to write a set number of words, chapters, or hours?
5. How long have you been writing?
6, How many books do you have published?

I will give you my answers to these questions.
1. The best time for me to write is in the mornings. I'm dead after 12 noon.
2. I do have a designated place to write. I have an office of sorts in a spare bedroom. When I had surgery I wrote, what little I wrote, in a recliner with my laptop on my right knee. Next month, my right knee will be operated on, so I don't know what I'm going to do.
3. I fully dress. I have jeans and a knit top on right now. I can't work in pj's.
4. I try to write a set number of words. I used to write 2,000 per day, but since I've been out of the habit, I'm down to 1,500 a day. I am gradually writing more.
5. I have been writing for about five years. Not all the time. I took a few breathers when my mother was sick and died, when we had surgery, and when we moved.
6. My answer to this is 0. I've not given up. I'm still trying and writing. I am a determined person and I am going to be published.

More Than Words

This is the second book in Judith Miller's Daughters of Amana series. The first book was very good and I enjoyed this one also.

In More Than Words, I saw more of the sheltered lives these people live. How a young girl is influenced by a worldly man and how her head can be turned. The protectiveness of the Amana Colony is heart warming, but do they take it a little too far?

Let me correct myself. I do enjoy reading the cultures of different religious sects. These are very sincere people and I think mostly because they are not influenced by the outside world. Maybe we could take a lesson from them.

The blurb reads:

Gretchen Kohler can't help but dream of a life beyond tending her father's general store and keeping an eye on her younger brother and senile grandmother. She enjoys creative writing and believes she has a talent for it, but her traditional Amana village frowns upon artistic pursuits of that sort. So Gretchen confines her stories and poems to her journals, letting only close friends read them.

When a young reporter comes into her store and strikes up a conversation, she believes she's found a kindred spirit. Soon, she shares some of her stories with him--only to have her trust betrayed in the worst of ways. Will Gretchen lose her job, her reputation, and the love of her childhood beau all because of one unfortunate decision?

Judith tells a wonderful story of someone being taken advantage of and the heartbreaking results of what she did. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to reading more of her stories.

Writing Again

Since my knee replacement, I've had a hard time getting back to writing. I've edited and joined several groups to write so much in a month. I missed all my goals to write a certain amount in a month. I have to get out of this vicious circle.

December 1, I decided I was going to write 1,500 words a day. So far, I have exceeded that amount and I'm happy. I want to get most of this book finished this month. With surgery coming next month, I know I won't be able to write for a while.

It will be difficult to write in the recliner this time. I usually lay my computer on my right leg and I'm close to a table that holds my mouse and other junk. I'm right handed and my table is on the right side of the chair. With this being my right knee, I don't think I can do that. The incision will be above my knee cap and right where my computer hits it.

If I sit any other way, I'll have to move all the furniture in the family room. I don't want to do that. So, I will have to work something else out.

The new book, that I call Susannah's Hope, is coming along nicely. The words seem to come to me better than they ever have and I'm pleased to be able to write my goal each day.

I need to get my goal accomplished today and get ready for my granddaughter to come spend the night. I think we'll bake cookies tomorrow.

New Winner of The Master's Wall

The original winner of The Master's Wall never contacted me, so we have a new winner. The new winner of the Master's Wall is...Kathleen Maher. Kathleen, send me your address and I will contact DeWard Publishing to send your book. Congratulations, I know you will be encouraged to read this book.

Sandi is in the hospital now and receiving chemo. Please pray for her during this time.

This blog is going to be a lot of this and that. Not much is happening except getting ready for the Holidays. I usually don't decorate before the tenth of December. That's what my mother did, and I guess I'm following in her footsteps. It seemed it was a tradition growing up to decorate on December 10.

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful. Our son-in-law is overseeing the building of a Boy Scout Camp in Middle Tennessee. Some of the cabins are finished. We left Wednesday afternoon for our five hour trip to the camp. It is very secluded and beautiful. We went to church in Sparta, Tennessee on Wednesday night and visited with the preacher for a few minutes. He grew up where we attend church now. It was a good visit.

Never try to find a secluded area at night! We tried and got lost. Finally we arrived at the road leading to the camp and my wonderful son-in-law was there to guide us in. It was several miles off the road to the camp and most of the land was camp owned.

We arrived at our cabin. Before I could get out of the car, granddaughter #2 came running out and exclaimed, "This is not a cabin." It was more like a luxury hotel. Not the cabin she was used to at church camp. We had private bedrooms and private baths. There was a complete kitchen, television, laundry, and anything else you might want. It was quiet, so quiet.

Thursday, the rest of our extended family arrived. Our son and family and come with us and our daughter and granddaughter #1 was already there. That left the extended family of my son-in-law. They drifted in through the day. We had seen some of them when there had been a death in the family, but we had not seen most of them in some time. Little girls had turned into beautiful young women. It was wonderful. We visited, caught up on each other, laughed, and had a great time. I almost forgot, we ate! I'm looking forward to doing this again.

Second Chance Brides, Lydia's Charm, Love Is Grand

I don't usually lump three books together, but these are very good reading.

Second Chance Brides, by Vickie McDonough, is the second in  her TexasBoardinghouse Brides Series. If you remember from the first book, Garret and Luke Corbett, cousins of Sheriff Luke Davis, had advertised for a bride for Luke. Luke still loved his old sweetheart, who was now widowed and with a daughter.

This book begins with the wedding of Luke and Rachel and a tornado. There are two brides left in Lookout with no desire or means to return to their home. The Corbett brothers pay their rent at the hotel until they marry or gain employment to be able to pay it themselves.

They devise a way to help the girls get to know other available men. Well, let's say both of the brides marry, but it is fun reading to get to that point. Very good book.

Lydia's Charm, by Wanda E. Brunstetter is another wonderful Amish book. I have read Wanda's books since I began reading Christian Fiction, from School House Brides, to Lydia's Charm. 


Lydia is widowed with a small son and returns to live with her mother and grandfather to Charm, Ohio. (I love the way Wanda puts her books in different settings.) Lydia has no desire to remarry. Tragedy strikes Lydia and her mother after her grandfather dies.Two men are interested in her. One is a widower with four boys and the other never wants to get married, but he is drawn to Lydia.

One thing that interested me in this book was the little people. I had never thought of them being Amish, but now that I think about it, it is a good wrinkle in an Amish book. I enjoyed reading this book.

Love Is Grand, by Annalisa Daughety is about the Grand Canyon. This drew me in because I love the Grand Canyon. This is also the first book by Annalisa I had read, but I am sure there will be more.

Ainsley Davis was widowed the day she and her husband found out she was pregnant. She and her daughter hide in her parent's basement. She is so depressed that she does not want to go out or see anyone. She does however, decide to return to the Grand Canyon and her old job as a Ranger. He niece goes with her to care for the baby and hopefully forget a very bad boyfriend.

It is hard for Ainsley to get back in the grove of her old job. She has friends in the Canyon and also meets a new handsome man. Her life path takes many changes. Will she become interested in Jake McGuire, a new face with none of the memories? Or, will she draw closer to Dustin Cooper, a fellow ranger that she has know for years? This is a very good book and I didn't want it to end.

Update on Sandi Rog. She enters the hospital today for more chemo. The doctor tells her it will not be as bad as last time. She has also shaved her head since her hair was already falling out.

Happy Thanksgiving

There is so much on the television, computer and radio about being thankful. Shouldn't we be thankful each day, not just Thanksgiving?

Last night I couldn't sleep and I began to think of all the things I'm thankful for. Here goes.

I am thankful for

1, Jesus dying on the cross for MY sins. Where would I be without Him?
2, My friends, not only in the US, but in foreign countries. I am blessed daily by your love.
3. My family. I can't spend enough time with them.
4. The church that Christ established. We are so blessed to have such a loving, caring church family.
5. This beautiful earth we live in. I love every season of the year and I have no favorites. Each one is beautiful in it's own way. 
6. The life I live. Each day is a blessing for me. I wake each morning and I am thankful for it.
7. My husband. He didn't know what he was getting into when he married me. I am so blessed to have him and I am so thankful for his love.
8. My children. They bless me in ways they will never know. They are both Christians and that is a blessing in itself.
9. My grandchildren. They keep me young. I love watching them and getting hugs and kisses from them. Each one is so different.
10. One little girl. God gave me a precious soul to keep for six years. She had wisdom, love and a sunny disposition. I am so thankful that God let us have her for a little while. She taught us so much.

These are only a few of the things I'm thankful. Our family will be together tomorrow with my son-in-law's family. To have all of us together is a wonderful blessing.

I wish everyone the best Thanksgiving ever.

Thank You from Sandi Rog and The Master's Wall

I thought you would like to read this from Sandi. I talked to her last night and she sounded so good. We had a wonderful visit. Sandi, I love you.


Before my debut novel released, I asked God to be my publicist. 

You see, I was already suffering from MS and would get tired 

very easily. I knew I wouldn't be able to do as much as other 

authors in marketing my book. I said to God I'd do all I could, 

but would He please do the rest. 

Well, on November 1st, the very day my book released, I was 

diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer (T-cell Lymphoma). It was so 

aggressive, they immediately admitted me into the hospital and 

started me on their heaviest dose of chemo treatments. I can't 

even begin to describe how I felt. Sheer joy of having my first 

book published, and sheer terror of a life-threatening disease. 

When my ACFW friends heard the news, they rallied around me 

with prayers, prayer chains, cards, CDs to listen to while in the 

hospital, flowers, and promotion of my book (including filling in 

for me for the book signings I will miss!). My husband was so 

touched, he told me I was surrounded by legions of angels. And 

you know what? He was right. :-)

God heard my prayer. He knew what was going to happen the day 

my book released. And He put it on the hearts of all of you to come 

to my aid. I have chills as I'm writing this. If you just Google my 

book, THE MASTER'S WALL, you will see what God has done 

through all of you. My book goes on for pages and pages on the Google 

search engine. PAGES! Not just the first page! It's even ranked at 

number 21 of highest ratings on Amazon for historical romance. My 

book was published through a small press, so what God has done is 

close to a miracle. I have tears in my eyes as I share this with all of 

you. And all I can say is thank you. Honestly, "thank you" isn't 

enough for the gratitude I feel, for the love I feel. The first months of 

a book's release are critical, and I not only had to cancel my book 

signings, but everything else I had planned for promotion. Had I been 

well, I never would have accomplished what God through YOU has 

accomplished for me. 

Thank you for allowing yourselves to be used by our heavenly Father, 

and for giving me great pleasure during this frightening time in my life. 

This has helped to give me confidence that I am truly in God's hands.

I thank God for all of you.

Lots and lots of hugs in Him, 

Sandi Rog

P.S. If you'd like to share this "thank you note" with others, please feel 

free to do so. I can't keep up to personally thank all those who have helped.

Sandi Rog

THE MASTER'S WALL

Available for pre-order: www.deward.com

2009 Genesis Finalist

http://sandirog.blogspot.com/ 

http://thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com/ 

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This Week

We have been gone most of the week. My husband's brother-in-law passed away suddenly Monday afternoon and we have been away for the funeral. We all view greatness differently. Bob Simerly was a great man. A devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed on this earth. Our family get-to-gathers will not be the same. He had a wonderful sense of humor and kept us all laughing.

We arrived back home last night, tired and still shocked that Bob is gone. This morning, my knees are swollen and tight. I've had the ice bag on once and will do again as soon as it refreezes. This will be a lazy day for me, but I will be fine.

I would like to encourage Carol Bazzel to notify me of her address so I can send her a copy of The Master's Wall. If I do not hear by Monday, a new name will be drawn.

Today will be a day for me to rest. Laundry will wait until Monday. I'll have a review on Monday if everything goes well. Have a good week-end.

The Winner Is...

The winner of  The Master's Wall is...Drum roll please...Carol Brazle. Congratulations, Carol. If you will send your address to kac@bellsouth.net, I will see that you get a free book.

If you did not win, I encourage you to go to Amazon and order this wonderful book. It's an encouragement to read and you won't regret it.

This blog is short today. Wednesday will be a longer one. I was so honored to put these interviews on with Sandi Rog. She is such a wonderful Christian, wife and mother. My desire was to introduce her to all of you. Thank you Sandi for letting us know a little more about you.

Have a nice day, it is finally looking like fall here in Kentucky.

Last Interview with Sandi Rog

Today is the last interview with Sandi in this series. Please leave a comment and I will draw for a copy of The Master's Wall Monday morning. Leave more than one comment if you want to, each will be entered in the drawing. I'm praying my computer will cooperate today.

What inspired you to write “The Master’s Wall"?

I wanted to know what it might have been like to grow up in an era when the church was under persecution. What if you were a kid and your parents were killed because of their faith and you were forced to be a slave? That just intrigued me.

What would you like the reader to take away from this novel?

I want them to ask questions. To be so struck by some of the conversations between Alethea and David that they're enticed to search the scriptures on their own for answers. I want my story to lead them to God's word.

An emotional connection with the reader is essential in writing. What are your tips on how to do that successfully?

Boy, that's a hard one. I could go through and explain all the emotional mechanics a writer should use, but there's a fine line between being melodramatic and sincerely capturing an emotion. All I can think to say is what I wrote above. Don't tell your characters what to do, let them tell you (not that plotting is a bad thing; even plotters listen to their characters). Delve into their hearts, their minds. Find out what makes them tick. What would set them off, move them, hurt them? The answers will be different for each character. Be true to their personality. Be honest, be real. Real in the sense that the reader can relate. One thing I can't stand are pious characters who act perfectly under every circumstance. I can't relate to that at all, and I don't think most the readers can, either. In my next book, the second book to this series, my main character, David, comes in contact with the man who took his parents away. This man practically raped David's mother right in front of him, and as an adult David is expected to accept this same man as his brother in Christ. The man has repented, and he admits to his past faults, but David can't forgive him, and even tries to kill him. To me, that's real. That's honest. I love delving into that kind of controversy because I believe it's something we face every day, maybe in most cases on a smaller level, but ultimately still the same. When someone harms us, then asks for forgiveness, how easy is it to forgive?

I hope this has helped you to learn more about Sandi. I'm anxious for her next book.  

Sandi Rog and The Master's Wall, 5

We have one more interview after today. Sandi is doing as well as could be expected. She is very tired with the chemo and steroids. The lymphoma is T-Cell. Sandi told me that last night. If you heard A-Cell, it's wrong. It is T-Cell. I have been impressed with her acceptance of this and how she is encouraging me as I try to deal with it. This shows how strong her faith is.

I hope you have enjoyed these little tidbits of the interview. I want you to realize what a wonderful person Sandi is.

I'm having trouble pasting the interview into my blog. My computer has a mind of it's own sometimes.

Let me try to tell you a little from the interview. I hate to do this, but when the computer does not cooperate, you have to try something new.

Things I know about Sandi.
1. She is not a plotter. She lets her characters speak for themselves.She likes them to tell her what they want to do.
2. Her writing time gets interrupted a lot with a three year old. She has to be mommy and put her writing aside sometimes.
3. She is quirky and fun to be with. She has a marvelous sense of humor and has never seen a stranger. On the other side, she can be very serious.
4. She loves hearing from people. Her web sites are : www.SandiRog.com and www.SandiRog.blogspot.com. She may not be able to answer you right now, but she is amazed how much people care about her.
5. She has a deep faith in God. This shows in her attitude toward this horrible disease.
6. She is an encourager. For me especially, she has encouraged me in my writing and in my private life more than anyone will ever know.
7. She looks forward. Not only does she look forward to her earthly home, but to her heavenly one also.
8. She likes Indian food. That's from the country India.
9. Her biggest weakness is self-doubt.
10. She is a praying person. She prays about everything, her writing, her friends, her family. We are to pray without ceasing and she does.
11. I meant to write ten, but I have to put this in. She is the best friend anyone could have.

Sandi Rog and The Master's Wall, 4

Over the week-end Sandi and I exchanged emails. I didn't have to rely on Facebook to get my information. She has A-Cell Lymphoma and it was caused from the drug she took for MS. This is horrible. You expect a drug to help you, not try to kill you. Sandi is a strong Christian and she is fighting like crazy.

She has asked if anyone wants to do anything to help her, please buy her book. DeWard Publishing, sent out emails yesterday stating they would give an additional $1 to Sandy and her family for each book sold. You can contact DeWard Publishing.com or go to Amazon to purchase a book without leaving your chair. They make wonderful Christmas presents.

Remember to leave a comment to be have your name placed in the drawing on November 15.

Now more of her interview. Sandi, we love you!


 What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I wrote a historical romance about a half-breed Cheyenne warrior and a Dutch pioneer woman. I became intrigued with the Sand Creek Massacre and the fact that I grew up in Colorado and never knew about this horrific "holocaust." The idea of a Native American Christian coming face-to-face with white men who claimed to be Christians as they killed innocent people from his tribe, including children (all true according to history, by the way), really challenged me, so I had to write about it.

Not many houses want Native American stories, so that one isn't published.

 How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Good question. Yes, life in American is ten times faster than it was in Holland. It leaves me breathless. So, we say "no" to a lot of things. We have a family dinner with the kids and simply hide out at home. 

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Writing related: That I finished THE MASTER'S WALL. This story has been in me for years. Now on to the next in the series, YAHSHUA'S BRIDGE.

  If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat. So I can curl up and sleep all day.

What is your favorite food?

Indian food (India Indian, not Native American Indian). 

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Not knowing the craft. So, I learned it. My Native American story mentioned above was my "practice novel." It won first place in the 2005 West Virginia Novel Competition, so I don't think it turned out too bad.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Learn the craft! Get your hands on Dave King and Renni Browne's book Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. Or stop by my blog where Dave and other fabulous editors hang out, and learn about the craft: http://thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com/.

Sandi Rog and The Master's Wall 3

We are going to continue our interview with Sandi Rog. She is still in the hospital and so far that is all I know. I pray we will hear something soon and that it will be good news. Well, here goes again.


  Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

There's a piece of myself in all my characters. Even the bad guys. My bad guy in this story (the grandfather) is a bit insane and arrogant. E-hem. I'm ashamed to say I see a little of myself in him as well! Aaack! Better work on that. I also see myself in David. He's hot tempered, but has a passion to please God. Yep, that's me. Then there's Alethea. She's carefree and foolish, but at the same time shrewd, especially when it comes to protecting her own hide. Yes, that's me, too. :-)

  What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

One morning I climbed out of bed to take my two-year-old to preschool. This took place when we lived in Holland, by the way. So, I fed her, got her dressed and loaded her on the bike (we rode bikes, not cars out there). I dropped her off, and right across the street was the grocery store. There were some items I needed, so I decided to head on over there. Because it was so close, I decided to walk.

I crossed the street, pushing my bike, and then I went into the store. As I walked along, a man looked at me, looked away, then looked at me again. Surely, my hair and clothes weren't in that bad of shape. Yes, I'd just crawled out of bed, or felt like I had, but there was no call for anyone to take extra notice—or so I thought. Another couple walked by and gave me a strange look. Well, maybe I did look pretty bad. Finally, one woman's eyes darted downward and rested on me, or whatever it was she saw, so I also looked down. To my surprise, I was still pushing my bike! I'd walked my bike into the grocery store.

I chuckled and managed to get the words out in Dutch, "I'm not awake yet." I think it was my first official joke in Dutch. The woman laughed, so it must have worked. Well, I managed to get the bike turned around and parked it outside where it belonged. After that, I was wide awake.

As you can see by these questions that Sandi is a lot of fun and laughs at her own mistakes.

Update on Sandi Rog

Yesterday Sandi had the biopsy. I haven't heard anything more. I always say no news is good news. I know she was concerned from the last time I talked to her and that was a week ago. I pray they can find what is wrong and correct it so we will have our Sandi back.

Just a little update on me. The surgery on my left knee is scheduled for January. At least I will get through the holidays before I have it done. I wanted to have it earlier, but the doctor didn't want to, so I have to go by what he thinks best.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. There are twists and turns in the book that I did not expect. I want to tell you, but it would ruin it for you. The shock of things I didn't expect has made it such a good book. I love to be surprised.

Remember Sandi in your prayers. I'll have more of her interview tomorrow.

Continued Interview With Sandi Rog

We're going to learn a little more about Sandi Rog today. She will be having a biopsy soon to see what is in her head. Continue to keep her in your prayers.

First, I’m sure our readers would like to know, who is Sandi Rog and why does she like to write Inspirational Fiction?

Hi, there! It's great to be here, Katt. Thank you for having me. I'm originally from Colorado but spent thirteen years in my husband's homeland of Holland where three of my children were born. We have a fourth child who was born here (we're back in the States now). We got her a little t-shirt that says BORN IN AMERICA. It was special because she was the only one of all my kids born here.

I didn't grow up in the church, and after I became a Christian at 16, I decided it was time to clean up my reading. So, I started reading Christian Fiction. Well, I never thoroughly enjoyed reading Inspirational Fiction; it was boring and preachy. But I kept trying. Finally, after a "traumatic experience" with a fiction novel, I vowed to never read it again. While in Holland, I purchased a 500+ page Inspirational novel during a short visit to the States (this was before we could buy books on Internet; wow, makes me feel old, lol). Anyway, I brought it back with me to Holland and devoured it, desperate for something in English that was trustworthy. Well, after wading through sermon after sermon and boring description after boring description, the story finally got moving in the LAST CHAPTER! It was then that I found out it was a SEQUEL (I had no way to get back to the States to buy the next books; not that I really wanted to)! I literally threw the book across the room and vowed to never read Inspirational Fiction again. That's when I decided to write what I wanted to read. So . . . that's why I like to write Inspirational Fiction. Sounds negative, I know. But it's true.

Since then, I've come across MANY wonderful authors and stories. The Inspirational market has improved tremendously! It appears I wasn't the only one who wanted "more."

When did you first discover you wanted to be a writer?

See the story above. :-) But I'll also add . . .

I didn't always want to be a writer. I had other plans. Like becoming an actress or a singer. Once I hit college, I decided acting and singing weren’t for me. But there was always one constant: writing. When I was in fifth grade, I wrote a poem that an adult didn’t believe I wrote. I was shocked by his accusation because I had indeed written the poem all by myself. At the time, I didn’t realize his accusation was a compliment. I also wrote some short stories for a project in Junior High. The teacher thought one of my stories was true and shared with the class how important it is that we “write what we know.” I destroyed her point when I announced that the story was actually fiction. I don’t think she was too happy with me after that. However, by this time I was old enough to see the compliment. In high school, after convincing my mom that the 17 absences I had in English were a computer glitch (I still had an "A"), you'd think I would have realized I had a knack for words and for "telling stories."

Thanks Sandi, and we'll learn more about you Friday.

Sandi Rog and The Master's Wall, 2

Today, I had a late start doing everything. So far I have not posted anything about the interview with Sandi.

Sandi is in the hospital with a mass/tumor on her brain or skull. Although she has MS, this is in no way connected with MS. In fact, her MS in doing very well. At this time, she needs prayers.

Tomorrow, I will do another part of the interview and I will be adding to it on Friday. Next week, I will put more on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can leave a message anytime and the drawing will be held Friday.

Tell your friends to come by and leave a comment.

Interview with Sandi Rog

First, this is a two week interview with Sandi. There will be snippets of her each day until November 15. Her book goes on sale today, November 1, and I am so pleased that I was included in her decision to publish with DeWard Publishers.

On November 15, we will draw for a free autographed copy of The Master's Wall. You may leave a comment as often as you wish. Each comment will go into a drawing for her book. I am pleased to interview her during this special time in her life.

Sandi has been my friend since August, 2009. We roomed together at ACFW in Denver. It was an experience, a wonderful experience. I grew to love her and respect her.

Sandi is first of all a Christian. Her faith has impressed me and her writing shows her love of God. She is a wife and mother of four precious children. Her husband's precious also. I couldn't leave him out because of all he does for her.

Today, we will look at the back cover of The Master's Wall. Tomorrow, I will start asking questions to Sandi. Then you will get to know more about her and her writing.

THE MASTER'S WALL

He fights for his freedom. She fights for her life. Together, they fight for each other.

After watching Roman soldiers drag his parents away to their death, David, a young Hebrew, is sold and enslaved to serve at a villa outside of Rome. As David trains to become a skilled fighter, he works hard to please his master and hopes to earn his freedom. However, an opportunity to escape tempts him with its whispering call. Freedom beckons, but invisible chains hold him captive to the master's granddaughter, an innocent girl with a fiery spirit. David vows to protect Alethea from his master, the murderous patriarch, and contrives a daring plan—sacrifice his own life to save hers.

Please don't forget to leave a comment. I'll see you tomorrow.

Be Careful What You Pray For

It has been so dry and hot here that I have prayed fervently for rain. Well, today we have it. As I said in the title, "Be Careful What You Pray For." From 4:30 a.m. we have had storm warnings and my little radio went off constantly until the electricity went off.

There have been tornado warnings, storm watches and strong winds. It is still raining hard, but not much wind. I don't like wind or tornado watches/warnings.

Before the electricity went off, I decided I needed to get out of the lift chair. I didn't want to get stuck in it. I did it just in the nick of time.

It has been a good day to write and read. I love the quiet of the rain. The temperature is dropping, so we may finally have fall.

On November 1, I will be interviewing Sandi Rog and give away a signed copy of her book, The Master's Wall. All you have to do is make a comment until the fifteenth of the month. I will draw for the winner then.

I'm back to writing. Have a good day.

Still Around

This past week has been busy. I've been rewriting my novel and trying to get it looking better. There is so much to learn in writing.

Saturday I went to Murray, KY. My friend and author, Susan Page Davis, did a book signing there. I went to support her and visit with her between signings. She was sick so I stayed until she felt better. It was a most enjoyable day.

When I got home, I rested and then we went to a Chili Supper. It was so much fun and I got to know more people at church. It is hard for me to get names straight, but I'm doing better now. Seems each time we are at church we learn another name. It will be a while before we know everyone.

Last week was a week of excitement. Sandi Rog's book, The Master's Wall, releases November 1. She and I talked several times last week and I am so excited for her. She is a very good author and a good friend.

In addition, my great-nephew sings with a group from his school, Mars Hill Bible School, in Florence, AL and their group was one of the top four selected by the Today Show to be in a contest for the Best Show Choir. I tried to get everyone I knew to vote for him, but they didn't win. I thought they were the best, but that is an aunt talking.

My knee is doing better. It is still swollen, but I expected that. I had a little bow leg and the doctor straightened that during surgery. My left foot hurts at the ankle and arch, but I think that is from the different angle I am walking now. No limp and no cane or walker. I go back to the doctor this week and we will talk about the right knee. It is giving way on me and I'm so scared I'll fall and mess up the left knee, or a hip.

I have plenty to do today and it's trying to rain. Good day to write. Have a wonderful day.

Love Me Tender

Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna, brings back memories of Elvis and the 50's. It was a slower, easier time when we wished for our true love. Growing up in the 50's was different than it is today and Janice brought back so many memories to me.

Debbie Carmichael determines to change her family's restaurant, Sweet Sal's Soda Shoppe, from financial ruin when her father's health fails. Help is in sight when teen heartthrob Bobby Conrad agrees to perform at a fund-raiser concert. But just two weeks before the highly publicized even, plans fall through and Bobby can't come. Enter Johnny Hartman, a young unknown singer.

Debbie soon realizes the twists and turns leading up to the concert have been divinely orchestrated. But is it the dreamy Bobby Conrad who ultimately steals her heart...or the tender Johnny Hartman?

This is a very good book and if you love the 50's, you'll love this book.

Good Morning

It's been a while since I have written. One reason is the fact that I have not felt very well. My knee is doing great, but my oxygen levels have dropped. I can do pretty good during the day, but at night they drop into the 60's. Not good.

When I get up in the mornings, I am so tired I can hardly move. I sleep most of the day and then go to bed early at night. I know that is because of the oxygen levels.

I have had two tests to check the levels during the night and I should hear from the last one today or tomorrow. My doctor has said I should have oxygen if they do not increase.

I am walking without a cane and keeping my balance. Tuesday I walked to the mailbox and got caught in a rain shower. The rain felt so good and I didn't mind getting wet at all.

Writing is slow right now and I think I am a little depressed. When I get that way, I usually don't want to do anything. Today does feel better. I hope I can get a lot accomplished today.

Over the week-end we had company, which I enjoyed so much. My daughter, granddaughter and niece came to help us make apple butter. We make it the old way, over an open fire. It turned out very well. My youngest grandson had the job of wiping off the tops of the jars. They all sealed, so he did a good job. It was a fun day.

Now, I need to get busy.

A Story

How do you start a new book? There are several ways to get a story going. First, you must know what you are going to write about. Do you have a special interest or something you are passionate about? That is the best place to start.

You want your story to be fresh and not something everyone else is writing. So many subjects have been over written and they do eventually become boring. Have a fresh outlook on the subject you are writing.

Make it interesting. Sally meets Joey and falls head over heels in love with him. Joey is more interested in Mary Ann, who is the bad girl. What can Sally do to make Joey notice her? Does she decide to be a bad girl or does she remain her sweet self? Maybe she can ignore him, but Joey's best friend, Mike, notices her. He may say something to Joey and then Joey wants to date her, but she ignores him.

So far, it's like every other story. How would you change it? How would you jazz it up? Can you find a way where Joey will fall for her, or does someone else come into the picture?

Think of all the books you have written lately, isn't that the premise for all of them? How are they different from the others? What makes them more interesting to read? Think about your book. Are you writing something different? Maybe a different time era, a different setting, different characters or maybe a whole new story about something little known to people today. You have to make your story different to make it stand out to an agent or publisher. Stretch your mind and see how you can do that.

Back to Writing

It has been so good to get back to writing. Between the busy summer and pain in my knees, it was hard to sit long enough to write. My mind did not work either.

I'm excited to start on my new book and give another character a chance to be a feisty lady. It seems like the world is against her right now. How many times do we feel the same way? Everything is happening to her at one time and she is going to have to make a decision. Will she rebel or will she tighten her belt and get on with the program? I haven't decided which way she will go.

Fall has finally arrived. We had frost this morning and it was 33 degrees at our house. I have not ventured out of the house yet and probably won't until later today.

It will be good when the swelling goes down more in my leg. I know it takes time, but I am impatient. It's good not to have the walker and I am looking forward to giving up the cane.

Good Doctor's Visit

Yesterday was my first doctor visit after surgery. Two very strange things have happened since the surgery. The home health service lost me. They were supposed to show up on Monday and did not. I called and the person who was supposed to see me, did not and did not report that they had not seen me. I expect a head rolled.

At the doctor's office yesterday, they thought they had already called me in and they hadn't. I think now I am invisible. After almost an hour wait in the waiting room, I was called back.

Now, I find out I need to slow down. At six weeks, I should be able to bend my knee 95% and I am doing it now at less than two weeks. Everything is healing nicely and I have feet the same size.

Now, I am slowing down more, that means doing almost nothing, and trying to keep from doing too much. I can damage my knee if I do too much. My range of motion is good. I can stand and sit with both feet equal. I bend my knee when I walk and today is the last day with the walker. I can use the cane from now on.

Today, I also start writing again. The pain before was too much to think about anything much. I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing some each day. My goal is 500 words to start out with. I hope I can increase it to what I was doing before, which was around 1,500 words. It's getting back in the habit and I am ready.

My Best Day

This is the best day I have had so far. Very little pain and an almost normal knee. The blisters from the tape are healing and I feel so wonderful today.

The therapist I have is so nice. She has taught me a lot about getting out of a chair and now we are walking with a cane. I have to use my walker until tomorrow, then I'll be on the cane. I can live with that.

Today I go back to the doctor. I think he'll be surprised by my progress. I know I am surprised. I thought I would use the walker for a much longer period of time.

When we bought this house, we have a patio that was marked for basketball free throws. It's almost a half court. It's been a problem to try to figure out what to do with it. It is wonderful for me to walk on. I try to go around it twice a day.

Yesterday I gave my husband a six hour pass to go fishing. I slept most of the time he was gone. He came home with two bass, each weighing about four pounds. He was getting stir crazy.

I'm looking forward to the trip to the doctor. I guess cabin fever is setting in on me. I'm anxious to get to doing more things around the house. This seems to be such a good day starting and I hope it finishes that way.

Home From The Hospital

Surgery is over and I am doing well. I came home from the hospital on Friday. There is no place like home. My husband and I had a hard time sleeping Friday night. We swapped sides of the bed several times and finally when we got on our respective sides of the bed all was fine. It's harder for me to get the the bathroom from my side, but we've worked it out.

There are a lot of nurses who read Christian novels. I talked about my favorite authors and pitched a few books to them. It is always great to talk about writing.

I just finished the Advanced Readers Copy of The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog. I've written so much about Sandi and this book that I am probably being boring. After reading it, I can truthfully say it is wonderful and I highly recommend it. You can still get free shipping and a signed copy by contacting DeWard Publishing. I'll do an interview with Sandi when it publishes November 1.

So much needs to be done today with my writing. I haven't done much lately and I need to get busy. The recliner and I have made friends and it is getting easier to work from it. I've got a couple of weeks that I will be more down than up and I plan to take advantage of it.

Surgery Over

Yes, the surgery is over and I'm doing well. The nerve block is working and I really have no pain. I walked this morning and sat in a chair for three and a half hours.

My surgeon is wonderful and very concerned about me. He said I was the healthiest he had operated on yesterday. The others were very heavy, so that made me feel good. I'm not skinny, but he said I was healthy.

They just took my IV out and they're calling to see if I can take the antibiotics by mouth. I am doing very well.

Just wanted you to know how I was doing. Have a good day.