Amy R. Anguish's Blog, page 10
September 9, 2024
There are No Words
I decided to work on my Snow White retelling in August this summer. I thought, it will be between edits and before book launch. Perfect timing to knock out some of the scenes that had been filling my head.There was only one problem.
I would sit at my computer, open the document, and stare at the screen. And then let myself be distracted by other things like Facebook or Pinterest or reading or even ... gasp ... cleaning the area around my chair.
It wasn't that I didn't know what should happen next. It was all very clear in my head. It wasn't that I didn't love the story. I did.
But everything else in my life--my jobs, my children, my messy house, the bills, the other little stressors of everything I had taken on--they all caught up with me. And they ruined my mind completely useless. Adding one more self-inflicted deadline was the the straw that broke my camel's back this summer.
And that was just it. I didn't have a deadline. I wasn't under contract. I wanted to write it partly because it was in my head and partly because I hope to get a contract. But it's not DUE anytime in the future yet. The only one putting this pressure on me to write it was me.
So, I stopped. As you can see above, I have 65 pages written. A great start. And I know what will happen in the next chapter and the next and several after that. But it doesn't have to be written right now. It can wait for another month when maybe things aren't quite so stressful. Or when my brain isn't over-stimulated from all the other stressors. And it will be written in the future. But not now.
Do you ever do that to yourself? Put pressure on to finish something that, in the scheme of things, doesn't have to be that high on your priority list? Do you ever think you have to focus on something that isn't as urgent as you're making it? Does it make it harder for you to complete it? It does for me!
September 2, 2024
Author Interview: Joanna Holden
Do you love fairy tales? You know I do. Well, today, you're in for a treat, because my guest author, Joanna Holden, is here to talk about her fairytale retellings as well as her life as an author. Make sure you read all the way to the end to find out more about her books and how to find her online! Joanna, I know you're a homeschooling mom to your four children. How do you find time to write?It’s definitely a challenge, especially in seasons with extra complications. (We’re in one of those right now.) For me, it’s a matter of routine. I plan our school days so that we do all our work in the mornings. Then the kids have the afternoons free for exploring and playing, and Mommy gets regular writing time. We’ve chosen a method and curriculum to match this routine. I also try to switch up writing times based on how I’m feeling physically. If I’m doing pretty good, afternoons are my time. If I need daily naps, I wait till the kids are in bed and write then. (And if I need to reach a deadline, I double up and do both.) And as often as I can, I schedule weekly library writing days. This makes sure that a) I can get out of the house, and b) I get in several solid uninterrupted hours of writing.
It’s not perfect by any means. There are plenty of days when writing still doesn’t happen. But at least it’s on my mind. And it’s a lot easier to slip into the routine when it’s been the same for eleven years.
Your books look like so much fun. What inspired you to do fairytale retellings?
I was actually inspired by not finding what I was looking for. I had seen a lot of retellings being launched that were all based on the same four or five fairy tales. And while I loved those, I wanted to see a wider variety of options. Especially since there is such a rich pool to choose from, and it felt like no one was even touching those. So, I pulled a selection of lesser-known fairy tales that I loved.
That also affected how I chose to retell them. Rather than taking an original concept and spinning it into something wildly different, I opted to write them as close to the originals as possible. I look at them more as extended editions of the originals – adding in details and fleshing out plotlines, and letting the surprises come from those additions rather than changing endings or subverting the original tropes.
How hard was it to pick which fairy tales to use for your stories?
It actually wasn’t very hard to pick which ones I wanted to retell. There were stories or characters or magical elements that just spoke to me, that clicked, and I found myself passionate about the idea of retelling them.
Why middle grade? What is it about that age group that makes you want to write for them?
I’ve always loved middle grade fantasy. I grew up on Narnia, Peter Pan, and a myriad of other classics. When I first started writing Little Hood, though, I didn’t have a younger audience in mind. It wasn’t until after I had written a version of it (I ended up completely rewriting it) that I realized this book was meant to be middle grade. Once that clicked, I took a look at the other fairy tales and realized Snow Dust was meant to be, too. About that same time, I started hearing from several kids of friends who were bemoaning how difficult it was to find clean fantasy adventures for middle grade and young adult. That was when my writing really took off – now I had a specific audience in mind and a specific passion to drive me.
Can you give us a sneak peek into what you're working on next?
I’m currently working on continuing the fairy tale retelling, branching into Young Adult with a new series. The first fairy tale being retold is a blend of The Wild Swans and The Six Swans currently under the title Swan Song. It’s about a princess who must travel to a distant land to save herself and break a dark curse on her brothers. I’m in the middle of outlining and plan to start drafting this fall.
What is a fairy tale you could never see yourself using in a retelling? And why?
That would have to be The Little Mermaid. I know it’s a favorite for many fairy tale lovers, and I’ve actually enjoyed retellings of it. But I feel conflicted as to whether I like it or not. And writing a book takes a lot of work. So, I think I’ll save that for fairy tales I’m 100% in love with.
As a mom, what do you hope your children learn from watching you write your books?
I want them to see their mother persevering. I want them to learn that they, too, can pursue their God-given dreams, and that the things we’re passionate about are worth working hard to achieve. I also hope they see a balance – that work never comes before God or family, but that there are other sacrifices that sometimes it is worth it to make.
And last but not least, can you leave us with one fact about yourself that very few people know about you?
I know Irish Step dancing and can American Clog my way out of any situation.
Snow Dust Gerda has heard her grandmother’s stories of magic and adventure all her life. But neither she nor her best friend Kay believe in them . . . until Kay is infected with slivers of snow dust and the Snow Queen arrives to claim them. When Kay disappears, everyone believes he is dead. Except Gerda.
When an accident lands her on the road to the fabled Ice Palace, Gerda’s choice is simple: run back to the comfort of her home, or venture into the unknown to find Kay. And with the ice burrowing deeper into Kay’s heart, Gerda is running out of time.
New friends, new enemies, and constant danger await Gerda on the road north, and she will have plenty of chances to turn back. When all seems lost, will she persevere? Or will the Snow Queen win Kay’s loyalty—and his life?
Little HoodBlanche spends every day dreaming about adventure. But it won’t happen. Not in the miserable little farming county she lives in. Here all she can do is work, day in and day out, beside her worn and Blanche worried mother waiting for the day when she’ll be old enough to leave. Her only hope seems to be matchmaking her mother to the woodcutter who lives nearby. If she can get her mother to notice him.
Then the mysterious stranger shows up. And the animal attacks start. Soon, Blanche is caught up in a magical mystery that is everything she ever hoped for. But as the enemy grows more powerful, things start spiraling out of control. When Blanche’s family is threatened, will she be willing to stand up for them and risk all she has worked for? Or will she give way to the darkness that is coming for them all? Joanna G. Holden is a stay-at-home mom and book dragon living in the breathtaking Texas hill country with her husband, Micah, and their growing family. Her artistic passions span in many directions, from music and sketching to acting and dance. But writing faith-fueled fantasy novels is her one true obsession. She also runs a YouTube channel for authors of fantasy and series where she shares her journey and helpful tips for new authors.
https://www.joannaholden.com/ (author website)
Instagram Handle - @authorjoannagholden
August 30, 2024
Short Story--Coffee Date--Day 5
It's the final day of our short story for this birthday week. I hope you've enjoyed the little drama between Kevin and Stacy, along with the literary references. If you missed any of the previous days, they can be found here: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, or Day 4. And now, the conclusion of our story ... 
Kevin still couldn’t believe Stacy was in the passenger seat of his car as he drove them to his favorite café. Had he really finally asked her for a date? She knew this was a date, right?
“So, did you like Little Women?” Stacy broke their silence. “I have to ask because if you didn’t, I’m not sure we can date longer than tonight.”
Kevin blinked.
“I’m joking!” Stacy giggled.
“Well, joking or not, I did enjoy the book. I don’t think it was what I expected. But it was really fascinating.”
Stacy leaned closer, her floral scent wafting his way. “Did you cry?” “I’m not sure that’s something to admit on a first date.” Kevin cleared his throat. “Here’s the café.”
He parked, but didn’t turn the car off. Something wasn’t right. All the lights were off inside. It wasn’t that late, was it?
“Are they open?” Stacy craned her neck.
“I can’t see what that sign in the window says.”
“Closed for family emergency.” Stacy flopped back in her seat.
Of all the rotten timing! How would he ever work up the nerve to ask Stacy out again? Especially if this first coffee date didn’t go any better than this?
Stacy straightened and snapped. “I know.”
“What?”
“Back out and go that way.” She pointed the way they’d come. “I think this will be even better.”
He followed her directions until they pulled into a tiny little drive-thru called the Java Hut. There was nowhere to sit inside, but the flashing lights at least proved it was open. A step in the right direction.
They went through the line and soon his car filled with the scent of coffee. He breathed in deeply, but then paused as they reached the road again. What now?
“Now, let’s go find a place and drink our coffee with the sound of the rain and good conversation.” Stacy seemed to read his mind. “You can tell me more about what you thought of Little Women or we can talk about other things. I’m happy either way.”
“Really? You don’t think this is the worst date ever?” Kevin steered them back toward the library parking lot.
Stacy laughed. “Honestly, this is probably one of the best. You started off by emulating one of my favorite characters and then treated me to what I’d been craving all day. What more could a girl ask for?”
Kevin shook his head. “And all this time I thought dating was hard.”
“Maybe you just never asked the right girl before this.”
“I never asked any girl before this.” The words escaped before he could lock them in.
“Good. Then I get to set the precedent.” Stacy settled back in her seat and took a sip of coffee. “Let’s plan to do this a lot.”
Kevin could live with endless coffee dates as long as Stacy was the one he had them with. Actually, sounded like the perfect plan.
What about you? Does that sound like a perfect date plan? Did it end how you expected (you know I love my happy endings!)?
I hope it brought a little extra fun into your week. Thanks for celebrating with me. If you've missed any of my past short stories, they can be found here. Until next year ...
Kevin still couldn’t believe Stacy was in the passenger seat of his car as he drove them to his favorite café. Had he really finally asked her for a date? She knew this was a date, right?“So, did you like Little Women?” Stacy broke their silence. “I have to ask because if you didn’t, I’m not sure we can date longer than tonight.”
Kevin blinked.
“I’m joking!” Stacy giggled.
“Well, joking or not, I did enjoy the book. I don’t think it was what I expected. But it was really fascinating.”
Stacy leaned closer, her floral scent wafting his way. “Did you cry?” “I’m not sure that’s something to admit on a first date.” Kevin cleared his throat. “Here’s the café.”
He parked, but didn’t turn the car off. Something wasn’t right. All the lights were off inside. It wasn’t that late, was it?
“Are they open?” Stacy craned her neck.
“I can’t see what that sign in the window says.”
“Closed for family emergency.” Stacy flopped back in her seat.
Of all the rotten timing! How would he ever work up the nerve to ask Stacy out again? Especially if this first coffee date didn’t go any better than this?
Stacy straightened and snapped. “I know.”
“What?”
“Back out and go that way.” She pointed the way they’d come. “I think this will be even better.”
He followed her directions until they pulled into a tiny little drive-thru called the Java Hut. There was nowhere to sit inside, but the flashing lights at least proved it was open. A step in the right direction.
They went through the line and soon his car filled with the scent of coffee. He breathed in deeply, but then paused as they reached the road again. What now?
“Now, let’s go find a place and drink our coffee with the sound of the rain and good conversation.” Stacy seemed to read his mind. “You can tell me more about what you thought of Little Women or we can talk about other things. I’m happy either way.”
“Really? You don’t think this is the worst date ever?” Kevin steered them back toward the library parking lot.
Stacy laughed. “Honestly, this is probably one of the best. You started off by emulating one of my favorite characters and then treated me to what I’d been craving all day. What more could a girl ask for?”
Kevin shook his head. “And all this time I thought dating was hard.”
“Maybe you just never asked the right girl before this.”
“I never asked any girl before this.” The words escaped before he could lock them in.
“Good. Then I get to set the precedent.” Stacy settled back in her seat and took a sip of coffee. “Let’s plan to do this a lot.”
Kevin could live with endless coffee dates as long as Stacy was the one he had them with. Actually, sounded like the perfect plan.
What about you? Does that sound like a perfect date plan? Did it end how you expected (you know I love my happy endings!)?
I hope it brought a little extra fun into your week. Thanks for celebrating with me. If you've missed any of my past short stories, they can be found here. Until next year ...
August 29, 2024
Short Story--Coffee Date--Day 4
It's the next-to-last day of our short story. I hope you have been enjoying it. If you've missed any of the previous days, you can find them here: Day 1, Day 2, or Day 3. 
Rainy days made Stacy want to just curl up and read somewhere. Preferably with a warm cup of coffee. But, instead, the day had been full of chaotic story times, lost books, and a few preschool breakdowns. She was about to the point where she wanted to join them.
It was finally closing time, but no sign of the weather letting up. She’d just have to pull the hood up on her jacket and make a run for it. If only she hadn’t had to park so far away! But the employees tried to leave closer spots for the library patrons, so she was stuck in the back corner tonight.
She paused on the back doorstep, breathing in the damp air, listening to the pounding on the pavement. A wonderful night to snuggle under a blanket with a book. First, she had to get home. Deep breath. She was going to be soaked, but she would dry. Just run for it, Stacy.
“Stacy!” Kevin hollered right as she put a foot into the deluge.
She quickly drew it back under the overhang and turned to see him dashing through the backdoor, a bag slung haphazardly over his shoulder, his coat flapping, and a giant umbrella in hand.
“Hi.” She pointed to his accessories. “I think you came better prepared than I did today. I knew it would rain, but had no idea it would come down like this.”
“I took a chance.” One corner of his mouth drew up into a grin and the corners of his eyes crinkled. Cute.
Did she really just think that? Where had the thought come from?
“I thought maybe …” He opened the umbrella, “… you’d let me walk you to your car.”
She gazed up at him for a minute before nodding. “Thank you, Kevin.”
They slowly stepped into the rain, the umbrella saving them from the worst of the wet. And her feet were no longer in a hurry. There was something electric in the damp night air as they huddled close together under their covering.
“I finished that book,” Kevin interrupted the storm.
It had been several weeks and she’d wondered a few times if he’d bothered reading it or not. “Did you find what you needed?”
“I thought at first you wanted me to be like Laurie.” Kevin chuckled. “But then I found the real hero in the end.”
Stacy nodded. “Laurie’s great and he teaches Jo a lot of lessons, but Professor Bhaer is the one for her. One of my favorites.”
“Stacy …” Kevin stopped them a few feet from her car. “For weeks now—months even—I’ve been wanting to ask you to go have coffee. But I haven’t had the courage. Then, I saw how Bhaer bumbled his way through it, and Jo thought that was all right …”
“I was just thinking earlier I’d love to have coffee on a night like tonight.” Stacy reached up and placed her hands on Kevin’s, just as Jo did Professor Bhaer’s in the book. “Still want to?”
Hmmm. Sounds promising to me. One more day for you to find out how the story ends. Think it will be soggy or sweet? Come back tomorrow to find out.
Rainy days made Stacy want to just curl up and read somewhere. Preferably with a warm cup of coffee. But, instead, the day had been full of chaotic story times, lost books, and a few preschool breakdowns. She was about to the point where she wanted to join them.It was finally closing time, but no sign of the weather letting up. She’d just have to pull the hood up on her jacket and make a run for it. If only she hadn’t had to park so far away! But the employees tried to leave closer spots for the library patrons, so she was stuck in the back corner tonight.
She paused on the back doorstep, breathing in the damp air, listening to the pounding on the pavement. A wonderful night to snuggle under a blanket with a book. First, she had to get home. Deep breath. She was going to be soaked, but she would dry. Just run for it, Stacy.
“Stacy!” Kevin hollered right as she put a foot into the deluge.
She quickly drew it back under the overhang and turned to see him dashing through the backdoor, a bag slung haphazardly over his shoulder, his coat flapping, and a giant umbrella in hand.
“Hi.” She pointed to his accessories. “I think you came better prepared than I did today. I knew it would rain, but had no idea it would come down like this.”
“I took a chance.” One corner of his mouth drew up into a grin and the corners of his eyes crinkled. Cute.
Did she really just think that? Where had the thought come from?
“I thought maybe …” He opened the umbrella, “… you’d let me walk you to your car.”
She gazed up at him for a minute before nodding. “Thank you, Kevin.”
They slowly stepped into the rain, the umbrella saving them from the worst of the wet. And her feet were no longer in a hurry. There was something electric in the damp night air as they huddled close together under their covering.
“I finished that book,” Kevin interrupted the storm.
It had been several weeks and she’d wondered a few times if he’d bothered reading it or not. “Did you find what you needed?”
“I thought at first you wanted me to be like Laurie.” Kevin chuckled. “But then I found the real hero in the end.”
Stacy nodded. “Laurie’s great and he teaches Jo a lot of lessons, but Professor Bhaer is the one for her. One of my favorites.”
“Stacy …” Kevin stopped them a few feet from her car. “For weeks now—months even—I’ve been wanting to ask you to go have coffee. But I haven’t had the courage. Then, I saw how Bhaer bumbled his way through it, and Jo thought that was all right …”
“I was just thinking earlier I’d love to have coffee on a night like tonight.” Stacy reached up and placed her hands on Kevin’s, just as Jo did Professor Bhaer’s in the book. “Still want to?”
Hmmm. Sounds promising to me. One more day for you to find out how the story ends. Think it will be soggy or sweet? Come back tomorrow to find out.
August 28, 2024
Short Story--Coffee Date--Day 3
It's my actual birthday today and I hope you're enjoying celebrating with me this week by reading my free short story. We're on to Day 3, which means only two left after this one. If you missed the previous days, they're here: Day 1, Day 2. 
Now Kevin had gone and done it. Could this be any more humiliating?
“Are you wanting to write a novel?” Stacy glanced from the book to him.
“No, I—” Argh. Maybe it could get more humiliating. And why did he always forget how to talk when she was around?
“Kevin.” Stacy laid a hand on his bicep. “Maybe if you tell me what you’re looking for, I could help. I know I am head of the children’s department, but I read rather widely, especially in this genre. I mean, I won’t know everything, of course—”
He cut her off before she could go any farther. “I was trying to figure out how it’s done.” Stacy blinked. “It?”
Tapping the page, he looked away, mumbling, “A date.”
When she was quiet for several minutes, he dared a peek back her way. Her eyes skimmed over the words on the page, her lips twisted to the side. After another moment, she shook her head. Not a good sign.
“If you want to get a date, you need to ask the girl.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Hmm.” She narrowed her eyes, closed the book with a slight thump, and returned it to its spot on the shelf. “These heroes make it seem very easy, but there are others who didn’t. Maybe you’re looking in the wrong place.”
“The wrong place?” Kevin waved around them. “This is the romance section. I thought these held examples of what all the girls are looking for.”
“Not every girl.” Stacy looped her arm through his and he followed her lead, too shocked to stay where he was.
“Are we going to the children’s section?” His whisper sounded loud in the quiet room. This time of night, all the kids were gone for the day.
“Yes, because some of the best classics are here. And as someone who loves history, you should appreciate a good classic.”
“Just because I love history doesn’t mean I love the way they spoke back then.”
Stacy’s laugh tinkled out, sending a wave of bookworms through his belly. “Fair enough. But I think you can handle this one.” She stopped in the As and pulled down Little Women. “One of my favorites.”
“That’s a really thick book.” The tome sat heavy in his hands.
“Some of the best stories are.” She tapped the cover. “See if this gives you any ideas.”
Was that what you expected to happen? Do you think he'll read the book? Have you read it? Come back tomorrow to find out what happens next.
Now Kevin had gone and done it. Could this be any more humiliating?“Are you wanting to write a novel?” Stacy glanced from the book to him.
“No, I—” Argh. Maybe it could get more humiliating. And why did he always forget how to talk when she was around?
“Kevin.” Stacy laid a hand on his bicep. “Maybe if you tell me what you’re looking for, I could help. I know I am head of the children’s department, but I read rather widely, especially in this genre. I mean, I won’t know everything, of course—”
He cut her off before she could go any farther. “I was trying to figure out how it’s done.” Stacy blinked. “It?”
Tapping the page, he looked away, mumbling, “A date.”
When she was quiet for several minutes, he dared a peek back her way. Her eyes skimmed over the words on the page, her lips twisted to the side. After another moment, she shook her head. Not a good sign.
“If you want to get a date, you need to ask the girl.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Hmm.” She narrowed her eyes, closed the book with a slight thump, and returned it to its spot on the shelf. “These heroes make it seem very easy, but there are others who didn’t. Maybe you’re looking in the wrong place.”
“The wrong place?” Kevin waved around them. “This is the romance section. I thought these held examples of what all the girls are looking for.”
“Not every girl.” Stacy looped her arm through his and he followed her lead, too shocked to stay where he was.
“Are we going to the children’s section?” His whisper sounded loud in the quiet room. This time of night, all the kids were gone for the day.
“Yes, because some of the best classics are here. And as someone who loves history, you should appreciate a good classic.”
“Just because I love history doesn’t mean I love the way they spoke back then.”
Stacy’s laugh tinkled out, sending a wave of bookworms through his belly. “Fair enough. But I think you can handle this one.” She stopped in the As and pulled down Little Women. “One of my favorites.”
“That’s a really thick book.” The tome sat heavy in his hands.
“Some of the best stories are.” She tapped the cover. “See if this gives you any ideas.”
Was that what you expected to happen? Do you think he'll read the book? Have you read it? Come back tomorrow to find out what happens next.
August 27, 2024
Short Story--Coffee Date--Day 2
Ready for Day 2 of my annual short story? If you missed Day 1, you can catch up here. If you're ready to find out what happens next between Kevin and Stacy, read on. 
“Is Kevin still here?” Stacy stopped by the front desk after checking the history section—his favorite spot. But there was no sign of the quiet man who had stopped by earlier and never finished telling her what he needed.
She’d been so distracted with the emergency spill Felicia had alerted her to and then to finishing up her book repair project. Kevin hadn’t crossed her mind again until she was helping a little girl find a biography in the children’s section. Which made her think about the man who could help find one in the adults’. And guilt niggled at her belly.
Kevin was one of the sweetest guys on staff. Much nicer than old Mr. Peabody, who had been working here basically since the library opened. Kevin was more like a big teddy bear and often reminded her of Professor Bhaer in Little Women. She secretly hoped to find her own Professor Bhaer someday—or a Gilbert Blythe would be nice too. Her dream man often was a cross between the two.
“I haven’t seen him leave.” Cecily clicked a few buttons on the computer in front of her before looking Stacy’s way. “Did you check the history section?”
“I did.” Stacy pursed her lips. “Maybe I just missed him.”
Meandering back through the rows of shelves, she peeked around the corner at the aisle with autobiographies and political commentaries. No Kevin. Not in the biographies or large tomes of historical events, either. Maybe he snuck past Cecily? She wasn’t exactly focused up there at the desk.
The library grew quiet in this last half hour before closing time. The lights were still on, but without the sunshine streaming in the windows, the interior felt more like mood lighting. This was the time of day Stacy expected to see book characters come to life.
She wandered back toward the children’s section, cutting through the romance aisle. Might as well grab something to take home and read later that evening while she was here. She glanced toward where her favorite author’s books sat and froze.
Kevin.
He stood, a paperback in hand, a wrinkle marring his forehead as his finger followed the words on the page. What on earth could be so hard to understand in a romance novel? She slid over and peeked at the title. She’d read it the month before and couldn’t recall anything strange between the pages.
“Something wrong?” She lifted the book from his hands.
“Gah!” He jumped back a foot.
“Sorry. I thought you heard me come up.”
“No. I—” His eyes darted back and forth between the book in her hands, her, and anywhere else he could look. “Just, um …”
“This one was good. Were you not enjoying it?”
“I wasn’t actually reading it for pleasure.” He dashed a hand through his brown hair, then down his short beard.
She blinked. “You weren’t?”
“No.” He glanced away. “I was doing some … research.”
Stacy tried to wrap her head around that concept. Research in the romance department?
What do you think so far? Think this is going to change things? Come back tomorrow to find out.
“Is Kevin still here?” Stacy stopped by the front desk after checking the history section—his favorite spot. But there was no sign of the quiet man who had stopped by earlier and never finished telling her what he needed.
She’d been so distracted with the emergency spill Felicia had alerted her to and then to finishing up her book repair project. Kevin hadn’t crossed her mind again until she was helping a little girl find a biography in the children’s section. Which made her think about the man who could help find one in the adults’. And guilt niggled at her belly.
Kevin was one of the sweetest guys on staff. Much nicer than old Mr. Peabody, who had been working here basically since the library opened. Kevin was more like a big teddy bear and often reminded her of Professor Bhaer in Little Women. She secretly hoped to find her own Professor Bhaer someday—or a Gilbert Blythe would be nice too. Her dream man often was a cross between the two.
“I haven’t seen him leave.” Cecily clicked a few buttons on the computer in front of her before looking Stacy’s way. “Did you check the history section?”
“I did.” Stacy pursed her lips. “Maybe I just missed him.”
Meandering back through the rows of shelves, she peeked around the corner at the aisle with autobiographies and political commentaries. No Kevin. Not in the biographies or large tomes of historical events, either. Maybe he snuck past Cecily? She wasn’t exactly focused up there at the desk.
The library grew quiet in this last half hour before closing time. The lights were still on, but without the sunshine streaming in the windows, the interior felt more like mood lighting. This was the time of day Stacy expected to see book characters come to life.
She wandered back toward the children’s section, cutting through the romance aisle. Might as well grab something to take home and read later that evening while she was here. She glanced toward where her favorite author’s books sat and froze.
Kevin.
He stood, a paperback in hand, a wrinkle marring his forehead as his finger followed the words on the page. What on earth could be so hard to understand in a romance novel? She slid over and peeked at the title. She’d read it the month before and couldn’t recall anything strange between the pages.
“Something wrong?” She lifted the book from his hands.
“Gah!” He jumped back a foot.
“Sorry. I thought you heard me come up.”
“No. I—” His eyes darted back and forth between the book in her hands, her, and anywhere else he could look. “Just, um …”
“This one was good. Were you not enjoying it?”
“I wasn’t actually reading it for pleasure.” He dashed a hand through his brown hair, then down his short beard.
She blinked. “You weren’t?”
“No.” He glanced away. “I was doing some … research.”
Stacy tried to wrap her head around that concept. Research in the romance department?
What do you think so far? Think this is going to change things? Come back tomorrow to find out.
August 26, 2024
Short Story--Coffee Date--Date 1
It's my birthday week! That means a free short story. It's my gift to my readers to celebrate another year around the sun. This year, we're hanging out in a library (bet you didn't figure that out from the title). I'll post a piece of the story every day this week through Friday, so make sure you come back all week for the next scene.
All the other stories from the last five years are still on my blog under the link "Short Stories." Feel free to go back and read them. And in the meantime, here's the new one. Enjoy!
Today was the day.
Kevin had been hemming and hawing about doing this for weeks now. Possibly even months. But no more.
He straightened his shoulders, tugged his sweater smooth, and drew a deep breath. The worst thing she could say was no, and this waiting around not knowing was worse than that in some ways. It was time.
Today, he would ask Stacy for a coffee date.
He put a hand on the door marked “Children’s Library Staff,” and pushed it open. “Hey, Kevin.” Stacy looked up from the stack of books she was repairing. “How are you this afternoon?”
He cleared his throat. “Fine. Just fine, thanks.”
“Great.” Stacy carefully taped a ripped page back together. “Was there something you needed?”
“No, I, um.” Kevin gave a slight cough again. “Yes.”
“You’re sounding rough this afternoon. Have you caught that cold that’s going around?”
“No. I’m fine.” And now he sounded like a broken record. Why couldn’t he find the words he needed? They had come out perfectly in front of his mirror that morning. For some reason, his own reflection wasn’t nearly as intimidating as the petite brunette sitting in front of him, her glasses sliding down her nose as she focused on her task.
“Okay.” She moved to another book.
“Anyway,” Kevin tugged at his collar, “I was wondering …”
“Hm?”
“I, um,” Kevin tried to lean nonchalantly against the doorframe, but misjudged where it was. His elbow slipped and he banged his shoulder against the wood.
“Oh! Are you okay?” Stacy jumped up, the book from her hands dropping to the floor.
“Fine.” The word was muttered, but he still cringed as he heard the repetition once more. He had a much better vocabulary than this most of the time.
“Hey, Stacy. We have an issue.” Felicia shoved past Kevin, knocking him into the doorframe once more. “Oh, sorry, Kev.”
“What’s wrong?” Stacy was following Felicia out of the room before Kevin could mutter another word.
He slammed his hand against the abusive door and groaned. So much for his grand plan of asking Stacy to join him for coffee. This was the closest he’d ever come, but it was still not close enough.
Who was he kidding? There was no way she could ever see anything in him anyway. He was just the nerd in charge of the reference desk, sometimes helping with the front desk. Nothing as important as Stacy’s job as the Head Librarian of the Children’s Department.
And now she thought he was sick. No way she’d go out with someone who might be contagious. Or who couldn’t say more than “I’m fine.”
“Nincompoop.” He strode out and made his way back to his area of the library. He either needed a Plan B or a miracle. Or he needed to give up on the hope of sparking something with Stacy. What do you think? Will Kevin be able to work up the nerve to ask out Stacy? Come back tomorrow to find out what happens next.
All the other stories from the last five years are still on my blog under the link "Short Stories." Feel free to go back and read them. And in the meantime, here's the new one. Enjoy!
Today was the day.Kevin had been hemming and hawing about doing this for weeks now. Possibly even months. But no more.
He straightened his shoulders, tugged his sweater smooth, and drew a deep breath. The worst thing she could say was no, and this waiting around not knowing was worse than that in some ways. It was time.
Today, he would ask Stacy for a coffee date.
He put a hand on the door marked “Children’s Library Staff,” and pushed it open. “Hey, Kevin.” Stacy looked up from the stack of books she was repairing. “How are you this afternoon?”
He cleared his throat. “Fine. Just fine, thanks.”
“Great.” Stacy carefully taped a ripped page back together. “Was there something you needed?”
“No, I, um.” Kevin gave a slight cough again. “Yes.”
“You’re sounding rough this afternoon. Have you caught that cold that’s going around?”
“No. I’m fine.” And now he sounded like a broken record. Why couldn’t he find the words he needed? They had come out perfectly in front of his mirror that morning. For some reason, his own reflection wasn’t nearly as intimidating as the petite brunette sitting in front of him, her glasses sliding down her nose as she focused on her task.
“Okay.” She moved to another book.
“Anyway,” Kevin tugged at his collar, “I was wondering …”
“Hm?”
“I, um,” Kevin tried to lean nonchalantly against the doorframe, but misjudged where it was. His elbow slipped and he banged his shoulder against the wood.
“Oh! Are you okay?” Stacy jumped up, the book from her hands dropping to the floor.
“Fine.” The word was muttered, but he still cringed as he heard the repetition once more. He had a much better vocabulary than this most of the time.
“Hey, Stacy. We have an issue.” Felicia shoved past Kevin, knocking him into the doorframe once more. “Oh, sorry, Kev.”
“What’s wrong?” Stacy was following Felicia out of the room before Kevin could mutter another word.
He slammed his hand against the abusive door and groaned. So much for his grand plan of asking Stacy to join him for coffee. This was the closest he’d ever come, but it was still not close enough.
Who was he kidding? There was no way she could ever see anything in him anyway. He was just the nerd in charge of the reference desk, sometimes helping with the front desk. Nothing as important as Stacy’s job as the Head Librarian of the Children’s Department.
And now she thought he was sick. No way she’d go out with someone who might be contagious. Or who couldn’t say more than “I’m fine.”
“Nincompoop.” He strode out and made his way back to his area of the library. He either needed a Plan B or a miracle. Or he needed to give up on the hope of sparking something with Stacy. What do you think? Will Kevin be able to work up the nerve to ask out Stacy? Come back tomorrow to find out what happens next.
August 19, 2024
Food in Books
Do you ever read about a food found in books and think, "What is that?" Or, are you like me, and you go on Pinterest and do a search for a recipe? I can't help it. I love to learn about new foods. Let me rephrase that: I love food!And it's always fascinating to me to read about new foods in books. A few weeks ago, I was reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek for our book club (If you want to know what I thought of it, that's another conversation, but feel free to ask!). In the book, the main character makes a Scripture cake. Do you know what a Scripture cake is?
Apparently, there are several different variations of it. The one I decided to make was in a sheet pan, but other recipes called for a bundt pan or an angel food cake pan. I was going for easiest possible.
A Scripture cake is a fairly normal cake, almost like a coffee cake or other breakfast-y baked good. The recipe, though, is written in scripture references. Yes. You have to look up each verse to find out what you need two cups of. Butter, milk, honey, raisins, etc. When I started looking up recipes, my kids joined in and wanted to know what it was. I showed them the written recipe with all the verses and explained how to find what the ingredient was. They sat right down and looked them all up. It was like a scavenger hunt that led to dessert!
The story goes that sometime in the past, maybe a minister's wife or someone like that, wanted the ladies to get into the scriptures more, so she wrote her cake recipe out that way to encourage them to open their Bibles. Guess it's still working today.
I made the cake and took it to book club. Most of us tried a piece and decided it was yummy. In fact, my kids and I finished it off for breakfast the next day. ;)
Have you ever made a recipe of a food you read about in a book? I'd love to hear about it!
August 15, 2024
Book Spotlight: Love's True Home
My guest author today has become a dear friend over the last few years even though we haven't met in person (YET!). I'm blessed to be her content editor, but also in a novella collection with her in a few months too. If you haven't tried one of Lori DeJong's stories, I highly recommend them. So, sit back and check out her thoughts on how her fiction is a mission. 
In my newest release, Love’s True Home, Ally, my female protagonist, was raised as the daughter of foreign missionaries in several Central American countries. Now residing in Arlington, Texas, she longs to grow her roots deep into American soil, although her widowed father still works among the indigenous people at a medical mission in Guatemala.
While Ally loves the people of Guatemala and the work the missionaries like her father do there, she believes strongly that it’s not her calling and prefers to work in student ministry back in the US. That’s where she meets Zane, an adventurous young man who loves working with young people as much as she does.
So, it comes as a shock to her when a visit to the Guatemalan village where her father serves becomes the very thing that threatens to tear them apart, when Zane’s long-held dream of serving on foreign soil is suddenly on the verge of coming true, but Ally knows she can’t share it.
As I began the research for Guatemala, the Lord brought into my path, literally, a very special young lady named Natalie Arauco. Natalie and I met in a hallway on the way to a social event at the 2022 American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference in St. Louis. We introduced ourselves and realized we were both from Texas, literally forty-five miles from each other, which we thought was a huge coincidence in itself since Texas is the size of … well, Texas is really, really big, y’all.
I told her she should come to my writers’ group in Georgetown. But then she said she was currently working as a missionary … IN GUATEMALA. I actually stopped in my tracks. Right there outside the door of the event we were going to. I couldn’t believe it. I told her there was a Guatemalan mission in Book Two of the series I was writing, and I had just started my research, and all the information online was completely overwhelming. We made plans to meet up again at the end of the conference, exchanged contact information, then over the next year, exchanged numerous emails and met twice via Zoom.
I have thanked the Lord many times over for Natalie. In fact, I pray very often for Natalie and have her photo on my refrigerator to remember to pray for her and the work she’s doing as a teacher in the Guatemalan village of Chivoc. Natalie spent so much time with me over Zoom answering my dozens of questions, and when she said she would send me some photos, she sent me over 200 hundred photos and videos, y’all! She even did a sensitivity read for me so I could be sure I represented Guatemala the way it should be.
Natalie loves to share about these people she holds in her heart. There is so much poverty, and so much domestic abuse, and many of the children don’t stay in school past third or fourth grade. But through the work that Natalie and other missionaries are doing, many children are staying through junior high and even high school, graduating and improving their lives and the lives of their community. She’s an inspiring young lady, and she’s blessed my heart immeasurably.
In the book, Zane’s in a foreign country for the first time, spellbound as they’re entering the fictional town of Pamoca in the mountainous region of Guatemala. Here’s an excerpt and a photo that might give you a small snapshot of what he might’ve seen that day.
Ally squeezed his hand. “Welcome to Pamoca.”
“We’re here?”
“These are the outskirts, about ten minutes from the mission.”
His insides clenched in anticipation. The town of Pamoca, Ally had told him, was home to approximately fifteen thousand souls. There were also several outlying villages close enough that the missionaries could travel there and back in a day, providing medical treatment and dental checks, all while sharing the gospel. He hoped they might get to go on one or two during their two weeks here. How cool to be able to see mission work in a foreign land firsthand.
The area became more congested, and the dirt road gave way again to pavement. In the town square, the marketplace teemed with people, including merchants selling everything from eggs to traditional clothing to woven goods and everything in between.
“Is there no central place to buy groceries?”
Ally shook her head. “You buy what you need from whatever merchant provides it. Meat from one, vegetables from another, beans from yet another, and so on. You’d be hard-pressed to find much dairy, though. Milk, butter, and processed cheese are a luxury.”
He peered out the window again. “So many kids. Why aren’t they in school?”
“The school year is January through early November, so they’re essentially on the equivalent of what a summer break would be back in the US. And, unfortunately, many of the kids don’t go to school past third grade or so. They’re needed to help at home, whether it’s farm work, construction, brick-laying, weaving. Most traditional Guatemalans are of the opinion a higher education isn’t as important as the help their children can provide at home.”
********
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into Guatemala, and at Zane and Ally. They really are so cute together. And both committed to being who God wants them to be, where God wants them to be. My key verse for this book is from Proverbs 16:3, from the NIV, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Love's True Home
Allyson Kincaid needs roots. Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all she wants is home and hearth on American soil. Finally past the break-up with the man she’d thought was the love of her life, she’s ready to put herself back out there. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip in nearly two years dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. She’s been there, done that, and, although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying even more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus.
When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months, then take a foreign mission assignment, his dream for the past several years. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him there for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home.
Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies and is the mother of one grown daughter. Lori's debut novel, "Love's True Calling", was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance and was released in June 2023. "Love’s True Home" is Book Two in the series and released in June 2024, and "Love’s True Measure" will release in June 2025. Lori's Christmas novella, "Jingle Bell Matchmakers", releases as part of "A Match Made at Christmas" novella collection in October 2024.
Links:
Website: https://loridejongwrites.com/
Community: https://bit.ly/LoriDeJongCommunity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loridejongwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loridejongwrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/loridejongwrites
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38460845.Lori_DeJong
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lori-dejong
In my newest release, Love’s True Home, Ally, my female protagonist, was raised as the daughter of foreign missionaries in several Central American countries. Now residing in Arlington, Texas, she longs to grow her roots deep into American soil, although her widowed father still works among the indigenous people at a medical mission in Guatemala.While Ally loves the people of Guatemala and the work the missionaries like her father do there, she believes strongly that it’s not her calling and prefers to work in student ministry back in the US. That’s where she meets Zane, an adventurous young man who loves working with young people as much as she does.
So, it comes as a shock to her when a visit to the Guatemalan village where her father serves becomes the very thing that threatens to tear them apart, when Zane’s long-held dream of serving on foreign soil is suddenly on the verge of coming true, but Ally knows she can’t share it.
As I began the research for Guatemala, the Lord brought into my path, literally, a very special young lady named Natalie Arauco. Natalie and I met in a hallway on the way to a social event at the 2022 American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference in St. Louis. We introduced ourselves and realized we were both from Texas, literally forty-five miles from each other, which we thought was a huge coincidence in itself since Texas is the size of … well, Texas is really, really big, y’all.
I told her she should come to my writers’ group in Georgetown. But then she said she was currently working as a missionary … IN GUATEMALA. I actually stopped in my tracks. Right there outside the door of the event we were going to. I couldn’t believe it. I told her there was a Guatemalan mission in Book Two of the series I was writing, and I had just started my research, and all the information online was completely overwhelming. We made plans to meet up again at the end of the conference, exchanged contact information, then over the next year, exchanged numerous emails and met twice via Zoom.
I have thanked the Lord many times over for Natalie. In fact, I pray very often for Natalie and have her photo on my refrigerator to remember to pray for her and the work she’s doing as a teacher in the Guatemalan village of Chivoc. Natalie spent so much time with me over Zoom answering my dozens of questions, and when she said she would send me some photos, she sent me over 200 hundred photos and videos, y’all! She even did a sensitivity read for me so I could be sure I represented Guatemala the way it should be.
Natalie loves to share about these people she holds in her heart. There is so much poverty, and so much domestic abuse, and many of the children don’t stay in school past third or fourth grade. But through the work that Natalie and other missionaries are doing, many children are staying through junior high and even high school, graduating and improving their lives and the lives of their community. She’s an inspiring young lady, and she’s blessed my heart immeasurably.
In the book, Zane’s in a foreign country for the first time, spellbound as they’re entering the fictional town of Pamoca in the mountainous region of Guatemala. Here’s an excerpt and a photo that might give you a small snapshot of what he might’ve seen that day.
Ally squeezed his hand. “Welcome to Pamoca.”
“We’re here?”
“These are the outskirts, about ten minutes from the mission.”
His insides clenched in anticipation. The town of Pamoca, Ally had told him, was home to approximately fifteen thousand souls. There were also several outlying villages close enough that the missionaries could travel there and back in a day, providing medical treatment and dental checks, all while sharing the gospel. He hoped they might get to go on one or two during their two weeks here. How cool to be able to see mission work in a foreign land firsthand.
The area became more congested, and the dirt road gave way again to pavement. In the town square, the marketplace teemed with people, including merchants selling everything from eggs to traditional clothing to woven goods and everything in between.
“Is there no central place to buy groceries?”
Ally shook her head. “You buy what you need from whatever merchant provides it. Meat from one, vegetables from another, beans from yet another, and so on. You’d be hard-pressed to find much dairy, though. Milk, butter, and processed cheese are a luxury.”
He peered out the window again. “So many kids. Why aren’t they in school?”
“The school year is January through early November, so they’re essentially on the equivalent of what a summer break would be back in the US. And, unfortunately, many of the kids don’t go to school past third grade or so. They’re needed to help at home, whether it’s farm work, construction, brick-laying, weaving. Most traditional Guatemalans are of the opinion a higher education isn’t as important as the help their children can provide at home.”
********
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into Guatemala, and at Zane and Ally. They really are so cute together. And both committed to being who God wants them to be, where God wants them to be. My key verse for this book is from Proverbs 16:3, from the NIV, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Love's True HomeAllyson Kincaid needs roots. Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all she wants is home and hearth on American soil. Finally past the break-up with the man she’d thought was the love of her life, she’s ready to put herself back out there. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip in nearly two years dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. She’s been there, done that, and, although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying even more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus.
When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months, then take a foreign mission assignment, his dream for the past several years. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him there for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home.
Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies and is the mother of one grown daughter. Lori's debut novel, "Love's True Calling", was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance and was released in June 2023. "Love’s True Home" is Book Two in the series and released in June 2024, and "Love’s True Measure" will release in June 2025. Lori's Christmas novella, "Jingle Bell Matchmakers", releases as part of "A Match Made at Christmas" novella collection in October 2024.Links:
Website: https://loridejongwrites.com/
Community: https://bit.ly/LoriDeJongCommunity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loridejongwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loridejongwrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/loridejongwrites
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38460845.Lori_DeJong
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lori-dejong
August 12, 2024
A Fairytale Come True
Over the last few years, I've fallen in love with Fairytale Retellings. There's something fun about revisiting the familiar even if it's told in a new way. So, when my muse decided I should write a new Cinderella last year, I gave in. Why not have some fun with it, right?Thus, during Nanowrimo last fall, Rendersella was born. And, as of now, I have a contract for it to be released next July!!!
I'm thrilled to share this fun story with you. It's definitely not your typical fairy tale. Mine are set in the real world and have no magic. But they have the familiar pieces like pumpkins and shoes and a Prince Charming character who is so sweet. Even an evil stepmom and stepsister.
Even better, I'm working on a couple more fairytale retellings. Fairest Inn All is started, my Snow White retelling. And someday I'll write Beauty Shop and the Beast. Characters from the first book are in the other two as well, so it's going to be a fun series if I can find enough time to get it written.
Want to know more about Rendersella?
Here's a blurb to give you an idea.
Ella's dream is to have her artwork displayed in the famous Prince Gallery, but she has to eke out a minute here and there to work on it between working for her stepmother. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, she fears her last chance is gone.
Chaz Prince wants to prove to his dad that he's ready to take more responsibility at the family gallery, but his dad insists Chaz prove he can handle it. Chaz talks him into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella's piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wants to get to know the artist too.
At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up?
What do you think? Are you as excited as I am? More to come as we get closer, but I have two more stories releasing between now and then so back to work for me!
