Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 123
March 2, 2012
February 29, 2012
Researching Snow Melts in Spring
Continuing on with my endeavor to offer you a few Behind the Scene moments from
Snow Melts in Spring
, I wanted to share some more research for this story.
Researching Football and Old Houses
My hero, Gil McCray, is an NFL quarterback, so I needed to know something about football. I must admit to you that I am not a huge football fan, nor do I know a lot about the game. But much of that changed as I delved deeper into my research.
I began with a visit to our local library, where I checked out an armload of books--mostly from the children's section, as they are full of pictures, are easy to read, and are chock-full of valuable information. Fortunately, we were in the midst of football season when I was working on this part of my research, so I also watched a lot of games on television--much to the disdain of my three daughters, but which greatly pleased my hubby.
So, I read, I watched, and I asked my football-loving friends and family hundreds of questions--all so I could write two or three scenes with authenticity! I also bought a football so I could hold it in my hands and pretend to be "Gil." An author has to get into the character's head, after all.
Another fun aspect of research came with discovering the "setting" for the McCray Ranch.On one of my many road trips into the Flint Hills, my husband and I stayed at the Clover Cliff Ranch, a Bed and Breakfast owned by Jim Donahue. Unfortunately, this place has since changed owners and is now closed--which makes me very sad.
But no matter, the Clover Cliff became the basis for John McCray's Lightning M Ranch. Built in 1860, near Elmdale, KS, this charming home became my characters' home--with just a few changes. The Donahues were very helpful, answering many questions I had about ranch life in the Flint Hills, and allowing us to roam the house and pastures.
At the back of this house is a small stone cabin where the original owner lived while building the main home for his family. This cabin became the basis for Mattie's cabin when her home burns down in Diamond Falls. Small details such as the renovated wood stove that Mattie cooked on, or the table and rocker in her room were actual items in the original cabin.
Research such as this never ends, but taking the time to do this for your stories might mean the difference between someone loving your book or tossing it against the wall because it wasn't accurate. Sure, you'll never please everyone, but by doing the necessary groundwork, you'll at least know you did everything within your means to bring accuracy to the story. Hopefully, your readers will thank you for it.
Next time, I'll offer a one-on-one interview with our lady veterinarian, Mattie Evans. I hope you'll enjoy it!
Researching Football and Old Houses
My hero, Gil McCray, is an NFL quarterback, so I needed to know something about football. I must admit to you that I am not a huge football fan, nor do I know a lot about the game. But much of that changed as I delved deeper into my research. I began with a visit to our local library, where I checked out an armload of books--mostly from the children's section, as they are full of pictures, are easy to read, and are chock-full of valuable information. Fortunately, we were in the midst of football season when I was working on this part of my research, so I also watched a lot of games on television--much to the disdain of my three daughters, but which greatly pleased my hubby.
So, I read, I watched, and I asked my football-loving friends and family hundreds of questions--all so I could write two or three scenes with authenticity! I also bought a football so I could hold it in my hands and pretend to be "Gil." An author has to get into the character's head, after all.
Another fun aspect of research came with discovering the "setting" for the McCray Ranch.On one of my many road trips into the Flint Hills, my husband and I stayed at the Clover Cliff Ranch, a Bed and Breakfast owned by Jim Donahue. Unfortunately, this place has since changed owners and is now closed--which makes me very sad.
But no matter, the Clover Cliff became the basis for John McCray's Lightning M Ranch. Built in 1860, near Elmdale, KS, this charming home became my characters' home--with just a few changes. The Donahues were very helpful, answering many questions I had about ranch life in the Flint Hills, and allowing us to roam the house and pastures.
At the back of this house is a small stone cabin where the original owner lived while building the main home for his family. This cabin became the basis for Mattie's cabin when her home burns down in Diamond Falls. Small details such as the renovated wood stove that Mattie cooked on, or the table and rocker in her room were actual items in the original cabin.
Research such as this never ends, but taking the time to do this for your stories might mean the difference between someone loving your book or tossing it against the wall because it wasn't accurate. Sure, you'll never please everyone, but by doing the necessary groundwork, you'll at least know you did everything within your means to bring accuracy to the story. Hopefully, your readers will thank you for it.
Next time, I'll offer a one-on-one interview with our lady veterinarian, Mattie Evans. I hope you'll enjoy it!
February 27, 2012
Behind the Scene Moments ~ Snow Melts in Spring
As I continue writing
Blades of Autumn
, I thought it might be fun to offer a few Behind The Scene moments from my first book. For the next two months, I plan to share my research for
Snow Melts in Spring
, do a few character interviews, and even offer an inside look at some of my favorite scenes. I hope it will be fun--for you and for me! Let's Begin With Research - The Horse Injury and Dusty's Healing Process
Every novelist must "jump" into their characters' skins, and that often means we must learn things we don't already know. How do we do this? The Internet is an invaluable tool, as is our local library or bookstore. Sometimes, though, our questions can't be answered and we have to go to our "source." Often that means interviewing someone by email, by phone, or in person. For an introvert writer who spends the majority of her time in front of a computer, this can be terrifying.
The opening scene from Snow Melts in Spring begins with a horse that is terribly injured in a vehicle accident. Right off, I needed to know technical terminology, but not only that, I had to create an accident scene that was accurate and believable, not just something that looked good on paper. I needed to injure Dusty--not kill him. Plus, the injury needed to be intense enough to cause dire concern . . . and yet allow healing within a 4-5 month time period. I'm not asking for much, right! To get it right, I contacted a handful of veterinarians, asked them a bunch of detailed questions all the way down to possible accident scenarios, which would create the type of injuries needed for the story. What type of vehicle hit the horse, where did it hit him, how fast was the car going, what vision impairments where involved, etc. Then came the care and treatment of the injured horse.
This was not an easy process. We looked at past case scenarios, most of them resulting in putting the animals down. But there were a few instances where the horses lived, so we worked to build on those premises. Once I finished writing the horse scenes, I asked one of the veterinarians to read over the material to check for accuracy, wanting to cover all the bases. I even shadowed one small animal vet for a day in order to get a feel for what a "day in the life" might look like for my character who was also a vet.
Next time, I'll write about some other research involving football and the McCray ranch. Question for you: When you're reading a book, do you notice the amount of research the author has done? If you are a writer, do you have any tips you'd like to share for getting research facts?
February 24, 2012
Book Preview - Creative Slow-Cooker Meals
It is time for a
FIRST Wild Card Tour
book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is:
Cheryl Moeller and the book: Creative Slow-Cooker Meals:
Use Two Slow Cookers for
Tasty and Easy Dinners [Spiral-Bound] Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (February 1, 2012)
***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***
Cheryl Moeller is a seasoned mother and a standup comic. She is also a syndicated columnist with her own blog (www.momlaughs.blogspot.com) and contributes monthly to several online parent websites. Cheryl has coauthored two books on marriage with her husband and has written for www.mops.org and Marriage Partnership. Cheryl does comedy for parenting classes, MOPS groups, wedding or baby showers, church retreats, women's conferences, and those in line at the grocery store.Visit the author's website.
From the celebrated coauthor of The Marriage Miracle comes a new kind of cookbook and a new attitude toward planning meals. With an eye toward the whole menu, not just part of it, columnist Cheryl Moeller teaches cooks to use two crockpots to easily create healthy, homemade dinners.
Don't worry about your dinner being reduced to a mushy stew. Each of the more than 200 recipes has been taste-tested at Cheryl's table. Join the Moeller family as you dig into:
Harvest-time Halibut ChowderSalmon and Gingered CarrotsMediterranean Rice PilafIndian Chicken CurryApricot-Pistachio BreadShrimp CreoleRhubarb Crisp... and many more! Perfect for the frazzled mom who never has enough time in the day, Creative Slow-Cooker Meals gives readers more time around the table with delicious, healthy, frugal, and easy meals!
Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Spiral-bound: 272 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736944915
ISBN-13: 978-0736944915
AND NOW...THE FIFTH CHAPTER (click on pages to enlarge):
February 21, 2012
Miss Rodeo America 2012
My interest in Miss Rodeo America began during my research for
Seeds of Summer
, my book about a former Miss Rodeo Kansas queen. Even though this writing project is over, I like to keep up on the current MRA news. I hope you'll find this interesting.
Mackenzie Carr of Vernonia, Oregon reigns as Miss Rodeo America 2012. She received the crown on December 10, 2011 at the conclusion of the week-long pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Mackenzie will travel more than 100,000 miles during her reign representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association.
"Miss Rodeo America is a spokeswoman for western heritage, embodying and exemplifying the qualities of self-reliance, bravery, and true grit to the utmost capability." Carr said."I am so blessed to be the first Oregonian to have the prestigious honor and privilege of serving as Miss Rodeo America."
Mackenzie graduated from Lower Columbia College with an Associate of Arts degree in Speech Communications and will later transfer back to Oregon State University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management Engineering with a minor in Speech Communications. She will be taking time out from her studies at Oregon State University to reign as the "First Lady of Professional Rodeo." She will be able to use the $26,000 in scholarships she was awarded as Miss Rodeo America from the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation to help further her educational goals.
When Mackenzie isn't promoting the sport of rodeo either in or out of the arena, she enjoys cooking, singing and playing the piano. She also loves to dig it up and slam it down on the volleyball court, riding, training horses and giving riding lessons to young children. She is excited about the prospect of spending 2012 traveling across the country being a role model for people of all ages, remaining a cowgirl to the core and promoting the Miss Rodeo America organization as well as our great sponsors! Click here to learn more about Mackenzie and the Miss Rodeo America organization.
Mackenzie Carr of Vernonia, Oregon reigns as Miss Rodeo America 2012. She received the crown on December 10, 2011 at the conclusion of the week-long pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Mackenzie will travel more than 100,000 miles during her reign representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association."Miss Rodeo America is a spokeswoman for western heritage, embodying and exemplifying the qualities of self-reliance, bravery, and true grit to the utmost capability." Carr said."I am so blessed to be the first Oregonian to have the prestigious honor and privilege of serving as Miss Rodeo America."
Mackenzie graduated from Lower Columbia College with an Associate of Arts degree in Speech Communications and will later transfer back to Oregon State University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management Engineering with a minor in Speech Communications. She will be taking time out from her studies at Oregon State University to reign as the "First Lady of Professional Rodeo." She will be able to use the $26,000 in scholarships she was awarded as Miss Rodeo America from the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation to help further her educational goals.
When Mackenzie isn't promoting the sport of rodeo either in or out of the arena, she enjoys cooking, singing and playing the piano. She also loves to dig it up and slam it down on the volleyball court, riding, training horses and giving riding lessons to young children. She is excited about the prospect of spending 2012 traveling across the country being a role model for people of all ages, remaining a cowgirl to the core and promoting the Miss Rodeo America organization as well as our great sponsors! Click here to learn more about Mackenzie and the Miss Rodeo America organization.
February 19, 2012
Called to Write Conference
Here is information about an upcoming conference sponsored by Christian Writers Fellowship, a local writer's group I belong to. Great speakers, educational workshops, a writing contest, fellowship with other Christian writers, and much more for a very reasonable fee. Early registration ends March 1.
Called to Write Conference
Lamplighter Inn
Pittsburg, KS April 13-14, 2012
This year's Featured Speakers:
Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk. A former acquisitions editor and a former literary agent, Terry is a V.P. and Publisher at Intermedia Publishing Group. He has written more than 60 books for traditional publishers, including JUMPSTART YOUR PUBLISHING DREAMS and WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL, an innovative training for writers. Several of Terry's books have sold over 100,000 copies.
Stephanie Grace Whitson , Christy finalist and best-selling novelist, began writing fiction when, as a result of teaching Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged by the lives of pioneer women. Stephanie has five grown children and several grandchildren, rides a motorcycle, and, in 2012, will earn her master's degree in history and submit novels #21 and 22 to her publisher.
Visit the Conference Blog to learn more.
Called to Write Conference
Lamplighter Inn
Pittsburg, KS April 13-14, 2012
This year's Featured Speakers:
Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk. A former acquisitions editor and a former literary agent, Terry is a V.P. and Publisher at Intermedia Publishing Group. He has written more than 60 books for traditional publishers, including JUMPSTART YOUR PUBLISHING DREAMS and WRITE A BOOK PROPOSAL, an innovative training for writers. Several of Terry's books have sold over 100,000 copies.
Stephanie Grace Whitson , Christy finalist and best-selling novelist, began writing fiction when, as a result of teaching Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged by the lives of pioneer women. Stephanie has five grown children and several grandchildren, rides a motorcycle, and, in 2012, will earn her master's degree in history and submit novels #21 and 22 to her publisher.
Visit the Conference Blog to learn more.
February 17, 2012
February 15, 2012
Romantic Movie Moments
Yesterday, my dear husband and I celebrated our 22nd Wedding Anniversary. As an inspirational romance writer, I love a good romantic movie, and I love that my husband will watch them with me. Two of our absolute favorites (not listed below because I couldn't find the right clips but worth mentioning are
Return to Me
and
13 Going on 30
. Here are a few more favorite romantic movie moments for you to enjoy:
Pride and Prejudice - Who could not love this movie? And while I adore the Colin Firth version, I have to admit that this romantic moment takes my breath away. We'll watch this movie at least 3 times a year...
Bewitched
The Notebook - Love this movie. I think I shed tears at the ending every time.
It's Not Over
Meet Joe Black - A sweet moment.
I Like You So Much
You've Got Mail - Another absolute favorite. How can I resist--two characters who love books! Again, we'll watch this one at least twice a year.
I Wanted It To Be You
Open Range - This last one probably seems an odd fit. I love a good western, especially if a little romance is thrown in. This one fits the bill perfectly. The scene where Costner orders a tea set after breaking Sue's is one of my favorites. In fact, after watching this movie at the theatre, that scene inspired my own dear hubby to buy me a tea set similar to hers. So sweet.
So, I know Valentine's Day is over, but do you have a favorite romantic movie you'd like to share? Please do in the comments below.
Pride and Prejudice - Who could not love this movie? And while I adore the Colin Firth version, I have to admit that this romantic moment takes my breath away. We'll watch this movie at least 3 times a year...
Bewitched
The Notebook - Love this movie. I think I shed tears at the ending every time.
It's Not Over
Meet Joe Black - A sweet moment.
I Like You So Much
You've Got Mail - Another absolute favorite. How can I resist--two characters who love books! Again, we'll watch this one at least twice a year.
I Wanted It To Be You
Open Range - This last one probably seems an odd fit. I love a good western, especially if a little romance is thrown in. This one fits the bill perfectly. The scene where Costner orders a tea set after breaking Sue's is one of my favorites. In fact, after watching this movie at the theatre, that scene inspired my own dear hubby to buy me a tea set similar to hers. So sweet.
So, I know Valentine's Day is over, but do you have a favorite romantic movie you'd like to share? Please do in the comments below.
February 13, 2012
Book Preview - Sixty Acres and a Bride
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Sixty Acres and a Bride Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Regina Jennings 
A Word from Regina: See me laughing. That's what I do when someone calls me an author. Yes, it's always been my dream, but I still can't keep from giggling over it. Other things I am – a Christ-follower, a wife, a homeschooling mother of four, a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a voracious reader.
Getting reading time isn't easy. Seems like my family does more than our share of traveling. My husband is an insurance adjuster (I know, save the hate mail) and travels with the catastrophe team often. That's allowed us to see a lot of the United States. True many times it's in the middle of a hurricane or blizzard, but after spending three weeks in a hotel room with six people, you'll brave anything to get out and see the sights – no matter how damaged they might be.
We also serve on the Missions Team at an amazing church, so we break out the passports frequently. Highlights include singing at a leper colony in India, holding church inside a Mexican prison and showing the Jesus film to a tribe in Senegal who'd never heard the gospel.
But I don't have to go far away for unusual. My family provides plenty of colorful material with their love for practical jokes, pithy observations and strong agricultural roots. Because of the family business, a significant chunk of my life has been spent at sale barns and auctions – often behind the scales where I weigh pigs. I like to think of myself as a "redneck bluestocking" but I brought an entire marketing team's discussion to a screeching halt when I said those words, so you didn't hear it from me. When I have spare time I love to talk books and quirky characters (real and fictional).
ABOUT THE BOOK
With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay. Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future? If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixty Acres and a Bride, go HERE.
