Pamela King Cable's Blog, page 4

Why We Don't Need Another Titanic

So this morning I'm drinking my coffee with an ear tuned to the Today Show, when I hear there's an Australian billionaire currently building an exact replica of the Titantic to travel the exact same route in 2016.



Complete with period costumes and music, the unsinkable ship will set sail this time with plenty of lifeboats and modern equipment to locate icebergs. First class passengers will pay a million dollars to sail on the Titanic 2, and steerage will party below like it's 1912.



Global warming will, hopefully, guarantee an iceberg-free trip. They're hailing it as "the safest ship in the world."



I kidd you not.



Shaking my head, I hurt thinking a world that suffers from AIDS, cancer, bad hearts, and starvation while you, Mr. Billionaire, want to build a big boat just for the fun of it.



I suppose people can spend their money any way they want, but this? Seriously?



What more can one say, other than ... what a absolute waste of time, energy, and money.



Okay. I'll step down from my soapbox and get back to work.



Blessings to you and yours.

Oscars For Novelists?

 




Michael and I have seen more than our share of movies this
year on the big screen so I’m paying closer attention to the Oscars than
usual. But it got me to thinking, why isn’t there an award show for writers?
Just for writers.



As a
writer, do I dare approach that question without sounding childish?



I can’t help it though. Think about it.



What books or stories have you read recently, or years ago,
that you remember vividly? What characters still linger and come to your mind
at the strangest times?



What novel, if any, has had the capacity to haunt you for
days, weeks, and years?



What author consistently moves you like few others?



What in their voice gives them the edge?



What common thread weaves their unforgettable stories to the
cloak of your memory?



And what happens when that book is made into a movie? Are you one of the many who say, "... yeah, but the book was better."



The majority of movies produced are a direct result of the
novel. Though some films are retitled, many producers use the book's title. I remember
watching old news footage of Margaret Mitchell appearing at the Oscars—a moment
of inspiration from my youth. But since, I can’t recall a novelist at the
Oscars. I think if they go, they’re seated way in the back somewhere. Perhaps
I’m wrong. I hope that I am.



Still, I don’t remember ,
Stephen King, Pat Conroy, or even appearing at an
awards show. When the cast of The Help walked the Red Carpet last year, was among them? Does anyone know?



Sometimes an actor, when making an acceptance speech, will acknowledge the author. I recall thanking
Sue Monk Kidd for writing The Secret Life of Bees. Quite possibly I’m wrong to
think the author should have anything to do with the film once the story is in the hands of Steven Spielberg. Maybe that's awards enough. But when a book is optioned and the rights sold, should the author
disappear into oblivion? If not for the book … would the academy-award winning
film have been made?



Writers who give breath and blood to create, publish, and
promote are not guaranteed success to any degree. No more than any other
artist. But if their novel is lucky enough to have made it to the big time--developed into a hugely successful film and recognized
buy the The Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscars, should there not be something more than
a nod to the author?



Just sayin’.



Blessings to you and yours.

Rules For Bloggers. Really?

The road less traveled ...



I've been thinking about my blog, in terms of what the "experts" are saying about how to blog, what to blog, and all these rules suddenly popping up all over the Internet and in writing conferences across the country.



Hmmm. Here's a question you may have asked yourself. Am I an expert in anything other than my  personal journey? What do I have to contribute?



"A great deal," is my answer to that question.



After more than a decade of writing and publishing on a full-time basis, I've acquired a bit of knowledge. Often the road less traveled for me winded itself through communities of publicity and promotion where Michael and I blazed our own trails. Together, we cut through one swamp after another, climbed more than a few cold mountains, and cared less when they said "it can't be done." Or, "you shouldn't do it that way."



I've just come off a ten-day trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where I spoke on three separate occasions. Driving to Franklin, NC, through a blizzard where dozens of cars slid into ditches and off the mountain, I said to Michael, "What are we doing this for?!"



"Because we're compelled to go," was Michael's answer to that question.



I've posted on Facebook about each event, but I can say a thread of brokenness followed me on this trip. I wept on more than one occasion, delivering my speeches. I could not help but think how broken I became before God could make something out of me. For me to deny my walk with God, to renounce my roots, the spiritual side of me--it would be like asking me to cut off my hands and hack out my heart. It's not possible. As much as my work is about the dark side of religion, I know there's a light in the midst of it. I know it as sure as I know the sun will rise in the east every morning.







My point is that my blog has always been, and will continue to be, one of inspiration. Occasionally, I inform and enlighten, but to inspire you--that is my mission. You see, without the struggle, the dark halls and the deep valleys, I would not have the inward fortitude to purse my dreams. Dreams so far out of reach that looking back now, it's nothing less than a miracle I lived through it. I've walked through the valley, and I've stood on the mountaintop, but in the valley I found my inspiration. Do you think, for one second, I will change my message to fit within today's rules for the modern blogger?



Something happened to me during those years, I became a different person. Stronger. Determined. My favorite quote, as you may know, is by Helen Keller. "Character cannot be developed in ease and quite. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved."



This is the lifeblood of what I believe. My hope today is that you never have to walk those roads. But if you do, know that your journey is for a reason. Each step forward will present a truth about yourself that may be terrible to bear but the mold will break, resulting in a better, a stronger you. A goal reacher.



Today, I enjoy many blogs. Some of us are called to entertain, teach, make others laugh, and inspire. How you do that is up to you but more than anything, you've got to write your heart. It does not matter if you have ten thousand followers, or only two ... so what. Be true to yourself. And let those who make our rules ... live by them. You don't have to.



Blessings to you and yours.

Thank You, Rebecca

Thank you, Rebecca, for this review ... and for your permission to post it here on my blog. I'm honored.



By Rebecca LeCompte, Co-Founder of Imperfect Wives







Televenge . To me, this word seems a mash-up of televangelist and revenge. I don’t know if that is what Pamela King Cable had in mind when she gave her novel this title, but I think it’s perfect!



I don’t want to give you the run-of-the-mill book review here…you can search those out on Amazon and other places on the Internet if you’d like. Instead, I’d rather tell you about my experience with this unique novel and its amazing author.



(Just to give you a bit of background on me as a reader, as a girl, I read under the covers with a flashlight late at night, in the bathtub, when I should have been doing homework. As an adult, I read a lot of Christian “inspirational” books and a little bit of Christian fiction, but I try not to start anything that looks too good when I’ve got important work to do because I can be a bit obsessive about finishing a great book.)



Pamela first came to my attention about eight months ago when she joined us on The
Imperfect Wives Club on Facebook.Each time she posted or commented, I felt drawn to her. I soon discovered that she is an author and that her first novel, Televenge , was to be released in October 2012.



I felt the Lord prompting me to purchase the book and read it, so I bought it within two weeks of its initial release. From the excellent reviews, I was really excited to read it.



Televenge is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, romance, Christian fiction, chick-lit, and theology study. In the manner of C.S. Lewis, Pamela uses a page-turning story to communicate vital spiritual truths to her readers.



I devoured this book in three days and came away impacted. Pamela drew me into the story, made me love (or despise) the characters and really care about what happened to them. I was rooting for Andie and wanted to see justice for those who were misrepresenting the name of Jesus. The plot twists and turns caught me off-guard.



I was so impressed by this book that I reached out to Pam to tell her. Since then, Pam and I have spoken on the phone several times and I’m pleased to call her my friend.



For us imperfect wives, Pam covers multiple themes in marriage: immaturity, alcohol abuse, pornography, mental health issues, spousal abuse, and the pain of the reality of marriage that isn’t truly Christ-centered.



Pam’s writing captures the pain of sin. And yet…she doesn’t leave her readers feeling discouraged or hopeless.



Pam contrasts sin in the church with congregations that are honestly and authentically serving Christ. In fact, the entire book is a series of contrasts between good and evil, dark and light. As her characters face almost impossible situations, they see God’s faithfulness even when it takes longer than they (or the reader) might like. But isn’t that what happens in real life? Imperfect people make less-than-ideal choices and God is faithful anyway.



In the end, I walked away reminded of the importance of knowing God personally and intimately and the principle that it isn’t enough to rely on someone else to teach you—you must know God’s Word for yourself and have the courage to stand up for what is right.



Pam is going to be our guest on Imperfect Wives Radio tomorrow, Tuesday, February 19 at 10 am EST/7 am PST. You can join us live or archived at  Imperfect Wives Radio, A Compassionate Heart: Interview with
Pamela King Cable. Join us as we talk about her novel and so much more, including the importance of having a compassionate heart!

 

On The Road Again ...

Mile by mile, the earth turns gently. It rushes up, then moves away. I’m conscious of its pitch and roll in my stomach, traveling the rising hills and pushing against the horizon. For a little while at least, I empty everything out of my head but what’s on the road ahead of me. Unhappiness that once pumped through my hollowed-out heart is surrendered to the freedom and relief of this time and this place in my life. Knowing the slow climb of Televenge is like our trek up the mountain.

 

Definite. Clear. Forward.

 

The Televenge book tour marches on ... there are tunes in the CD player, my white knight drives the van full of books, and our faithful pup, Scout, keeps watch in the back ...

 

Life is good.

 

Blessings to you and yours.

STORYTELLING REVIVAL!

It's revival time! Back to drama. Television with plots and wondrous characters!



Hallelujah!



It's a throwback to the days when I stayed home from church on Friday nights to watch Dallas and Falcon Crest. The days before Tivo and the Hopper. The days when you couldn't fast forward, replay, or pause to salt your popcorn. The days when only the hint of sex was enough. When you had to pay the price of a movie admission to see a head exploding as it was shot off by a lunatic's gun. When you had to get off the couch to change the channel on a television that stuck out three feet from the wall. But, oh, the primetime drama series of those days!



It's revival time. The glory days of TV are back ... and it's called Downton Abbey .



Free of commercials, the story moves quickly and you find yourself not only caring for the charcters, but falling in love with them. High tension, plot layers, and a strong theme, Downton Abbey offers up drama on a silver platter, complete with white-gloved servers and well-dressed dinner partners.







My favorite is the Dowager Countess, played by the award-winning actor, Maggie Smith.



"Grief makes one so terribly tired."

"People like us are never unhappily married."

"Lie is so unmusical a word."

"I suppose she has inappropriate costumes for every activity."



Running a close second is Lady Grantham, played by Elizabeth McGovern. If I could go back in time and be anybody, it would be her. But the writers have created a beloved character in the way of Lord Grantham's mother. At the very least, television has returned something that I (for one) have been missing -- Sunday night excitement. Looking forward to that nine o'clock hour reminds me of revolving my Saturday nights around The Love Boat and Fantasy Island.



Storytelling. Its revival is here. The drama of the old-fashioned 'eighties mini-series is back. We're sick of reality shows with no story. We're fed up with violence our children should never see, CSI intrigue that's no longer intriguing, and open-heart surgeries in our living rooms. Give me big hats, couture of the 'twenties, crystal and linen luncheons, and the love affair between the classes. Sound boring? It's anything but.



And I'm loving every second of it.



Don't ya just love good writing, no matter its form?



It's revival time, and I don't even mind the sawdust this time.



Blessings to you and yours. (Oh, and the pictures? My family circa 1920)

A Writer's Ultimate Goal

The best library event ever! The room filled quickly at the Stark County Library, because at this particular library, they can't keep their five copies of Televenge on the shelf. There is a waiting list for Televenge,  as well as the five copies of Southern Fried Women , and the list is growing.



There's nothing like speaking to a packed house and selling out of your books.







The warm support from those who had already read the book became evident as they opened up after my reading, and expressed their love for my work. It touched me deeply and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each person who attended last night's reading.



To speak about your book is one thing, but to speak to a group who is sincerely there to support you and lift you up ... there's nothing like it. Afterward, the books we brought to sell sold out in a matter of minutes. Grateful for every kind word and gesture, I realize this is why I do what I do.



It's not just about making money. It's not just because I love to write and can't see myself doing anything else. It's because my message touches people on some level. It's not just a fluffy story with a protagonist, a bad guy, and lots of pretty prose. Something tangible seeps out of me as I write, and somehow I manage to get that onto the page. It then reveals itself to the reader, who in turn, is changed, blessed, and find they're wanting more.



That has always been my ultimate goal. As a writer, you can't ask for more than that.



Blessings to you and yours.

How Do You Handle Adversity?

No
matter the thickness of your skin, adversity comes to us all. When you pour
your broken heart and scraped-thin soul into your work, you don’t want
rejection. After decades of hard work, to have your scheduled presentation
cancelled due to "possibly offending the audience with religious
controversy," you have to wonder why you put yourself out there. We won't
even talk about the lost revenue.



To
have a major institution cancel you by an email from a third party within weeks
of presenting, without a full explanation, or even the hint of an apology, as
if you were nothing at all but a blip on their schedule ... it's cruel, really.



But
it is not the end of the world. To say the least.



I
guess few writers wear their feelings on their sleeves. Or blog about it. But I
figured, why not? This has not been an easy row to hoe. Might as well see the
downside, as well as my victories.



We take the bad with the good and hope for the best.
When you get right down to it, my husband lost his 18 year-old daughter to a
childhood illness in 1997, and he’s also a recent breast-cancer survivor. At
one point in my life, my children and I were homeless. There are a lot worse
things. A lot worse.



In the end, God always has a way of turning my
adversities into advantages. And I like that.



Onward.



Blessings to you and yours.



 

Writers! What Are You Willing To Do, And Where Do You Draw The Line?

It’s no secret. Vast changes occur daily in the publishing industry and award writers with options. Or do you look at it that way? I’m taking a survey, and asking writers:




Should you continue to jump through fiery hoops while submitting to agents, who may or may not read or answer your query for weeks or months, if at all?



Should writers spend chunks of writing time putting together the items listed below (or something like it) when the market is already saturated?




If editors were open to unsolicited manuscripts, are you confident you could obtain publication with a major house on your own?




If you are an un-agented writer, what are you willing to do to get noticed by a literary agent?




Is self-publishing your first choice, or your last resort?



Be honest. When it comes to literary agents, where do you draw the line?




Proposal Cover letter

One-page sell sheet, summarizing your manuscript

Bio

Story Synopsis

Market analysis

Competitive analysis

Marketing strategies

History of the manuscript

The first fifty pages

One Hell Of A Review From One Hell Of A Blogger

These are my favorite excerpts from Sara's Organized Chaos , a blog, dated January 22, 2013. You can read the entire blog and follow this up-front and in-your-face blogger at http://strandupdate.blogspot.com/ .



She's sassy, a strong woman of character who doesn't hold much back. I guess that's why I like her. She uses words that will offend some, but gosh darn it ... she speaks her mind without reservation. Whether or not you agree with her, she gets her points across.



You may have to cover your virgin ears, but ... hey ... like I said ... I like her. I like her a lot. I've actually liked each and every blogger on this blog tour. Supportive, each blogger has given great reviews, for which I'm grateful. Generous with their words, the blogger's reviews on Televenge are gifts to treasure. This one especially.



Obviously.



She gave me one hell of good one. So good, I had to quote some of it on my own blog.



Enjoy!




I'll
be honest with you. When I first opened my package and saw how huge this book
was, I know I said out loud, "Jesus Christ, I need to start looking to see how
many pages there are going to be. Shit." It's 584 pages. I know, you're
hyperventilating, aren't you? Well I'm going to tell you that every piece of
this book is needed. You know I hate fluff and I'm the first one to tell an
author to stop putting so much useless shit in your book just to make it a
normal sized novel, you're wasting my time. But not the case in this book. I
really thought it would be and I kept looking for it, but in hindsight, you need
everything. Everything plays a piece in the end, ultimately.

I
don't know where to even start. Seriously. I'm sitting here wondering how to
review this but I'll tell you that when I finished it? I had to not read for a
few days. I had to emotionally get my shit together because it takes a lot out
of you ...

The
most fascinating thing about this book is the religion aspect. Anyone who knows
me knows I don't subscribe to church. I have never thought that a pastor or a
preacher has any right interpreting a piece of religious writing that may or may
not be true. The fact is, nobody really knows and the people who don't
acknowledge that, scare the shit out of me ...

Every
time you think you've figured it out, you didn't. You're so wrong it's shameful.
And as the book winds down you think surely there can't be any more surprises ...

And
when the entire ball of yarn unwinds and you see everything as a timeline? Man.
I'd have to think any other person would give up hope all together but Andie
doesn't. Andie is the epitome of a strong woman ... I still can't get
over how so many people failed her. People who really loved her
knew something wasn't right and they either hid hurtful secrets or turned
a blind eye and said Jesus said this is how it should be. And to know that there
are so many people in the world that really believe Jesus thinks this
kind of behavior is OK is insane. And terrifying.

For
this being such a huge book, every loose end was finished. Well, there is one
with Suri (yes, you read that right) that I wish we knew more about. I won't
even tell you who Suri is because it would ruin a huge plot point in the book
for you. But everything else? Tied up, perfectly. Well, as perfectly as all of
these troubled characters could be ...

I
can't tell you how much I want you to read this book. I want you to read it
right now ... You'll enjoy it, love it, be
horrified and hopeful all at once. I am even going to say it's probably one of
the best books I have ever read. Truly. I can think of just a few books in my
lifetime that I've read that have pulled at me and this is one on a very short
list. I can't explain it, it just is .

 

Thank you, Sara!!!