Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 80
February 17, 2015
Stories Matter…Each One
Why do I chose to write stories?
There is an insatiable need to be known and understood. Stories…novels…allow us to learn deep lessons. To understand the past and learn from it. To see inside others and in the process learn something about ourselves.
That’s one reason I’m so excited about The Grove. I’ve come together with many of my writer sisters to create a place where we can all grow and share our stories. A grove where we can grow deeply rooted lives in Christ.
We launched on Valentine’s Day. You can read that post here. You can join some of the gals for a Facebook party tonight. We’d love to have you join us in this venture — let’s build community and encourage each other as we embrace the fact that each of our stories matter.
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February 14, 2015
Valentine’s Day Giveaway
Happy Valentine’s Day! Today, the Grove Story is launching! Woot! I’m so very excited about this endeavor and hope you’ll join my friends and me as we dig deeper into our stories and our God. These women are truly sisters of my heart, and it’s a thrill to work with them on this project.
Because I love romance and hearts and Valentine’s Day, I’m giving away a copy of Shadowed by Grace. This story is set in Italy during World War II. It’s much more than a hunt for stolen art, an unknown father or a romance. It’s the story of Rachel Justice coming to realize her life has been shadowed by God’s hand — even when she wasn’t looking and the impact that reality has on her.
It’s super easy to enter the giveaway for this book…just use the form below. And don’t forget that right now Shadowed by Grace is on ebook sale for 99 cents at Amazon and cbd.com.
February 13, 2015
7 Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day
This week over on my Facebook page we had a lot of fun talking about favorite romantic movies. To help get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day, here are a few movies you should watch. Most are sweet, romantic comedies. I’d love to hear what you would add to this list!
Looking for #romantic movies to watch over #Valentine’s Day? Here are 7 @cara_putman recommends:
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While You Were Sleeping: This one was mentioned over and over. I recently purchased it because it’s been years since I’ve seen it. Maybe I’ll put in over the weekend. I’ve also heard it used as a perfect romance for plotting.
How about Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in just about anything? I adore You’ve Got Mail. 
As the cover says, they should win a Nobel Prize for Chemistry. They remind me of classic pairings like Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant or William Powell and Myrna Loy. There’s a special chemistry when they are on screen together. They play off each other in a way that is simply delightful.
I’m not the only one who loves this pairing, because many folks also mentioned Sleepless in Seattle. Add An Affair to Remember, the movie Sleepless in Seattle pays homage to, and you’ve got a perfect trifecta of good romantic movies. 
Even better An Affair to Remember has Cary Grant playing the male lead. Big happy swoon. If you like him here, be sure to try Bringing Up Baby. It is an absolute treat of a romantic comedy.
Then there’s the debate over which Sabrina is better: The one with Humphrey Bogart or Harrison Ford. I say it’s a toss up! But Humphrey in Casablanca is one of the all time great performances. The character growth is perfect!
My list could continue almost indefinitely. I love a good romantic comedy that allows me to laugh while enjoying a good romance. I’ve got reviews of many of my classic favorites here.
I’d love to know what movies you would add to the must see list.
February 11, 2015
7 Ebook Steals Perfect for Valentine’s Day Reading
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And after that we start on Spring Breaks. Maybe your ereader is empty and you need a few books to read either during snow days or while you’re lounging on a beach. There are some awesome books by my friends on sale right now. All you have to do is click on the cover to go to Amazon — they’re all on sale at cbd.com as well.
Do you love #Chrisfic? Check out some great #novels on #sale for 99 cents or #free.
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99 Cent Steals:
These awesome books are on sale for 99 cents in ebook formats.
Free E-books:
And these books are currently free. I can’t guarantee how long these will last at these prices, but grab them while you can!
Here’s a fun video from my friend Rachel Hauck. She’s got a fun series of make-up videos that I thought you’d enjoy and her book Nashville Sweetheart is on ebook sale for $1.99.
February 9, 2015
Paper Hearts & Love Letters
Y’all my friend Courtney Walsh’s book Paper Hearts is finally available for you to buy. Here is the world’s best trailer that gives you a hint of why this book will be a hit!
On
e of the aspects that captivated me as I readPaper Hearts was the way one of the couples preserved and memorialized their love day by day through paper hearts. If you read the book (which you really should), you’ll see how those hearts become a key piece of the story.
We’re in the process of moving — and part of that has meant I’m packing and pitching 12 years worth of life. One thing I can’t — no, won’t — pitch is the small box filled with letters and cards Eric and I sent each other over the course of our friendship, courtship and early marriage. Those letters capture the reality of who we were at that stage. At one point we were single-handedly keeping Hallmark and Dayspring in business!
There is something powerful about writing down your feelings…even if they’re run-of-the-mill, every-day feelings.
Words are powerful. Encourage those you love with #PaperHearts @Cara_Putman made.
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Sometimes we need that reminder of why we fell in love. The reminder of what we love still. And the reminder of who we are in the eyes of our love.
I was inspired by the novel to make a fresh commitment to surprising my love with notes — no matter how small — that remind him how much I love and appreciate him. If Hallmark sales explode, you know why.
So enjoy the trailer, and below you’ll find two graphics you can download to make your own paper hearts. Then post them on Twitter or Facebook and be sure you let me know. I can’t wait to read them!
What you do: Create your own version of a “paper heart”. This can be ANYTHING that suits you. Literally a heart cut from a piece of copy paper can work or a post it note. Or, if you’re feeling artsy, it can be a painting, a sketch, a bookmark, or of course a card!
Who do I write my heart to? Your kids. Your husband. Your best friend. A teacher who changed your life. A mentor. Someone you admire who has no idea who you are. In short, anyone you want!!
Giveaway Time!: We’re excited to participate in the #shareyourheart Blog Tour and especially excited because you have a chance to WIN a pretty awesome prize package! All you have to do is:
1. find Courtney on Facebook HERE;
2. SHARE the Paper Hearts Book Trailer with your friends (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NZX5...
3. Then, as a bonus, enter the Rafflecopter giveaway too! That’s it, easy as pie!
** For bonus entries, create your own paper heart and share it on Courtney’s Facebook wall and tag your post with #shareyourheart**
Want to know what you can win? Have a look at this AWESOME prize package…
Here is a look at the Paper Hearts #shareyourheart Blog Tour schedule and we’re sure you’ll notice some great ladies taking part too:
February 8:
Scrapbooking & Cards Today – that’s us!
February 9:
February 10:
February 11:
Brave Girls Club/Kathy Wilkins
February 12:
February 13:
February 14:
Giveaway winners chosen! Winners posted on Courtney’s blog!
So there you have it SCT friends, a challenge! Can I challenge you to post your “paper heart?” We would love to see many of our readers from around the world sharing their hearts with the ones they love. Don’t forget you can download Nicole’s free cut file from Tuesday’s blog post and get to work! I’m going to work on mine now 
And don’t forget to follow this tour until the very end!
For bonus entries, create your own paper heart and share it on Courtney’s wall and tag your post with #shareyourheart.
Living in the Unforced Rhythms of Grace
Today begins a new week. One filled with opportunities. Chances to walk in grace or be shackled to the past. Opportunities to keep company with Christ or struggle along on our own.
My prayer for each of us is that we will embrace the unforced rhythms of grace. That we will learn to live freely and lightly in Christ.
That sounds so very good doesn’t. What would change in your world if you could walk that freely in the grace Jesus offers?
February 6, 2015
How to Catch a Prince: Love Well
What does it mean to Love Well? Corina is about to find out in @RachelHauck latest. #amreading
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Rachel Hauck writes what I call supernatural romance. Or spiritual fairytales. Whatever you call them, her books are rich romances with strong spiritual truths woven through the story in such an organic way I can’t imagine the stories without them. How to Catch a Prince is no different.
In How to Catch a Prince, a series of secrets has kept Corina and Stephen apart while also binding them together. The future seems settled until the whisper “Love well” breathes across Corina’s heart. The tension pulls them together and thrusts them apart while the past forms a barrier that seems insurmountable.
Love well.
It’s an urging that resonates. What does it mean to love well? How does one do it? This novel whispers at the power of the concept while issuing a challenge wrapped in a romance that is laced with attraction, desire, and secrets dark enough to keep them apart forever.
How to Catch a Prince is perfect for those who love modern fairytales and a book with rich spiritual threads. Think grown up Princess Diaries.
February 5, 2015
Paper Hearts & Love Letters
Y’all my friend Courtney Walsh’s book Paper Hearts is finally available for you to buy. Here is the world’s best trailer that gives you a hint of why this book will be a hit!
One of the aspects that captivated me as I readPaper Hearts was the way one of the couples preserved and memorialized their love day by day through paper hearts. If you read the book (which you really should), you’ll see how those hearts become a key piece of the story.
We’re in the process of moving — and part of that has meant I’m packing and pitching 12 years worth of life. One thing I can’t — no, won’t — pitch is the small box filled with letters and cards Eric and I sent each other over the course of our friendship, courtship and early marriage. Those letters capture the reality of who we were at that stage. At one point we were single-handedly keeping Hallmark and Dayspring in business!
There is something powerful about writing down your feelings…even if they’re run-of-the-mill, every-day feelings.
Words are powerful. Encourage those you love with #PaperHearts @Cara_Putman made.
Click To Tweet
Sometimes we need that reminder of why we fell in love. The reminder of what we love still. And the reminder of who we are in the eyes of our love.
I was inspired by the novel to make a fresh commitment to surprising my love with notes — no matter how small — that remind him how much I love and appreciate him. If Hallmark sales explode, you know why.
So enjoy the trailer, and below you’ll find two graphics you can download to make your own paper hearts. Then post them on Twitter or Facebook and be sure you let me know. I can’t wait to read them!
February 3, 2015
The Do-It-All Mom? Who me?
This week the do-it-all nature of life is a tad overwhelming, so I’m bringing up this column. Come back tomorrow as I talk about one reason I can “appear” to be the Do-It-All Mom.
By the way, I can’t believe how much bigger my kids are today!3
Cara
(Febr 2012) This week I’m starting a new venture. I’m a regular columnist at the multi-talented Nicole O’Dell’s Choose Now Ministries. She’s dubbed me the Do-It-All-Mom among a sea of really qualified columnists. Do-It-All-Mom? Me?
It’s a wee bit intimidating. Ya know?
So I’ve been thinking about it. Do I do it all?
Yes, I’m a mom to the four amazing kiddos in the picture. I am forever grateful that God has entrusted them to us.
Yes, I’m an attorney, but I’m definitely in a season of slowing that down. I stay involved in a couple areas, but I’m not doing litigation, my favorite area, because it doesn’t fit with my life right now. A choice I’d make again — even though I love litigation.
Yes, I’m a contract lecturer at a University and adjunct faculty at a community college. I LOVE teaching and am so grateful God opened these doors. Lest you think otherwise, remember this too is part time.
Yes, I’m a writer — between the hours of nine and midnight most weeks…because that’s when my kids sleep.
Yes, I’m a homeschool mama — it’s a joy and honestly frustrating. If I can be real, I love watching my kids learn. But there are times I long for them to join the school bus crowd. However, God has made it clear this is for us right now, so I do it willingly. Even if it means teaching algebra to the oldest and reading to the 3 year old. I don’t know how one room school teachers did it.
Yes, I serve at our church. It’s the least I can do for the body God has planted us in and for God. He’s given me so much. I’m more than willing to tithe my time and talent for Him. Besides, I’ve long known I learn more when I teach.
Yes, I do a lot. But I hope you’re getting a sense of season. There are ebbs and flows to each of these. I love my class at Purdue, but right now it’s not a year round commitment. Maybe some day it will be. I love the law, but it’s no where near full time right now.
How do you balance it all in this do-it-all-right-now-life?
January 29, 2015
To Brand or Not to Brand…
Thought of #Branding stressful? Rethink as a #promise to #readers suggests @cara_putman. #Amwriting
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If you’ve been a writer for any length of time, then you’ve heard a word bandied about.
That word? BRAND.
Now don’t get angry, tense, or upset.
One of the things I do as I read multiple books from an author is try to evaluate what promise that writer is making to readers with each book. As they write one more book, they’re making an addition to the promise…or breaking the promise and potentially losing readers.
Really that’s all a brand is.
A brand is a promise to a reader.
What can they expect when they pick up your next book?
With Colleen Coble books 
you expect a strong romance set in a setting that can’t be divorced from the book. There will also be some page turning suspense. Probably a child, too.
To read the rest of the post, please join me over at the Writer’s Alley.
