Rebecca Talley's Blog, page 31
November 10, 2010
The Upside of Down: Chapter 1, Part 1
Here is Chapter 1 of my new novel. If it whets your appetite, you can pre-order it at Amazon. Those who pre-order The Upside of Down by November 18, 2010 can be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate from Amazon. Details for the contest are here.
Chapter One
Natalie grabbed the hands of her two youngest children, five-year-old Mariah and three-year-old Bradley, and walked across the parking lot into the fast food restaurant. After a long morning at the doctor's office for immunizations, she was eager to eat lunch quickly and return home so she could prepare her Primary lesson. She wanted to get through the line without incident.
A young family stood in line ahead of Natalie. "I told you to stay next to your mother," demanded a man who looked only a few years older than Natalie's oldest child, Andrea. His gray eyes almost seared a hole into a little red-haired girl who stepped behind her young mother. Natalie noticed the young girl's physical features—slightly upward slanting eyes and a tongue that seemed too large for her small mouth— and concluded she had Down syndrome.
"Take your mother's hand, right now. I mean it," the man commanded again.
The girl reached up and slipped her hand into her mother's.
Natalie positioned herself between the family and her own children, hoping to shield them from the young man's harsh demeanor. In an attempt to divert her kids' attention, she turned back to Mariah and Bradley and said, "Look outside the window. Do you see that big truck across the street? Isn't it huge?"
"Where?" Mariah stood on her tiptoes to see out the window.
"Make sure she behaves and doesn't embarrass me," the man in front of Natalie said.
His wife cast a glance to the floor, and she brushed at her flushed cheeks. A loose ponytail held her mousy brown hair back from her plain face.
"Over there in that parking lot. It's orange," Natalie said to Mariah.
The raw anger of the young man clamped around Natalie's throat. She bit at the nail on her right index finger and avoided looking in the family's direction.
While they waited to order their food, Bradley wrapped himself around Natalie's left leg and Mariah eyed the toys included with each meal. "I want that one," Mariah said, flipping her long dark braid and pointing to a small figure in the display case.
The sizzle of the french fries laced through the heavy air while the scent of cooking hamburger patties stung Natalie's nose. The soda machine hissed as an employee filled paper cups with soda pop. Natalie squinted her eyes to read the small print on the menu above the counter so she could order as soon as she stepped up to the register.
"Stop moving, right now. Do you hear me, or are you too stupid to understand a simple thing like that?" the man in line said to his daugh¬ter. Without meaning to, Natalie glanced at him and saw his bright red face.
The little girl froze in place. The mother whispered something to her husband. He countered, "Don't give me any lip. I know what I'm doing. You're as stupid as she is, anyway."
Natalie's heart beat furiously at hearing his cruel words. She pulled at her shoulder-length hair. The man didn't seem to care that he was verbally abusing his daughter. He stepped up to the counter to place his order. Natalie seized the opportunity to soften his callous words. She bent down and said, "You sure are pretty."
"Don't talk to my kid," he barked from the register.
Startled, Natalie stood quickly, fear strangling her voice.
"Leave her alone," he said, his eyes blazing.
"I'm sorry. She looks so frightened."
"Mind your own business. You don't know nothin'."
"But—"
He stepped toward her. "She's retarded. You got a retarded kid?"
Natalie wanted to put this bully in his place, but instead she pulled Mariah and Bradley closer to her, attempting to shelter them with her hands. Other customers in the dining room stopped talking, and she felt their gaze on her. The cashier took a few steps back, her eyes wide.
"Well, you got a retarded kid or not?"
In a barely audible voice, Natalie said, "No."
"Then shut up."
Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next installment . . .
Chapter One
Natalie grabbed the hands of her two youngest children, five-year-old Mariah and three-year-old Bradley, and walked across the parking lot into the fast food restaurant. After a long morning at the doctor's office for immunizations, she was eager to eat lunch quickly and return home so she could prepare her Primary lesson. She wanted to get through the line without incident.
A young family stood in line ahead of Natalie. "I told you to stay next to your mother," demanded a man who looked only a few years older than Natalie's oldest child, Andrea. His gray eyes almost seared a hole into a little red-haired girl who stepped behind her young mother. Natalie noticed the young girl's physical features—slightly upward slanting eyes and a tongue that seemed too large for her small mouth— and concluded she had Down syndrome.
"Take your mother's hand, right now. I mean it," the man commanded again.
The girl reached up and slipped her hand into her mother's.
Natalie positioned herself between the family and her own children, hoping to shield them from the young man's harsh demeanor. In an attempt to divert her kids' attention, she turned back to Mariah and Bradley and said, "Look outside the window. Do you see that big truck across the street? Isn't it huge?"
"Where?" Mariah stood on her tiptoes to see out the window.
"Make sure she behaves and doesn't embarrass me," the man in front of Natalie said.
His wife cast a glance to the floor, and she brushed at her flushed cheeks. A loose ponytail held her mousy brown hair back from her plain face.
"Over there in that parking lot. It's orange," Natalie said to Mariah.
The raw anger of the young man clamped around Natalie's throat. She bit at the nail on her right index finger and avoided looking in the family's direction.
While they waited to order their food, Bradley wrapped himself around Natalie's left leg and Mariah eyed the toys included with each meal. "I want that one," Mariah said, flipping her long dark braid and pointing to a small figure in the display case.
The sizzle of the french fries laced through the heavy air while the scent of cooking hamburger patties stung Natalie's nose. The soda machine hissed as an employee filled paper cups with soda pop. Natalie squinted her eyes to read the small print on the menu above the counter so she could order as soon as she stepped up to the register.
"Stop moving, right now. Do you hear me, or are you too stupid to understand a simple thing like that?" the man in line said to his daugh¬ter. Without meaning to, Natalie glanced at him and saw his bright red face.
The little girl froze in place. The mother whispered something to her husband. He countered, "Don't give me any lip. I know what I'm doing. You're as stupid as she is, anyway."
Natalie's heart beat furiously at hearing his cruel words. She pulled at her shoulder-length hair. The man didn't seem to care that he was verbally abusing his daughter. He stepped up to the counter to place his order. Natalie seized the opportunity to soften his callous words. She bent down and said, "You sure are pretty."
"Don't talk to my kid," he barked from the register.
Startled, Natalie stood quickly, fear strangling her voice.
"Leave her alone," he said, his eyes blazing.
"I'm sorry. She looks so frightened."
"Mind your own business. You don't know nothin'."
"But—"
He stepped toward her. "She's retarded. You got a retarded kid?"
Natalie wanted to put this bully in his place, but instead she pulled Mariah and Bradley closer to her, attempting to shelter them with her hands. Other customers in the dining room stopped talking, and she felt their gaze on her. The cashier took a few steps back, her eyes wide.
"Well, you got a retarded kid or not?"
In a barely audible voice, Natalie said, "No."
"Then shut up."
Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next installment . . .
November 9, 2010
Prologue: The Upside of Down
Here is the prologue for my new novel. If it whets your appetite, you can pre-order it at Amazon. Those who pre-order The Upside of Down by November 18, 2010 can be entered into a contest for a $50.00 gift certificate from Amazon. Details for the contest are here.
PROLOGUE
Natalie sat with her arms folded and head bowed on the green and gold upholstered chair they'd purchased from Deseret Industries a few weeks earlier. Her husband's hands rested atop her head, and she silently repeated his inspired words.
She focused on a sentence in the blessing: "Soon Heavenly Father will send you a spirit to begin your family, one of many." Spence concluded the blessing, and a soft reassurance wrapped itself around Natalie as the Spirit witnessed the truthfulness of the promised blessings. She drew in a breath and reveled in the peace that filled their one-bedroom apartment near Brigham Young University.
Spence leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She stood and embraced him. "I feel better now. Thank you."
"We'll have children. We need to be a little more patient," he said in a tender voice. He pushed a wisp of her dark brown hair from her face.
She held the gaze of his pale blue eyes. "I know. I'm eager, that's all. I want to raise a bunch of kids and teach them the gospel. That's all I've ever wanted. Everyone in our ward either has a baby or they're expecting one . . . except us." She brushed a tear from her cheek.
"We don't know Heavenly Father's timetable or His reasons, so we need to have faith it will all work out. I'm confident we'll have the children Heavenly Father intends to send us when the time is right." He ran his fingers along her cheek.
She nodded. "I needed that blessing."
Spence smiled and it made her heart skip a beat, the same way it had the first time she had seen him on the dance floor at Ricks College. His reddish-blond hair, strong jaw line, and vibrant smile had caught her eye, and when he'd asked her to dance, she wasn't sure her legs would comply. From that moment, her attraction had grown into a deep and mature love.
Spence broke into her thoughts. "While I was pronouncing the blessing, I saw—"
Natalie cut in, almost afraid to mention what she'd seen. "A baby?"
Spence's eyes widened. "Yes. A girl."
"With big, round blue eyes?" The dazzling color and clarity of the child's eyes stood out in her mind.
Spence nodded. "And blonde hair."
Natalie's skin pricked while a tingling sensation traveled up her spine to the top of her head. "Our first baby?" Joy enveloped her as she imagined holding a baby in her long-empty arms.
"Maybe. I saw her so clearly."
"Did you see any others?"
Spence shook his head. "Only a baby girl."
Natalie's insides warmed at the thought of realizing her dream to be a mother. "She must be coming to our family." Anticipation wound itself around her heart.
That night Natalie lay in bed as other words and phrases from the blessing circled her mind. After two miscarriages and three long years of watching every woman around her give birth, it seemed as though the time was now right for her and the baby she'd seen would soon come to her home. She focused on remembering every detail of the child's face so she would recognize her. Excitement surged through her body. At long last, it would be her turn.
Though she'd recently graduated from BYU with a degree in psychology, she had no interest in pursuing it. She'd finished her degree to appease her parents, but her goal was to start a family. She wanted to raise a righteous brood, hold family home evening each week, have daily family prayer and scripture study, and attend church together—something she hadn't been able to do with her parents. An eternal family was her first, and only, priority.
Her eyelids became heavy. Euphoric images of children running through her home and laughter bouncing off the walls danced across the stage of her mind until she fell asleep.
Be sure to check back tomorrow to begin reading Chapter 1 . . .
PROLOGUE
Natalie sat with her arms folded and head bowed on the green and gold upholstered chair they'd purchased from Deseret Industries a few weeks earlier. Her husband's hands rested atop her head, and she silently repeated his inspired words.
She focused on a sentence in the blessing: "Soon Heavenly Father will send you a spirit to begin your family, one of many." Spence concluded the blessing, and a soft reassurance wrapped itself around Natalie as the Spirit witnessed the truthfulness of the promised blessings. She drew in a breath and reveled in the peace that filled their one-bedroom apartment near Brigham Young University.
Spence leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She stood and embraced him. "I feel better now. Thank you."
"We'll have children. We need to be a little more patient," he said in a tender voice. He pushed a wisp of her dark brown hair from her face.
She held the gaze of his pale blue eyes. "I know. I'm eager, that's all. I want to raise a bunch of kids and teach them the gospel. That's all I've ever wanted. Everyone in our ward either has a baby or they're expecting one . . . except us." She brushed a tear from her cheek.
"We don't know Heavenly Father's timetable or His reasons, so we need to have faith it will all work out. I'm confident we'll have the children Heavenly Father intends to send us when the time is right." He ran his fingers along her cheek.
She nodded. "I needed that blessing."
Spence smiled and it made her heart skip a beat, the same way it had the first time she had seen him on the dance floor at Ricks College. His reddish-blond hair, strong jaw line, and vibrant smile had caught her eye, and when he'd asked her to dance, she wasn't sure her legs would comply. From that moment, her attraction had grown into a deep and mature love.
Spence broke into her thoughts. "While I was pronouncing the blessing, I saw—"
Natalie cut in, almost afraid to mention what she'd seen. "A baby?"
Spence's eyes widened. "Yes. A girl."
"With big, round blue eyes?" The dazzling color and clarity of the child's eyes stood out in her mind.
Spence nodded. "And blonde hair."
Natalie's skin pricked while a tingling sensation traveled up her spine to the top of her head. "Our first baby?" Joy enveloped her as she imagined holding a baby in her long-empty arms.
"Maybe. I saw her so clearly."
"Did you see any others?"
Spence shook his head. "Only a baby girl."
Natalie's insides warmed at the thought of realizing her dream to be a mother. "She must be coming to our family." Anticipation wound itself around her heart.
That night Natalie lay in bed as other words and phrases from the blessing circled her mind. After two miscarriages and three long years of watching every woman around her give birth, it seemed as though the time was now right for her and the baby she'd seen would soon come to her home. She focused on remembering every detail of the child's face so she would recognize her. Excitement surged through her body. At long last, it would be her turn.
Though she'd recently graduated from BYU with a degree in psychology, she had no interest in pursuing it. She'd finished her degree to appease her parents, but her goal was to start a family. She wanted to raise a righteous brood, hold family home evening each week, have daily family prayer and scripture study, and attend church together—something she hadn't been able to do with her parents. An eternal family was her first, and only, priority.
Her eyelids became heavy. Euphoric images of children running through her home and laughter bouncing off the walls danced across the stage of her mind until she fell asleep.
Be sure to check back tomorrow to begin reading Chapter 1 . . .
November 8, 2010
Pre-Order Contest: The Upside of Down
My new book, The Upside of Down, goes to press today. Woo hoo!! In celebration, I'm going to hold a contest for a $50 gift certificate to Amazon. I've never done a pre-order contest before, but my goal is . . . 1000 copies pre-ordered in 10 days. That's 100 pre-orders each day. I'm so excited! With your help, I know we can do it!
In case you haven't seen the cover or read the blurb:
"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.
Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.
Here are the rules:
1. Pre-order my book at Amazon here
.
2. Send me a copy or your receipt or other proof of purchase for the pre-order at rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com to be entered into the drawing. Each pre-order gets one entry into the contest--if you purchase two, or ten :), as gifts each one garners an entry
3. The contest runs from Monday November 8, 2010 until midnight on Thursday, November 18, 2010. You must send me proof of purchase during these dates to qualify.
4. The winner will be chosen at random and posted on Friday, November 19, 2010.
5. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Amazon--just in time to use for Christmas!
The books should be available for shipping in late December or early January. If you purchase my book, be sure to check back after the first of the year for another contest.
Tell all your friends! Thank you!!!!
In case you haven't seen the cover or read the blurb:
"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.
Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.
Here are the rules:
1. Pre-order my book at Amazon here
.
2. Send me a copy or your receipt or other proof of purchase for the pre-order at rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com to be entered into the drawing. Each pre-order gets one entry into the contest--if you purchase two, or ten :), as gifts each one garners an entry
3. The contest runs from Monday November 8, 2010 until midnight on Thursday, November 18, 2010. You must send me proof of purchase during these dates to qualify.
4. The winner will be chosen at random and posted on Friday, November 19, 2010.
5. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Amazon--just in time to use for Christmas!
The books should be available for shipping in late December or early January. If you purchase my book, be sure to check back after the first of the year for another contest.
Tell all your friends! Thank you!!!!
Pre-Order Contest: the Upside of Down
My new book, The Upside of Down, goes to press today. Woo hoo!! In celebration, I'm going to hold a contest for a $50 gift certificate to Amazon. I've never done a pre-order contest before, but my goal is . . . 1000 copies pre-ordered in 10 days. That's 100 pre-orders each day. I'm so excited! With your help, I know we can do it!
In case you haven't seen the cover or read the blurb:
"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.
Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.
Here are the rules:
1. Pre-order my book at Amazon here
.
2. Send me a copy or your receipt or other proof of purchase for the pre-order at rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com to be entered into the drawing. Each pre-order gets one entry into the contest--if you purchase two, or ten :), as gifts each one garners an entry
3. The contest runs from Monday November 8, 2010 until midnight on Thursday, November 18, 2010. You must send me proof of purchase during these dates to qualify.
4. The winner will be chosen at random and posted on Friday, November 19, 2010.
5. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Amazon--just in time to use for Christmas!
The books should be available for shipping in late December or early January. If you purchase my book, be sure to check back after the first of the year for another contest.
Tell all your friends! Thank you!!!!
In case you haven't seen the cover or read the blurb:
"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.
Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.
Here are the rules:
1. Pre-order my book at Amazon here
.
2. Send me a copy or your receipt or other proof of purchase for the pre-order at rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com to be entered into the drawing. Each pre-order gets one entry into the contest--if you purchase two, or ten :), as gifts each one garners an entry
3. The contest runs from Monday November 8, 2010 until midnight on Thursday, November 18, 2010. You must send me proof of purchase during these dates to qualify.
4. The winner will be chosen at random and posted on Friday, November 19, 2010.
5. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Amazon--just in time to use for Christmas!
The books should be available for shipping in late December or early January. If you purchase my book, be sure to check back after the first of the year for another contest.
Tell all your friends! Thank you!!!!
November 5, 2010
Things I've Learned from Nano
I've been doing Nano (www.nanowrimo.org) this week. Nano is the shortened version of National Novel Writing Month, because, well the official title is just too long. I'm not sure why I joined in. I certainly have enough to do without the added pressure of writing 50,000 words all in one month's time, especially a month with the kids home from school for a week and Thanksgiving, but, I decided to take the plunge because I need to finish this rough draft and let it sit for a month before I revise it in January--at least that's my plan.
I've learned a few things from my foray into Nano:
1. Writing is hard. Well, I didn't really learn that from Nano, I've known for a very long time that writing is hard, but this has definitely reinforced the fact.
2. Nano has forced me to write more than I would each day. Generally, I can write about 1000 words without batting an eyelash, but my goal for Nano is 2000 words a day to make up for the days I won't be writing. Even at that goal, I'll be pushing pretty hard at the end to fit in 50,000 total. But, it's been good for me to stick to it until I have over 2000 words.
3. I like writing slimy characters. They seem to come easy to me--not sure what that says about me. The more I write the main slime guy, the worse he gets, and the more I like it. I know what's going to happen at the end so maybe I just like making him so evil and nasty that when he get's what's coming, he'll really deserve it.
4. I love to write. Again, not a new revelation, but Nano has also reinforced this. I can't imagine not writing and I'm very grateful for a husband who supports me in my pursuit of this crazy writing thing.
I will have plenty of rewriting ahead of me as I add descriptions and fully flesh out the story. And, since it is a huge departure from books I've written in the past, I'm not sure there will even be a market for it. But, it's the story that haunts me right now, so even if it's never published, at least I can write it and get it out of my head.
Happy Nanoing!
I've learned a few things from my foray into Nano:
1. Writing is hard. Well, I didn't really learn that from Nano, I've known for a very long time that writing is hard, but this has definitely reinforced the fact.
2. Nano has forced me to write more than I would each day. Generally, I can write about 1000 words without batting an eyelash, but my goal for Nano is 2000 words a day to make up for the days I won't be writing. Even at that goal, I'll be pushing pretty hard at the end to fit in 50,000 total. But, it's been good for me to stick to it until I have over 2000 words.
3. I like writing slimy characters. They seem to come easy to me--not sure what that says about me. The more I write the main slime guy, the worse he gets, and the more I like it. I know what's going to happen at the end so maybe I just like making him so evil and nasty that when he get's what's coming, he'll really deserve it.
4. I love to write. Again, not a new revelation, but Nano has also reinforced this. I can't imagine not writing and I'm very grateful for a husband who supports me in my pursuit of this crazy writing thing.
I will have plenty of rewriting ahead of me as I add descriptions and fully flesh out the story. And, since it is a huge departure from books I've written in the past, I'm not sure there will even be a market for it. But, it's the story that haunts me right now, so even if it's never published, at least I can write it and get it out of my head.
Happy Nanoing!
November 2, 2010
We Can Vote
Image via Wikipedia"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society." (Doctrine and Covenants 134:1)Today we have the opportunity to vote. I believe that we are held accountable for the choices we make, even when it comes to voting. It's so important that we vote for those that we think will best represent us and will do what we feel is best for our great country. In my area, there is a candidate who represents most of my beliefs. Unfortunately, she supports abortion. I cannot vote for her because abortion is too important to me. Yes, by not voting for her I will not counteract a vote for the other candidate who does not represent my beliefs at all. But, in the end, I cannot vote for any candidate that supports abortion and I have to vote my conscience.
Our government should benefit us, not drain us, and it should uphold the Constitution. The Constitution is a divinely inspired document and it was created for our good. "And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood" (Doctrine and Covenants 101:80). Many politicians seem to be trampling on this document claiming that it is outdated and needs to be modernized. I disagree. It has served us well for over 200 years and it was inspired by God. I believe in upholding the Constitution. I believe that our government should serve us, not the other way around. I believe that I should have freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom to choose my own healthcare. I believe our government has grown far too big and is overstepping its bounds. I believe we need to cut out the wasteful spending and vote out those who do not have the integrity to represent our citizens and our Constitution. Too many politicians have been corrupted by power and forget that they work for us and should be representing our best interests, not theirs.
Today we can send a message. We can let our voices be heard. We can stand for our Constitution.
We can vote.
November 1, 2010
Free Men and Dreamers: Oh Say Can You See by L.C. Lewis
The bicentennial of the War of 1812 is less than two years away, and America is gearing up to host spectacular celebrations of the 200th anniversary of her second war of independence. LDS author, L.C. Lewis, saw the event fast-approaching and began writing a historical fiction series to commemorate this often overlooked moment and generation. Along the way, Free Men and Dreamers has garnered an impressive array of reviews, endorsements, and awards. Though each book continues the overall story, each volume is written as a stand-alone read as well, and Lewis thinks volume four, Oh, Say Can You See? which weaves her characters through the events surrounding the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner, may be the most timely of all the volumes.This week author L.C. Lewis is prepping for the national launch of Oh, Say Can You See?
From the backliner of the book:
Although the British raids have left Washington a devastated, blackened city, the battered Constitution has held and the presidency has survived!
But the struggling government has no home. The British saw to that. Gone is the Capitol and her magnificent library, the chambers of the Supreme Court, the President's House, and every relic and document not secreted out of the city.
Next on the list of British prizes—the rebellious port city of Baltimore! A victory here would assure the Americans' defeat, but a loss would dilute the importance of the destruction of Washington.
But has the raid on Washington stiffened the backs of the Americans? This is the question gnawing at the leaders on both sides.
The Willows women are mourning their absent men—gone to war, or wounded, or captured—as they await the birth of a blessed child.
Mere miles away, attorney Francis Scott Key embarks on a diplomatic mission that will leave an everlasting mark on America. Proving that a pen can be more powerful than a sword, Key records his fears and hopes—the fears and hopes of his embattled people—as he watches the bombardment of Baltimore while detained in the midst of the British fleet.
What changed in this noble man's pacifist heart, empowering him to pen the powerful anthem, known today as "The Star Spangled Banner," an epic poem that rallied a shattered nation to rise from its knees to claim the dream of "one nation under God?"
Experience the personal sacrifice of five families placed in the firestorm of the War of 1812, citizen heirs of the sacrifice of the Founding Fathers.
Enjoy the trailer:
Learn more about L.C. Lewis at her website.
October 29, 2010
To All The Nanoers Out There
Yes, I will be doing Nano this year--National Novel Writing Month. You can still sign up if you want to join the insanity http://www.nanowrimo.org/. In order to win, you have to write 50,000 words between November 1 and November 30. I don't know that I'll win, but I'll be pushing myself to write as much as I can during November. I'll be working on my YA paranormal. If you want to buddy with me (I'm still not sure what that means) my user name is super original: rebeccatalley.
This is dedicated to all who take on the NaNoWriMo challenge:
Good luck to all of us!
This is dedicated to all who take on the NaNoWriMo challenge:
Good luck to all of us!
October 18, 2010
"The Upside of Down" Cover is Here!
What do you think of my new book cover? Here's the back cover copy:
"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"
Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.
Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.
I'm not sure I'm "beloved" but what do you think? Does this make you want to read it? Would the cover intrigue you enough to pick it up?
I'll be having a contest for those who pre-order the book. I'll let you know when I have all the details set.
Thanks for visiting and thanks for supporting me!!
October 14, 2010
Writing Your Family History
Have you ever wanted to write your family history but didn't know where to start? Visit Linda Weaver Clarke's Website for information on how to bring your ancestors to life and write that family history.
