What I'm doing instead of writing

LOL, this cracked me up. Keep in mind I love my husband, I love my husband, I love my husband...

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Kirk Cameron

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

Congrats to...

Amanda! You just won a new copy of Valley of Betrayal, by Tricia Goyer. Please send me your snail mail address via my website and I'll get it right out to you (excuse the formality, but the web contact form helps fight the dreaded spammers...)

Through my window I'm watching several mighty palm trees leaning against a blue and white sky, and I'm thinking of playing hooky and hitting the beach. But, no. Can't do it today. Bummer. Makes me think of the recent conversation hubby and I had about a trip to Hawaii next October. Can you believe we've never been there? Such a sheltered life we lead ;-)

Anyway, we'll only have a week, so if you've been there, where should we go for our first-ever Hawaiian getaway? We're taking the whole fam so keep these particulars in mind: Hubby likes fine dining, mama likes lounging on the beach, teen son likes sailing, pre-teen daughter absolutely must have good shopping, and elementary girl likes to swim.

What say you?

Win Tricia's Book

Said bye to Stephanie last night on American Idol and I think it was too soon. Only one will win, but her vocals were so much stronger than several others, don't you think? This is when we start to see the popularity aspect of the show rather than the talent factor. Kind of like life. Hm.


On to better things...
Hey all history buffs! The other day my buddy, the talented Tricia Goyer guested on this blog to tell us about her new book, Valley of Betrayal. I'll be randomly picking someone from TODAY'S comments to win a free-free-free copy of this first book in Tricia's series, Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War. Stop on by tomorrow to see who's won.


Lately, some pretty nice reviews of Chocolate Beach have popped up in cyberspace--and I didn't even pay 'em, ha! Seriously, I'm sooo grateful for the time so many people have taken to actually read and then write about my first "baby." Really, really, really grateful! I've posted two recent reviews here: titletrakk and deena's books


Okay, off to work...

Sun's out--surf's up!

Yo! So check it out, Dog.

Had a fabulous post all ready for you last night, fabulous I tell you--and lost it. Sigh. Okay, tonight, it's the final 10. Will Sanjaya finally be voted off? Will Phil's screaming ways be turned away? Or will Stephanie, who had a rough night, be packin' her bags? And what did you all think about that lulu of a Lulu? Or Peter Noone's kindly ways? So cool that I'm too young to be familiar with either one of those 60s singers, lol.

If you've no idea what I'm talking about, sawwy. This year's Idol doesn't quite have the edge of last year's edition--Remember Ace's eyes? Elliott's makeover? McFever? Yeah, baby, those were the days. So far, it's been a little ho hum, but still kinda fun anyway, so the fam and I will be gathering around the flat screen tonight to see the results. And you?

Sing it

Crunch time around here with my brother's wedding just around the bend. All 3 kiddos are in it which for the girls means shoes! dresses! hair! nails! makeup! and for the boy: a suit. So not fair.

Anyhoo, we've had misty fog around here for a week, but do we let this get us down? Nah--okay, a little. But I look at it this way, if it were hot and sunny, I'd want to be out there instead of doing all the stuff I've got to do.

Speaking of beaches (we were, weren't we?), I've been invited to hang at a new cyber-beach pad today. New to me, but maybe not to you? Please stop by singalullaby and say hello to my new friend on the net! She's a sweetie!

Happy American Idol Tuesday :)

Will work for chocolate

FREE CHOCOLATE Need I say more? LOL Sign up to receive my occasional newsletter (see sidebar) and you just might win yourself a 1 lb. box of scrumptuous chocolates. (And no, these aren't the virtual kind, hah.) You can also sign up on my home page at www.juliecarobini.com (and read the details there too.)

But don't leave yet...because author and new blogger, Annette Irby, has invited me for a chat on her cyber-beach blanket. Come on by and welcome her to the blogosphere, okey dokey?

Happy Monday--only 4 days left until Friday :)

Welcome, Guest Blogger, Tricia Goyer!

Tricia and I have been friends since the mid-90s when we met as newbie writers at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference. Her talent, humility, prayerfulness, and friendship (yeah, I could go on and on about her!) have inspired me ever since. She's got a new book out and I thought I'd let her tell you the story behind it in her own words:

A few years ago when I was researching for my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about. This is what I learned:

Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.

From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who had volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders, supported with troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side--half never returned home.

Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their own tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen . . . each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind

A Valley of Betrayal.

Tricia Goyer, October 2006

Oh Sun and Sand, Where Art Thou?

Last Sunday's baking 85+ degree weather was an abberation, an abberation, I tell you! Sigh. The sky's been mucky all week. On the upside, I've got writing goals to meet, and wouldn't have gotten out there to enjoy it anyway.

But here's the thing: The beauty of cyber tours is I can beach hop and nosh on bon bons in my home office, no matter the weather. So can YOU! It's a beautiful thing. So I wanted to let you know that tour stops continue to be added to The List, so please take a sec and check out where I'll be and when.

Thanks again to all my hosts! Here's a chocolate kiss for ya'll--mu-waah!

Hey CJ!

Say hello to CJ! We met a couple of weeks ago on my "mini-tour" of bookstores along the coast. Though working alone on a busy day at Parable, CJ threw out the welcome mat for me (& my gift of chocolates, natch) by buying my book on the spot--and "encouraging" another customer to buy one. (She did; I signed them both) Never mind that said customer came in to buy one of Davis Bunn's books, LOL. (Don't look at me like that...she bought both :-)

Tell me your adventures!

Good Morning! To say that I've had less time to blog than usual would be quite the understatement, don't you think? As my heroine Bri would say, sheesh!

Because of a crazy schedule last week which included writing 8k words, chaperoning two all day fieldtrips, attending a school open house, observing two cotillions, accompanying friend and fella-writer Kathryn Cushman to a celebrity authors luncheon (alas, we were spectators and not participants...), hub and I decided to do the Sunday warrior thing. So after church we kayaked for a couple of hours then headed out for ice-blended coffees and a stop at the beach to visit friends. Nothing like squishing all the fun into a few short hours. Ho hum. I'm pooped! And it's Tuesday!

Started all over again yesterday. Can you relate? Most people I know can. I guess that's why I'm actually scheduling breaks. Like yesterday when I crashed coma-like onto my bed in the mid afternoon. Ten minutes, but oh!, how fab to just turn out the world for awhile.

Okay, so I'm rambling. (Tired people do that.) Let's do this. You tell me what you're doing for Easter/Spring Break this year. I'll be writing like wild, so entertain me with your adventures so I can live vicariously through you. Tell me, tell me.

We have ourselves a winner!

The party's over, but the glow remains. Pre-teen daughter did the honors tonight by randomly choosing one name from all the party comments, so Congrats! to Julie Arduini, who isn't me but whose name is seriously close to mine. Julie's the winner of an autographed copy of Chocolate Beach.
Woo-hoo!

Life's getting hectic, so let's all take this moment to breathe in the view. Ahhh...

Have a peaceful day :-)

Singin' the blues

So yesterday I had a Lorelai and Sookie moment when Elementary Girl and I were seated in the very last row of the ginormous local civic arts theater. Tissues for nosebleeds anyone? Remember that sort of 80s flashback episode where the Gilmore Girls bopped on over to NY city to see the Bangles? Lorelai and Sookie gave up their seats to Rory and friends, and had to settle for the top section. They snorted and laughed through the whole from-a-distance show, much to the chagrin of the other paying customers stuck around them. Ho hum, funny stuff.

Anyway, we were on a fieldtrip and I just kept questioning the wisdom of seating hundreds of 3rd graders in a steep balcony, but hey, I wasn't in charge (Their bad :). Thankfully the performance topped the seating arrangements.

Speaking of performances, anyone else disappointed in this year's Idol offerings? Just seems that thousands of auditioners should have produced some stronger vocals. But who knows? Maybe the boys'll get some training over the next few weeks and surprise us. Trust me when I say that I will be surprised if a guy wins this year.

Enough of this frivolity. I'm off to write another 2k words, and brainstorm a title...(and scrounge around for my stash of truffles -]] )

Chat with my end cap buddy!

Today I'm talking with author, friend, and end-cap buddy, Sharon Hinck! Sharon and I met last year at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference and quickly became friends. Sharon's the author of The Secret Life of Becky Miller, and the recently released, Renovating Becky Miller. Please follow this link to read the first part of our chat. Then c'mon back for the last half. We hope you have as much fun as we're having :]]

****

In answer to Sharon's question:

Julie: Hey thanks, Sharon! Yes, I think I always have loved to write. It’s in my blood, I guess. My grandfather owned a Spanish newspaper, and he also wrote for La Opinion. My father wrote freelance and recently self-published a book on Silent Films, and my mother writes freelance (and inspires me daily!). As far as my recent reads? I loved Renovating Becky Miller, and I’m not just saying that! Some interesting perspective in there on how ministry can turn into marketing and how poor Becky has to rise above it. I also loved how Becky daydreamed about movies, with her as the main character—lol. Oddly enough, I was able to guess just about every movie in there without flipping to the list in the back. Right now, I’m also reading The Mitford Bedside Companion, by Jan Karon. Love it! Of course, I’ve got a stack of others I’d love to get to…sigh.

And Sharon! I’ve heard that we’ll be endcap buddies at stores in the near future! How fun is that? But guess what? I stopped at the Parable Stores in both San Luis Obispo and Atascadero—and we were already hanging out together! Here’s a pic of my mother, Elaine, and me, next to an endcap display of our books (And nope, I did not set this up. They were like that when I got there! -]]



Cool, huh?

Sharon: Very cool!

Julie: Now that our “babies” are growing up and coming into their own, what’s up next for you, Sharon? Still writing? (ha!) Still loving it? Give me the scoop!

Sharon: My next novel, The Restorer, releases in May from NavPress, the first of a series, with book two coming out in September, book three in January, and then two more stand-alone novels coming out with Bethany House in 2008. How about you? When’s the next story coming out? What’s it about? Do tell!

Julie: Um, you’re busy, girlfriend. Congrats on all of it, and may you find peace and rest!

My next story will be out in early 2008. The title’s currently in a state of flux, but it involves seashells and bon bons—yum!—so really, what else do you need to know? LOL Anyway, it’s second in the Ventura beach series, this time focusing on Bri’s best pal, Gaby, who after a series of near catastrophes, resolves to be Gullible No More! Other stories are also in the works, so feel free to pop in and visit my beachy website for updates anytime: www.juliecarobini.com. You can also sign-up to receive news on my home page.

Had a blast, Sharon! Let’s do this again, sometime, okay? Thanks to all who’ve stopped by today, too. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

You're invited

I just joined the party! You can too. The gals over at 5minutesformom.com are throwing a party and everyone's invited. Go on over and you might win a cool prize. But don't leave yet! If you leave me a comment at this post between today and March 9, I'll enter your name in a drawing for an autographed copy of Chocolate Beach! (If you're new here, Chocolate Beach is my debut novel, released just a few short weeks ago.) Summer's coming, so join the fun! Sunscreen not required :)

longing for lazy days

Woo-hoo, it's Friday! Love that. Got back last night and the family gathered around the flat screen for the latest Idol installment. So sad to see AJ go. Just wasn't time for him yet, we thought. Btw, on my mini tour I stopped at two stores in his home town of Santa Maria, CA. He's got a strong voice and sweet personality...but something tells me America's 11 year old girls had taken over the phone lines for Sanjaya. Sigh.

What say you?

Anyway, I'm longing for some beachside reading sans responsibility but life's just not always like that, you know? I long for it anyway. I've got a growing stack of fiction to read, just for fun. Maybe when the house is clean, the next book's done, my kids' projects are all finished, yada yada yada--Calgon, take me away!

What do you long to have time for?

One of my favorite things...

Did I mention that it's cold along the central coast? Yeah, yeah, I hear all you East coasters snickering, "Julie, you don't know cold! We know cold!"
But I'm a wimp. This is why seat heaters have become my new favorite
thang. Recently bought myself a modestly-priced mid-sized suv and those bun warmers make up for any lack of luxury accoutrements, and I'm not kidding.

Took a few pics today, but didn't bring the camera cable. Bummer. I'll try to post soon. I do want to give a shout out to the folks along the West coast at Parable Bookstores, Borders, Barnes and Noble and The Novel Experience. Thanks for the cheer!

Tour de Coast--Day 1

Every few seconds I can hear waves crash just outside my window--I'm that close to the beach right now. Mom and I hit PCH this morning, and let me just say, coffee on the road is just the best. We stopped something like three times. Maybe this is why it's nearly 10 pm and I'm sitting here in my hotel room showing no sign of slowing down...

Anyway, one of my favorite stops today (and there were several good ones) was at The Book Loft in Solvang (a touristy town north of Santa Barbara known for its Dutch history, complete with wooden shoes and fabulous pastries. And by the way, the chocolate rum balls ROCK!) The proprietor didn't carry my book, so I gave him one along with chocolates and postcards. He laughed and said something about "bribery."

Hey, whatever it takes. Seriously, I'm so glad for his staff's warm reception because I've stopped in that bookstore for years, and I'd love to see Chocolate Beach lounging on its shelves. Hopefully soon...

Up tomorrow: four planned stops and time to wander where the road may lead (hopefully that would be the beach, lol)

Tour de Coastal

These flip flops were made for walkin', and that's just what they'll do...

Mom and I have hit the Pacific Coast Highway for points north, ie. bookstores along the central coast of California where we'll be tellin' shopkeeps about Chocolate Beach. Sunroof's open, XM's blaring, and we're sucking down chocolates and coffee quicker than you can wipe out on a fast breaking wave.

You might want to watch out for a couple of brown-eyed gals on a mission. And if you see us, make sure to tell our hubbies (and my kids!) that we're workin'

A-LO-HA!

She likes me! She likes me!

Can I hear a phew?
Surf on over to Jamie's blog today and read what I'm talkin' about ;)

grab your board

Psst...I'm over at Jeanette's blog. Surf on over :)

Monday morning madness

Hey there bleary-eyed bloggers! On your second cup yet? I'm there next. Did y'all watch the Oscars last night? Ya didn't miss anything important. During the show, I kept thinking of Simon's words on American Idol last week: "That was self-indulgent." Ho hum, thank God for the DVR and the all-important fast forward feature! (Although Jennifer Hudson? You rock!)

Tried to hit the beach yesterday but the sand tornadoes kept me away. Seriously, we had quite the wind storm in So Cal on Sunday. The wind swirls did blow away clouds making the Channel Islands clearly visible, so that's a plus. But sand in the hair and teeth? Not so fun.

Mi mama and I are hittin' the road tomorrow for some coastal madness. Yeah, we'll be visiting bookstores along the California coast for the next few days, bringing chocolates and friendly hellos to the shopkeeps. I'll try to post from the road and let you know if this newbie author is welcomed with open arms or sent packing.

Relax, it's Sunday

Go to church, then have another cup :)

Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino

Smooth and sweet, you fit in to almost any crowd. No one would suspect you of being a coffee tweaker!

What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?

What we have here is a re-post...

Happy Friday Everybody! I'm re-posting my cyber-beach hopping schedule, past and future. I've been visiting with beach lovers, telling stories and answering questions. So grab your board and join me for a little re-cap, if you'd like.

Here's the list of my groovy hosts:

February 5th--Camy Tang

February 7th--Georgiana D

February 8th--Gina Conroy

February 14th—Tricia Goyer

February 15th--Rebecca LuElla Miller

February 20th—Amy Wallace

February 22nd--Damselfly

February 26th—-Jeanette Hanscome

February 27th—Jamie Driggers

MARCH 5--Sharon Hinck Conversation with my end-cap Buddy!

March 28--Tiff Amber Miller

Thanks to She Lives for introducing me to the Image Chef.

***

Yippee--I'm hangin' out with Damselfly and Flybaby today!

The Girls Rock!

Okay, now that's a singing competition! Last night? Not so much. The boys were nice, but the women! Holy. Moly. What did ya think? Who's staying? My vote: Jordin, Melinda, Sabrina, Stephanie, maybe Gina, and, OF COURSE, LaKisha! (Didn't she just give you chills?!!!)

I have to go vote some more. My kids tell me so...

beach hopping & ice cream

Saw a few raindrops this weekend, but the sun's out again and I'm hanging out at Amy Wallace's beach pad today. Come say hi--you might win a free book :)

***

Yearning for summer, so I thought I'd take a little quiz, and let me just say, thank God it says I'm compatible with chocolate chip! I wouldn't have it any other way.

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY (to me)

A year ago today, after the persistent emails from this blogger, I launched this blog. For your viewing pleasure (?), I've linked that maiden post here.

Now I'm off to celebrate! I'm thinkin' chocolate cake...

Rebecca LuElla Miller over at A Christian Worldview of Fiction reviewed Chocolate Beach on her blog today. It's the kind of review that makes an author want to reach through the computer screen and hug the reviewer, proclaiming, "You get it! You really get it!" Warning, there is a tiny spoiler in it, but if you're game, you can read it here.

Biting my nails over tonight's Idol. Et tu? Or are y'all getting tired of the endless drama? LOL Yeah, right.

I'm hanging out at Tricia Goyer's Montana beachpad today. Yeah, I'm not kidding. You can visit me here. (The rest of the sched. is here.)

Happy Valentine's Day. May your day be filled with good chocolate and warm hugs. Enjoy a virtual chocolate. It's on me :)

tears on tv

Emotional TV night. On American Idol, bunches of folks left Hollywood, including 1/2 of a brother/sister team and 1/2 of a best friends duo. Then on Gilmore Girls (thanks DVR...), Chris and Lorelai broke up. Not unexpected, but pretty sad. All I'm saying. (As was Paw-Paw's funeral, although that's another story.) Anyway, Lor's sobs made me choke up. They really did.

Sigh.

Bloggity Goodness

For the sheer fun of it, I love to pop in and read about the adventures of Damselfly and Flybaby over at Growingalife. Well, it seems that Damselfly's been taking a little "mental vacation" of late--every new mama needs one of those!--and had a chance to read Chocolate Beach. Find her decadent review here.

And hey, if you're interested in being a groupie on my blog tour, you can find the schedule here.

Surf's up!

Updated: Are you a longsuffering writer of Christian fiction? Haven't found anyone with enough taste to publish your work of staggering genius? (Been there :) You have until April 15 to enter your script in the Genesis contest. Read all about it at Camy's site.

The celebrity next door

"I'd hate living here," Teen Son said on a recent Sunday afternoon. We had just taken a drive into LA, where I grew up.

"Why's that?" I asked.

"Because celebrities live around here, but you never get to see them."

I laughed remembering the time I chased after Robbie Benson in the parking lot of Bob's Big Boy in Burbank. And the time I got Donny and Marie Osmond's autograph at a taping of the Donny & Marie Show. And the time my longsuffering mother drove us to Pasadena and waited--for hours--to see Shaun Cassidy at a local mall.

Teen Son continued. "Yeah, I'd hate knowing they were around here, but never getting to hang out with any of them."

Minutes later, we drove up to the modest neighborhood where I grew up and saw a man standing outside of my childhood home. As my extended family parked in the old neighborhood, four cars in all, he watched us like a volunteer security guard. I decided to put his suspicious mind to rest, and quickly crossed the street.

"I grew up here," I told him. "We're just here to take a walk and do some reminiscing." His face relaxed, and he opened up like a steamed clam, launching into the neighborhood's latest and most juiciest news. After awhile I asked him who lived next door these days.

"Oh, her?" he said, nodding to the old clapboard house next to his. "She's a young actress on Boston Legal."

Yeah, my teen son would hate living there.

Love is in the air...

Welcome to the Blogging Chick's Valentine's Carnival. Haven't participated in a carnival in awhile, and it's good to be back!

Spent the afternoon Saturday at the Gold Coast Chocolate Festival where I signed Chocolate Beach for charity. Let me just say, without the support of my fabulous family, I'd have been sucking my thumb in the corner. Here's some of what they did for me: Two of my kids approached unsuspecting potential readers and handed them flyers about my book signing, my husband brought me chocolate-dipped strawberries (sustenance, you know), one of my daughters played cashier, and my mother hovered nearby offering sage advice and encouragement. Being a first time novelist is a kick, but doing this with my family around me? Priceless.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone. May you find love around every corner.

Here's a pic of my favorite guy and me, at another recent signing.

Chocolate and hope

Happy Friday! Through the magic of DVR--and just how did we survive without one of those for so long--I re-watched Idol from the other night. Remember the cousins? The one whose rendition of Amazing Grace nearly put the judges to sleep, and then the other one who knocked it out with Let's Get it On? Hilarious. Thanks Jamie for reminding me about them.

**

So it's supposed to rain in So Cal this weekend? We won't let that get in the way of our chocolate-eating habits. If you're a local, and you didn't make it to my launch party last week--you know who you are, lol--then you have another chance. I'll be signing books at the Gold Coast Chocolate Festival tomorrow from 1-3, Booth #3 in San Nicolas Hall at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. It's a benefit for the Restoring Hope Foundation which sends doctors regularly to the Chernobyl region, so accordingly, a portion of my book's proceeds will be donated to the cause.

Say cheese

I've had my portrait taken at Gina Conroy's beach pad. Please stop and by and have a visit, won't you? Hope to meet up with you there.

***

On another note, the Idol tryouts are over and can I get an "Amen?" Let the voting begin already ;)

On vitamins and beach hopping

Woke up at 3 am feeling kind of puny. Drat. So after dropping my various kids at their various schools, I stopped by the store for more Airborne. Can you OD on that? LOL What about Zicam? Am I a blogging advertisement or what? Thankfully, there's another installment of Idol tonight, so I can rest and be entertained.

Despite my cold, sniff, I'm still hitting the cyber-beach today. Come visit me at GeorgianaD's place. You might even win a free book!

You can find the rest of my cyber-beach hopping schedule here.

Reviews and ruminations

Busy blogger and Book Buzz Reviewer, Heather Ivester, posted a nice review of Chocolate Beach on CWO. You can read it here.

***

After all the feasting on truffles last weekend, I rode with increased fervor during yesterday's spinning class. And may I just say, I'm still recovering. Oh! What we do for health and beauty...

***

It's off to San Antonio for tonight's Idol. Let's just hope Simon ropes in his tongue, and makes comments on talent rather than contestants' physical traits. Sheesh.

Coming to a sunny blog near you!

It still may be chilly in some parts, but who cares? To celebrate the release of Chocolate Beach, I'll be cyber-beach hopping for the next few weeks, visiting with beach lovers, telling stories, answering questions, and on some sites, giving away free books. So grab your board and join me, won’t you?

Here's the list of my gracious hosts:

TODAY, FEBRUARY 5th--Camy Tang

February 7th--Georgiana D

February 8th--Gina Conroy

February 14th—Tricia Goyer

February 15th—Rebecca LuElla Miller

February 20th—Amy Wallace

February 22nd—Damselfly

February 26th—Jeanette Hanscome

February 27th—Jamie Driggers

MARCH 5--Sharon Hinck Conversation with my end-cap Buddy!

*Just Added--March 19--Annette Irby

*Just Added--March 20--Singalullaby

March 28--Tiff Amber Miller

GRATEFUL

That's how I'm feeling today after an awesome night of visiting with friends, old and new, and family last night at the launch party for Chocolate Beach. Bank of Books was packed last night, and I stood and talked to a steady stream of folks for nearly three hours. I'm so grateful to God and to y'all who came by.

Thanks again!

Wish I'd had a camera...

Having a little launch shin-dig in downtown Ventura tonight. If you're in the area, see the news/events page of my website for the details.

So to work off all my excess energy in prep for tonight's launch party, hub and I walked the beach this morning. That's when we encountered a pod of dolphins feeding just offshore. Beautiful! Just wish I had a pic to share it with you here. This was the second dolphin sighting in a week, so I plan to take a camera next time. Pray I get a good shot for you.

On Monday, I'll be posting my cyber-beach hopping schedule. I hope you'll stop by for a visit. Until then...

Peace!

Well, it's official...

Chocolate Beach released today! Yeah, I know, it's already been spotted around the country, but still, today's the day :-) THANK YOU to all of you who've sent emails and comments of well wishes! This newbie is humbled and forever grateful. And a special shout out to Holymama! for actually sending me homemade Oreo truffles--you rock, girlfriend! (My hips and thighs won't soon forget your generosity either.)

Surf's up--catch the wave!
Julie

On making spectacles

So hubby and I decide to pop into our local chain bookstore to see Chocolate Beach on an actual book shelf. Just a quick trip on a rainy Saturday afternoon, with no plans for any brouhaha. We could’ve taken a peek and left quietly, but no. Dan grabs the camera (okay, I admit that I brought one), and has me stand by the display. Instead of discreetly snapping a shot from between the bookracks, he backs way up and stands in one of the busiest walkways. Then focuses for a long, long time. (Notice my strained smile...)

So he’s standing there, focusing away when he’s approached by a staffer.

“No photographs are allowed in the store, Sir.”

“Why not?”

“Copyright violation, Sir.”

“But she wrote the book.”

“Oh. Well. Then it’s okay.”

Meanwhile my smile felt more pasted on than a preschooler’s Christmas project.

I speak up. “Um, I have a shelf talker.” That’s a fancy word for one of those narrow cardstock signs that say “Local Author”. They fit on the shelf just beneath the books and, hopefully, draw the attention of buyers.

The staffer looks at me. “Would you like to do some signing?”

“Um, sure.”

After looking up my book and grabbing some “autographed copy” stickers the staffer realizes that there are only three books on the shelf.

“Hm," she says. "There should be four copies."

I point toward the bestseller table. “There’s one over there,” I say.

She doesn’t ask.

While I block the aisle and sign away, my husband sees an acquaintance from church. “Hey,” he says, “my wife wrote a book. Your wife would love this book!”

My cheeks heat up, and I sense my olive complexion turning the color of Mexican pavers. Next thing you know, the man has found his wife, she's holding my book in her hands, and promising to buy it.

At least we didn't follow them to the counter...

You're Invited...

to romp around my new website, where the water's always fine
Where: www.juliecarobini.com
When: Always and forever (Yeah, that's a Peaches & Herb reference :-)

BYO beach towel. Sunscreen provided. See you on the beach!

I'm on my head

Just got back into the home office here and see that I'm sort of upside down. Which in itself isn't all that rare--ha. Anyhoo, I think it's a sign that my web designer extraordinaire is working on my new blog. (Yoo-hoo...Hi Kelli!) The new website & blog will be up sometime in the very near future. We're just waiting on a domain transfer--I think that's the techy term. So keep your eyes peeled (what a weird saying, eh?), and I'll let you know when they're all, uh, right side up :)

In pursuit of lightness

Recently an interviewer asked me what I liked least about writing. My answer? The extra poundage I've been gaining from all this sittin' around :) (Although I guess the two brownies I ate for dessert last night might also play a role.)

Back in the day, I ran about 20 miles a week. These days, if my knee's hangin' in there, I'll do about 4. Maybe. So, as some of you know, I took up spinning a few weeks ago. I feel thinner! I feel shapely! I feel EXHAUSTED!

Anybody relate?

Will it get better?

Bri, the heroine of Chocolate Beach, doesn't 'get' spinning. Calls it a mouse-on-a-treadmill track course. Fortunately I've got a great teach who keeps me entertained as my muscles scream out for mercy. When the electricity blew during yesterday's class, and we could no longer listen to heart-pumpin' music, she sang to us. Now that's commitment!

As energy-zapping as it can be at first, I'm planning to tough out my semester-long spin class. Either that or give up writing. Or brownies. Nah...

Hello Monday

My first online interview is up today at Novel Journey. If you're interested in my particular path to publication, you'll find some answers there. Thanks to Gina Holmes for hosting me today!

***

For those looking for a thought-provoking story about two cousins who handle their personal tragedies like polar opposites, you might want to take a look at Straight Up by Lisa Samson. From the publisher:

Georgia Bishop, a could-be jazz great, has thrown away her life, her marriage, and her talent for her drinking habit. Her cousin, Fairly Godfrey, is living the good life in New York but wonders if deeper meaning exists beyond the superficial world in which she finds herself.

It takes a Congo refugee, a soul food chef, a persistent husband, and one desperate night on the brink of freedom for Georgia and Fairly to realize how far they have come from their God-given purposes. When they face the most difficult choices of their lives, only the power of grace can bring them to true healing.

Julie here. This book is not for the faint of heart. My own lighter touch is reflected in the stories I write. But to stretch my writing muscles, I read a lot of genres, and Lisa has a way of exposing truths often hiding beneath a blanket of faith. She makes me think deeply, and that's a good thing.

Chick Lit Musical and other randomness

Thanks to all who've emailed me with promises to look for Chocolate Beach in your local stores. You rock! Just minutes ago, I heard from a friend that CB had made it to Texas. Yee-haw :-)

Did y'all see Scrubs last night? Hilarious. Virtually the entire show was done in song, and made me think about all the live shows my dad took me to when I was a teen: Chorus Line, Cats, Le Miserables, etc. Hubby and I've gone to a bunch ourselves: Annie, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty & the Beast...

So I was thinking, how about a Chick-lit musical? I want to write one! Only I'm not a song writer, nor do I sing or play an instrument. Hmm...could be trouble.

It's Friday, and I'm all out of usable brain cells (obviously). So I leave you with a charge to enjoy your weekend. Go to the beach or a mountaintop. Do something special. I'll see you Monday (and keep those emails comin'!)

Seattle, and snow in California

I don't know about you, but I just can't get Unchained Melody out of my head today... If you watched American Idol last night, you know what I'm talkin' about. Poor Seattle. Seriously. Then again, those siblings who auditioned took the show up a notch. They've got looks! They've got talent! But the mother in me does worry what'll happen if one makes it to the top, and the other doesn't...

On another note, it 'snowed', and I use that term loosely, in Malibu last night. Nearly had to give my Pennsylvania-born husband Dan CPR last night as he chuckled and snorted through the evening news which showed whole families by the side of road throwing shards of ice at each other and squealing, "It's snowing!!!" (This beach-lover has to admit, it was kinda cool.) Then one man said, and I quote, "This is the best day of my life!"

Nearly sent Dan over the edge.

In defense of Minnesota

Could American Idol have been any sadder last night? Seventeen people out of 10k were sent to Hollywood to face even more rejection. Seventeen! And how many of those did we see last night? Okay, I didn't count. But it felt like 3. The rest of the two! hour! special! was spent watching contestants' hopes dashed, and dreams buried. In AI's defense, some of those contestants knew that going in. I mean, c'mon--Urban Amish? Cowardly Lion impressons? What was that?

Still, an awful lot of jokes were tossed around at the expense of Minnesotans. And obviously, some great talent was edited out of the final show. These are my peeps were talkin' about because my publisher, Bethany House, is located in MN.

All I can say is look out Seattle...here they come...

Whatcha reading?

38 degrees this morning! It's been Down coat-wearing weather in So Cal lately, so I've dug out the scarves and gloves and told my kids to zip up (as opposed to zip it :-)

On to warmer thoughts...As I mentioned the other day, Chocolate Beach has been making its way into stores and into readers hands a little early. If you're a writer and you've never read Anne Lamott's, Bird by Bird, then you must. go. get. a. copy. Don't miss the chapter on Publication, because it'll have you spurting coffee through your nose. Unless, of course, you'd rather not have hot liquid spurting through your crevices.

I especially enjoyed Anne's mention of early reviews: "I have gotten prepub reviews that said I was a treadmark on the underpants of life. Perhaps this is not exactly what they said, but by reading between the lines, I coud see that this is what they were implying." pg. 212, Bird by Bird

Oh my. That's pretty, isn't it? To get that image out of your mind, I invite you to check out Vintage Wine's comments about Chocolate Beach here.

Here's to warmer days, good chocolate, and happy reading...!

Chocolate Beach sightings...

So I'm walking into church this morning when my friend John points at me and says, "Omaha!--I was in Omaha this week and saw your book in a bookstore. How cool is that?"

Oh, that's seriously cool. 'Specially since it's not officially released until February.

And author Diann Hunt echoed my church friend's excitement, telling me she also saw Chocolate Beach as part of a Valentine's display in an Indiana bookstore.

I hope you'll excuse my newbie enthusiasm, but I'm a bit giddy. Please let me know if you happen to spot my book in your town.

Humor me, will ya?

It's conference planning time...

There are a ton of them out there: musical cruises, get rich quick seminars, doggy dance classes. Okay, I made that last one up. But still. If you're a writer, or interested in writing, you might want to check out the Spring Writer's Day sponsored by the OC Christian Writer's Fellowship. And mercy!, they've invited me to teach...on article writing. Since I've written far more articles than books, I think that's appropriate. Dave Long from Bethany House (my publisher) will also be there, as will my good friend, Kathi Macias. If you attend, make sure to stop by my table and say 'hey'.

The room's spinning...

For those of you who scoffed and/or warned me to avoid my new spinning class at. all. costs. Well. I made it through day one. And I'm still walking today. So, um, there.

Did I mention that it's a college class and the first day is always orientation? Hm. Yeah, well, we spun for about 15 minutes. So there you go. (Quit snickering)

***********************************************************************************
Before I turn out the lights on this windy and warm California day, I'd like to give a shout out and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dad. Love you, Pops!

It's Here!

The stork delivered my very first copy of my very first (soon to be) published novel. After walking around while cradling it all evening, my husband pointed at me and told the kids, "See that? That's how she used to carry you guys around." LOL He was right.

Your Age in Chocolate

As a sort of last hurrah to our beloved 2006, I give you this age in chocolate calculator.

1. Pick the number of times per week that you would like to have chocolate (more than 1, but less than 10--gluttony's a sin you know)

2. Multiply this number by 2

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50 ((go ahead; use a calculator)

5. Add 1756

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born (works for most people, unless you're, say, Jesus)

You should now have a 3-digit number

7. The first digit of this was your original number

8. The next two numbers are your age (If you have already had your birthday this year, then it will be your age from last year--and let's face it, we'd all like to be a year younger. Am I right?)

Do tell if this works for you, as it did for me (she says, while unashamedly stuffing her face with bon bons...)

"I don't read my reviews."

It's been said that this is the biggest lie writers tell one another, but let me tell you, I don't lie. I actually read the reviews. Sometimes with a couple of Tums.

Here's an antacid-free review of Chocolate Beach by Armchair Interviews. And just so you know, I'm flagrantly biased and will only be linking the good ones here. Just so you know ;-)

One off, two to go

Dropped Teen Son off at school today. To say he was reluctant to go would be the understatement of 2007, but I promised to pray for him. In a world filled with empty words, how awesome to be able to say something like that, mean it, and know it'll help.

Speaking of positive intentions, right after dropping Teen Son off at school, I popped into our local college's registration office and signed hub and myself up for a spinning class. All I can say is: the. fat. must. go. Can I get an amen?

Girls are still home from school this week. Yay for them, not so yay for my next book's progress. In a way, though, it's nice to take a vacation from all this vacation. Know what I mean?

On the Chocolate Beach front, my first novel's release is less than a month away. My website is undergoing surgery; it's currently in Kelli Standish's capable hands, and I'll be announcing plans for a launch reception, and a California coast book tour soon. Gack. Better get crackin' :)

Peace!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

dolphins and me

Merry, merry, everyone! Hit the beach yesterday for some wave watching with my Hub and Teen Son. The girls were with friends on beach cruisers. The weather around here hit 77 degrees, giving us quite the warm Christmas Day--always a switch for my Pennsylvania-born husband.

So we're sitting in the sand, admiring my shiny new "booksigning" ring--a golden dolphin jumping through a diamond hoop (a gift from my hub!)--when a pod of real, live dolphins swims by. Can it get any better than this?

Wherever you are this week, have a great one!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(How's that for originality? I really mean it though :)

And may God's peace be yours!

Celebrities who look like me :-)

Found this on Robin Lee Hatcher's site. Too fun not to share, but what's up with that Debbie Harry comparison? I. don't. think. so.

And check this out, a younger Christie Brinkley and I apparently share features. I'm good with that :-)

p.s. If you try this at home, let me know how you fare. I had to shrink to fit. Kinda like when I try on jeans...

Late Nights and Dinnertime

Found the secret to chaos-free Christmas shopping. Um, other than shopping early and/or buy by Internet, that is. Anyway. Hub and I hit the mall last weekend at 8 pm, and wham!, five gifts bought in under an hour. We took a celebratory chocolate cake break at Macaroni Grill to mark the occasion.

Then last night, Teen Son and I hit one store at dinnertime. Yeah, it was still busy, but not overly so. Bunches of gifts bought in about an hour. Celebrated with a couple of pizzas.

On another note, welcome to the 'beta' version of my blog. Sorry if you have trouble posting comments--that's still a problem with old blogger vs. new blogger accounts. But I'm having a makeover and my web designer told me that I'd eventually be made to switch anyway. So I decided to go willingly now. Watch for the new "me" in the coming year :-)

It's beginning to look a lot like chaos...

Found my checkbook at the bottom of the kitchen garbage can today.

And today's trash day.

And, thankfully, Teen Son "forgot" to take out the garbage.

Ho-hum. Anyone else frazzled by all the merriment? Anyone else behind on your shopping? My (ex) friend Angela has finished all hers. Brat.

I'd like to take this moment to give a shout out to my blogging friend, Chaos-Jamie, and to ask if I can borrow her name. Pretty please? ;-)

On Lowen & Navarro

Seen Happy Feet? If so, you've heard my cousin, Dan Navarro, singin'. He sings lead on Leader of the Pack and does a flamenco intro and backgrounds to Robin Williams’ vocal on My Way. Love it! Elementary Girl’s been begging to see it, so no more delays!

On a tender note, cuz Dan’s long time writing and singing buddy, Eric Lowen, has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lowen & Navarro have been performing concerts and recording albums for years. My hub, Dan, and I have seen them perform many times because they’re that good. Pat Benatar recorded one of their songs in the 80s, and gave them a hit. Remember We Belong? Yup, they wrote it. On stage they do a mean “Spanglish” version of it. Cracks. Me. Up. Unfortunately, Eric’s no longer able to stroll through the crowds with his guitar, but he’s doing a fabulous job of spreading the word of this insidious disease. Click here to see the documentary-style clip. In it, Dan and Eric appear with Queen's Brian May (now there's a history blast for you) and singer Lynn Carey Saylor, who has re-recorded We Belong.

Also from Saylor's site:

...donations are now being accepted for The Eric Lowen Trust. Donations will help to offset the enormous costs of fighting his illness and help support his family, which includes 5 minor age children.
The Eric Lowen Trust 2554 Lincoln Blvd. #255 Venice, CA 90291 U.S.A.

If wishing to donate via PayPal, the address for that is EricLowenTrust@LowNav.com

Encouraging letters, well wishes and mentions of how much you enjoy the song are also greatly appreciated and can be emailed to Eric Lowen directly at elowen@lownav.com

wave riders

I'm repeating a picture from a previous post because, well, I want to :-) Actually, our painter, the poor guy we periodically call to paint over the fingerprints in varying heights along our walls, is also an avid surfer. Call his voicemail, and you usually get a message stating he's "at a board meeting." Get it? "Board" meeting?

Anyhoo, we've got some bare wood around here that needs some priming and painting and I actually got our 50-something painter-guy on the first ring. Turns out he'd just had "the best ride of my whole year!" He'd just entered into a turn when he glanced over and saw two dolphins taking the wave with him. Can you imagine?

This is why I write about the sea.

sunny saturday

It’s Saturday, and all I can say is, “Whoo-hoo!!!”

The marketing and writing hats have been replaced with sweats and a lazy attitude. I’d post more, but my mind’s gone to the beach.

Have a beachy weekend, and I’ll see you Monday!

Move over Steve, Rodney

So I wander into a local bookstore yesterday, postcards & chocolate in hand, to let the staff know about my new! debut! chocolatey-good! novel. Alas, no eye contact. No interest. Nada!

So this is how it's going to be?

I'm like Steve Martin in the Pink Panther: "How 'rood'". And like Rodney Dangerfield, "I get no respect."

update: Phoned the manager later in the day (she hadn't been available earlier) and got a much warmer reception. Think it was the chocolate?

All I want for Christmas ...

UPS dropped off a big box of postcards today bearing the cover of Chocolate Beach.

If you're one of the tens of people :) pre-ordering my debut novel to give as a gift this Christmas, I'd be happy to send you a signed postcard to wrap up and put under the tree. (CB will be available on or around Feb. 1, '07.) Email me your snail mail address through my website: www.juliecarobini.com

Merry Christmas!

livin' the dream

Ever been awakened from a fabulous dream? The kind where you're swinging in a hammock on some tropical beach. Sun's overhead, but not too hot. Wind's on your face, but not too cold. Everything's just so, then your neighbor's dog barks like a rooster at 4 am, yanking you straight out of paradise?

Yeah, me too.

Spent the past week with my head buried in Gaby's story. Gaby's the heroine of my second novel. I love Gaby. I want to tell the world about Gaby. But the marketing end of novel writing has pulled me away for a few days. Chocolate Beach is nearly here (someone give me an Amen!), and I've got to do my part to make sure its presence doesn't recede like a fast-moving tide.

Kristin Billerbeck talks about the passion of writing--this "high like no other"--on her site today. Compared to other aspects, such as editing and marketing, she says she never wants to take it for granted. And over at Brandilyn Collins' site today, fiction and truth collide in a hilarious way. Gotta be some way to market that!

about The Nativity Story

I came. I saw. I wept. As did another member of mi familia.

Want to read the novel? Angela Elwell Hunt adapted the story from the screenplay by Mike Rich. Find it here.

Sometimes you just have to pass it on.

Despite the city of Chicago's paranoia, we'll be taking the kids and ourselves to see this movie over the weekend.

Peace.





tag: The Nativity

On violence and better things...

Saw the latest Bond flick and I have to say: Too Violent. It didn't help that the only seating left was in the first two rows. Yeah, that's what I want-- to see all that bloody horror--and close up too!

On a higher note, Teen Son started off Christmas Right last night with a trek downtown with his youth group to offer hot chocolate and kind words to the homeless living on our streets. Couldn't have come at a better time because the weather's been uncharacteristically cold and windy here in So Cal. Of course, it's always a good time to do unto others...

Speaking of Christmas, I'm still refining the gift list--and rethinking the inclusion of that radio-controlled rat. My mailbox has been bulging lately with catalogs, but who has the time? If you come up with anything new and exciting, send it my way, will you?

Off to writing land. I've gotten so caught up in the story that I'm starting to miss my turns when driving through town. Sounds bad, but to all the writers, that's a good thing--is it not?

Gifts of Randomness

Scrooge has left the building... More lights when up in our neighborhood yesterday, and there's a distinct nip in the air (and spike in our gas bill) that proves the impending arrival of Christmas. My grinch-like attitude is fading, and actually, despite the cold, the 'hood looks downright festive (except for my house, which like I said before, still thinks it's Thanksgiving).

Have to get my word count in again today, but am taking a break to offer you these fine (and some not so fine) gift ideas found on the Net:

Indiana Jones Fedora--for that adventurous guy

Stuffed Yodeling Goat--for the mountain wanderer

Perfume Laboratory--for your little scientist

Pre-ordered copy of Chocolate Beach--due out in February, and worth the wait :)
Leg Lamp--for lovers of The Christmas Story ("You'll shoot your eye out!")

Whoopie cushion--just because

Radio-controlled Rat--can't think of a good reason for this one

The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck--for moms, especially those who like a touch of fantasy in their fiction reads

Reclining Man Tape Dispenser--for the guy who has everything

Beach Blanket, any color, any design--can you ever really have too many of these?

I'm dreaming of a right Christmas...

Wrote nearly 1,000 great (okay, pretty good) words yesterday. On to another writing day (with sick kiddo at home). Sigh...

But before I go, what's up with all the elaborate Christmas displays everywhere? The Griswolds are livin' in my 'hood (you know who you are :), while our place looks more like the grinch's hangout. Hey, I'm still clearing away the centerpieces from last week's Thanksgiving shin-dig. (It is still November, btw.) Alas, our neighbors will be happy to know that hubs has already stocked up on lights, so fray--here we come!

Not that I'm not at least thinking about Christmas. I am. But other than whirled peas, my Christmas wish list this year is simple: time. I want time to walk the beach, drive up the coast and sleep in way too late. Oh, and I'd like all that with a side of spotless house, perfectly well-behaved kids, and another 30k of my novel written.

Hm. Not happening. Besides, it's not my birthday anyway.

Guess that's the rub. All this pomp, all this circumstance, all those dreaded snowmen in the stores--kind of empty without at least a mention that we're supposed to be celebrating Christ's birthday. Nativity scenes are seriously lacking in my neighborhood. Tried to pick one up for our yard at the local big box store, but not a one found. None!

Maybe this is why I'm like a curmudgeon today (well, that and the fact that Prince Lorenzo dumped sweet Sadie last night. Grrr). I want lights! I want green & red wreaths! But I also want meaning, people! So that's it. Today, I'm writing (and wiping Elementary Girl's nose), but later this week, say in December, I'll be digging into the shed for our homemade nativity sets--oh, the wonders of toilet paper rolls and popsicle sticks!--and starting the season off right.

How about you?

Monday, monday...

Happy day after Thanksgiving weekend dear blogger community. Great time with family, but I've had my fill of turkey, stuffing, pie, oh my! And you?

Since we've got just under a month left before Christmas, I've decided to bury my head in book 2. Other than hanging the lights and decorating the tree, I plan to concentrate time on this fun story that's developing :-). I'll give you a hint: seashells...lots of pretty seashells show up in my next novel. Having a blast studying them, and can't wait for my heroine, Gaby, to tell you all about it. Anyway, I'll look up as often as I can for a quick post, so please do say hello!

In other news, The Bachelor Rome finale is tonight! Will Sadie be a married lady? Or will Jen be the Prince's one and only? (Maybe I should go into writing ad copy...sheesh) Didn't get any comments on my last post, but LOTS of visitors who stayed awhile. Hm. Me thinks there are closet Bachelor fans out there. No worries--I won't rat you out :-)

Tomorrow--Christmas wish list. Until then, peace!

On castles and princes

Pre-teen Daughter and I are hooked on Bachelor Rome. Sad, but true. Seriously, though, who can resist an Italian prince? I haven't watched the last couple of installments of the show--just too shallow to enjoy--but I got hooked by this year's "No place like Rome" theme. I am married to an Italiano, after all :-). Then I was intrigued by this season's bachelor who actually seems like a gentleman. Teen Son laughed at us one night when we swooned over something sweet "Prince Lorenzo Borghese" said. "He's such a player!," my son said. "Not so!" we argued. Hubs just shook his head and tactfully stayed out of it.

Anyway. Next week's the big proposal--at least we hope there'll be one. On last night's tell-all, the Bachelor's jilted dates made their predictions: 7 to 3 they picked Jen. We dig Jen, but oh, we love Sadie. (Makes me want to sing that line, "Sadie, Sadie, married lady!"...but I digress.)

Sigh. Some great gal's going to be disappointed. I'm always telling my daughter, "You know, this isn't how it's done. You know that right?" To which she huffs a sigh back and says, "I know, Mom. You keep telling me that." Then I make her gag a little when I plant a smooch on her father's cheek and remind her that some fairy tales do come true. After all, I found my prince.

:-) What's your prediction?

tags: The Bachelor, Prince Borghese, Rome

My baby and me

Elementary Girl and I kayaked together this past weekend. Too lazy to drag out two singles, we borrowed a tandem from friends and paddled together for nearly two hours. It's late November, but you'd never know it by the baby blue canopy stretching above us and into the horizon. With soccer season done (can anyone give me an Amen?), we spent much of the day yanking weeds and planting golden yellow pansies to greet our upcoming holiday guests. Productivity is cool, but something about that still-warm sun and calm sea made us drop our garden tools and head out.

Two days later, I'm still thinking about it. As much as I loved the time by the beach, it's the moments with my 8-year-old that keep replaying in my mind. I know that winter's coming--even here in So Cal we'll have plenty of stormy days that'll keep us out of the water. Until then, though, I'm savoring each sunny minute--and thanking God for a sweet girl to share them with.

winter by the sea

Give thanks with a grateful heart...

It's carnival day, and the chicks are talking about thankfulness. I've spent the past weeks coordinating home re-do projects--you know, because we'll be hosting Thanksgiving for 20 and we wouldn't want our guests to see last year's wall color--and it's been easy to get caught and buried in the whirlwind. Who knew there were that many shades of white?

Now that all is done, well, mostly done, I'm working to refocus and to remember to be grateful that I have a house to decorate. And a yard that needs tending. And a family that needs feeding. I even remembered to buy a big ol' Tom this morning. So this Thanksgiving, I plan to offer thanks for life, family, friendships, and of course, the coast--you didn't think I'd forget my beloved beach, did ya?

How about you?

Generation NeXt Parenting by Tricia Goyer

You know what I love about this book? It’s not dull. It’s not pages and pages of text in the same font, saying basically the same thing over and over again: Give it up, Mom! Your kids are beyond repair! That’s one reason I’ve forever chucked many parenting books. I know that I mess up on a regular basis; I don’t need to be reminded of that fact in 300+ pages.

Maybe that sounds harsh. But, seriously, give me something I can use. Okay, I'm teasing. Yes, there are some good books out there (and, from personal reading experience, some very bad ones). This one, however, is special.

In Generation NeXt Parenting , Tricia Goyer identifies with Gen Xers because, well, like me, she is one. She says, "My generation is serious about parenting—just look at all we expect from our children and ourselves!" Ooh, can I relate to that.

The book looks different too. It's designed like a magazine because, as the back cover says, no parent has time to read a non-fiction (I added the 'non' because you'll all make time for fiction, right?) book cover to cover. Amen, sistah! It’s got quotes from Gen X parents, quizzes, sidebars, and I love this—song lyrics from the 70s and 80s. Can anyone say Hall & Oates? Mixed in to the stories from Tricia’s childhood, and fun bonus material, are helps for all of us on the parenting battlefield—especially those of the Gen X crowd.

Tricia and I sat down in cyberspace (can you imagine?) and had a little chat about her new book. Join us, won’t you? BYOL (that’s bring your own latte :-)

1. What's a Gen Xer?

A Gen Xer is anyone born between 1961 and 1981--Basically part of their formative years touched the 80s. Of course, some people who are a bit older or younger but have kids in elementary school can also be considered Gen Xers--since they have the same concerns.

2. Why this book? Why now?

Good question! I am addicted to books and parenting books, but whenever I read one I felt like I could never live up to what they were recommending. Somehow I felt that while the 70-year-old male writers had great advice, they couldn't relate to what I dealt with as a mom in this time in history.

As for the "why now," I wanted to encourage parents. It is no coincidence that we are parenting these kids during this time in history. God has chosen us during this time. Not only that, He can give us the wisdom and strength we need to succeed!

3. Tell us about the design. How did you come up with that non-conventional layout? What's the feedback been like?

Well, since I was writing for young parents, like me, I know we don't have a lot of time to sit down and plow through long chapters. Yawn. I wanted fun, short chapters that draw readers in. I also made each chapter title be the lyrics to an 80s song. Overall, I wanted the layout to be as interesting as the content :-)

The feedback has been excellent. I've had many, many people tell me, "I can't put this book down," which is not something one usually hears from a parenting book!

4. How can Gen X parents take some of the negatives of being a child of the 70s/80s and learn from them?

A few things that are common with Gen Xers include the facts that many of our parents divorced, many of us were latch-key kids and we spent more time watching TV families than interacting with our real ones.

Today I think that Gen Xers swing the opposite direction. Parents today are spending more time with their kids than ever, they are commiting themselves to giving their kids everything they didn't have. So, we are already on the right track, but at the same time all our commitments are overwhelming. And we can only turn these negatives into positives with the grace of God!

Visit Tricia at the Gen X blog.

Not so strange fiction

Just a brief comment before posting my review of Generation NeXt Parenting...

Hubby and I saw the movie, Stranger Than Fiction last night. I.Loved.This.Movie.

If you're a writer, a reader, or have ever entered into the literary vs. commercial debate, go see it. Oh, and expect to see a different side of Will Ferrell, and Emma Thompson? Amazing.

Let me know what you think.

Galleys Done!

That sound like a train roaring along the tracks is my sigh of relief...

Next up...I'll be telling you about a couple of books I'm reading: Generation NeXt Parenting by Tricia Goyer, and Straight Up by Lisa Samson.

Off to do some reading.

p.s. On a side note, did anyone see Gilmore Girls the other night? All I could think was that Harlequin authors must be writing for them now--a CLASSIC romance set-up going on there, in my opinion.

Off to Haiti

So Elementary Girl decides to take a turn at writing to our Compassion-sponsored child, Nicole, who lives in Haiti. I'm a writer, yet I always struggle over what to say--my notes to Nicole are pathetically thin. Elementary Girl, on the other hand, wrote until she had to shrink the text and run it beyond the margins. Tugs at a mother's heart, I tell you.

On a funny note, Elementary Girl tells Nicole that her mother "loves!!!!!!!! the beach"--that's 8 exclamation points in case you didn't count them. (She knows me well ;-) In the next breath she says, "I pray for you so much and what kind of food do you eat? I eat pizza, macaroni & cheese and hot dogs." Yup, those two things go together, all right.

I'll be mailing off the letter and the drawing EG included (It's of a beach, just in case Nicole's never seen one...) later today. Just wish I could be there when Nicole gets the mail. Maybe someday...

Monday on the Links

Kids have 1/2 days this week...proofing the galley pages of Chocolate Beach...writing book 2...prepping for the Turkey Day shin-dig that's just a couple of weeks away (!)...in the middle of a couple of house-fix-up projects...but wanted to throw out a "hello" to my blogging friends!

It's a frenetic time, so welcome to my jumbled thoughts. Here's a potpourri of fun for You:

Ran across this fun site for the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau. Chocolate Beach is set in Ventura, so have a look.

Laughed myself silly this weekend over this movie from way, way back in my childhood. Despite the PG label, it contains an unfortunate spattering of profanity. Other than that, and the fact that it's a tad long, it's a crack up. Eh, Katerina!

Chocolate Beach has made it into Barnes&Noble.com--if you're a member (like moi), see my sidebar on how to pre-order CB today (she said, unabashedly.)

I DIG this intro video to GodChicks.com. Just sorry I missed the conference! Maybe next year, eh?

Peace!

Sleeping with the fishies

Last night, pre-teen girl and friends slept (and gabbed!) next to a giant tank full of sea otters. When was school ever this much fun? Seriously. The students were attending an all-night field trip at the Long Beach Aquarium, home to sharks, jelly fish, and overnight guests of the middle school variety.

Sheesh. Whatever happened to walking trips to libraries and museums--maybe a park? (I'm not jealous or anything. sniff)

Welcome home, sweet-pea :)

Got prayer?

The galleys for Chocolate Beach sit in a neat pile on my desk. Notes and chapter pieces of book 2 clutter the rest of my desktop. It's November, and I'm hosting the annual Thanksgiving bash...which means I'm in the middle of a homemakeover--natch. The kids keep me driving 'til all hours, it seems. All this busyness has driven me to my knees. Crazy as it is, it's all good.

So. What's on your plate today?

Back!

We're back in California...blue skies, warm sun, not a drop of moisture anywhere. Although the weather turned cold while we were in Pennsylvania--it was below 44 degrees the entire week!--tons of red and yellow leaves still gave us the color we'd been hoping for, and we managed to bundle up, pick some, and bring them all the way back to CA.

Just wanted to give a shout out to our friends at the Ridgway Public Library, the only place in town with a free wireless hotspot--a favorite stop of ours during our stay back East. Here's a pic of me, tapping away, on a cold fall afternoon.



Forget modern steel and glass. IMO, this is what libraries should look like. Makes me feel smaht, somehow. :)

Fall into Reading

I'm back in this lovely old library with its creaky floors and high ceilings. I could stay here all day; I really could. Makes me want to tear down our house near the California coast and put up something that at least looks old and charming and full of books (but, you know, with a new kitchen and all--lol)

Just noticed that Amazon posted my cover. Exciting stuff. Now when all my fans--all of them!--visit Amazon, they'll see Chocolate Beach's cool cover instead of that annoying "no image available" notice. Yay!

I'm learning that although it starts with the writing, there's much more to actually getting the book out on shelves--or onto cyberspace bookstore sites. That beautiful cover will hopefully catch eyes (one reader told me she'd want to pick it up and take a bite out of it!) Then there's the editing being done, and the marketing and advertising stuff--lots of folks behind one book. Makes me want to switch off this computer and dig into some of the many, many volumes surrounding me in "this old house."

Here I go...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

...to my Daniel, the love of my life--who woke me with a kiss and a new suede jacket from Ann Taylor Loft (Yessss!)

16 years of FUN!

For those interested in the publishing process...

While I flesh out book 2, I've been receiving tidbits about book 1's debut. Since I'm a newbie in the book publishing world, I'm continually being surprised (the happy kind) by the bits of info/questions/suggestions that crop up. Like today when I found new copy about Chocolate Beach on Bethany's website--copy that I helped write! Woo-hoo! Soon I'll get the galleys, and promo materials, and then the finished book wrapped in all its chocolaty goodness.

Btw, I just tore through a bag of chocolate beach pebbles that I purchased over the Internet--no joke. I'm thinking of giving some away during Chocolate Beach promos. Then again, I think I'll have to do more research on this...

:)

Did you see her?

My aunt Celie popped up on last night's episode of The Unit. She was playing one of the ten patients left behind during a hospital's evacuation...even got carried off to a helicopter by Dennis Haysbert.

How cool is that? (I'm so proud :)

WWBD

So we're packing up for our trip from the California coast eastward to Pennsylvania, and it occurs to me that I haven't actually packed a thing. Instead I've been cleaning out drawers, wiping down baseboards, and other piddly things that have absolutely nothing to do with our travels.

My friend Angela says she and her sister play a similar game, except before they hit the road, they embrace the need to return things to various stores, like those bathroom rugs that really didn't match or whatever. Odd, isn't it?

Bri wouldn't do that, I'm sure of it. Bri's the heroine of Chocolate Beach. She's a laidback beach chick and I'm pretty sure she'd just throw a few pairs of flip flops into a bag with a stash of casual wear and be on her merry way. I'm a beach lover too, but our similarities just about end there. I mean, doesn't Bri know it's like 30 degrees in Pittsburgh right now? That's how you get sick!

Then again, I'm the one rubbing a splat of of stress relieving lotion into my skin at the moment, hoping to get myself focused on the task in front of me: packing for five. Sheesh. Bri's carefree attitude looks pretty good right now, as opposed to, well, all those windows that need washing. Sigh. Time to pull those suitcases out of storage and get crackin'. Wish me luck--and hey, one pair of flip flops for the trip wouldn't hurt, right?

How I lost my passenger seat

It's Friday near the beautiful southern California coast. Drizzly outside, but the weekend's nearly here, so who can complain? Anyway. I've got to get to my kids' school for an event, so I have exactly 3.2 seconds for a post. As I sped out of the driveway this morning, my coffee, purse and miscellaneous stuff strewn about, it struck me that I've lost my passenger seat. That's the place I always used to--neatly--store the "stuff" that had to come along on the ride for the day. I've lost that special little storage spot to my kids, who are big enough to sit up front, yet young enough to fight over whose turn it is. I lose things now on a regular basis. Like lipstick under the mat, papers shoved between the seat and gear shift, and my cellphone that mysteriously disappears after Pre-teen daughter or Teen-son borrow it (it's not like they don't have their own. sheesh.)

Anyway. I realized today that although it seems like I'm losing my marbles most of the time, it's really just a product of the lost passenger seat. If you're a taxi driving mom, you know what I mean.

Off to school... Rain or shine, have a beachy weekend :)

Kinda like The Wedding Singer

At the risk of dating myself, I got a kick from this crazy fad site, where I found all kinds of fun stuff from my childhood. Remember break dancing and Rubik's cube (the champ was in my chemistry class--no joke!) and jelly shoes? Yeah, me too. Thank the good Lord I was too level headed for a mullet (pun intended :-0)

What takes you back?

Heading for the 'burgh

When I lived farther inland, a former neighbor who hailed from upstate New York planted a liquid amber tree in his backyard. It was his way of bringing a bit of east coast fall to our very west coast neighborhood. Now that we've moved even farther west, fall colors are even less evident. Yeah, the sun shadows the lawn a bit differently, and my white birch trees are dropping their leaves, but frankly, I kayaked today, so it might as well be summer.

In a couple of weeks, though, we'll be heading east to visit family in Northwestern Pennsylvania (north of Pitt). I hope the leaves wait for us! If you live in that area, look for our little family of five, eyes all agog at the blindingly brilliant displays of orange and red and yellow. Though I love the beach (you knew that already, didn't you?), I admit that this coastal girl is giddy at the prospect of viewing another fall in the east.

Just wish I could bring my kayak :)

tags: blogging chicks, pittsburgh, fall colors, carnival

"A good story is life with the dull parts taken out."

Alfred Hitchcock said that, and it's posted in my office. Alas, the story is that I spent most of today (and yesterday) doing the marketing thang for Chocolate Beach. Had no idea how time-consuming "getting the word out" could be--seriously! (And the book won't be out until February!)

Not that I'm complaining, though. No way. I'm livin' my dream, writing novels set in pretty locales, and lovin' it. Still, today tired me out. So this afternoon, Elementary Girl, Elementary Friend, and I hit the beach. Think blue sky with cottony patches of white mixed in like a dollop of cream. Picture wind rippled water and daring kayakers. All else paled in the shadow of this afternoon's God-invented surroundings. After an hour or so of making softballs from wet sand, and listening to the cry of seagulls as they discovered the arrival of dinnertime, the week's craziness melted away, taking the tightness of stress with it. So today had its dull, monotonous moments? The contrast of time spent away from the office made it all worthwhile.

Have a beachy weekend!

Wordy

It's Field Trip Day for Elementary Girl, so I have to dash off. But I thought some of you wordsmiths might like this post by Brandilyn Collins. Like Rory on Gilmore Girls, newly discovered words intrigue me. Et tu? Can hardly wait to use 'garbology' in a novel...

Have a beachy Wednesday!