My New Scrapbooking/Craft/Etc… Room

This post is not directly related to writing, but a few weeks ago, I shared a picture on my Facebook page and received loads of comments from people who loved the idea. I decided to talk about it. Maybe more people will benefit from it. 

Anyone who does scrapbooking knows it takes a lot of space. And the more space, the better. Last month, my scrapbooking stuff took up what looked like permanent residence on our diningroom table; the chairs…well at least 5 out of 6 as I needed one to sit; the china cabinet; and so on. For the next two to three weeks, these pieces of furniture were literally buried beneath 12×12 papers and card stocks, cute little animal stickers and mounds of various other embellishments, letters and numbers, the list goes on. For a while, all I did outside of work was eat, sleep, and scrapbook. Hey, our grandson was 17 months old and I hadn’t even started his album yet!!!

Finally, I said to my husband (who never once complained about me making just enough room every day for us to eat, only to bury it again when we were done) that I had to do something. But what?? Where else could I set up my stuff? My computer desk certainly  wasn’t big enough. 

I did an internet search and after looking at a lot of great and beautiful ideas, found the perfect set up. Hubby agreed it was perfect! We went  to a few building supplies stores looking for an 8-foot countertop decently priced. I never realized how costly they were. When I explained to the clerk what I needed it for, and that I didn’t really care if it was neon green… well, almost didn’t care… she told us our best bet was to call around and ask for “missed-cut” pieces.

That’s what we did. Home Hardware had an 8-foot piece they were trying to get rid of. But it wasn’t a missed-cut. Instead of the standard 25-inch depth, this one was 36 inches. I was ecstatic. Yay! As said, the more space, the better.

We now needed two cabinets, to support this counter but also for storage. Wow! These vanities weren’t cheap either, even without the sink! By the time we arrived at the checkout counter, the young clerk told us the manager had lowered the price. Thank you!!! Sounds like they were as ecstatic to get rid of that big piece as I was acquiring it.

After putting it all together, we set up the cubes at the back. They’re 12 inches in depth, which still gives me 24 iches of space to work with. I bought these cubes at Zellers a while back but anyone interested in getting some, they’re discounted right now because Zellers is closing its doors.

I love them because they hold so much (though not ALL I’ve got). The two tackle boxes make perfect storage containers, specially the small embellishments… These boxes also come in very handy when I take everything with me to scrap elsewhere. And of course, I couldn’t be without my Cutting Edge Tote (thanks Nat, my favorite niece!), my accordion storage folder for my 12×12 papers, and my sticker album (thank you, hubby).

So  this is what my new craft room looks like. I have all the space I need and absolutely love it. The best part is that I can use if for tons of other things. Yes, even writing.

If anyone’s wondering what’s on the wall in the left corner, that’s my keychain collection. Almost 700 of them. But that’s another story all together! 

I’d be curious to see other craft rooms. Let me know what yours look like.

Blessings

Renee-Ann

Stella’s Plea – My First Novel’s Long Journey

I always heard it takes a lot of time to write a book, but I never realized how much goes into this.  Writing is one thing. Bringing the end product to “conclusion” is another, with all the edits, revisions and rewrites. Unfortunately, patience has never been one of my strong points. I’ve always joked I have a lot of it; it’s just short. On the flip-side, I thank God for my husband, the most patient man in the world who  has enough for both of us. Yes he’s a keeper!

For two years, I worked on a novel. I entered a publishing contest in July 2010 but didn’t win. After several rewrites, I re-entered the same contest in July 2011. It shortlisted. Yay!!! But now what? Getting my novel on the shortlist gave me a certificate. Excited? Yes, (understatement), but I knew it wasn’t ready to publish. A few months later, I enlisted the services of an editor. Nancy was highly recommended by writers in a group I belong to. Thus began several more ’bouts’ of editing, revisions and yes, rewrites. To say I was impatient doesn’t cut it. But I wanted this story to be ready. I knew rushing through the process would mean few sales and bad reviews I didn’t want.

This novel also needed the ‘perfect’ cover. The writing group recommended a wonderful graphic artist. I told her what I wanted and was nearly in tears when I received the first sample. It was perfect, and exactly what I asked for. I couldn’t be happier.

After a while, Nancy asked if I’d publish traditionally or e-pub! Wow… decisions, decisions, decisions. In the end, I chose e-pub. And then, it happened. Nancy said the words I waited to hear: “Go For It. But, consider revising the cover.”

Huh?!?! What? Why? Though beautiful, it didn’t spell “suspense”. Actually, the church I’d requested gave instead a sense of peace. This story is about a kidnapping. The last thing I need the cover to depict was peace. I don’t blame the designer, I specifically asked for this. I emailed her again but she had too any orders. I’d have to go on the ‘waiting list’.

Back to the drawing board, a former university buddy agreed to do the artwork. Mitch asked a series of questions about the story and put something together. This time, it spelled suspense, and details fit the story perfectly. Hooray!! Oh but wait, there’s still so much to do.

Next came the formatting, then the uploading process. Correction, formatting didn’t take long, I had someone who knows what he’s doing to take care of that. (Thanks Rik).  I tried to upload it on Amazon, I ran into technical problems, which, in the end, even Amazon say they didn’t know how to fix. So I turned to Smashwords and suddenly got cold feet. Was it a sign that I should wait? That it wasn’t ready? What if i missed something? What if…?

I entered all the requested information and paused with a couple of questions. I emailed the writing group and waited for their reply. In the meantime, my daughter-in-law and grandson came over and we sat in my office. I checked my email repeatedly, while we talked about this novel. All the while my grandson (16 months old) sat on my lap, and tapped on my gel pad. Little did I know that he’d hit the space bar, thus ‘clicking’ the PUBLISH button. Imagine my surprise when I received an email saying Congratulations, Stella’s Plea is now published online at Smashwords…! About three weeks later, I was able to upload it on Amazon.

Publishing my first novel was exciting and I couldn’t have done it without the help of so many fantastic people. I’m delighted to say it is available on both Smashwords and Amazon as an eBook for most eReaders. Now, it’s time to get started on the next one; a court drama.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/258072

Stella's Plea

Falling In Love With You – New Anthology

Over the past months, I’ve written several book reviews. I’ve enjoyed reading and reviewing each amazing authors. Readers/Authors participation was awesome too. This morning, I want to shift things a little and add a twist to my post. I want to introduce you to a newly released anthology called Falling In Love With You, by Oak Tara Publishers. It has beautiful TRUE love stories that will bring a smile to your face.

This one, has The best real-life falling-in-love stories, guaranteed to make you smile and say, “Ahh…”

I love love stories, no pun intended. I enjoy stories that touch and move me to tears. And I know many others do to. But there’s a reason why this book is extra special to me. Mine is one of the 41 short stories in this anthology with such an illustrious group of authors. And as an aspiring author, not only is this a first, it’s huge.

Those of you who follow this blog know that I went to the Write To Publish conference in Chicago last June. As a result, I found out about a contest with OakTara Publishers. I made note of it, and later picked up a fact sheet with all the information. When I got home from the conference, I got busy and wrote a story I love to tell, one that is very dear to my heart. Then, I sent it in.

Imagine my surprise, when I received an email stating they’d selected my story.  What an awesome feeling.

I urge you to take a peek at this wonderful new book and get you copy right HERE at discounted price. You’ll be glad you did. For Canadian Orders, please contact me.

Blessings,

Renee-Ann

Cynthia Ruchti’s “They Almost Always Come Home” – Book Giveaway

I tend to review only the books I like. And of the several books I read lately, I reviewed every one of them. And… I’m about to do it again. It’s a fantastic read by author Cynthia Ruchti, They Almost Always Come Home.

I picked up this book for two reasons:

First, the cover spoke to me. Loud and clear, I heard it say mystery… suspense… the kind of books I love to get lost into. Second, I’d met Cynthia Ruchti in Chicago at the Write to Publish Conference last June. This urged me even more to pick it up.

Here’s the scoop on this book.

When her husband, Greg, doesn’t come home from a fishing trip, Libby reports him missing to the police but soon realizes she has to look for him. With the help of her best friend Jenika, and  Greg’s father, Frank, she heads to the Canadian wilderness where she believes Greg has gone. So many questions run through Libby’s mind. What could have happened that delayed his return? Did he leave her? Did something terrible happen to him? Is he even alive?

The story is more than just about Libby and Greg’s marriage, though. Since the death of their daughter Lacey three years ago, their marriage hasn’t been the same and they begin to grow apart. Alone while her two sons are traveling abroad, Libby is now forced to think long and hard about what she really wants out of her relationship with the man she married, for better or worse.

One of the things I love most about the book is Ruchti’s sense of humour. You’re absolutely right if you think her husband’s disappearance is no laughing matter. But the author is witty and at times right down-to-earth  hilarious. Yes, even when dealing with serious matters. This is not to say she turns this drama into a comedy. There’s a time and place for everything, and she uses laughter only when appropriate.

There’s something else I love about this book. Ruchti is phenomenal at using the “show-don’t-tell” principle of writing. You always get a clear picture of Libby’s surroundings, whether at she’s at home, in the car, and even in the wilderness. But this story is highly emotional and Ruchti shows Libby’s agony, pain, sorrow, and even misery, in such a way that you become Libby, and you don’t just feel her pain, you know it. Personally, I’ve never experienced the loss of a child and can only try to imagine what it’s like. But after reading this book, I can have a better understanding.

I sat on pins and needles waiting to find out why Greg didn’t come home, and never would have guessed what happened to him, nor did expect that kind of ending. But it’s all good! This book is an “edge of your seat” kind of read. Those familiar with my blog know I never give spoilers. You’ll have to read the book. And it’s well worth it, I might add.

It is a Christian story, which I didn’t find preachy. Ruchti adds a nice touch to the story by quoting a few biblical passages which have their places in the story. Christians are not immune to struggles and suffering, though some seem to think so. Libby goes through a major faith struggle in light of many things happening in her life.

This said, I dare you to go ahead and get this book. Oh wait, I promised a giveaway, didn’t I!!! If you want a chance to win a copy of They Almost Always Come Home, make sure you leave a comment and click on the Facebook and/or Twitter link under the comment box. It’s that simple.

Then, get yourself a box of tissues because you’ll need them for both sets of tears… joy and sadness.

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised Ten Kids on 25 Words or Less

Unless you’ve seen the movie The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, or read the book of the same title, it’s possible you may have absolutely no idea who Evelyn Ryan is, or her daughter Terry. I certainly didn’t.

When Lou, my supervisor, suggested I read this book, I had no idea what to expect. Lou enjoyed it immensely and could relate as she came from a family of ten children, just like in the story. But there’s another reason Lou recommended it. It has a lot… correction, it has everything to do with writing.

It’s a wonderful read; funny, sad, and sometimes almost maddening. It really moved and inspired me. I came home all excited and went to Terry Ryan’s website with the sincere intention to get in touch with her. I couldn’t wait to tell her I wanted to write a review of her book. My excitement totally deflated and quickly when I read Terry had passed away in 2007.

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio is about is about an outstanding woman and her very large family. In this memoir,Terry Ryan tells of her mother, Evelyn Ryan, a contested who used her writing skills to supply several of her family’s needs. In Terry’s words, “her mother learned how to win.”

The story takes place in the 1950s and 1960s. With an alcoholic ‘man of the house’, the family struggled to make ends meet when Evelyn’s husband drank a good part of his paycheck. Evelyn kept the family afloat—at least temporarily—by winning many of these contests. How else could she raise ten children? These contests, and there were too many to count, were her way of contributing. But it went beyond that. Evelyn Ryan loved writing. She’d worked for a newspaper in her younger days and missed that very much.

Throughout the book, I asked myself how or where did she find the time to write while raising ten children, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. Terry describes how her mother stood at the ironing board, with a pen behind her ear, and iron in her hand. When an idea came to her, she jotted it down, and continued her task. She left her famous notebooks as a legacy to her children. Whether while cooking, ironing or just watching TV—a set she’d won—her notebook never left her side.

Jingles, poems, and 25-words-or-less, and limericks, Evelyn wrote them all and she wrote them well. She was clever, funny and witty. It didn’t matter which contest it was or what it offered. Regardless if it was from a cereal box, or the inside of a Dr Pepper bottle cap, and whether the prize was grocery shopping spree, small or major appliance, a car or a bike, cash, or something as simple as a box of candy bars, she entered them all.

Terry Ryan learned a great deal from her mother and it shows in her writing, which she tells in a funny, captivation and loving way. This book is for a wide audience, and YA as well as an older audience will enjoy it. I recommend it to everyone and give this book 5 stars.

My only wish in writing this post, is that, first, you will pick up the book and watch the movie. Second, should any of her children, as well as Dortha Schaefer and the “Affidasies” stumble upon this post, I must say, You Are So Fortunate to have had Evelyn and Terry Ryan in your life.

Blessings to everyone,

Renee-Ann

Unauthorized Access – Andrew McAllister

I’ve always enjoyed a great “whodunit” book; the kind that keep you guessing from the first page to the last. Face it though, there are a lot of suspense sub-genres: Romantic, Military, Political Thriller, International… you name it, it’s out there.

Recently a new member joined our online writing group, Andrew McAllister, and he writes suspense. I was curious which sub-genre he was into. I didn’t need to wonder too long because upon learning that I was a book blogger/reviewer, Andrew asked if I would read and write a review of his novel, Unauthorized Access. I quickly said yes… and wondered if I’d been too eager. No offense, I love suspense, though not necessarily ALL its sub-genres. Did he write the kind I like? Oh well, I’d said yes and I’m a woman of my word. So I would give it an honest try.

He sent me the e-book version (an advantage of being a reviewer, free books!), which I set aside as I already had one book on the go. When I picked it up, I was in for the surprise of my life. First of all, Andrew’s book is not a “whodunit” story. He tells his readers from the beginning ‘who did what’. Still, I was totally captivated with this novel.

Unauthorized Access is the story of Rob Donovan, a computer programmer who is framed for a successful cyber-attack on an American bank. Customers are furious; some close their accounts and take their business elsewhere. The bank’s survival depends on Rob to fix the damage with a team. That is, until he’s charged him with the crime. Facing jail time, not to mention the loss of Lesley, the love of his life, Rob needs to figure out who set him up. The only way he can do this, however, is to find him—or her first.

I couldn’t put this book down. I read it—at work between calls—in three days which is very unusual for me. I normally take a week or more. I literally devoured this book.

For a first novel, I found it incredibly well written and full of “Oh no! What next?” It’s a real page turner. Andrew McAllister does a fantastic job with his clear descriptions of the characters and places, thus bringing the reader into the story with him. He’s also very unpredictable, something I love about suspense novels. Every time I thought something was going to happen, he threw a plot twist and something else took place instead. That’s my kind of books.

The biggest problem I’ve come across since finishing that book last Thursday, was finding another great book, one that at least compares with this one. Oh I know there tons of them out there… but I’m still looking.

I’ve yet to meet in person this fine author and shake his hand, but for now I say Kudos to you, Andrew, for a job superb job on a first novel.

Rare Earth: Davis Bunn’s Latest Novel

What do you get when you put Action, Thriller, Adventure, and Suspense all into one? A great page-turner you can’t set down. That’s exactly what Davis Bunn accomplished in his latest novel, Rare Earth, an international thriller that’s sure to please.

I read several of his books, each surprising me more than the last. Davis Bunn’s unpredictability is what I love most about his writing, the way plot twists pop up and how each chapter ends with a “question mark” (so to speak), leaving me wanting to know now what will happen next.

For those who enjoyed Lion of Babylon, the first action packed novel of the Marc Royce thriller series, you’re sure to enjoy the second, Rare Earth as Marc takes on a new assignment in a refugee camp in Kenya, Africa. However, Rare Earth is a stand-alone novel and readers will have no trouble understanding Rare Earth if they haven’t read Lion of Babylon.

After a volcano eruption and drought force people from their villages, Marc goes undercover as a relief worker to bring supplies to those who are hurt, sick, and hungry. But his true mission is to dig deep in the disappearance of a foreigner, and to find answer to several questions. But he’s not exactly welcomed upon arrival. Kitra, a young Israeli nurse and the sister of the kidnapped foreigner, works in one of the camps. Upon finding out who sent Royce, she point-blank tells him to leave. It is only after he earns the trust of a tribal chief and the friendship of a pastor that things start to go in his favour. Together they join forces and aim at finding what’s at the root of the lands biggest problem.

Rare Earth is compelling, riveting, intriguing, not to mention very well written. Davis Bunn has a way of bringing his readers along with him by incorporating historical facts about real places to make reading a learning experience.

Through this wonderful action/thriller/adventure carries a message of faith. Many of the characters are believers and this is brought to the forefront, making this novel a beautiful Christian story.

Rare Earth really touched my heart, for different reasons. I’ve gone to Africa on two separate occasions as a short-term missionary. This experience may have enabled me to connect with the characters more than if I’d never been there. However, Davis Bunn’s clear description makes it easy for his readers to feel as though they were in the background looking in. Even those who’ve never seen this beautiful land called Africa. I highly recommend this book and give it a 5 out of 5.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.