Book Giveaway Drawing--Signed copy of SUBMERGED by Dani Pettrey!

Hello my lovely readers! It's about high time I did a blog giveaway! Yes, I have ulterior motives...don't we all? Grin.

Now, I know lots of you read my blog, since I can see the number of hits per day (albeit with Blogger's weirdo stats!), but I don't have lots of "official" followers here, since I recently renamed my blogspot.

Sooo. I'm going out on a platform-building limb and I'm going to reinstate my Google Friend Connect box. I know some of you can't use Google friend connect, so please sign up via email or RSS feed instead (Google reader, that kind of thing).

Then please leave a comment below, telling me how you're following heatherdaygilbert.blogspot.com!

In return for all your kindliness toward me, I'm entering all commenters (Even if you're already following! Just say you like my posts or something!) in a drawing for a book I just bought. This book is AWESOME! Here are some details:

The book is Submerged, a romantic suspense novel by Dani Pettrey. To read more about it, check out her blogspot here: http://www.danipettrey.com/. And this particular book happens to be a SIGNED COPY!

Dani signed it herself, when I bought it at a pre-release book signing. Dani is charming in person and we talked quite a bit about writing and getting published.

I'm hoping to do a full-on book review someday on this book. I'm about halfway through now, but I honestly haven't been able to put it down. I love the suspense angle, and the romance doesn't seem too forced. The family scenarios are spot-on. And it's set in ALASKA, a place I'd love to visit (ever since I started catching back-episodes of Northern Exposure). It also has divers!

I know lots of you follow me on my FB page, and I LOVE that you do! I'd love if you'd sign up here, too--that way you'll get updated quickly when I post something.

I wish you could all win, I love this book so much. But I'll pick one lucky winner, and post it NEXT WEDNESDAY. (By the way, did you know Wednesday comes from "Wodenstag," a Norse word for Odin's day?)

Looking forward to your comments!

Tag! I'm...NOT Going to be IT! (But I'll Let you meet my Vikings!)

Statue (in Iceland) of my heroine, Gudrid, and her baby boy, Snorri

I've gotten tagged by a couple of my writer friends: TC Avey and Michelle Griep. In this tag (detailed on Michelle's site here: http://writerofftheleash.blogspot.com/2012/04/tagim-it.html or on TC's site here: http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2012/04/lucky-seven-meme.html), you're supposed to:

 

1. Go to the 77th page of your book or current WIP.
2. Count down 7 lines.
3. Copy the 7 sentences that follow and post them.
4. Tag 7 other authors.

My problem here is that I have only about two sentences on page 77! AND those sentences are going to be confusing without giving you lots of backstory. SOOO. As an alternative, and so you can get a little taste of my book, I'm going to totally cheat and handpick a passage.

I'm also not tagging other people. 

I also tend to break rules. But I'm truly trying to quit.

So, as I looked over my manuscript, trying to find a cool passage, I decided on a touching scene as opposed to a fight scene (to overturn any thoughts that Vikings are merely heartless brutes--I'm trying to give them some good P.R. with this book! But don't worry, there are fight scenes too!). I'll fill you in a little bit on what's going in this scene.

Gudrid (the one who's speaking throughout the book, my POV character), has to say goodbye to her husband Finn, who's leaving the camp to look for cool stuff to plunder farther down the coast, in Vinland. Gudrid is currently in a camp at Straumsfjord, also in the new lands (upper North America). 

Basically, she can't kiss Finn goodbye, or even get close to him, b/c their son is feverish and sick and she's been taking care of him. Gudrid won't risk exposing Finn (thus, his entire crew) to illness for their voyage.

So...here's my selection. It may or may not be seven sentences. Most likely, it's not. However, I'm doing this for my friends who want to see some of this Viking story before it hits bookshelves, someday in the not-yet-specified future...

Here you go! A selection from God's Daughter. Please ask me any questions below, if I didn't make it clear what's going on here. Finn's talking first, to Gudrid.

“Do you think it matters if I become sick?” he asks. “Nothing matters, until I get back to you.”

I swallow, fighting the urge to turn and be pulled into those strong arms, so I can kiss him all over his face.

“I can’t.” I pull my arm away, then walk out the door into the rain. It quickly drenches me, the heavy drops pounding my head. Surely Finn knows what I’m feeling, that I couldn’t be the one to make him sick.

Since I grew up surrounded by rocks and cliffs and sea, I know how to pull the strength of the rocks into myself. I become hard and cold and untouchable. I go into myself, and I won’t come out until I see Finn’s face again.

****Thanks for the tags, TC and Michelle! Enjoyed reading yours too! And now, fire away if you have any questions or comments!****

 

Faith and Family Friday--Jeff and Anne Watts Answer my Probing Marriage Questions

I met Jeff and Anne Watts a few years ago, when they led a marriage retreat for our church. I was struck by their wisdom and fun new ideas on ways to make marriages work. I knew they would be just the right interviewees for my top five burning marriage questions. 

I know you're going to enjoy what they have to share today--I know I soaked it up just getting this post ready to go! 

Here's a bio on this sweet couple:

Jeff and Anne have been married nearly 22 years.  They reside in Gastonia, NC, where Jeff is on staff at Parkwood Baptist Church.  He serves as the Discipleship Pastor and is also a Licensed Counselor.   He is currently a counselor part-time for Focus on the Family.  He and Anne are over marriage enrichment at Parkwood, and they also lead marriage conferences.  Anne works as a nurse part-time at a retirement center.  They have two children:  Kayla, 19, who is a freshman at The College at Southeastern in Wake Forest, and Colby, 17, who is a junior at Gaston Christian High School.   

And now for the pressing questions! Anne is AW and Jeff is JW, so we get both points of view!

      Question One: What’s the number one problem you see in marriages today?

AW – Well there are several, but the number one I would have to say is selfishness.  Unfortunately, many  Christian couples today are living no differently than non-Christians.  If married couples would choose to live out  Philippians 2:3-4 in regards to their spouse, I fully believe marriages would be changed.  The verse  says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

JW – Well, I agree with Anne, and another major issue is communication, or a lack of communication.  Couples are not talking.  It’s interesting how much  couples communicate prior to marriage, and then it seems to dissipate with time, especially on major issues that need to be discussed.  I suggest for couples to sit and talk for at least 30 minutes twice a week about issues in their lives and marriage. Have a plan for communication, like you plan for so many other things in your life.

      Question Two:  I recently heard that not only is there a seven year itch in marriage, there’s a one year itch too.  Is there a way to guard against the desire to give up on the marriage? 

JW – Our society makes marriage look like a negative thing.  We must remember that God made it for good; for our good.  That it’s a blessing.  It requires work , it requires patience, and a biggie, it requires loving someone more than you love yourself!  The reason there was a seven year itch and now there is a one year itch is because we are more focused on ourselves and not on the other person.  

AW- Well, we encourage young couples to know what God’s Word says about marriage prior to entering the covenant of marriage.  When Jeff and I were married nearly 22 years ago, neither of us really knew all that the Bible had to say on marriage.  However, Jeff and I sat down and made out a list of ALL the things that could possibly happen in our lifetime and at the end of the list we signed it stating we would never walk away from this marriage.  Best agreement we ever signed! :O)

  

      Question Three: I’ve also heard that couples who fight more stay married longer since they communicate their problems.  Have you seen this to be the case, and is there a place for fighting (vigorous arguing) in a marriage?

AW-  Well, fighting is a habit.  A bad one I might add!  I can honestly say Jeff and I don’t fight.  We have disagreements and heated discussions at times but our rule from the beginning is no yelling and we have stuck to that rule!  Just yesterday I ran into Walmart to pick up something while Jeff remained in the car.  Upon my return he said to me and I quote, “I have sat in this car and heard more women yelling at their husbands!”  I’m sure, had we been sitting outside the Bass Pro Shop, the tables may have been turned.  How sad how couples treat  each other.  No wonder kids are growing up with anger issues.  I say no!  There is NO place in the marriage for vigorous arguing.

JW- We must remember when there is yelling happening, no one is listening.  You get your point across much better when you are able to sit down and talk through an issue.  Think of it this way: if you went into your boss' office, would you yell at him or her? We are showing more respect toward our employer than our spouse and teaching our children unhealthy communication habits for their relationships.  Remember, the Bible says a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger!

Question Four: What would you recommend for the Christian couple who marries, only to feel they are incompatible with one another?

JW-  Well, that’s why we emphasize premarital counseling.  To deal with issues before you get married. Once you are married, God requires us to live in harmony with our spouse.   In Genesis 2, the Bible emphasizes that in marriage two shall become one.  That is spiritually, emotionally, and physically (in that order).  Anne and I have found that it’s a choice. Make the choice to stay together and work on your marriage.  

AW- Once you enter a marriage covenant, you are now married to the man or woman God has for you.  We have been asked this many times and always respond by telling them to begin to ask God for a love for your spouse as well as look for ways to love them and fill out your roles in the marriage.  God is in the business of restoring marriages, so I say pray and love your spouse, even when you don’t feel like it!

      

      Question Five: What is the number one thing couples can do to keep their marriages strong?

AW- Again, there are many things a couple can do, but you said number one thing, so I will definitely say keep God at the center of your lives and marriage.  Christian couples are being tricked and fooled into putting all sorts of other things first in their lives and their family’s lives.  Pray together, worship together, and study God’s Word together.  That one thing will draw you closer not only to God but to each other. 

JW- Keep Christ at the center of your marriage.  As you grow closer to Christ, you will grow closer to each other.   I would also say when we love Christ, loving other people comes easier.  The most important would be your spouse and that begins with the man.  God commanded us in Ephesians 5:25 to love our wives as Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her.  Christian men today are faltering big time in the area of loving their wives as Christ loved the church.  Men, step up and love as Christ loves.  It’s a command from God and it will strengthen your marriage.  

Thank you so much, Jeff and Anne! There are so many types of marriages out there, and this is such helpful advice for all of us! I hope you get to stop by my blog again!

****How about you? Do you have additional insight on any of these questions? Have you incorporated any of this advice in your life and seen the benefits of it?****

On Viking Research

Lots of people ask me about how I do research for my Viking novels. I had so much fun guest blogging today over at Redwood's Medical edge! Please check out this link, which explains how I made one of my Vikings go berserk!

Redwood's Medical Edge: Research Driving You Berserk?: What's the line between real life and fictional life and how do you realistically incorporate the two? This is a great post by Heather Gilbe...

Newbie Writing Mistakes Monday--From Slush to an Agented Rush

(T-shirt on cafepress: http://www.cafepress.com/+i_am_an_editor_womens_pink_tshirt,29403353)

So sorry for the bloggy break last week, I was out on a "working" spring break, cleaning and painting the house we're moving into soon.

I wanted to comment today on a post I read over at the Books and Such blog: http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/choosing-the-perfect-client-unpublished-authors/. Wendy Lawton says that agents "are seeing too many manuscripts too early. One editor uses the term “workmanlike” to describe this. It’s all elbows. Every technique seems to jut out. The writing is self-conscious and overworked. The book that excites us is the product of a confident writer who has mastered the craft."

Now, this is a problem for the newbie author. We don't know what agents are looking for, so how can we be confident that we've mastered the craft?

If you continue to read Wendy's post, you'll see other things that get you picked up quickly from the slush pile, including a great platform and good personality. But that doesn't give us a clue as to how to get our manuscripts practically perfect.

Sally Apokedak also blogged about Wendy's quote, saying that it's the internal conflict that keeps her moving through a manuscript: http://www.novelrocket.com/2012/04/making-readers-turn-page.html. That diagonal movement makes you want to stick with the main character.

But for that first-time author, sitting there with an awesome manuscript on your hard drive just SCREAMING to be let out on queries, it's hard to know where to start.

I know I've given this advice before, but a great starting place is critique groups within your genre. I can't stress this enough. But sometimes we don't have time to get involved that way. So our options become narrower.

Finding a beta reader can also give you direction. But beta readers who have the time to read through your whole novel, commenting as they go, are very hard to come by (unless they're related and feel an obligation...Stephenie Meyer's sister read through Twilight for her). 

But really, in the current publishing climate, I'll give you the same advice a writer friend gave me (Evinda Lepins, this is for you!). You cannot put your unedited work out there. Even on your blog. It doesn't reflect your best work. 

Of course, when I got this advice, I thought: 

1) I don't have money to hire an editor, and

2) I've already posted thirteen unedited chapters of Otherworld on my blog.

But guess what? She was SO, so right. An editor knows the current writing trends. An editor can poke holes in your inconsistent timelines or tell you when your characters aren't acting...well, in character. 

So I did. I hired an editor for the first 55 pages of my current MS. Was it a financial sacrifice? Yes! But was it worth it? Also, yes. I'd had a crit group give some excellent advice, but I needed more technical info on dialogue and formatting techniques.

Then, I got my big break when the agent who liked my book also happened to be an accomplished editor. (Yes, I count my blessings every day, Andy!). And he's an editor I enjoy working with--always challenging, but never too harsh.

So I'd definitely recommend saving up your pennies for an edit on your book, even an edit on that first chapter. I found my first editor through a Christian editing service online that pairs you with the editor of your choice: http://christianeditor.com/.

I figure that an edit is less expensive, or perhaps the same cost, as a writer's conference. And you're going to have to have your best work ready to take there, anyway!

I hope this helps get you from the slush to the rush of agent/publisher acceptance!

****How about you? What sorts of techniques have you used to get your manuscript in tip-top querying shape?****

Faith and Family Friday--Uh-oh, I Married a Writer!

I've wanted to do this for a while--ask my husband, David, nosy questions about being married to a writer.

First, you need to understand that I don't ask my husband ANYthing unless I want a straight and honest answer. Just like George Washington, he cannot tell a lie. In married lingo, this means that if I'm nervous that a haircut might not look so great on me, I don't ask him about it. Conversely, when he does praise me, it rings true.

Also, as the topic might indicate, it's a little personal asking your spouse how your writerly quirks play out in your marriage. We writers spend lots of time in our heads, sometimes muttering melodramatically about our characters' life situations. It's like we're crazed psychologists, determined to either a) fix these situations, or even better, b) make these situations MUCH WORSE.

But I felt I needed some perspective, and I figured you might get something from my hubby's honest evaluation, too. After all, I don't want to get all Sylvia Plath-y or Edgar Allan Poe-ish and not have my nearest and dearest call me on it.

Yes, I'm a writer, but I'm a wife and mother FIRST.

So here we go. I'll throw a picture in here for ya. And now you see why I have a fascination with red hair.

        HG: Hi, David (my, but you’re handsome…anyone ever compared you to a Viking?). When we married, you knew I liked to write. Did you ever think I’d try to write a book? How did you feel about it when I decided to try to write one?   

      DG: I think I hoped you’d write a book.  You’ve always wanted to be a writer.  I was delighted when you decided to write a book.  When your writing career takes off, you’ll be realizing a dream that I have always supported.

         HG: Have you noticed any habits/tendencies that creep up when I’m writing? 

      DG: You work furiously when you’re working on a book.  You sometimes snap and snarl, but I’m in awe of your work ethic and discipline.

      HG: Ahem. Well, a writer’s life is about balance, but sometimes I feel out of whack, devoting too much time to the writing and not enough to my family. Do you think there are some coping strategies I need to integrate more?  

      DG: I don’t know.  I think you do pretty well.  You don’t have much time for writing, but you seem to make good use of the time you have.  If anything is out of balance, it might be the time you spend keeping up with friends on Facebook.  Then again, I’m glad that one of us makes an effort to keep up!  Sometimes you spend too long at your computer.  I wish you took more time to get outside and enjoy yourself.

        HG: You’re truly one of my biggest supporters. I couldn’t have gotten this far without you. What’s been the hardest thing to see me go through?   

      DG: It’s certainly the fear and the disappointment that every writer goes through.

  

            HG: Any advice for spouses of writers? Or any parting words for this post?   

      DG: Writing is a job.  It’s hard work.  And, unfortunately, it’s work that doesn’t necessarily pay off.  All that effort might be for naught if no one likes what your spouse writes.  Sympathize with your spouse’s predicament.  Help your spouse make time to write and then respect that time.  On the flip side, help your spouse find ways to get away from his or her work.  Finally, when your spouse talks about his or her characters or plot, listen respectfully.  Don’t offer suggestions unless your spouse asks for your thoughts or otherwise signals that suggestions would be appreciated.  Suggesting plot twists is sort of like telling a mother that her kids would be better looking if only they were a little taller/shorter!

HG: Ha! Yes, excellent advice. Thank you, David, for that glimpse into the writer-spouse's world. I've definitely learned some things today! And I'm thankful you support me through all those highs and lows (or snapping and snarling, as the case may be). 

****What about you? Does your spouse support your writing "habit" or wish you'd take a break? How do you balance your writing and family time?****

Guest Blogger--WENDY PAINE MILLER--The ABCs of Creating an Engaging Blog

After I read one of my reader's questions about setting up effective and appealing blogs, I went straight over to my guest blogger's website and asked her to write a guest post!

Wendy Paine Miller has one of the coolest, prettiest and most interactive blogs around. I found myself modeling my blog revamp on her setup. And today, she's here to tell us how blogs are done! Thank you, Wendy!

Here's a little info about Wendy:

Wendy Paine Miller’s works have been published in multiple anthologies and online sites. Writing contemporary women’s fiction helps Wendy better understand the world around her. As a mother to three girls, she uses a great deal of ingenuity when it comes to finding time to write and edit. Wendy graduated with a BA in English, writing concentration and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency.

Wendy feels most alive when she’s spending time with loved ones, speeding in a boat, reading, writing, refurbishing furniture, and trusting God.

To interact with Wendy Paine Miller:

http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/

millerct1{@}cox{.}net

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Writer-Wendy-Paine-Miller/232985413400039

https://twitter.com/#!/wendypmiller

And now, over to Wendy! 

The ABCs of Creating an Engaging Blog  

by Wendy Paine Miller

I’d like to hope when it comes to blogging that, like the saying goes, “I’ve come a long way, baby!” I find more than ever it’s become crucial for me to make sure my blog is primed for interaction. That’s the heart behind why I blog. I aim to drum up conversations and to stir thoughts. But in order to stir thoughts, I first need to get thinking minds to my site.

Here are three areas I tend to concentrate on when it comes to building an engaging blog:

A for Aesthetics

A few years ago, I was blessed to have Melanie Moore of Elegant Custom Blogs offer me a free “makeover” for my blog. She worked with me to come up with the header and sidebar I’d been envisioning. I wanted folks to be able to learn more about me. The sidebar buttons work well for this. I also wanted the header to be an expression of who I am. I love nature. And though I cringed through every snapped headshot (having my picture taken has never been pleasurable for me) I’m thankful I had them done. One surefire (and reasonably easy) way to say “I can be taken seriously as a writer” is to invest in professional headshots.

Currently, my right sidebar is a little crowded and unorganized (always something to improve upon), but I wanted to have all additional sites listed where I can regularly be found. 

Finally, people respond to pictures. It’s why Pinterest has taken off with such gusto. As a women’s fiction writer, I find a photo can add meaning to the essence of what I’m hoping to communicate. This is why I incorporate them in every post. 

B for Baton Pass

I view my blog as a wonderful means of sharing my thoughts, then passing the thought baton on.

I’m intentional about asking a question at the end of (just about) every post. It’s the best way I know how to get a conversation going. I think hard about what each question will be. What do I really want to know from my readers? So many times the answers to those questions inspire me to write a follow up post or inspire an entirely unrelated post. My blog thrives because readers take the time to comment.

I’ve discovered it’s important to write in such a way I’m inviting conversation. I spend a lot of time contemplating what other women would enjoy reading. Lengthy ramblings about how Aunt Sue (I don’t have an Aunt Sue…this is purely an example ;) did me wrong doesn’t equate to wise blog fodder.

C for Connecting

This brings me to connecting. When you think about what you’re trying to do with your blog—the purpose behind why you blog, it’s important to understand the power of connection. I make a concerted effort to reach out and comment on other blogs. I also comment as much as time will allow to those who’ve left comments on my blog. I invest in my readers. I’ve read many excellent posts about loving your readers. My readers, for the time being, are those who visit my blog.  

Blogging is an excellent way to relate with and connect with others. I love communicating through my blog. Mostly, I appreciate how my blog encourages me to do exactly what I set out to when I first began—to grow, to learn, and to love.

Thanks, Wendy! And those professional headshots looked great!

  

****And now, if you haven't already, please check out Wendy's lovely blog and tell her what you like best about it!  http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/ Did you take away any new ideas for your own blog? I love the way Wendy highlights interaction with blog readers! Let me know if there's any way I can better interact with you (I think I've managed to remove those pesky "prove you're not a robot" letter codes!)!****