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Google Earth--wow!


Google Earth...
If you have not had this experience yet, you must do it now...Fly to the Grand Canyon and take a tour...Oh, my! It's a free download from Google and it's very cool. For instance, I typed it "from New Orleans" to my home address, and not only did it map the entire journey, but it zoomed in on my lot! Caveat: the "earth" pictures are at least a couple of years old, because my house was a LOT and not a house, which it's been for three years .

Anyway, very cool . . . especially for writers who might have to write about journeys, terrain, etc. Enjoy!

P.S. Thanks to Randy Elrod at his Ethos blog for this tip.
By Angela on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 @ 8:14 AM


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Love My Book Club!


My neighborhood book club met tonight and we had a wonderful time, as usual. We discussed Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down, and I think it averaged a score of about two and one-half stars. Not one of our favorite books, mainly because we didn't care much for the characters . (And there's a lesson in that, I think . . . ) Brilliant concept, though.

Next month we'll be reading The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Looking forward to it--but mostly looking forward to finding some time to squeeze in some pleasure reading. I'm on such a tight deadline, plus I've had to go through two sets of first pages, plus I have edits coming back next week, plus I need to finish up my apologetics course . . . busy, busy.

Not to mention all the days I have marked as "out of town" on my calendar. Sigh.

Our book club has had great discussions about the following books:

First book: SNOW IN AUGUST by Pete Hamill
Date: PEACE LIKE A RIVER by Leif Enger (we loved it)
Date: THE PACT by Jodi Picoult (we loved it)
Date: PLAIN TRUTH by Jodi Picoult
Date: BIG STONE GAP by Adriana Trigiani
April 2004: "The Amateur Marriage" by Ann Tyler
May 4, 2004- "The Last Juror" by John Grisham
June 3, 2004- "Good Grief" by Lolly Winston
July 12, 2004- "The Rule of Four" by Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason
August 8, 2004- "Wonderful Years, Wonderful Years" by George Higgins
September 20, 2004- "Skinny Dip" by Carl Hiaasen
October 9, 2004- "The Lake of Dead Languages" by Carol Goodman
November 8, 2004- "The No.#1 Ladies Detective Agency" by Alexander Smith
December 13, 2004- "A Redbird Christmas" by Fannie Flag
January 10, 2005- "Whirlwind" by Michael Jaffee
February 7. 2005- "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
March 7, 2005- "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult
April 2005: "Life Expectancy" by Dean Koontz
May 2, 2005- "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
June 6, 2005- "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
July 18, 2005- "State of Fear" by Michael Crichton
August 29, 2005- "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby
October 3, 2005: "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant

I'm sure there are others, but I didn't keep records and I can't remember them all.

Now, to explain at least one of my rules--I'll go with the "ing thing."

Never begin a sentence with an -ing construction that's physically impossible to accomplish with the rest of the sentence. Example: Slamming the locker door, she grabbed her algebra book.

See the problem? You can't simultaneously slam the door AND grab your book (without smashing your hand in the process.) Browne and King say that using too many -ing constructions is simply the mark of "unsophisticated" writing. Since I've become aware of them, I've pared them WAY down. (Twin sister to the -ing construction is to use "as" to do the same thing. Avoid it as well.)

And there you have one of Angie's favorite rules: watch that "ing thing."
By Angela on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 @ 7:30 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 10:45 PM  

I just found you. Since I enjoy reading your books, I know I'll return often.
May I recommend a book for your book club?
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Haddon
Amazing writing, through the eyes of an autistic teen.
Thanks for your writing contributions to Christian literature.
Barbara Thompson

 
 
Blogger michael snyder Says: 11:43 PM  

Quite a book list there. Marked a few down that I haven't read yet. Hornby's one of my favorites but you're right about his recent gaggle of characters.

And I agree with Barbara T.--Curious Incident was a lot of fun.

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 7:07 AM  

Oh, yes. I've read "Curious Incident," and my one personal rule (my rules again!) is that I never recommend anything I've read before. Every week I set out a half dozen books that are as new to me as to the group, and we choose one. Sometimes we strke out (there's a dud or two in that list), but most of the time it's a wonderful experience.

 
 
Blogger Ruth Says: 9:47 AM  

Your book club sounds like a lot of fun! Just wanted to let you know that I posted my Afton blog on my Xanga site. Thanks for letting me share your story!http://www.xanga.com/christianfictionqueen

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 4:27 PM  

Poets also have an "ing" thing but yours is different :)

 

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Tennis Needs a Net



Robert Frost said it: "I would as soon write free verse as play tennis with the net down."

I don't often write poetry (though I have had my characters write bad poems on occasion), but I understand what Frost was saying: we need boundaries and goals.

Last weekend when I was in Philly teaching with my good buddy Nancy Rue, we'd often get tickled as we'd look over a manuscript together. She'd point out a passage that made her stumble, and I'd say something like, "Well, the rule for that is . . . "

I have a rule for almost everything--with cute names attached. "The ING thing." "The FAS rule." "The pencil rule."

I like my rules. They're clear, they give me direction, and they shape up my writing. Best of all, when you know the rules, you can know when it's appropriate to break them. And I've found that as long as I can convince an editor I've a good reason for breaking the rule, I can usually manage it.

How do you learn the rules of writing? Some rules you learn by instinct. Some you learn by reading books about writing. Some you learn from rule-happy teachers. Some you learn by experience. And some rules you invent yourself.

There are rules for writing and there are rules for life. As Christians, we've been given a book of rules--or, if you prefer a softer semantic, we've been given guidelines for living. Instructions from the Creator, who knows how we were meant to function best. Guidelines for a happy, healthy, and productive life.

So--the next time you're tempted to rip down the net and break every rule in the book (and believe me, I've seen students who gave it a try), think about that tennis game.

Ah. A new week. Love it!

By Angela on Monday, August 29, 2005 @ 7:10 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Carrie Says: 12:43 AM  

Okay, now I'm curious! "The ING thing." "The FAS rule." "The pencil rule." ?? Do we get details?

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 1:36 AM  

You've got me curious too. Care to share?

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 1:37 AM  

And did Robert Frost really never write free verse? Who knew? (well presumably RF did ...)

 
 
Blogger Ruth Says: 1:16 PM  

Hi Angela...have a question...I was wondering if I could copy & paste your story about the impact of Afton of Margate Castle into my blog? I will of course link to your blog & give you full credit for the story...since it is getting to be an older post, though, I thought copying the story would be easier than just linking to your blog. Thanks for your time! God bless, Ruth

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 1:48 PM  

Fine by me, Ruth.

 
 
Blogger Ruth Says: 2:28 PM  

Thanks so much! I will post it tomorrow.

 

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Magdalene Cover


For those of you who offered comments on the cover of my WIP, here's the latest incarnation. I love it! My Mary M. is older, not a prostitute, and yes, she'd had a hard life. That's why I think the picture is perfect.

Thanks so much for your comments and input!
By Angela on Saturday, August 27, 2005 @ 2:48 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 8:20 PM  

I like it!

 
 
Blogger Kelli Standish Says: 1:03 AM  

Hey Angie,
This looks great! I love the new border, and the colored title bar.

Awesome!!

:) Kelli

 
 
Blogger Ruth Says: 8:16 AM  

I love the new cover (I'm glad they changed the font for the title, it's easier to read).

 

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Because It's Friday . . .

Because Lisa Samson has been graciously interviewing so many Christian novelists on her blog, "Author Intrusion," be sure to check out BJ Hoff's blog, "Grace Notes," on Monday, where Lisa will be the interviewee. (Links to the right).

And now, just because it's Friday . . .




You Know You're Addicted to Alias When...


At every fast food joint you go to, you order "the special, no pickles" regardless of the fact that you LIKE pickles.

You believe wearing a colorful wig and tight clothing can help you get away with anything.

You check the sides of old book pages for Russian characters.

Every time you see a black Mercedes, it reminds you of Sark.

You notice every Ford Focus on the road.

You use the phrase "There are just so many problems with this..." at every possible opportunity.

You have suspicions that your spouse may actually be a double.

Your non- Alias obsessed friends (like you have any of those left! Hah!) refuse to talk to you about Italians, prophecies, pickles, wigs, parent/daughter relationships, spies or anything else that might lead to a discussion about Alias.

You actually BUY a blue Ford Focus. (With gold rims, of course)

You wonder if Sark actually could be Irina's son.

You develop opinions and theories about this and other unanswered facets of the show, and spend a large amount of time formulating arguments for both sides of the debate...

The main question you ask yourself shopping is "Would Sydney wear something like this?"

You have seen every episode. Ever. More than 5 times a piece.

You went to see Daredevil just for Jennifer Garner. (NO, NO, NO.)

You flip out when you see Michael Vartan in One Hour Photo married to someone else.

The mention of weddings, rings, or two years just gets you incredibly ticked off.

If the topic of TV shows comes up, you automatically ask the person "Do you watch Alias?" and if they say they've never heard of it... you immediately end the conversation.

You hear the songs played in the show.. and you instinctively listen for the lines of the characters.. and know precisely when their lines occurred in the song.

Your history teacher mentions something about the KGB.. and you suddenly think "Irina?"

You have a codename that people actually call you by.

You think having no first name is a perfectly acceptable thing.

Old Asian men in wheelchairs creep you out.

You will never view epoxy in the same way again.

You find yourself trying to find good, compelling reasons to sway your significant other that your next child/pet should be named "Irina" or "Sydney."

You feel aggravated and insulted when you watch the episode of "Frasier" where Victor Garber plays Dr. Crane's British butler. ("Years of agent training and experience, wasted...")

You feel a strange urge to bite Mike Tyson's ear off every time you think of "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Whenever you hear a truly interesting song, you immediately think of how that song would fit into a scene from Alias.

You find yourself criticizing the REAL CIA based solely on your knowledge of Alias.

You think Jerry Springer's guests have boring, uncomplicated family/friend relationships and easy, simple-to-fix personal problems.

You become incredibly irritated when people say, "That girl Sydney, doesn't she really report to someone else?" and can tell them exactly how many episodes behind the times they are.

You begin fantasizing about planting listening devices on your significant other's work clothes, just to see if you can find anything exciting/spy-worthy.

You know what J/I, S/V, S/W, Sarkney, Slark, slash, and shipper are, and have opinions on all of them.

Every time you hear the Nokia ringtone, you get excited even though there's no way it could be Vaughn.

You look for air vents you could crawl into incase of an emergency.

The only people you have on your AIM buddy list are people you've met through Alias

When you begin to doze off in history class and only snap back to attention when the teacher uses the words "Alliance" or "Covenant."

You record every episode, then go out and buy the DVDs as well.

You dream about Irina Derevko at least once a week.

Sweiss does not sound like a candy bar to you

You assume that anyone who wears dark eyeliner is evil.

You meet a nice person and immediately become suspicious of their motives.

You constantly try to figure out ways to get Jack and Irina back together.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends who are addicted to Alias.




Angie here again--frankly, I'm always wondering where Sydney keeps her wig boxes . . . her apartment should be filled with them!

Get Your Own Addicted Meme Here


By Angela on Friday, August 26, 2005 @ 6:57 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Jane Says: 3:15 PM  

Since Sydney's apartment burned, she must be stashing them somewhere else....

Now THERE'S the real mystery in the show, indeed.

 

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Sentiment vs. Sentimentality


I used to be confused by those two terms-which is not a good thing, because sentiment (i.e., emotion) in a novel is a Good Thing, while sentimentality is not. Then I heard the difference explained this way: sentimentality almost always goes for the "expected" thing, often to the point of cliche. A depiction of true sentiment will cover new territory.

So--I've become an Alias freak. Never watched it on TV, but I've rented the DVDs and I am enthralled by the writing. Never a dull moment, never a plot thread wrapped up without another one being strung out.

Anyway, in season one (I think) Vaughn and Sydney are being attracted to each other. You know Vaughn wants to declare his feelings, but is he going to do it in a sentimental way? Of course not.

They're together and he shows her a watch--the watch his much-admired-and-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-father gave to him. "You see this watch?" he says. "My dad gave it to me. He said you could set your heart by this watch.'

Sydney looks at him, waiting.

Vaughn continues: "The thing is, this watch stopped on October first. That's the day we met."

And Sydney looks at him and smiles and says ,"Me, too."

Why is this great dialogue? Because 1) It's unexpected. 2) It's not "on the nose." It's not tit for tat. Sydney responds to what he's thinking, (I think I love you), not what he's saying.

I saw another great exchange today. Sydney and Vaughn are together, and Syd confesses that she lied to Vaughn about a co-worker. She says she pretty much grew up alone, so she's not used to being accountable to someone, and she's sorry she lied.

And Vaughn cocks a brow and you're not sure if he's going to be angry or forgiving or hurt or irritated . . . and then he offers her a bite of his ice cream, then he stands and offers her his hand. Invisible dialogue, pure sentiment, not gushy sentimentality.

Most of us have a little writer in us that is contantly predicting what a character will say--and in a lot of movies and TV shows, I find myself able to parrot dialogue right along with the characters because the setup and following lines are just so predictable. I've never been able to do that with Alias. And that's a delight.

I'm a fan. As if you couldn't tell.

By Angela on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 @ 7:48 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Sara Says: 1:04 PM  

My husband and I are HUGE Alias fans - we have rarely missed an episode during its normal season, though we haven't bought the DVDs yet. And you're right - the draw is the suspense, the dialogue, the action, and the sentiment. Last season ran a little dry for my husband and he began to lose interest. I'm hoping this season offers some new twists!

 

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Cover choices?




Back at work today, and battling a host of silly problems that can be distracting--for one, the computer is sluggish and I'm fighting what I call "sticky keys"-in short, the keyboard isn't responding like it should, which means every other word is missing a letter. Ack!


But--the work is coming, steadily and surely. And my editor sent me two proposed covers--which do you find most appealing for a novel about Mary Magdalene? "Hooded Mary"(lower left) or "Curly Mary" (upper right)? One "for what it's worth" note--no devout Jewish woman would go out with her head uncovered. And since there is NO biblical evidence to indicate Mary M. was a prostitute, she follows a different path in my book . . .

Just leave me a comment and I'll report back to my editor. Thanks for your help!
By Angela on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 @ 3:08 PM


for this post

 
Blogger Ruth Says: 3:25 PM  

Tough choice with the covers! They're both gorgeous...I love the first cover (I guess that is "Curly Mary") but maybe she looks a bit to Renaissance period-ish? The 2nd cover is beautiful as well but a since the colors are more muted...I don't know...to me the second one looks more like a Biblical portrait? Just my 2 cents' worth...poorly expressed, sorry 'bout that!
I read the article in yesterday's blog...I LOVE the fact that this book is going to come out the same time as the "DaVinci Code" movie. I can't wait to read it!

 
 
Blogger Lora Says: 3:43 PM  

Hello!
I realize that this probably won't help you out at all, and please try not to laugh at my suggestion, but...
Is there any way that a hood can be painted over "curly Mary('s)" hair? The first cover is definitely my favorite, but I think that it is important to be as historically accurate as possible.
Yet another HUGE fan,
Lora
Clinton, NJ

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 4:06 PM  

The first cover is by far my favorite......and readers will pick it up! The other one is boring....in my opinion at least! I know the cover can make or break a book so I hope the editors listen to your readers this time!
TEresa

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 4:10 PM  

Truth be told, I'm not overly thrilled about either cover. Regardless of their head coverings, the women do not look Jewish - they look Italian.

However, since you asked us to choose, I think I prefer the first one.

As far as being historically accurate, Mary may not have worn a head covering as a "prostitute." She probably wouldn't have worn one until she was redeemed by Christ.

Other than the cover, the book looks wonderful and I will anxiously await its release.

 
 
Anonymous Ellie Says: 4:37 PM  

Love both covers but I have to agree that the covered one looks more accurate. Can't wait for the book to come out. I think you are the greatest of writers and have read everything I can get my hands on.

 
 
Blogger Sue Says: 4:41 PM  

I like the fonts of the "curly" cover and the head shot on the covered cover. How's that for confusing? I like the look of the Curly cover, but it looks like she's plucked and shaped her eyebrows and is wearing very 2005 makeup, to me.
Besides, if the cover picture isn't historically acurate, won't it drive you nuts in a month or two?

 
 
Anonymous biloxi, ms Says: 4:50 PM  

i like the "curly haired" cover best.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 4:55 PM  

I prefer the looks of the first (unhooded) cover. Can't they put a hood that one?

 
 
Blogger Deborah Raney Says: 5:00 PM  

I'm with Sue. I like the hooded Mary, but the layout of the other cover, with the type in a band across the cover, etc.

 
 
Anonymous Robin Says: 5:07 PM  

I like the curly one far more than the other one. And who said she has "gone out." Can't that be her at home in her own quarters?

Robin

 
 
Blogger Carrie Says: 5:16 PM  

I prefer the first. Also, I thought Mary Magdalene was the one who had been delivered of demonic possession, not a prostitute. Or was she both? I always get those stories mixed up.

 
 
Blogger Anna Says: 5:30 PM  

I like elements of both. The colors and composition of the curly cover, but I'd love to see a hood on it. So my vote, on historical things alone, would be the hooded cover, but artistically, the curly cover. If curly could get a hood, then I'd vote there.

Helpful, huh? I'd buy it in plain brown paper, too. I see your name on the cover, and it's in my basket.

 
 
Anonymous JEN FROM NJ Says: 6:06 PM  

ANGIE,

I LIKE THE CURLY MARY

THANKS
JEN FROM NJ OF HEAVENLYDAZE

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 6:23 PM  

Looking at the two covers, I prefer the second one, or the 'hooded' Mary. To me it looks more like the Mary Magdalene I picture.

Joanne (Heavenly Daze list)

 
 
Blogger Hope Says: 6:32 PM  

I love the "curly" Mary. It's beautiful. :)

 
 
Blogger C.J. Darlington Says: 7:30 PM  

I'm liking Curly Mary better, maybe because she seems a little more relatable to modern folks.

 
 
Anonymous Diane Eble Says: 7:48 PM  

Hi Angie,

I like the first (upper, unhooded) cover better.

Diane

 
 
Anonymous Susan R Says: 7:51 PM  

I'm definitely all for historical accuracy, but the design of the first cover is much more eye catching. The graphics and the colors work together to make the cover stand out more. If you have to choose between accuracy and sales potential, well, take the sales potential and go with the "curly Mary" cover.

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:02 PM  

I love the expression on hooded Mary's face, but the curly Mary cover is much more eye-appealing. I would definitely be drawn to curly Mary for the color and layout of the cover. I'd probably overlook hooded Mary--until I saw your name on it--then it wouldn't matter--I'd buy it anyway! So, my vote is for curly Mary. Thanks for asking!

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 8:20 PM  

The uncovered one looks lilke Cher. But both are nice. I think the covered is more realistic. Deb

 
 
Anonymous lisa Says: 8:32 PM  

No. 1, Ange, especially the layout. I don't like the overall look of no. 2. As far as historical accuracy, I don't really care. I'm taking it these are artists renderings of MM from earlier art periods, right?

 
 
Blogger Angie Poole Says: 10:31 PM  

I'm also going with Curly Mary, but only because of the lightness of the picture and the clear lettering.

The second Mary, though equally beautiful, looks sad. She's looks like she's just seen the gardener.

Curly Mary has seen her Rabbouni.

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 11:20 PM  

The second one. The first one looks too ...ripe.

 
 
Anonymous Judi Says: 12:50 AM  

I think the first one. I always pictured mary magdalene of someone who had a kind look and a woman who brightened up the room where she was. I really like the first one because I think people need to know that Mary was a very special person and not one that should have been hidden in the back. That is why I like the first one better.

 
 
Anonymous Ruthie Says: 1:36 AM  

I like "Curly Mary" better...the layout is appealing and the overall cover is lighter and brighter. Besides, a lot of people think MM was a prostitute even if you didn't portray her as such. In my mind, "Curly Mary" looks more prostitute-ish (is that a word?) than the other one.

 
 
Anonymous Dianne Magnuson Says: 8:20 AM  

l like the 2nd one for the cover, Angela - she looks more like the Mary you are trying to portray!!! l just finished your book THE AWAKENlNG and loved it ... what an exciting book!!!! Thanks for keeplng us reading and inspiring us to do our best for God's kingdom!!! Have a great day!!!

ln Jesus' precious name,

DlANNE

 
 
Anonymous Rev. Jim Pickens Says: 9:54 AM  

Angela, my preference is the "Hooded Mary." Reasons: her complexion is more in line with mid-eastern types and the hood is appropriate for a woman of that time period and culture.

Further, if the real Mary were a prostitute at one time, let's view her as a "new creation" whose sins were forgiven and removed from her as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:20). So let's look at her just as God sees us: "perfect through the blood of Jesus Christ."

Continued blessings on you and your family!

Dr. Jim Pickens, Sr. Pastor, House Of Faith, Hudson, FL www.hofch.org

 
 
Anonymous Darlene Stevens Says: 9:59 AM  

I like "hooded" Mary (below).

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 10:27 AM  

When I think of Mary Magdalene, the image of Monica Bellucci in the Passion of Christ sticks in my mind. To be honest, I would pick up ANY book that had your name as the author. That said, I like the first one, but maybe with a head covering? Can't wait to pick it up!

 
 
Anonymous Mimi Says: 10:42 AM  

Hi Angie. I like the first picture but she looks too glamorous to me. The 2nd cover is ok but if I walked by it not knowing who the author was, I probably wouldn't pick it up. It didn't draw me in. It looked a bit dark. It was also hard to read the title on the 2nd cover. I would love the 1st cover if she were toned down with a covering on. That or the 2nd one brighter with Mary looking less like a painting. Thanks Angie for looking to your readers for our thoughts!

In Christ,
Mimi

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 2:35 PM  

Hi Angie,
I like the second cover - she looks more humble as I've always imagined her to be. The second one also just simply looks like better art.
Cara from H.Daze
Burnt Hills, NY

 
 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 3:31 PM  

I prefer the first (unhooded) one. As another commenter noted, perhaps she's uncovered because she's at home. That cover catches my eye more; if I saw the other one on a bookshelf I'd think it was a history book (before I saw your name, of course) rather than a novel. Question for you: Which one looks more like what you'd pictured as you were writing?

 
 
Anonymous Pam Says: 7:48 PM  

I prefer the unhooded Mary. The cover is not as dark and "forboding" maybe. Could a hood be added to this cover?

 
 
Anonymous Kim Branson from Alaska Says: 12:19 AM  

I agree that the "Curly Mary" cover is more appealing at first glance, but the "Hooded Mary" spoke to me, if that makes any sense... However, one of the things that comes to mind is the woman who weeps at Jesus' feet and wipes them with her tears - the "Curly Mary" certainly has the hair for that, but don't know if the Bible refers to this particular woman as Mary Magdalene.

Thanks for asking for reader input.

PS: I picked up your new book the other day (Unspoken?) and can't wait to read it!

 

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St. Pete Times Article


Today is my son's 21st birthday. I feel a little like this mama hippo. (VBG).

The St. Petersburg Times, my hometown paper, did an article on me today. Here's a link to it:
  • St. Pete Times Article


    • Have returned from Philly, safe and sound, and am ready to get to work . . . tomorrow.

    That's what Mondays are for. Today is for birthday cake.

    By Angela on Sunday, August 21, 2005 @ 3:46 PM


    for this post

     
    Blogger Robin Bayne Says: 4:53 PM  

    My son turned 23 last week. He's my stepson, but I'm still old enough to be his mother. (((HUGS))) Know just how you feel.

     
     
    Blogger Cindy Says: 10:07 AM  

    Wow, Angie! I found out a lot that I didn't know about you from that article. Didn't know you were a pastor's wife, didn't know you're a Baptist like me, didn't know you graduated from Liberty. Good article.

    My oldest is 25. It always amazes me that I have kids who are adults...I feel like a kid myself.

     
     
    Blogger Ruth Says: 12:29 PM  

    Angela, I found your blog today and wanted to say hi. I'm a huge fan of your work! You are an amazing and truly gifted author.

     
     
    Blogger C.J. Darlington Says: 3:27 PM  

    You find some of the best photos.

     
     
    Anonymous Dianne Says: 8:33 AM  

    Hello Angela! Enjoyed the article and did learn something extra about you too! l so enjoy your books and am eager to read the one you are working on now! Keep on serving the Lord and giving us ~ Christians ~ something great to read! (:->)

    Keep on keeping on for Him,

    Dianne

     

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    New Release!

    Last week, just before heading out to Philly, I received a hot-off-the-press copy of the Women of Faith Ficiton Collection. This is a deliciously thick (912 pages) compilation of three WOF novels--Sand Pebbles by Patricia Hickman, Child of Grace by Lori Copeland, and The Pearl, by yours truly. Best of all, Amazon.com is currently selling it for less than fourteen bucks. Since that's the usual price of just one book, that's a deal. (VBG)

    Last day of the Philly conference--we've been having a great time in the Nangie class. We have some great students who are learning a lot, I think. Some talented folks.
    By Angela on Saturday, August 20, 2005 @ 7:39 AM


    for this post



    Oh, no!


    I came back to my hotel room tonight and did a little web surfing . . . only to find that Michael Vaughan/Michael Vartan is (probably) leaving Alias--they killed him off! Oh, no! I have just begun watching the show on DVD and am halfway through season two. I really like the Vaughn character and the thought of him leaving . . . well, it's sort of like watching M*A*S*H with no Hawkeye.

    I can only hope (and I do) that it's one of those awful internet rumors . . .
    By Angela on Friday, August 19, 2005 @ 10:11 PM


    for this post



    Headed off to Philly


    Is that not the biggest cat you have ever seen?

    I am headed off to Philly today to teach with my good friend, Nancy Rue. We're doing a critique clinic for Marlene Bagnull, director of the Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference. Marlene's brainchild was to put our names together and create a class called "Nangie." We even have tee-shirts!

    Have a great weekend.
    By Angela on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 @ 8:20 AM


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    Anonymous lisa Says: 12:02 PM  

    Holy Mackerel!!! I thought my orange kitty was big. He's a peanut next to this . . . creature. Wow. Just wow.

    Have fun in Philly!

     
     
    Anonymous Jim Says: 10:15 AM  

    Indeed a very large cat.

    But check out this mo-jamba:
    http://www.fbipigeons.com/BIG_CAT.jpg

     
     
    Anonymous mimi Says: 10:48 AM  

    Ok, Angie, is this a real cat or has it been digitally enhanced? That is insane! What kind of animal did they combine to create something so huge? What do they feed it? And I thought our Simba was big. I went to the link that Jim had posted and there is something wrong for those cats to be that big. Angie, they give your mastiffs a run for their money!

     

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    The Desert--Gritty enough


    I've been hearing some talk lately about new and "gritty" fiction in the CBA. Well, frankly, I'm not sure what's new about it. We've had realistic fiction in the Christian publishing industry for years--in fact, some of my first novels were VERY gritty (it's not for nothing medieval times were called the Dark Ages.)

    In the last few years, I've read Christian novels about child abuse, spouse abuse, divorce, prostitution, alcoholism, drug abuse, homosexuality, adultery, mental illness, death--all areas are open to Christian fiction and have been for ages.

    I've also published 105 books in the Christian market, from Nelson/WestBow, Bethany, Zondervan, Multnomah, Standard, Chariot, Tyndale House, and Steeple Hill, and never have I been handed a list of topics or words I wasn't allowed to employ. Now, something like that may exist, but I suspect it's merely part of writer's guidelines for a new publishing house or for new writers. And don't scores of secular publishing houses have guidelines that state what they will and won't publish?

    I've always been given remarkable freedom. My editors have trusted me, and in return, I've trusted the wisdom of my editors.

    Because when it gets down to it, Christian publishers and Christian writers are not "normal" people. We are publishing books first and foremost for the glory of God. Creating art is but a means to that end. We don't follow the ways of the world; we follow Jesus Christ. And part of that following involves adhering to a standard of holy living. We live, not to please ourselves or to exercise our rights, but to lay our rights at the feet of the cross in the hope that we may serve Him who gave his all for us.

    Because, you see, writing is not about the exercise of my freedom--it's an exercise of communication to reach readers--readers I love. Yes, love, and that's an active verb. Loving my readers means being careful to choose words that will reach them, not offend them. Loving people means showing Christ to them.

    That doesn't mean we don't tackle tough topics; we do. But it means I'm going to do my best to approach those topics in a way that doesn't leave my readers feeling violated.

    If being gritty or realistic means including words or sexual acts that would offend the sensibilities of most of my readers (and not all of them are Christian), then I don't want to exercise that freedom. It's about love, you see. It's about working first to fulfill my calling to please my Lord.

    I've offended people without meaning to--one woman once wrote me to say that she'd taken only one book (one of mine) on her vacation, and because it was about a woman having an affair, she didn't want to read it, so I ruined her vacation! Sometimes, without meaning to, we can cross a line--mainly because readers have lines in different places.

    Writers surely have lines in different places, too. But as long as I'm writing for Christian publishers, I'm certainly going to respect their standards. I believe they're appropriate standards for a Christian writer no matter who he/she is writing for.
    By Angela on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 @ 7:00 AM


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    Guess I'm Just Not a Classy Author


    Do you know the difference between “classy” authors and working writers?

    Classy authors never show their toes in public. Writers go barefoot as often as they can.

    Classy authors are always dressed up. Writers don’t comb their hair before lunch and wear sweat suits while they’re working if no one is coming over. Because I live in Florida, I’m usually in shorts with bare feet.

    Classy authors never yell. Writers get excited and scream when their kids are pounding on the door, the printer won’t print, or the power goes off unexpectedly. We used to live in a rural area where our power transformers were mounted atop high telephone poles. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been hard at work, heard a large kaboom, and stepped outside to discover that a squirrel had committed suicide on my telephone pole. Being a dedicated female writer, naturally I went back into the house, called Florida Power, and went shopping.

    Classy Christian authors only read newspapers, the Bible, and My Utmost for His Highest. Writers read those things, too. But we also read the comics first thing in the morning and wistfully peek at Best Seller lists. We read other authors and gleefully note grammatical errors in the margins.

    Classy authors do not eat except at banquets where they’re always the speaker and guest of honor. Writers snack all the time and consequently gain two pounds per book—unless they learn to chew sugarless gum instead.

    Classy authors have housekeepers who cook for their families. Writers make tons of spaghetti and memorize the phone number for any pizza man who’ll deliver. I’m happy to report that the Schwan man and I are now on a first name basis.

    In 1983, when I started writing, I wanted to be a classy author. I’d dream about people standing in three-mile lines for my book signings and people stopping me on the street and saying, “Aren’t you--”

    But five years later, I actually wrote a book that a publisher wanted to buy. And the night after I got “the Call,” I lay awake thinking that the time had come to get serious, people were actually going to read what I wrote. And it might change their lives the way some books have changed mine. (After all, I learned how to flirt by reading Gone with The Wind.) And that God had just given me an awesome responsibility. . .

    A couple of summers ago I went with my husband’s youth group to a camp where they have horseback riding. I mounted my hot, sweaty mare and leaned forward to brush the horseflies from her face. “What’s this horse’s name?” I asked the trail guide.

    “Classy,” he said.

    I grinned. I knew that was as close to classy as I would ever be.
    By Angela on Monday, August 15, 2005 @ 6:45 AM


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    Blogger Anna Says: 8:39 AM  

    Oh the look on that poor kitty's face! Cats can communicate with astounding clarity when they want to.

    Loved the classy author/real writer comparisons, too. Good to know I'm firmly in the writer camp, with bare feet, pizza in fridge and loving/fretting (at the same time) on both sides of a crit exchange.

     
     
    Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 2:46 PM