Helicopters or Bonnets--And Why?

My kids and I wandered into the fiction section at the bookstore, attracted by the bright cover art and the promise of good stories. I noticed that my two kids (I have one boy and one girl) went to different areas of the shelves. "Show me which covers you like the best," I suggested. Without hesitation, my 9-year-old daughter pointed to books with pictures of women in old-fashioned dress, as well as artwork of children, animals and flowers. My 11-year-old son rolled his eyes. He tugged my arm across the row and pointed at a row of books on the opposite shelf. Instead of people, these books sported helicopters, military symbols, weapons and national monuments.

I guess I already knew that men and women (even boys and girls) are attracted by different types of fiction, but I was amazed to see it play out so perfectly.

When was the last time you saw a man reading a book about a young Amish girl falling in love? Or a woman reading a book about political intrigue and rumors of war?

Obviously, there are plenty of exceptions. Right now I am reading Davis Bunn's Lion of Babylon--complete with a helicopter on the cover--and thoroughly enjoying it. But, I picked it up because I'm a fan of Davis Bunn's writing, not because of the cover art. It's beautiful artwork, just not the type that usually draws my eye.

Why is this? Is it because women are wired by God for relationship, whereas men have the heart of warriors and are programmed for excitement? Why do women (in very general terms) like "chick flicks" and men like action movies? Years ago I took a writing for kids workshop where the instructor recommended that your main character be a boy. "Girls will read about boys, but boys never want to read about a girl." Really? Is that true?

I don't have the answers. But I find the questions intriguing. Tell me what you think. And, what types of covers do you like? How much does it influence your book choices?

And here's another question that's been bugging me--how is this going to change as we move to an e-book world?

Walking the beach or working? You tell me.

Writers spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen. Waaaaaaay too much time. We research on the internet, we write, we edit, we network, and then we write some more.

It's good for us to get out in the sunlight once in awhile.

This week, I've traveled from my home in Oregon up to Port Angeles, Washington to visit the setting for my new novel (in progress), First Impressions. This story has grown from pieces of an old family story in which my grandfather (and other Port Angeles residents) crossed the treacherous waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca in rowboats to buy Canadian whiskey. From  this image, a story has grown--the bootleggers, their families, the federal agents...such a fun story to write!

So this week, with the help of my family, I'm walking the beaches in Port Angeles, visiting the local museum, taking walking tours and best of all--getting away from my computer. Well, except for right now, of course!

These photos are taken on the shore at Freshwater Bay, just west of Port Angeles. This is where we think the rum-runners typically landed their boats.The land you can see in the distance is Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Victoria is approximately 20 miles across the Straits.

It's considered a dangerous trip for a motorboat because of the changing tides, weather conditions and busy shipping lanes. I can't imagine making the crossing in the 1920s. In a rowboat. At night. Yikes!

I found it ironic that I stumbled over a discarded whiskey bottle on the beach. Obviously, it's NOT prohibition-era--but it does show that even though times have changed...other things haven't. 

In a few days, I'll wave good-bye to the beach and trudge back to my computer. I can't wait to see this story leaping off the page. Or at least off of my computer screen.

Friday Book Review: Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

What's the only thing worse than being a divorced woman in 1831? How about being a twice-divorced woman? Delia Parr explores this intriguing plot line in her newest novel, Hidden Affections. After being scammed and then divorced by one man, Anabelle Tyler seeks a fresh start only to be forced into a marriage with an wealthy and unscrupulous bachelor. As she and Harrison Graymoor work behind the scenes to free themselves from their wedding vows, they discover that performing the role of a happy couple might actually lead to unexpected love.

Delia Parr has woven together a fascinating plot line in Hidden Affections. The novel has some wonderful plot twists, fascinating historical tidbits (loved the bit about the "snoods"), and some sigh-worthy romantic moments. There were also a few points where the story fell short. The main character was so victimized, heart-broken and tearful, and yet she never questioned her faith. That's an admirable trait, but I would have liked to see her struggle and grow rather than remaining the silently suffering victim. But beyond that, Hidden Affections was an enjoyable read and I respect the author's courage in tackling such a challenging storyline.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of review. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Update on the Writing Process

Many friends have asked why I haven't said much about my books lately. Part of that is intentional--now that I am working with an agent and am negotiating with publishing houses, I know professional eyes are watching. There's nothing like knowing people are observing you to make you want to be (at least pretend to be) more reserved.

But, here's a brief update on what I'm doing these days:
My first completed manuscript, Shaken, has garnered interest from publishers, but no contracts yet. So, this book (and the other two in the San Francisco Earthquake Chronicles) are on hold for the moment as we wait for decisions to be made. I can't wait to get back to these stories and there is no question that they will be dusted off in the near future.

In the meantime, I've thrown myself head-first into my newest book, First Impressions. This novel is based during the 1920s and takes place in Port Angeles, Washington. After being raised by an alcoholic father and a bootlegger brother, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. When Laurie meets Daniel Shepherd on the moonlit bluff overlooking the shore, she assumes he's just another bootlegger. Federal agent Samuel Brown could be the answer to her prayers, but first impressions are rarely what they seem.

First Impressions is based loosely on a nugget from an old family story. Next week I get the joy of traveling to Port Angeles with my parents and kids to do some on-the-ground research. I can't wait to stand on that bluff and look down at the beach where the bootleggers would have landed their boats. It gives me a thrill just thinking about it. Researching this book has been a lot of fun and, surprisingly, a lot of calories (see my earlier post about Fairley's Pharmacy).

The proposal for this novel was warmly received by editors present at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference, so I am excited about its future. The rough draft is coming together quickly, and with the help of next week's research, I think it's going to be a thrilling and romantic story.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and encouragement. It really gives me a boost knowing that I have so much support at home, in my church family and beyond. I hope that I will have good news to report soon, but until then, I'll keep plugging away--and trying to act reserved.

Laptops, Lapdogs, Lapcats...

I am a goal setter. I make plans. I have dreams.

 I also have pets. Pets are natural plan interrupters. Goal-re-setters.

My cats and foster puppy can't seem to understand the concept of working on a laptop. They think laps are meant for them. Why do humans need a laptop when they have a perfectly good lap-cat or lap-dog? Or both? There was one afternoon this week that I found myself writing while sitting on my bed with my laptop and FOUR animals.

School gets out tomorrow. Once we throw two kids into the mix, it's going to be a challenge to get anything done! But I'm up for the challenge.

I just need to set a few more goals. Make some plans. Dream some dreams.

And maybe--just maybe--clear a little lap space.

The Countdown?

From the moment I picked up my 11-year-old son from school, I knew something was up. "I've got to find my 3-DS," he panted. "They're doing a special internet update at 6 o'clock!" After a frenzied search of his room, and a little help from the dog ("find it girl!"), the game system was located. The appointed time came and went as my son frantically tried to get the update to work. Every few minutes he would try again. By dinnertime, we limited him to every ten minutes. By bedtime, he was distraught. Obviously his information was incorrect, or Nintendo was having technical difficulties. Long after he'd gone to bed, I kept trying. Why? Who knows--because I'm the Mom, I guess.

I remember another day he from school with big news. He informed me that another kid told him that the world was ending in May. His little sister's eyes grew as big as saucers. I reminded them that the Bible says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father"  (Matthew 24:36).

"I know, I know," he said. "But, Mom, wouldn't it be cool?"

That reply surprised me, though I suppose it shouldn't have. He's always had a pretty good understanding about these things.

As we all know, that day in May came and went--just like most of us suspected that it would. When Jesus comes back, it's going to take the world by surprise. There will be no billboard announcements, no world-wide hype. Matthew 24 goes on to say that He will arrive like a thief in the night--if you knew He was coming you'd be prepared.

My son thought the game update was coming at 6 pm sharp. He was prepared and then surprised when it didn't happen.

Some people thought the rapture was coming on May 21st and they were prepared...and surprised.

When is it really going to happen? Only the Father knows. But let's be prepared. And you know what's going to be awesome? I think we're going to be surprised.

Tasting our History--Fairley's Pharmacy

Writing historical fiction can be challenging. How do you write a scene in a prohibition-era soda fountain (for my up-coming novel, First Impressions) if you've never tried a cherry phosphate and can't even imagine why anyone would order something called an "egg cream?"

The answer? A road trip that involved consuming more calories than anyone should--all in the name of research and historical authenticity.

I borrowed my critique buddy, Heidi (also willing to sacrifice her diet in the name of art) and we visited historic Fairley's Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon. Soda-jerk Mercedes didn't blink an eye when I told her why we wanted to sample a wide variety of drinks. She was a delightful hostess--suggesting flavors and letting us pepper her with questions.  

We started our research with a cherry phosphate--one of the most popular "soft drinks" of the prohibition era. It is basically made up of cherry syrup, soda water and a dash of phosphate. Mercedes informed us that phosphate adds a sour flavor and can be adjusted to your personal taste. We tried the soda with just a few drops of phosphate and then again after she added some more and were astounded at the difference.

We tried three popular phosphate soda  flavors--cherry, green river (lime), and banana. They were all yummy. We also tried a strawberry egg cream--surprised to learn that it didn't contain egg or ice cream--just strawberry syrup, whole milk and soda water. Once you get over the name confusion, the egg cream was AMAZING! Mercedes told us that everyone asks about the egg cream, but this is the first time someone had actually ordered one from her. We felt like such rebels. Or it may have just been all the sugar kicking in. 

And of course, since soda fountains were known for their ice cream, we also sampled an ice cream soda--strawberry with vanilla ice cream.  It was ridiculously good and made with fresh, local, Sunshine Dairy ice cream.

In addition to the sugary goodness of the soda fountain, the history geek in me was thrilled at the display of vintage pharmacy items--show globes (used to display a pharmacist's chemical mixing talents), scales and wonderful old medicine bottles and ads--everything from asthma cigarettes to cocaine toothache drops.

The internet is an amazing tool for doing historical research. But nothing beats trying the real thing--soda, that is--not cocaine toothache drops!