Friday Book Pick: The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The bulk of Christian historical fiction is set in America, but what do you do if you love Jane Austen, Jane Eyre and everything Regency? Look no further. Julie Klassen is the perfect author for you. I just finished reading The Apothecary's Daughter and enjoyed following Lilly Haswell as she attempts to navigate the fine line dividing her father's world and fine London society.

Here is a description of the novel, courtesy of Julie Klassen's website:

Lilly Haswell remembers everything--whether she wants to, or not.

As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond—of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for—the truth of the past and a love for the future?

Typically in a romance novel, you can identify the chosen hero within the first few chapters, but Klassen kept me guessing until nearly the end of the novel as various eligible bachelors swirled into and out of Lilly's life. The author also skillfully wove the story together with historical detail, including fascinating information regarding the differences between apothecaries, doctors and surgeons in this time period.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Klassen's novels, especially her new release, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.

What is a weekend? Downton Returns.

"What is a weekend?" Maggie Smith as Lady Grantham, the Dowager Countess.

What makes Downton Abbey my favorite show? Oh, my...where do I begin?

• A unique time period. Beginning with the sinking of the Titanic and continuing through the first World War, the show embraces a period of massive change--both socially and technologically.
• Gorgeous sets and costumes. Downton is filmed at the beautiful Highclere Castle, and the house (if you can call it that) becomes a central character of the story. The costumes are gorgeous reproductions of early turn-of-the century style. I am also thrilled to see all of the early automobiles.
• Bad behavior has consequences. I was recently discussing this with a friend who had asked if the show was appropriate for a young teen girl. My initial thought was "no." There are several instances of promiscuous behavior (including a same sex kiss between a servant and a guest) that took me by surprise. I don't generally expect that in this type of show. And yet, each instance of indiscretion is followed by unintended consequences. That could serve as good conversation fodder for a parent.
• Stories from all classes of individuals. Not unlike the old series, Upstairs Downstairs, we not only see the rich and well-to-do, but we also the struggles and joys of the other classes.
• Maggie Smith. Need I say more? This classic British actress steals nearly every scene in which she appears. She delivers comical lines with grace and elegance.

What aspect of Downton Abbey intrigues you? What television series can you absolutely not miss?

A Single Word

I have read several things lately about people choosing--or praying to receive--a single word that will represent 2012 for them. One of my writer friends, Jessica Patch, wrote a fantastic blog post about her word for the year, "Strength." Author Debbie Macomber was featured in this month's edition of Guideposts magazine, writing about choosing a single word for the year. She's working on a book on the topic and talks about it in this video, A Word for the New Year.

I always struggle to come up with the perfect word. It seems silly to pick my own--I'd probably choose something like SUCCESS or FUN. I've prayed for God to provide a word, and occasionally I feel Him trying to whisper one in my ear, but I think I'm a little hard-of-hearing and never quite get it.

I often seem to discover my word of the year in reverse. I think about it in January, but don't seem to put it together until December.

In 2009, it was DELIGHT (Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart). If you go back through my blog posts, you will see that verse quoted repeatedly. It popped up everywhere I went (including Beth Moore's Living Proof Simulcast, “The Heart of Our Desires.”). I even blogged about DELIGHT on June 3, 2009.

The word for 2010 was MORE. I blogged about the concept of MORE in June, 2010. The key verse didn't present itself until later in the year: Ephesians 3:20-21. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Again, it followed me around, popping up in numerous church services, Bible studies (specifically Priscilla Shirer in Faithful, Abundant, True), and was even featured in the Women of Faith arena event in 2010. 

I'm still fuzzy about 2011's word. Sometimes I think it might have been BALANCE (see Feb. 21, 2011). I felt a little out of balance all year, carving out more and more time for writing, at the expense of time with my friends and family. But, I feel even more strongly that it might have been IMAGINE. Ephesians 3:20-21 still resonates with me, especially the line, "more than all we ask or imagine." It's almost like God was pushing me not just to ask for MORE, but to IMAGINE the possibilities of what He could accomplish in me, if I'd only ask.

It's interesting how the words feed into each other. DELIGHT. MORE. IMAGINE.

Imagine more delight?

I think I like the sound of that. How much more delight is He desiring to offer us--if we only ask? If we imagine. If we obey. If we seek. Just imagine.

Maybe God is writing His own story in each of our lives. One word at a time.

So, what's your word?

Six Resolutions for Aspiring Writers

This is the time of year that many people dust off their dreams and make resolutions to help them achieve their goals. I did that several years ago and set out to follow my dream to become a writer. In case you're just starting out, I thought I'd offer what I think are six of the most important resolutions for aspiring writers, in no particular order.

1. 1. B.I.C. This stands for Bottom In Chair. The best way to write a book is to consistently sit down and work on it. We often make excuses that keep us from reaching our goals. "I want to write, but..." You fill in the blank. This is my biggest challenge. Anne Lamott has a wonderful article in Sunset Magazine called Finding Time that addresses this problem. Set a goal for yourself, whether that be a certain number of hours a week or a desired daily word count.
2. Go to a Writing Conference. They're expensive, yet I firmly believe that I cut YEARS off of my quest for publication by attending my first Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. I received encouragement and mentoring from professional writers, learned about the industry, met agents and editors, made lasting friendships with many up-and-coming writers and received a good spiritual kick-in-the-pants to keep going. I didn't walk out with a contract, but I met the woman who would later become my agent. You might choose to attend a smaller regional conference or a large national one. Do your research and decide what is the best fit for you. I can also personally recommend the ACFW Annual Conference and the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference.
3. Work on your on-line presence. You don't have to become a blogger or spend hours a day on FaceBook and Twitter. You do want to get your name out there and present yourself in a professional manner. Make sure that your facebook profile shows your face--not your child, dog or garden gnome. People want to connect with other people. Don't make the mistake of having your Twitter account as "HotMamafromOakland" or something equally crazy. Also, be cautious about what you post and the tone that you use. Would you be embarassed if your grandmother read it? How about an editor? Be yourself, but be discreet.
4. Send a certian # of queries. I'm hesitant to write this one because I hear stories about writers who send gazillions of queries to everyone and their dog. I believe you should focus on meeting professionals at conferences and carefully researching their guidelines. I prefer the precision strike over carpet-bombing. But, I also know there are writers out there who NEVER submit because they're afraid of rejection. So, this resolution is for you. It's time to get in the game.
5. Commit to learning both the market and the craft. These two items go hand-in-hand. You need to learn about the market--what is selling right now, what do professionals think will be selling in a few years, what are expected word counts for various genres? At the same time you need to be studying the craft of writing. Become thoroughly familiar with point of view, plotting, character, and story structure. Learn the rules and learn when it's permissible to break them. I like to do this by taking classes at conferences and by reading writer's blogs. You can also study how-to-write books and take college courses. Keep in mind that many college courses are not really designed to teach marketable writing, so--again--do your research.
6. Join a critique group.  You can do this either locally or on-line. To help you decide what you are looking for in a group or to help you start your own, I recommend B. J. Taylor's book, The Complete Guide to Writer's Groups That Work. If you are a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, they sponsor on-line groups and can also help you find groups meeting in your region.

So what writing-related resolutions have YOU made this year?