Home From Mount Hermon 2011

Well I'm home. After spending a day cuddling and hanging out with my kids, attempting (and failing) to unpack, I decided to sit down and write about my week at Mount Hermon. I've heard from so many writers who have been there what a great conference it is and now I see why people go back year after year. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and this year's conference just happened to land in a sunny patch of the weather forecast so we had warm, blue skies every day. Last night over Mexican food, I told my husband about the conference and he was very attentive. Finally, he said "So it's kind of like band camp but for writers." Haha, pretty much. Who else but a group of writers would think a late-night panel discussion on e-books between Steve Laube, Randy Ingermanson, James Scott Bell and several others is as fun as an episode of Saturday Night Live?

I decided to take Steve Laube's morning track which was an inside look at the publishing process from idea to print. Our class was small, just six people, but he was a great sport about it. Steve Laube answered our questions and personalized his examples around our own books and places in the publishing process. The folks in my morning track were so friendly and it was a great time of sharing our writing projects and goals and getting to know one another. I wish them all the best! And I was really glad for such a small group when it came time to stand in front of the class and test our elevator pitches. Everyone gave feedback and we all walked away with the perfect pitch. Although when Steve reminded us that the class was being recorded for all to hear who chose to buy the conference cd's...gulp. I think he thought he was funny :)

And really, I have no idea why I was so nervous. It's not like any conference I've ever been to. I even wore my purple converse most days and fit in perfectly with the jeans and tennis shoes theme. Mount Hermon is so welcoming and makes it easy for first-timers to get into the groove of things. Meal times were an opportunity to meet writers from every genre and walk of life, while sitting down with faculty members who are more than willing to hear pitches, story ideas and schedule appointments. None of those dreadful 15 minute speed dating appointments at Mount Hermon. Thank God! I admire those who are seeking an agent and bravely set up appointments and pitch their projects. It really is quite a task, one that I spent a long time pursuing, making me all the more thankful for my wonderful agent.

The days were jam-packed with workshops from morning til night on every writing topic under the sun. My favorite was a night-owl workshop held by Sarah Sundin about researching for historical fiction. I almost didn't make it because my fabulous sense of direction had me wandering around in the dark forever until I finally found the room. Let me just tell you, the girl knows how to research and had some of us drooling over her massively thick binders chock full of perfectly documented notes, countless copies of magazines, newspapers, even food ads from 1940, complete with color coded tabs, a table of contents and detailed bibliography on every book she has used. She must have read a hundred books on WWII and her suggestions and tips for researching were INVALUABLE. I had to pick my jaw off the floor and make a mental note to whip my own resources into better shape. And congratulations to Sarah for her win at the awards ceremony Monday night!

When I found time to sneak away, sometimes skipping a workshop for a walk along the paths and a deep breath, I felt instantly energized. The redwood forests, lush with ferns and greenery, wildlife and streams, was the perfect place for reflection and spending some time alone with God. Every evening, a message of encouragement and a challenge to walk closer with God seemed to spill out of the keynote speaker, Bill Myers. It was a wonderful time of study and reflection on my own walk and a reminder that God is with us through all times. If you have considered purchasing any conference cd's, that is a session I highly recommend.

Being there with my critique pals made the trip so much fun. We supported, encouraged, and often times laughed with each other as we took it all in, making my first trip to Mount Hermon one I will never forget.

Mount Hermon, Here We Come!

I am so excited! In less than a week, some fellow writing pals and I are going to load up in the car, weighed down by a variety of road snacks, Starbucks gift cards waiting to be redeemed, a little help from the GPS, and we'll set out on the 7-ish hour drive to Mount Hermon. Can I get a "Roadtrip! Woohoo!" *composes self* Thank you.

Oh and by the way, I took this picture while writing this blog post. Yep, no kids and what is a writing mom to do but spoil herself? That box may or may not contain pastries from the tea shop in town. You would see the slippers on my feet but you know...the whole feet on the table thing...

So back to Mount Hermon. This is my first major writing conference. For several years, I attended the two-day conference put on by our local Christian writer's guild in San Diego...I know I'm not really local, but they let me hang anyway :) The guild hosted their annual Spring Event just this past weekend and it was so much fun getting to meet with my fellow writers, chit chat, nibble on yummy food, and listen to Leeana Tankersley, our fabulous speaker, author of Found Art. Also, Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy, always hosts one of the workshops. This year she showed us how to create a fabulous one-sheet. Invaluable tips and advice, thanks Susan! I've got mine all done and ready to print out to take to Mount Hermon.

But like I said, never been there, so I am a little (OK, really) nervous about the conference. This is very outside my element. I'm a mommy who stays home with little rug rats doing all those sticky, noisy, things that mommies with rug rats do all day. So rubbing elbows with people who actually have a wardrobe of business clothes, professional business cards, and eloquently delivered elevator pitches...well has me shakin' in my apron. Ya know?

But I think that's sometimes the point. Writer's conferences can be INCREDIBLY intimidating to those who are new or just plain inexperienced. Like me. And my guess is, for many others. The good news is that it always seems like once we step into the unknown, put on our Lucy Pevensie brave face, and dive into a new experience, we often (if not always) come out a little stronger, wiser and the better for it. So I am excited about the new experiences I will have, fabulous workshops and tracks awaiting, and the new friendships and contacts yet to be made. Not to mention...this mommy could use a vacation :D

And for more on Mount Hermon, check this post out.

Book Review: Lessons From The Mountain by Mary McDonough

"Mary is a whole lot more than
Erin on The Waltons.
This book shows how she's handled
all the highs and lows with grace."
George Clooney

 Lessons From the Mountain recounts the childhood of Mary McDonough and her experiences of growing up on the Mountain as one of the beloved children in The Waltons.

Her accounts stirred my heart, bringing to life the young acress' experiences, both delightful and heartbreaking. Through dispelling myths, sharing insecurities and recounting all the good times and gags (mostly by John Boy--my favorite was the foaming mouth scene in the middle of church) from the Walton's set, McDonough's memoirs are touching in true-to-life fashion. She offers the reader a real treat, an inside look into these fond memories, leaving us understanding a little more about the characters and crew that made up The Waltons. 

As her endearing innocence faded into insecurities and struggles with self-worth, Mary searched to find herself. Her days were filled with sets and wardrobes, stylists and media scrutiny, bullies and blunders. Lost in an imaginary world where time stood still, she was always seen as the cute kid with freckles through the world's television screen and though the show must always go on, she secretly struggled behind her character's persona. This book shines a bright light on the realities that Mary faced as a child actor and surprisingly, her experiences were often times heartbreaking.

As those around her helped her carve out a new and victorious path, she began to find herself among the not-so glitz and glam of the Hollywood she knew. Yet even as an adult, Mary's struggle with fitting in haunted her and a decision to improve her appearance nearly cost the actress her life. Lessons From The Mountain shares her intense climb out of her sorrows and fears and into a world where she realized her voice was powerful--not just as an actress--but as a women's rights advocate, mother and friend. What's so special about this book is the way Mary recounts all her memories and experiences, whether good or bad, with the utmost class--a true testament to her character, making Lessons From The Mountain an excellent read.


Lessons From the Mountain on Amazon

Spring Fancies

It's spring. Crocus are beginning to bloom with daffodils close behind. The birds are chirping outside and my wind chime is carolling a happy song. I actually have my front door open--its such a delight to invite the yumminess in. I've tucked away my snow boots (though, granted, I might have to pull them back out again.) And I've replaced my winter wreath with a brightly painted sign: Spring.

In honor of this lovely time of year, I thought I would share some of my favorite spots for celebrating the growing season. Every June for the last three years, my family and I have gone down to the Lavender Festival at 123 Farm. Imagine this: sitting in a grassy area, surrounded by massive trees while classical music is performed on a grand piano mere feet away, sipping on ice-cold lavender lemonade, and inhaling the sun-warmed fields of lavender wafting by on the breeze. I know, doesn't sound relaxing, right? Lavender is supposed to have calming effects, so just imagine being surrounded by an entire farm of the fragrant herb. It's like walking around in a happy daze all day :D

We love the horse-pulled wagon tour and petting zoo. My children enjoy the sprawling lawns set up with games of cricket and Frisbee while I find myself a toasty lawn chair to enjoy the cool breeze. What's that? My glass is empty? Time for another round of lavender lemonade. The festival has become known for their use of lavender in everything from soaps to sachets to baked goods and beverages. My all time favorite is the lavender shortbread cookies and the fragrant vanilla ice cream laced with the subtle flavor of...yep, you guessed it. Oh. So. Good. Don't worry, I'll place the link below. But before you run off, check out my other favorite destination for spring.

Summer's Past Farms is a cozy and inviting family-run establishment tucked away on Olde Highway 80. Filled with quaint gardens and nooks for the child at heart, Summers Past Farm is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon with the family or a couple of girlfriends. Because of it's size, strollers aren't even necessary (this mom's dream!) After setting up our picnic blankets in the grassy area where the kids will spend hours running around in the sunshine, we usually secure our glasses of homemade Black Mango iced tea from the coffee bar, and set to exploring the farm.

There are gardens of every shape and size, an occasional cat stretched out in the sun, picket fences covered in flowers and arbors heavy with the fragrant smells of spring. My children love the playhouse with the pint-sized garden where they can explore. Our favorite time is to go in May when the Sweet Pea Maze is open to visitors. Imagine exploring a maze made entirely out of sweet pea vines. Heavenly.

The cottage-style shops will pull you into a world of seeds, teacups and all those things that have me pulling out my wallet. Don't forget to buy a package ( in my case several) of the Black Mango tea, its delicious hot or cold. Oh, and the soap shop? Divine. Before leaving, we scour the nursery and take home new varieties of our favorite flowers and herbs. A box filled with fresh parsley, colorful nemesias and lanky foxglove inevitably gets tucked into the back of the car.

So if you're in the southern California area, I hope you will get the chance to visit these beautiful farms!
The only down side is having to leave.

Lavender Festival @ 123 Farm
Summers Past Farms

Book Review: "Katia" by Bruce Judisch

A spirited American exchange student. A sixty-year-old invalid. An enigmatic Berlin gentleman. A riveting Cold War secret. "Seek the truth, embrace the pain, cherish the freedom." Peek over the Berlin Wall as Katia's story comes to life through the scribbled notes of a girl struggling to grasp the significance of what she has written for her own life as well as for future generations.

As I read through Katia, I kept thinking to myself, "There is no way my review will do this book justice." And it's true. So I begin with an apology and a plea to just go out and buy the book, regardless of my ramblings.

This book is pure class. I loved every minute of it. Based upon the life of Katia Mahler, a sixty-year old German invalid and her memories and experiences living in Berlin during the Cold War, Bruce Judisch weaves a remarkable tale--heart wrenching in it's history and revelations, yet simple in its execution. Never did I expect this type of story to be such a light read, so finessed. Katia is arranged in such a way that it never felt weighty. Many threads woven together to read with such simplicity is a quality only a true craftsman can pull off.

I can't recall another book that made me chuckle on one page, cry on the next, and burst out laughing moments later. Mr. Judisch has a rare gift for tugging at the heartstrings and smile muscles simultaneously (often to my own annoyance--I rather resent someone who dares take advantage of my irrational feminine emotions. :D) That said, Katia is remarkably romantic. The story felt so real, I often reminded myself that it was a piece of fiction, though I must admit, the romantic in me refuses to listen.

Above all else, Katia left me feeling humbled (in the best sense). The lessons of faith woven through this story are carried out with grace as both the writer and his characters know just how to pull the reader along with the utmost sensibility and care to kindly pull back the cobwebs of the heart in thought provoking and, I suspect, life changing ways. This book has touched my heart and I hope it will touch yours.

For more on Katia and Bruce Judisch, including photographs of his time spent in Berlin during the wall's fall, check out his website!

Katia on amazon.com
Bruce's Website

Adventures in Country Living: Winter Garden

So I know that Spring is blooming up all over. Conversation hearts are making way for Cadbury eggs on store shelves, people are sneezing like crazy (my husband included) and replacing our snow boots with flip flops by the front door has me excited for warmer days. But while California flatlanders (yes, ya'll are called that by people who live in the mountains-- particularily while driving :D) are seeing green things out their windows, we're staring at over a foot of snow and our cars are in desperate need of a washing. If only it were that time of year when we could actually hook a hose up to a water spicket. But anywho...back to spring.

While my yard is a jumble of mud and snow and kids who are covered in, well, mud and snow, I know my summer garden is a long way off. But that only means there's still time to enjoy the winter garden. This is where a greenhouse comes in really handy.

If you're now thinking, "But I don't have a greenhouse."
I'm here to tell you, "Never fear, cuz I don't either."

What I do have, is a simple garden bed built out of 2x4's that's covered with a hinged lid of plastic that surprisingly enough, can handle quite a heavy snow load. Also, it helps to be married to Mr. Handyman *grin*

He built this box for me (upon request...there may have been a little batting of the lashes) and since then, every winter, regardless if there is a storm raging outside, I can brave the snow, pry open that hefty lid and (drum roll please)...Lettuce! Now, they're not huge leaves, granted, but they are tender and just enough to get us by through winter.

I have all kinds. My favorite is the mesclun mix, sort of like the dainty green and purple mixture you see in those plastic boxes at the grocery store. Except this lettuce is never dark and slimy (you know what I'm talking about) because it's picked fresh every time we need it. It stores really nicely in the salad spinner in the fridge and is always on hand for sandwiches and little salads. Come spring, however, I'll be up to my eyeballs in lettuce and my family will not only consume a large salad every single day, but I just might be hunting you down with a bag of lettuce, pleading for you to take some off my hands. Warm weather really works wonders. Do you like my picture? That's my greenhouse...it's puurrty.

Having a winter garden is incredibly easy. The boxes are so simple to build and if you don't live where you get snow, you probably don't even need a box. Just a sunny corner of your yard were you can sow a winter variety of lettuce, spinach, chard and cabbages. And that's only to name a few. There is a surprising number of winter hardy vegetables and the color and freshness are just the ticket for warming the soul as it awaits spring's arrival.

Happy Homesteading!

When Characters Get Distracted

I recently razzed my friend while critiquing her manuscript. During a crucial "the sky is falling" kind of scene, her heroine had a thought that was completely off topic from the urgency at hand. I made a joke in the comment section, "Don't let her get distracted."

About a week or so later, I was editing a manuscript of mine that I hadn't touched in a few months (fresh eyes are always good, right?) As I was working my way through it, dusting away cobwebs, I kept finding instances where I let my characters get distracted. It's such an easy mistake to make. As writers, we are often focused on describing a setting in such detail, we forget that in some instances...no one really cares! Sometimes it just doesn't match the emotion of the scene.

I was editing my way through a crucial--heart wrenching--life altering--world shattering moment, when suddenly, my protagonist noticed a bucket of water in the corner and the line said, "He watched it, suddenly curious why he hadn't noticed it before."

WHAT?! Is he seriously thinking about how he never noticed the dumb bucket right now? I wanted to smack him. Here, O observant one, have a boy scouts badge. I couldn't believe I kept letting my characters get distracted. There I sat, tears forming in my eyes, and the moron was staring into space. Fabulous.

But I had to admit, it wasn't his fault. I'm the one who gave him the thought. Poor guy, I felt bad for being hard on him.

It's never intentional. We don't mean to have our characters throw themselves out of the scene. It's not like they get a text come in or something and say "hold on. I need to answer this." Really, it's just author error. We think we are setting the stage or offering up an interesting piece of information, but unless it pushes the story forward or offers the reader an interesting morsel to ponder, it's just taking up valuable real estate.

In a sense, its almost like a POV (point of view) violation. Of course its not technically head hopping, but is the character seeing that bucket in his moment of deep despair, or is the author jumping up and down, waving her arms, pointing at the stupid bucket and shouting, "Look, reader. I'm so clever! Do you like my carefully placed bucket? Isn't it interesting?!"

Oh, dear. We've got an author on the loose who doesn't know how to keep her thoughts to herself.

Its called author intrusion and it's VERY easy to do. We love to think our characters are beautiful, or handsome or really smart when truthfully, it can only come across if it's seen through the POV character's eyes. It has to be natural. It has to be organic. Otherwise the reader will notice. They're very bright people.


If you're in the villains head, he probably wouldn't be noticing that the wildflowers are in bloom or the softness of the breeze through his dark, greasy hair. He wouldn't think his laugh was sinister. He wouldn't think his thoughts were evil. And he certainly wouldn't think your Hero is debonair. Yikes. Major author intrusion ;)

Photo credit: The Princess Bride, 1987