The Author Paradox

I’ve decided that “author” is one of the most paradoxical careers someone can possibly have. Think about it. We start out spending all our time happily in front of a computer or notebook, writing out our stories. It is a quiet profession, characterized by long hours of peacefully plotting and editing…until you go from hopefully writer to published author. Then all of a sudden you have to turn into a salesman! You have to be out and about, pitching your story to everyone, calling newspapers in hopes that they’ll mention you book, writing things entirely unrelated to your story because you’re looking for new ways to get your name out there, and generally spending time you once used to write on hoping people will now buy your writing. It’s enough to send someone into culture shock!
Yes, this particular post formulated during a short conversation I had with a woman at my book signing this weekend. It was one of those “um, interesting” book signings. :P For the first hour to hour and a half I didn’t sell a single book. The managers were even starting to feel sorry for me. It was enough to make me wonder if I was going to go home that night and reconsider my career choice. But happily, traffic started picking up and peopled started making eye-contact with me. By the time it came to a close the stack of books on my table was reduced to one short pile which the manager had me sign and put out in the autograph copy section. (Praise God and deep sigh of relief) But still, one can’t help but stop and think about the emotional rollercoaster that is also known as authorhood. ;)
All and all, I really did enjoy talking with the people who were brave enough to approach my table. I got to meet a family of bibliophiles, several young writers, and a lot of sweet people who were willing to buy the book just because they knew it is my first. And there are those entertaining moments. I had one woman act like the book was literally singeing her fingers when she found out I write Christian fiction (a very strange “drop and run” maneuver followed). The last woman who came by was so excited to find out it was Christian based she bought several to give to others. That’s what I really like to hear. I didn’t write the book just to be an entertaining mystery. I’ve always hoped it would inspire people to think about the question, “What does it mean to say ‘I believe in God’?” I can hope and pray! :)

Crunch Time!

Ah, the day before a book signing. :) Are you a procrastinator? I’m trying not to be. There have been times when I start preparing for a book signing the night before. I wouldn’t really recommend it. ;)
This time I’ve actually got everyone notified, the event listed locally, and the posters to the bookstore. I even decided what to wear without having to pull everything out of my closet. (This is a great triumph ;)

Now it’s just down to getting the last few things done. I’ve got to find a couple of table clothes. I never know what table I’m going to end up, but they always need a table cloth. Last time the table was so small it could have been covered by a handkerchief!
I’ve also got to dig out my “guestbook.” Of course it will be really great if I can remember to ask people to sigh it. :P
Oh, and I need to find some cards to hand out to people who don’t want to buy the book just now. ;) Never let them walk away with nothing!!
Hm, I’m going to need to find my big purse too. Lol, I tend to think of things I need to bring right up until the last minute….Which reminds me, I need to go charge the camera.

Ah, well. If you’re in the Central Valley area of CA tomorrow, please come down and say hello! :) Click here for more details.
And if not, please pray that all goes well. The bookstore ordered a lot of books and I really need to sell them all.
Thanks! Have a great weekend!

Surprised Even Me…

Do you ever do something entirely subconsciously that outright surprises you?
I recently finished a novella length story and promptly handed it to my mother (my front-line editor ;).
After waiting for a few days, I got up the courage to ask her what she thought of the story so far. Her reply completely surprised me.
“I really like it,” she said. “But it’s got such a 40’s flair to it. I feel like I’m walking alongside Marlowe.”
I understood the reference immediately. We practically grew up on 1940’s movies. It’s remarkable that I can see anything more than black and white. But I couldn’t understand why she would say that about the story. It had nothing to do with a 40’s detective flick.
That afternoon I picked the story back up and started to review it. About four chapters I looked up at my mom and said, “You’re right.”
The story and characters might have had nothing to do with hardboiled PIs smart talking police and suspects, and it quite definitively takes place in modern times, but there’s just something about the story that has that “grit and polish” flair. I can’t really explain it, except to say there is something about the atmosphere, the sense, the street level landscape, and the high-rise views, that clearly says, “Raymond Chandler was here.”
And I didn’t even try! In fact, I’ve never tried to write in that style.
Does that ever happen to you? Whether in writing or some other area of life, does a long loved influence suddenly pop up when you least expect it?

Note: Just in case there are people out there who didn’t grow up on the classic movie channels, I’m referring to the Phillip Marlowe detective series, originally penned by Raymond Chandler. If you give me the chance to watch The Big Sleep I’m probably going to take it. ;)

Let Me Explain The Change…

If you’ve visited this blog at least once before today you might have noticed that between now and then I’ve COMPLETELY changed the whole blog. I thought I should probably mention what and why I did. Oh, yes, there is always method to my madness. ;)

I wanted to take advantage of some blogger features that I had previously neglected. For instance, you can now easily subscribe to Benedictions! Just find the “Subscribe Via Email” box on the sidebar. I’ve also set up blogger’s new Pages Gadget (find the links directly beneath the header). Now I can cleanly keep information permanently posted.
I also wanted to widen the whole blog. The traditional format was so narrow, every time I wanted to post something more than a few hundred words it turned into a scroll-a-thon. Personally, I’m allergic to too much scrolling. ;)
My sidebar was staring to look really messy too, so I streamed lined it and reduced the mismatched images to text. I’m not sure if that makes them less visible, but it feels cleaner.
Of course, I also have to admit that this blog has become my perpetual art project. :) And yes, the image in the header is a real picture of an edit I was going through one day. That’s what happens when you have three versions of the same story and you attempt to merge them. :P
Anyway, I hope you like it! Have a great weekend.

Btw, if you’d like to update your blog in the future, I’ve designed dozens of blog backgrounds and made them available to download for free at Blogcargo.com. Like I said, this is sort of my new art project. :)

Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks Part 2

I’m back today with Warren Baldwin, author of Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and other gems from Proverbs. In the previous post I gave a review of Roaring Lions (very good) and we started talking with Warren about the process of writing on the subject of the Proverbs. Shall we pick right up where we left off?

What do you think the difference is between Biblical proverbs and the proverbs of other cultures?
WB - God and godliness is at the center of the biblical proverbs. We know that Egypt had some highly developed proverbs about the time that Israel did. In fact, there is some indication that the cultures may have been borrowing from each other. One Egyptian named Amenemope has written proverbs that sound remarkably similar to Prov. 22:17-24:22. There is some debate among biblical scholars as to which culture borrowed from the other.
Proverbs from other cultures wanted to produce good people and responsible citizens. The biblical proverbs try to do the same thing, but with the added ingredient of making the person godly.

Writing Questions
Do you have any particular method for planning out and writing your books?
WB - Yes. For the essay-style of Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks I continue to read Proverbs and focus on individual verses. A follow-up volume in this style is about one-half finished.
I am writing another book on Proverbs for teenage Bible classes. This is a very different writing process. For it I am gathering verses on a similar theme and reading and studying all of them as a unit.
I also have a book about one-half finished on marriage. For it I am selecting topics and reading, studying and writing on the topics I have settled on.

Was there anything about the topics in this book that impacted you the most during the writing process?
WB - Probably the topics on anger, envy and resentful attitudes. I have struggled personally in these three areas. I take comfort in the thought that I am on a journey to becoming more god-like, but not perfect. Some of the chapters in this book were written to me!

Is there anything you absolutely need when you sit down to write?
WB - Three things. One, a sense of direction for what I’m writing, even if it is only for a page. Two, a sense of purpose. I have to believe that what I am writing is going to express what I want it to say and will be of benefit to someone. Three, belief and patience. If what I am writing is for a book that will not see publication for years, as opposed to an article that might be published in a few days, I have to believe that what I am writing is really going somewhere and be patient for the journey.

Do you have any future projects you are working on right now?
WB - Yes. Two more works on Proverbs, a marriage book, a book of meditations for men, and a book of Christian doctrine. The last one is actually finished (for 3 years now) but needs a lot of editorial work. I simply haven’t gotten back to it yet.

An all important question for all writers: What do you find is the best way to promote your work?
WB - Another good question. You’ve had many of them, actually. The best way for me to promote my work is to get out and speak. I do seminars on Proverbs for churches, men’s retreats and Bible camps. I have done several and have several more scheduled for this year.
Another way is through blogging. But I think the personal, face-to-face method has worked best for me. Warren at a recent book signging with the owner of the store.

Fun Questions
After having lived and ministered in so many different regions of the U.S. do you have a favorite?
WB - I have loved all three states Cheryl and I have worked in - Florida, Wyoming and Kansas. But, I must admit that the mountains and snow of Wyoming keep my thoughts wandering back there.

Are you very computer literate or do you just know enough to handle day to day life?
WB - I am not very computer literate! That is a hindrance. But, I have other things I value as more important so I don’t take the time to learn more, by choice.

I gathered from your book that you and your family are very big fans of participating in sports.
WB - Yes, being involved with our kids in sports have been very important to our family. It isn’t a matter of sending the kids to athletic events, but of taking them and even coaching them. A couple of years ago Cheryl and I estimated the number of sporting events we went to over the years, and the hours involved, and it blew us away. But they drew our family together and have provided us with many wonderful memories. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

So, I have to ask, does Wii sports sound fun or annoying?
WB - Fun! Our three kids bought Cheryl and me a Wii set for our anniversary and birthdays last year. We have thoroughly enjoyed the games and sports.

If you had to choose a pen name, what would it be and why?
WB - Haven’t ever thought about that before! Maybe "Green Mountain Man." I grew up in the Green Mountains of Vermont and used that term for my CB handle years ago.

Would you like to learn more about Roaring Lions and other writings by Warren? Check out his website. And don’t forget his blog, Family Fountain! He also has an upcoming book signing on April 1st in Ulysses KS and does Proverbs seminars for Churches. Contact him for more information.

Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks

Most of us have heard the phrase, “A proverb a day keeps the devil away.” That line probably has plenty of truth in it, but there are some days when we need more than just a quick recitation of words in the Proverbs. I had the pleasure recently of reading a book that sought help me do just that.
Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and other gems from Proverbs, by Warren Baldwin, is a collection of discussion on 118 different Proverbs.

Backmatter:
For over two thousand years the book of Proverbs has provided wise counsel and spiritual direction for God’s people. The short, rapid style and the piercing truths of Proverbs penetrate the readers’ heart, challenging them to align their lives with the wisdom they proclaim.
Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and other Gems from Proverbs brings the ancient proverbs into contemporary focus by applying their truths to modern situations. Marriage, parenting, friendship, work, money, and other topics are brought under the scrutiny of this ancient wisdom. Each chapter in Roaring Lions is a short essay on a specific proverb that makes God’s word to you come alive with fresh relevance.

As I read through the book I really felt Roaring Lions can be read in three different ways.
-It could easily be used as a daily devotional. Each essay does give you a thought to ponder for that day by applying it to situations in the world we face.
-It could be used to look into specific topics. The book is divided into eight different sections, centering on issues like marriage, discipline, relationships, and accepting God’s will.
-It could also easily be a nice, long weekend read. I rarely read non-fiction books quickly, but I found myself reading through the sections with the same intent I have with most novels.
I did plan on keeping the book on my nightstand so I could go back and check the topics whenever I wanted to, but both my parents have decided it’s their turn to read it next. :)

Interview with Warren Baldwin: Part One

To start, just give me a little bit of your background.
WB - My dad was in construction and we had a family farm, but at an early age he pushed reading and education on his four kids. He wanted us to know how to work hard, but he also wanted us to be able read and write well.
I attended college to study Bible, then went on to seminary. I am still taking graduate classes in Bible and related subjects thirty years after graduating college.
Cheryl and I married in 1982. We have ministered together with three churches in Florida, Wyoming and Kansas. We have three children ranging from age 17 to 24. Our son is now a youth minister in Wyoming.

Roaring Lions is your first book. Is there any particular reason you chose the Proverbs to start with?
WB - I chose Proverbs because of an intense study I was doing on it for Bible classes, sermons and my radio program. I developed so much material that I wanted to find another outlet for it. A book followed.

How did you decide which proverbs and subjects to cover?
WB - Good question. I would read through Proverbs over and over and these particular proverbs spoke to me. I studied them in commentaries and Hebrew language works to see what they might have meant in their original setting, and how they might apply to life today.

The first two sections of this book are about marriage and family. Do you feel these can still be relevant in the lives of single people or couples without children?
WB - Absolutely! The time to begin preparing for marriage and parenthood is long before actually marrying, or even dating. Having a happy, godly marriage for a goal when we are still single helps motivate us to live the kind of life that will have us ready for when the "right" person comes along.
Sadly, I’ve known some guys who one day wanted to settle down and marry a good woman. But, at the time, they were living for the pursuit of pleasure. When they happened to meet a good woman and wanted to develop a relationship with her, she was not attracted to the lifestyle and rejected any overtures.

Join me on Wednesday for the rest of the interview with Warren. We’ll talk more about Proverbs, writing, and some fun stuff too. :)
In the meantime you can learn more about Warren’s writing through his website: http://www.warrentbaldwin.com/ and his blog: Family Fountain.
He also has an upcoming book signing on April 1st in Ulysses KS and does Proverbs seminars for Churches. Contact him for more information.
Until next time…. ;)

The Prolific Blogger and Creative Writer awards.

Last week I received two new blogging awards! :D (feels warm inside)
I received the Prolific Blogger Award from Christian at With Pen In Hand.
Thanks Christian! I really appreciate it. :)

“A Prolific Blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.”
1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!

2. Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.
Please visit Christina’s blog. She’s got some great book reviews and writing posts!

3. Every Prolific Blogger must link back to THIS POST, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.

4. Every Prolific Blogger must visit the Mr. Linky page and add his/her name, so that we all can get to know the other winners.

And now for my nominations! Please visit these blogs. :)
Nisa at Wordplay-Swordplay
Suzzane at Write At Home
Susan at The Christian Reader/Writer Connection
Robyn at Putting Pen To Paper
Abi at 4 The Love Of Books

And then last weekend I received the Creative Writer Award from Tyrean at Tyrean’s Writing Spot.
Thanks Tyrean! I feel so honored. Definitely stop by Tyrean’s blog too!

The recipients of this award must list ten things that make them happy. Just ten things? But the world is full of happy things! Okay, okay. I’ll abide by the rules. ;)
I’ve also nominated three more people for this award. Please check out their work as well.

1) The fact that God not only wanted to save me from my sins, but give me a victorious life here and now. For long time I didn’t understand that.
2) My family. It’s hard to express how close we are and how much fun we have together.
3) My dogs. All five of them!
4) Cappuccino. Enough said.
5) Anything Jane Austen related (provided it’s historically accurate).
6) Cheese…I cook a lot and am part Italian. That should explain everything.
7) My cute little green laptop. His name is Lappierre.
8) Old movies. Humphrey Bogart is the best!
9) The patio chair on my back porch. It’s the best place in the world to read.
10) Talking to all my Blogger, Face Book, and HSA friends. Love you guys!

And my nominations are….
Stormgirl at The Wind In My Face
Diane at That’s What I’m Here For
Bernadine at Keeping it Real

-And now a little confession from me. Between these two awards and the one I got last week I’ve sort of run out of people to give them to. You see, I’m a little new to blogging and regularly reading blogs. So, I’m giving out 8 of the total required between the two different awards right now and then I’ll pass out the others at another time. :) I hope the award creators will forgive me for this rather unorthodox approach. Again, please check out the blogs I’ve listed. :)
Programming Note: Next week I’m doing an interview with writer Warren Baldwin, author of Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks and other gems from Proverbs.

From Writing to Tchaikovsky: Interview with Sarah Scheele Part 2

I’m back today with Sarah Scheele, author of the Facets of Fantasy collection and the American Homeschooler serial. In the previous post we talked about Sarah’s work. Today we talk about writing, reading, and vegetables. ;)

Writing Questions
Are you a “by the seat of the pants” writer or do you have detailed outline before you start to write?

If there's a person who is allergic to outlines, it's me! I've tried to use outlines to organize my thoughts, but once I start writing, they always fly out the window so I don't bother with them anymore. My characters run the show. I pick up a pen and they do what they want to.

Your stories often have deeper meanings behind all the action. What are some of the issues and themes you like to address in your writing?

Something I address in all my books is the need to go below the surface when making judgments. People and situations are both very complex and we can make serious mistakes if we don’t examine them carefully. In every story characters either deal with the assumptions of others, or have their own radically challenged.

More specifically, I often analyze homeschooling as a subculture, because it is one that many people have mistaken assumptions about. I portray homeschooled young people dealing with these misunderstandings. This also gives me a chance to put in a lot of realistic humor and detail, which I love to do!

I examine Christian issues as well, often in a subtle rather than direct way. In Facets of Fantasy I use personal relationships and allegory to explore several key themes of Christian thought, and in portions of American Homeschooler church social life is shown--and yes, frequently satirized.

What inspires your characters and storylines the most? Real life? Other works of fiction?

I'd say real life is my inspiration for the characters. Sometimes I create a character who personifies an idea, but mostly my people come out of observation of life. I am often influenced in plot creation by older works of fiction, if I can find a good device that hasn't been used in awhile. I read extensively in older authors, particularly from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

Is there anything you absolutely need when you write?

Quiet....quiet....and more quiet. I have to be uninterrupted, no TV, no people coming in and out. I'm always overdosing on music because it helps to drown out noise and create that bubble. Music also inspires me and keeps my plot ideas flowing. My taste is varied--Celtic, classical dance pieces, opera and foreign pop.

Fun Questions
What song/playlist are you currently overdosing on?

Right now I’m listening to: Makassar and Si Cara by Al Bano and Romina Power; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Soundtrack; Sus Ojos se Cerraron by Kendra Springer; Come by Namie Amuro; Dierdre of the Sorrows by Mychael Danna; Ch'ella mi Creda by Giacomo Puccini; Sleeping Beauty Finale by Tchaikovsky; and Every Heart by BoA.

Can you cook for yourself, or would you live on microwave meals if left on your own?

I can definitely cook for myself! I've been preparing nightly dinners for my family for ten years. Most of it is from scratch too--I'm great with piecrust. I live on a farm, and we have an orchard and garden, so I know how to make jam, cook fresh corn in season, and do everything that can possibly be done with zucchini.

Are you a “cozy in a sweaters” Wintery girl or a “happy in sandals and sunglasses” Summer girl?

In Texas you've got to be a Summer girl! I can dress up when I have to, but I don't even wear shoes most days. And I don't like being curled up indoors at all. Winter depresses me. With such wide open skies and fields around, it is wonderful to be outdoors. If you see a girl writing on a porch in blue jeans and bare feet, that's probably me.

If you had to choose a pen name, what would it be and why?

Actually, I like my name a lot! It's a really nice coincidence that I've got an alliterative name by birthright. If I had to choose a pen name....well....maybe the name of someone already famous. People might be more likely to give my book a chance!

I highly recommend giving Sarah’s work a chance! Want to know more?
Read more about Sarah and her work at her website and blog. And don’t forget to stop by her Face Book page to start reading American Homeschooler today for free!
-Facet’s of Fantasy is now available in Traditional Print and eBook. Check it out!

From Fantasy to Face Book: Interview with Sarah Scheele Part 1

I am joined today by author Sarah Scheele. I’ll confess, she is one of my new favorite writers, one of the reasons being her versatility. She is the author of Facets of Fantasy, a collection of five novellas covering practically all the genres within fantasy, and the new satire series American Homeschooler, downloadable for free.

To start, tell me a little about your background.

Well, I was homeschooled K-12 and am the oldest of four girls. I always wanted to be a writer, in fact I never considered any other career. I think the way I was educated allowed me to focus on writing from an early age and I appreciate my parents giving me the opportunity. My first book was published in 2008. American Homeschooler is my third project so far, and definitely my most ambitious. I'm really excited about it.

First let’s talk about Facets of Fantasy. In this collection you have everything from sci-fi to the mythological. How did this collection come into being?

Facets of Fantasy is aimed at teenagers, and I do use a wide variety of settings, both to avoid a feeling of sameness in the stories and to set off the different heroines. Imagining multiple worlds wasn't that hard, though. The problem was organizing all the ideas into something coherent. I had always tried full-length novels, but the material just wouldn't become structured. So I tried the novella approach, centering each story around one specific incident. I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

You’ve called your newest series, American Homeschooler, the first novel made for Face Book. Explain that a little for us. Can people who aren’t on Face Book still read it?

A lot of writers use Facebook to connect with readers, but American Homeschooler is the first work actually designed to appear through this network. It is serialized weekly on my public Facebook page rather than being traditionally published. This makes it easy for people to read it while they are already using the site. They can subscribe to the page for free. And yes, you absolutely can read it if you don't have a Facebook account! The page is open to everyone, although some interactive features are available only to Facebook users.
To read the first chapter of American Homeschooler, click here.

American Homeschooler has been described as modern satire. How did you jump from fantasy to comedy?

It wasn't hard at all! In Facets there are several stories that are largely realistic except for being set in imaginary countries, so I’m comfortable not relying on fantasy devices. And satire, like all really good comedy, has a fantasy quality about it. It needs to be exaggerated to make its point. The only real change I made was to set the stories in our world instead of in imaginary ones.

Much like you, the heroine is a from a Texas homeschool family with multiple daughters. I have to ask, is she a little autobiographical?

Perhaps a little! The background you mentioned is very close to home. Not only Letty's location and family situation, but her isolated lifestyle in the country, are very like my own upbringing. In a setting so like my own life there may be some parallels in Letty's thoughts and feelings as well. But I didn't intend American Homeschooler to be a story about my own experiences, and there are many parts of the story that aren't autobiographical at all.

You do a lot with the “new media” (Face Book, Blogs, Twitter, eBooks). Do see this as the future of book promotions? How about publishing in general?

With the amount of time people spend on the Internet these days, I think the new media is well on its way to being the primary marketing tool for all the entertainment industries. For writers this is especially true. Even authors who get dream contracts with huge publishers would be very foolish not to have a socially active persona on the web.
Visit Sarah’s blog: Southern Sky

Ebooks are also becoming a vital promo tool. I do not think ebooks will replace print media anytime soon. In fact, I have already received queries from people asking if American Homeschooler is available as a 'real' book! But I think authors increasingly advertise their print book by putting an ebook online.

Part two of this interview will be posted on Wednesday. Next time we’ll talk about writing and just some fun stuff. :)

In the meantime, Sarah has a lot of links for you should definitely check out.

-To read samples of all of her work, including Facets of Fantasy, visit:
www.facebooknovel.yolasite.com
-Then hop on over to Sarah’s Face Book Page to check out more of American Homeschooler. -Facet’s of Fantasy is now available in Traditional Print and eBook. Check it out!

New book signing AND what’s up and coming.

Okay, this is a notice of two things; a new book signing and an update on what is coming up on this blog over the next two weeks.

To start with, NEW BOOK SIGNING!
If you’re going to be in the Central Valley of CA on March 27th, please consider visiting the River Park Borders Books. I’ll be there starting at 2PM. So if you’re looking for a new book, gift (Mother’s Day is coming up), or just ready to start your Summer reading list come on by. I’d love to see you!

I’m just glad I got this one because things became a little tangled up along the way. Somehow my marketing agent and I got the location of the store and the manager’s names crossed, so I called, asked for the manager (who had a ridiculously hard name to pronounce), and got a moment of dead silence in return. After being informed that no one by that name worked there and I was already talking to the manager of the store I somehow chocked out the reason I was calling. Happily she still gave me the signing! And ordered a lot of books…so please come! Lol.

NOW, onto the next two weeks.
Staring on Monday I’m going to do an interview with Sarah Scheele, author of the Facets of Fantasy collection and the American Homeschooler serial.
Then the following week I have an interview with Warren Baldwin, author of Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and other gems from Proverbs.
It’s been an interesting experience talking to a fiction and non-fiction writer. I’m sure you’ll enjoy hearing from both of them. Trust me, I already have all the answers. ;)
In the meantime, check out Sarah and Warren’s website to learn more about their work.
Sarah Scheele: http://facebooknovel.yolasite.com/
Warren Baldwin: http://www.warrentbaldwin.com/

The Honest Scrap Award

Hey, I received my very first blog award! And it’s kind of an interesting one. Recipients of the Honest Scrap award must list ten things about themselves that few or no people know. Hm….
Thanks every so much to Abi from 4theLoveofBooks for giving me this award. :D

I’ve passed the award on to seven more great bloggers. Please check their work out.

Okay, here’s my list of 10 things you might not know about me:
1.) I can’t drive, but actually really like cars. (My father and brother restore classic cars, so it’s hard not to ;)

2.) I have an extremely good long-term memory and a very poor short-term memory.

3.) I’ve only danced at one event in my entire life…and I wasn’t any good. Hopefully I’ll learn to do it the right way.

4.) Nobody ever calls me Emily Ann, but I use it for my writing name because my mother always wished people did.

5.) I was homeschooled from the 8th grade on up and consider it to be one of the best things that ever happened to me.

6.) I can beat my brother at racing video games. That’s it. :P

7.) I was standing on top of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2000. Yes, that one still freaks me out.

8.) I’m addicted to spanakopita (an oh-so-wonderful Greek snack), but I can’t pronounce the name.

9.) I refuse to read Agatha Christie’s The Mouse Trap because I still believe that someday I’ll be able to go to London and see the play in person.

10.) I was diagnosed with a somewhat rare disease in 2004 which does cause some problems on occasion, but the whole experience has drawn me so much closer to God I will always consider it a blessing. :)

Now for my nominations. Again, please check there writing out. :)

Linnae@ Scarabocchi
Sarah@ Southern Sky
Tyrean@ Tyrean’s Writing Spot
Joanne@ Whole Latte Life
Christina@ With Pen In Hand
Lynnette@ Chatterbox Chit Chat
Jules@ On Eagle’s Wings