 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s ConferenceThe Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference has been in my rearview mirror for a month now. Wow. I had quite a different experience than I did two years ago. Why? Mostly because my attitude changed. Or maybe, it was just the right time to move forward. Either way, I am grateful—for many reasons. The venue was stunning as you see above. Although it rained every day of the 5 day conference, occasionally the clouds would part and allow us to view the mountain range. Despite the rain, the attendee's hearts were expectant and joyful as they interacted with fellow writers, staff, agents, and editors. There were various reasons why each of us were present. Some hoped to win awards. Others had been praying for an agent to represent them, or an editor to publish their work. Just a chance for someone to notice their creative efforts would be appreciated. Others had come to present a class or workshop. Then there was the bookstore, full of published dreams for hopeful writers to read.  This Year at BRMCWC Was DifferentI wasn't overwhelmed. Well, maybe a bit the first day. But a guardian angel (a fellow attendee) walked me along a path from the auditorium to the cafeteria then to Mountain Laurel, where those all-important 15 minute appointments with agents, editors and seasoned authors were held. Not only did it help me get from place to place quicker, but the path was shielded from the rain. Yay! This was a blessing since my head shot appointment was on the rainiest day of all! Christina Custodio made me feel beautiful and relaxed—the key to great photos. But let’s not forget the skills of the photographer. They are no light matter. Below is my ID mug shot. Even that one turned out well without touch up!  What Does a Week at a Writer’s Conference Look Like?Although I submitted my nonfiction work-in-progress for my silver-haired sisters, Flourishing & Fragrant, to the Foundations Awards (for unpublished works), I did not win. When I discovered there were over 700 entries, and only approximately 150 winners, I was not disappointed. I also was relieved I didn't need to make that journey up and down the stage and back to my seat. But I was ready, just in case. When one of the agents I had singled out to meet with did not come to the conference, my heart sank. But I reminded myself at that moment, that God was still in control, and He had a reason. I needed to trust in His sovereignty. Soon, I was at peace. Thankfully, I did my homework ahead of time, and narrowed my choices down to three: two agents and one editor. But, the next morning, my guardian angel came to my rescue again and suggested I see another editor I had not considered, who had been added in at the last moment—and she had an appointment available. So, I signed up! I want to mention here that for those writers just getting their toes wet in the publication waters, visiting an agent or editor is not recommended. Seasoned authors can give you insights into their publishing journey and tips to navigating that confusing and frustrating path. Choosing an author who writes in your genre will be more helpful as he/she can give you specific advice.. Faculty were asked to sit at different tables during lunch and dinner to allow discussion for those who could not get an appointment. God directed me through my Aussie author friend Penny, to sit at her table. But because the only open seat was at the other end, I sat next to an acquisitions editor whom I had not considered. But God was working. In a very natural way, the editor asked what I wrote, so I gave him my one sheet summary of my book, bio and contact info. No fear, no worry, and no expectations. Just peace!  My preparation for the conference: business cards, one sheets, and that all important schedule with my preferred classes marked! What I enjoyed most was interacting with writers at different stages of their journey. Some were seasoned writers and speakers, and others who had a passion to write and were looking for insights and practical help with their chosen genre. There were historical and contemporary fiction authors, devotional and Bible Study creators, and nonfiction writers of all kinds, eager to glean from more experienced authors. We chatted, gave each other encouragement or advice, and exchanged business cards in hopes to stay in touch via social media. Those that had attended the conference gave handy tips on navigating the grounds and schedule for the wide-eyed newbies. Writers met in classes, the Clouds Café, in the elevator and while waiting for the keynote to begin. We were all there for one reason—to grow in the gift God had given us as we determine His next steps. Sometimes that step is publication, navigating that intimidating chore we call marketing, or, quietly writing in our artist’s chair, sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. I was thrilled to find two of my Author Accelerator Book Coaching practicum students at the conference. Lindy (below) is a fellow historical fiction author who placed in the Foundations Awards for her Regency Romance novel from the Vicars & Viscounts Series. Lindy is quite the prolific author and I was proud of her achievement!  There are No Guarantees in the Writer’s Life There was a bookstore to peruse, full of books written by presenters and attendees; a fun night of giggles, enjoying writers who paraded across the stage dressed as their chosen genre and an Selah and Foundations awards night for published and unpublished authors. Everyone was given the opportunity to shine. But alas, not everyone did. I'm sure more than one person (me) was disappointed. There are no guarantees in this challenging profession. I remind people of the ‘starving artist’ syndrome, not only a reality in past centuries, but also found today. As I discovered two years ago, having an agent or editor request your proposal or manuscript does not automatically mean your work will be published. But it does mean this: your work caught the interest of someone knowledgable in the field, and wants to see more. That's progress! Hopefully, this blogpost from the Blue Ridge Conference, Beware of the Post-Conference Writing Blues will be an encouragement to you. Where Was the Conference Overwhelm?So where is the overwhelm I mentioned? For me, it was not at the conference. I had peace during all my appointments and truly enjoyed meeting up with agents and editors, knowing they were people too. I could rest in knowing God held my writing future in His hands, and nothing could thwart what He deemed best. My overwhelm came when I returned home with four requests for my two proposals: my middle-grade historical fiction and nonfiction for seasoned women. After sending a thank you email to each one, I began the process of revising my proposals and MG novel, since both agents asked me to add a bit more detail to the proposals which would help in the selection process. In two more weeks, I was ready. The second overwhelm was realizing if both my proposals are accepted, and I am chosen for representation, I will be working full steam ahead for many years to come. That literally stopped me in my tracks. Is this really what I've been praying for? Is this the life I've been wanting? Up to this time, my writing has been done in between the many responsibilities at church and neighborhood, let alone dealing with a body that is slowly deteriorating due to arthritis. But then, I had to remind myself (again) that God is sovereign and will not bring anything into my life that I cannot handle with His strength. I only need to trust. No need to worry. No place for overwhelm. Only peace and contentment. It’s All About Jesus These miniature images of Jesus were planted all over the conference grounds in nooks, crannies and crevices. The 'instigator' of these images wanted the conference attendees to be reminded of the fact that Jesus is with us wherever we go. And He has a unique plan for each of us. Are you a writer hoping to find an agent or editor for your precious manuscript? I trust that my words have been an encouragement to you. Never lose hope. God knows the right time to bring your writing gift to the world. While you are waiting, consider writing devotionals to inspire your readers with God’s grace and mercy. How Can I Help You?Here is a link to a list of Christian Writer’s Conferences for your perusal. I would highly recommend that you attend one at least every other year if possible. Many have scholarships for those who cannot afford the fee, but are serious about their writing.
If you are struggling in your writing journey, let me know below how I can help. At best, I can pray for you!
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 A YA Historical Novel set in the 1950s—the Jim Crow EraI admire perseverance. Especially when it comes from a seasoned writer. Carol Baldwin is one of those. Her debut novel, Half-Truths, took 18 years of hard writing and editing before it caught the eye of a publisher. And I'm so proud of her! I first met Carol at a Christian writers conference in Greenville, SC. As I chatted with her about the writer’s journey, she invited me to join their blogging team at Write2Ignite, an online organization focused on helping children’s writers move forward in their careers. As I was a middle-grade historical fiction writer, I gained so much insight into the genre and the craft of writing. Little did I know that Carol had a story brewing that would take years to publish (and I'm sure, neither did she). But, she persevered. Growing up as a northern white child in the 60s, I had no idea what was going on in the South. Until I read Half-Truths, I continued to be isolated from the harsh realities of racial prejudice. This well-researched, compelling, and heart-wrenching YA historical fiction follows Kate as she comes to grip with her own prejudices and moves forward to tell the whole truth—no matter the cost! So, I am honored to feature her in my April blog post. Half-Truths has given me a personal in-depth look from the view of a relatable young MC, challenging my prejudices as a new resident of this beautiful state of North Carolina, where the story is set. Young or old, you don't want to miss this hard-to-put-down novel! But first a professional review and the trailer to set the scene. . . Midwest Book Review Half-Truths Q&AJARM: I understand that birthing this book has been a long journey. How long had it taken you? What gave you the idea for writing Half-Truths? Tell me about your research and writing process. CAROL: From beginning to end it’s taken 18 years! I began with the idea of a farm girl who feels like a fish out of water when she moves to the high society neighborhood of Myers Park in Charlotte, NC. I wanted it to be an historical novel because I was curious about the history that no one talks about—the history that figuratively lay under people’s feet as they walked around Charlotte. Unfortunately, my city tends to pull down homes and businesses and put up new buildings without anyone thinking about what used to be there. I suppose you can say I was looking for Charlotte’s forgotten history. I was also curious about what it was like before the civil rights period of the 60’s. I think that both of these answers reflect who I am: a transplanted Yankee who came to Charlotte, NC in 1986. I was the fish out of water in a new city in the South—both of which I knew little about. There were three main sources for my information: books and articles I read, people I interviewed, and places I went to. First, I read about Charlotte, about the 1950s, about the conflict in Korea; about fashion, people, and the news. You name it, I wanted to know my historical setting as well as possible. In the early stages, I read articles from The Charlotte Observer on microfilm. More recently, I’ve read stories archived online which is a lot easier! I also found information in other periodicals and on the internet. Second, I interviewed close to 100 people who lived in Charlotte during the period or had heard stories from family members. Bits and pieces of their stories got woven into mine. Often it was hard to figure out what not to include! Third, I visited places. In the End Notes of Half-Truths, I talk about visiting a former Rosenwald School in Charlotte. The personal stories of the two men I met and a picture on the school’s wall were pivotal in creating my plot. I visited the remains of an African American cemetery less than a half mile away from an upscale mall and restaurants. That cemetery was part of the inspiration for the cemetery scene in Half-Truths. I visited the Second Ward Alumni House and met alumni Vermelle Ely and Price Davis. Over the course of many conversations, they showed me how important their Black high school was to the community and gave me a picture of what life was like for Black teenagers in the 50’s in Charlotte.  JARM: Did you run across any stumbling blocks in your research? How did you get past them? CAROL: Early on I decided to follow the example of my friend Kathleen Burkinshaw and use newspaper headlines as chapter titles. That proved to be much more difficult than I anticipated. It took me hours and hours to dig up headlines that matched the content of each chapter. Initially, the story was going to take place in 1953. When I changed it to 1950-1951 I had dozens of headlines that didn’t fit! I also wanted headlines from The Charlotte Post, Charlotte’s Black newspaper, but the paper wasn’t on microfilm or digitalized. I found one headline in a Black newspaper in Chicago that I used. I found the headlines through perseverance. And when I couldn’t find one that fit, I made it up! JARM: What message do you want readers to take away from your book? CAROL: Too often half-truths, prejudice, and harmful ways of thinking and behaving are passed from one generation to the next. This has the potential to build walls between people. The first step towards reconciliation is acknowledging wrongdoing and moving forward with open, respectful communication. The theme of half-truths runs throughout the book. Kate not only uncovers deceptions that have been passed on in her family, but she also comes to grips with her half-truths. Like Kate, We must face the lies we’ve told others or ourselves. Lillian, an important secondary character, is a teenage Black maid who works for Kate’s grandmother. The two girls bond over Kate’s goat, and while building that friendship, Kate frequently stumbles. In a major turning point, Kate alienates Lillian by publicly saying a half-truth about her. It is only when Kate admits what she did and communicates her genuine regret to Lillian that their friendship is reconciled. As the story progresses, Kate discovers secrets about her family’s ancestry. She wants to talk about them to her stern grandmother— the lynchpin in the puzzle—but she’s afraid. At the end of the book, she broaches the topic as the two plant a garden. Kate’s hunch about her ancestry is validated as she breaks through walls that have existed for decades. She is then freer to speak her voice and move forward without debilitating fear. JARM: What advice do you have for those neck-deep in research, wondering if there will ever be an end to the edits and rewrites? CAROL: If you are passionate about your story and have received positive feedback on your project’s feasibility and writing skills—don’t give up! You have to love your story and believe in it to power through countless rewriting and edits. Feel free to take time off to write something (small) to give your mind a break —but realize that to finish your novel, you simply have to keep going. “Butt in chair,” is always good advice!  Life Magazine featuring Charlotte Debutantes in 1951. Read Half-Truths to discover the significance of this picture! Book Giveaway!You have until April 30th to enter the giveaway for a copy of Half-Truths. Simply comment on the post below, and tell me what intrigues you about this story. I will draw a name from the responses below, and notify them via email. Make sure you include your email address within the tagline as requested for me to see. The public cannot see your address.  Carol Baldwin’s debut YA historical novel, HALF-TRUTHS, (Monarch Educational Services, April 2025) takes place in Charlotte in 1950. She has presented at many educators and writing conferences and is published widely in newspapers and magazines. She co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. She holds a B.S. in Mental Health and a M.S. in Community Counseling. Before turning to writing for children, Carol published Friendship Counseling: Biblical Foundations for Helping Others and Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8. She has been a SCBWI member since before there was an “I” in the name and coordinated the SCBWI-Carolinas blog for many years. When she isn’t writing or blogging, you’ll find her gardening, exercising, or reading books with one of her nine grandchildren. Please connect with her at https://linktr.ee/carolbaldwin . Readers can find the book here:
Amazon Park Road Books. [email protected] (local indie bookstore—order from here and it’ll come autographed!) Barnes & Noble Bookshop  It's been a while since I've posted about my middle-grade biblical fiction, The Heart Changer. But February is the perfect month to mention it. I have 50 reviews now (if you are one of my reviewers, thank you!) and have had quite a few interviews both video and written. What an honor! The Heart Changer Q&AHere are a few questions from a Q&A a couple of years back. It gives you a good sense of the book and my reason for writing it: What inspired you to write The Heart Changer? I have a soft spot for kids in the Bible who have no name and backstory, but have made a huge impact on the people around them. With The Heart Changer, Naaman’s wife’s servant girl came to mind from 2 Kings 5. So, I gave Miriam a name AND a feasible backstory! I try to stay as close to the historical account as possible. Since my passion is to ‘breathe new life into the pages of history’ I delight in the ‘what-ifs’ and bring the story to life so children can relate to the Bible characters in a fresh way. Tell us about the themes found in the book. There are many: Hope in the face of despair — The power of forgiveness — God uses our trials to grow us into His likeness — He works all things together for good — Our lives are like a tapestry: we see the tangled underside, but God views it from the top, beautifully woven with purpose and depth. How can this book equip parents to guide their children into a love of God and the Bible? Not only is it a Biblical event found in 2 Kings 5, but its main character is a middle-grader, whose life was full of sorrow and angst, but her heart was changed by God so she could partner with Him on a very important mission that is even named in the NT in Luke 4:27. Kids can see that biblical characters go though struggles just as they do. They can know He loves them, and will use them to make a difference in people’s lives. Kids can be on mission with God! It makes the Bible real to them. Do you know of a middle-grader who seeks to be on mission with God? The Heart Changer will inspire them!  What Would My Main Character Say?Here are a few questions from Novel Pastimes Blog that I "asked" my main character, Miriam. What kind of girl was she? In a way, she was very much like me, and looked like my daughter, above. To read the entire set of questions, click on Olivia's image above. What is your heart’s deepest desire, Miriam? I know I can be selfish and hard-hearted at times, especially when it comes to chores. Obedience isn't easy, especially when I have to put aside MY wants and do the things my Ima has assigned to me. Although I love my baby brother, taking care of him is a full-time job. I can't go out and play on the hills with Jonas and my other friends when I’m responsible for him. I wished—no—I prayed I’d learn to be unselfish, not always wanting my own way. But that meant Jehovah God had to discipline me because He loves me. But I wasn't ready for what the future held—how it came about. I wanted my light to shine for Jehovah, no matter where I was, so when I was captured and sold to Naaman, the captain of the Syrian army, I learned the hard way. But, in the end, I made a difference in my master’s household. They now believe in the one true God! What are you most afraid of? Losing my family and my home has been my greatest fear. They meant more to me than anything —well, except for our Abba Father in Heaven! But I held onto hope in those dark days of captivity. I discovered if you have hope, you have everything you need! Do you know of a middle-grader who needs a dose of Hope? It's a perfect gift for Valentine's Day! Here are a few images relating to The Heart Changer and my book launch in 2019. . . The Heart Changer TrailerHave you seen the trailer for The Heart Changer? If not, click on the arrow below: The Heart Changer is Now On Audible!Click on the image below to find the audiobook. It's well narrated and captures the story beautifully!  The Heart Changer Reviews Testimonies like these (above and below) make the challenging journey to authorship well worth it! Why Do I Write?Well, it's surely not for fame and fortune. I would be sorely disappointed! No, it's for the opportunity to encourage and inspire young minds with historic and biblical characters who, because they had courage to do what was right, can be heroic examples to follow. Even the most ordinary kid can make a difference in the world with the help of God.  An Inspiring Book for the Middle-grader in Your LifeValentine's Day is a good excuse to get a good book in the hands of a middle-grader who loves history, adventure and an inspiring story that will stick with them for a long time. The Heart Changer will help them to see the account of Naaman's wife's servant girl from 2 Kings 5 in a whole new light! Click on the image above to order The Heart Changer. Question: Which book did you find inspiring as a young reader? Or how about now? Read any books lately that have inspired you to live a more faith-filled life? Let me know in the comments below, or reply to this email. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  Many have asked about our journey to Brunswick Forest and the North Carolina Coast, so I was compelled to write about it! This first appeared in our Brunswick Forest Living magazine, but highly edited. Here is the full story. . . It all began with a tiny house. I'm smitten with them. No, fascinated. I know I'll never live in one, but one can dream, right? I got to wondering where I would place a tiny house if I wanted to live off the grid. Not Arizona or Florida—too hot. And certainly not Minnesota or New England (as much as I love Nantucket)—too cold and snowy. That's when North Carolina came across my radar. And it stuck.  How Our Journey BeganHaving inherited my mother’s osteoarthritis, I was longing for warmer weather, and a one-level home. Ours in a suburb of Chicago was beautiful, and served us well as we raised our kids. But, including the basement, it had three levels and many stairs. And I was ready to downsize. The trouble was, most townhomes in our area were two or three levels. Go figure. Then I heard the ultimatum from my hubby’s lips: “I refuse to buy another piece of property in Illinois.” The politics and taxes had finally gotten to him. Well, okay then, I thought to myself, I’m certainly not staying in the Midwest with its severe winter weather. A place with seasons and more temperate weather would be more suitable for the two of us. And a place that would draw family and friends. Then I remembered my tiny house dream. Of course—North Carolina! It was the perfect choice.  But it wasn't until Covid hit, and we were stuck inside for long periods, that we took advantage of an online relocation seminar. My hubby was considering a move overseas: Argentina or possibly the Cayman Islands. Although it would have been a beautiful location, it was too far from family and friends. So we concentrated on the East Coast. Florida, Georgia and North Carolina offered communities with townhomes, but only two in NC had townhomes on one level with more that two bedrooms. Since we love to host friends and family, it fit. At the time we booked a tour at a 55 and older gated community in Brunswick County, which had the model we wanted, but something didn't feel right to me. It wasn't the peaceful surroundings I was looking for. Residents were zooming by on a Sunday afternoon in their golf carts—and not because they were playing the game!  The Middle of our JourneyAs we were leaving, an author friend texted me and asked if I had heard of Brunswick Forest. I hadn't, but I assured her we would check it out. One call to the office got us an appointment with a BF realtor, Brett. Our journey towards home had begun. I truly felt it was God guiding us here! From that time on, for the next year and a half, we would text, call or fly in to check with Brett about the progress of the Trusst builder’s plans for a new townhouse community. Each time we were in town, I would peruse the shops to get a feel for the “coastal look” at Crabby Chic, Custom Home and Local Living Furniture, Home Again (great source of gently used coastal items), and High Tide Home. I also vowed to get started on doctors' appointments nearby, since many were shutting their doors to new patients due to the 10% growth in Leland and beyond. I realized most of my insurance, medical, food and banking needs could be met within biking or short driving distance of our future home. Yay!  Moving Closer: The End is in SightFinally, the day came when a lot in the Brunswick Forest development was ready to purchase. It was late fall of 2022, and we had sold our home in May that year, with no place to live. Things were moving forward! What a delight to fly in early January to choose the accouterments that would make our house a home. In the meantime, we spent our nomad months volunteering at various Christian camps and ministries, first in Illinois and Wisconsin, then in January 2023, we made the big move to NC (Taylorsville). The wonderful and welcoming staff at Hickory Cove Bible Camp helped us move into their double-wide trailer called “The Lodge”. Our 4 months there (me in the office, and my hubby serving in maintenance) were full of steady work and laughter. We felt loved. For the next 5 months, we volunteered at Caraway Camps in Asheboro and Fort Caswell on Oak Island. Each camp offered us a place to lay our heads and a way to use our time wisely. Whether in the mountains or by the seashore, we have sweet memories of our times with the staff.  The End of Our Journey and the Beginning of Another!October 17th arrived before we knew it, and after our second walk-through, we received keys to our long-awaited townhouse! Upon move-in, all we had was our bedroom furniture, folding card table and chairs. There were no blinds on our windows, no neighbors and no internet! We were living amidst construction, hearing the sounds of progress from early morning to late evening. But we were home! After one month, the neighbors began moving in one by one, our internet was hooked up, our PackRat emptied and belongings (mostly) put away. Come Thanksgiving, we were truly grateful to God for His tender mercies during our 16-month journey of nomad living! Ahōti: Another Kind of JourneySpeaking of a major journey and change in life circumstances, check out the trailer below. It's a biblical fiction account of Tamar, King David's daughter, who was raped by her half-brother, Ammon. She never expected to move so far from home. Next month, I will have an interview with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson about their well-researched book, Ahōti (my sister.) ahotibook.com You will find more info when you click the link below! Have you taken a long journey, either physically or figuratively? I'd love to hear about it below!
 Challenges are Sure to Come“Into each life some rain must fall.” —Allan Roberts Yep, it’s true. No one goes through this world unscathed. Troubles are sure to fall like rain, whether we want them or not. So, if that’s the case, how should we respond? As far as I can tell, there are only three ways. (If you can think of more, please enlighten me in the comments). You can either resist them by pretending they don’t exist, fight them angrily (blaming others in the process), or accept them, letting the challenges wash over you, knowing that somehow, they will transform you into a better person.  Challenges Are For Our GoodBut, accepting them is not so easy, is it? We want to squirm out of them, side step them or squash them, right? If we are a child of God, though, we know He has a plan for our lives, and ultimately, our goal is to reflect our Father. Sometimes, He uses the ‘controlled burn’ to conform us. Just enough challenges to kill the wayward parts like impatience and jealousy, so new seed can grow into hardy plants that will bear a good harvest (remember the fruits of the spirit?)  Not only do trials make us more like Christ, but when we accept them and allow them to strengthen our faith, in the end, it will bring honor His name. Check out the verses below. . . 1 Peter 1:6-7 Occasionally, we are the reason for the hard times. I know I have used a harsh word in the past, or avoided the truth when asked. I’ve even been jealous or critical, which leads to discontent and depression. No one sees it, of course, but Jesus does. He knows what’s in my heart. And at times, it’s not pretty—and I’m sure it makes Him sad. Challenges Make Us StrongerHow many of us pray for challenges and trials? Scary idea, eh? But, consider this--we can speed up our goal of being Christ-like by putting ourselves into a situation that requires trust in our Heavenly Father. When everything is going well, why would we need to call out to Jesus? I have done this a few times in my life. Sometimes, it’s being brave to talk with and editor or agent about my latest project. Other times it’s stepping out in faith, literally, as I walk across a mile-high swinging bridge, or climb a ladder like the one below. You see, I’m afraid of heights. But I was determined to move forward in faith. And I’m glad I did! I’m not sure if it’s my age (I’m less intimidated), or that my desire to be conformed to Christ’s image is front and center in my heart right now. That, too, could be due to my age, since I have more years behind me that ahead of me.
This nomad journey has at times been a challenge. My time isn’t my own. Neither is my space. And don’t even talk about the issue of mail delivery when we move every few weeks. It’s a nightmare! One thing is for sure. I will appreciate our townhome So, Much. More. when our nomad life is done. Whoa. I just thought of something. After dealing with this earthly life and our sinful nature all our lives, it will be So. Incredibly. Amazing. to finally step into Heaven and know we are FINALLY HOME and free of all that hinders us! How have you seen God transform your struggles into something good? Let me know in the comments below!  Rethinking My Nomad LifeThis post begins my new journey into a life of change. I call it “My Nomad Life.” We all experience change at one time or another, so I hope to give you the courage to flourish in a time of uncertainty and change. Today, I will share some kitchen hacks I've discovered during our journey. Since our townhouse won't be finished until the fall, my hubby and I have been volunteering at various Christian ministries that offer lodging. We've found it's a double blessing. They bless us with a place to live, and we in turn fill a need neither of us anticipated. And through it all, God is blessing us with a measure of testing and faith—watching Him provide our next location just when we need it. Why the Necessity for Kitchen Hacks?So what does that have to do with kitchen hacks? Imaging moving every two to three months to a new location, a different-sized lodging, and an unfamiliar kitchen that does or doesn't have the supplies you normally use to prepare your favorite meals? BTW, if you typically prepare fast food in a microwave, this isn't for you. There are microwaves in every location (including hotels and Airbnb). No worries! Well, in this nomad journey, I've had to make do with what is available. I can hear some of you say, “What's the problem? Can't you go out and buy what you need?” Yes, but. I have what I need in our PackRat, but it's hundreds of miles away. Being a minimalist, I certainly don't need an extra one when we finally move into our townhouse. Although I could purchase many of them at Goodwill, we don't have the space to carry them from one location to another. Our two cars, which are essentially our suitcases for a year, are chock full already, and our money has to be used only for necessities. Kitchen Hacks in DisguiseSome of these are obvious, like using an everyday teaspoon/tablespoon and cup for measuring, as long as it's not a recipe that depends on exact measurements, like a souffle or angel food cake. The large pot with lid I borrowed from the camp kitchen is used for frying eggs, making soup, a casserole, stirfy or chicken cacciatore. After all, pioneers cooked with one iron skillet, and made everything from stew to griddle cakes over the fire. Since there are no cake or bread pans, I use my Pyrex dish to make a small gluten and dairy-free cake on occasion. And along with my cake, I must have tea! So, in lieu of a teapot, which is packed away, I discovered an alternative: my Yeti travel mug! It keeps my brewed tea (English Breakfast, loose-leaf) hot. I add some honey, collagen, and heated walnut/almond milk. Yum!  This is a favorite hack I accidentally came up with. Since I make all my food from scratch, I like to keep a variety of whole herbs and spices on hand. But, since I don't have the space, I broke down and bought seasoning mixes. Harissa is a North African spice I use in meatloaf or veggies. Curry and Italian seasoning are self-explanatory. Citrus herb is great for steaks, and Herbs de Provence for anything French, including lamb, chicken, zucchini and asparagus. I had some whole rosemary and stick cinnamon, so I pulverized them in my (believe it or not) coffee grinder, after I had cleaned it thoroughly. Back in my container, I have a coffee grinder specifically for this purpose but hadn't room for it in my travels. Parsley is used in almost every dish, so I dried some fresh organic parsley. Must-Have Kitchen SuppliesNotice the touches of coastal blue?? It reminds me that some day, Lord willing, we will settle into our home 20 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. Until then, I will continue to use these hacks even after we move. No matter the state of your baking sheets (dirty, clean, stainless, aluminum), parchment paper is a worthy investment. You can safely bake on any surface with it, as I have done with meatloaf. Since there were no loaf pans, I formed it on a baking sheet. Easy! I like to add chopped veggies to almost every meal I make, and meatloaf is no exception. I couldn't live without a processor. I sold my large one and bought this tiny one that is sufficient for our nomadic needs. It can even puree guacamole! This next hack, although I really wouldn't call it such, is a sharp well-made paring knife (of sorts). This one was a gift from a friend I consider to be a culinary expert. Little did she know how much I depend on this knife! You cannot do without a sharp paring and utility knife. If you are going to invest in something, make sure it's the best all-purpose knife you can afford. There are so many types to choose from, but this one does all the everyday meal prep work. The next investment would be a knife sharpener if you end up in a place with dull tools. It's a chef’s vexation!  I've managed to make our double-wide trailer (aka The Lodge) a home. All I need is a spot to read and write, and a good hot drink and fragrant candle. I've been a ‘happy camper’ at Hickory Cove Bible Camp. But, it's time to move on. We've had a productive, peaceful and satisfying time here, due to the welcoming nature of the staff. Lord willing, we will continue to bless others as they have blessed us on our nomad journey to the coast. Which of my hacks have you used? Have you needed to ‘make do’ with something in your kitchen through the years? I'd love to hear how you creatively solved your problem! Let me know below.
 Author Heather Norman Smith's Latest BookI am pleased to feature my fellow author Heather Smith’s latest novel, Songs for a Sunday, soon-to-be-released on 2/7/23 by Iron Stream Fiction. Not only is it a dual storyline novel with local color and heart, but it's set in the state where I will soon be a resident: North Carolina! Here are a few questions Heather was willing to take on before her novel is published. Let's find out what it takes to get a story out into the world—one that treasures life in all its forms. Songs for a SundayHow did you come up with the idea for Songs for a Sunday? This book came to me first as a title. I was in the shower when the words popped into my brain, and I had no idea what they meant. It sounds a little strange, but along with the title, I had an image of a couple out for a drive in an older model convertible. That image later became part of the first scene in the 1960s storyline. Most of the book was written in 2020, and I actually don’t remember anything else about how I came up with the plot of the book. Give us a short synopsis of the storyline. . . Here’s the back cover copy: 1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and of marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister with special needs gets pregnant, Annie is forced to set her dreams aside for the sake of family. Present Day: Missy Robbins has always lived in her younger sister’s shadow. When given the opportunity, Missy steps out of her comfort zone as stay-at-home mom of four to prove she’s as good a singer as Erica. Missy’s new pursuit puts her on a path to self-discovery and reclaiming her discarded faith. Until she discovers her grandmother has a sixty-year-old secret. Will Missy conceal Grandma Annie’s deception or will she be forced to reveal the hidden truth? Which part of your story was the most difficult to develop? One plot point that proved difficult is when a character delivers a fantastic vocal performance of Amazing Grace, yet she doesn’t fully believe the words of the song. At this point in the book, singing the song is just an act for her. It was hard for me to imagine and capture someone not being moved by the lyrics and the Spirit of the song. Also, one of my characters in the 1960s timeline would be considered “neurodivergent” today. It was a little challenging to keep that character’s unique traits consistent throughout the story. Who was your favorite character to develop in the novel, and why? The main character, Missy, is autobiographical in several ways, so I think I had the most fun inserting my experiences as a mother of four into her fictional life. Did you unearth a particularly interesting tidbit, fun character or spiritual truth you just knew had to be included in your novel? The story is set in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I loved including lots of real locations and some great historical details in the story—things like the formation of North Carolina School of the Arts, the first public arts conservatory in the country. Many of the “real” settings are within a fifteen-minute drive of my home, and it was a lot of fun to incorporate those places. What would you like your reader to understand or come away with after she finishes Songs for a Sunday? God has a plan and a purpose, and He can use anything and anybody to accomplish it. How has God prepared you to be a writer? I think He gave me a love for words, in general. My husband says I’m too analytical because I place a lot of importance on “saying what you mean and meaning what you say.” But I think it’s part of the appreciation God gave me for language and the power it has. What sparks your creativity when you’re feeling drained? When I hit a slump, I have to remind myself that my writing is more than entertainment. There is a higher purpose to the kinds of stories I want to tell. When I go back to the ministry aspect of writing, I’m always motived to keep going. What is your secret to getting your word count in with many distractions? I’m obsessive about the story. Once a story idea starts with me, I have to tell it. And, I stay up very late at night most of the time. Where would be your ideal writing space? Why? Describe your present ‘office.’ What--if anything--would you change? I write with my laptop on my lap, sitting on one end of my couch. That’s where all my books have been written, so I can’t really imagine writing anywhere else. Favorite books as a child? Adult? Ever since I first read it in high school, I’ve always loved To Kill a Mockingbird. Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you . . . My day job is as a Business Analyst for a Software Development company. Sometimes, when my characters start talking to me, it’s hard to focus on my work, but I’m very thankful for my job. Thank you, Heather, for being willing to share a bit about yourself and your upcoming novel. Preorder "Songs for a Sunday" today!I hope you have been enticed to check out Heather's upcoming release on February 7th! It is a cozy read that draws you right in like savory smells in a grandma's kitchen. The characters will feel like your friends after only a few pages. The dual storyline is easy to follow, but doesn't give away secrets until half way through the book. You will return to the story with anticipation each time you put it down (if you are able).  |
Good News!My MG Biblical fiction "The Heart Changer" debuted in 2019 with Ambassador International. Categories
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