tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34009419130568551012011-12-21T15:02:06.112-06:00Inspirational Writing With A Western FlavorA J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-41009397591735793702011-11-17T12:52:00.005-06:002011-11-18T11:03:29.381-06:00

Golden Keyes Parsons is a popular retreat and conference speaker and author of historical novels. Her book, In the Shadow of the Sun King (Darkness to Light Series, Book 1), (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a three-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW’s Book of the Year Debut Author category. Her second book, A Prisoner of

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-91431231115835432122011-09-15T11:21:00.005-05:002011-11-17T11:58:13.098-06:00

Welcome back to Jennifer Hudson Taylor. She is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-82888491053307631312011-08-29T14:44:00.000-05:002011-08-29T14:44:15.416-05:00

I gave myself permission to take a blog vacation and have not posted for a month so that I could enjoy other events. But I wanted to get back into the swing of things by posting a blog telling you about my latest publication. Caught Between Two Worlds by A J Hawke is an Inspirational Contemporary Romance. It is available on Amazon.com as a paperback and on Amazon/Kindle as an ebook for only

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-60556124189166283292011-07-01T10:42:00.004-05:002011-07-08T12:58:34.021-05:00

Give a big Welcome to Shawn Grady who has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in Reno, Nevada where he lives with his wife and three children. He is the author of Through the Fire and the thriller Tomorrow We Die, a book Romantic Times declares "a definite page-turner." What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing? Spending time with my wife and family!

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-76292169834334163682011-06-07T12:49:00.007-05:002011-06-07T14:40:18.287-05:00

A Special Welcome Carrie Turansky, the best-selling author of 8 novels and novellas. She has been a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, The Genesis, and Carol Award, and winner of the Crystal Globe Award. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers since 2000. Carrie writes contemporary and historical romance for Barbour and Love Inspired. She lives in central New

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-76742123802580781732011-04-25T13:39:00.003-05:002011-05-10T07:26:53.758-05:00

Welcome to Karen WitemeyerShe is a deacon's wife who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul. Her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, recently claimed honorable mention in the 2010 Best Western Romance contest.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-91240263337689846302011-03-31T20:01:00.011-05:002011-03-31T20:12:01.936-05:00

Help me welcome one of my favorite authors, Vickie McDonough. She is an award-winning author of 23 books and novellas. Her books have won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, Texas Gold, the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a multi-year finalist in ACFW’s BOTY/Carol Awards. She was voted Third Favorite Author in the Heartsong Presents Annual Readers Contest in 2009. Vickie is the

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-31422061369998494092011-03-16T21:18:00.000-05:002011-03-16T21:18:11.763-05:00

I'm excited to announce the publication of my novel, Cabin on Pinto Creek. It is available on Amazon/Kindle. What a neat feeling to go to Amazon.com and actually see my work available. Book Description: Elisha Evans is out of luck. By the age of twenty-five, he’d planned to have his own ranch. Instead, a series of losses forces him to beg for a job at an isolated mountain ranch. The loss of his

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-8023731987891870392011-03-08T21:48:00.002-06:002011-03-31T20:06:39.734-05:00

Amanda Cabot has always been a dreamer, and so it’s no coincidence that her first books for the CBA market are called Texas Dreams. Set in the Hill Country beginning in 1856, these deeply emotional historical romances showcase God’s love as well as that between a man and a woman. The first in the trilogy, Paper Roses, was a finalist for the Carol Award. Scattered Petals received critical acclaim,

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-91281457276857320692011-02-14T17:59:00.003-06:002011-02-14T18:01:02.641-06:00

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader. Using his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, he brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his adventure and mystery stories, written especially for boys. Both boys and girls have reported that reading one of his books is like being in an exciting movie.I

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-91292217694878154672011-01-18T15:31:00.001-06:002011-02-14T17:03:56.532-06:00

Henry McLaughlin has a master’s degree in social work and spent many years working in public child welfare in Rhode Island. It was in this role that he first honed his writing skills in preparing concise and accurate court reports and petitions. He retired from that career in 1999 to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. To improve his craft, Henry belongs to several Christian writer

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-71911003418188508832011-01-05T11:53:00.003-06:002011-01-06T20:16:10.327-06:00

Welcome to Sandi Rog, currently enjoying rave reviews of her debut novel, The Master's Wall. She lives in Denver with her husband Karsten and their four children. What led you to the career choice of becoming a writer? I lived in Holland and had little contact with anyone for the first few years I was there. I didn’t speak enough of the language to communicate with others, and I needed an “

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-16064828415380211342010-12-14T11:50:00.004-06:002010-12-15T13:31:11.139-06:00

Help me Welcome Catherine Leggitt, author of Payne & Misery. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, and editor presently residing in northern California. During her first career—after raising children and before caring for her aging parents—Catherine worked as an elementary school teacher, where she developed her flair for playacting and storytelling. Struggling with retirement, Catherine

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-70298252808849259232010-12-03T11:55:00.092-06:002010-12-03T14:05:13.416-06:00

Welcome to Mary Connealy who writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is the author of the Lassoed in Texas series, the Montana Marriages series and a new series—Sophie's Daughters, has begun with Doctor in Petticoats and released in October, Wrangler in Petticoats.  Sophie McClellen from Petticoat Ranch has her daughters all grown up now. You didn’t think they'd be quiet little things did you?

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-78026144100013377492010-11-17T17:28:00.001-06:002010-12-03T10:18:38.047-06:00

Welcome to Greg Kincaid, New York Times Bests Seller with his newest book, Christmas with Tucker. When not writing, he is a practicing lawyer, specializing in divorce and family law mediation. He lives on a farm in eastern Kansas with his wife, three horses, two dogs, and two cats. To read more about Greg go to his web site. Every reader likes to learn more about characters as they get further

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-61913947707850145042010-11-13T11:07:00.003-06:002010-11-17T15:31:24.001-06:00

Help me welcome American Christian Fiction Writer Genesis 2010 winner Valerie Massey Goree who lives in the Texas Hill Country northwest of San Antonio with her husband of thirty-seven years. She was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia – now Zimbabwe. She and her husband served as missionaries in Zimbabwe where their two children were born. After twenty-five years in the Texas public

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-5027732126017666102010-10-09T17:55:00.000-05:002010-10-09T17:55:42.766-05:00

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-90421831436696040052010-09-26T10:48:00.000-05:002010-09-26T10:48:46.093-05:00

Everyone seems to have the same lament these days. Life is too busy, not enough time, life is passing me by. Barbara J Scott, Acquisitions Editor for Abingdon Press and writes the blog, The Roving Editor. Her words applies no matter what your work is about. "What matters is our obedience." I want to always remember that and not become so success driven that I stray from that path. "Life Happens

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-68608880353464092882010-09-23T21:33:00.003-05:002010-10-09T17:26:09.218-05:00

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-5565713876780230682010-09-19T21:53:00.000-05:002010-09-19T21:53:06.839-05:00

Help me welcome Wilburta Arrowood, author of For The Love Of A Child. Every reader likes to learn more about characters as they get further into the story. How do the secrets of your characters come to life?  I try to write the characters actions as true to life as possible. I think about how a person would react to a certain situation and base the character’s responses on that knowledge, and

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-27823982932956777242010-09-08T20:48:00.005-05:002010-09-23T20:33:22.604-05:00

Welcoming Shawn Grady who has served for more than a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in Reno, NV, where he lives with his wife and three children. Named the "Most Promising Writer" at the 2008 Mt. Hermon Writers Conference, he is the author of Through the Fire and Tomorrow We Die. WRITING LIFE What led you to the choice of becoming a writer? I always enjoyed writing stories and envisioned

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-42987076816005680732010-09-02T16:54:00.009-05:002010-09-08T23:15:08.676-05:00

Welcome to J. Mark Bertrand author of Back On Murder, a murder suspense. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston. Evidently there was one hurricane too many and he and his wife relocated to the plains of South Dakota. The following quote woke my interest in this book. Read what Sigmund Brouwer, bestselling author of Broken Angel wrote about Back on Murder. "The first

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-8761074641911433962010-09-01T13:27:00.000-05:002010-09-01T13:27:12.344-05:00

I hadn't planned to be a firefighter when I picked up Shawn Grady's debut novel, Through the Fire. But that's what it felt like as I plunged into the action with firefighter, Aidan O'Neill. Wow! This guy can write. And are you serious? This is his first novel? "Relying on his experience as both firefighter and paramedic, first time novelist Shawn Grady pens a sizzling suspense thriller.... The

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-8672036818047506872010-08-29T16:31:00.010-05:002010-09-01T13:25:55.553-05:00

Help me welcome M.L. Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-50704870429186464132010-08-26T12:17:00.000-05:002010-08-26T12:17:08.163-05:00

Need a quick, easy, and inexpensive dessert that your eight-year-old can mixup for you? Try the Fruit Cocktail Cake recipe. I keep cans of fruit cocktail and Eagle Brand Milk on hand so I can have a dessert ready to serve warm within forty minutes from start to serving. 2 cups of sifted flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 med. can of fruit cocktail with juice 1/2 cup of brown sugar (more if you

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-1308531434272835162010-08-19T17:56:00.000-05:002010-08-19T17:56:53.163-05:00

Welcome to Bonnie Leon, author of seventeen novels. Her newest one is a fascinating adventure set in Alaska, Touching The Clouds. Reading this book was a page turner as I couldn't put it down. We’d love to hear a little about yourself and your writing journey. After an auto accident, my life was put on hold and I took my first baby steps into writing, A year after my accident, I received a

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-43110378958580522792010-08-15T15:11:00.029-05:002010-08-16T11:05:22.934-05:00

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is the author of historical and contemporary Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas. Her fiction has won awards in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Contest. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, is now available (May 2010). Other works have appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Everton’s Genealogical

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-41505895103386176842010-08-13T13:12:00.005-05:002010-08-13T15:57:25.230-05:00

Help me welcome Darlene Franklin author of The Prodigal Patriot. She is also the author of Romanian Rhapsody and  Gunfight at Grace Gulch (Dressed for Death Mystery Series #1) (Heartsong Presents Mysteries #10) among other titles. Her writing reflects her passions for children and missions. How long did you work toward publication? My first book was published 14 years after I began pursuing

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-23551664358772964232010-08-09T22:03:00.000-05:002010-08-09T22:03:35.398-05:00

I had such an enjoyable afternoon reading an engaging, fun book. Husband Tree by Mary Connealy starts out with Belle Tanner burying her third husband, who has fallen off the roof of their shack, under the tree with her other two husbands. Left with four girls to raise, she is determined to get over her poor judgment in men. Even her three older daughters beg her to promise, no more husbands! Then

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-40070947807946773362010-08-05T16:23:00.000-05:002010-08-05T16:23:41.267-05:00

Help me welcome Tammy Barley author, editor, mother, and horse hugger. What led you to the career choice of becoming a writer? I’ve always loved to write. I was the kid in school who “got” Shakespeare and who grabbed the edge of my seat when the teacher announced a new, extensive writing assignment (while everyone else groaned and prayed for a cataclysmic disaster). Yet I was surrounded by a

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-12396018953082851842010-07-23T22:01:00.003-05:002010-07-23T22:19:18.188-05:00

Help me welcome Stephen Bly who has authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books were Christy Award finalists. He and his wife, Janet (who is also a writer) live at 4,000 ft. elevation in the mountains of north-central

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-27908492786921216932010-07-18T18:19:00.012-05:002010-07-18T19:08:44.741-05:00

Welcome to Ann Shorey who is the author of The Edge of Light and Promise of Morning, The (At Home in Beldon Grove). She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Shorey lives with her husband, Richard, in Oregon. What led you to the career choice of becoming a writer? I’ve always enjoyed making up stories, but I was discouraged from

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-83863554365330049592010-07-11T13:11:00.001-05:002010-07-11T13:55:00.354-05:00

Welcome to Anita Higman and Janice Hanna Thompson. ANITA HIGMAN hopes to give her audience a "Gasp and a Giggle" when they read her mysteries. She's the award-winning author of nineteen books. Anita has a B.A. in speech communication, and she's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Anita enjoys hiking with her family, visiting show caves, and cooking brunch for her friends.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-48617329205152568282010-07-04T03:11:00.028-05:002010-07-04T12:42:30.190-05:00

July 4 is one of my favorite holidays. Not because I do anything spectacular. Usually it's a quiet day with the goal of staying cool, like in not hot. July in Texas can be brutal. It's one of my favorites because of what it represents in my life. Freedom. I appreciate my freedom. I've lived and traveled to many other countries. There's something special about my home, the USA. When I read the

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-51782933671513355102010-07-01T04:43:00.035-05:002010-07-01T19:04:15.464-05:00

Help me welcome Margaret Brownley who has penned more than twenty historical and contemporary novels. Her books have won numerous awards including the Reader's Choice. Though successful, she decided to leave behind the secular publishing world to follow God's will for her: to write inspirational fiction. Happily married to her real life hero, Margaret and her husband have three grown children and

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-12397615505668803732010-06-30T13:43:00.002-05:002010-06-30T20:10:43.649-05:00

Ozark Weddings: The Hills Are Alive with the Ring of Romance (Romancing America), 3 books in 1 by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson from Barbour Publishing. I’m usually disappointed in at least one story in a 3 in 1, so I read Larkspur Dreams wondering if this was the one that would disappoint. But, not so. I thoroughly enjoyed Larkspur Dreams. It was a fun, kept-my-attention read. Very

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-85392883474807208122010-06-28T13:26:00.000-05:002010-06-28T13:26:48.605-05:00

"An 82-year-old grandmother is celebrating after landing a book deal for her debut novel. Myrrha Stanford-Smith, 82, saw her first work 'The Great Lie' start appearing on shelves last week. Myrrha Stanford-Smith, a teacher and theatre director, said she was ''gobsmacked'' to be handed the three-book agreement, which saw her first work The Great Lie start appearing on shelves last week...” Full

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-60926735338995258672010-06-27T14:17:00.000-05:002010-06-27T14:17:51.210-05:00

The association of Christian publishers announced their 2010 fiction books awards, The Christy Awards. I checked with my public library and found several. I figure that if they won the award, they are good reads. Of course, I'll make my own decision after I read them. I think I'll start with the Contemporary Romance winner. With 100 degree days ahead, staying in the air conditioning and reading a

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-88819181383806463142010-06-25T06:21:00.003-05:002010-06-26T21:44:10.428-05:00

Hopeful Heart, AJoin me in welcoming Kim Vogel Sawyer, the author of fifteen novels. She is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in music ministry.Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. What led you to the career choice of becoming a writer? Very simply: GOD, and the deterioration of my health. As

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-62518836954552850382010-06-18T08:53:00.002-05:002010-06-18T14:53:23.678-05:00

Candy making was a common social event in the 19th century. What better way to entice a young man to come calling than to have a candy making party and invite your friends. Below is a recipe from the 1800s with the terminology of the times. For example, sweet milk simply meant milk that hadn't gone sour on you. I find the recipe works better if I use a thick bottomed pan and if I don't try it on

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-28736607235608360932010-06-11T02:34:00.013-05:002010-06-11T08:26:57.196-05:00

Welcome to Robert Elmer a former minister, reporter and ad copywriter who now writes from the home he shares with his wife Ronda in northern Idaho. He is the author of over fifty books, including eight contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience and several series for younger readers. Combined, his books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Like his popular “Young

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-37823533522769913492010-06-04T05:25:00.002-05:002010-06-05T08:22:28.136-05:00

This novel hit a little too close to home, the home of secret fears. The fear of getting so wrapped up in things that I lose sight of what is truly important. The fear that choices of boyfriends are not always wise. The fear that the job, the credit cards, the house, everything could go away and I’m left looking for a woman’s shelter to take me in. This is what happens to Jeena in Miralee Ferrell

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-26793744336998045582010-05-31T17:19:00.000-05:002010-05-31T17:19:20.355-05:00

I have to admit that I was hesitant to open the newest entry from multi-published Robert Elmer. Not because of the author, who has several novels such as The Duet and The Celebrity, young adult series A Way Through the Sea, The Young Underground Series and Promise Breaker (Promise of Zion, Book 1), and a non-fiction Practicing God's Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today's Reader under his belt,

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-38729540952836578002010-05-12T12:43:00.005-05:002010-06-02T16:43:02.357-05:00

Try this drink as an alternative to soda pop on a hot summer day. Haymakers and other crews that worked out in the fields under the heat drank Switchel to alleviate thirst and to forestall the upset stomach that results from getting overheated or dehydrated. Switchel is mentioned as early as 1600s and it has been suggested that it originated in the Caribbean but probably is even older and came

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-80907504434917551692010-05-10T15:08:00.000-05:002010-05-10T15:08:14.002-05:00

May 10th has a lot of memorialable events linked to it, such as the first official Mother's Day celebration. But an event that helped forge the growth of this country happened at Promontory Summit,  Utah when the Golden Spike was hammered in to join the two railroads and thus, unite the country. After a seven-year race, the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific railways joined at Promontory

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-89468384122528031982010-04-03T06:02:00.003-05:002010-04-03T10:45:23.109-05:00

Naomi's name was drawn to receive a copy of Judith Miller's book Somewhere To Belong. Coming in the next few weeks are more author interviews. Thanks to all who left your comments. A J

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-55661750668522013972010-03-31T16:29:00.010-05:002010-06-05T13:41:06.213-05:00

Help me welcome Vickie McDonough, an award-winning inspirational romance author. She has written 16 novels and novellas. Her Heartsong books, The Bounty Hunter and the Bride and Wild At Heart both placed third in the Top Ten Favorite Historical Romance category in Heartsong Present’s annual readers’ contests. Her stories frequently place in national contests, such as the ACFW Book of the Year

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-39473016622403004132010-03-24T02:41:00.008-05:002010-06-05T13:45:53.193-05:00

Happy Springtime! My guest author today is Judith Miller. Somewhere To Belong is Judith’s new book, published by Bethany House. Judith Miller is the author or co-author of more than thirty novels with many placing on the CBA and/or ECPA bestseller lists. Her avid research and love for history are reflected in all of her novels. When she isn’t researching or writing, Judy enjoys travel,

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-48971509154823541812010-03-23T06:00:00.004-05:002010-03-23T13:39:00.450-05:00

Beans were a staple of the cowboy's food, particularly when he was on the trail. Beans could be easily stored and they were inexpensive. And although it probably wasn't known, they're also nutritious. Beans and cornbread make a complete protein. Here is yet another way the cook could prepare beans for the cowhands and use the leftover pinto beans. 1 cup cooked and mashed pinto beans. 1 cup

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-56929169734835814402010-03-19T10:03:00.005-05:002010-03-19T10:23:44.962-05:00

Stephen Covey wrote, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” I write because I like to write. That is the main thing about my writing. Do I want to get published? Of course, because that will be an affirmation of the main thing, my writing. But if I don’t enjoy writing and if the wait for an agent or publisher to respond puts me in misery, then I have forgotten the main thing.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-25474176422402554212010-03-05T09:59:00.004-06:002010-03-05T10:23:41.806-06:00

This week I have been involved in sending out five proposals. These were requested at the Writing For The Soul Conference that I attended the last of February. When caught up in writing my stories, I don’t think much about whether I will someday see my novels in publication. But when I sit across from a publisher’s editor telling them why they should publish my book, I can’t help but think about

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-34094804395138315232010-01-05T13:33:00.001-06:002010-01-05T13:33:00.129-06:00

With so much of the country experiencing snow and unusually cold weather, it’s time for stew and cornbread. Let me know if you try these recipes. Chuck Wagon Beef Stew2 lb. chuck roast1 tsp. salt1 tsp. pepper¼ cup oil 1 onion, diced1 quart hot water2 bay leaves1 tsp. thyme1 tsp. sugar2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce½ tsp. paprika5 carrots, peeled and sliced6 medium potatoes, cut into small pieces1 can

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-52189738574018604702009-11-13T12:56:00.003-06:002009-11-13T13:16:54.101-06:00

Friday, the end of a beautiful fall week, even if it is the 13th. I plan to go out, examine my flowers, and contemplate what could be done to help them get ready for winter. Notice I said contemplate, not that I plan to actually do any work among the last of the blooms and leaves. And I’m aware that it is in the passive voice. I’m feeling lazy today, contemplative, reconsidering. I find that it

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-64042161091113406202009-10-02T06:06:00.001-05:002009-10-02T09:32:17.524-05:00

Often as I do research to make my fiction writing more authentic, I learn something that in turn helps grow my own understanding of Scripture. Such is the case with the work of a silversmith. To refine silver it must be held over the fire, not just held in the fire, but in the hottest part of the flames so that all the impurities will burn away. The silversmith cannot just place it into the flame

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-27347009776943403172009-09-29T15:03:00.007-05:002009-09-29T15:29:59.434-05:00

Christy Truitt "I don't think I'm getting any more patient. But I'm learning to tolerate my impatience better.”What a great quote! As various events have happened this past week, I have needed to be reminded to tolerate my impatience with myself, with others, and with life in general. Below is the post where Christy Truitt's comment first appeared. Putting Up with Impatience Posted by Rachael

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-59676730057642810732009-09-28T07:52:00.001-05:002009-10-03T14:21:09.269-05:00

Many people are starting to get hit hard by the declining economy. It's a time for tightening our belts and seeking ways to save money. In a time of affluence, we take the easy route toward meals by eating out and picking up fast food. One way to simplify our spending on food for the family is to look back at how people managed who didn't have much cash flow. Below is a simple recipe from the

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-36170927860005969852009-09-19T21:11:00.001-05:002009-09-19T21:11:00.638-05:00

Pickled eggs are essentially peeled hard-boiled eggs that have been preserved in a solution of vinegar, salt and a selection of spices. They can be kept for several weeks or even months in a sealed jar and do not have to be stored in the refrigerator. Because it was difficult to keep eggs fresh without refrigeration, pickled eggs were a delicacy while on the trail.There are many variations for

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-26709289752826354042009-09-15T11:06:00.000-05:002009-09-15T11:06:02.116-05:00

Hope your week is going well. Mine is progressing with me learning a little something. That is always good. I usually finish my day having discovered more that I don’t know. I am constantly trying to decrease my techno-ignorance. Part of that is learning more how to put this blog together. This week I learned how to make a link open in a new window. Not a big thing, but having puzzled over it for

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-38962547550266621662009-09-10T09:29:00.013-05:002009-09-10T10:12:20.158-05:00

One of my favorite historical fiction authors is Jane Kirkpatrick. I enjoy reading interviews with her to get insights into her writing world. Joyce Hart, Jane Kirkpatrick's agent at Hartline Literary Agency, posted a good one. I checked at my local library to see which books they had on the shelves by Jane Kirkpatrick. They didn't have any. WHAT! This is unacceptable! As a writer, I want good

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-17234278812109350162009-07-20T14:07:00.005-05:002009-07-20T21:48:26.323-05:00

This updated version of an old cowboy dessert, sometimes called dump cake, will serve 12 hungry cowboys.Cook in a 12’ Dutch oven. Use 2 cans slices peaches or pineapple with syrup,(blackberries, cherries, etc. will also work). If using fresh fruit add 2 cups of water or fruit juice. 1 package of white or yellow cake mix, 1/3 stick butter 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Place fruit into Dutch oven.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-54791884194493129112009-07-08T12:57:00.004-05:002009-07-08T13:46:59.995-05:00

With another 100-degree day for Texas, I sit here in an air-conditioned office and write a story. Not that I am complaining about the hot day we have for this is just normal July Texas weather. Air-conditioned home, car, stores, and work place have left me a little spoiled, okay, more than a little spoiled. Theoretically, one can go the whole summer without a need to get out in the heat. But then

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-66674366469802642102009-07-04T15:02:00.011-05:002009-07-05T11:43:38.410-05:00

Celebrating freedom, what a wonderful thought! I have been blessed to be born and to live in a free country, the United States of America. Even when I traveled to countries in the world were people are not free, I always had the knowledge that I was returning to my home in the USA. And I have been one of those who after a long journey clapped as the plane landed again on US soil. Back home in the

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-72686632831318789932009-06-09T09:31:00.000-05:002009-06-09T09:58:27.631-05:00

I enjoy trying the old recipes. Of course, I have it easy. With an electric stove and oven, there is no need to go chop the wood, fire up the stove on a hot day, and hope that it will keep an even heat. Where the recipe states to add flavor, I add a little vanilla. If anyone has other flavors to suggest that they might have had in the 1880s, I would like to hear about it. If you attempt this

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-36698771035247272462009-05-11T21:27:00.002-05:002009-05-11T21:33:23.029-05:00

As I have studied and read about frontier living, my awareness has grown of the work it took to have the simplest things. Take a simple broom for example. You couldn’t run to store and purchase a broom. When you were living on such small cash flows as most of the people had, you didn’t waste hard cash on something as modest as a broom, especially when you could make your own.First you make sure

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-60395877770597518292009-04-12T20:45:00.000-05:002009-04-12T20:46:48.189-05:00

The pinto bean (Spanish: frijol pinto, literally "painted bean") is a common bean now available in all parts of the United States. It appears to have originated in south Texas and northern Mexico. It is most often eaten whole in broth or mashed and refried. It is a common filling for burritos.Pinto beans are an excellent source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Served with cornbread or rice, pinto

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-5826001863216060412009-03-28T15:41:00.008-05:002009-03-30T09:27:20.284-05:00

I just returned from a workshop on Marketing For Authors presented by Tony Eldridge. What a lot of useful information! My only complaint of the workshop is that the material was given almost in a survey form, simply because there was so much material and too little time. But it's a big topic.Tony Eldridge revealed a vast knowledge on the subject and was able to present it in a form that even a

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-64514627389338266792009-03-23T20:38:00.002-05:002009-03-28T15:39:41.795-05:00

You may think some of these terms are made up, but I remember my mother using many of these terms as she would try to teach us kids to cook. My mother was a wonderful cook who had learned on a woodstove. But she wasn't big on printed recipes until she was older. She just put in a bit of this and a whole heap of that. She knew what she meant.Here are some terms you would run into while traveling

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-15739128930358351532009-03-09T07:12:00.000-05:002009-03-09T10:12:22.576-05:00

½ Cup stone ground yellow cornmeal¼ Cup molasses4 Tbsp sugar4 Tbsp butter¼ Tsp cinnamon¼ Cup chopped apples1 Egg plus another egg white beaten together¼ Tsp baking soda3 Cups milkMix all ingredients except milk. Scald half the milk and mix with ingredients.Cook for 20 minutes in preheated Dutch over at 450 degrees.Scald remaining milk and stir into other ingredients.Cook for 3 hours at 300

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-4396949686558893102009-03-04T01:00:00.000-06:002009-03-04T01:06:03.015-06:00

In the midst of winter, life can become a challenge. Between extreme temperatures and buildings heated too warm and low humidity, our lips become chapped and needing help. What did those hardy frontier folks do?They made their own chap stick. Below is a recipe, or as they called it, a receipt for Lip Salve from the 1810 book, How To Cook. The remedies and cosmetics found in this book are fun to

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-58479942258860840942009-02-25T19:00:00.000-06:002009-02-17T23:22:51.096-06:00

The known history of the saddle can be traced back to the Moorish horsemen and warriors of the Dark Ages.The Moors invaded Spain in the 700’s and brought with them a unique style of riding and tack. With high cantles and forks for protection and security, their saddles were designed for battle. They included stirrups to accommodate riding with armor. The knights rode these saddle on the

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-84090044437036544862009-02-20T16:19:00.002-06:002009-04-20T16:26:44.695-05:00

TattingThe origins of tatting, called frivolité (frivolous) in French, occhi (eyes) in Italian,and Schiffchen arbeit (little boat for the shape of the shuttle) in German, are uncertain. This lace made of knots has been used for centuries to adorn clothing and household goods. When it reached England in the 15th or 16th century it was named tatting, perhaps because of the old English word tat

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-13577764879522373072009-02-20T15:10:00.000-06:002009-02-17T23:21:01.437-06:00

Cornmeal – a plain, common food without any particular grace about it. It was cheap and easily accessible. It needs no refrigeration and if kept dry is usable for months. One benefit over flour was anyone could grind the cornmeal. Women have been grinding corn for their families for thousands of years. We don’t have to grind our own cornmeal but can get good whole grain or stone ground cornmeal

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-48220261487286063892009-02-13T17:52:00.000-06:002009-02-17T23:26:38.199-06:00

When the colonial settler first came to the shores of this country, they found the Indians growing and eating corn. Corn is easy to grow and can be grown across the United States. One of the products that is made from corn is hominy. The Indians developed hominy probably to add variety to a diet that depended greatly on corn. Since the stored dried corn would not spoil, it was always available

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-64114156494007863272009-02-10T22:41:00.000-06:002009-02-12T14:28:25.295-06:00

For a relaxing craft that requires few tools other than thread and a needle, try needle tatting. The history of shuttle tatting goes back several centuries, but, needle tatting appears in the early 1800s.Needle tatting uses a long needle with an eye; the double stitches are made directly on the needle and pulled through to form the ring or chain. For an article that give a good overview of the

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-33945845578111738722009-02-07T18:16:00.000-06:002009-02-17T23:28:41.733-06:00

Sourdough Biscuits were a basic food item in the west during the 1800s. Not only was yeast and/or baking powder not always available, but during hard times something extra, like yeast, could not be afforded. However, they knew how to make their own yeast with a sourdough starter. In my novel, JOE STORM, the chuck wagon Cookie very carefully tended and fed his sourdough starter, which he kept in a

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-17629716719049197882009-02-02T19:06:00.000-06:002009-02-17T23:27:59.898-06:00

3 cups flour1 tablespoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup warm water3 tablespoons honeySkilletOil, or lardMix warm water and honey; mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Roll out on floured surface. Pull off large egg-sized balls of dough and roll out into thin rounds with a hole in the middle.Fry rounds in hot oil until bubbles appear on the dough, turn over, and fry on the other side until

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-63171768504641546182009-01-10T22:36:00.005-06:002010-06-01T15:56:17.394-05:00

Born in Spur, Texas, to a family that includes multi-generation Texans, I have lived and traveled in the west. Along the way, I have taken time to live, and work in many other parts of the world. I enjoy reading, writing, friends, family, and being a Christian. Professionally, I’m a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Writer’s Guild.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-83002411320592522082009-01-03T22:28:00.003-06:002009-03-16T08:44:32.556-05:00

This is where you will find interesting facts about Western History.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-3201050453713464582009-01-02T18:14:00.001-06:002009-01-23T18:15:57.135-06:00

Look for Author Interviews to come.

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-57988949577434343132008-01-01T23:18:00.002-06:002009-02-12T18:05:42.980-06:00

Check out the following web sites for some good information for writers.Advanced Fiction Writing - Randy IngermansonAmerican Christian Fiction WritersForensics and FaithNovel ReviewsWriter's Digest

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-46572274918853144482008-01-01T21:29:00.000-06:002009-02-12T10:38:59.727-06:00

The study of history is an ongoing fascination for me. I was blessed to have an American History class in college taught by a man who saw the study of history as a study of people and their decisions. How did their decisions affect their own lives and the lives of those around them? As I look at the way that people lived and worked, it reveals the things that shaped their lives. Work, housing,

A J Hawkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648994755202423226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400941913056855101.post-70923766107161565462008-01-01T17:32:00.001-06:002010-06-26T08:55:37.106-05:00

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