Sarah M. Eden

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was going to post something all lovey-dovey in honor of Valentine's Day, but I'm far too lazy. Besides, I already posted two somethings over on other people's blogs. So, I'm taking the easy way out here and posting the links to those guest posts. Enjoy!

A post about one of my favorite romantic moments in literature: http://raneesclark.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-favorite-romance-sarah-m-eden.html

A post about my deep and abiding love for Cheetos and the very real trouble that devotion got me into: http://www.beccawilhite.com/blog/2012/02/14/guest-post-from-sarah-m-eden/

Have a good one, everybody!

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

(Every Friday I interview a different person and share that interview with you. Perhaps they will be a fellow-author. Perhaps one of my neighbors. Maybe the bagger at the grocery store. A member of my family. A follower of this blog. Maybe it will be you! Hey, it could happen.)

Today's guest is Susan Law Corpany. I knew Susan online through the LDStorymakers writers' guild and had the opportunity to meet her in person at last year's LDStorymakers' Writers Conference. Susan joins us today for a little fun and frivolity. Susan writes humorous novels, lives in lovely Hawaii and is an all-around nice person.

Let's get to know Susan!

Susan Law Corpany - Susan Law Corpany, reporting for duty.

SME - Awesome. Welcome to I Need Friends Friday!

Susan Law Corpany - Thanks! This is fun. I live on an island, you know, so I am isolated from the community of writers.

SME - In that case, I should tell you I have a plan. And it's a good plan. One of these days, I'm going to come to your island. Then you won't feel so isolated. And I will do this just for you, Susan. Just for you!

Susan Law Corpany - Thank you! That is so giving. You've seen the pictures for our vacation house, haven't you?

SME - I have, actually. Many times. You thought my plan was a joke, huh? You have no idea! This will happen. I am already anticipating the sounds and smells of Hawaii.

Susan Law Corpany - Sounds? Large cockroach chewing a hole in my favorite dress? The smell of the load of laundry I forgot to put in the drier mildewing?

SME - Wait. I have that smell here! Who needs a vacation--I apparently already live in Hawaii!

Susan Law Corpany - Okay, I should be trying to sell you. The smell of the plumerias, the ocean breezes wafting through the window screens.

SME - You probably get asked this a lot, but I never claimed to be original... what brought you to Hawaii?

Susan Law Corpany - I was living in Florida, and through a roundabout way involving my first novel, I made the acquaintance of a widowed college professor with five kids who lived on the Big Island of Hawaii. We shared some emails and even though his loss was recent, there was a rapport between us. We had a long distance courtship that last almost two years and got married in December of 2000.
Dates in eight different states.

SME - "Dates in Eight Different States" would be a fabulous book title, by the way.
Okay. More questions for you. (This is an interview, right?) What is your favorite thing about living in Hawaii?

Susan Law Corpany - The overall "Hawaiiness" - the weather, the Aloha spirit, hula dancing with the church ladies, picking a flower from the yard for me hair, having a green thumb for the first time ever.

SME - A least favorite?

Susan Law Corpany - My attempt at growing vegetables. The bugs won. I can buy veggies cheaper. And I long for days I could open my cupboards and not find any bugs. Between Hawaii and Florida, I have about had my fill of roaches, or as they call them in Palm Beach, "Palmetto bugs." A roach by any other name . . .

SME - So, we have established the fact that you live in paradise (minus the bugs). You are also a writer, which we hinted at. What do you write?

Susan Law Corpany - I write a column twice a month for Meridian online magazine called "A Beacon Light." I am kind of their adult "comic relief" because the only other humor they have is the lady that fields the stories about cute kids. I write a column called "Senior Moments" for a print magazine called "Senior Review."

SME - Very cool.

Susan Law Corpany - I have written five novels that have been published, and I have another twelve or so WIP.

SME - What is it with writers? I have probably a dozen books in various stages of planning/writing/rewriting, etc.

Susan Law Corpany - We should start an ADD group, I think. I get the new idea before I have finished the old project. Somehow it is easier to lend fresh energy to a new project than plod away on the old one.

SME - I know, right? I have tried to explain to people that THIS is why authors tend to not sleep. We have too much going on upstairs!

Susan Law Corpany - And when I hit a snag, I let it sit, sometimes for years.

SME - I have had a lot of authors ask me what I do when I get stuck on a manuscript. My answer is, most of the time, to put it away for a while and work on something else.

Susan Law Corpany - How many books have you written now?

SME - I am deeply entrenched in #16, though only ten of those have been published and only four of them are currently available.
Are you working on anything new right now?

Susan Law Corpany - I am. I have a couple of active works-in-progress. I am polishing a novel I wrote during November and December and gave to my family as a Christmas gift. It is called "Shaking Down Santa."

SME - So is Santa "Shaking Down" (I'm picturing a very jiggy dance move) or being shaken down? Hmmm...
Here's a very traditional INFF question for you: What is your favorite continent?

Susan Law Corpany - That sounds tricky, like it will tell you secret things about me. Well, besides the good old U.S. of A., I would have to say that I have always been intrigued by Great Britain. I've only spent a week there, and I have a soft spot for it because of my first husband's mission. Scotland is next in line.
My son is Scott McNabb Corpany, following the family line. I was on a layover in Scotland, and got to only spend one day there on the way back from London, but I loved what I saw and wanted to see more.

SME - As a lover of Great Britain, myself, and a Scotswoman besides, I can fully support that decision. So, point for Europe! (Take that North America--it was getting all snotty because it had the most votes over the last two+ years!)

Susan Law Corpany - Perhaps after you come here for a visit, we could hie off to Scotland for a wee visit.

SME - My husband & I are planning to go to England and Scotland for our 15-year anniversary in a couple years. I'm looking forward to it. The TSA allows claymores as carry-ons, right?

Susan Law Corpany - Of course. You can always sit it on your lap if it doesn't.

SME - Or on every lap on your row. Those things are as tall as I am!(Thought I was exaggerating, didn't you? Claymore's averaged 55 inches tall. I am 59 inches tall. This side-by-side comparison is, sadly, very accurate!)

I do believe that takes us to the "Here's Your Portrait" part of the interview!

Susan Law Corpany - I've lost weight. Thanks!

SME - I draw it like I see it, Susan.

Susan Law Corpany - The flower in the hair is a nice touch.

SME - I thought I better include a flower. I saw the Brady Bunch Hawaii episodes, and everyone had flowers in their hair.

Susan Law Corpany - Then you know all you need to know to come for a visit.

SME - That's right. I do my research.
It's time for the final question of the interview. (Try not to be too sad!) Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

Susan Law Corpany - 1. Because of the possibility that you might come visit me in Hawaii.
2. You drew me skinny.
3. Because I love your writing and I think you are funny and I am funny and funny people should stick together.
4. Because it took me away from my filing and bill paying. I'm doing an organizational challenge right now with Julie Colter Bellon. We each picked tasks and if we complete them on time, we send each other our books.
5. And the last reason, because I need friends, too, and not just on Friday, and now I feel like I know you better.

SME - Niiice. Well, thanks for joining us for INFF!

Susan Law Corpany - Thanks!

SME - *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

I Need Friends Friday: Julie Wright

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's friend is Julie Wright, fantastic author, endlessly fun gal, blog guest extraordinaire, enjoyer of fine books, writer of even finer books, Whitney Award winning author, a very snappy dresser and someone I am quite pleased to be actual friends with in real life. She is the author of many absolutely lovely books, including Cross My Heart (2010 Whitney Award winner for "Best Romance"), last year's Hazzardous Universe and coming this year, Olivia and Hazzardous Universe 2: The Magician's Last Word.

Time to get to know Julie!

Julie Wright - She says she'll be here, but I wonder . . . is she lurking in the shadows of blogland waiting to pounce upon my entry?

SME - *someone's watching you*

Julie Wright - I knew it!

SME - I'm attempting to steal the "World's Creepiest Author" title from Dan Wells. It's an ongoing effort.

Julie Wright - You're going to actually have to kill someone to get that, you know. I can help. I live in the west desert, loads of body hiding opportunities . . .

SME - I appreciate the offer but... not necessary. *ahem* That's all I'm legally permitted to say about that.

Julie Wright - I thought this was "I Need Friends Friday* what better way to show my friendship than to hide bodies with you. THAT is devotion.

SME - I'll put you on my list for next time. 'Cause there will be a next time. whahahaha! (Did that sound creepy? It sounded creepy in my head, but when I actually typed it, it kinda seemed lame. I worry about that.)

Julie Wright - Yeah, I wasn't going to say anything, but it sounded like it could use some practice. Dr Horrible taught me that villains really don't work hard enough on their evil laughs, but I think you're getting there.

SME - I may just have to use my fall-back: expressionless stare and dead eyes

Julie Wright - Now *that* is creepy. You win. Dan loses.

SME - Take that, Dan!

Julie Wright - Meet Sarah, the five foot . . . wait . . . the creepiest almost-five-feet-tall author!

SME - Almost! Almost!
So, Julie, for those readers not fortunate enough to know you, tell us a bit about yourself.

Julie Wright - I am old. I've written 13 1/2 books. Come February, eight of those will be published. I have three kids and one husband--in spite of the fact that I live in Utah.

SME - And come March, that number will jump to nine. Books, not husbands.

Julie Wright - What's going on in March? What do you know that I don't know?

SME - I thought that was when the next Hazzardous Universe comes out? Am I even more confused than usual?

Julie Wright - Hazzardous Universe 2 comes out in March . . . you're right . . . I'm not.
It used to be a February release date. I'm still not used to the idea.

SME - *phew!* I'm sitting here thinking, "I was so sure. I PROMISED my 11yo it was coming out in March. He's going to kill me!"

Julie Wright - It's awesome you keep better track of my releases than I do.

SME - When I told my son I was interviewing "The author of Hazzardous Universe" he had some questions for you. May I ask you on his behalf?

Julie Wright - of course!

SME - #1- "How many HU books are you planning to write?"

Julie Wright - Originally there were going to be four, but my publisher wanted a trilogy. So there will only be three. BUT I am writing short stories of adventures we won't be seeing in the actual books. I'll be posting those on the Hazzardous Universe web site for free.

SME - As my 11yo would say: "Got it."
Question #2 - "Who is your favorite character in HU?"

Julie Wright - Oh, that's tough! I really love both Hap and Tara! I think they are funny and sarcastic, and yet adventurous and brave. But I think my absolute favorite is Confucian in book two. He's an ancestor of the great Confucius, and has lots of great sayings but most of the time they don't make any sense. He's a really good person, trying hard to do good things. he's also incredibly talented and smart.

SME - "Great sayings but most of the time they don't make sense" - I can, sadly, relate.

Julie Wright - Yeah . . . Me, too.

SME - Okay, my son's last question: "In the beginning of the first book it says the spaceships look like a slice of pizza. What made you think of describing the spaceships that way?"

Julie Wright - I think I was just hungry . . . actually no. I was thinking of how a teen boy would view the charred underbelly of a wedge-shaped object. He would be able to relate it to a burned piece of pizza because that's something from his frame of reference and is also the kid's favorite food.

SME - Obviously it was some good imagery. My son reads a lot - A LOT - and he remembered that out of all the books he read last year.

Julie Wright - Awesome! Your son has excellent taste in reading.

SME - Agreed. He has sort of become the go-to kid in his grade when other kids are looking for book suggestions.
Okay, let's get back to *my* questions. I mean, these interviews are about me, not my kids. *rolls eyes*

Julie Wright - But your kids are pretty amazing.

SME - You have another book coming out very soon--Olivia--which is part of, I think, a rather ingenious take on a book series.

Julie Wright - YES!!!!!! Olivia is something totally different.
Olivia is the first in a series written by four different authors, Josi Kilpack, Heather Moore, Annette Lyon, and me. Each author wrote from the point of view of a different character. Their lives intersect on several occasions as the four women join a book group together. And though those few scenes will be the same in each book, they will also be totally different because of the viewpoint they're in

SME - This, I understand, has required a lot of collaboration and group effort.

Julie Wright - It was a lot of group effort. Which is not to say it wasn't fun. it was an absolute blast. We'd get together and type like crazy and then one of us would look up and say, what color is your character's hair again. Or one of us would look up and say, "Oh by the way, your character has grandkids. Just thought you should know."

SME - Love it!

Julie Wright - It was hilarious and fun, and humbling to work with such neat women who are all awesome authors.

SME - So, give us a quick blurb on Olivia.

Julie Wright - The Robbins household is perfect on the outside—no dust, no stains, no w rinkles.Inside the house, things are different because there’s no communication either. Olivia Robbins believes that if she keeps everything clean, and serves the meals on time,
things are bound to get better. But when they don't, she realizes she's lost herself. When she joins a bookgroup and for the first time in her adult life makes real friends she realizes finding herself might be the key to saving her marriage.

SME - From what I've gathered talking to the other ladies, Olivia is to a large extent a romance, in that a big portion of it is this married couple falling in love again. Sound about right?

Julie Wright - Yep. That is exactly right

SME - Wahoo! I love, love, love romances that involve married couples. Too many people are convinced that the "romance" part ends at I Do. Way to go, Julie!

Julie Wright - I love romance that involves married couples too!

SME - That is because we both have impeccable taste, you and I.

Julie Wright - We do have impeccable taste. We are brilliant.
I've been wanting to write a story like this for a long time. It was fun. I can honestly say it is my most beautiful book

SME - I am so excited! And I'm looking forward to the entire series. (That totally sounded like a gushing fan-girl, huh? I'm okay with that.)

Julie Wright - The entire series and how it all plays together is really truly awesome. The series as a whole is called the Newport Ladies Book Club. And you can gush. I've gushed over your books often enough.

SME - We have quite the Mutual Admiration Society going here, don't we?

Julie Wright - Totally. But it's Okay, because we make this whole writing gig look good.

SME - Okay, traditional question here at INFF: What is your favorite continent?

Julie Wright - hmmm . . . Some loyalist part of me would like to say the one I live on, but . . . I've never really tried the others. When my kids are unruly I always threaten to move to Australia, but I don't know that I can qualify it as my face if I've never been. Okay. North America it must be.

SME - North America is definitely the front runner for INFF, but I bet Australia appreciates the shout out.
So, ya wanna see your portrait I drew specifically for you!?!?

Julie Wright - YES!!!

Julie Wright - Awesome! look how skinny I am!
Nice boots.

SME - Oh yes. Saw those boots online yesterday (not that I spend time looking at shoes online) and I thought, "Those are some kicking boots"

Julie Wright - I am a butt kickin beauty queen in that picture. You must really know me.

SME - I do. I most certainly do.
Well, that brings us to the final question of the interview. Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

Julie Wright - 1. Sarah Eden is letting me dress up like Jane Austen and therefore is on my list of favorite people.
2. Sarah drew a portrait of me that makes me look skinny. I dare you to find that sort of generosity anywhere else.
3. I got to talk about both of the new books coming out in the next couple of months, not just one in the genre the interviewer likes best.
4. I was able to contemplate the continent Australia which always makes me happy.
5. Sarah Eden is my hero.

SME - It has been an absolute pleasure, Julie Wright. Thanks for joining us for INFF!

Julie Wright - Thanks for having me. I am officially part of the cool kids club now.
I'll tweet this so people can see how cool we are

SME - Oh yes. The world must realize our awesomeness! *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

If you'd like to be interviewed for "I Need Friends" Friday, shoot me off an email: friends at sarahmeden dot com!
I am looking for anyone and everyone, whether or not you think you are interesting. You'll get a fantastic stick figure portrait of yourself, a little promotion (if you're looking for that sort of thing) and the opportunity to tell your friends and family that you've been interviewed by SME, er... by ME!

I Need Friends Friday: the Ferrins

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today we have a first here at I Need Friends Friday. I'm interviewing a married couple. Both of them at the same time. Eric and Sarah Ferrin, in a moment of either immense bravery or momentary insanity, volunteered to be interviewed within moments of meeting me. We were at the Springville, Utah library grand opening. People were walking around in costume. Chaos reigned. It is entirely possible a contagious form of mania was taking hold of attendees. There we were, pretty much perfect strangers, "Hi, nice to meet you" quickly became "We love INFF." "Do you want to be interviewed?" "Sure." It was madness. Madness, I tell you!

*deep breaths* They didn't back out. So here they are.

Time to meet Eric and Sarah Ferrin.

SME: Welcome to I Need Friends Friday!

Eric F: Can you hear the back ground music going? "I just need a little help from my friends"

SME: Niiice.That begs the first question though. Which version of that song do you prefer, Beatles or Joe ****er?
hahahaha! The filter took out part of his name hahaha!

Sarah F: That's awesome!

Eric F: Beatles for sure....

SME: Before I give my answer, let's toss the question to Sarah. Which version?

Sarah F: Beatles, definitely.

SME: I can see ours is a friendship made in music heaven. While I enjoy Joe's rendition because it reminds me of The Wonder Years, I too prefer the Beatles' version.

Eric F: We listened growing up to all the Beatles songs on LP - yes an actual record

Sarah F: Hey, I remember those!

SME: One of my earliest memories is of sitting in our living room listening to my dad's Simon and Garfunkle record.

Sarah F: LOVE Simon and Garfunkle.

Eric F: I just took a Soy Sauce Bottle to the kitchen (my microphone of choice) and sang to "Yellow Submarine"

SME: That song used to creep me out as a kid. I'm a bit claustrophobic and the thought of a ton of people living in a submarine was terrifying.

Sarah F: Yeah, I felt that way on the "Finding Nemo" ride at Disneyland.

SME: Amen, sister. About halfway through that ride, I turned to my husband and said, "If this ride isn't over really quickly, I'm going to scream." I came THIS close!!

Eric F: Oh... You aren't the type to get into a large tin can - and go diving thousands of feet beneath the surface?

SME: Keep that up, Eric, and you won't be my friend anymore. *shudders*

Sarah F: Will that be the first time you've ever kicked someone off of INFF?

SME: Yes. It would be a first. You two would be the first couple I've interiewed together and the first time I threw someone out of the INFF club.

Eric F: Sorry - close spaces aren't my favorite either - though the song is fun.

SME: Apology accepted, Eric.
We have many traditions here at INFF, not the least of which is my tendency to make sure food comes up in each and every interview. In honor of that... What kind of cake did you have at your wedding?

Sarah F: Go ahead Eric, let's see if you remember...

Eric F: White with raspberry filling.

SME: Is he right?

Sarah F: Yep!

SME: Mucho husband points!

Eric F: Starving best man or bridesmaid dug their finger in the middle of the cake like a little worm.

Sarah F: I think it was your two year old nephew, but it might have been my cousins.

SME: I say we keep going with "What does Eric remember of his wedding day" round of questioning. Hmm...

Sarah F: This is great!

SME: What were your wedding colors?

Eric F: Dark Green. I remember that on the napkins.

Sarah F: He just stuck his tongue out at me.

Eric F: I think the other one was a dark blue

SME: What kind of flowers were in the bridal bouquet?

Eric F: Roses. I do remember the Tulips all around on that day as well... They were gorgeous.

SME: Was there punch?

Eric F: There was, but I don't think I ever got any.

SME; Dude. The couple NEVER gets to eat or drink anything at the reception!

Sarah F: Are we getting all of the food groups? Dessert, beverage?

Eric F: I know the 4 food groups, Sarah....
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate and Chocolate.

Sarah F: Bonus points for you.

Eric F: I do remember all of the bridesmaids and best men disappearing quite a bit.

SME: Disappearing? What do you think they were up to?

Eric F: I know where they went - they went to get more food.

SME: And didn't bring you any? I hope you told them at some point that they were dead to you.

Sarah F: I think the most amusing point was when your grandfather stopped playing the piano, and we turned on the stereo, and someone had forgotten to change the music, and Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places" came belting over the speakers. Awesome.

SME: Okay. One of the best wedding stories. Ever.

Eric F: I agree... That was one of the highlights of the evening.

SME: Now that we know the details of your big day, tell us a little more about you.

Eric F I have the scariest profession in the world - I teach Junior High Algebra! Cue scary music....
SME: Wow. That is frightening.

Eric F: I teach computers, help with the school musical, science fair, and anything else I can think of. I have to find a way to keep up with my wife - who is far more efficient than I am.

Sarah F: *snort*

SME: Tells us a bit about you, Sarah. (Besides the fact that you spell your name CORRECTLY)

Sarah F: EEK. Talk about myself? Well, I am a domestic goddess, superwoman, and champion of the local PTA. *sigh*

SME: Eric's right. He has to get up pretty early to keep up with you.

Eric F: I agree... she is a domestic goddess...

Sarah F: Actually, he has to stay up late. He's the early bird - I'm the night owl.

SME: My husband and I are exactly the same way. I'm no morning person, and he turns into a pumpkin at about 9pm.

Eric F: Things that she is not saying about herself
*is she is an avid reader
*and there is _no_ way I can keep up with her.

Sarah F: I did stay up really late recently reading a great new book, called "Friends and Foes" *shameless plug*

SME: I've heard that book is AMAZING! *shameless plug #2*

Eric F: Then she was gracious enough to let me read it.

SME: Wow. Wife of the year right there!

Eric F: Yeah... I am the luckiest man alive - she lets me read her books....

Sarah F: *snort*

SME: See and I *force* my husband to read my books.

Eric F: Well, what I hide behind my "Snoopy Loving Exterior" is a shameless romantic side. Just don't tell anyone.

SME: It's our secret. No one reads these things anyway.

Sarah F: Maybe I will have to start a training camp for husbands, where they can be instructed in fine arts of remembering special occasions, reading romance novels, and enjoying chick flicks.

SME: I think you have quite the idea there. I say run with it!

Sarah F: I've been told that I need to specify that I am NOT recruiting husbands for myself.

SME: hahaha! Good catch.
So, you guys. What's your favorite continent?

Sarah F: Do we have to agree?

SME: Nope.

Eric F: I am partial to Europe myself.... Someday I want to go get a Eurorail pass and go from place to place exploring.

Sarah F: I would say Europe also, because I love all things British, like Jane Austen and Colin Firth.

SME: Agreed on all counts!

Sarah F: Is this the part where we get to see our portraits?

SME: I was just about to say that! Dude... you are so totally reading my mind!

Sarah F: *claps hands with excitement*
Eric F: Wow... very well done. I am standing next to the good looking one...

SME: Yes. Yes you are.

Sarah F: Thanks for the long curly hair! That's just what it looks like!

Eric F: She has beautiful hair... and I have been generously given more than I truly deserve.

SME: I don't know what you're talking about. My portraits are always entirely accurate.

Eric F Yes... I totally agree. And, Sarah, you really are that skinny.

Sarah F: *snort* Which Sarah are you talking to?

Eric F: Both.

SME: Nicely done, Eric. Nicely done.

Sarah F: We are just cracking ourselves up.

SME: Always an important part of an INFF interview.
As is the traditional final question... Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview y'all have ever done. Ready. Go.

Eric F: 5. I get a beautiful picture of myself next to a beautiful girl
4. I can admit to being a hopeless romantic
3. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate
2. "shameless plugs" for one of the best books I have ever read.
And the number 1 reason why this is the best blog interview that I have ever done.....
1. I get to be on INFF with my wife!!!!!

SME: Approve!

Sarah F: OK, Here I go.
Number 5 - I've never had such an amazingly flattering portrait of myself.
Number 4 - I got to share stories of my wedding reception with complete strangers.
Number 3 - I was inspired with a new line of employment (husband training camp)
Number 2 - Our interview actually triggered the censor. Love that ****
Number 1 - I can be sickly sweet, and say the same thing as my husband. I got to be on INFF with him!

SME: Yes on the censor--though no one has tripped it as many times as Rob Wells.

Eric F: That's true... I still laugh when I reread that post.

SME: Guys--this was so fun. Our first INFF couple. I even feel like we had a little INFF Wedding Reception. Love it!

Eric F: Thanks for inviting us to be a part of it.

Sarah F: Thanks. It was so nice to meet you, in real life.

SME: A pleasure! *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

I Need Friends Friday: Kindal Debenham

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's friend is Kindal Debenham. Kindal is the author of Wolfhound and the soon-to-be-released The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley. He currently lives in Texas, though he admits he hasn't yet claimed full-Texan status. Kindal can be found online at his blog, with his books available at Amazon, Lulu and Smashwords.

SME: Welcome to I Need Friends Friday.

Kindal Debenham: Hi! Glad to be here.

SME: And so am I. INFF was on a very long hiatus.

Kindal Debenham: Always good to take time off for the holidays right?

SME: Exactly. And other things like my sanity. That needed a little attention as well.

Kindal Debenham: We're writers though. Sanity is usually brief for us.

SME: One thing I pride myself on here at INFF is that I'm not afraid to completely humiliate myself by asking questions that thoroughly display my ignorance. Here's one: How do you pronounce your first name?

Kindal Debenham: Pretty much exactly as you would pronounce kindle.

SME: In other words, if Amazon had launched its e-reader while you were in grade school, the bullies would have had a hay day -- assuming the bullies were, ya know… readers.

Kindal Debenham: I suppose so. I'm kind of glad that didn't happen. I had enough nicknames when I was growing up. One more might have been the last straw!

SME: And heaven knows we writers don't need even more reasons we're a little messed up.

Kindal Debenham: Hahaha. Too true.

SME: Lest you think I don't do my homework before these interviews... I discovered through hours and hours of research (ahem... a couple minutes) that you graduated from college with a degree in Molecular Biology. That sounds like one of those smart majors. Science and stuff, ya know?

Kindal Debenham: It does, doesn't it?

SME: Is it?

Kindal Debenham: I like to think so! :) I was originally going to go into medicine for my career.

SME: It's right up there with Rocket Scientist as one of those majors/careers used in TV to indicate the character is really, really brainy.

Kindal Debenham: I was originally going to go into medicine for my career.

SME: What did you end up doing for a career (other than Writer, of course)

Kindal Debenham: Kind of. You could say it is the hallmark of a truly dedicated nerd.

SME: "Hallmark of a Truly Dedicated Nerd" - That should totally be on a T-shirt!

Kindal Debenham: And yes, it should be!
Well, right now I am an insurance clerk in an emergency room. Not the most glamorous job, but its paying the bills while I get the writing thing going.

SME: Wait. You mean being a writer doesn't automatically lead to wealth beyond your wildest dreams?! Because that's what I've heard! Authors are ALL rolling in cash! Right?!

Kindal Debenham: No, no, there's a two month delay before we indies get paid remember? Ask me again in two months. :)

SME: Okay, potentially embarrassing question #2: Did you and your wife happen to attend Life, the Universe and Everything at BYU while y'all were up here? (It'll be embarrassing for me depending on your answer)

Kindal Debenham: Absolutely! I was kind of a lurker though. Didn't really introduce myself very much.

SME: Okay!!! I am positive I sat next to you guys in one of the classes. I distinctly remember talking to an attendee who was there with her husband and I thought it was so cool that they were both writers. I am SURE it was you two! Sure!

Kindal Debenham: Hmmm. That might have been us. Was the girl a blond with blue eyes and a beautiful smile? (I just earned ten husband points!)

SME: Yes! I think it was you! That makes me a stalker, huh? Don't freak out!

Kindal Debenham: What's a little stalking between friends?

SME: We are going to assume it was you two because, let's face it, the best friendships begin with stalking.

Kindal Debenham: Hahaha, there's a quotable phrase right there. More T-shirt material!

SME: And for the sake of those reading this interview who are probably lost and confused (a pretty normal thing here at INFF), Kindal and his lovely wife are not only both writers... they met at a writing group. Dude. Awesome.

Kindal Debenham: Yep! The Quark Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Group, to be exact.

SME: And was it love at first sight, or first paragraph perhaps?

Kindal Debenham: We were playing a four way chess game (Nope, not even making that up. It was that nerdy.) and I teased her for cackling like an evil genius. Things just developed from there. :)

SME: That. Is. Awesome. I say embrace the inner nerd.
Oooh. Another T-Shirt quote

Kindal Debenham: Indeed. You should start up a quote T shirt thing. You'd make millions! But then again you are already a rich writer, soo...

SME: A person can never have too many lucrative career options, though, right?

Kindal Debenham: True, true.

SME: In case it hasn't been obvious up to this point... you are a writer. Tell us a little about what you write.

Kindal Debenham: I am a writer! I am currently writing a lot of science fiction.

SME: Since you are all sciency and stuff. Got it.

Kindal Debenham: My first book is called Wolfhound, and it's basically a action adventure story. My next one is going to be a steampunk detective story called The True Adventures of Hector Kingsley, which should come out in February. The steampunk was really fun to write. Hector is a unique character to write He's a bit...wry you could say. He also lives in a world that has been turned upside down by the discovery of a crystal that can both power machinery and change people into monsters, so it's fun watching him try to maintain a proper social standing while dealing with that.

SME: Fantastic! Steampunk is growing in popularity I've noticed. It is really... wait for it... picking up steam.

Kindal Debenham: Ouch. That was CSI miami glasses worthy.

SME: Yeah. I was channeling my dad on that one. He's the king of painful puns. ... And there's another T-shirt right there.

Kindal Debenham: Hahaha. Man, we really should just quit writing and do T shirts.

SME: Okay… traditional INFF question: What is your favorite continent?

Kindal Debenham: My favorite continent? Good question... I would have to say Asia. Because you can never win a land war there.

SME: I have heard this before. You should also never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line. FYI

Kindal Debenham: Unless of course, you've built up a resistance to poison!

SME: A valuable thing to do.

Kindal Debenham: I don't understand why everyone doesn't do it, really.

SME: I do believe, Kindal, this brings us to pretty much everyone's favorite part of INFF -- the portrait gallery. Are you excited to see the portrait I drew of you? huh? huh?

Kindal Debenham: Absolutely!

Kindal Debenham: Cowboy boots! And a beaker! I'm a study in contradictions. Like a Starburst.

SME: Oh, yes. I wanted to show how complex and multi-faceted you are. Cowboy boots because you're in Texas, of course.

Kindal Debenham: Of course! though I do not own a firearm yet, I'm ashamed to say. I think that only qualifies me for fake Texan status. :(

SME: I'm not sure you should admit that kind of thing. I'd bet there are pretty enormous repercussions.

Kindal Debenham: Oh, the people down here can tell already. It's like a sixth sense Texans have.

SME: There's another t-shirt in there somewhere.

Kindal Debenham: Probably. :)

SME: Well, that brings us to the traditional final question of every INFF interview: Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

Kindal Debenham: 1. I didn't get asked the how do you come up with stories question. I never know what to say to that except I'm crazy.
2. T-shirt quotes. For the win!
3. I got husband brownie points for mentioning my wife.
4. Reconnected with a stalker. Always....goood....
5. The other interviews didn't allow my patented abuse of smileys. :)

SME: :) :) :) :)

Kindal Debenham: They're...so...happy....

SME: And, in regard to the "where do you get your story ideas" question, I always answer "There are these voices in my head…" Then I let my eyes get all vague.

Kindal Debenham: The scary part is how true that is...

SME: Thanks so much for joining us here for INFF. Best of luck with all your writing and other endeavors!

Kindal Debenham: Thank you so much for the opportunity! It was a lot of fun. And good luck to you in your career as well.

SME - *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

I Need Friends Friday: Krista Lynne Jensen

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

"I Need Friends Friday" has returned!

Today's friend is the amazing Krista Lynne Jensen--author, Wyomingite and fantastic person! I first met Krista online via the vast author network on Twitter. We met face-to-face (actually she's a lot taller than I am, so it was probably more like face-to-chin) at a local writer's conference in 2010. Krista is not only cool, but very talented.
Krista's debut novel, Of Grace and Chocolate, was released this month by Covenant Communications, and can be purchased here. Find Krista on the web at her blog, Facebook page and on Twitter.

Let's get to know Krista!

SME - Welcome to I Need Friends Friday!

KLJ - Thank you! I've waited a long time for this day. You have no idea. I'm thrilled. Trembling, even.

SME - As you should be. That, you see, is the sign of a good interview--the interviewee is terrified. Or maybe that was a sign of a good interrogation. I get those two confused all the time.

KLJ - Either way, my palms are sweaty.

SME - That, my Friday Friend, means we are ready for the hard-hitting questions.

KLJ - *squares shoulders* Hit me. Not too hard.

SME - H-H Q #1: Did you introduce me to chocolate-covered cinnamon bears as a token of friendship, or as a sinister means of torturing me?!

KLJ - Chocolate-covered cinnamon bears are both an offering of life-long friendship and a means of knowing how to make you talk. If I ever need to make you talk. You seem to do fine all on your own.

SME - Are you calling me a Susie-Chats-A-Lot? Huh, Jensen? Is that what you're saying? *slams fist on interrogation room table*

KLJ - Here, have a chocolate-covered cinnamon bear.

SME - *chews* Thanks. *smiles in a suddenly friendly manner* I feel so much better. It's like a little miracle wrapped in chocolate.

KLJ - It really is. I don't remember how I discovered them, but I'm so glad I did.

SME - And, speaking of Miracles Wrapped in Chocolate, you have a new book out. (Like that transition I pulled out there? Eh? Eh?)

KLJ - THAT WAS AWESOME. And YES I DO. It's called Of Grace and Chocolate and it's about a young woman whose orderly life is kept in balance by a daily allotment of the sweet cocoa concoction. And then everything goes wrong.

SME - As it so often does in a well-plotted book.

KLJ - If it doesn't things can get a little boring.

SME - This is your debut novel. So... are you totally freaking out?

KLJ - NOT AT ALL WHY DO YOU ASK? i HAVE A BOOK WITH MY NAME ON IT ON A SHELF IN A BOOKSTORE WHEEEEEE! It's a very gratifying feeling.
*straightens chair just knocked over by outburst*

SME - And, as is the case with 99.99999999999999% of authors, that feeling is generally years and years and years in the making. (We either have the patience of saints or the IQ of grass)

KLJ - Very true. I always thought my kids were teaching me patience. WRONG. Trying to get published? THAT is a lesson in patience.

SME - I've heard a rumor, Krista Lynne Jensen, that you are having a launch party for your new release. The rumor further implied that this party might be TOMORROW, Sat Jan 14th, 11-1, DeseretBook in Midvale, UT. Just a rumor, but an intriguing one.

KLJ - Very intriguing. I've even heard your name tossed around in there. Imagine, throwing us together for a book launch! That would be like, so much awesome in one place the earth's orbit might slip. Or something.

SME - Perhaps we should warn... someone. Who handles slipped orbits, anyway? This would be good information to know.

KLJ - Who does handle slipped orbits? Rocket scientists? NASA? The Wells brothers?

SME - Perhaps we should contact all three, just to be sure.
So, KLJ (nice job on the writing name with 3 initials thing, by the way), I have an extremely pressing question for you. What is your favorite continent?

KLJ - North America. Though I've enjoyed a bit of South America as well.

SME - So, North America, with a serving of South America on the side? That's like a Western Hemisphere combo-platter right there.

KLJ - Delicioso.

SME - Donde es el bano? -- That's about all my Spanish. Sorry High School Spanish.
That was me apologizing to my long-suffering teacher, not calling her sorry. Hmm. Commas are importante!

KLJ - Muy. Qual es la tempo de hoy? Hmm, not sure what that last one meant...

SME - Whaddaya say we stick with English? Por favor.

KLJ - Okie dokie.

SME - For this super-exciting return of INFF, I have invented a game just for you. Interested? Huh? Huh?

KLJ - I new game just for me?? I feel so honored! And my palm are sweaty again!

SME - Niiice.
Okay, confession time. It's the same game. It's always the same game. Just a different name. *hangs head in shame*

KLJ - That's okay. You've been busy. *pats Sarah's shoulder* *offers another chocolate-covered cinnamon bear*

SME - *self-respect slowly returns* I'm calling today's game "Of Games and Chocolate." I will ask you 3 questions about, what else, chocolate. Pick the correct answer from among the three choices and you will be crowned INFF Champion!

KLJ - Let's play!

SME - Alright, Question #1: The first chocolate shop opened...
A-London, 1657
B-Italy, 1800
C-Obviously post-Garden of Eden. Why else would Eve have gone with an Apple instead of chocolate?

KLJ - C! Poor Eve.

SME - Yes! And, A is also "technically" true, but let's face it. If there'd been chocolate in the garden, that apple wouldn't have been tempting. At. All.

KLJ - Not even a little bit. *pops chocolate-covered cinnamon bear in mouth*

SME - That's brain food right there!

KLJ - I feel it working.

SME - Question #2 - In 2006, a worker at a chocolate plant...”
A-Created a miniature of his boss in chocolate as a token of goodwill, but was shortly thereafter fired, and showed his displeasure by setting the chocolate bossy-pants under a heating lamp and allowing it to melt, slowly & grotesquely.
B-Fell into a huge vat of chocolate and had to wait for two hours for fellow workers to get enough cocoa butter in to thin the mixture enough for him to escape.
C-Had to roll a blue-berry shaped girl to the squeezing room to get the juice out of her before she popped. Also, this may have been a scene in a movie. Not sure on that.

KLJ - Hmm. I think A might have happened somewhere but not sure it's the answer. And C is true but happened long before 2006, as proven by the girl's stylin' pantsuit. I'm gonna go with B: Vat-o-chocolate guy.

SME - Ding! Ding! Ding! Vat-o-chocolate Guy for the win! Okay, not the win exactly. You still have one more question.
Question #3 - which of the following did Janette Rallison, famed and fabulous author of many young-adult novels, NOT say about chocolate...
A-"In one of its weight-loss articles, Reader's Digest wrote that the average craving lasts only ten minutes. I find that mine last much shorter than that. I mean, really, how long does it take to get the wrapper off an Almond Joy?"
B-"According to Reader's Digest diet tips, nuts have healthy fat. Always eep a few in your pocket to stave off hunger. So true. I like to keep my nuts wrapped in chocolate. It works every time."
C- "Chocolate? Gross!"

KLJ - I'm going with C, because WHO WOULD SAY THAT??? And yeah, that Almond Joy wrapper...2 seconds, max.

SME - How do you do it?! Three correct answers makes you the undisputed INFF Champion!!

KLJ - WOOHOO! Where's my theme music? *jumps up and down Rocky-style*

SME - A big thanks to Annette Lyon from whose cookbook, Chocolate Never Faileth, I shamelessly stole each and every piece of chocolate trivia I used in today's game.

KLJ - Yay, Annette!

SME - That brings us to the portrait gallery portion of every interview... when I show you the astoundingly fantastic stick-figure portrait I have drawn of you!

KLJ - I'm so excited!

KLJ - Is that my book? Hooray, my book! And my boots! Much more stylin' than a pantsuit.

SME - Yup. Your boots! And your book! And you are rockin both!

KLJ - Thanks, Sarah. Who needs pants, anyway. *snort*

SME - Pants are highly overrated.

KLJ - *giggles*

SME - So, all that's left is the traditional final question at INFF. Top 5 reasons this was the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

KLJ - 1. We talked about our book launch AND rocket science at the same time. Get it? LAUNCH?
2. Chocolate-covered cinnamon bears AND Almond Joy? My favorites.
3. Sarah is awesome.
4. We spoke Spanish kinda.
5. I've waited three years to be on INFF and it was everything I'd hoped and more!

SME - Hoorah! Well, huge congrats on the new book. I know you have great success ahead of you!

KLJ - Thank you so much for having me! I had a great time. If it weren't for people like you and the Wells brothers, our orbit would surely slip.

SME - That's so going on my business cards. *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

"Friends and Foes" for Kindle!

2012-01-07T12:43:00.001-07:00

I have had many, many people ask me when Friends and Foes would be available on Amazon for Kindle. I've been asking around and looking for that very answer myself and am happy to report I finally have not only an answer but a link.

The Friends and Foes Kindle edition is available now! Find it at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Friends-and-Foes-ebook/dp/B006UKH7KU/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325965051&sr=1-11

Twelfth Night!

2012-01-05T08:17:00.002-07:00

Tonight is "Twelfth Night," one of my favorite holidays of the entire year!

Never heard of it? Wondering what in the world I'm talking about? Never fear. I have a blog for that...

http://celebratingtwelfthnight.blogspot.com/

Some Exciting Things!

2012-01-04T11:00:00.003-07:00

I'm going to forgo my usual long-winded intro to the post and just jump right to the things:

I Need Friends Friday is coming back! That's right, folks. INFF will be back in action FRIDAY, JANUARY 13TH!!! Mark your calendars... or something. (And, if you are interested in being interviewed [please, please, please!] shoot me off an email -- friends [at] sarahmeden [dot] com)
Friends and Foes has been officially released: find it at DeseretBook.com, on Amazon for Kindle; [as soon as it shows up I'll post the link at Seagullbook.com]

And..... (drum roll!)

The Friends and Foes launch party!! Saturday, January 14th from 11-1 at the Deseret Bookstore at 1110 Ft. Union Blvd in Midvale, UT. I'm teaming up with the very talented Krista Jensen, who'll be launching her debut novel, Of Grace and Chocolate. We are gathering door prizes, bringing goodies and generally preparing for a great deal of epicness. You can check out the details over on the Facebook event page.

I'll post more details on the prizes, etc., probably on Friday. I say probably because stuff happens, ya know?!

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 14

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas! Today I am posting one of my very favorite Christmas Carols. The story behind it makes the song all the more touching and beautiful. Rather than rewrite the entire thing here, I'm just going to give you a link and highly recommend you go read it: http://www.lavenderway.com/story_behind.htm

Enjoy.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

sung by Sarah McLachlan

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 13

2011-12-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today I've chosen what is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful Christmas tunes of all: Silent Night.

Silent Night, Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht in German, was first performed on December 24, 1818 in the Nikolaus-Kirche (the Church of St. Nicholas), located in Oberndorf, Austria. There are several different histories connected to the writing of the story, though none can be indisputably proved. (Google it if you're curious, it's kind of fun to read).

Silent Night is my shout-out to my Germanic ancestry (Austria was once part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, so I'm calling it close enough).

Here it is in the original German, sung by the Vienna Boys Choir.

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht

performed by The Vienna Boys Choir

Merry Christmas Eve!

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 12

2011-12-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today's song isn't *technically* a Christmas song, but it's often sung at New Year's and I figured that was close enough. Besides, it's fantastic.

I trace my ancestry back to Germany, Ireland, England and Scotland--a typical American mutt, that's me--and I take pride in all those branches of my family. I posted the Wexford Carol a while back, which is Irish. In the Bleak Midwinter and the Coventry Carol (also previous choices) are English. Tomorrow I'll be posting a Germanic song, hint hint! Today's pick hails from good ol' Scotland.

Most of us here in the US have heard "Auld Lang Syne," though generally only the first verse. So, I've found a version that includes all the verses, with many of Robert Burns' original Scots retained. (Scots is not, contrary to what many believe, a dialect of English, but is considered its own language, having its own grammar rules, vocabulary, and distinct sentence structure, though with many similarities to English.) The sentement of the song is that, even with the passage of time, those people we've known and places we've lived remain important to us and shouldn't be forgotten. It is a celebration of life and friendship and family.

Enjoy!

Auld Lang Syne

performed by Dougie MacLean

a few translations:

Auld Lang Syne -- Old Long Since (essentially "long, long ago")

twa -- two braes -- slopes

pou'd -- pulled gowans -- daisie

fit -- foot paidl'd -- paddled

frae -- from burn -- stream

dine -- dinner time braid hae roared -- broad have roared

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup! -- And surely you'll buy your pint cup!

And surely I'll be mine! -- And surely I'll buy mine!

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! -- And there's a hand, my trusty friend!

And gie's a hand o’ thine! -- And give us a hand of thine!
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught -- And we'll take a right good-will draught

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 11

2011-12-22T09:38:00.002-07:00

You know that old saying, "Save the Best for Last"?? That's not how I do things around here. Today's carol is my favorite! My absolute favorite!! (Enough exclamation points?)

"In the Bleak Midwinter" began as a poem by 19th Century English poet Christina Rossetti and was set to music by the composer Gustav Holst in the first decade of the 20th century. While Holst's tune was the first the words were set to, Harold Darke composed his own tune only a couple years later. Both are considered traditional.

The words are touching and beautiful, and the sentiment very tender. The last verse is my favorite as it expresses very succinctly my feelings.

I won't tell you which tune is my favorite, but will instead let you decide for yourself. Here they both are for your listening pleasure. The first is Holst's tune; the second is Darke's. Both renditions are performed by the choir of King's College, Cambridge.

In the Bleak Midwinter

by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge

lyrics:

1. In the bleak mid-winter frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter long ago.

2. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter a stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3. Enough for Him, whom cherubim worship night and day,
A breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

4. Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air,
But His mother only in hermaiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.

5. What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart.

Favorite Carols, Day 10

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's post is short, sweet and to the point--a lot like yours truly.

I get to go home for Christmas this year.

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

by Perry Como

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 9

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today's pick is a traditional Irish carol. It can be traced back to County Wexford, with lyrics dating to the 12th Century. Interestingly enough, the original lyrics were English, though modernly some Irish translations of those lyrics have been sung.

In case any of you somehow have missed my annual "Holiday of Coolness" postings on St. Patrick's Day, I feel a special affinity to the Emerald Isle. I have Irish ancestry, my people coming out of County Donegal. Also, I was born on St. Patrick's Day, which makes me especially Irish, or something.

So, today's carol is not very well known, but one of my favorites just the same.

The Wexford Carol

by James Galway, flute & Laurence Beaufils, harp

The Wexford Carol

Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved son
With Mary holy we should pray,
To God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn,
There was a blessed Messiah born

The night before that happy tide
The noble Virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town
But mark right well what came to pass
From every door repelled, alas
As was foretold, their refuge all
Was but a humble ox's stall

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God's angel did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear
Arise and go, the angels said
To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you'll find, this happy morn
A princely babe, sweet Jesus, born

With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went the babe to find
And as God's angel had foretold
They did our Saviour Christ behold
Within a manger he was laid
And by his side a virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of Life
Who came on earth to end all strife

There were three wise men from afar
Directed by a glorious star
And on they wandered night and day
Until they came where Jesus lay
And when they came unto that place
Where our beloved Messiah lay
They humbly cast them at his feet
With gifts of gold and incense sweet.

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 8

2011-12-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Christmas song "White Christmas" has confused me my entire life. I grew up in Arizona. I had no concept of a white Christmas, no burning desire to experience one, no understanding of why wishing someone a "white Christmas" was even appealing. From what I'd heard, snow was cold and had to be shoveled and stuff. It seemed to me that wishing someone a white Christmas was sort of like saying "May your Christmas be filled with exhausting manual labor and high heating bills."

I now live in a cold area of the world where white winters are more or less a given. I kind of get it. I think. Snow is still cold and definitely has to be shoveled, but it sure is an improvement over bitterly cold weather without snow. At least snow can be fun. And it's pretty. I'm guessing though, the proverbial wish for a white Christmas has much more to do with fond childhood memories of home and family.

I do love the Christmas song "White Christmas," and here are my excellent reasons why...

The movie. Dude. Watching "White Christmas" is a family tradition dating back to... well to probably the year the movie was made. It was always the first Christmas movie we watched each holiday season. Danny Kay made me laugh every time and Bing Crosby made me swoon. I always wished I could dance like Vera Ellen and sing like Rosemary Clooney. And, in the context of that film, wishing for a white Christmas totally made sense! (And now I'm grinning at the memory of Danny and Bing dressed in the ladies' costumes lip-synching to "Sisters.")
The other movie. Do you remember the scene in "Home Alone" where Kevin pats his cheeks with aftershave, then screams? The Drifters version of "White Christmas" is playing in the background. Hearing their rendition always makes me think of that movie. We watched this movie with my grandfather the year it came out and it is one of my favorite childhood memories. Grandpa laughed so hard he had tears pouring down his face, which made us laugh even harder. I can remember sitting there with my family, all of us gasping for air because we were laughing so hard. I can't hear the song or watch the movie without thinking of him.

So, while there are many versions of "White Christmas" to choose from, I've gone with this one.

White Christmas

by The Drifters

"May all your Christmases be white." (provided you like that sort of thing.)

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 7

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nat King Cole recorded "A Cradle in Bethlehem" in 1960. I first heard it during the Christmas season of 2002.

I was expecting and was two months into what would become 6 1/2 months of bed rest. I was sick of being off my feet, sick of constant trips to the hospital and anti-labor medications that left me ill and shaky and miserable. Thinking of reasons to be grateful became a daily regimen of mine. I was reluctant to tell myself it would all be worth it when I had a little baby to hold and cuddle and love at the end of those months of struggle. With so many complications, all of which could easily cause the baby to be born too early or to die in the womb, I didn't dare hang my hopes on a happy outcome.

As Christmas approached, I heard "A Cradle in Bethlehem" on the radio and fell in love with it. The song is a lullaby, soft and quiet and joyful. I distinctly remember thinking, "If I am blessed to have this baby, I will sing that song to her." The words speak of a mother in Bethlehem cradling her baby. I felt a connection to Mary that year I hadn't before--the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and the birth of her child were not easy, but she was blessed for it in the end.

I still love this song. And, yes, I sang it to my beautiful daughter after she was born, healthy and strong.

A Cradle in Bethlehem

by Nat King Cole

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 6

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

My 11-year-old son picked today's Favorite Carol, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" as performed by The Jackson 5. His reason, verbatim:

"I like this song because it shows what people thought of Santa and Christmas a really long time ago, like before the 80s. It's an old song, but that makes it kind of fun in a 'this was how things were in the old days' way."

Before the 80s. Have I mentioned this kid cracks me up?

Alright. Christmas the way "things were in the old days"...

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The Jackson 5

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 5

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Favorite Carol is a favorite year round.

When my oldest was a tiny baby we played classical music to help him fall asleep. He was born premature and had health problems as a result. He had to be fed via syringe, one ounce at a time at extremely regular intervals. He woke constantly night and day, desperately hungry but unable to eat. I knew he was uncomfortable, even pained, and likely even more frustrated than I was. We endured hour-by-hour, both exhausted and worn down. Though it didn't take away his struggles, classical music soothed him.

We first played "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" for him some time in his first month of life. As he generally did when soft, soothing music played, he quieted down. But after a moment, I noticed that he was crying. He made no noise, this wasn't a pained cry or a hungry cry or a frustrated cry. Silent, tears rolled down his sweet little face as he listened, and for the first time in the short time he'd been with us, he looked truly at peace.

Over that first year he overcame many of the difficulties he was born with and grew strong and healthy. We still put on classical music, mostly because my husband and I love listening to orchestras and chamber choirs and such. Whenever "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" played, our little boy stopped whatever he was doing and just listened, and every time he cried silent tears. Every single time.

Ten years have passed since that difficult first year. Though he still likes the song, it doesn't impact him the way it once did.

I am convinced in my heart of hearts that this music touched his soul and brought him the peace he'd known in his Heavenly home before joining us here, helping him endure those earliest earthly trials. I cannot listen to it without being moved and feeling deep gratitude for the gift of music.

Here is the exact version we used to play for him.

Enjoy.

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 4

2011-12-15T09:33:00.002-07:00

My eight-year-old daughter chose today's Favorite Christmas Carol, "We Three Kings."

"I like this song because it tells about the Wise Men who came at Christmas. I used to think the gifts they brought to Jesus were kind of dumb. Who brings frankincense for a gift? I didn't even know what frankincense and myrrh were. Then I learned this song and it tells about it, and then I thought those were pretty cool gifts. And the song sounds all exotic and that's cool, too. Oh, and I like to sing it."

She picked this version of the song because she liked hearing the kids sing it and the video was "cool." They don't sing the verses about the three gifts in this rendition, so I'll put those lyrics below the video.

Enjoy!

The "Gift" Verses:

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine. Its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 3

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today I hand the Christmas Carol reins over to my husband, Paul:

"My favorite Christmas song is "O, Holy Night." I love to listen to it because I love the message found in the lyrics. I also love to sing this song. Singing loud is sort of my thing and this song is great for singing loud."

Okay, this is Sarah again. I also love this song because it reminds me of my husband. See, back when we were relatively unacquainted I was the director of our church choir and he sang baritone in that choir. I spent all of September, October and November trying to formulate the perfect way to spend some uninterrupted time with the really hot guy with the AMAZING voice.

So I begged my mom to send me the arrangement of "O, Holy Night" that was at her house. See, I happened to enjoy playing that particular arrangement because it was challenging, beautiful and, most important of all to my devious little plan, very impressive sounding. My plan was to ask him to sing it as a solo for our Christmas service that year. This, of course, meant I'd need to arrange for a lot of practices, ya know, one-on-one. Then, I could hear him sing, he could hear me kick it on the piano and we could be mutually impressed with one another. Obviously this was a fantastic plan because we have now been married over 12 years and I still play that song regularly and he sings along. Aaahhh. *sigh*

Paul has selected this version, and I think he picked a great one.

O Helga Natt

performed by the late Swedish tenor, Jussi Björling

Favorite Christmas Carols, Day 2

2011-12-13T09:12:00.002-07:00

Do you have a Christmas song or album that you listened to every single year as a child that, now, whenever you hear it absolutely means Christmas has started? I do. I really, really do.

For me, that album is Bing Crosby's Christmas album. "Christmas in Killarney," "Mele Kalikimaka," "Faith of our Fathers," "White Christmas." Man! There are so many great songs on that album.

A few days back I was braving the crowds out Holiday shopping and one of my all-time favorites from that album came on over the sound system at a store. I heard a young child the next row over squeal with excitement. "It's our Jingle Bells, Mom! It's our Jingle Bells."

A sea of Christmas memories flooded over me as I listened to the song play. You see, it is my Jingle Bells, too.

Take it away, Bing!

Favorite Christmas Carols: Day 1

2011-12-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

In the two weeks between today and Christmas, I'll be posting here some of my favorite Christmas carols, along with a little history of each, why I like them, or just a cop-out along the lines of "Isn't this snazzy?!"

Today's selection is one of my ultra-favorites. I always loved the tune, which I had heard over and over at Christmastime. Only as an adult did I discover the tune had lyrics and those lyrics were hauntingly beautiful.

The Conventry Carol is, perhaps, the oldest "Christmas carol" in existence. It dates from the 16th Century (so 1500s!!) and was originally part of a play put on in the city of Coventry, hence the name, that depicted the story of Jesus' birth and earliest years as told in the Gospel of Matthew. This tune and accompanying lyrics are the only piece of that play that hasn't been lost to history.

The lyrics are meant to represent the mourning and sorrow of a mother who, upon seeing the murderous rage of Herod the King, realizes that her child will suffer the same fate as the other young ones he has ordered killed by his soldiers. Fittingly, considering the subject matter, the traditional tune is in a decidedly minor key.

I have always loved the song because of its beautiful melody. Now that I know the words, I've come to love it that much more--it brings to life a moment in the life of the Savior and makes the time in which He lived that much more real and the people around Him who experienced those moments ever more human.

The Coventry Carol

performed by Collegium Vocale Gent of Flanders, Belgium

Lyrics:
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we do sing
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.

Herod, the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All young children to slay.

That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
And ever mourn and sigh,
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.

Friday Funnies: The Joys of Siblings

2011-12-02T09:42:00.001-07:00

Today's Friday Funny comes via www.AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com, a site I don't recommend you go to unless you have a great deal of time on your hands. It sucks you in. You can't look away. There's no escaping. You go to look at one single entry and end up there for hours without realizing it!!!

All of my siblings will be together for Christmas for the first time in quite a few years. I am excited about it. We'll be crashing at my parents place--every single one of us! It'll be crowded and chaotic and probably really, really loud. So, in honor of the joys of siblings growing up to be friends, here's an entry from Awkward Family Photos' recent "Awkward Sibling Photo Contest," an older brother's approach to pushing his sister on the swing:

"A Little Push," www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com

In the Writing Trenches

2011-12-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

November was National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in which scads and scads of authors spend scads and scads of time writing scads and scads of words. The official goal is 50,000 words in 30 days. I joined the fun this year, but in a "sort of against the rules" way. Let me explain.
The official way to participate in NaNo is to write 50,000 words of a brand spankin' new manuscript. You can outline, create character sketches, make scene lists, etc. leading up to November, but on November 1st, the first word you write must be the first word of something new. That's not what I did, and I'll tell you why.
I've been working on a new manuscript that I am exceptionally excited about. I'd already written the first chunk of it and knew without a doubt that it wasn't working. Not quite. So my goal for November was to write until I uncovered the problem. That might take 50,000 words, might take 5. I just needed to figure it out.
That folks was quite the lengthy introduction to the actual topic of this post...

In the Writing Trenches:

Sometimes you just have to do the work

We recently had an addition built on to our quaint little circa-1940's house. A second bathroom, in fact. Home remodels are never smooth or fast or painless. We ran into a difficulty quite early on in this project. No one, including the city, had any idea where to find the pipe that connected the plumbing in our house to the city sewer. The information on file from back when the house was originally built proved extremely unhelpful. The sewer line, that paperwork informed us, ran perpendicular to the street from under the house 100 ft from.... something. Nowhere had anyone written down what that something was.

The builder did what anyone would. He guessed, based on logic and the hope that the easiest location was the correct one.

It wasn't. Problem being, the list of possible locations was somewhat long, some of those spots were harder to get to than others, some a little more far-fetched.

The only thing to do next was pick the option that made the most sense and dig. For almost 10 hours, two guys stood in front of my house digging with hand shovels straight down over the spot the builder thought might be the actual correct place. The hole they dug went 9 feet down and at the bottom of that hole... was a sewer hook up.

What does this lovely little story have to do with anything? I'll tell you.

As writers, sometimes our only option is to roll up our sleeves and do the work.

I knew early on in my latest project that I was off-target with my story, that something wasn't right. I spent weeks theorizing about what I should have been doing different, what was at the heart of the problem, how to salvage the story. But thinking about the problem only gets you so far.

I set aside the month of November to write as many words as it took for the problem to become clear. I kept going with the story as it was, but with a new awareness of the plot and characters. I jotted down any insights I had as I went. But I kept writing.

After a while the problems were obvious. An inconsistent character. Weak motivation (in a character, not in me), a need for a deeper conflict. I knew what was wrong, because I'd forced myself to find it.

How long did it take? 40,000 words, give or take a couple. By then I knew and I was ready to go back and fix it.

The take-away lesson here is simple: Writing is hard work, but not impossible. Push through it. Keep at it. Eventually you find the sewer line... er, you get it right.

Happy Writing!