Blogger vs. Wordpress

I've worked on Blogger for several years. For the last 8 months, I've been faithfully posting daily blogs and before that, I kept up a weekly scrapbooking blog. I thought I knew Blogger pretty well, but I learned a lot this weekend when I asked folks which they preferred.

I got feed back from all sorts, many of whom had used both. Only one

News. Reviews. Previews.

I had so much fun planning this week. I've got some new blog ideas and am actually considering moving my blog over to Wordpress instead of keeping it here at Blogger. Have any of you done that? I'd love to hear your advice on the matter!

So I've got these new things that I'm so pumped about sharing. But I want to
wait to make it all just right before I do a grand opening! So excited!

Speaking of excited, did you notice the change in the header. I promise the picture that was there before was only a half-dozen years old, but it made me look much younger. So this one is only a few months old. My dinky twinky did a great job on it! (BTW, Dinky Twinkies is code for my twin girls. thus Dinky Twinky would be a single.) Precious Redhead said it made me look mysterious. I would be flattered except that yesterday she said my grin made me look constipated. I think I'll go looking for compliments elsewhere - just sayin'. :)

This weekender will offer:

• Some great blog articles from authors including Staci Stallings, Jody Hedlund, David Walker, and Julie Cantrell.
• Last week's blog review
• ROW80 Update
• Next Week's Blog Expectations

News

I'm getting better at visiting blogs, this week. Of course with my Grace Readers' Weekly, I don't have to rely only on my own blog touring. Some Twitter buddies offer their favorites as well.

Review

Last Monday, I got to share the Best Almost Kiss winner at the Clash of the Titles. I'm enjoying being part of their blog Alliance every other week. On Tuesday, I shared about my boy's rugby team at the University of Texas at Dallas in G is for Grrrrr! Highs and lows and how to live through them was my topic on Wednesday with another ROW80 update. Then I shared all I've learned about writing a Synopsis on Thursday. An interview with author and missionary Zeke Lam rounded out the week with a discussion of his book, Submission. Please visit the links here if you missed one of the articles!

ROW80 Update

Like I said, I'm inspired. I've written about 5k in a new story and am in the process of laying it out. I've taken two of my other stories, along with a serial I wrote using one of the characters, and am in the process of weaving the serial into my second story to connect them in a series. This third one that I'm writing now will complete the set and I'm really excited how things are going with it. 

I got better at blog visiting, started on Pinterest (I'm totally addicted!), began tweeting more regularly, and set up some new surprises for later. Oh and I also played volleyball for an hour and a half! So sore after sitting around for 2 weeks! Now if I could just get off of potatoes again!

Preveiw

I think my plans may change, but for right now, I'm planning to Review a brand new book by debut author Bonnie S. Calhoun on Monday. On Tuesday, I'll be highlighting the letter H. Hmmmmmm. I'll have another ROW80 update on Wednesday, along with an inspirational article about life and writing. On Thursday, I'll be chatting about learning styles and how they affect adults as much as kids. Then Friday will hold an interview with Author Fay Lamb. 

Hope you've had a productive week and will have a delightful weekend. I'm going to watch my Dear Boy beat up on the UT of San Antonio for the Texas State Rugby Championship! (That's the way I've pictured it in my head anyway.)

Have you blogged with both Blogger and Wordpress? Which do you prefer? Do you think I should switch to Wordpress?

News. Previews. Reviews. And God is GOOD!

What an awesome week! I feel like a new woman. Seriously! After coughing my head off for a solid week, I get by with only about one to two coughs per hour and I'm finally able to sleep all night without interruption. Yippee! (Little things tickle the tar out of me!)

But there is more to cheer about. God is so good! His faithfulness never quits! I'm in awe. Several connections, family members and family of friends have had intensive situations, surgeries or illnesses. In every case, God not only gave His blessings but showered exceeding abundant on the families. I love it when I can see His intentions and watch Him work in the lives of people I love.

What a great week!

This weekender has:

• Awesome articles of faith and writing all hand-picked.
• A review of my blogs from the week.
• A preview of next week's articles.
• My ROW80 update.

NEWS

I love being able to put together this newspaper. I collect and search through hundreds of posts to find the ones I like the best for my headlines. Check them out!

REVIEWS

Inspired by other blogs and my F post I started my week with a post explaining what Faith-Driven Fiction means to me. I followed it up on Tuesday with a post about my family - they're what I'm mostly about. On Wednesday, I continued my Monday post with an article on Purpose along with my ROW80 mid-week review. Thursday I skewed from my normal writing tip and posted about Holiness. The song by Sonic Flood has been churning through my head for days! Then I rounded out the week with an interview with a debut novelist from Saint Lucia who writes Christian Thrillers.

ROW80 UPDATE

I'm so excited! I got a brand new idea last night and have been tapping away at the keyboard all day. Do writers really have to sleep? This new story pumps me up and drives me to my keyboard at every opportunity. Needless to say, I'm blasting my ROW80 writing goals off the charts. 

Surprisingly, I'm also keeping my balance well. In fact, I'm able to spend more and more time with my sweet hubby and kids. (Can't wait to go watch my boy in a Rugby match this weekend. Pictures to come!) The only thing I'm still working on is visiting other blogs. I'm visiting weekly, but not often seeking out new blogs to read. Oh, and now that my cough is subsiding, I need to get back to my exercise.

I'm adding a new goal. I have several books that I wanted to read before their debut. I WILL find a way to get those read. (Four in all) I want to have at least one of those read before March 1st. 

PREVIEWS

Monday's post will hold the latest winners for Almost Kiss at Clash of the Titles. What a fiery excerpt! On Tuesday, is my post for Patty Wysong's A2Z blog hop. This week the letter is G, and my post is ... well ... unique to say the least. My ROW80 update will detail where I am on my writing goals on Wednesday. Synopsis writing earns the highlight on Thursday. I'm told that is the hardest writing I'll do. On Friday, I'll be hosting author and founder of Submission Ministries, Zeke Lam. This guy is amazing! By all means come back next week!

So what did you do this week and what are you looking forward to?

News. Previews. Reviews.

I read some great articles this week - well what else could I do? Stuck in bed, I couldn't focus enough to write very much, so I read through blogs. Thomas Umstattd never ceases to amaze me! I know that I my little corner of the internet isn't very crowded, but his suggestions always hit home with me. Logical, reliable, and reasonably within my grasp of understanding. Well, mostly. His information

News. Previews. Reviews

This week, there were some really weird things that went on. Did you see any meteors? I read an article last year (helping with my precious redhead's science presentation) about solar flares and how this year's activity is supposed to be strongest in the last 150 years. Some scientists suggest that strong flares could destroy satellites, even melt away communication towers and electricity wires.

Yikes, really?

News, Reviews, Previews

In my Weekender, find:

• Some awesome articles
• A blog review of the week
• My ROW80 update
• Next week's article run-down

Review - Songbird Under a German Moon

I'm really not a historical fiction reader. Really. Not. And yet, there's just something that keeps drawing me to them. Maybe I'm a closet historical fiction lover. (Or would that be a wardrobe historical fiction lover?) Either way, another one has captured my heart!

Tricia Goyer's book Songbird Under a German Moon not only delighted me with it's spunky characters of the 1940s, but the story intrigued me with a pressing mystery that kept me guessing. Set in a small German town with a rich heritage, the story surrounds a USO group performing for the area soldiers.

Betty Lake is a new singer on the tour. Dubbed "Songbird" by the manager, she's a showstopper that threatens the standing of the "real star" of the group. Being assigned to share a room with the woman

Cowboy Up! A New Book Review

Back Story on this Review: I have to admit, it was the third “indie” book that I picked up to read.  Most of the time, I’ll push through and read a book if it is remotely interesting, but I couldn't bear to waste my time with the others. The first one didn't interest me. The second one seemed to make all of the “first-time author mistakes” that I’ve read about on blogs. After wading through pages of back story and unimportant details, I was beyond bored and couldn’t force myself to continue.  I won’t review those books. First, I hate to be negative. I know the authors have poured their very soul into their literary babies and I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone. Second, I couldn’t do a review justice since I didn’t finish the books.  Pet Peeve Alert: I’ve read several reviews in Amazon and Barnes & Noble where the writers admit that they never finished the books but gave them horrible ratings and ranted through their reviews. I just don’t think that’s fair. If I don’t read a whole book, how do I review it? Simple answer is – I don’t.  So when I picked up Cowboy, my opinion was already a negative color. Another “indie” book set my standard pretty low since I had few positive experiences with them. I needn’t have worried. :)

Staci Stallings has two books out in her Harmony series. I read the first of them, Cowboy, and was so delighted with it. 

Ms. Stallings drew together an emotional romance and a moving story of new found faith. I enjoyed getting a peek into the world of country music. Her lyrics and song tVitles seemed so natural, I could easily believe the Ashton Raines was a real person.

The author used a unique voice in sharing the story. The characters shifted back and forth between their points of view very quickly. At first it distracted me, but I found I enjoyed seeing the same event through different eyes. She wrote in an unconstrained style that, though it broke "rules," displayed great writing ability. 

The middle of the story existed in short phone calls exchanged with a perfect stranger, but I didn't find them tedious. In fact, I waited for the phone to ring with the same anticipation that Beth, the main character, displayed. And when the stranger's identity became known to her, I struggled with the hero and his frustrating position. This wonderful story transports Cinderella to the modern era, graced with lime-lights and a two-stepping rhythm. I couldn’t put the darn book down!

And no, I didn’t read the last page early, like I can usually be accused of doing. If I had, maybe I would have put it down before 6:15 AM after reading it all night long. (I have to start reading my books earlier in the day!)

I would bet that Country Music lovers would especially flock to Cowboy. While I’m not a C/W fan, I am a fan of Ms. Stalling's book!


On Friday, I asked about your most recent book. So today, I thought I'd ask you about your favorite music stylings. I like to listen to worship music or 80s disco when I'm not writing. But when I am writing, I prefer movie soundtracks and classical. NEVER prefer C&W. I promise I AM from Texas!


Blessings!

News and Row 80

Almost to the last check-in for Row 80. A new round will start in the new year. It doesn't matter if your goals even include writing, you are welcome to join us. And let me tell you, having everyone and their grandmama know when I fail to achieve a goal is a little daunting. Just saying that these check-ins really motivate!

In the last two weeks, I reached a huge milestone, got a new job

Do You Need Protection?

Perhaps you can hire new body guard, Tessa Lancaster. After years of working as a strong arm for her uncle, a leader of the Japanese mafia, she's become an expert in reading people, as well as several forms of martial arts.

Camy Tang has created a great new character for book one of her new series. Tessa is downright scary in the prologue, and though I committed to reading the book, I didn't identify with her at all. That is, until I reached the first page of Chapter One, where she led a game of

A PERFECT Gift!

A new genre for me, the military thriller, opens realms of delight. Ronie Kendig's Firethorn keeps action pouring over each page. The Discarded Heroes series encompasses four books in all. While I'm sure they all share many of the same characters, Firethorn stands alone as its own story.

I admit, I was a little concerned reading book #4 when I hadn't read any of the others. I shouldn't have worried. Ms. Kendig makes sure to cover all of the pertinent information about the characters, giving little bite-sized pieces at just the right times.

Shifting between two main story lines and at least 3 other sub-plots, movements are handled expertly. I never felt confused. Never had to turn back to recheck where I'd been. In fact, the stories weave together flawlessly. The varying points of view give insight to the characters, allowing easy understanding what the different people think, and why they take

I Have a New Favorite!

Add a thunder shower and a cup of cocoa and I'm in heaven!

Friday night, sweet hubby went walking with the girls then brought them back for a daddy Mario Kart challenge. After a full day of grading writing papers and teaching, I snuggled into fluffy socks and a warm robe. With my hot mint tea and a piece of chocolate cream pie - interesting flavor combo, but it worked - I got to immerse myself in a brand new book that I've been trying to find time to read for a couple of weeks now.

So glad I waited. It was well worth it to find a time when I could focus on this literary gem.

Recipe for Romantic Comedy

In anticipation of the second book in this series (Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride which releases Friday) I snuggled down with Sandra D. Bricker's Always the Baker, Never the Bride. What an intricate recipe! Character-driven, Ms. Bricker uses a huge helping of irony as her base.

The main character and her family serve as the foundation. Emma Rae is an award-winning baker who can scarcely enjoy tastes of her creations because of diabetes. Not one to let that detail get her down, she applies humor to overcome the rest of her dysfunctions. Her parents hide huge secrets with masks of sophistication and sarcasm. Even her aunt, who provides comic relief, blends ludicrous behavior with sage wisdom.

Into the mix, spreads other unique characters. A gothic-themed BFF, complete with piercings and tattoos provides the spiritual encouragement proving that things aren't always what

Christian Fiction Book Opinions

What to do? What to do?

I love doing book reviews. I’ve learned so much this summer about writing and publishing! It has given me a deep respect for the authors who pour their time, energy, and almost their own blood into the books that I’ve read. But right now, I’m in a quandary.

I try to do my reviews on just released books or those about to be released in order to help the authors as much as possible. At this point though, the only books I have in my e-reader are a little older, so I’m in need of some assistance.

Which of the books below have you read and would you recommend it, OR which of these books are you most interested in learning about? I’ve given a little blurb about each of them from their back covers.

Out of Control

A stubborn young woman is so obsessed with her hobby that she can't see the threat that stalks her every move.

The controlling ranch owner tries to rescue her and manipulate everything and everyone to his way of thinking.

Only God could bring together such difficult people in a dangerous land.

Mary Connealy has revealed

The Doctor's Lady - Pure Delight

9-18-11 Update - After re-evaluating some of my reviews, I wouldn't change a thing on this one! It is an amazing book!

View the trailer for this book - short, and very well-done! 

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund, isn't quite a PURE delight, despite my title. It also proved insightful,

Guess Who's Stopping By??

I'm square-dab in the middle of reading The Doctor's Lady. During my trip home yesterday, I couldn't put it down. Good thing sweet hubby was driving! :)

Next Tuesday, I'm so excited that the author of the book, Jody Hedlund, will be dropping by Unravel to talk about this amazing story! Yes, I'm LOVING it! Did you doubt?

I hope to finish it up today and post a review as well, and will be giving away my copy! Make sure you follow me, either through the blogger follow or through the Facebook follow, to be entered. (And follow in both places to get an extra entry!)

More opportunities to enter will be coming up next week, so stay tuned!

What a Delight!

Last week, in a marathon read, I started and finished Love Finds You in Golden New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley. What a sweet story!

This is the back-cover information.

All that glitters is not gold.

It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when an old wealthy miner named Philip Smith finds himself in need of a nursemaid, he places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite

Totally Stumped!

I just finished Camy Tang's Deadly Intent. Can I just say, "WOW!"

This story is more than a suspense novel. The plot weaves in and out of the characters' lives with a master's touch.

Naomi Grant's terror from

This Carol Award Winner was Totally Twisted!

Mazes were one of my favorite puzzles when I was growing up. I wasn't the type to attempt one direction and then switch to another if the first didn't work. That was failure to me, so I always worked out a plan to try to win the path the first time.

Maybe that's why I never missed the introduction to the TV show in the late 70's "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries." While the creepy music played in the background, they would all dash into a maze of hedges. Talk about creative ignition!