Christina Berry: Posting with Purpose: August 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009

What Do the Kids Think about Author Mom?

Oh, my lovely children. They see things differently than I do and part of the joy of being home with them is discovering how their minds work.

Joshua was overwhelmed by the box of books that arrived by UPS yesterday. "There must be twenty-hundred million in there!" I hadn't even considered that he's never seen a large number of the same book in one place. It fascinated him.

Moody posted their new releases here. The top of the Familiar Stranger page reads, "Christina is available for print, radio, television, and web interviews." I showed it to Andrea, who began giggling and said, "And for dates, Mom!" Ha!

Though it would be great to let my new publicist, Jeane Wynn of Wynn-Wynn Media handle the booking of those as well ... ;-)

I mentioned an intro blog post earlier this week. Margaret Daley has now put the full interview up. Come find out how I take rejection. Each comment left is a chance to win a free copy of The Familiar Stranger!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Looking for a Book a Manly Man Will Read?

Well, look no farther! (Or is it further? Hmm ...)

My editor shared a fascinating story with me ...

Ryan, Moody's production guy, is that manly man. In his mid-40s, he's so manly he doesn't read books--he prints them. But since that's his job, he gets the first box of every new title. When he opened the box of The Familiar Stranger, the book intrigued him. He plucked one from the case, opened its beautiful creamy pages, and read the first fifty pages in one sitting. But when he took it home to finish it, his wife stole it and he had to grab another copy the next day!*

Love, love, love it! We've tried so hard through this process to create a product that speaks to both women and men. The cover choice, the blurbs, the endorsements, the story ... all targeted to snag exactly the kind of guy like Ryan.

*This story brought to you by Paul Santhouse

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Read the First Page of The Familiar Stranger!

And perhaps win a copy as well!

Lena Nelson Dooley posted a FUN interview we did together. Please come check it out.

If this is ANY indication of how cool my blog tour will be, which officially kicks off on the release date of 9/1 and ends on Halloween, I'm going to love it!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Holding the First Copy of My Debut Book!

Late Friday afternoon I was readying for a local parade, and planning to go bowling and karaoking after. It's been so busy with The Familiar Stranger's release around the corner, a UPS guy dropping off copies, the cat--Wait?!? Dropping off copies!!

Yes! I have now held my first book in my hands!!! :-) At 4:30, the beloved Brown chugged up our driveway and left a little present on the doorstep.

For almost an hour, I was in shock. It felt like a real book ... like any book you might pluck from the shelves in a library, like one that might be perched on my nightstand BUT it had my name on it. Surreal!

Mom read the dedication and cried. Dad read the dedication ... and cried. This is highly unusual, folks. My dad doesn't cry out of joy often. Not sure I've EVER witnessed it before. What a loving, supportive family I have!

Mom asked, "If you could do anything right now, what would it be?"

"Go to Israel!" I don't know where that came from, other than a desire to be physically closer to Jesus and since He walked there ...

"What, within reason?"

"I don't know!" And really, I didn't. I had the overwhelming urge to offer a sacrifice, a thanks offering, to God.

So instead I called a few loved ones to share the news, stuck the pictures up on facebook, had a much-put-off conversation with the loved one who has been in huge legal trouble, and went bowling and karaoking. :-)

As I talked with my friends and family, the reality began to sink in and I cried too. A whole bunch of happy tears. Who am I to deserve this blessing? Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

Despite my recent family difficulties resulting in less blogging, there are so many of you who faithfully come by to check for an update. Thank you! If you have your own blog and want to help promote The Familiar Stranger, I would love to plug you in to the blog tour scheduled from Sept-Oct. If you'd like a FREE review copy, let me know ASAP. I do have a few copies left for that purpose and would love to put them in the hands of someone who has followed my writing journey!

(Margaret Daley posed an intro on her blog. She's running an interview with me in just a few days.)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Twelve Days to Go!!!

Less than two weeks ...

I was sprawled on a beach blanket today at the Oregon Coast (Rockaway Beach) pondering the fast approaching release date and how having a book out will change my life. And then I realized--

I could be at the same beach in twelve days and absolutely no one will care that I have a book in the stores! Since when is this world revolving around me? ;-)

The fog rolled in after we did, but the beach was still relaxing and meditative. Not sure how that last word fits with eight kids and only two adults, but it was. I looked around at the beauty God made for us and was overwhelmed with gratitude. Each particle of sand adds to the world in its own way, creating a unique landscape. Much like each of us do.

I've been focusing on contentment the last few days. For a couple of weeks, the only time I feel truly at peace is at church, listening to worship songs, or talking with close friends. My "at rest" state is far from content. While I love my life and truly thank God for all the blessings, something is missing.

As in a partner/lover/best friend to share my life with. There are moments when I am overcome with the urge to give ... give a meal, a hug, a kiss, a smile. Or maybe it could be described as an urge to serve, to submit. I'm discontent with being husbandless. Which isn't to say I'm wanting just anyone to fill the role! Better clarify that!

When I forecast five years from now and imagine my life, it creates anxiety and restlessness. When I focus on the joy of the moment, I'm content and at peace.

And today had so many joys! We stayed at the beach until after normal dinner time. On our drive back, the tide had gone out and the flats by Garibaldi sported blue herons and a line of flying pelicans. A stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory gifted me with an Udderly Chocolate cone, while the kids went with Mudslide, Bubblegum, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Yum! We closed out the factory and actually ate the last of our cones standing outside in 57 degree weather. Watched the temp creep all the way to 75 by the time we got home at 10 PM!

Thank you, Father, for wonderful family and friends, for sand and surf, for ice cream and burgers, for today and what may come tomorrow.

(Album of more pics)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Her Inheritance Forever

A few weeks ago, Lyn Cote hosted me on her blog. It's only fair to return the favor to discuss her August release, Her Inheritance Forever (Avon Inspire).

What a beautiful cover. Here's a little bit about the book:

In 1836 Texas, Alandra Sandoval is determined to run her rancho
without a man. Scully Falconer is top hand on a neighboring spread.
The Mexican lady and the American cowboy are on separate paths---until
greedy relatives, a troubled past, and the tides of history bring them
together! Will their lives change forever?

Lyn, let me ask you a few random questions. That's always good, clean fun!

Name the two people--living or dead--you would most like to invite to dinner. What would you discuss?

CS Lewis and Charles Dickens. Both of these English writers had tremendous influence on their times and their writing after their deaths. Lewis revolutionized the way I thought about God. And I think Charles Dickens and I share the same passion for social justice.

What is your favorite book of all time?

The Gospel of John. Can you imagine being best friends with Jesus? I love the way John's words exude love and wisdom. I guess you can judge a man by the company he keeps.

What were some of the challenges or surprises in writing this book?

When I research for a book, I do just enough research to set up the story plot so that it reflects genuine history. Then I start writing. As I go along, I make note of facts (names of places, dates, etc) that I need to check. The thing that threw me most was how fast the history of Texas changed over the course of the 3 books in this series. The constant flux in government especially impacted names of towns. Santa Roseta began Hidalgo for example. I was kept busy finding how what had changed on the map of Texas from 1821 on.

Thanks for stopping by, Lyn!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Fun Thing for an Author to Do

I plugged "ISBN 0802447317" into Google to check out my book and it came up with the coolest results!

One of them is here on paperbackswap.com There is actually one member who has my book on his/her wish list. Woohoo!

Or go to bestbuysonbooks.com for the lowest price I've ever seen!

And foreign language sites like this or this.

I am using way too many exclamation points and spending far too much time checking these links ... a sure sign I'm avoiding real work. Off to finish up my current project ...

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Is Camy Tang Deliciously Scary?

I've read every book by Camy and enjoy her lighthearted style as she deals with the issue of singleness and following God's path in your relationships. (And all the yummy Asian food she writes about.)

Deadly Intent, her newest, is somewhat of a departure from her usual writing by moving firmly into the romantic suspense line, but with enough similarity to be a signature Tang.

Naomi and Devon are thrown into a high-stakes investigation when murders start happening at her family's Sonoma spa. Never a good thing in what's supposed to be a relaxing environment! Someone is after something ... but who? and what? Is Naomi the target? What is Devon hiding? Or is Devon the target?

The pace moves quickly, twisting and turning through many alibis, suspicions, and California venues. We still get to follow a strong single Asian woman as she finds out God's plan for her life, but the dead body count is higher than Camy's other novels. The ending surprised me, and I was left wanting to spend more time with the characters. If you've never picked up a Love Inspired Suspense, Deadly Intent is a good reason to do so now.

Here's a fun little interview we worked up for you:

~~
How often do YOU go to a spa?

I go once every few months. I'd like to go more often, but it's an expensive indulgence. :)

What's your favorite "procedure?"

I love getting a massage, and then I just like lounging around in their "lounge" area for a while, relaxing and knitting. LOL I think that next time I'd also like to get one of those detox baths.

What interesting timing! I'm getting my first massage in months today. :-) Diamonds or pearls?

Diamonds! That's why Jessica's necklace in Deadly Intent is diamonds! Jessica’s necklace was from Tiffany, the Jean Schlumberger “Lynn” necklace. You can see the necklace online here.

Tell us what was different about writing for Love Inspired compared to your stand alones for Zondervan? (See my reviews for Sushi for One?, Only Uni, and Single Sashimi)

I had to pick up the pace and add more suspense in the first few chapters, which I wasn't used to. Um, what does it say about my state of mind that I got used to the murder and mayhem pretty quickly?

Thanks for having me here and for the review, Christina!
Camy
~~

Leave a comment to be entered in my drawing for your copy of the book! But before you do, here's a bit more about Deadly Intent and Camy ...

SCENE OF THE CRIME

The Grant family’s exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! Then Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, and everything falls apart. The salon’s reputation is at stake...and so is Naomi’s freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim’s ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn...and whom can she trust?

About Camy:

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every week, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away fourteen boxes of books and 24 copies of her latest release, DEADLY INTENT.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Single Mom's Success Story

I was scared, sick, and feeling sorry for myself. But I did it anyway!

At the beginning of summer, I signed the kids up for the county library's reading program. One of the many, many benefits was free tickets to a Timbers game for the kids and a reduced price for accompanying adults. Turned out to be $60 worth of seats for $8! How could I pass that up?

But I didn't know I'd be sick and not have eaten more than a bowl of cereal and an apple. I didn't think through the fact that I'd be a woman alone in downtown Portland with three kids after dark. And I especially didn't consider how much I'd miss having a "partner" with me to make even the littlest decisions, like whether to ride the MAX train into Portland or to drive myself.

In the end, I gritted my teeth and just did it. Actually, I did make allowance for feeling weak and asked Mom and Dad to watch "Angel" so I wouldn't have to carry a child.

We had the BEST time. Despite the MAX train's reader board being four stops behind what we were actually at, we got off at the right spot. Got tickets from Will Call and found our awesome seats. Grabbed way too much junk food (pretzels, nachos, hot dogs, Skittles) and cheered the Timbers to a 3-1 victory against the Charleston Battery.

Andrea, not knowing the other meaning behind "battery" asked, giggling, if their coach ever told them they looked tired and need to go "recharge!" :-)

One of the highlights was seeing Nimo score his first point as a Timber. Watching Danso move his 6'3" form across the field was like poetry in motion. Everyone played with such heart and skill, it enthralled the kids. They also really enjoyed the Timbers' fan club's smoke, exploding ribbons, and constant chanting.

Afterward we headed over to section 116 for autographs. Here's Scot Thompson signing Joshua's forehead!

The kids even got the "chain saw guy" to sign. If you want to see more pictures, I've created a facebook album with them all.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Take a Deep Breath

I can't remember the last time I didn't feel behind ... the last time I didn't need to run faster, stay up later, get more done, prioritize better. Just like that commercial where the digital images stay frozen in someone's camera, mine stay frozen on my hard drive, calling out to be labeled, cropped or red-eye reduced, winkflashed, facebooked and tagged. Every day brings remarkable blessings or lessons from God I want to record and share here, yet no blog writes itself. Marketing connections languish in my inbox. Writing-related emails need answered, but an answer gives fruit to another response. Editing clients contract more manuscripts. Children need to be forced to read, to play, to swim. And life slips by ...

Guilt builds. Oh, maybe it's not guilt, but a subconscious fear that I can't keep up. This morning we drove down to Salem for my best friend's son's birthday: a Survivor extravagance. It had tree mail, challenges, and buffs. The kids had a blast, and I couldn't help but smile the whole time watching the fun.

Since we were going through a town sixty times the size of where I live, I swung by the bank and grocery shopped before coming home to unload, start laundry, clean up, and do the best I could to referee child squabbles as a single parent. OCW ran Aug. 26-30, then family camp from the 31-Aug 2, a wedding that night. I'm exhausted, but happy .... and could not dredge up the energy to hit the marketing this afternoon/evening like I should have.

So you know what I did? Yes, after listening to my litany of a life that is surely no more busy than your own, you will hear encouragement! I took the evening off. BBQed steaks and sat down with the kiddos for a nice meal. As a single mom with little ones, it's easy to get by on Tuna Helper and Mac N Cheese. I wanted to treat them and show how much I love them and being around them.

(Let's skip the part where I dealt with two pee incidents from two different mammals within five minutes ...)

Then we put on our suits and hit the pool at 7. Surprisingly warm water! Yet, not where any pee incidents occurred. ;-) After kids were in bed and I'd caught up on the paper, I even worked out.

Are you running crazy, the start of the school year already looming and summer waning? Take a day off. Cut yourself some slack. Read a good book. Sit by a pool. Visit a forever friend. Enjoy life!

You can get back to work tomorrow ...