Friday, August 27, 2010

Book Report - Vanishing Act


"Vanishing Act" by Liz Johnson was a fun book to read. I love a great mystery with suspense and a little romance, and her book was like a nummy truffle. Great for sticking in a backpack or purse. It is one of the Love Inspired Suspense books put out by Steeple Hill.

Danielle Keating's history includes things she'd like to forget and a father she'd like to remember, but she's doing her best to move on in her new normal. Her job at Andy's Auto Shop provides for her needs, and she's enjoyed working there over the last year or so. But still, she'd like to make closer friendships, but can she risk breaking cover. Plus, someone is getting too close. Why does she feel followed?

FBI Agent Nathan Andersen is on a case, but is getting sidetracked by a broken vehicle and a teacher with needs. He has no problem providing physical protection for those who need it, but can he risk his heart and break the pattern of his father's relationships with women.

About the Author:

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to do an interview with Liz. Joy helped me with some of the questions. :)

1. What is your daily writing routine?

I don’t have a very strict writing routine because I work full-time during the day. So the only time I have to write is at night (I could never get up early to do it!). I generally try to schedule at least 3-4 nights a week and some time on the weekends to really dig into my latest project. But really any time is fair game for brainstorming new ideas and wondering what my characters might do next.

2. Why did you become a writer?

Wow! That’s a great question. And it’s not necessarily a simple one to answer. I’ve always, always loved writing stories. I love creating characters and throwing wild obstacles at them to see how they’ll deal. And I do feel that God’s given me a passion for the written word and a talent for this. I’m not interested in wasting what He’s given me, so I set out to share His love through my stories. It’s certainly not an easy path, but it’s very rewarding to use the gifts I’ve been given in a way that glorifies God. That’s my hope and prayer with every new story I write.

3. Have you ever been to a writer's conference? Did it help?

I have been several conferences. I attended my first, Writing for the Soul, in Colorado Springs back in 2004. That was a learning experience more than anything else. I had no idea what a meeting with an editor or agent looked like, but I just wanted to be around others who were doing the same thing I was. I was encouraged to keep writing, to keep working on my skills. I attended the same conference the next year with pretty much the same results. Last year I attended my first ACFW conference in Denver, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The camaraderie and fellowship there is really amazing. I love how ACFW members celebrate the good times and help each other through the rough spots. My first novel had just released, but I didn’t have an agent yet. At dinner the first night I sat next to an agent, and about 2 weeks after the conference I signed with her. I think conferences are wonderful. It’s important to have realistic expectations, but you’ll never find a community of fellow writers, who really understand, like you do at conferences.

1. You mentioned you enjoy theater. Have you been in plays?

I LOVE theater. But I have zero acting skills. Okay, that may not be entirely accurate, as they’ve been tested. I just can’t imagine enjoying practicing and putting on the same show night after night. I did audition for a local theater production of The Importance of Being Earnest when I first moved to Colorado Springs. I had an absolute blast auditioning, but I’m really glad I didn’t get a part. I’d have been rotten in it. I think I’d do better as an extra in a movie or TV show. But it doesn’t diminish my appreciation for the talent of actors in the theater.

To purchase your own copy of the book, check out Amazon or CBD, or you could always borrow my copy. :) But I want it back!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Big Week

This has been a big week for some members of the family:
Jerry - got another job after only a week laid off. Yeah! It's 4-10's. Not sure how long it will last.

Jeffrey - replaced his car light on Saturday with Jerry. One of our old vans had a light that was the same, so he learned how to take one out and put it in. His van looks a lot better. Now he just needs to fix the doors, and then he can think about putting insurance on it, so he can drive it. (We gave him one of our old vans for Christmas.) Also, last night at CAP, he passed his Mitchell test! It's a 50 question test, that needs 80% to pass. It took quite a bit of studying. He needs one more big test, and to pass PT, then he can promote to Lt.

Ryan - his computer wireless mouse for his laptop arrived in the mail yesterday. I was getting my mail faithfully delivered by him as he awaited his package. :) He's our in house computer geek, and saved and saved for his own laptop, which he bought used from a computer geek friend of ours. He discovered there are wireless mice (?) from the tech team at church, and that was it, he really wanted one. So, he saved, then showed me what he found online, and we worked together to find an inexpensive one on ebay - was only about seven dollars.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Today I spent most of the day at our local polling place as an election judge. It was great to meet more of our neighbors and get to know people in our area. As it was the primary, it was not super busy. My dear hubby brought my crochet over, and I got 3 pairs of socks completed for Emily. I think I'll save them for her for Christmas. It was great to get my feet wet without being too busy. I'm much more prepared for November.

The other night, I took Jerry to see Knight and Day at the movies. So fun! I've never seen a movie that many times - at a movie theater no less. But we just wanted to enjoy doing something together (away from the kids), and it fit the need.

It's been great to have Jerry around the last few days. It's kinda funny how clingy Emily has been with Daddy. He can't do anything without her wondering what he's doing and if he's going somewhere. He got home at 4:30 last Saturday morning, and after he lay down next to her, she rolled over, woke up, and grabbed him in a big hug before going back to sleep. So sweet!

Friday, August 06, 2010

Some Post

I know I need to write some post, so that the previous one will disappear from the top, and people will again visit my site. :) But, I'm too tired to write anything remotely creative. Soooo, this will have to do.
I did go see "Knight and Day" with Joy, Jeffrey, Ryan, and my Dad tonight. It was SO GOOD! I enjoyed it as much the 2nd time as I did the 1st. Josiah and his buddy were supposed to go along, but they didn't make it back from fishing in time. Bummer! They did catch four nice northern, and made themselves a nice meal for supper.

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Warning! Gross Post


Josiah got a two-in-one!
We don't let Emily see, or she would cry.