New Year...Think of The Possibilities

Hello everyone.

I know we are 4 weeks into the new year. Sorry I haven't written. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I touched base at the end of the year, so I probably already told you that. Oh well...I'm saying it again. NOW, I say -- Happy New Year!!

I had a book signing at Barnes & Noble right after the first of the year. It was great. People were coming in and buying books at a steady pace. It was so cool. Although the first one wasn't there until 10 after 2, the starting hour, it never stopped until 10 after 4. 2-4 or should I say 2:10-4:10 was the best two hours I'd had in weeks. Non-stop chatter of readers of Deborah Lynne novels excited about the newest release, to new people who had never heard of me and purchased a copy and stated they would check out my others if they liked this one, Crime in The Big Easy. It was a great signing...fun and busy. The best kind. And I got to talk to everyone, even if it was only a few minutes. Wait. I say that, and then I remember someone who knows one of my daughters, texted her, and told her she saw my in the store but every time people were around my table so she never came over. Sorry to hear that. I did sign the few that were left...so if you're looking for a great read, go to Barnes & Noble at Citiplace and you can pick up an autographed copy.

Now for 2013--how many of you made new years resolutions? Not me. I did, however, make goals of things I'd like to accomplish in the year.

Looking back through 2012, I had a great year of growth. I hope you did too. Two new novels, Testimony of Innocence and Crime in The Big Easy, were released through Oak Tara Publishing. In fact, at the beginning of the year I met my publisher and found out what a fantastic publishing house I was working with. The part that thrilled me the most was the level of faith Ramona Tucker had. She is my editor as well as the co-founder and owner of Oak Tara Publisher. God blessed me when He connected me with them. I started work on book 3 of The Samantha Cain Mysteries -- The Truth Revealed, as well as started a romance. The present title of that is -- After You're Gone. Also an idea for a young adult fiction was given to me. I've set two of them aside and have turned my focus on The Truth Revealed, book 3 of the Samantha Cain Series. By the end of January I hope to have it with my critique partners for review. Also, if you haven't checked my website lately, you should check it now. All six of my books that are available have a book trailer (it's like a movie trailer) on my web site. click here. Another thing I got to do in 2012 was judge in writing contests. Two different ones, connected with American Christian Fiction Writers, ACFW. I've been with them for several years now, and this year I was asked to judge. It was a joy to read the entries and also to give feed back to the aspiring writer. I also rejoined RWA (Romance Writer's of America) this year. When I first joined many years ago, my number was in the 3 digits. When I rejoined it now has 6 digits in my member number. Talk about growth...wow. I'm glad to be a part of the local chapter as well - Heartla, Heart of Louisiana. When this chapter was first formed I was part of the founding group. When I gave up writing for a year, I walked away from it all. I'm so glad it didn't last. I knew in my heart it was what I was supposed to be doing, I'd just gotten off track on the how to. As most of you know, my books are inspirational, and they are meant to honor God and share His love with the reader. When I came back to my passion of writing and listened to His direction, the wheels started turning and now six books released in the last 5 years.

We're in the new year...2013. I'm looking forward to so many things this year. First thing I did that I've never done before--I entered a contest. (possibly because I judged in those two in 2012). Never before had I done that. I know it's good to enter writing contests. Through them you get feedback on your writing as well as, when you win, you get to add that to your bio. I entered Crime in The Big Easy in a contest. We'll see. The winner, to be announced, is many, many months away, but I look forward to seeing what the judges say. I know it's my favorite - of my books--even though I love them all. As I mentioned earlier, I have two books I'll be sending to my publisher this year. Hopefully they'll be released five or six months apart. We'll see. When both are ready, I'll work more steadily on my YA novel. Maybe in September when I attend the ACFW conference, I'll have one to pitch to a publisher who is looking for YA fiction...or maybe my publisher now, Oak Tara, would want it. We'll see.

In my personal life, I was blessed with my daughter, Rachael, who lives in California, to fly over and spend two weeks with us while she recovered from her surgery in 2012. It's been fun having her here, but I have to admit, I haven't written daily like I was doing before she arrived. I'll get back to it, and work for double the hours until I catch up to where I should be. Another blessing in 2013, I'm going to be a grandmother again. Molly (who you all prayed for when she miscarried a couple of times last year) is due July 21st. This is my husbands birthday. Talk about a great birthday present. It's one we are all so looking forward to. Yay. This year, my husband and I are taking a vacation to some islands. We've always dreamed of it, but never was able. Although Scott can't do many things, he can sit around and relax on a beach just as easy as he does on his recliner. Instead of a TV, he'll be seeing the beautiful blue waters rolling in and out. I can't wait.

God has been so good to us in the past and by His Word "my latter will be greater than my past" so what does that tell you. I so look forward to every day of my life, and I count the many blessings that come my way. In fact, I look forward, knowing how good my God is, to each and every day. Don't get me wrong...it's not about what I have or can have...it's more about the peace, the joy, the love--I guess all the fruits of the Spirit that overflow in my life.

Even in the midst of trials, we know that God is watching over us. Today we received a call from the VA. My husband had tests run almost 2 weeks ago. They said if its cancer we should hear back in a week. No news is good news. Of course, we expected no news and sure enough we didn't get any. Then today, as we were going to apply for our passports, we got a call. Now our phone calls in the car come over the car speaker. When she said it was the VA, we both kind of glanced at each other, but then he returned his gaze onto the road. Then the lady said, sorry.... Well, we could have gotten defeated and stopped what we were doing, but after the call ended, and the two tears that trickled down my face (that I hid from my husband), we talked about it. Both of us believe strongly the Lord is in control, and He will take care of this as well. This time there will be surgery to remove the small amount of cancer and we know it will all be removed without any problems, never to return. Funny how Satan doesn't want to give up---but my God is greater than he that is in the world and I am so thankful for that fact!!!

I hope you all find your hope in God and trust He knows what is best for you. No matter what comes at you, God will bring you through it and better off after, as long as you put your trust in Him. I know we are. Take care and God bless you all. See you soon.  

Another year gone

Hi everyone.

I hope you had a wonderfully blessed Christmas.

Not only did I get to enjoy the holiday with my family but loved all the decorations around town. This year we met some family members from North Louisiana area. We all met up in Natchitoches for the Christmas lights. There were twenty of us all together. It was great fun! Natchitoches does it up beautifully. It had been 10-15 years since the last time I attended the Christmas lights...and man how it has grown. There was so much for the kids (grand kids & nieces) to do. They actually got to ride down a snow bank. Real snow and ice...just not natural. Remember we're still in Louisiana. For us this was great. The kids enjoyed the heck out of it. For all of you who live north sliding down snow comes every winter. This was a first. Unfortunately not all the stores on the main strip stayed open, so only a little shopping was done. The town was so quaint. We loved it all.

The week before Christmas I flew to California and spent time with my oldest daughter, Rachael, in Dublin. She had surgery and is doing well now...still in some pain but getting better every day.

My son Chris and his new bride of one year (Rosie) had Scott and I over for dinner Christmas night. It was wonderful. An elegant table setting with fine china and crystal...I felt like a queen...and the food was delicious. We had a marvelous time. There we have two grand-pups. They aren't puppies though. Butch and Sundance. When they stand on their back two legs they are as tall as me...or taller. Both are Pitt bulls I believe...but so sweet and so well behaved!

2013 is less than a week away. Are you ready for the new year? Every year gets better and better. I know God has blessed my writing, growing it more every year. My first book signing for 2013 is January 5th at the Barnes & Noble in Citiplace. It's for Crime in The Big Easy. I'm looking forward to it.

I was interviewed by a writer for Town Favorites and will be in their magazine in February. I'm looking forward to that too.

This year I hope to be speaking at two conferences...The Berries, Bridges, & Books Conference in Ponchatula (April I think) and ACFW conference in September of 2013. I'll keep you posted of these things on my web. MY LINK

There should be two more books released in 2013 by my publisher Oak Tara. That too, I'll keep you informed.

The big news for 2013 is -- a new baby -- Yes. My daughter, Molly, (my middle child), is pregnant with her 3rd. Her oldest is 16 and youngest is 10. Both are boys (Scotty & Koby). Pete, her husband, is elated...as are we. We're keeping our fingers crossed for a girl, but if its a boy -- that's great also.

Nothing but good coming in 2013. I'm looking forward to next year. I hope you are too. God bless you one and all.

Talk to you soon.

Another Day!

Hello everyone.

Today is beautiful...isn't it? I hope you are as blessed with such gorgeous weather as we are. We have beautiful blue skies and a crisp breeze blowing gently through the air. The past two days have been dreary but today is a new day.

Today after our morning coffee, my husband and I set out to go buy his Christmas gift this year. We had decided on a new flat screen TV...like the one he bought me last year. After a disastrous day yesterday, we found his 60" Samsung with all the specs he wanted. Me, I don't know the difference in the LED and the plasma. His, like mine, is the LED but a little bigger. It works for me. And don't you know, now that everyone is getting 55", 60", 70" screen TVs, kids watch movies on their iPhone, or iPad, or Kindle Fire. Shrink that down to 5", 10", or 13" if they are lucky. What a world? We never seem to be satisfied. I know my old eyes love the big screen. When my friends send me an email or text on my phone that you download and watch...I wait until I can pull it up on my lap top. Oh to be 16 again. Not really. I am so happy to be where I am, the age I am, and the life I live. God has blessed me in so many ways.

I hope you had a glorious Thanksgiving. Did you eat the traditional turkey? Or did you go for the ham? Either way, I'm sure you filled up. Aren't we blessed. America...what a nation!!

Christmas is around the corner and then before you know it, it will be 2013. Time flies.  Have you bought the gifts you want to give, as God gave us Christ? If money is tight this year, give extra love to a friend or family member. By love, I mean give of your time. Do something special for them or make something for them. Or if you have a big family, instead of buying for each and every one, draw names for the adults of the family. For the kids, look around. You'll find something that fits into your budget. Just remember what Christmas is all about. Not about what you get or what you give...but that you give. Mostly, give of yourself -- meaning your time and energy.

Our lights are up on the outside, tree on the inside. I love the feeling of Christmas. Christmas gives us hope for eternity. Take time to enjoy the season. Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world. We've all been given the gift of God's Son. If you haven't taken the opportunity to accept your gift, do so now. God is waiting. He loves you.  

Although I'm not doing anything in the month of December (such as signings and talks and interviews), I will be back in January of 2013. I want to give everyone a chance to buy my two new books...Testimony of Innocence & Crime in The Big Easy. Barnes & Noble in Baton Rouge will be doing a signing for me for my latest book -- Crime in The Big Easy. If by January 5th you haven't purchased it yet, be sure and come on down. I'd love to see you.

For those who read the eBook form and have a Kindle, Testimony of Innocence and Crime in The Big Easy are available. I posted it on Facebook and on my website. www.author-deborahlynne.com. I know several of you asked when they would be available in eBook.

As most of you know, I'm a member of ACFW and have been for many years. If you write Inspirational fiction or nonfiction and are not a member, you need to sign up. They give so much help year round, through the magazine, the courses taught on-line, and contests. All are great ways to improve your art of writing. I was blessed to judge the Genesis Contest earlier this year and am now judging in the First Impressions Contest. What an honor! I'm loving it! Entering contests are a great way to grow your craft.

This past month has been a busy blur, but for the next few weeks I'm devoted to working on book 3 of my Samantha Cain Mysteries and my stand alone for 2013. Also I was intrigued by my grandson, Scotty. I'd been out and about with both boys (Koby & Scotty), and on the ride home a bright spot light waved back and forth in the sky. Well my oldest grandson saw it and with a few words spoken, he had me thinking on a plot for a young adult fiction. This will be new to me, but I'm so intrigued. In fact, the idea was for one story, but thoughts of it becoming a series churned in my head. I love when that happens. Needless to say the first couple of chapters have now been written followed with notes on the rest of the novel, but it had to be set aside. First I must finish, The Truth Revealed, and After You're Gone (wip) for my stand alone if OakTara picks it up too.

Have a merry Christmas. Take care and God bless you all!

Going Full Speed Ahead

Hello everyone. My life has been moving forward in the plan God has for me. I know He has great plans for me and my life, and things have been happening all around. Isn't He a great God!!

Shortly after the great book signing at Barnes & Noble in Mandeville and then typing my blog on October 25th, Around Town, a local talk show, had me in for live taping. This appeared on Channel 9, WAFB TV the following Sunday -- October 27, 2012. I was in awe at how awesome the taping of the show flowed. Everyone there moved in such grace...and the timing. WOW. I can't even explain how great it was. The people made me feel so special...and I'm telling you when you watch Around Town, you as a viewer feel satisfied, informed, lifted, and so much more. The studio for Around Town was a wonderful place to be and I'm proud I was part of one of their shows. I've ordered a copy of the show, but in the mean time you can see the five minute segment I was on. click here to view, then click on Media page. This clip is 2nd on the page. The full show will be available soon to me so I can share it with you. One of the guests (besides me) was Percy Sledge. How cool is that?

On October 27 the State of Louisiana, along with Barnes and Noble, held the Louisiana Book Festival downtown. I was a part of it again this year. The weather was cool and brisk. The wind blew most of the morning. It was a gorgeous day. We couldn't have asked for better weather. The crowd that gathered downtown was not disappointed in any way. There was great music, fantastic food, various things to see and participate in, as well as a lot of authors with every genre of book you could possibly want. No one went home empty handed. I hope you made it to the festival...if you didn't, you missed a great day. I loved it. There were several camera men & women filming for news shows, future adds for LA BK FST, as well as other reasons. I was blessed by being taped by a few of them. One sent me a clip of three authors interviewed in one clip. I was one of the 3. Teena L Myers did a fantastic job on this clip. I can't wait to see the rest. In the meantime, I copied mine on to my website.                          Click here to view the clip. Once you click, go to my media page. It's the top video.

October 31st our church, HeartsEase Family Life Church, had the Annual Fall Festival. So many children came out for the fun. My husband and I over-saw the Milk the Cow booth. What a treat!! Kids competed, seeing who could fill the pale with milk (water was used) first. I'm telling you, it was so much fun watching them try hard to get the cow to comply. It was a full sized wooden cow (made by Pastor P himself). With 30 seconds the time aloted to milk the cow, over a two hour span, the most was 325 ML. The normal was 50 - 150 ML. This little boy was fast...or was it a girl? I can't remember. There were two who kept coming back trying to beat the best score. Scott and I were worn out by the end of the night (and felt it still the next day), but we wouldn't trade the time we spent with those kids for anything in the world.

My sister-in-law had surgery on her other eye on November 1st. It too went well. Even her doctor was amazed at how Sarah no longer needs to wear reading glasses. New lenses in both eyes now. She may be 62, but she's seeing like a young woman of 25.

On November 3rd, I was a part of the Holiday Bazaar at the library in Denham Springs. It too had a good turn out. I love talking to readers and hearing feed back on my stories...as well as finding new authors to read. Next year the city (I believe) will be putting this on so it should be even bigger. Kathy Mayeaux of the Denham Springs/Walker Library has had this for three or four years that I've known her and has done a great job. She loves helping writers grow. I was blessed and still am, of being a part of the Writer's group there.

This coming Saturday, 11/10/12, I will be attending Fall in Love with Romance Luncheon, being put on by Heartla, a chapter of RWA. The luncheon is being held at Juban's Creole Restaurant from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. I don't know if there are tickets left this late in the game, but check with Heartla if interested. There will be a number of authors attending...as well as avid readers. This is for the readers...gives them a chance to spend time and meet the authors they love face-to-face...as well as another opportunity for writers to hear from other authors on things happening in the writing world today. I look forward to it and am blessed to be a part of the authors offering their books to be available at the end of the luncheon. It should be another fun day.

You see, I told you I've been busy. But can I tell you -- I love it!! I am so blessed this is what God chose for me to do. Thank You, Lord.

I hope to see you all one day, face-to-face. In the meantime, keep reading. And you writers...keep writing. My latest books - Crime in The Big Easy & Testimony of Innocence, book 2 of The Samantha Cain Mysteries are selling fast. I'm so pleased.

Oh...I almost forgot. The Barnes & Noble in our town have set a signing for me. I'll keep you posted on the event page of my website...so stay tuned.

Just a reminder:

Nominated for WIP Blog Hop & more

I was nominated for the WORK-IN-PROGRESS BLOG HOP by my dear friend and fellow author – Allyn Stotz - http://allynstotz.blogspot.com/. Thank you, Allyn.

I’ve taken the questions she sent me and answered them as well, Now they are posted on my blog. I hope you take a minute to read them.

At the end, you’ll see three I sent the questions to: followed by their websites. Check them out as well.

First I'd like to take a quick moment to send pictures from the book signing at Barnes & Noble. I posted info on blog last time.

NOW FOR THE 10 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS --

What is the title to your work - in - progress?

I’m working on book 3 of my Samantha Cain Series…The Truth Revealed

Where did the idea for your book come from?

The idea for the character, Samantha Cain, came when I was working the nightshift as a dispatcher and heard a noise outside. After I checked it out and came back inside, I thought what if I had a character who did that and found a person being killed, and she tries to help stop the killing till the police arrive -- only to become the killers next target. Book 1 – Be Not Afraid – followed with Book 2 Testimony of Innocence (here Samantha has to prove her innocence after her boss is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect). THEN comes book 3. What crime would come to Samantha now? I thought of her son, near and dear to her heart – so maybe a kidnapping? As I’ve been working on the MS it has taken a few turns during the writing. That is the fun part of being the author…and letting your characters take on a true persona as you are writing. They guide me into different directions. I can’t wait to read the finished product in The Truth Revealed.

What genre does your book fall under? Mystery – with a touch of romance.

What actors would you choose to play the characters in the movie rendition? Sandra Bullock for Samantha Cain

What is the synopsis of your book in one sentence? Their first PI case…a missing child…or is it two…can they find him in time?

What other book would you compare this work - in - progress to in your genre?

Books by Dee Henderson (her mystery novels) or Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s – To Catch a Thief series

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? I’ve been working on the first draft for almost a year off and on, between getting my latest two releases Testimony of Innocence and Crime in The Big Easy ready for my publisher this year. The series book came out in September and the stand-alone suspense came out a few weeks ago in October.

Will this book be self-published or represented by an agency? My publishers name is Oak Tara Publishing. God blessed me when He had them offer me a contract on Be Not Afraid. I believe we will have a long relationship. I love Ramona Tucker and how well she works with me…helping me…encouraging me.

What inspired you to write this book? I prayed, asking for where my series should go, and this was where I was lead in my heart.

What else about your book might pique your readers’ interest? My series books take place in Baton Rouge Louisiana. If you live in this area, that might make you want to take a closer look. If you don’t live here and want to get a little of our southern flavor, you might want to read my Samantha Cain Mysteries.

Now it's time to announce the three people I've nominated. I hope they have some fun with it!

Jill Elizabeth Nelson --  http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/

Sylvia Rochester --  http://www.sylviarochester.com/

Elaine Grant --  http://www.elainegrant.com/

What a day!

Today I had another book signing. This one was at Barnes & Noble. I love the chance I get to meet my readers, and introducing my book, Testimony of Innocence, to new readers. Today I was blessed by seeing a cousin I hadn't seen in years. It was such a joy. We reminisced about the good old days. Both got a little teary eyed when we talked about our fathers who were brothers. Both are deceased and missed but still loved. All and all the signing was a good one and I look forward to more.

Next Saturday will be The Louisiana Book Festival. I'm looking forward to that. People come from all around to meet Louisiana authors. Not only are there books galore, but there is so much more. They have story reading for children, face painting, usually some sort of cooking display, teaching how to fix a special book that may be falling apart, food of all sorts to eat, and more. It's a festival, what can I say? And its in the south...we do everything in a big way.

This Friday I'll be taping for the local talk show, Around Town. I'm looking forward to meeting Scott Rogers face-to-face. He seems like a very nice guy. I believe this episode will be aired Saturday morning of the 27th.

My grandson, Scotty, went to his homecoming dance. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of he and his date. I hear they made a very handsome couple. I'll share a picture or two when I see them.

Koby, my other grandson, is under the weather at the moment. He's been sick since this past Friday. He'll see a doctor Monday. It may be strep throat. Keep him in your prayers.

I think I shared this previously, but if so, sorry. You get to hear it again. Everyone always asks me which book is my favorite. I usually say I love them all...because I do. But my newest release is Crime in The Big Easy and I believe it's my favorite book of all times. As much as I love Samantha Cain and the mystery series...Crime in The Big Easy was my first suspense and it was so much fun writing. An excuse to visit New Orleans and hang around. Although I was born in New Orleans, my family moved to Baton Rouge before I was a year old, so I grew up here. Of course, I wouldn't trade living here for anything in the world...or should I say growing up here. Now that I'm older, I wouldn't mind retiring on a beach somewhere. Hee-hee. Check out the cover and check out my web site. Tomorrow and Monday I'll be adding a few more places I'll be in the next month. Hope to see you there.

I'll add the back so you can read the blurb.

Now I'll add my website so you can check out my events.

www.author-deborahlynne.com

an important part I left off my blog - check it out

Here is the address to click on to watch the book video for Testimony of Innocence, book 2 of The Samantha Cain Series.

It is soooo good.  Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PUDl7S2-v0